The city of New York is frequently presented in various media. Graphic novels, comic books, and films have depicted the city in many ways. There is “realistic”, “fantasy”, “realistic” New York and dozens of other representations. New York is the birthplace of American comic books and DC and Marvel, the two largest comic book publishers, are based in New York. In fact, the city is featured in 13,249 different comic books or graphic novels. So why is New York an ideal setting for comics? This is because of New York's iconic locations, its cultural influence in America, and the diversity of the city, which allow for many interpretations that can connect readers. Graphic novels and comic books can present stories in a unique way that words alone cannot accomplish. The images themselves tell just as much of a story and can contain many contextual clues about events, encouraging readers to examine them closely. In Paul Austers' graphic novel City of Glass, New York is presented realistically. The city is drawn in an unremarkable way, but for good reason. The main character's mind can distort his own perception throughout the story, conjuring up fantastical and irrational images. By drawing the city realistically, the contrast between what is happening and what the main character thinks is happening is more distinctive. This helps readers by giving them insight into the main character's mental instability, which is not directly addressed. The tone is similar to that of a film noir and brings elements of detective and crime novels into its pages. Written strictly in black and white, it depicts normal tourist sites in New York. The narrator sees the city as a maze, a maze of endless stairs in which to get lost. (4) The streets themselves have signs, traffic and... middle of paper ... it's impossible for it to exist the way it does. The way “Marvels” depicts the city is obviously fantastical in the cataclysmic events and battles that occur there. However, as a whole, it includes precise architecture that matches New York. Marvels includes important landmarks, in addition to referencing actual areas and buildings. It also presents readers with interesting depictions of historical and fictional events and movements. However, what it does best is show the evolution of New York's citizens and the wonders, while keeping the rest of the city relatively consistent and familiar. This allows readers to focus on the story and events taking place, but it also encourages them to look at the subtle things that are changing in the city. Graffiti changes, subcultures develop, and New York is able to keep up with the times, ultimately keeping new readers attracted to comics as a medium..