a million monkeys typing

R.I.P. Will Eisner 1917-2005

Posted January 4th, 2005 at 12:55pm

I know I should be more concerned about other events in the world, but this man’s work has meant so very much to me over the years. From his ground-breaking work on The Spirit in the 1940’s, to the graphic novels he was producing till nearly the day of his death, you can never understimate the impact Eisner has had on the comic, illustration and film industries. His book on sequential art is considered by many to be required reading by anyone contemplating anything from storyboarding to animation to graphic novels. And some of the covers and opening spreads for The Spirit and other works have not only inspired and intimidated generations of artists since, but have even found their way into prestigious galleries and art history books. Dubbed a “national treasure”, he was the recipient of hundreds of awards (including several Eisners, named after him) and the creator of the graphic novel. His legacy of gentle humour, nonconformity, innovative graphic techniques and powerful storytelling will forever place him among the most influential artists and illustrators of the past century. And yet few people even know his name.

It’s going to be one of my great regrets in life that I have never personally met the man. Rest in peace, Mr. Eisner: you’ve worked long, hard and well, and you’ve earned it.

Links: Newsarama: Will Eisner Dies. His official website is at www.willeisner.com, but the regular content is currently hidden in memoriam (“back door” here. A biography (along with pieces of his work) can be found at Denis Kitchen’s site. Also see a recent article in the Washington Post.

Update : Further coverage of his death: Washington Post, a shorter piece from BBC News, and a nice in-depth article from the New York Times that tags “The Spirit” as the Citizen Kane of its genre.