‘Will Eisner’s The Spirit: 80th Anniversary’ Webinar by Arlen Schumer

If D. W. Griffith is considered the Father of Film for the many cinematic camera and narrative techniques he pioneered in his career, then Will Eisner (1917-2005) should be considered the Father of the Comic Book.

In his 7-page comic book stories of the non-super-powered masked crimefighter The Spirit (1940-52), Will Eisner displayed the equivalent groundbreaking narrative and verbal/visual techniques unique to comic book art that defined comic book storytelling for generations. This is the story of the greatest comic book stories ever told.

Join New York Adventure Club as we present a retrospective overview and tribute to graphic artist Will Eisner’s immortal comic book character, The Spirit, on the eve of its 80th Anniversary.

Led by award-winning comic book-style illustrator and historian Arlen Schumer, this uplifting “visualecture” filled with stylized images and original art will include:

  • Why Will Eisner is considered the Father of the Graphic Novel, and how he drew upon his upbringing in New York City
  • A discussion around Eisner’s revolutionary comic book storytelling tropes; from character design, staging, and lighting; to lettering, panel, and page design
  • How the totally unique type treatments Eisner used for The Spirit’s ever-changing logo became an influence on modern-era graffiti artists
  • Why the familiar phrase, “comics are film on paper” is never truer than when applied to Eisner’s The Spirt

Stick around after the webinar for a Q&A with Arlen, who will be ready to answer any-and-all questions about The Spirit!

See you there, virtually!

*Once registered, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay will be available after the experience for all registered guests

About Arlen

Arlen Schumer, MFA is one of the foremost historians of comic book art, named by Comic Book Artist magazine in 1998 as “one of the more articulate and enthusiastic advocates of comic book art in America.” His coffee table book, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art, won the Independent Publishers Book Award for best Popular Culture book.

Schumer is also one of comic book art’s most idiosyncratic practitioners, creating award-winning illustrations for the advertising and editorial markets.

“One of the country’s pre-eminent authorities on comics and culture.” —Jon Meyerson, Producer, ABC News’ 20/20

“Nobody speaks about comics with more authority, understanding and love than Arlen does. He is to comics what Pauline Kael was to movies.” —Clem Robins, letterer for DC and Marvel Comics











When: Mon., Jun. 1, 2020 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

If D. W. Griffith is considered the Father of Film for the many cinematic camera and narrative techniques he pioneered in his career, then Will Eisner (1917-2005) should be considered the Father of the Comic Book.

In his 7-page comic book stories of the non-super-powered masked crimefighter The Spirit (1940-52), Will Eisner displayed the equivalent groundbreaking narrative and verbal/visual techniques unique to comic book art that defined comic book storytelling for generations. This is the story of the greatest comic book stories ever told.

Join New York Adventure Club as we present a retrospective overview and tribute to graphic artist Will Eisner’s immortal comic book character, The Spirit, on the eve of its 80th Anniversary.

Led by award-winning comic book-style illustrator and historian Arlen Schumer, this uplifting “visualecture” filled with stylized images and original art will include:

  • Why Will Eisner is considered the Father of the Graphic Novel, and how he drew upon his upbringing in New York City
  • A discussion around Eisner’s revolutionary comic book storytelling tropes; from character design, staging, and lighting; to lettering, panel, and page design
  • How the totally unique type treatments Eisner used for The Spirit’s ever-changing logo became an influence on modern-era graffiti artists
  • Why the familiar phrase, “comics are film on paper” is never truer than when applied to Eisner’s The Spirt

Stick around after the webinar for a Q&A with Arlen, who will be ready to answer any-and-all questions about The Spirit!

See you there, virtually!

*Once registered, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay will be available after the experience for all registered guests

About Arlen

Arlen Schumer, MFA is one of the foremost historians of comic book art, named by Comic Book Artist magazine in 1998 as “one of the more articulate and enthusiastic advocates of comic book art in America.” His coffee table book, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art, won the Independent Publishers Book Award for best Popular Culture book.

Schumer is also one of comic book art’s most idiosyncratic practitioners, creating award-winning illustrations for the advertising and editorial markets.

“One of the country’s pre-eminent authorities on comics and culture.” —Jon Meyerson, Producer, ABC News’ 20/20

“Nobody speaks about comics with more authority, understanding and love than Arlen does. He is to comics what Pauline Kael was to movies.” —Clem Robins, letterer for DC and Marvel Comics

Buy tickets/get more info now