Jim Steranko - The Company Of Eagles

One of the many dazzling illustrations Jim Steranko made during his long (20 years, give or take one...) journey through publishing magazines dedicated to the various aspects of popular culture (Comixscene/Mediascene/Prevue), this one appeared in 1976, in Issue 17 of Mediascene, whose main theme was the flying aces of World War One...

As usual, Steranko demonstrates his versatility by embracing this unexpected theme (for him) and coming up with a large (21"x13"), stark, pencil and ink rendition that, while highlighting said aces, gives ample space for the swirling planes in a carefully corregraphed, deadly ballet, emphasized by the dramatic thick clouds of smoke.

Actually, when published, text filled up the space on top of the page, between the aces and the column of smoke (some almost-erased pencilled letters are still visible on the art), but I really prefer it as is, unclustered with text and with the blank space providing a counterpoint to the deadly action.

In all, a very dynamic Steranko piece that I'm very happy to add to my gallery!...

PS: Thanks to Steranko Arch-Expert Tony Robertson for kindly providing the additional picture of the printed version of this great illo!