There’s a handful of guys in the comic book industry that have earned the title “Legend”, and few more so that Marvel Comics pioneer Jim Steranko. The man introduced a surrealistic style the Silver and Bronze Age of Nick Fury and Captain America comics, becoming a definitive inspiration for generations of artists to come. He also developed a publishing empire with movie magazines like Prevue (formerly Comixscene and Mediascene). Steranko has literally done it all – boxing, fencing, formed rock bands, worked as a magician and escape artist, and even inspired the Jack Kirby character “Mister Miracle” at DC Comics. This is also the man who designed Indiana Jones for RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, and worked on concept art from Frances Ford Coppola’s production of Bram Stoker’s DRACULA.
He’s an amazing individual, and this weekend will be making his first Dallas area appearance in over 15 years at FAN DAYS. I had a chance to sit down with Jim at this year’s DragonCon convention, and we talked about everything from his thoughts on CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER to his secret of living well. It’s a rare peek into the mind of a truly fascinating individual. Check out the video below, and if at all possible make your way to the Irving Convention Center this weekend to shake the man’s hand yourself. Thanks to J. David Spurlock and Vanguard Publishing for making this interview possible. Also thanks once again to the wonderful Blake Garris for shooting this.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
