"A key to my thinking has always been the almost fanatical belief that what I was engaged in was a literary art form. That belief was compounded out of ego and necessity, I guess, a combination of the two"

Will Eisner's quote highlights the extensive devotion and conviction he held towards his work, which he thought about a true type of literary art. The expression "nearly fanatical belief" signifies an extreme and steady dedication that verges on fixation. This indicates that Eisner did not meddle his craft superficially; rather, he immersed himself completely, viewing his work as more than simply a task or a medium of expression but as an esteemed art form in its own right.

The recommendation that his belief was sustained by "ego and need" suggests a double inspiration. On one hand, the ego reflects a personal pride and confidence in his abilities and vision, cultivating a strong internal drive to validate and elevate his work. Ego, in this context, is not simply self-importance however an effective motivator that presses an artist towards excellence, making every effort to leave a distinct mark. Eisner's reference to ego might also indicate a recognition of his requirement to assert the significance of the medium, challenging social understandings that may have undervalued his type of art.

On the other hand, requirement indicates a compelling requirement or commitment. This could refer to both individual and broader creative requirements-- the personal need to reveal and interact through his chosen medium, and the more comprehensive need to raise the status of graphic storytelling within the creative and literary neighborhood. Eisner, often hailed as a leader of graphic storytelling and the developer of the term "graphic novel", likely saw his work as important in bridging the gap in between visual art and standard literature.

In conclusion, Eisner's quote explores the crossway of personal conviction, creative vision, and external recognition. His "nearly fanatical belief" was a driving force that allowed him to go beyond traditional borders, raising his work to what he busily saw and treated as literary art.