In this kind of story, 9/11 serves as a reminder that catastrophe can jolt even
the most self-involved characters out of their slumbers. In The Alcoholic, Haspiel’s
stark depictions of the burning towers carry undeniable metaphorical resonance.
For one, they serve as a wake-up call. In the aftermath of 9/11, Jonathan A. starts to
reach out to his neighbors and pays closer attention to his surroundings. In short, he
learns to care again. At the same time, he is fearful and parties hard. Only belatedly
does he realize that “you don’t get everything you want in life.” The final page, a
lovely single-panel illustration, shows Mr. A. pausing wistfully in front of a neighborhood
bar. Even the shock of 9/11 did not suffice to fix his condition.