Butler to feature comics legend Jim Steranko

YOUNGSTOWN — The Butler Institute of American Art's upcoming exhibit isn't the kind of fine art you'd normally find there — but it's undeniably American.

From May 3 to July 5, the museum plans to feature "Steranko and the American Hero," an exhibition of 60 paintings by famed Marvel Comics writer and artist Jim Steranko.

Steranko, 81, is best known for helping develop Marvel character Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and for collaborating with George Lucas and Steven Spielberg to design Indiana Jones.

"Steranko was cited by Stan Lee as one of the prime architects of the Marvel Universe," reads the event's listing on the Butler's website. "He generated more than 150 original storytelling devices and techniques that changed the direction of the comics medium and evolved a devoted cult of followers who nicknamed him The Innovator."

Steranko on Sunday tweeted about the Butler event, which he said will be his largest-ever U.S. showing.

Wendy Swick, Butler spokesperson, said Steranko's audience is "so huge" but the exhibit's opening reception April 30 is planned to be less like Comic-Con and more of an "intimate" and "exclusive" event featuring Steranko. Swick said the museum will invite costumed cosplayers and coordinators are now taste-testing signature themed cocktails.

The event may also feature a catalogue of Steranko's works, she said.

Butler members get the first crack at ticket pre-sales, she said. Tickets will then be available for non-members on the Butler website at a later date.

Swick said art exhibits often take years to plan, but Steranko's show started with a phone call from the artist to museum Director Louis Zona about one year ago. At the time, Butler operators were considering a different type of exhibit for the museum's 100-year anniversary in 2019, she said.

"We were thinking of all the types of art that do make up American art — what represents our culture? And whether fine arts respects comic art, whether it's considered a 'fine art' or not. It is an art or a skill of its own," Swick said. "With the popularity and how huge 'The Avengers' [has] become and how relevant it is to all ages — it's pretty universal right now.

"We want to welcome new audiences. That's what the Butler is for, is to enrich the lives of the visitors."

Steranko, who appeared at last year's Youngstown Comic Con in July at the Covelli Centre, told The Vindicator the success of the Marvel films has led to a new golden age for iconic, decades-old Marvel characters.

"I think that these people are growing up with a deeper penetration of comic lore, comic characters, comic philosophy in their blood than ever before," he said. "God only knows the films have made comic fans out of people who wouldn't ever read comic books."

Greg Bartholomew, founder and owner of All-American Comics with shops in Warren and Boardman, said, "This is truly a crowning moment for the Valley to be able to bring in one of the all-time great comic/sci-fi/crime noir artists of the 20th century.

"Jim is well-loved in Northeast Ohio and there isn't a better place to adorn his spectacular art than the Butler."

This story was originally published February 20, 2020 at 4:28 AM with the headline "Butler to feature comics legend Jim Steranko."