Will Eisner
Will Eisner: A Pioneer in Comics and Storytelling
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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William Erwin Eisner was born on March 6, 1917, in New York City to a family of Romanian Jewish immigrants. He is often referred to as Will Eisner, the name by which he would become synonymous with innovation and excellence in the comic book industry.
Birth and Death Dates
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March 6, 1917 – January 3, 2005
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Eisner was an American cartoonist, writer, and entrepreneur. His contributions to the field of comics and graphic novels are still celebrated today, making him one of the most influential figures in the medium.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a family that valued education and artistic expression, Eisner began drawing at a young age. He was particularly drawn to cartooning, which would become his lifelong passion. After dropping out of high school in 1933, Eisner worked as an artist for various studios before finding success with the comic book series _The Spirit_.
Major Accomplishments
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Eisner's work on _The Spirit_, created under the pseudonym 'S.J. Perelman', showcased his unique storytelling style and set the standard for modern comics. He went on to found Eisner & Iger, a studio that produced thousands of comic book pages, including _Sheena, Queen of the Jungle_ and _Lady Luck_. This success allowed him to pursue more ambitious projects, such as the critically acclaimed graphic novel _A Contract with God_, published in 1978.
Notable Works or Actions
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Eisner's body of work spans over six decades and includes:
The Spirit: a groundbreaking comic book series that explored themes of social justice and human relationships
A Contract with God: a graphic novel that explores the immigrant experience in America, widely considered one of the greatest works of the medium
* _Life Force_: an early example of Eisner's experimentation with non-traditional storytelling methods
Eisner was also an advocate for comics as a legitimate art form. He worked tirelessly to promote their value and artistic merit, paving the way for future generations of cartoonists.
Impact and Legacy
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Will Eisner's influence on the comic book industry cannot be overstated. His innovative approach to storytelling and his commitment to artistic excellence have inspired countless creators, including some of today's most acclaimed graphic novelists. Eisner's work has also had a profound impact on popular culture, with _The Spirit_ influencing filmmakers like Frank Miller.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Eisner's quotes and insights into the world of comics are widely sought after due to his unparalleled expertise and innovative spirit. He is remembered as a trailblazer who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the medium, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire creators today.
His most famous quote encapsulates the essence of his philosophy: "A good story will always find its audience."
This biography aims to provide an introduction to Will Eisner's remarkable life and work. His contributions to the world of comics have left an indelible mark, cementing his place as one of the greatest figures in the history of the medium.
Quotes by Will Eisner
Humor has historically been tied to the mores of the day. The Yellow Kid was predicated on what people thought was funny about the immigrant Irish. When you’re different in a society, you’re funny.
I write about what I know and what I have experienced. This keeps me an “honest” writer.
I want to point out to adults that there is a world of good material available to you now in comic form – in this medium – and learn to give it your support because the more you support it, the better the material will be as it comes out.
Before World War II, I was living a very cloistered existence, as most cartoonists do. The work I was pouring out did not come from any real, personal life experience; this was all the residue of the accumulation of Rafael Sabatini, O. Henry, all the short-story writers that I’d been reading.
Comics, which are really best described as an arrangement of images in a sequence that tell a story - an idea - is a very old form of graphic communication. It began with the hieroglyphics in Egypt, it first appeared in a recognizable form in the Medieval times as copper plates produced by the Catholic church to tell morality stories.
Superheroes are mostly aimed at young teen-age males concerned with their manhood. The medium will have to address itself more to content. . . . I see 22 year olds draw massive Schwarzenegger types, outfitted with metal studs, pressing a mostly naked woman to their breastplates. And I think Poor girl, thats got to be cold.
The term comics long ago became obsolete and inaccurate. It merely defined the content of the early joke-based comical strips. Sequential Art is a more accurate description of the form. I first suggested it because I believed something needed to be done to correct the feeling of inferiority by artists and writers in this field.
I write about what I know and what I have experienced. This keeps me an "honest" writer.
Ive spent my whole life working in a medium that was regarded with contempt largely because of historical reasons.