DC Conspiracy[dots pattern]

7.26.2006

Government reports

I'm sure you've all heard about the new 150-page graphic novel coming out based on the 9/11 Commission report. There was a spiffy panel at the San Diego Comic Con this year specifically on the book, and it even included folks from the commission, like former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton. Anyway, I've seen a preview of the book and so far I think it's awful. For a book with so much hype behind it, the art is lackluster and the story is flat. It adds nothing to the telling or understanding of 9/11. In fact, it looks little more than a vanity project, like someone striving to complete an opus for which they hope to be revered and remembered, and maybe take home a few Eisners and Pulitzers along the way. The problem with the book, in part, is that other media have done a thorough and excellent job in covering 9/11. What's more vivid and haunting--a video or photos from the day or illustrations depicting it? I don't care how excellent of an illustrator you are, you cannot capture that day (the death, the fear, the heroics) better than photos/video have.

And then there's the story. Is there really a need to repeat the story, which has been told over and over again? I'd rather hear about how the people affected by this tragedy have tried to rebound in their lives, where they have succeeded and where they have failed. (Disclaimer: I haven't seen the entire book, so perhaps there's a anecdote or something in it similar to this, but if it's based on the federal government's report, it'll be as personal and emotional as IRS accountant.)

This isn't to say that federal government reports can't make for good comics. Go read "Monica's Story" by Jon Lewis, James Kochalka and Tom Hart. The three of them crafted a wonderfully dirty-yet-very-funny 32-page comic based on the Starr Report. So, it can be done. It just takes some creativity.

Dembicki at 10:49 AM  |  link to this   

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