Will Eisner Documentary

Before viewing the film, I wasn't sure what to expect and how new and relevant it was going to be, since after a while, certain things about the history of comics get said over and over again, but it's essential for people not familiar with the medium.

But I was really surprised about how unique and informative the documentary was and the style of presenting Will Eisner's life story. I liked how they took illustrations from one of his autobiographical works in combinations with Eisner's own personal accounts. From memorable moments include fighting the neighborhood bullies, fixing a press machine that lands him a job, and the diner incident wherein Eisner is accused of being cheap.

I also liked learning of Eisner's major accomplishments beyond "The Spirit" which is usually the first thing he's known for, but hearing about his critically lauded works in the underground comics circuit in the 70's and his innovations was new for me. In fact, I had no idea it was Eisner himself who supposedly came up with the term "graphic novel" which is still used today. I thought it was also amusing and worthwhile hearing about his reaction to the new movements in comics in the 70's at a New York Comic Convention with Robert Crumb and all the other Underground creators.

I'm glad the filmmakers had interviews with comic creators still in the industry today, but wished they included more to see how influential Eisner was and still is today. But of course they got in some of the greats and the usual suspects of who you'd expect in a Will Eisner documentary such as Frank Miller, Stan Lee, and many others.

For the most part, I enjoy the Spirit, the the only minor gripe I have is the mixture of realistic characters such as the Spirit with some cartoony elements. I don't mind cartoony and abstract designs to a degree, but someone like Ebony White was really distracting for me, and I can see why Frank Miller has cut the character out of his film adaptation.