Block, The (ca. 1971 Educational Promo) by Jim Steranko NN

Block, The (ca. 1971 Educational Promo) by Jim Steranko NN VG/FN 5.0

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Written and illustrated by Jim Steranko, based on a concept by Byron Preiss. Desperate for a way to reach inner-city students about the dangers of drug abuse and gang activity in a way that would connect with them, teacher Byron Preiss reached out to Jim Steranko in 1970 (inspired by his storytelling in the Nick Fury comic series) with an idea and a pro-bono proposal. Believing in the cause, and in comics' ability to be an impactful format, Steranko accepted the work, and within a year, The Block's first print run was released to schools in Philadelphia, accompanied by a worksheet for teachers to guide student dialogue (not included with any copies offered unless otherwise noted).

Later reprinted as a featured piece in Comixscene (1972) #4, this oversized newspaper-insert style was an educator's response to the burgeoning drug culture of the day. The number of print runs/distribution locations is unknown. 8 pages, approx. 11" x 17", B&W, newsprint.