Considered by many to be the father of the American graphic novel, Will Eisner was a writer, artist, master storyteller, and businessman. In a career that spanned eight decades, he created The Spirit, John Law, Lady Luck, Mr. Mystic, Uncle Sam, Blackhawk and numerous other characters.

He co-founded the Eisner – Iger Studios, then created The Spirit sections which were issued weekly in newspapers across America, and developed and packaged P.S. Magazine for the U.S. Army.

His book A Contract With God is widely regarded as the first American graphic novel (it wasn't, but it was an early and significant work in the format), and he continued to produce numerous other important works well into his 80s with the quality for which he was known. His innovative panel design and artistic choices seemed always to be in service to the story, rather than simply demonstrating his impressive skills. At one Harvey Awards ceremony at the Pittsburgh Comicon, he received honors for works produced 60 years apart (The Spirit and Last Day in Vietnam). Eisner passed away in 2005 following heart surgery, but he left an almost immeasurable legacy.