The Philippe Labaune Gallery’s latest exhibit celebrates the life and work of the father of the graphic novel Will Eisner, with a comprehensive look at Eisner’s groundbreaking work from every stage of the artist’s career. The artwork (ranging from 1941 to 2002 and organized in conjunction with Denis Kitchen and the Eisner estate) features everything from Eisner’s war-time drawings, pages from The Spirit, New York The Big City comic strips, and an almost complete sequential presentation of his seminal graphic novel, A Contract With God: The Super.
We spoke to Philippe Labaune, the founder and curator of The Philippe Labaune Gallery, about the new exhibit and the power and influence of Eisner in this exclusive interview.
What can you tell us about the creation of your gallery and the focus on narrative art?
Philippe Labaune: I established the gallery in 2021 in New York City, and we are committed to specializing in high-end narrative art and illustration. The gallery set itself a course to highlight graphic design through showcasing the work of artists whose commonality is to explore new territories and de-compartmentalize the borders separating various modes of expression: illustration, painting, comic strips, and animation. The pivotal contributions of narrative artists in such cultural domains are showcased through a carefully curated collection spotlighting the convergence between fine art and comic illustration.
The Gallery’s roots have a distinctive European influence: amongst the artist lineup are esteemed creators such as Lorenzo Mattotti, Nicolas de Crécy, François Avril, Guido Crepax, Elizabeth Colomba, Catherine Meurisse, Elene Usdin, François Schuiten and Jean-Claude Götting. Championed alongside them are both new and prominent American artists including Paul Pope, Jonathan Marks Barravecchia, Miles Hyman, Frank Miller, Peter de Sève and Mike Mignola. The gallery’s represented artists are or have been major initiators, each leaving their own indelible mark on the international graphic scene.
Will Eisner is synonymous with the origins of the graphic novel, but when did you first discover Eisner and his art?
Labaune: I first discovered Will Eisner’s works in my twenties, after having spent much of my childhood reading French and Belgian comics. Those European comics had a big influence on my early reading habits, but when I stumbled upon A Contract With God, I was completely blown away by the depth and emotional resonance of it. It was clear to me right away how groundbreaking Eisner’s work was, not just in the way he told stories, but in how he used the medium of comics itself to convey such rich, layered narratives. A Contract With God truly opened my eyes to the potential of graphic novels as a serious and impactful form of storytelling. It made me appreciate Eisner’s contributions to the art form even more, especially in how he helped shape the direction of the graphic novel.
After A Contract With God, I dove deeper into his catalog and discovered The Spirit. While The Spirit had a different tone, it was just as influential in its own right. The way Eisner played with the comic strip format, blending pulp action with a sense of humor, emotional depth, and experimental panel layouts, was incredibly impressive. Eisner’s ability to create rich, multifaceted characters in such a fast-paced, entertaining format was another key moment in my growing respect for his mastery of the medium.
How has Eisner’s advocacy and teaching helped elevate the graphic novel as a medium in more traditional art circles?
Labaune: Will Eisner’s advocacy and teaching played a crucial role in elevating the graphic novel as a respected medium within more traditional art circles. He was one of the first to truly push for comics to be recognized as a legitimate art form, and he did this both through his work and his teaching. His books, particularly A Contract With God, showed the world that comics could tell complex, nuanced stories in ways that traditional literature or other visual arts couldn’t always achieve. Eisner’s ability to blend narrative and art to explore deep human emotions and social issues helped broaden the understanding of what comics could accomplish.
In addition to his groundbreaking work, Eisner’s influence as a teacher also had a huge impact. Through his courses and workshops, he taught generations of aspiring artists the value of comics as a storytelling medium. He emphasized the importance of craftsmanship, the structure of visual storytelling, and the need for artists to think critically about their work. His teachings helped raise the profile of the graphic novel within academic and artistic communities, paving the way for a wider acceptance of the medium in more traditional circles. By championing the graphic novel and advocating for its artistic potential, Eisner truly helped shape its place in the world of fine art and literature.
Do you have a favorite piece in the exhibit?
Labaune: One of my favorite works by Eisner has to be the page from A Contract with God titled “No! No! Not To Me,” page 22. It’s such a pivotal moment in the book, and when I first saw it, I knew I had to have it. Plus I think “getting high on your own supply” is one of the perks of being a gallery owner. The emotional depth that Eisner captured in that single page is incredible—the character’s anguish is raw and real, especially in his expression and the pose. It’s unmistakably Eisner, showcasing his ability to convey complex human emotions with just a few lines. The pose itself, so dramatic and powerful, feels like it truly represents the themes of the story. It’s one of those pages that really sticks with you long after you’ve seen it, and I feel fortunate to be able to add it to my collection.
How is the exhibit arranged in terms of Eisner’s artwork?
Labaune: We really wanted to showcase his evolution and the breadth of his work. We presented a story from A Contract With God titled “The Super” in the small room of the gallery. Since we had access to both the inks and sketches, we were able to present the story in sequence, which is always such a privilege. Being able to show a story sequentially allows the audience to experience it in the way Eisner intended, and it gives a deeper appreciation for his craft and storytelling process.
The rest of the exhibit is a curated collection that spans from 1941 to 2002, and we arranged it in a way that we felt represented Eisner well. For example, we made sure to present the complete seven-page story from The Spirit all together, which was important to show the impact of that series. We also grouped his New York pieces together to highlight his connection to the city and how it influenced much of his later work. Overall, the exhibit flows in a way that not only represents Eisner’s range but also allows visitors to really get a sense of his artistic journey over the decades.
Future exhibits?
Labaune: Our next exhibition at the Philippe Labaune Gallery, starting March 13, 2025, will feature the talented French artist Alexis Bruchon. This marks his third show with the gallery, and with each new exhibition, his work continues to evolve and impress.
Alexis is known for his exceptional watercolor illustrations that showcase incredible attention to detail and an eye for striking composition. His work captures not only the visual beauty of his subjects but also a sense of depth and atmosphere that draws viewers in. The meticulous craftsmanship he brings to each piece makes his work truly stand out. Over the years, he has consistently pushed his technique and storytelling abilities, and it’s clear that he’s only getting better with time.
We’re thrilled to be presenting his latest works, which promise to captivate both long-time fans of his art and new viewers alike. The exhibition offers a great opportunity to experience the progression of his artistic journey, and we’re confident that it will be a standout event. If you’re in the area, this is definitely one you won’t want to miss.
The Will Eisner Exhibit will be open to the public from February 13, to Saturday, March 8. The Philippe Labaune gallery is located at 534 West 24th Street in New York and is open from Thursday through Saturday, from 10am to 6pm.