March 2: My Will Eisner Week Lecture at Northwestern University Library

Will Eisner Week, celebrated the week of March 6 each year, promotes graphic novels, literacy, free speech awareness, and the legacy of legendary cartoonist Will Eisner. I'm happy to be participating this year by giving a talk at Northwestern University Library on Wednesday, March 2, at 5:00pm:

Will Eisner: Pioneering Cartoonist, Visionary Educator 

Widely regarded as the "Father of the Graphic Novel," cartoonist Will Eisner spent his entire career chasing the Next Big Idea - and usually finding it. With a body of work encompassing some of the earliest American comic books, The Spirit Sunday newspaper supplements, U.S. Army preventative maintenance manuals, one of the very first graphic novels, and a small library of books on comics theory and practice, Eisner influenced several generations of artists and educators. 

Comics historian Gene Kannenberg, Jr. will present an illustrated look at Eisner's work and legacy: The development of comic art into both a literary form and a tool for education.

We also have a small Eisner-centric display in our New Book Nook, including both books to check out as well as rarer items from my own personal collection.

The display wall in the New Book Nook

The Spirit

More works by Eisner

Books about Eisner and his role in American comics

See the Northwestern Events Calendar or the Facebook Event listings for more information. I'm proud that my employer is supporting Will Eisner Week this year, and I hope to see you there!

Comics Alternative Podcast #175: The Eltingville Club, Cry Havoc #1, The Dark & Bloody #1

Click here to listen, and for show notes!

Today on The Comics Alternative, Derek Royal and I review The Eltingville Club, which collects all of Evan Dorkin's cringingly hilarious stories of a group of comics/sf/horror/fantasy/RPG teen creeps; Cry Havoc #1, the not-exactly lesbian werewolf story by Simon Spurrier and Ryan Kelly; and The Dark & Bloody #1, Shawn Aldridge and Scott Godlewski's tale of moonshine and mystery.

Dorkin's work has always been a favorite of mine, and it's great to have all of his "Eltingville" stories (plus!) collected. Cry Havoc and The Dark & Bloody aren't exactly my normal cup of tea, but I gained new appreciation for both of them while discussing them with Derek. That's one of the things I love about doing this podcast; I always learn a lot from our conversations. I hope you enjoy them, too.

As always, click the link above to stream the episode, or you can subscribe via iTunes.