Before he became a journalist, and long before he became a professor at Columbia College Chicago, Len Strazewskiwas reading and writing comic books.
Strazewski, who is an associate professor in Columbia’s journalism department, estimates he has written between 160 and 200 comic books and collaborated with dozens of artists. A small fraction of that work is now on display on Columbia’s campus, at 600 S. Michigan Ave. on the 8th floor, in the exhibit “Five Collaborations.”
“It’s a moving experience,” Strazewski said of having his work displayed. But he is most excited about the chance to be a part of an exhibit featuring the work of artist Mike Parobeck. Parobeck died in 1996 at the age of 31.
“Seeing Mike’s work displayed brings a tear to my eye because he was one of my favorite artists and somebody who was under appreciated when he was alive and is now considered sort of legendary,” Strazewski said.
Two of the signature pieces Parobeck worked on, the Justice Society of America and The Fly were collaborations with Strazewski. Strazewski said he still gets fans asking him about he Justice Society series, more than 15 years after it came out.
It was his love of comics that eventually led Strazewski to pursue a career in journalism, not because the writing styles are at all similar, but because it was what Superman did when he wasn’t saving the world.
“The job of reporter and journalist seemed to be a suitable profession for a young man because Clark Kent did it,” Strazewski said.
Along with Parobeck’s work, collaborations Strazewski did with Scott Beaderstadt and Scott Larson are on display in the exhibit..
Larson is Strazewski’s most recent collaborator, and the two are currently working on a graphic novel together.
“[Larson is] a brilliant young artist,” Strazewski said.
Both Beaderstadt and Larson will be in attendance at an opening reception being held at the exhibit’s location on Feb. 14 from 4- to 8 pm. Strazewski said he is excited to discuss his work at the event, some of which he hasn’t even seen in decades.
“A lot of it I haven’t looked at in 20 years and I’m surprised at how good it looks. Some of it practically brings me to tears,” he said. “It’s a moving experience.”
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