Spider-Symmetry: Sal Buscema

 

Since learning of the passing of Mr Sal Buscema, I’ve struggled to find an adequate way to show my respect for one of comics’ true legends. I’m deeply saddened and at a loss as to how to convey how much of an impact Sal has had upon the industry and myself personally. That said, I think the best kind of tributes come from fellow artists in the field, so here is just one example of Spider-Symmetry which demonstrates the impact of and sincere reverence for Our Pal Sal from one such comic book artist, Mr Ron Frenz.

 

From the pages of the fantastic ‘The Child Within’ story which ran through Spectacular Spider-Man #178-#183 (with an epilogue in #184) by J.M. DeMatteis and Sal Buscema, we get this wonderful full-page splash to end issue #173:

 

As penciller on Spider-Girl, Amazing Spider-Girl and the Spectacular Spider-Girl eras, Mr Ron Frenz would pay homage several times to long-time Spider-Girl inker and good friend Mr Sal Buscema, with today’s example coming from the final issue of the Spectacular Spider-Girl mini-series, issue #4:

 

Sal’s contributions to the comic book industry cannot be overstated, from his extensive runs across various titles, to his famous and dynamic ‘Sal Buscema Punch’ pose, to his dedication and kindness, not to mention inspiring entire generations of comic book fans and aspiring artists. We have lost a major pillar of the MC2 Universe, someone who chose to essentially come out of retirement to work on Spider-Girl and for that I will be forever grateful. Thank you, Sal.

 

 

Until I manage to better find the words to express myself, I remain

 

frogoat

Is the MC2's Aftershock in Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur?!

 

I do not usually like to do these sorts of posts because of how poorly they tend to age, but with recent rumblings surrounding the new Disney animated series Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, I figured I might as well take the time to quickly lay out what we know about the potential appearance of an MC2 character within the show: Aftershock.

 

With the release of a few clips from the upcoming tv series, we have seen glimpses of the villainous Aftershock, voiced by Alison Brie along with a few officially released images. Visually, the electrifying character bears some resemblance to a few iterations of Electro, such as the Spectacular Spider-Man animated series and elements of the Ultimate Spider-Man comics which itself inspired the live-action version portrayed by Jamie Foxx in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 movie. I have also seen some making comparisons to the DC Animated Universe’s Livewire.

 

 

 

 

But none of that ties Brie’s character to the MC2’s Allison Dillon aka Aftershock and there is another shocking alternative to consider: the Main Marvel Universe has its own version of Aftershock also known as Danielle Blunt who first appeared in Young Allies (vol. 2) #1 and originally believed herself to be the daughter of Electro despite the age discrepancy. Interestingly, both versions of Aftershock were created by writer Sean McKeever, though the MC2’s went unnamed in her initial appearance and her familial connection to Max Dillion was not established until later.

 

I should also mention there is a third candidate for the identity of this animated version of Aftershock, though somewhat less likely: Francine Frye who assumed the mantle of Electro in Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 4) #17. On the other hand, it is just as likely this iteration of Aftershock’s secret identity will go unidentified within the show, given it is a show intended for children and other similar programs do not focus on this sort of thing.

 

 

Anyway, we will find out soon enough when the Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur cartoon debuts next year. Until then, let me know what you think! Either way, we are getting a big red dinosaur teaming up with a young genius girl, what is not to love?

 

Until we get a nice slice of MC2 in our media adaptions, I remain

 

frogoat