9-11: September 11th 2001, Volume 2

9-11: Stories to Remember #2

by Various

A collection of personal and profoundly moving stories from some of the greatest writers and artists in comics, in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, features the first story added to the Sandman opus in two years with a Death and Destruction story by Neil Gaiman and Chris Bachalo; a new Krypto story by Jeph Loeb, Carlos Pacheco, and Jes·s Mari±o; and many others. A Graphic Novel. Original.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, History, Anthologies, Short Stories, Graphic Novels Comics, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Various is the correct author for any book with multiple unknown authors, and is acceptable for books with multiple known authors, especially if not all are known or the list is very long (over 50).

If an editor is known, however, Various is not necessary. List the name of the editor as the primary author (with role "editor"). Contributing authors' names follow it.

Note: WorldCat is an excellent resource for finding author information and contents of anthologies.

Reviews

[Damon · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I picked up both volumes of these, which are comic people's responses to 911, and I did so knowing that they were likely to make me kinda mad, or kinda feel sick, but hoping that some of the contents might make me feel like maybe the world was kinda not always full of idiots. Both volumes accomplished tasks 1 & 2 quite handily, but not so much of task 3.
There was some stuff that was okay, and a LOT of stuff that was awful and insulting and offensive and bad in numerous ways - most notably the story in Vol. 2, sadly written by Stan Lee, which adapts 911 and the subsequent military response into a childish fable wherein the "Arabs" are depicted as stinky, stupid rats with heavy-lidded eyes and clouds of flies around them, hiding in piles of shit and garbage while they plot their nefarious deeds, and torturing each other while doing so. Then the righteous US, portrayed as a proud elephant king, comes and stomps the crap out of them, to the benefit of all involved. (I'll give "The Man" the benefit of the doubt that MAYBE he didn't intend for this to be illustrated in quite this way, but c'mon Stan, I still expect better from you.)
Other stories are the usual nonsense you'd expect about how it's so great to be American in the days immediately following a tragic event, and how we're surely going to randomly kick a ton of ass and be undeniably right in doing so (Vol. 2, the DC volume, adding a bunch of superheroes to the mix here, which adds more insult to the already high insult level). There was also a lot of stuff about people losing people, or people saving people, and both being heroes, and some more superheroes thrown in here, which help to negate any emotional charge the stories might have by following them with a splash page of Superman crying or Batman looking at an empty police hat or something.
Generally, the best stuff was the personal stuff where the creator talked about the impact the events had on them personally. While not all of this was much better, some of it at least seemed genuine and showed the spectrum of emotions real people felt in the wake of everything.
Best of all was a story set in Boston during the 2001 World Series, where a guy berates his buddy for wearing Yankees cap and convinces him that rooting for the Yankees, even in light of what New York suffered, is letting the terrorists win. No sarcasm here - it was a great piece of work, and a sentiment I could agree with.

[Ben Truong · Rating 3 out of 5]

9-11: September 11th 2001, Volume 2 is an anthology of one or two-page short comics, comic strips, and graphic art collected by DC Comics and focused on the tragedy that was the September 11 Attacks (9/11). Today is the eighteenth anniversary of the tragic event and I thought it was apropos to re-read it today.

DC Comics released this collections of short comics with proceeds going towards The World Trade Center Relief Fund, Survivors Fund, September 11th Fund, and the Twin Towers Fund. Hundreds of volunteer writers, pencilers, inkers, colourists, letterers, and editors contribute to this anthology.

This anthology is part memorial and historical document on what happened on that terrible day not so long ago. This anthology mourns the victims, support the survivors, celebrating first responders, and examining how one lives in a post 9/11 world. These comic-shorts run the gauntlet, some were hopeful and others were emotionally heart-wrenching.

For the most part, I like most of the contributions in this anthology. However, with most anthologies, there are weaker contributions and there were some weaker entries – they weren't all that terrible that I would outright hate it, but I think with the various contributors with short comics gave a varying degree of subjected quality, which fortunately made a better impression than the first volume, but only slightly. Overall, it is a wonderful collection of entries that honors the victims and survivors of the September 11 Attacks.

With literally hundreds of writers and pencilers it is extremely difficult to rate this anthology in both text and art as it is rather diverse. While normally I would like the flow both textually and artistically to be constant in graphic novels, 9-11: September 11th 2001, Volume 2 is the exception to that rule. I think it's because the comic stories were mostly one or two pages long that it didn't give the chance for my brain to notice a penciling style to follow and contrast with.

All in all, 9-11: September 11th 2001, Volume 2 is a wonderful collection of comic strips and graphic art in commemoration to the September 11 Attacks, but unfortunately gave a mediocre quality overall.

[Desiree Brunelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is quite the tragedy and has a heroic aspect of our country to show in the time of need hero's emerge with out superpowers but with hearts of gold. this comic show every aspect of everyone who was involved, the hero's ( as the fire department, the police, and civilians saving other civilians), the victims, and the children in danger. one part of this book an boy is in his room making a toy when suddenly the floor underneath him gives way and he is hanging for him life, he says to himself " ...it was hot. And I couldn't breathe"..."and I knew I was going to fall.." right as he says that a fireman comes out of no where with out even thinking he leaps over to grab the little boy and saves his life with out any concern for his own safety. later we lean that man lost his leg rescuing that boy, but the remarkable thing the fireman said to the boy was "...I wish I was faster, wish I hadn't been there when the beam fell. but do I wish I hadn't been there that night? wish I hadn't gone in no. id do it all over again in a heart beat." that right there Is a true hero. you wonder why would anyone save another persons life when you your self could lose your life trying to save them but in reality there is a over whelming feeling to save anyone in need and with out hesitation we do it because we know it is right and that makes everyone a hero even if we don't have super powers we can still do great things with what little we have.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants read something not made up something that isn't fantasy but reality and heart ranching, anyone that want to see what a real hero is.

[Kole · Rating 2 out of 5]

This volume was worse then the first. There's a few highlights in here but the longer format for these stories does not help. There's a particularly offensive story in here that simplifies 9/11 into a "lost Aesop Fable" that is full of Jingoism, racism and oversimplification of the complex events that led to the events of 9/11. This "tale" just left a bad taste and almost soured me entirely on this collection. Thankfully, that story doesn't set the tone for the rest which is mostly bad or mediocre with surface level looks at 9/11 which occasionally feel like a patriotic jerking-off of America, as was common at the time.

Overall, this volume is less effective compared to the first volume which has a lot of stories that require interpretations and are very brief, instead of the fairly obvious and long stories that exist in this volume. Skip this one and stick with volume 1 unless you really feel you need more after reading the first volume. If you do, then tamper your expectations and be prepared for at least 1 unfortunate section.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread this for the first time since 2002 and I think more stories moved me to tears now than then. Of course, a few are trite and a few are wrong-headed (the ones crying for revenge seem even more problematic given the nearly two decades of horror and the continued waste of lives and money in Afghanistan, where Bin Laden wasn't actually hiding), but the effect of the entire book is extremely emotional and moving.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given the sheer number of contributors to this collection you won't be surprised to hear that the quality and sentiment of the stores vary greatly. Some are brilliant, some are sweet, some don't quite get there and others are so disgustingly patriotic it makes me want to puke.

[Terry Collins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mawkish beyond belief, proving yet again how difficult it is to write about tragic events such as what occurred on 9-11 ... and how filtering it through a mainstream comics sensibility without the material become cloying even more so. Sincere, but a chore to read.

[Mauritzvd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good stories, some lousy stories, but mostly just very sentimental. It's worth a read if you can stand the sugar coated Americana pulp that takes up more than 75% of the book.

[Lynda Breithaupt-Muenzer]

Levitz, Paul. 9-11: September 11th 2001, Volume 2. (2002). This is a compilation of stories and drawings, from many authors and comic artists, in graphic novel format, about the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. I found this book in the Young Adult section of the library. It is 2018 right now and I'm not sure most young adults of this time would be able to resonate with the gravity of this horrific event, nor understand the politics and the history involved. If you are not familiar with New York, it might also be hard to relate to the neighborhoods and cultures within the big city. I think the graphic novel idea is an excellent way to convey to young adults what happened that unforgettable day and how it has affected the world since. The visuals and the variety of stories give a full view of the anger, the courage, the fear, the bewilderment, the prejudices, the bonding, and the loss felt by humanity that day and beyond. Patriotism, faith and hope were all challenged. The titles of the stories and some of their dedications lure you to read on; such as "Wake Up", dedicated to N.Y.P.D. Officer Moira Smith and Port Authority P.D. Captain Kathy Mazza who lost their lives protecting others and left behind their own children and spouses. I have always wondered what happened to all the pets whose owners never came home, but the only animals in this book are the incredible search and rescue dogs who bravely helped recover people. The story, "Have You Seen?" is an excellent representation of the signs that were posted to find loved ones who were missing. Sadly, one page shows a homeless man voicing that he feared no one would know he died; no one would miss him. An author didn't forget him. Heroes are a main focus of the book, but not just police officers, firemen, and medical people. On the cover, even Superman and his dog are looking up to the heroes from the stories inside. People of many backgrounds, jobs, and abilities performed courageous acts as if simply by instinct. People experienced strength they had never possessed before, such as an older man who helped a larger, but injured man down 63 flights of stairs! Several ironic situations were described such as a photographer who is not a fan of the police because they get in his way; but then an officer ends up saving his life. The story I think most young readers would relate to involves the rescue of a boy by a fireman, who made many sacrifices that day, including the loss of one of his legs. The story, "A Burning Hate", is another story that young students can probably recognize in schools and neighborhoods. I'm not sure if the story "Ascending" was supposed to comfort readers or if it was a mockery of heaven. My favorite part of the book was a few pages encompassing world leaders through the decades and what their thoughts were about war, why they continue, what they are in the name of, but all at such a great loss of human life. Winston Churchill says it best with, "the best way to end a war, is to never start one."

[Jason Waltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Levitz penned the Introduction. Will Eisner and several others both wrote and drew. Joe Staton, Jim Lee, and many others drew. Jeph Loeb, Stan Lee, Neil Gaiman, Michael Moorcock – just a few of those who wrote. DC Comics produced it with the donated help of suppliers, printers, distributors – and all of the creative artists and writers who worked hard to make sense of something so senseless. The subtitle of this graphic novel is The World’s Finest Comic Book Writers & Artists Tell Stories To Remember. It’s a tribute, with all the proceeds having gone to funds supporting the victims and surviving families of the 9-11 attacks. Regardless of what one thinks of the attacks (they were an act of war); regardless of what one thinks of America’s reaction (no where near strong enough); regardless of anything anyone may think – these works were created in the immediate aftermath of September 2001 and no one can deny their immediacy, their heartfelt pleas or frank expressions. Countless talent spread across America contributed 223 pages of art and story which were collected and produced immediately in January 2002. There’s no stunning artwork here, just good, sometimes great, art that serves its purpose without distracting. There are no fantastical stories, few battles of good and evil; rather, there are exploratory and explanatory tales, stories that seek out personal feelings and try to relate them to a shocked and grieving nation. Several are quite good, quite introspective. None are empty or pointless. A few I especially like are “Wake Up” by Joe Kelly, Scott Kolins and Dan Panosian; “9 A.M. EST” by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning and Yanick Paquette and Jim Royal; “For Art’s Sake” by Brian K. Vaughan and Pete Woods and Keith Champagne; “The Sleeping Giant” by Stan Lee and Marie Severin; “A Burning Hate” by David S. Goyer and Geoff Johns and Humberto Ramos and Sandra Hope; “Blitz Kid” by Michael Moorcock and Walter Simonson and Bob Wiacek (Moorcock followed this with an open letter that was quite well-written and optimistic). There were several stand alone drawings that were moving, including the end piece featuring Batman and numerous American flags. I was impressed with the understanding and care that obviously went into this work by everyone involved. It is a sobering read but one I recommend. The cynic in me is grateful this was done immediately after the events in question. I believe the emotions to be truer and the openness of the artists to be more obvious. Done too much later, all that makes it so true and great would have been lost. Would I recommend 9-11: September 11, 2001: Stories to Remember edited by DC Comics to my friends? Yes, I certainly would.

[Tony Laplume · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/11 will remain a touchstone for those alive when it happened, since of course there are now several generations growing and grown who weren’t (all my nieces and nephews, for instance). I love that the comics industry put together these testaments (incredibly this is the first time I’ve read this volume, and of course I need to read the first as well), these reflections. So much of what Americans have done in the decades since has required processing, both related directly to the response and seemingly otherwise, it’s nice to be able to revisit the immediate aftermath. For the creators involved, this may be the most important work of their careers. Somebody voluntarily relinquished ownership of this, and I bought it as a used copy. It’s the kind of thing I think should be an heirloom.

[Alecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A diverse variety of comics and artwork all related to 9-11 - with one story from a younger, lesser known Mo Willems that caught my eye. Some of the stories I loved (including some tear jerkers that brought me right back to that day) while others I wasn't crazy about, but overall it was a nice way to remember the events of that day and its many heroes.

[StrictlySequential · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creators from all over the world BUT I found it odd that there was no Japanese or Franco-Belgium creators involved since they are so prolific in the international industry but surely they just weren't invited. If I didn't see a region represented in the credits let me know!

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting historical document. Much of it doesn't really stand "the test of time," although you don't really expect that from something like this.

[Paul Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very touching.

[Marcus Watznauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a good book of stories bt it was kinda hard to understand at times bt it shows history

[David Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was compelling and the illustrations were vivid! While I didn’t have the same deep emotional response to this volume as I did to the first one, I still couldn’t put the book down.

[Kamil Henri · Rating 3 out of 5]

6.5/10

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nine years later, the events of 9-11 are still affecting life in innumerable ways, and those affects will certainly provoke innumerable responses. The beauty of these comics are the vast range of perspectives, the wealth of ways to look at the tragedy and how it affects each of us. There is anger here, and pain, bewilderment, sadness, and even some desperate attempts at humor. If it is true that boys are explorers at heart, then they must find some grasp on such a powerfully unique event. They do not need a map, or even a guide, they need companions, and the artists who produced these works do not pretend to have answers, only different ways of posing questions. To put this in a format with such traditional boy appeal is to empower the reader, in a truer sense than that word is generally used.

[Patrice Sartor · Rating 4 out of 5]

After 9-11, many comic artists and writers came together and created two compilations (this is the second) of stories. Thus, the art and writing style contained in this edition is quite varied, though they mostly focus on the 'real heroes' of this trajedy: the policemen, firemen, medical personnel, soldiers and every day people that somehow made a difference. Most of the stories are extremely well done as well as touching, and I cried throughout reading them. The ones that most moved me were the ones that felt the most personal. I assume many of those were true, though I am not sure. I am sure that all the proceeds from these books are donated to charity, and that makes me feel even better. Not sure if I am ready to read the first one right away; the stories do take a toll...but one day I will.

[Laura J. Axelrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I zipped through this volume quickly. It will give you an idea about what people were thinking right after 9-11-2001. I'm more inclined to consider how the artists, writers and readers were traumatized by the attacks.

The introduction states, "As creative people confronted by an astounding day of willful destruction and death, we needed to express ourselves, and reach out to you. We had stories to tell and images to share, in the hope that they will help you to remember September 11th and to ease the pain you lived through that day."

This book does its job. In hindsight, is it overly sentimental at times? Well, sure. Published in 2002, it also lacks the wisdom that time offers. But considering the intention of the authors, I can look past all of that.

[jenna Hudrlik · Rating 3 out of 5]

ummm, I didnt think this was nearly as good as volume 1. For many reasons. I didnt think the variety of opinions depicted were varied enough, some I didnt even understand because the message wasnt clear, some I completely had to roll my eyes when I read them bc of the message being depicted and others I didnt feel like the message came out strongly enough. Also, I am not a superhero fan or a comic book reader so most of these stories were too long for me. I liked the first book better because they seemed more graphically artistic and to the point.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this graphic novel. Many of the stories are well done and capture the complicated emotions of the events, aftermath, and deaths of loved ones. On the other hand, some of the stories seem to be lacking depth and appear to based on generalizations/stereotypes. However, I feel a collection of creative 9-11 stories is needed to help others understand the tragedy that unfolded on that day because many of the non-fiction books out there do not do a good job of showing how people reacted and felt---facts can't do that.

[Victor Orozco · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK I guess. A nice collection of stories that show some of the goodness that came from such an awful tragedy.

But it seems to veer towards the political side at times as well as the stories being to brief.

Still. I love some of the images. The best one being Superman looking up at that crowd of New York's finest and saying 'Wow.'

Okay. C-

[Amy Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but not what I am looking for. Rather than an artistic response to the tragedy and existential crisis presented by 9-11 and tragedy, I would like to find a historical account for young people. I thought perhaps this graphic novel would be that, but it is not. This book (pub. 2002) assumes a knowledge of the facts and events of 9-11, something children today are lacking.

[Brett]

Comics,Graphic Novel

[Alan Chen · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Which of these is true? The popularly known image of something or someone? Or the lesser-known image of that same something or someone? Both of them are. So God Bless America. And God help us all."

[Bec Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wheel by Gaiman.

Tears.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, some amazing visuals in this book and a whole new look at heroes of all kinds.