By Carl Anderson
The Scene staff
Books on top of books are stacked on shelves above a computer desk. Maps, inspirational sayings and posters of classical literature crowd the wall.
At the desk sits Dan Yezbick, Forest Park English professor, fumbling through papers and diligently typing on the keyboard.
In February, Fantagraphics published Yezbick’s book, “Perfect Nonsense: The Chaotic Comics and Goofy Games of George Carlson” (hardback, 320 pages, more than 250 images, $25 to $50).
“He’s one of the greatest children’s artists in American history,” Yezbick said. “But no one knows anything about him.”
Carlson has been described as a precursor to Dr. Seuss. His colorful books are filled with puzzles, riddles, comic strips, animals and inanimate objects come to life. He died in 1962.
Yezbick, 40, had barely recovered from the release of “Perfect Nonsense” when he was named Teacher of the Year at Forest Park.
“Going the extra mile for students is an everyday thing for Dr. Yezbick,” the award citation states. “This was evident in reviewing his student evaluations and the multitude of letters of appreciation from his students.”
Yezbick is a Detroit native of Lebanese descent. He graduated from Jesuit University of Detroit High School and studied film, English and creative writing at University of Michigan.
He taught at Peninsula College in Washington before joining the Forest Park staff in 2007.
Today, Yezbick is a strong advocate for study abroad, serving on the college’s Global Education Committee.
“Study abroad is a life-changing experience,“ he said. “It makes you much more marketable and a better human.”
Yezbick grew up reading Carlson’s books. He considers him a major influence in his life.
Carlson entertained children, but also taught them about penmanship, drawing, even operating a telephone.
“Anyone who experienced Carlson would feel like they owed him something,” Yezbick said. “It’s hard to find something in George Carlson that is not smiling. We all need a little bit of that.”
Yezbick worked on “Perfect Nonsense” for about 10 years. He kept in close touch with Carlson’s family, his granddaughter in particular.
His research included traveling all over the country and sifting through archives and illustrations, some that hadn’t been touched for more than a half century.
Despite his publishing success, Yezbick remains modest.
“I’m not interesting,” he said. “This stuff is.”
In recent weeks, Yezbick has been promoting the book at colleges and universities, including the University of Florida, Ohio State University and Michigan State University.
Forest Park humanities chair Jeremy Dennis, 41, commended Yezbick for his teaching, research and writing.
“He inspires students to become their better selves,” Dennis said. “It’s not easy to teach full-time and have an on-going research project.”
Ame Mead-Roach, dean of humanities and social studies, recognized Yezbick during a recent panel discussion at Forest Park honoring local authors.
“We are all proud and very happy to celebrate the accomplishments of the faculty in such a wonderful division,” she said.
Yezbick has become a role model for students and a well-regarded scholar in academia.
He urges students to question and discover, and he challenges them make connections between the literature they read and their own personal experiences.
“The books we read open our minds,” said student Vanessa Curiel, 19, an elementary education major. “The books we read raise our awareness.”
Yezbick can be seen walking quickly around the English Department, wearing a suit and tie with a black backpack. He leads classes in open discussions and is known for his sardonic rhetoric.
Life sciences major Kenneth McCoy, 18, describes him as “in-depth and passionate.”
“I look up to him for publishing the book,” McCoy said. “He is the best English teacher I’ve ever had.”
“If you ever get a chance to take his class, take it,” added Chelsea Haynes, 18. “He makes a lasting impact on you.”