A retrospective of the legendary Will Eisner's work is currently underway at New York's Philippe Labaune Gallery. This exhibition, showcasing original artwork from iconic titles such as The Spirit and A Contract with God, celebrates the profound impact Eisner had on the comic book medium.

Below is a gallery featuring exclusive images from the displayed Spirit pages, specifically from the "Tarnation" storyline:

The Spirit: "Tarnation" - Gallery Preview

6 Images

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

According to Labaune, Eisner's The Spirit, debuting in 1940, revolutionized comics through innovative stylistic techniques. His cinematic approach, incorporating dynamic panel layouts, diverse perspectives, and seamless transitions, mirrored the fluidity of film. Eisner's use of visual symbolism, enriching the narrative through background details and environmental cues, further elevated his work. His departure from rigid grid structures, utilizing splash pages and fluid page designs, created a truly immersive reading experience. These advancements not only redefined comic art but also showcased the medium's potential for sophisticated storytelling.

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

For further updates on the comic book world, explore anticipated releases from Marvel and DC in 2025.