Will Eisner Week takes place beginning on March 1st every year and ending on March 7th. This entire week is set up to recognize the achievements of an American cartoonist, writer, and teacher. This artist was born on March 6th, 1917, and would go on to have an amazing career over the course of his life.

The Eisner Award, a prize given for creative achievements in comic books, was named in his honor. He was also one of three inaugural inductees to the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame. This week encourages everyone to explore comic books and graphic novels in all of their forms, as well as the artists who create these works of art.

The History Of Will Eisner Week

Will Eisner Week was first launched in 2009, just 4-years after the artists had died. It was started as a collaborative effort that was organized by the CBLDF, also known as the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, and although it began as an American event, it has since reached international status. Observations of this week happen all over the U.S and all over Europe.

Some Quick Facts About Will Eisner

Let’s review some of the facts that we’ve learned about Will Eisner during our research of Will Eisner Week. We’ve listed these facts below for everyone’s continued enlightenment about this artist.

• Will Eisner died from heart surgery complications in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
• He was 87 years old at the age of his death.
• He is considered to be the “grandfather” of the graphic novel.
• One of his most successful comic strips was The Spirit. It ran from 1940 through 1952.
• His first graphic novel was A Contract With God. It was published in 1978.

Observing Will Eisner Week

We encourage everyone observing Will Eisner Week to take the time to visit their local bookstore, comic book store, or library and pick up some graphic novels to read. People should also learn more about comic books, and spread the love for graphic novels across the Internet using the hashtag #WillEisnerWeek on social media.