Digger introduces the Steranko/ Lee story: “At The Stroke Of Midnight!” - a panorama of shadows within and without. ![]() So from this volume, we have then two short tales: horror and romance. I’ll go so far as to say I can’t think of a more kickass trilogy of Cap comics! With three unforgettable covers, it’s over way too soon. I’m going to save the Captain America stories for a second installment, because they are easily among the best three issues the title’s ever seen. Things really heat up after that, though. The best thing about these issues is the logo Jim created while doing the covers- for no additional fee. I get how Marvel figured to cash in on anything X-Men, on top of attracting Steranko afficianados. ![]() I flipped through both issues, reading pages, and just couldn’t do it. He loves his wide-spread leg figures, but they’re kind of baffling in their extreme, here. I’m tempted to defend the double-page spread and much else, but this is not how I’d introduce anyone to Steranko. But something about famed Doom Patrol writer Arnold Drake’s script- imitating Stan Lee-style early Marvel conflict-is much more off-putting than the visuals. The figures are occasionally bizarre, and Polaris’ gender might rightly be questioned, in her big debut panel in costume. I found him so personably affable, and there’s no critic likely to have the track record for taking chances- often successfully-you find in him.Ĭan we say, though, honestly, if we popped open the ‘99 Visionaries volume with great anticipation- and found the X-Men issues therein almost unreadable? The inking’s just not complementary to his layouts, which have flashes of his almost-effortless brilliance. It’s nothing new to gush about facets of Steranko-he brought contemporary graphics style to the late Silver Age of comics, blending pulp sensibilities with modern fashion, design, and ideas that could keep James Bond screenwriters up at night. I came back to visit awhile the next day, too- he had read the short story I gave him! This experience could shape anyone’s perceptions of a guy. I spent an entire afternoon in his company, at a Comic Con before AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. He was so perfectly charming and gracious in person- I can’t overlook that in light of any of his controversial remarks in recent years. Comics moved on to different styles, sure, but they evolved under the energetic care of the Pennsylvanian wonder. If I have anything critical to say about any of the gentleman’s work, it’s absolutely within the context of his breath-taking contributions. ![]() Whether you’re talking about transforming the sheer optical design of a comics page as a piece of art, pop culture history writing, graphic novel pioneering, or simply raw ideas, there’s no denying the impact of surf guitarist-turned escape artist- turned graphic designer, Jim Steranko.
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