# Will Eisner

> American cartoonist, writer and entrepreneur (1917–2005)

**Wikidata**: [Q309850](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q309850)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Eisner)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/will-eisner

## Summary
Will Eisner (1917–2005) was an American cartoonist, writer, and entrepreneur who played a pivotal role in the development of the comic book and graphic novel industries. He is best known for creating the masked crime-fighter character *The Spirit* in 1940 and the acclaimed graphic novel *A Contract with God*. Eisner's diverse career spanned roles as a comics artist, screenwriter, novelist, and publisher, leaving a lasting legacy on the medium.

## Biography
- **Born:** March 6, 1917
- **Nationality:** American (United States)
- **Education:** DeWitt Clinton High School; Art Students League of New York
- **Known for:** Creating *The Spirit* and *A Contract with God*; pioneering the graphic novel format
- **Employer(s):** Affiliated with the School of Visual Arts
- **Field(s):** Comics, Literature, Illustration, Publishing, Screenwriting

## Contributions
Will Eisner's contributions to the arts and literature are defined by the creation of enduring characters and influential works. In 1940, he created *The Spirit*, a fictional character who became a significant figure in comic media. He also developed *Sheena, Queen of the Jungle*, a notable fictional human character. Eisner authored *A Contract with God*, a work recognized as a graphic novel. His professional output included work as a screenwriter, novelist, and publisher, contributing to the broader acceptance of the graphic novel as a literary form. Additionally, his career is associated with the Eisner Award, a prominent American comic book award established in 1988.

## FAQs
**What characters did Will Eisner create?**
Will Eisner created the fictional character *The Spirit* in 1940 and the fictional human character *Sheena, Queen of the Jungle*.

**Where did Will Eisner go to school?**
He attended DeWitt Clinton High School and the Art Students League of New York.

**What awards did Will Eisner win?**
He received numerous accolades, including the Inkpot Award, the Grand prix de la ville d'Angoulême, the Yellow Kid Award, the Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Reuben Award. He was also inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame.

**What is Will Eisner's most famous work?**
He is best known for creating *The Spirit* and for writing the graphic novel *A Contract with God*.

**Was Will Eisner involved in education?**
Yes, he was affiliated with the School of Visual Arts (SVA), a private art and design college located in Manhattan, New York.

## Why They Matter
Will Eisner matters because he helped legitimize the comic book medium as a form of serious literature and art. Through the creation of *The Spirit*, he introduced sophisticated storytelling and artistic techniques to the genre. His work on *A Contract with God* is credited with popularizing the term "graphic novel" and expanding the narrative possibilities of comics. Eisner's influence extends to industry recognition, notably the Eisner Awards, which honor excellence in the medium. His multifaceted career as an artist, writer, and entrepreneur paved the way for future generations of cartoonists and graphic novelists.

## Notable For
- **Creation of *The Spirit* (1940):** A seminal fictional character in the comic book industry.
- **Authorship of *A Contract with God*:** A foundational work in the graphic novel genre.
- **Creation of *Sheena, Queen of the Jungle*:** A notable fictional character.
- **Eisner Award:** A major American comic book award named in his honor (established 1988).
- **Reuben Award:** Recipient of this prestigious award from the National Cartoonists Society.
- **Grand prix de la ville d'Angoulême:** Recipient of this European comics award.
- **Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame:** Inducted into this recognized institution.
- **Multidisciplinary Occupations:** Worked as a cartoonist, writer, screenwriter, novelist, painter, publisher, draftsperson, and illustrator.
- **Affiliation with SVA:** Connected to the School of Visual Arts, a leading art and design college.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Will Eisner was born on March 6, 1917, in the United States. He pursued his education at DeWitt Clinton High School, a public secondary school in New York City, and later attended the Art Students League of New York, an art school located on West 57th Street in Manhattan. These institutions provided the foundation for his extensive career in the arts.

### Career and Occupations
Eisner's professional work period began in 1935 and continued until 2005. He was a versatile creator, holding occupations such as comics artist, writer, screenwriter, novelist, painter, publisher, draftsperson, and illustrator. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident in his various roles within the publishing and media industries. He was also associated with the context of World War II through his work.

### Notable Creations
One of Eisner's most significant contributions is the creation of *The Spirit* in 1940. This fictional character, an American citizen, became a central figure in his body of work. He also created *Sheena, Queen of the Jungle*, a fictional human character. Eisner's literary contributions include *A Contract with God*, a work categorized as a graphic novel.

### Affiliations
Eisner was affiliated with the School of Visual Arts (SVA), a private art and design college in Manhattan founded in 1947 by Silas Rhodes and Burne Hogarth. SVA is known for its interdisciplinary programs in visual arts, design, and media, and Eisner's association with the institution places him within a network of influential artists and educators.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Eisner received numerous awards that highlight his impact on the industry. These include the Inkpot Award (1974), the Yellow Kid Award (1970), and the Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award (1994). He was honored with the Reuben Award and the Grand prix de la ville d'Angoulême. Additionally, he was inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame.

### Legacy and Related Entities
Eisner's legacy is cemented by the Eisner Award, an American comic book award instituted in 1988. He is connected to other notable figures in the field, such as Yves Chaland and William Stout. His work remains influential, with his creations and publications continuing to be referenced in the study and appreciation of comic art and graphic literature.

## References

1. Comiclopedia
2. [Source](http://www.willeisner.com/biography/)
3. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/05/books/will-eisner-a-pioneer-of-comic-books-dies-at-87.html)
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