Will Eisner

Early Life and Career

Eisner was born in Brooklyn, New York, born of Jewish immigrants. His father was a former painter, marginally successful entrepreneur, and one-time manufacturer in Manhattan's Seventh Avenue garment district. Eisner attended DeWitt Clinton High School. Upon graduation, he studied under George Brandt Brigman for a year at the Art Students League of New York. Contacts made there led to a position as an advertising writer and cartoonist for the New York American newspaper. Eisner also drew $10-a-page illustrations for Pulp Magazine, including Western Sheriffs and Outlaws.

Inducted into the first class of the Eisner Awards' Hall of Fame in 1987.
 
Eisner would be the most influential North American Comic Book writer outside of the Modern era.  Writers like Alan Moore, Scott McCloud and Frank Miller all have listed him as an influence.