Will Eisner
Early Life
Will Eisner was born on March 6, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York City. He was the son of Jewish immigrants. His father, Samuel Eisner, was a painter who designed and painted sets for vaudeville and the Yiddish theater. His mother, Fannie Ingber, was a seamstress. Eisner was influenced by his father's love of visual arts and storytelling, which would later play a significant role in his career as a comic book artist.
Career
Eisner began his career in the late 1930s, working for a variety of comic book publishers in New York City. He was one of the early pioneers in the creation of the graphic novel, a term he helped popularize with the publication of his book "A Contract with God" in 1978. Eisner's work is known for its cinematic style and complex, multi-layered narratives.
Eisner & Iger
In 1936, Eisner co-founded the Eisner & Iger studio with fellow artist Jerry Iger. The studio was one of the first to produce comic books on a commercial scale. Eisner & Iger supplied content to a variety of publishers, including Fox Comics and Quality Comics. Eisner's work during this period includes the creation of several popular characters, such as Sheena, Queen of the Jungle and Blackhawk.
The Spirit
In 1940, Eisner created The Spirit, a masked crimefighter who became one of his most famous characters. The Spirit was published as a weekly comic book insert in Sunday newspapers, reaching a peak circulation of five million. Eisner's work on The Spirit is noted for its innovative use of layout, storytelling techniques, and its mix of humor, drama, and social commentary.
Post-War Career and Graphic Novels
After serving in the United States Army during World War II, Eisner returned to civilian life and continued his work in comics. He focused on educational and instructional comics, creating a series of guides for the U.S. Army and other clients. In the late 1970s, Eisner turned his attention to more personal projects, leading to the creation of "A Contract with God", which is considered one of the first graphic novels.
Legacy
Eisner's influence on the comic book industry is profound. His innovative storytelling techniques, his focus on character development, and his exploration of mature themes have all contributed to the evolution of comics as a respected form of literature. The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, often referred to as the Eisners, are named in his honor and are considered the "Oscars" of the comic book industry.
Personal Life
Eisner was married to Ann Weingarten Eisner for more than 60 years. They had one son, John, and one daughter, Alice. Eisner passed away on January 3, 2005, in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida.
