Eisner Celebrated: New Exhibition at Philippe Labaune Gallery

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 prolific 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," says Labaune. "His masterful use of cinematic techniques—dynamic panel layouts, varying perspectives, clever transitions—mimicked the flow of film. Eisner also employed visual symbolism, using backgrounds and environment to reflect characters' emotions and scene tone, adding depth to his artwork. His use of splash pages and fluid page designs broke free from rigid structures, creating a more immersive experience. Eisner set new standards, showcasing comics' potential for sophisticated, engaging storytelling."

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