The Marvel Creator Collection No. 2: “Whatever Happened to Scorpio?”: The Complete Jim Steranko at Marvel.

One of the most important artists in comics history gets spotlighted in the latest volume of Fantagraphics’ Marvel Creator Collection. Inspired by classic golden age comics, Jim Steranko was one of the standout artists of Marvel’s output during the Silver Age of comics. Whilst most artists were encouraged to follow the house style of the time established by Jack Kirby, Steranko very quickly stood out and would become one of the most innovative creators of the era.

Initially beginning his careering inking over Jack Kirby on the Stan Lee written Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. strips for Strange Tales, Steranko quickly completely took over the series as writer and artist. His Nick Fury comics were primarily inspired by 60s spy movies and are still looked back upon as definitive takes on the character. The series would also establish the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. line-up readers are most familiar with and introduce Contessa Valentina Allegra de la Fontaine – who would go on to become a major figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But beyond being top notch spy stories, the series demonstrated the level of innovation Steranko brought to the genre.

His panel layouts, creative use of photo montage and often surreal approach to illustrating a sequence or scene were unlike anything seen in comics at the time. Even his covers stood out as iconic pieces – with his Nick Fury covers being tributed may times over the years along with his often-imitated cover to the first Incredible Hulk Annual. Despite having a relatively short career in comics, the impact and influence he would have on creators for year to come is undeniable.

Steranko is a more than worthy subject for Fantagraphics’ Marvel Creator Collection which collects the entirety of his Marvel work. As well as his Nick Fury comics, the collection includes his memorable stint on Captain America, two issues of X-Men and all his covers. Other highlights include his classic horror strip At the Stroke of Midnight (which inadvertently lead to him briefly falling out with Stan Lee), Gary Groth’s interviews with Steranko from The Comics Journal and in-depth essays focusing on Steranko’s history/evolution of his art. The collection is presented as hardcover two volumes in a decorative slip case that perfectly captures the aesthetic Steranko is renowned for. Fantagraphics also opt for a newsprint style paper stock that shows his art in the most authentic way possible.