Hey, some people said they wanted a "darker" Spider-Man ...
Sorry for that rather tasteless joke, but that's about the only way at this point to approach the supposed controversy that has met Marvel Comics' "Ultimate Fallout" #4. The six-issue mini-series (weekly, $3.99) finishes off the already-much-discussed "Death of Spider-Man" story line, in which teen hero Peter Parker died while fighting his arch-nemesis, the Green Goblin.
The first of three stories in this particular "Fallout" issue introduced a new character who is replacing Parker in the webbed suit.
He's Miles Morales, a biracial teen (apparently African-American and Latino) who starts his heroic career by battling the Kangaroo and by wondering if "the costume is in bad taste," since it's essentially the same set of togs that were worn by his late predecessor.
Morales' story is no mere one-off. His adventures will continue in a new monthly title, "Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man" ($3.99), which will be written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Sara Pichelli.
Or, as Bendis explained, "The chance for the world to join a new Spider-Man as he discovers what that means in this modern world is one of the most challenging and crazy fun opportunities I've had as a writer. The Ultimate Comics Universe according to Miles is completely unique. I can't wait to write every issue and I can't wait for people to start reading them."
Pichelli was even bolder in her praise for the new character, saying she promises "you will fall in love with Miles. I already did. 'Nuff said."
While Marvel officials and the creative team are excited by the change, it has been met with some resistance from traditionalist fans and others, who call it a "stunt." I'd like to remind them that changing the race or ethnicity of a character is nothing new in comics.
DC Comics had an African-American Green Lantern (John Stewart) and Firestorm (Jason Rusch). Marvel had an African-American Iron Man (James "Rhodey" Rhodes) and Giant-Man (Bill Foster, who was also known by the insensitive Black Goliath name). And it was later revealed in the "Truth" mini-series that the first Captain America was African-American (Isaiah Bradley).
Oh, and for those who are really worried about the character, Peter Parker is still alive and kicking in the Marvel Universe proper. He'll be dealing with the super-powered "Spider Island" in the pages of the bi-weekly "Amazing Spider-Man" title ($3.99).
A Truly Darker Spider-Man?
Again, I wasn't that thrilled by the first trailer for "The Amazing Spider-Man," next summer's super hero "reboot" from "(500) Days of Summer" director Marc Webb and starring English actor Andrew Garfield.
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Hey, some people said they wanted a "darker" Spider-Man ...
Sorry for that rather tasteless joke, but that's about the only way at this point to approach the supposed controversy that has met Marvel Comics' "Ultimate Fallout" #4. The six-issue mini-series (weekly, $3.99) finishes off the already-much-discussed "Death of Spider-Man" story line, in which teen hero Peter Parker died while fighting his arch-nemesis, the Green Goblin.
The first of three stories in this particular "Fallout" issue introduced a new character who is replacing Parker in the webbed suit.
He's Miles Morales, a biracial teen (apparently African-American and Latino) who starts his heroic career by battling the Kangaroo and by wondering if "the costume is in bad taste," since it's essentially the same set of togs that were worn by his late predecessor.
Morales' story is no mere one-off. His adventures will continue in a new monthly title, "Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man" ($3.99), which will be written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Sara Pichelli.
Or, as Bendis explained, "The chance for the world to join a new Spider-Man as he discovers what that means in this modern world is one of the most challenging and crazy fun opportunities I've had as a writer. The Ultimate Comics Universe according to Miles is completely unique. I can't wait to write every issue and I can't wait for people to start reading them."
Pichelli was even bolder in her praise for the new character, saying she promises "you will fall in love with Miles. I already did. 'Nuff said."
While Marvel officials and the creative team are excited by the change, it has been met with some resistance from traditionalist fans and others, who call it a "stunt." I'd like to remind them that changing the race or ethnicity of a character is nothing new in comics.
DC Comics had an African-American Green Lantern (John Stewart) and Firestorm (Jason Rusch). Marvel had an African-American Iron Man (James "Rhodey" Rhodes) and Giant-Man (Bill Foster, who was also known by the insensitive Black Goliath name). And it was later revealed in the "Truth" mini-series that the first Captain America was African-American (Isaiah Bradley).
Oh, and for those who are really worried about the character, Peter Parker is still alive and kicking in the Marvel Universe proper. He'll be dealing with the super-powered "Spider Island" in the pages of the bi-weekly "Amazing Spider-Man" title ($3.99).
A Truly Darker Spider-Man?
Again, I wasn't that thrilled by the first trailer for "The Amazing Spider-Man," next summer's super hero "reboot" from "(500) Days of Summer" director Marc Webb and starring English actor Andrew Garfield.
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It appears to be yet another origin story. Worse, the trailer is dark and dull, with virtually no traces of the goofy, fun spirit of either the Sam Raimi-directed movies or the original Marvel Comics.
One of the people who actively lobbied to play Peter Parker is African-American actor Donald Glover, from NBC's "Community." He's an honest-to-goodness geek. And say what you will, he might be more interesting than Garfield's big-haired emo version. (In the trailer, he appears to be sporting the Ally Sheedy outfit from "The Breakfast Club.")
Have an idea for something geeky I need to check out, or for something I should write about? Please email me: viceroy@mediocreshow.com.
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