Spider-Man is Marvel’s icon. He is the most recognizable superhero of theirs, and that is quite the crazy feat. When you think about it, Marvel has some of the most popular and well-recognized fictional characters in their pantheon. Characters like Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and Wolverine. While these guys are all popular, their popularity pales in comparison to Spidey. And for good reason. They’re all great, but Spider-Man is just different.
Spider-Man is the every man. He’s relatable, he’s lovable, he’s flawed, but he’s also just so charismatic and endearing. These characters I mentioned before are all represented in various types of media. Movies, television, video games, and, most importantly, comics. Comics are crucial here because it’s where these guys originated from. But fans have been wondering one thing: Why have Spider-Man’s current comics been absolutely horrific?
The Amazing Spider-Man
Spider-Man’s main comic series, since the 1960s, has been “The Amazing Spider-Man”. ASM is a great comic, it has been ever since it started in 1963. This singular comic series has been the pillar of Spider-Man’s popularity throughout his tenure. Fan-favorite characters, villains, love interests, and plot points have all been introduced in this comic. Now why has it been so terrible amongst readers as of late?
Well, it’s a really long story. Basically, in the mid-2000s, ASM underwent a huge restructuring, and the story of Spider-Man, as we know it, was changed. Spider-Man was no longer married to Mary Jane Watson, and many old, dead characters were brought back. It was a huge change-up that, if you ask me and many fans, would say was done very poorly. But what’s done is done. In the time since, there have been some bad stories but also some great stories.
Enter Zeb Wells
Image via Nicolas ScagnelliWith ASM’s latest comics in the past couple of years, a problem has been very apparent. Spider-Man is not allowed to grow as a person. In the comic run written by Nick Spencer, Pete and MJ actually got back together, and were close to even getting married again. Last minute, this storyline went nowhere. Then, a new writer, Zeb Wells, took over, and this relationship was completely thrown out the window.
Now listen. I have no hate for Zeb Wells. I don’t think it’s his decision to make these stories. I believe that editorial, the higher-ups, pick a writer for ASM and make them write a story that aligns with their goals. Wells has written some horrific Spider-Man stories lately. Pete and MJ are currently broken up, Paul, a new, nobody character, took MJ from Peter, and it’s just a big mess.
The Tangled Web of Editorial
But realistically, it’s all up to editorial. The people with the money. The higher ups. They don’t want Spider-Man to grow. Look at other superheroes. Characters like Superman and Batman for instance. They have been around for even longer than Spider-Man, but these characters have foundationally changed very slightly. Superman is now married to Lois Lane. Batman has a biological son.
These characters are meant to be around forever. But they should also slightly change and grow. They shouldn’t completely change, but growth is important. Marvel editorial does not want the main universe Spider-Man to grow. They’re fine making him a loser with no girlfriend, no kids, and no money. Because that’s how stubborn and misinformed they are. If it were up to me, Spidey would have a kid with MJ. And none of this stuff would be happening. But hey, maybe one day Marvel will wise up and do their best character justice.
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