Why Amazing Spider-Man #477 is so Important

It has often been said that comic books should be fun, lighthearted and a form of escapism for the readers,and whilst I indeed do subscribe to that level of thinking, There is a saying that 'Life' imitates art, although there is once in awhile an event that happens in 'real' life that artistic form will mirror.

On September 11th 2001, such an 'event' did occur. One so horrific and terrifying that the comic book industry felt that it needed addressing within the pages of a comic book.

Written by J.Michael Straczynski and pencilled by John Romita Jr, the issue depicts the horrific details of the tragedy that befell New York City and the attack on the World Trade Centre not to mention western civilization in general. It was a moment when every person on the planet was affected in some way, a moment so terrifying that no-body felt safe. in terms of scale it was in some ways our generations "Pearl Harbor"

This issue tells the tale of helplessness and confusion in a beautiful and sensitive manner, the writing and art just scream the love and respect that was poured into the issue to accurately and rightly pay tribute to the real hero's of that day......The NYFD and NYPD, men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice giving their lives in an attempt to save others. the true definition of heroism. 

Told through the eyes of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Straczynski and Romita Jr's story is an a emotional masterpiece. the Superheros in the issue are shown to be helping out as best they can with Spider-Man and the Avengers aiding and supporting the true life hero's of the book. it also show the aspect that there are horrors that happen in the world that will unite a city, a nation, in such a panel we are shown it's not just Superhero's that have put aside their own regard for self-preservation as the tragedy strikes, but also the Super-villains.of New York are shown to be pitching in and helping remove rumble searching for bodies helping the innocents in all of this. 

The message of those panels is as powerful as it is clear. Everybody was affected that day, in a way that it's impossible to fathom. The sheer artistry of the issue is the way Spider-Man is the voice of the masses, when questioned as to why he and other hero's "Let it happen" we see a distraught and almost broken Spider-Man clearly devastated by the destruction and devastation round him saying nothing, but via inner-monologue almost directly addressing the reader. "We could not see it coming. We could not be here before it happened. We could not stop it. But we are here now"

It's a message that is repeated all through the issue, an affirmation that Spider-Man re-affirms every few pages as he again addresses the reader stating "In such days as these are heroes born. Not heroes such as ourselves. The true heroes of the twenty-first century. You, the human being singular"

The importance of this issue cannot be understated. it's a tribute to those innocent people that lost their lives in an insane and mind-bending attack by a group of men intending on spreading fear, terror and chaos, it's a tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in the attempts made to rescue others, it's a tribute to those who were there who live every day with the horror that they witnessed. It also serves as a reminder that the madmen who perpetrated the most heinous of cowardly attacks feel no remorse. That people who are capable of commiting such an atrocity have no feelings of guilt, guilt or compassion for the sanctity of Human life. 

More importantly this issue reminds us all that for all those who are capable of committing a terrorist attack on this scale there are more people who will always step into the breach selflessly, courageously standing in their way, protecting us. it reminds us that these brave souls are Human.

It is a very heart wrenching and emotional issue. yes it has it's detractors. those that feel, it was Marvel comics profiteering from the lost lives. That the matter should not have been dealt with, within the pages of a comic book. a medium known for lightheartedness. I disagree. The book captures a moment in history that no-one should ever forget. and it's a medium that will reach the next generation in a manner that they will understand and hopefully will show what it truly means to be a Human Being. 

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