Considered by many to be the father of the American graphic novel, Will Eisner was a writer, artist, master storyteller, and businessman. In a career that spanned eight decades, he created The Spirit, John Law, Lady Luck, Mr. Mystic, Uncle Sam, Blackhawk and numerous other characters.

The Philippe Labaune Gallery is celebrating Eisner’s work with a special exhibition of his original art. Organized in collaboration with Eisner’s estate and Denis Kitchen, the exhibit will showcase 79 original pieces created by the godfather of the graphic novel. Highlights include two US Army illustrations from 1941, a complete seven-page story from The Spirit, pages from New York The Big City, and pieces from A Contract with God that includes the entire, “The Super” story.

His book A Contract With God is widely regarded as early and significant work in the graphic novel format, and he continued to produce numerous other important works well into his 80s with the quality for which he was known. He co-founded the Eisner – Iger Studios, then created The Spirit sections which were issued weekly in newspapers across America, and developed and packaged P.S. Magazine for the US Army.

His innovative panel design and artistic choices seemed always to be in service to the story, rather than simply demonstrating his impressive skills. Eisner passed away in 2005 following heart surgery, but he left an almost immeasurable legacy.

The exhibit is now open and will run through March 8, 2025. The Philippe Labaune Gallery is located at 534 W. 24th Street in New York, New York. More details on the exhibit are available on the gallery’s website.