Will Eisner: 1917 - 2005

Will Eisner's website, carries the sad news:

Will Eisner passed away on January 3rd, 2005 at the age of 87 following quadruple bypass heart surgery.

I don't know what I can say about this. For one thing, I can't believe that I just found out today. My news sniffers -- or at least the sites I frequent -- should have clued me to this yesterday. But I guess maybe it is just getting out today (posted 2 hours ago according to Google News). Will Eisner was a legend in the comic book industry. And even though his own "costumed character" creation, The Spirit, revolutionized the way such stories were told, Eisner is credited as one of the men responsible for lifting comics from the "juvenile" realm of superheroes to a visual artform known more or less as graphic storytelling. He was a master of sequential art, authoring two definitive works examining the creative process, Comics and Sequential Art and Graphic Storytelling. In addition to these books, Eisner spent 25 years of his life in educational and promotional comics, teaching his craft to others. The man even has a prestigious comics industry award named after him: The Eisner Awards. Rest in peace Mr. Eisner. And thank you for all you gave to comics, visual art, and your fans. Will Eisner Links:

• A Whole Lotta Spirit - interview about the artist's past and current projects.
• The King of Comic Books - 2002 article from the Jewish Week profiling Eisner and his work.
• Will Eisner - information about the artist and The Spirit.
• Artist Biography at Comic Art and Graphix Gallery.
• Comics Grand Master Is Unrecognized - article detailing the artist's influence.
• Sample and profile at The International Museum of Cartoon Art Hall of Fame website.
• Multi-panel bio at the official Will Eisner website.
• Will Eisner Entry at Wikipedia.