Reading Quiz/Blog Post for November 21: Shadow of No Towers

What is the dominant impression you get from the comic? What do you make of the title of Spiegelman’s series of comics? What is going on in the frames and in the gutters?

The first impression I have when reading this comic is that of chaos. Then elements of humor are appreciated ironic and critical to the reaction and response that was in relation to the events of World Trade Center.

The name reflects the intention that had a certain part of society to take refuge under the events of September 11 to validate the abuse and manipulation by power.

Discuss the images in the comic. What do you make of the various ways in which Spiegelman draws his character (human, cartoon human, mouse, etc.)? Why is he doing this? What effect does it have on his narrative?

The fact that there are anthropomorphic characters such reflects the author's idea of showing non-humanized characters and how they can be manipulated.

Examine the narrative through the text. What does the text do in this piece? What function does it serve?

The text serves as a reflection of the chaos in the events after the 9 / 11. The text gives the impression of a babelic dialogue and sometimes nonsensical, only reflecting the lack of clear communication that exists in modern times when everyone wants to show how a particular event affects them.