Book Review: Visual Theory: The Steranko Archives Volume 1 by Jim Steranko

Visual Theory: The Steranko Archives Volume 1
By Jim Steranko

I bought this book a few months back at the Boston Comic Con, where Jim Steranko was the guest of honor. Steranko is one of the most influential artists in the history of comic books. His work is considered to be among the defining styles of the Silver Age of comics in the 1960's. Steranko worked on numerous comics, but is best know for Nick Fury: Agent of SHIELD, one of the enduring characters of the Marvel Comics Universe.

This 32-page magazine-sized volume contains rough sketches, early drafts, and concept work from the 1960's to the present. Readers will recognize familiar characters from Batman to Sherlock Holmes to Phoenix to He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Nick Fury makes an appearance too, of course. There is even some of Steranko's work for Hollywood. On sketch features Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, Paul Newman, and William Holden. This piece was a concept for some promotiona artwork for The Towering Inferno. Also included are concept sketches for the film Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger.

Most of the book consists of just the sketches, but there is a brief introduction by the artist and an entry of notes for each piece. The notes give some great anecdotes about the trials and tribulations of a freelance artist working in the comics and entertainment industries over the years.

More importantly, Steranko's sketches give valuable insight into the creative process of a true master illustrator.

This book is #4 in my goal of reading 50 books in 2008.