I was reluctant to write a piece on 9/11, but on this day as I sit in my office cubicle, I contemplate on the actuality of what a hero is. Reminiscing on the cover of the 9-11 Volume 2 book that delves into 9/11 related comic art, I find the cover intriguing. It has superman and his loyal super-dog Krpto looking up at a banner with an array of 9/11 respondents.

A myriad of diverse men and women from police officers and fire-fighters to EMT rescuers and construction workers. The way in which the cover depicts superman so small compared to the larger than life mural of everyday, show us that the archetypes we create are simply within us. On the contrary, it is the average citizen that endures extreme realities that brings out the “super” within the hero.

I take this day, to look upon the way in which comic books depicted 9/11 within the realm of super-heroes, and the reaction that stems within these created panels. Referring back to The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 2 #36 called “the black issue” we have Spider-Man looking down in awe at ground zero after the north tower of the world trade center collapsed. Written by Michael Straczynski and illustrated by John Romita Jr., we see the vulnerability in what it means to “not be everywhere at once”, but comprehend on what it means to strive during the aftermath. As each panel goes by, we see heroes and villains share a commonality of the realization of how far evil can go. Yet, the focus is of the citizens and respondents that becomes the focal point of how we truly survive after such a tragic event. On May 2, 2011, when the white house announced the defeat of Osama Bin Laden by U.S. Navy Seals, the realization that we didn’t need Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s armor, or Superman’s “God like invulnerability.” In the end we needed each other, and that’s what brought the true meaning of being a super-hero to fruition.

When Brian K. Vaughan did Ex Machina which is set in a world in which a superhero called the Great Machine becomes mayor of New York after intervening in the September 11 attacks, symbolizes the way in which the so called “every-man” or “every-woman” is the true manifestation of power needed to preserve our civilization. This reminds us that in a world of chaos, responsibility of power is what brings us to order. So on this day as a comic book fan, and as a worker for the FDNY, it is a privilege to be among those who are really “super-heroes”…..

By: Adam Vega
9/11/15