Webslinger:
SF and Comic Writers on Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
The tangled web of vengeance, love, and loss woven by Spider-Man comics and films is explored in this collection of insightful essays by acclaimed writers of comics and science fiction and edited by Spider-Man comic writer Gerry Conway.
A variety of topics–from the superhero’s sarcasm to the science behind radioactive spiders–are discussed in essays on “Turning Rage into Responsibility: A Psychology of Loss,” “Love Is Selfish: Can a Hero Afford Personal Attachments?,” and “Self Identity and Costume Design.” The popular rival Green Goblin, the bumbling-yet-influential media, and the part New York City itself plays in stories are skillfully explored, as well as the overall philosophy of mild-mannered Peter Parker and Spidey’s relationship with the rest of the characters in the Marvel universe.
"Secrets and Secret-Keepers"
After nearly a decade of writing Spider-Man, creator Stan Lee decided to inject Peter Parker with a dose of maturity in Amazing Spider-Man No. 100. Spider-Man beats up a team of bank robbers, and realizes it doesn’t give him the same thrill it used to. He bounces along the rooftops: “Maybe I’m finally growing up, at last!” Peter laments his life as a “corny costumed clown,” and thinks of the alternative, a normal life with then-girlfriend Gwen Stacy. What would married life be like as Spider-Man? “It’s tough enough to keep my secret identity from her now. But once we were married, the strain could be too great.”
Wait. Hold on.
He plans to keep his secret identity from his own wife?! Yep. He decides his only option is to either quit being Spider-Man entirely or forgo any hope of marriage. Now this is a superhero who’s serious about maintaining a secret identity!
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