Hy Eisman (1927-): A Legendary American Cartoonist

Hyman Eisman, better known as Hy Eisman, is a celebrated American cartoonist whose remarkable contributions to the world of comics have left an indelible mark on the industry. Born on March 27, 1927, in Paterson, New Jersey, Eisman’s talent and creativity garnered widespread recognition and acclaim throughout his illustrious career.

Early Life and Education

Hy Eisman was born to a loving family in the vibrant city of Paterson, New Jersey. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in art and illustration, spending countless hours sketching and doodling. His passion for cartoons and comics would eventually pave the way for his successful career in the industry.

Career Beginnings

Eisman’s journey into comics began in 1950 when he entered the comic strip field. He quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional artistic skills and unique storytelling abilities. Over the years, he worked on various comic strips, including Kerry Drake, Little Iodine, and Bunny. However, his work on iconic titles such as Little Lulu and The Katzenjammer Kids solidified his status as a master cartoonist.

Early Aspirations

Hy Eisman harbored a genuine desire to become a cartoonist from age five. His fascination with the art form was ignited by witnessing a Fleischer Studio animator, who happened to be his aunt’s tenant, work wonders with a pencil. Moreover, during the challenging years of the Great Depression, the Sunday newspaper comics served as a wellspring of inspiration for the young Hy.

A Journey Through Education

Eisman’s passion for drawing accompanied him throughout his academic journey. Even as he navigated the school corridors, his sketchbook remained his companion. However, his trajectory took an unexpected turn in 1945 when he was drafted into the army during the waning days of World War II. Stationed in a hospital unit, Eisman found himself with ample time to channel his artistic talents into designing military health posters and creating a comic strip, “Parade Rest,” for The Camp Pickett News.

Post-War Pursuits

With the support of the GI Bill, Eisman embarked on a formal art education, graduating from the Art Career School in 1950. In the ensuing years, he honed his craft in various capacities, designing types and packages and producing cartoons for Fuld & Co., a greeting card company.

Entering the Comics Industry

The 1950s marked Eisman’s foray into the world of comics, with his work gracing the pages of numerous American Comics Group titles. Notable among his early endeavors was the creation of a feature titled “It Happened in New Jersey,” which chronicled historical events and ran weekly in the Newark Evening News for three years.

Ventures in Comic Strips

Eisman’s talents were further expressed in the realm of comic strips. He embarked on illustrating “Nancy and Smokey Stover” comic books for Dell Publishing around 1956. Subsequently, he lent his pencil to iconic strips such as Alfred Andriola’s “Kerry Drake” and Vernon Greene’s “Bringing Up Father,” cementing his reputation as a versatile and skilled artist.

Collaborations and Ghost Penciling

Throughout his career, Eisman collaborated with renowned figures in the comics industry. He served as the ghost penciler for several works inked by Vince Coletta and contributed to titles such as “Mutt and Jeff” and “Blondie” for Harvey Comics. Additionally, he ventured into new territory with projects like adapting Zachary Ball’s book “Joe Panther” into a comic strip, although securing a satisfactory contract proved challenging.

The Pinnacle of Success

In the mid-1960s, Eisman’s association with Harvey Comics led to his involvement in developing characters for “The Munsters” and “Tom and Jerry” comic book adaptations. Despite the doll envisioned to rival Barbie never materializing, Eisman’s work on the associated comic books showcased his creativity and adaptability.

Legacy and Recognition

Eisman’s illustrious career extended beyond his contributions to comic books and strips. He played a pivotal role as an instructor at The Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art, shaping the talents of future generations of cartoonists. His prowess in the field earned him accolades, including The National Cartoonists Society Award for Best Comic Book Cartoonist in 1975 and 1984.

Later Years and Farewell

In the twilight years of his career, Eisman continued to make significant contributions to the comic industry. He penned and illustrated “The Katzenjammer Kids” for King Features Syndicate in 1986 and took on the mantle of writing and drawing the “Popeye” Sunday strip in 1994. 

His dedication and talent were acknowledged by the National Cartoonists Society, which honored him with the Milton Caniff Award for his lifetime of work and invaluable contributions to the world of cartooning. In 2022, Eisman bid farewell to the weekly deadlines, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Notable Works

One of Eisman’s most notable contributions to comics is his work on Little Lulu. As the last artist to work on the beloved comic before its cancellation in 1984, Eisman’s illustrations brought the endearing characters to life with charm and wit.

In addition to Little Lulu, Eisman also left his mark on The Katzenjammer Kids, a classic comic strip he wrote and drew from 1986 until 2006. His unique style and comedic sensibilities breathed new life into the beloved characters, delighting readers for decades.

Eisman’s talent extended beyond print comics, as he also made significant contributions to the world of comic books. From 1994 until 2022, he wrote and drew the Sunday strips for Popeye, showcasing his versatility as an artist and storyteller. His reintroduction of the character Bluto to the Popeye Sunday strips in December 2008 added an exciting new dynamic to the beloved series.

Personal Life and Legacy

Besides his illustrious comic career, Hy Eisman led a rich and fulfilling personal life. He was married twice, first to Nathalie Adrienne “Adri” Abramson, with whom he had two daughters. Tragically, Adri passed away from cancer in the fall of 1997. In 2004, Eisman married Florenz Greenberg, a managing editor at CavanKerry Press, who shared his passion for art and literature. Their union was celebrated with a unique comic strip wedding invitation featuring Popeye and Olive Oyl.

Throughout his career, Eisman received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the world of comics. In 1975, he was honored with the National Cartoonists Society’s Award for Best Humor Comic Book Cartoonist for his work on Gold Key’s Nancy comic books. In 1983, he received another National Cartoonists Society Award for his outstanding work on the Little Lulu comic book.

Hy Eisman’s legacy as a pioneering cartoonist and storyteller continues to inspire generations of artists and comic enthusiasts alike. His timeless creations and memorable characters have left an indelible imprint on the world of comics, ensuring that his contributions will be celebrated and cherished for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hy Eisman:

Who is Hy Eisman?

Hy Eisman, born Hyman Eisman on March 27, 1927, is a renowned American cartoonist known for contributing to the comic industry.

What are some of Hy Eisman’s notable works?

Eisman worked on several comic strips and comic books throughout his career, including “Little Lulu,” “The Katzenjammer Kids,” and “Popeye.”

When did Hy Eisman begin his career in comics?

Eisman entered the comic strip field in 1950 and quickly gained recognition for his artistic talent and storytelling skills.

What awards has Hy Eisman won for his work?

Eisman received the National Cartoonists Society’s Award for Best Humor Comic Book Cartoonist in 1975 and another award in 1983 for his work on the “Little Lulu” comic book.

Did Hy Eisman teach cartooning?

Yes, Eisman became a teacher at the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in 1976, where he taught until May 2019.

How many daughters does Hy Eisman have?

Hy Eisman had two daughters from his first marriage to Nathalie Adrienne “Adri” Abramson.

Who did Hy Eisman marry after Adri’s passing?

After Adri died in 1997, Hy Eisman married Florenz Greenberg on June 27, 2004.

What was unique about Hy Eisman’s wedding invitation?

Eisman’s wedding invitation to Florenz Greenberg was a comic strip featuring characters Popeye and Olive Oyl.

What notable character did Hy Eisman reintroduce to the Popeye comic strip?

In December 2008, Eisman reintroduced the character of Bluto to the Popeye Sunday strips as the twin brother of Brutus.

When did Hy Eisman retire from creating comics?

Hy Eisman continued his work on the Popeye Sunday strips until 2022 before retiring from the industry.