Frank Miller, Don't Read This, Part 11 (Comic Book Cynic)

"This movie looks batshit crazy."
— An opinion of the upcoming film, Frank Miller's "Will Eisner's The Spirt," written by anonymous blogger the Comic Book Cynic. Click HERE to Keep Reading!

Augusta, GA. Jewish literature series focuses on the graphic novel (Metro Spirit)

BY WILLICIA FARLEY

Modern Marvels: Jewish Adventures in the Graphic Novel
Reese Library, ASU
Monday, Sept. 8
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Free
706-729-2166
aug.edu

AUGUSTA, GA - Augusta State University library explores the world of Jewish literature in the series Modern Marvels: Jewish Adventures in the Graphic Novel, beginning on Monday, Sept. 8.

The "Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature" series is a program created by Next Book and the American Library Association. Government Document Librarian Yadira Payne is responsible for the program.

The first book to be discussed is “A Contract With God” by Will Eisner. According to Payne, this book was the first to hold the title as a graphic novel.

Click HERE to Keep Reading!

"Let's talk About It: Jewish Literature -- Identity and Imagination" (Montgomery Advertiser)

The E. L. Lowder Branch Regional Library will hold a five-part series on Jewish literature starting Aug. 12.

"Let's talk About It: Jewish Literature -- Identity and Imagination" will involve scholar-led discussions of contemporary and classic books on a common theme.

The library’s series will explore the theme of Modern Marvels: Jewish Adventures in the Graphic Novel.

The library is one of over 330 libraries nationwide receiving grants to host the series developed by Nextbook and the American Library Association.

The first program will be on "A Contract with God," by Will Eisner on Aug. 12 at the 2590 Bell Road library.

The other books that will be discussed are the complete "Maus: A Survivor’s Tale, by Art Spiegelman on Aug. 26, "Julius Knipl, Real Estate Photographer," by Ben Katchor on Sept. 16, "The Quitter," by Harvey Pekar on Oct. 7 and "The Rabbi’s Cat," by Joann Sfar on Oct. 28. All discussions will begin at 6 p.m.

Now Hear This! (Reality Break)

Dave Slusher is producing a podcast called "Reality Break" with classic genre interviews he did over the years and launched it this week with a classic: Will Eisner. The telephone interview was recorded in 1998 and is of excellent quality. (I wish my interviews with Will were of this quality, frankly.) The conversation takes place during the release of Kitchen Sink's series of The Spirit: The New Adventures and publication of A Family Matter. It was also the 20th anniversary of A Contract With God.

Interestingly, Slusher asks Will if he coined the term "graphic novel," to wish Will replies, emphatically, "Yes!"

Click here to listen!

Will Eisner Event Coming to Los Angeles This Month (Editor and Publisher)

By Editor & Publisher Staff

Published: May 02, 2008 1:25 PM ET

NEW YORK "An Evening With the Works of Will Eisner" will be held May 28 at the Storyopolis gallery/store in Los Angeles.

The exhibit marks the 30th anniversary of Eisner's "A Contract With God," which many consider the first "graphic novel."

Eisner (1917-2005) also created the "The Spirit" character, who starred in a popular 16-page comic insert distributed in newspapers from 1940 to 1952. A movie version of "The Spirit" is scheduled for 2009 release.

He was also a legend in the world of comic books, and taught for many years at the School of Visual Arts in New York.

The May 28 event is co-sponsored by Storyopolis, the Association of Booksellers for Children, and the Denis Kitchen Art Agency.

Storyopolis is offering some of Eisner's art for sale.

Eisner's 'Contract With God' has proved lucrative

By Tim Kane
Albany Times Union
Friday, December 21, 2007

Albany, N.Y. - Nearly 30 years ago, the noted cartoonist Will Eisner published a long-form comic book and called it a "graphic novel." The literary world hasn't been quite the same since.

More than 200 pages long, Eisner's 1978 book, "A Contract With God," stands as a landmark in a genre that today is eclipsing traditional comics and making serious inroads into mainstream publishing - not to mention attracting the deep-pocketed attention of Hollywood.

Excerpts from "A Contract With God" - an account of the artist's gritty boyhood in the Bronx - anchor a captivating exhibition at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass.

Click here to keep reading!

New Will Eisner Collection Due October 8!

Will Eisner
Life, in Pictures
Autobiographical Stories
Introduction by Scott McCloud

Publication Date: October 8, 2007

An intimate self-portrait of the American icon Will Eisner, and a chronicle of the career that launched a new art form.

In what will be the closest thing Eisner fans will see to an autobiography, the great master and pioneer of American graphic arts presents the most intimate and personal perspective yet on his life as a writer, a professional, and an artist. “The Dreamer” and “To the Heart of the Storm” describe Eisner’s gritty early life and career, while “The Name of the Game” chronicles a personal history of his wife’s family. Finally, two shorter pieces illuminate the bookends of a legendary career: “The Day I Became a Professional” —which will appeal to any hopeful young artist—describes Eisner’s first rejection from a potential publisher, and “A Sunset in Sunshine City” provides a poignant portrait of Eisner in old age. The book features famous characters from the world of comics (under pseudonyms, of course) and other historical figures and family members, all drawn with Eisner’s characteristic mastery and technique.

Brooklyn-born Will Eisner, creator of Sheena, Queen of the Jungle and The Spirit, pioneered the graphic novel with A Contract With God. He is one of the greatest legends of twentieth-century comic art.