Will Eisner is to many people in the graphic novel world like a prophet. Being one of the earliest artists in the comic business, his legacy is carried out to this day with his work on comics based on the Great Depression with Jerry Iger. As well as writing his stories based on his service in World War 2. However his biggest comic, and arguably most iconic graphic novel was "The Spirit."
Another comparison to Eisner's comics was Craig Thompson. Best known for his work on "Blankets" a story about a young boy coping with his life growing up in an extremely Christian household, and his experiences throughout growing up. This reaches its apex when he meets a girl at his holiday Christian camp named Raina, who he grows a large relationship for, and becomes his first love. The novel focuses primarily on what it means to love, and even defying fate.
While Eisner was born before Thompson it may be evident Blankets took a little inspiration from The Spirit. Though it's a lot more graphic, and violent in instances both view the human condition in the same way. Almost all aspects of writing in these stories feel overly dramatic, and tell stories that while they may seem sad are really excellent in their structure.
Though Craig Thompson's story focuses on a regular viewpoint people may have when they grow up, Eisner's novel feels more like fantasy. That's why Thompson's Blankets is more relatable to the reader while The Spirit is more over the top, and non relatable. Though both stories have fascinating worlds, and characters in them making them both unforgettable.
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