Intersections: Comic Books, Philanthropy, and 9/11

Comic books are a powerful and versatile medium to explore difficult subjects, blending visual and textual storytelling to reflect real-world events. After 9/11, comic book artist John Romita Jr. honored those affected by the 9/11 attacks and raised funds for victims’ families with Amazing Spider-Man #36: The Black Issue.

“We wanted to do more than tell a story. We wanted to help the people whose courage inspired it."
-John Romita Jr.

Since then, comic books have combined storytelling with documentation and philanthropy, with graphic novelists like Edgardo Miranda-Rodríguez, best known as the creator of La Borinqueña, at the forefront of this movement. In conversation with Vice President of People & Culture Alejandro Victoria, they discuss 9/11’s impact on comics, the art of tying in real-world stories and philanthropy, and the healing power of the medium after tragedy.