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Will Eisner

    March 6, 1917 – January 3, 2005

    Will Eisner was internationally recognized as one of the giants of sequential art, a term he coined. Spanning nearly eight decades, from the dawn of comic books to the digital era, his career established him as the father of the graphic novel. Eisner, the creator of numerous iconic characters, pushed the boundaries of visual narrative and the language of comics. His innovative approach to the medium, including its use for military training materials and his pioneering work on the first modern graphic novel, cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the field.

    Will Eisner
    New York the Big City
    A Contract with God and Other Stories of Dropsie Avenue
    Expressive Anatomy for Comics and Narrative
    Life, in Pictures
    Dropsie Avenue
    The Contract With God Trilogy
    • 2023

      Will Eisner’s work on The Spirit was, in its way, as groundbreaking as Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane. Both artistic achievements rewrote the book on sequential storytelling and had lasting impacts on all that followed them. Featured within these pages are 17 Spirit stories all from Eisner’s peak period, 1946 – 1950, generally regarded as his best work on The Spirit. Eisner is also considered to be the founding father of the Graphic novel, with the publication of A Contract with God in 1978. He is also the namesake of the Eisner Awards, the “Academy Awards of the comics industry, held each year at Comic-Con International. An Artisan Edition collects stories, covers and pages that have been reproduced from the original art. While appearing to be in black and white, these images have been scanned in color, allowing the reader to view them as closely as possible to the original art. Ink gradients, blue pencil, corrections, and more are all clearly visible, all the wonderful subtle nuances that make original art so special and unique. The only way to better view these pages if you were standing over the artist’s shoulder as they were drawn.

      Will Eisner's The Spirit Artisan Edition
    • 2022

      "This inaugural Norton Critical Edition of a graphic novel features Will Eisner's A Contract with God, originally published in 1978 from Baronet Press. Eisner's pioneering work draws on his upbringing in the Bronx to produce realistic narratives surrounding Jewish American culture within New York City's tenements. Excerpts from A Life Force (1988), Invisible People (1993), and Dropsie Avenue (1995) are also included in this edition, followed by Eisner's thoughts on the American graphic novel. "Reviews and Assessments" section presents the reactions of Eisner's contemporaries, selected from multiple art and comic journals of the time. "Criticism" offers modern analyses of Eisner's work in respect to art, race, and underrepresented history. A selected bibliography and chronology are also included"--

      A Contract with God and Other Stories of Dropsie Avenue
    • 2021

      A premium collection demonstrating the effectiveness of the comics medium for telling the most personal of stories--the autobiography. Showcasing some of the first published autobiographical stories from living-legend artists, mainstream greats, and young "indie" up-and-comers! Featuring stories by Will Eisner, William Stout, Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon, Stan Sakai, Sergio Aragonés, and many more of comics' top talent!

      Autobiographix (second Edition)
    • 2018

      Super Patriotic Heroes

      • 224 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      During World War II, a legion of star-spangled, flag-draped superheroes fought to defeat the forces of evil. Rediscover them now, when we need them most! This book paints a compelling history and presents the exciting, full comic book stories. Starting with The Shield and followed by Captain America, a whole battalion of red, white, and blue heroes appeared on the four-color page to help fight the Nazis. We need those superheroes again to battle for truth, justice, and the American Way! These full-color comic stories from World War II tell of true role-models of the patriotic ideal. Their fascinating history and their stirring tales will both entertain and inspire new generations! See the two-fisted, three-colored Miss America, The Fighting Yank, Super-American, U.S. Jones, Captain Freedom, Lady Liberty, Major Victory, American Eagle, Captain Victory, and many more! Proudly presented are action-packed stories from America's Best Comics, Fight Comics, Our Flag, National Comics, and a battleship full of other explosive comic books of the Golden Age!

      Super Patriotic Heroes
    • 2017

      Will Eisner's groundbreaking influence on sequential art is highlighted in this comprehensive catalogue, showcasing over 175 illustrations from his original works. The collection celebrates his innovative storytelling and artistic contributions, particularly through his newspaper series The Spirit and his pioneering graphic novels, starting with A Contract with God. Featured essays by notable figures in the field, along with dual English and French text, enhance the exploration of Eisner's legacy, as presented during the 2017 Will Eisner Centennial Celebration exhibitions in Angoulême and New York.

      Will Eisner: The Centennial Celebration: 1917-2017
    • 2016

      The Lost Work of Will Eisner

      • 71 pages
      • 3 hours of reading

      Unearthed as part of a massive collection of pre-WWII newspaper printing plates, the mid-1930s comic strips UNCLE OTTO and HARRY KARRY represent the earliest known cartooning of the great comics and sequential art pioneer Will Eisner. In this book, comics collected document the genesis of one of the most brilliant cartoonists of all time.

      The Lost Work of Will Eisner
    • 2013

      Last Day In Vietnam (2nd Edition)

      • 79 pages
      • 3 hours of reading
      3.9(68)Add rating

      Last Day in Vietnam is Will Eisner's memoir of stories about soldiers who are engaged not only in the daily hostilities of war but also in larger, more personal combat. During Eisner's years in the military, and particularly during the many field trips he made for P.S. Magazine, he observed camp life at close range.

      Last Day In Vietnam (2nd Edition)
    • 2009

      Family Matter

      • 80 pages
      • 3 hours of reading
      3.9(61)Add rating

      Exploring the complexities of family dynamics, this graphic novel delves into the emotional landscape surrounding a patriarch's ninetieth birthday. As relatives come together to discuss his care, their interactions reveal deeper truths about love, responsibility, and the human condition. Ultimately, the elderly man surprises them all with a significant decision, highlighting themes of autonomy and family ties. Will Eisner's masterful storytelling and artistry bring this poignant narrative to life.

      Family Matter
    • 2009

      Collects four graphically illustrated stories from Will Eisner that explore strange occurrences in daily life, including "The Miracle of Dignity," "Street Magic," "A New Kid on the Block," and "A Special Wedding Ring.

      Minor Miracles
    • 2008

      Will Eisner Reader

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading
      3.8(47)Add rating

      The collection features a variety of poignant short stories, with "A Sunset in Sunshine City" highlighting themes of memory and nostalgia. Inspired by Eisner's move to Florida post-retirement in 1985, this story reflects on the emotional landscapes of change and the passage of time. Each tale offers a unique glimpse into the human experience, showcasing Eisner's mastery in capturing the essence of life's moments.

      Will Eisner Reader