Eisner/Miller; A Hardcore Review

Into it holds the idea that we should be fair and balanced and be "nice" and not be damning of a product or its creators. I say this. It would not be truth if I only reviewed things I liked or always in a favorable way. In fact the reviews where I have panned something have brought me the most kudos from readers. And quite simply, if you do not like things to reviewed fairly and in an editorial manner... DON'T FUCKING READ MY REVIEWS! In fact if that's how you feel you should probably never read anything I write... EVAR!
I am going to remind everyone who reads these reviews that the grading system I use is this: instead of thumbs up or stars, I rate on hardcore moments in pro wrestling history. The more hardcore the event, match, promo or moment the more I liked the book, comic, movie or video game I am reviewing. The less hardcore the moment, the more I disliked it. An example would be anything related to Hulk Hogan would be highly NOT recommended. Onto the review...
This was one of the most astounding pieces of comic book history I have ever had the good fortune to pick up and read. I had heard for years about the friendship and respect these two men held for each other. And I had heard about this amazing book which I just recently happened to find amidst the graphic novel section of Bookmans a month or so ago. I immediately tore into this book, which in itself is not a novelization or prose of any kind. This book is the written form of a series of conversations between comic book legend Will Eisner and renegade comics badboy, Frank Miller. Miller and Eisner have been friends for years. Although at some points during this epic conversation you get the feeling they've known each other for their entire lives, and other points maybe only a few days. However, the entirety of this work, makes for one of the most compelling arguments in favor of the comic book industry as a legitimate form of art. And then again it relates back to some of the most harsh moments of creator treatment in the annals of this great industry. Miller vies for the ideal that comic books are a renegade form of entertainment and calls for the continual pushing of limits. While Eisner asks for the continuation of the art of story telling. Ever the master of his craft, Eisner receives constant praise for his contributions to the world of art as a whole and the comic book industry in specific. The idea that two men who are so diverse in their origins and reasoning, could still hold not only each other, but the industry of comics in such high regard marks for so much in our capacity as people, and for our future as creators.
Will Eisner is a classic story teller with some of the greatest attributes of any creative team. Eisner wrote AND drew almost every project he ever worked on, including until his death in January 2005. His last piece of published work was in an issue of Michael Chabon's The Escapist, where the title character runs into Will's legendary creation, The Spirit. His, works of The New York Trilogy and A Contract With God, gave light to the creation of the graphic novel, a new form of outlet for the comic industry. Eisner has never been a fan of the costumed superhero, although The Spirit might say otherwise. Will was a child of the 1930's Great Depression. Story telling took precedence over the "art" of pop and flash. Eisner created the Spirit, adding gloves and a domino mask to fit with the new look of newspaper comic strips were turning into during this era. The character endured even though Will took several hiatus' to work for the Army to draw instructional manuals for the troops and new equipment. But his love brought him back to the 4 color art that he held dear.
Miller brought himself into the industry during the troubling 70's when getting into the business was looked at as an achievement. He began working on Daredevil and brought the character to new heights, by returning him to his human roots, and reviving some third tier Spider-Man characters and making them a menacing lot for the "Man Without Fear." Miller has long expressed a disdain for the costumed do gooder and has always harkened back to the idea of the pulps from the 30's and 40's. His seminal works in his Sin City line is brazzenly his most vicious and also his best (with respect to The Dark Knight Returns). Although, most arguably his most famous work amongst comic book readers is The Dark Knight Returns, which rose from his loathing of the idea that he continued to age, while Bruce Wayne and Batman remained the same age. He, along with Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen brought the idea that comics were most definitely NOT just for children and have enjoyed the toying idea of bringing his vision of the Dark Knight to the silver screen.
These two legends of the field show great hope for the future as both regularly attended the SPX (Small Press Expo) in Maryland until Eisner's passing, to see the next crop of potential superstars and their personal passion and creations.
If something as simple as two friends sharing an intimate conversation about their life's work, in the most respectful tones possible, and comic books are an area of interest, then THIS IS the book for you. Eisner/Miller is a deep look at two men, from very different eras of an industry that is both great and very unforgiving. I leave you with this thought. Jack Kirby has long been called, "the king." Well, if Kirby is the king, then Eisner would be God, right?
This book rates one of the most amazing displays of athleticism and shear hardcore hatred and bravado I have ever seen. In 1996 a feud escalated between two men in ECW. One, the fan favorite who already spilled blood on several continents, Sabu, and the brash, egocentric heel, Rob Van Dam. The two had battled several times, with Sabu even extending his hand in a show of respect to the young Van Dam. The boss saw no way to settle this, other than with a match destined to become a classic, "the respect match." The loser having to publicly acknowledge his respect for the winner. Van Dam and Sabu battled back and forth for twenty minutes or more, with Van Dam securing the win with an Super Fisherman's Buster, a fisherman's suplex modified into a brainbuster from the top rope. Sabu was legitimately injured during the match, to which he was brought back to the ring by Paul Heyman so that he could fulfill his contractual obligations as per losing. Sabu, in a feat never repeated during his stay in ECW, spoke on the mic, uttering the single word, "respect" and extended his hand to Van Dam. For a second it appeared that Van Dam would finally shake Sabu's hand. But in his now famous attitude which is his trademark, Van Dam rescinded his hand and said, "Not only do I not respect you. I think you're piece of shit!" This launched the epic feud into the heated annals of ECW history.