Synopses & Reviews
Will Eisner's career spans the entire history of comic books from his formative days in the 1930s through the 1940s, when he revolutionized narrative sequential art with his internationally famed series
The Spirit, to the 1970s, when he created the contermporary graphic novel form with
A Contract With God.
The Will Eisner Companion is the first comprehensive, critical overview of the work of writer/artist Will Eisner. Divided into two sections his Spirit work and his graphic novels this authorized companion features all-new critical and historical essays by noted comic book historians Chris Couch and Stephen Weiner, as well as alphabetical listings relating to all aspects and characters in his oeuvre. Also includes a chronology, a bibliography, and suggested reading lists. The perfect introduction to the work of Will Eisner, The Will Eisner Companion is a must-have celebration for new fans as well as old.
Review
"Couch and Weiner tend to focus on plots and characters at the expense of Eisner's innovative storytelling techniques and expressive drawing style, but a color section reprinting two vintage Spirit stories allows full appreciation of his mastery." Booklist
Review
"Numerous black-and-white examples of Eisner's art are included, adding to the understanding and appreciation of his work as a whole. Although this book does not offer expansive criticism, it is an effective and useful introduction." School Library Journal
Review
"Loaded with eye-popping examples of Eisner's achievements, The Will Eisner Companion is simultaneously a worthy tribute to a comics master, a dazzling celebration of the seemingly limitless potential of the medium, and a fitting introduction to an essential comics innovator." Chris Bolton, Powells.com (read the entire Powells.com review)
Synopsis
The first comprehensive, authorized overview of the work of renowned writer/artist Will Eisner includes:
- Critical and historical essays by noted comic book historians N. C. Christopher Couch and Stephen Weiner
- Encyclopedic listings and critical examinations of The Spirit and Eisner's graphic novels
- Sixteen-page color section featuring newly recolored reprintings of two complete Spirit stories: "Gerhard Shnobble" and the classic retelling of the Spirit's origin (first published in 1966)
- Introduction by Dennis O'Neil
- Over 200 illustrations
- Chronology
- Selected bibliography
- Suggested reading list