Will Eisner Sketchbook

by Will Eisner

For most of the 20th century, the work of cartoonist and graphic novelist Will Eisner defined the art of comic book storytelling in the U.S. and throughout the world. This hardcover collection of Eisner's gorgeous pencil sketches and groundbreaking designs is a must-have for any pop-culture enthusiasts and fans of comic books. Culled from many decades' worth of work, the Sketchbook presents the world as seen through Will Eisner's eyes, with introductory notes for each of the eleven sections. From his observations of his friends and loved ones hustling through their daily lives to witnessing those quiet moments when no one is supposed to be watching, Eisner's keen perception and steadfast hand capture the essence of what it means to be a true artist.

Genres: Comics, Art, Reference

200 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

About the author

William Erwin Eisner was an American cartoonist, writer, and entrepreneur. He was one of the earliest cartoonists to work in the American comic book industry, and his series The Spirit (1940–1952) was noted for its experiments in content and form. In 1978, he popularized the term "graphic novel" with the publication of his book A Contract with God. He was an early contributor to formal comics studies with his book Comics and Sequential Art (1985). The Eisner Award was named in his honor and is given to recognize achievements each year in the comics medium; he was one of the three inaugural inductees to the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame.

Reviews

[Parka · Rating 5 out of 5]

(More pictures at parkablogs.com)

The Will Eisner Sketchbook is positively amazing! I'm saying that because I read his comics and do a bit of cartooning myself.

The book is a clothed hardcover, perfect bind with 200 pages. The paper is thick and mildly yellow.

On these pages are the best reproduction of pencil drawings I've even seen. As I rub my thumb across the textured cross hatches, I thought I would smudge the paper and pick up graphite on my thumb. It's almost like holding Will Eisner's original sketches in hand! Brilliant.

Inside, the sketches are grouped accordingly to the titles he has created. It includes The Spirit, A Contract with God, A Life Force, The Dreamer, To The Heart of Storm, The Neighborhood Dropsie Avenue, The Last Hero, A Family Matter, The Princess and the Frog, Last Day in Vietnam and Minor Miracles.

These are the concept drawings and panel layouts for his comics. There are even character designs. While some of the sequences are long with dialogue included, they are not complete so you'll still have to get his original books for the stories. You can see how Will Eisner designs his panels and writes his stories. It's all very inspiring to see the work-in-progress of the master comic artist. Since this is a sketchbook, there are many that never made it to the final art.

This book is highly recommended, more so if you draw comics.

[Matt Piechocinski · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I were an art buff, this would have been 5 stars easy. I guess what I was hoping for was sketches of stuff that I haven't read, like the chapter on his unpublished Spirit story ... not the genesis of stories I've already read.

With that said, it's by the man, Eisner, so it's worth a look. The thing that really resounded in me was how Eisner did "dummy" pages on the train, or wherever. Imagine that. Seeing Will Eisner just doodling on the train.

[Shawn Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

An artistic genius who may never get the true recognition he deserves from the general public, because he drew "funny books." The fluidity of his storytelling and art is absolutely gorgeous.