This week's
I Think I Can Manage--Whither Will Eisner? Column by Steven Bates and a conversation with Moonstone's Joe Gentile brought to mind a small personal Eisner moment. Albeit a minor one at that. I attended a two-day comic art seminar in Savannah, GA many, many moons ago. Some of the artists teaching classes where Mike Mignola, Scott McCloud, Cully Hamner, George Pratt, Rebecca Guay, Lurene Haines, Brian Stelfreeze and the immortal Will Eisner. After a panel discussion with all the artists everyone gathered around thier favorites to have artist-to-artist conversations and critiques. I had to get to my class with Rebecca Guay but Will Eisner remained finishing a critique with a student. Then he was standing alone. I had my chance (and was prodded by a friend) to talk to the legend. Eisner appeared to be very inviting and ready to talk to the next artist who walked up. But alas, fear got the better of me and I scurried off to class. Why I stopped that day I can't really say. I know I should have just bit the bullet. But it is a moment I have regretted ever since. I knew his influence on the art form was immense. And would have cherished a one-on-one dialog with the creator of the graphic novel. I had introduced myself to other professionals that weekend without pause. So why the cold feet? I'll never know.
His legacy will live on for generations. His books will immortalize his name. And his influence will remain immeasurable. Rest in peace, Mr. Eisner. Maybe we'll have that conversation one day.
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Now...on to some lighter fair. The New City has an article entitled
Cartoon Network - Chicago's next generation of graphic novelists from Tom Lynch.
Newsarama posted and interview with Kazu Kibuishi:
FLIGHT v2 HITS IN MARCH - A LOOK INSIDE by Benjamin Ong Pang Kean
You Dig?