Will Eisner Champion Of The Graphic Novel
Introduction
Will Eisner was a pioneer in the world of comics and the graphic novel. He was one of the first comic book artists to take the medium seriously and push it beyond its typical boundaries. His work was innovative, thought-provoking, and groundbreaking. He is widely considered the father of the graphic novel and his legacy continues to influence the medium to this day.
The Early Years
Will Eisner was born in New York City in 1917. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Austria and they lived in a poor neighborhood in Brooklyn. As a child, Eisner was fascinated by the comics in the newspaper and he began drawing his own cartoons at a young age.
He attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, where he met his future collaborator, Jerry Iger. Together, they created a comic book studio and began producing their own comics.
The Spirit
In 1940, Eisner created his most famous character, The Spirit. The Spirit was a masked vigilante who fought crime in the fictional city of Central City. The character was unique in that he didn't have any superpowers and relied on his wits and physical abilities to fight crime.
The Spirit was published as a weekly comic book insert in newspapers across the country. It was an immediate success and helped to establish comics as a serious art form.
The Graphic Novel
In the 1970s, Eisner began to experiment with longer-form comics that he called "graphic novels." These were longer, more complex stories that were meant to be read in one sitting.
His first graphic novel, A Contract with God, was published in 1978. The book was a collection of short stories set in a Jewish tenement in the Bronx. It was a critical and commercial success and helped to establish the graphic novel as a legitimate art form.
Eisner's Legacy
Will Eisner's influence on the world of comics and graphic novels cannot be overstated. He was a pioneer who pushed the medium beyond its typical boundaries and helped to establish comics as a legitimate art form.
His work continues to inspire new generations of comic book artists and graphic novelists. The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, which are presented annually at Comic-Con International, are named in his honor and celebrate excellence in the comic book industry.
Conclusion
Will Eisner was a true champion of the graphic novel. His work was innovative, thought-provoking, and groundbreaking. He helped to establish comics as a legitimate art form and his legacy continues to influence the medium to this day.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Will Eisner for his contributions to the world of comics and graphic novels. His work will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.