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.

"Early in this work, co-author Weiner explains that when he realized how little comics criticism there was, he decided to do a serious study of the works of Will Eisner. One of comic books' founding fathers, Eisner created in 1940 the Spirit, a masked crimefighter whose series became a dazzling showcase of visual storytelling virtuosity. >From 1978 to his recent death, Eisner pioneered the contemporary graphic novel as a vehicle for significant, often autobiographical themes. But Couch and Weiner's attempts at scholarly critiques merely skim the surface. Still, this companion provides a valuable history of Eisner's long career. 'The Spirit: A to Z' section, a mini-encyclopedia of the series, should revive happy memories for 'Spirit' aficionados. Another section recounts the plots of Eisner's graphic novels through biographies of their characters. Nearly every page in the book features panels from Eisner's work, demonstrating his unique blend of caricature and realism, and his command of chiaroscuro effects. Two complete 'Spirit' stories are included, but the first, a 1966 retelling of the Spirit's origin, fails to transcend its melodramatic cliches. The second, however, is the 1948 classic 'Gerhard Shnobble,' a fable about an apparent nobody who briefly succeeds in flying. Marred by its sentimental ending, the story is nonetheless a fine example of Eisner's mastery of the comics medium. This is a solid overview of Eisner work, even though it lacks in-depth analysis. " Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"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

"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

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