On October 2, 2002, the Prints and photographs Division of the Library of Congress hosted a panel of comic book artists of, Will Eisner, Paul Levitz, Jeff Mason, Peter Kuper and Trina Robbins. These five influential artists and writers who contributed to the Library's collections discussed their work and responses as creators to recent historic events. The presentation was held in the Mumford room and was open and free to the public.

In the wake of the September 11,2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, comic book artists and illustrators created powerful graphic works depicting universal themes, personal experiences and recollections. Their panels and stories focused on varied aspects of the events, including heroism, tragedy, rescue, loss, sacrifice, and the effort to comprehend their impact.

Their stories were collected and featured in anthologies published soon after the attacks by Alternative Comics, DC Comics and World War 3 Illustrated. Through artists' gifts, The prints and Photographs Division has acquired a spectrum of this work.