A traveling exhibition featuring the work of comic book-legend Will Eisner is on display at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Love Library through April 30.
The exhibition, “Will Eisner: A Retrospective,” is located on Love Library South’s second-floor lobby and Room 222. It is free and open to the public.
Eisner (1917-2005) was a pioneer in the development of the American comic book industry. He created extraordinary graphic novels for three decades and contributed to the formal study of comics by authoring textbooks. He taught at New York’s School of Visual Arts for 20 years.
The exhibition features 43 large Eisner giclées (fine art digital prints made on a high-quality inkjet printer) selected from landmark parallel exhibitions held at Le Musée de la Bande Dessinée in Angoulême (the national comics museum of France) and The Society of Illustrators in New York in 2017. Those exhibitions celebrated the 100th anniversary of Eisner’s birth.
The giclées are virtually indistinguishable from the rare and historic originals, and provide insights into the creative genius of the celebrated cartoonist and storyteller.
Present at the birth of comic books in the mid-1930s, Eisner created iconic characters like Blackhawk and Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. His innovative storytelling, layouts and artwork on his legendary newspaper series “The Spirit” (1940–1952) inspired a generation of cartoonists. His turn toward an acclaimed run of more than 25 instructional books and graphic novels, beginning in 1978 with “A Contract with God,” pioneered the modern form.
Two events are planned in conjunction with the exhibit:
Denis Kitchen, a cartoonist, publisher and author, will give an illustrated lecture, “Will Eisner: The Father of Graphic Novels,” 3 p.m. March 9, in Love Library South, Room 221 (Peterson Room). An overview of Eisner’s long and fascinating career, Kitchen’s lecture will feature firsthand anecdotes, and will appeal to novices of comic art and hardcore fans alike. Kitchen worked closely with Eisner for more than 30 years as his publisher, then agent, and continues to represent the artist’s estate. He will answer questions afterward and will be available for a walking tour of the art exhibit.
Richard Graham, associate professor and digital media librarian, will give a talk about comics and graphic novels for Lincoln’s First Friday Art Walk, 5:30 p.m. April 6, Love Library South, Room 221 (Peterson Room). Graham’s book, “Government Issue: Comics for the People: 1940s-2000s” was nominated for an Eisner Award. In 2015, Graham was a member of the distinguished panel of judges of the Eisner Awards.
Exhibition hours are the same as Love Library’s operating schedule.
