There are nearly 60 years of Spider-stories out there at this point, across comics, TV shows, movies and games, all in their own ways advancing the rich web of character arcs that have made Spidey endure as one of the world’s greatest superheroes. But this week’s Spectacular Spider-Man offers the simplest reminders as to why: Peter Parker’s just a good kid.
DC Comics' Catwoman has been in the news lately thanks to her glitzy engagement to the Dark Knight. But when it comes to cat-themed super-thieves, who's going to question Felicia Hardy herself stealing the spotlight for a knowing wink at Gotham City's newest power couple?
The secret identity of Spider-Man is one of the most sacred in comics history. Peter Parker has seen the consequences of those close to him in his private life becoming entangled in his superheroics too many times to count, and although he was once unmasked, that's since been undone. Spectacular Spider-Man changed that this week, in a pivotal, emotional moment.
Currently in Marvel's comics, Peter Parker isn't really the down-on-his-luck photographer that many people know him as. In fact, he's pretty much Tony Stark, a billionaire at the head of a vast international R&D company. So when you want to capitalise on, say, the character's big movie this year, you need a book that reflects what people are familiar with.
