World Famous Comics: Life, in Pictures: Autobiographical Stories
Life, in Pictures: Autobiographical Stories
By: Will Eisner Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co. Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: W.W. Norton & Co. Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 496 Publication Date: October 17, 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.
Tales of Will Will Eisner's LIFE, IN PICTURES: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STORIES collects three of Eisner's full-length graphic novels plus a couple of short stories in one affordable 500-page hardcover. One of three such collections from publisher WW Norton, this volume contains those works most closely associated with Eisner's life, providing insight on old age, his years as a struggling artist during the Great Depression, growing up Jewish, World War II, and even his wife Ann's family history.
In the short "A Sunset in Sunshine City", a widowed retiree moves to Florida, leading to big changes not only for himself, but also his family.
"The Dreamer" is a revealing look at the birth of the comics industry in the late `30s - early `40s, warts and all. Will's caricatures of himself, other Golden Age personalities, and events are explained in fascinating annotations by Dennis Kitchen.
"To The Heart of The Storm" is told in flashbacks as a newly-drafted Eisner heads for camp via train. During the journey, he reflects on the joys and trials of his youth, his family history, and his experiences with anti-Semitism.
"The Name of the Game" shows the great lengths people will go to in order to increase their social standing through marriage.
The collection concludes with another short story - "The Day I Became a Professional" - and several pages of character studies.
While these stories are not exact representations of Eisner's life and family history, they do provide fascinating insight as to what makes him tick. The three longer stories are available in their own paperback editions, but for the money, you're better off buying this hardcover. It's a true bargain.
Best Graphic Book Ever After a lifetime of loving graphic novels I ran into Will Eisner compáratively late and it was a revelation. He draws people better than anyone could see them with their own two eyes, and his sketches of New York makes me want to go back to The Big Apple so I could cry with it!! Also, no matter how satirical he chooses to be, his compassion with the whole big muddle shines through in every panel on every page. Nobody in graphic arts should ever miss out on Will Eisner - he is a genius!
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