Wednesday, October 31, 2007

The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation


The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation by Sid Jacobson & Ernie Colon. Based on the final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. Copy donated by publisher in support of the Cybils 2006.

About:

A graphic adaptation of the 9/11 Report, putting forth the time line of what happened on 9/11, then the results of the commission's investigation of what lead up to 9/11, including how it happened, why, failures, and recommendations.

The Good:

Hats off to the person who decided that the final report could be adapted into a GN format. When I heard about it, I thought it was crazy; then I read it, and realized it was a perfect match.
This turns a dense and complicated report into something much more accessible. I hesitate to say it's easy to read, because how can anything related to 9/11 be "easy"? But it is easy to follow, and to connect the pieces.

Why it works: sometimes, a picture is more effective than words on a page. This is one of those times. Also, often I understand something better from seeing an illustration, instead of having something described. This is one of those times.

Links:
Slate interview with the illustrators
AmoXcalli review

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