Will Eisner: A Comics Biography

Weiner, creator of the Critical Survey of Graphic Novels series, and scholar and artist Mazur (Lunatic) turn the oft-told story of comics pioneer Eisner and his bootstrapping ethos into a humorous and heartwarming chronicle. The ups and downs of the artistic life and career of Eisner (1917–2005) are set against the backdrop of family struggle and his never-ending effort to better his work and the industry. Eisner beats the pavement of Depression-era New York City to sell his cartoons and skills to syndicates, then founds his own studio to keep control of his creations, writing and drawing several series under different pen names. It’s also the saga of the rise of comics art in America, peppered with informative asides on 1930s printing techniques and the origin of the comic book and its studio system. A highlight is incisive portrayals of the industry personalities that surrounded Eisner, including Bob Kane, cocreator of Batman; studio partner Jerry Iger; and comics titan Jack Kirby. The fluid, quick sketch art sets a brisk narrative pace, bathing the black and pastel inks with brilliant primary colors to represent the gaudy but effervescent hues of contemporary books and comics. This glowing portrait of a bygone era will be a lift to comics creators and fans. (July)