12 Shocking Real-Life Incidents That Affected Comics

2. 9/11, Spider-man And Marvel€™s New York

It could be argued that New York is THE central character in the Marvel Universe, so in that respect it is obvious that the events of September 11 2001 would have a seismic impact across the majority of Marvel€™s titles. In the direct aftermath of 9-11, the crossing over of events in real life New York to Marvel New York could be seen most pertinently in The Amazing Spider-man Vol.2 No.36, (commonly referred to as the "Black Issue" due to it€™s all black cover) which examined directly the impact of the tragedy, not just on Peter Parker but other Marvel luminaries such as Captain America and Daredevil, and even villains such as Dr Doom and Magneto. It is of course irrefutable that one of the most significant events of 21st Century has had a tremendous impact and effect on Western cultural output as a whole. Its effects still resonate in the majority of comic book movies that exist today, up to and including, the €˜inside job€™ sub-plot of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which reflects some of the Burning Of The Reichstag conspiracy theories that surround 9/11. This is just the latest example in a genre that has become replete with the familiar imagery of city-wide destruction. Be it Marvel or DC, the imagery and ghosts of 9-11 remain a firm fixture of the comic book world.
Contributor
Contributor

As well as the odd article, I apply my "special mind" to scriptwriting for Comics, Films and Games... Oh and I cut down trees, I skip and jump, I like to press wild flow'rs, I put on women's clothing, and hang around in bars. Follow me on Twitter @DrRobertOtnik