Comics Icon Will Eisner Honored at Philippe Labaune Gallery Exhibition

Will Eisner, a giant in the world of comic book art, deserves a place on any Mount Rushmore of the medium. His groundbreaking work is now celebrated in a captivating exhibition at New York's Philippe Labaune Gallery. The show features original artwork from Eisner's iconic creations, including The Spirit and A Contract with God.

Below is a sneak peek at some stunning Spirit pages from the "Tarnation" story, on display at the exhibition:

The Spirit: "Tarnation" Preview Gallery

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The Philippe Labaune Gallery's "Will Eisner Exhibit" showcases a comprehensive collection spanning Eisner's illustrious career (1941-2002). Beyond The Spirit and New York: The Big City, the exhibition includes a nearly complete presentation of his seminal graphic novel, A Contract with God: The Super.

"Will Eisner's The Spirit, first published in 1940, revolutionized comics with its innovative style," Labaune shared with IGN. "His masterful use of cinematic techniques—dynamic panel layouts, varied perspectives, clever transitions—mimicked the flow of film. Eisner's visual symbolism, using backgrounds to reflect character emotions and scene tone, added layers of meaning. His splash pages and fluid designs broke from rigid structures, creating a more immersive experience. Eisner set new standards and demonstrated comics' potential for sophisticated storytelling."

The Will Eisner Exhibit opens Thursday, February 13th, with a reception from 6pm to 9pm ET. It runs through Saturday, March 8th. The Philippe Labaune Gallery (534 West 24th Street, New York) is open Thursday-Saturday, 10am to 6pm ET.