Will Eisner Week is an initiative of the Will Eisner estate to raise awareness for the creator, and for graphic novels as a whole. Will Eisner is one of the most celebrated comic artists of all time, and 2024 aims to bring something special as a large portion of his library is getting rereleased for new readers to enjoy.
Will Eisner, born on March 6, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, was a pioneering cartoonist and writer whose career spanned nearly seven decades. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the comic book industry, particularly for his innovations in storytelling and graphic design. Eisner’s career began in the 1930s when he started creating comic strips for newspapers, but it was his creation of “The Spirit” in 1940 that catapulted him to fame. “The Spirit” was a groundbreaking comic series that blended elements of noir, mystery, and superhero genres, showcasing Eisner’s talent for dynamic storytelling and innovative page layouts.
In the 1970s, Eisner shifted his focus towards graphic novels, a term he popularized with his seminal work “A Contract with God” (1978). This collection of interconnected stories explored themes of urban life, faith, and human nature, demonstrating Eisner’s ability to tackle complex subjects within the medium of comics. Throughout his career, Eisner remained a passionate advocate for the comic book as a legitimate form of literature and art, leading to his recognition as the “father of the graphic novel.”
Eisner’s impact extended beyond his creative work; he also played a crucial role in the professionalization of the comic book industry. He co-founded the American Visuals Corporation in the 1940s, which provided educational and instructional comics to various industries, and later established the Eisner Awards, the most prestigious awards in the comic book industry, to recognize excellence in the field. Will Eisner passed away on January 3, 2005, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and influence comic creators worldwide.
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The Will Eisner Week celebration is mostly run on their Facebook page as an event to bring new readers into comic interest, and they have information posted to SurveyMonkey to sign up to host events locally with materials useful for any organizers. Their survey says:
Will Eisner Week is an annual series of in-person and virtual events held every March celebrating Graphic Novels, Comics & Sequential Art, Free Speech, and the legacy of Will Eisner (1917-2005). Much of the comics and graphic novel culture today — from superheroes to visual and narrative experimentation — comes from the work and thinking of Will Eisner. Will Eisner Week is devoted to keeping graphic novels in the public eye. Last year events were held in well over 100 locations in the US and Internationally.
Every event starts with someone like you – someone who wants to expand awareness of an aspect of comics & sequential art in their community. A library, bookstore, museum, school, university, or online event. You will receive the FREE large posters and flyers for local marketing in early February. Download a Playbook HERE
EditSign, a Playbook Addendum about holding virtual events HEREEditSign, and find Video Resources HERE.
Please fill-in the following form. It will only take a few minutes and all replies are strictly confidential. If you don’t have an answer, you can always come back to complete it later.
The sooner we know of your interest, the sooner we can answer any questions and help with marketing materials and social marketing. We’re looking forward to working together!
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Along with maintaining the week in Will Eisner’s name, several new hardcover and paperback editions of Will Eisner’s work are being made available to order through your local comic shop, including his famous graphic novel, A Contract With God.
Such initiatives are great things for new and old readers alike and are celebrated by comic fans across the globe.
What do you think of Will Eisner Week? Leave a comment and let us know.
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