Will Eisner's 'Fagin the Jew' Returns in Expanded Edition

001 Edizioni has released a new expanded hardcover edition of Will Eisner's graphic novel 'Fagin l'ebreo' (Fagin the Jew), originally published in 2003. The book offers a daring reinterpretation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist from the perspective of Moses Fagin, aiming to dismantle racial stereotypes and prejudices that have shaped the character's portrayal. This edition features a detailed scan of the original plates, an introduction by Eisner, a preface by Brian Michael Bendis, and a critical essay by Jeet Heer. It is part of a larger project by 001 Edizioni to reprint Eisner's works in special formats. The 132-page volume, priced at €24, goes on sale March 8, 2018. Eisner's introduction explains his motivation: after finding examples of racial defamation in the original illustrations of Oliver Twist and recalling Nazi propaganda during World War II, he felt compelled to create a respectful portrait of Fagin.