Comics Icon Will Eisner Honored at Philippe Labaune Gallery Exhibition

A retrospective celebrating the groundbreaking work of the late, great Will Eisner is now open at New York's Philippe Labaune Gallery. This exhibition features original artwork from Eisner's iconic creations, including The Spirit and A Contract with God.

Below is a sneak peek at some Spirit pages from the "Tarnation" story featured in the exhibit:

The Spirit: "Tarnation" Gallery Preview

6 Images

The exhibition spans Eisner's prolific career (1941-2002), showcasing pages from The Spirit, New York: The Big City, and a nearly complete presentation of his seminal graphic novel, A Contract with God: The Super.

According to Labaune, Eisner's The Spirit, debuting in 1940, revolutionized comics with its innovative style. His cinematic techniques—dynamic panel layouts, varied perspectives, and seamless transitions—transformed comic storytelling. Eisner’s use of visual symbolism, incorporating background elements to reflect character emotions, added depth. His innovative page designs moved beyond rigid grids, creating a more immersive reading experience. His work redefined comic art and showcased the medium's potential for sophisticated narratives.

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 is located at 534 West 24th Street in New York City and is open Thursday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm ET.

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