Pulitzer prize-winning comic creator Art Spiegelman has returned to comics.  He is writing and drawing 'In the Shadow of No Towers,' an autobiographical comic that will be serialized in the Forward, a New York-based Jewish newspaper, and in German newspaper Die Ziet.  The story, which will appear on full newspaper pages, is Spiegelman's attempt to free himself from the September 11 attacks, which he and his wife witnessed from the street near their house in lower Manhattan.  According to an interview in the Forward, Spiegelman is returning to comics, which he finds more difficult to draw than magazine covers and illustrations, not only to convey his emotions surrounding 9-11, but also as the result of a vow to use his artistic talents more completely.  The Forward quotes him as saying, 'I made a vow as we all huddled safely that day, in the shadow of no towers, that I would draw comics again.'

 

Spiegelman is best known for Maus, the story of his parents' experiences in the Holocaust told in comic form, which probably did more to elevate the literary reputation of comics in the U.S. than any other publication.  When it is collected, this new work will represent another opportunity to show the medium at its best.  Eight monthly one-page installments are planned, which would make it possible to have a book in stores for the holidays in 03.  Given the page size and small page count, the format will present some interesting opportunities and challenges for the publisher.