Writer/Artist: Will Eisner
Publisher: DC Comics
Reprinting Stories from Will Eisner’s Quarterly #6-8.
Seven stories (actually, six stories and a collection of 1-page gag strips) by one of the greatest graphic storytellers in history. These tales demonstrate why Eisner was such a respected and acclaimed artist. Although these stories were created in 1985-1986, when Eisner was in his 60’s, they are the work of a man at his peak. They include the wide range of human emotions and experience: frustration, dark comedy, perseverance, betrayal, greed, love, and fear. Every line on the page contributes something to the story. The character’s faces, body language, scenery, even the lettering are all integral to Eisner’s story and his point. Nothing is unnecessary. At the same time, the art is rich with detail and subtlety that will bring you back for further, deeper readings. Will Eisner Reader is a perfect example of craftsmanship married to style. You really have to see this for yourself.
In case you’re wondering, the stories feature:
“A Sunset in Sunshine City”: A man retires and meets an attractive widow. His plans for remarriage spoil the business plans of his son-in-law. This is a fairly complex story weaving the lives of a diverse cast of characters. It shows how one person’s decisions can affect there whole family, how easily love can blind one to the obvious, and how one can just lie back and enjoy life.
“The Telephone” is 8 pages of 1-page gags demonstrating the various disadvantages of that modern inconvenience. Many of these pages are silent, yet communicate the joke perfectly.
“A Detective Story”: In 1934, Max Million retires from his job and becomes a private detective. He solves his first case with the help of a “Mr. Brimstone”. This story shows an ordinary schlub getting the best of the devil without any drawbacks. The ending also implies the existence of Mr. Brimstone’s opposite number.
“The Long Hit”: An old mob hit man meets someone he failed to kill 50 years ago. Being a man of honor, he tries to finish the job. Hijinx ensue.
“Winning”: Why would someone who’s never trained for running enter the Big City Marathon? Because he never accomplished anything in his life.
“The Appeal”: This summary of and epilogue to Franz Kafka’s paranoid classic The Trial has the judge from the story put on trial himself. Whether it is the ghost of The Trial’s Mr. K or his own guilt that sentences him is irrelevant; he is now a prisoner.
“Humans”: In a rather heavy-handed fable, Eisner shows how the cooperation that allowed primitive humans to survive and flourish is lost in some modern people.
Wonderful works all. Anyone remotely interested in the work, style, and influence of Will Eisner, or aspiring comic creators who wish to know how to construct an entertaining, substantial story, should buy this book. Hey, it’s only $10 USD and the Eisner family needs the money.
By the way, how do you pronounce “P-E-R-I-O-D”?
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