The Dreamer (graphic novel)

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The Dreamer is a 1986 thinly disguised autobiographical graphic novel by Will Eisner about his early years as a comic book artist in the 1930s, with a particular focus on his years as part of Eisner & Iger studios.

The book delves into the early years of the comic book industry and how the idealistic Eisner and his more pragmatic partner organized a business to supply material for publishers.

The incidents Eisner adapts for the story include how Jack Kirby frightened off a mobster who was attempting to intimidate his employer. A major plot point is how Eisner's principles and ideals sometimes complicated his business affairs such the adaptation of the account of when he refused to perjure himself in court in a copyright infringement lawsuit over Wonder Man and thus cost his business a major account.

Eventually, Eisner decides to leave this successful life behind when he accepts the opportunity to produce a comic book for a newspaper syndicate, which resulted in the creation of The Spirit.