Jim Steranko (born November 5, 1938) is a illusionist, graphic artist and comic book artist.

His most famous comic book work twas with the title Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. for Marvel Comics, where he drew lasting acclaim for his innovations in sequential art in the Silver Age of comic books which introduced surrealism into the medium. His work was published in many countries and his influence is felt to this day, even on people who don't speak any English.

Unfortunately, the medium paid the talent very poorly at that time and Steranko could not justify staying in the field. The departure of such a critically acclaimed talent became a leading example for the argued need for better pay and benefits for comic artists. Steranko has continued to produced rare solo projects in comics, but has worked mostly as a graphic designer and conceptual artist.

Steranko's youthful career as an escape artist was an inspiration for the Jack Kirby character Mister Miracle, as well as Joe Kavalier in the novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.

External links

• Jim Steranko biography (http://www.dragoncon.org/people/steranj.html)
• Steranko escape artistry illustrations (http://www.michaelchabon.com/Steranko.html) collected by Michael Chabon