Mayday's Room

Before I get too deep in this blog post, I've got to give credit where it's due. Firstly to Mr Joshua Lapin-Bertone aka Bertone Beatle for some much needed instant-sourcing of floor plans and for generally being a great source of information and entertainment on his various podcasts through the years. Secondly and with the utmost love and appreciation, I thank my dearest partner for not only putting up with me while I worked on this but for also going the extra mile and reading (!) the first 20 issues for this little pet project of mine. Without your help, I'd be lost my darling.

Initially, I had planned to do a blog where I examined the entire Parker Family Home, looking at how many rooms it contained, where they were located and in which issues we see them. Bertone quickly set me straight. Obviously this was a mad idea of mine and doomed to fail... probably after I was diagnosed insane. I decided to narrow my scope while looking at the details. So here is a look at Mayday's Room!

I lied! To start we first have to check out Peter Parker's room from way back in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1. Therein lies a special feature illustrated by the inimitable Steve Ditko showing the basic layout of the house - or at least the back of the house. So, apparently Peter's room is located at the rear of the building on the second floor, with one (maybe two?) windows- facing the backyard and/or the neighboring house. Keep that in mind.  Of course, throughout his run on Spidey, the room's layout varies quite a bit.

Skip forward--or is that backward?--to the Untold Tales of Spider-Man Annual '96 (why must the annual's keep changing there numbering format?! ) which pays homage to Stan and Steve's first Annual by having it's own little feature (illustrated by the frankly superb Pat Olliffe) on Peter's world, including a floor plan for his bedroom.

That particular floor plan will be my basis for the layout of Mayday's room in this post. Why, you ask? Well, as I mentioned, Pat Olliffe provided the design for Peter's room. Pat also provided the first real look at Mayday's room in Spider-Girl #1. While Ron Frenz obviously had the art duties and co-created Spider-Girl in the prior What If #105 story, there is no clear shot of May's room in that issue. As such, I defer credit to Mr Olliffe for the initial design.

 Here's a secret: It's the same room. Seriously, have a close look. The beds in the same place, the furniture is almost identically placed around the room, the window and door seems to be in the same location. That's truly a nice piece of continuity, Pat!

 Shall I give you a tour? I shall. Using the above floor plan, let us first get orientated.

These are purely to help clarify what I'll be referring to. I have no idea which direction Peter/Mayday's window faces. Now that I've cleared that up, lets move on!

She'll get more shoes. Lot's more.

It's times like this I wish I could do fancy infographics or something. Never mind.  These are from the aforementioned Spider-Girl #1. To make it clear where things are May's bed seems to be in the same location as Peter's once was -with the head of the bed against the East wall. The window is on the North wall. There's a lot established about the room here! Note the free standing full length mirror. There's a bunch of furniture that will reappear throughout the entire Spider-Girl run: the book shelves, the various chest of drawers, the two bedside tables, the trunk at the foot of the bed, the desk (later a computer desk) with various sporting trophies, the built-in closet/wardrobe. Also, this is the first appearance of the WNBA and Cranberries Reunion posters. 

Spider-Girl #14 brings us the first appearance of the 'Unclean Thots' poster! I know you've all been curious about that one! Also, it seems the door is along the South wall. Now the desk (West wall, near built-in closet) has acquired a computer. Exciting stuff, I know. And the mirror has moved. It does that. A lot.

The mirror is now in the South-West corner in Spider-Girl #15. Hey, a Leonard Groote poster! This was around the time the annual came out, so it's clearly in reference to that.

 Spider-Girl #26: It's a cover, so maybe it doesn't count, but it seems the computer desk has moved so it's by the window. It's a nice cover. One of my favorites. In the picture of Mayday putting her Spider-Girl costume together from Spider-Girl #1, it also looks like the computer desk is by the window.

Okay! Hold the phone, your horses and your posterior! Is this even the same room?! The computer is where the bed usually sits on the East wall, there's a very different book shelf and a comfy looking cane chair along the the West wall near the closet. The bed isn't visible in any of the panels, therefore it's likely near the North window. So, why the drastic room rearrangement? Obviously the real world reason is Pat Olliffe was using artistic license. Look at these pages- they are gorgeous- so clearly it paid off! As for in-story reasons? Mayday had recently lost her powers leading to some big changes in her life. Is it too much of stretch to suggest rearranging her room was one of those changes?

Mayday's room seems to be back to normal the next issue when she decides she must continue in the hero biz without her powers. Hey, that kinda works, right? Symbolism? May puts her room back in order much the same as she is determined to put her hero work back on her schedule. I know, I'm stretching.

The room definitely seems to be back in order here in Spider-Girl #36. This is around the time Mary Jane began showing signs of her pregnancy. We won't be seeing much of the room for good long while until...

Spider-Girl #54 presents a rearranged bedroom again. I honestly can't figure this one out. Fair enough, the computer desk has moved over to the South wall. Sure, the 'WNBA' poster (which reads 'WNBA Flyers') has moved. No big deal. But I can't really explain how the built-in closet can be along the same wall as the window- that'd be the North wall if you're keeping up.

Spider-Girl #56 seems to show the same basic layout. We don't really see the room again until Spider-Girl #71 and things have been rearranged a bit.

The computer desk and that comfy cane chair are now either side of the window. In Spider-Girl #72, Ron has moved the computer desk to the North-East corner.

I love 'The Avengers' screen saver and the 'Fantastic Five' poster matches May's earlier seen Franklin Richards picture. 

Both pages here are from Spider-Girl #75. It's not clear to me exactly where that first panel in the first image above is in relation to the rest of the room, but there's that mirror again! In the second image, is that a radiator or something? Pretty sure that's new. The next issue again shows the rooms layout hasn't really changed.

...Although the window is visible from the closet in this shot...I'm just going to call it a cheated angle.

Spider-Girl #77 shows the same arrangement as before.

In Spider-Girl #80, Pat Olliffe has returned the computer desk to the West wall, as it was way back when. You know, I'm noticing a pattern here! Pat usually draws the computer desk on the West wall (occasionally elsewhere) and Ron usually prefers it on the North wall near the North-East corner.

Spider-Girl #81: I really just wanted to show the New York 'MAYDAY' license plate above the door. Oh, and look! Ron Frenz on art and the computer desk is back in that corner by the bed.

This is another case of artistic license to tell the story visually. It's also a great layout!

I love the Captain America action figure on the shelf. Spider-Girl #89 takes place right after Last Hero Standing, so it's a nice touch. And look where the computer desk is located!

Note the 'Unclean Thots: The Redemption Tour' poster behind the CD player (iPod dock?). Aw, and the Hulk action figure! I love these touches.

Spider-Girl #90: It's canon, Mayday now has a photo of her namesake in her room.

I included this page from Spider-Girl #92 mainly because of that first panel. Anyone know which part of the house that might be? It'd really help me sleep at night. It seems when ever Mayday studies, that computer desk is turned around, doesn't it? I'm guessing that's the closet door in the last panel.

Spider-Girl #94: Did...did May move her room around again?! Perhaps after studying in the Spider-Girl #92 she simply left the room like this?

We don't see Mayday's room much after the series relaunched with Amazing Spider-Girl #1 but it is still fairly consistent.

Yup, the room is back to normal here in Amazing Spider-Girl #4 with the computer desk back on the North wall and that darn mirror moving where ever it pleases. I wonder which 'Justin' that poster is referring to?

Amazing Spider-Girl #23

April's Room from Amazing Spider-Girl #25

 Every now and then there will be a page like this one from Web of Spider-Man (vol 2) #2 that seem to show a second window on the West wall of the room. I'm about to out out tufts of hair. How do I explain that?!

This next page from Web of Spider-Man (vol 2) #5 also seems to hint at a second window. In the last panel, you can also see the hall out side May's room. Based on this layout, is her room at the rear of the house? Am I over-thinking things? Obviously!

Okay, nearly done! In Spectacular Spider-Girl #1 Mayday throws her costume onto her bed, then sits down on her trunk. Based on these panels, the window in the first panel is opposite the bed. So, maybe there is a second window? Is Mayday's room on a corner of the house?! Am I sleep deprived and crazy!?!

Yes, I am. Looking again at this image from the same issue, it seems the room's layout is as it is usually. Darn! I do like the 'Do Not Enter' sign on the door. One more thing?

A pin-up from Amazing Spider-Girl #15

CEILING FAN!!!

So, I think that's it. I've been pouring over Spider-Girl comics all week while working on this blog. I hope this makes some kind of sense. The important thing to take away from all my nitpicking and rambling is this: For twelve years and more than 140 issues the design of Mayday's Room was kept very consistent.

 The dedication to the details is impressive. I love that the 'Unclean Thots', 'WNBA' and 'Cranberries' posters are maintained throughout the series run. I love that the computer desk and mirror are always present around the room. I love the Avengers screen saver. I love the trunk at the end of the bed (what's in that thing?!) I love that the dirty linen basket is always full. I love that there are photo's everywhere of her family and friends. I love that the room is always just a little bit messy. I love the sporting trophies and collection of books. I love the teddy bear and bunny. 

In short, I love the care, attention to detail and sheer love Pat and Ron have put into making this room feel real and lived in.

Until I learn to better manage my OCD tendencies, I remain

frogoat

The One True Voice of Spider-Girl?!

I've missed the ol' blog, so I've decided to run my mouth (via the keyboard) until I feel better. All aboard the magic school bus, friends!

I've dedicated way to much of my free time (and the expensive kind of time, as well) to playing the heck out of Spider-Man Unlimited. Let's not dance around it, I'm a Spider-Girl fan through and through. I started playing this mobile game as soon as I heard Spider-Girl was going to be added to the roster of available Spider-Men as the first Spider-Female available to play. Laura Bailey does a brilliant job as the voice May 'Mayday' Parker. She sounds like the character has always sounded in my head. I've been digging around and I'm certain the talented Mrs Bailey is the very first person to voice the character. 

For some reason my phone makes Spider-Girl appear 'shiny'.

Well....if you want to get nit-picky (and I know many comic fans are want to do just that) Tasia Valenza voiced the original Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew) in the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (2006) game which featured an alternate costume of Spider-Girl. But she was still flying and shooting her blasts, it was just a different character 'skin'. 

Can you spot the Spider-Girl?

Also, Tara Strong voiced an unidentified 'Spider-Girl' character (a member of the 'Spider-Friends' team) in the Marvel Super Hero Squad Online (2011) who wore a different mask exposing some of her face as well as her hair.  But again, not exactly THE Spider-Girl. So there you go, Laura Bailey is the first person to voice May 'Mayday' Parker.

Thoughts?

 The Super Hero Squad version is probably related to this 'Spider-Girl' from the Spider-Man and Friends toy line. This incarnation was included not only in the toy line but also has a self-titled song on the 'Spider-Man and Friends CD' Album (2004) which ties-in to the line. Check out Track 4, 'Spider-Girl' . 'She's smart and strong and lots of fun and she gets along with everyone!' Sounds about right.

I believe she's Spider-Man's 'cousin'. Because Kids.

Until I hear Joshua Keaton is providing the voice of Spider-Girl for the Marvel Heroes 2015 update, I remain

frogoat

Hamming It Up

It's about time things lightened up around here, I think. Yes, dear friends, it's time for me to talk about the major elephant in the room during Spider-Verse, the huge missed opportunity, the frankly obvious absence! Why, you guessed it, pal! It's the Sensational Swiney-Girl!

Granted, the Spider-Verse event is far from over and there is still time for May 'Mayday' Porker to make a game-changing, jaw-dropping surprise appearance in the coming months....but I doubt it somehow. What's that you say? You've never heard of the most famous second-generation hero in all of comic-dom?! Since you've clearly been living under a rock for the past five years, I'll give you a break and tell you!

Nearly 30 years ago the legendary writer/editor/all-around-good-guy Tom Defalco (along with artist Mark Armstrong) created 'Peter Porker, The Spectacular Spider-Ham'  for a humor comic called Marvel Tails #1. Created as a funny animal parody, Spider-Ham has been hamming it up ever since- appearing all over the place and poking fun at various comics and concepts.

But let's skip ahead to Amazing Spider-Man Family #4 where Tom Defalco leaves hoof-marks on his own creation 'Spider-Girl'  when he and artist Shawn Moll the introduce May 'Mayday' Porker, The Sensational Swiney-Girl. Miss Porker is the daughter of Peter Porker (definitely a pig) and Mary Crane Watsow (and not Mary Jane Waterbuffalo) and as such her origin somewhat mirrors our own Mayday's. Beginning by going into action to help her father against the Green Gobbler, (apparently Norman Osbird's son out to for revenge) Swiney-Girl goes on to face the Hay-Monger in Amazing Spider-Man Family #5 and in a epic two-part story in the Spider-Ham 25th Anniversary Special One-Shot, faces off with Crayfin the Bunter! Oh my, yes!

Is it any wonder why I'm surprised that we haven't seen Swiney-Girl grace the pages of Spider-Verse? With Spider-Ham resurfacing yet again and with 'Every Spider-Man Ever' set to appear in this event....well, clearly May Porker is at the top of my list!



Until Swiney-Girl is revealed as the 'Secret Spider' that Mayday encounters....along with Earth X Venom and Spider-Girl 2020 and the Spider-Girl from the Astonishing Spider-Man comics in the UK and the one from Paradise X: Heralds and th---well, you get the idea-until then, I remain

frogoat

Death's A Funny Thing

I was meant to post something to talk about Mayday returning in Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 3) #8 but I couldn't quite find the right words to express how I felt about the story. I sat and brooded over it for quite some time and looked around the internet and found so many others spouting the same thoughts and opinions that I was having. But then something happened that made my thoughts about a fictional character and her world seem silly and small and pointless.

I received a call one morning after I had finished a night shift telling me my father had been admitted to hospital. Turned out he'd had a fall and his back was fractured and he might never walk again. And all thoughts of  Mayday and her family and her loss seemed selfish because here was a genuine human, in the flesh suffering on the hospital bed in front of my eyes. My own father. The man who raised me and from whom I'd acquired a frankly appalling sense of humor was in agony and there was nothing I could do to help. To make matters worse the doctors suspected (and later confirmed) a mild heart-attack.

Over the next three weeks my father lay in a hospital bed, possibly the worst place on earth to a man who'd always been active, whether it be flying a plane, riding speedway or fixing up a car. My mind often drifted toward fiction-a common trait of mine, hiding from reality. I thought of Mayday being unable to help her family and instead of disappearing into the world of comics, all I could think of is how utterly useless and powerless I felt, sitting beside the hospital bed while my father slipped in and out of consciousness and lucidity. I couldn't help anyone. My mother and siblings were all gathering and considering the future in their own ways but I felt numb to it all, sitting there.

It came to light that my father's body was shutting down slowly. His kidney's were failing, his heart had had one-too-many attacks over the years and an infection had overrun him. Time was a gift inshort measure. It's hard to know what to do with your time when you have years ahead of you, but it's impossible to know what to do when you have days or just hours left to spend with a loved one. It feels wrong and pointless, falling short no matter what you do or say.

Mayday was so overcome with grief as her family was torn apart by an unforeseen and monstrous occurrence. At first I thought the story was all wrong, it was a waste of well developed characters and completely went against the entire ethos of the world the characters inhabited. But thinking on it with all this weight on my heart, I can see how a person can be transformed by rage and loss and grief.

The last words I said to my dad as I made to leave one morning were rendered completely unintelligible by my constant sobbing and sniffing and blubbing. I reached for a tissue and blew my nose loudly, covering the tissue. My dad smiled and said 'Now eat it!' Through all those tears and sadness I laughed. We've got a stupid sense of humor, it runs in the family.

He died a few days later.

I've never felt particularly good with my emotions and my ability to relate to other people. Humor has always helped break down the barriers and make things easier. Recently, I haven't had any reason to laugh and I've been consumed by my emotions, particularly anger and rage and sadness. I thought sitting down and talking about things through my blog might finally help me feel a little better. But I've also got a few thoughts to throw toward May's character as well. Mayday seems alternatively full of revenge and sadness, clinging to her baby brother as the last of her family while swearing revenge.


May 'Mayday' Parker, revenge is not the answer. Anger and rage and resentment will consume your entire life and swallow you whole. Do not loose sight of the person your parents wanted you to be. Our parents may not be perfect and lord knows we can argue with them, sometimes even hate them but when they are gone all we can do is stand up and keep going. Look inside yourself and find that motivation to never give up. It's what they would have wanted. With Great Power Must Also Come Great Responsibility.


I miss you dad. I miss you more than words can express. I'll do my best -no matter what happens- to be the best father I can be for my own child because that's the greatest responsibility of all. I love you.


Until I eat the booger, I remain

frogoat

Gameplay of Spider-Girl

Someone out there has been kind enough to post a video of Spider-Girl in action in the mobile game Spider-Man Unlimited by Gameloft. The talented Laura Bailey provides the voice for our favorite web-stunner, May 'Mayday' Parker aka The One True Spider-Girl. I think she's done a great job giving life to the character. What does everyone else think?

As for my progress with the Spider-Man Unlimited game....I'm having issues with my phone. The main issue being I suck and so does my phone. However, I have noticed the recent update (the same update which gives us Spider-Girl and various other Spider-Women) has a few problems with slowing or freezing mid-game. Nevertheless, I am enjoying the game and I'm desperately hopingthey release Mayday for purchase in one of the Portals because there is simply no way I am going to win her in any of the events. I'm just not that good!

Until we find out Laura Bailey is also voicing Spider-Girl in the Marvel Heroes game by Gazillion, I remain

frogoat

What the Heck, Marvel?!

I realize I haven't put out a post covering my thoughts on the Spider-Girl story in Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 3) #8. Due to family health issues, I may be some time getting back to regular posting. I did however feel a need to throw this recent Marvel teaser out for y'all to see:

I'm curious. Even though I know this is probably tied-into the Secret Wars event next year, I know it's probably another gimmick to get me to buy, I know it's probably not permanent, I know it's not what I really want it to be, I can still enjoy the moment right now.

Until I have time to properly cover things again, I remain,

frogoat

Confirmed: Tom Defalco and Ron Frenz Return to Spider-Girl!

A preview of the Marvel solicitations for January has confirmed that not only will the 'Legendary' Tom Defalco be writing Spider-Girl for a story in Spider-Verse Team-Up #3 (of 3) but the talented Ron Frenz will be teaming-up to provide pencils. (Do you think Ron's middle name is 'and his Amazing'?) I'm also wondering if Sal Busema will ink the story, completing the trifecta?

Who are you, Mystery-Silhoutte-Person?

While Tom Defalco's return to the character was announced back in July, later it seemed Tom hadn't heard anything since being approached. It's genuinely good news to hear that the classic team of Tom and Ron will be returning to Spider-Girl. I was beginning to loose faith I'd ever see them back on the character. Now, what ever happens in Spider-Verse, at least I've got this tale to look forward too.

The only other item of interest relating to the solicitation information that relates to Mayday Parker is in the description:

The SPIDER-GIRL team reunites for a story about Mayday and a mystery Spider!

Hmmm, I wonder who the mysterious Spider-Character could be? MC2 Kaine? Mayhem? No, that silhouette looks kinda male in shape. Maybe it's Benjy Parker from the future? Yeah, I like that idea! Then we might get a chance to see a version of the unpublished original story of Spider-Girl #60, the one that was supposed to be the final issue, and I believe it would have depicted a future glimpse of Benjamin Parker, all grown up. Either that, or I'm completely wrong and it's an entirely different character.

Looking forward to reading this, guys! You've been greatly missed!

Until Li'l Benjy - The Spectacular Spider-Baby crosses over into Spider-Verse, I remain

frogoat

Spider-Girl Voiced by Laura Bailey!

After it was announced May 'Mayday' Parker aka Spider-Girl would be added to the roster for the Spider-Man Unlimited video game for mobile devices, I got curious about who would voice the character. So, I sent the fine folks at Gameloft a message asking who this would be and they've kindly replied to my request:  Laura Bailey is the voice of Spider-Girl!

Actor Laura Bailey has appeared in live action films and television series, provided voice-overs in both western animation and English-versions of anime in addition to her prolific work with video game voice acting. Just a few examples of her vocal talents include: Kid Trunks from the Dragon Ball franchise, Tohru Honda from Fruit Basket, Maka from Soul Eater, Rayne from the BloodRayne games, Serah from the Final Fantasy franchise and Akali from League of Legends.

I look forward to hearing her voice my favorite character in comics and wish her  all the best.

Until I luck into another piece of news only a select few will appreciate, I remain

frogoat

Spider-Girl Coming to Mobile Gaming!

 Spider-Man Unlimited is a game by developercompany Gameloft for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android Smartphones and Tablets and Windows Phones. The game acts as a kind of tie-in to the Spider-Verse event, letting you play as a variety of alternate Spider-Men. An upcoming update will allow you to play as variety of new characters including Spider-Man 2099 and Spider-Girl. YES, Spider-Girl!

The trailer can be seen here and a preview image can be seen on the Facebook page for the game. If you are to lazy to click on the links, I'll put them here for you:

Apparently, this is the first of many female Spider-Characters to appear in the game. I for one am very glad they chose Mayday to be the first. I look forward to playing as her in the coming months. In the meantime, I'd better learn how to play the game...


Thanks to Shaun Musgrave from the Spider-Girl Message Board for pointing this out!


Until Spider-Girl gets her own video game, I remain

frogoat

A-Next Returning

The major comic news sites are reporting that Marvel will be reprising a classic event title, with 2015's
Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars. The event will  be written by Jonathan Hickman with art by Esad Ribic. It launches in May 2015 and apparently continues on directly from the Avengers storyline "Time Runs Out" running currently in New Avengers and Avengers. But why am I interested? Take a look and see if you can guess:

Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars

Yup, that looks like a bunch of the MC2's own Avengers team and supporting characters: American Dream, Coal Tiger, Earth Sentry, Stinger, Thunderstrike, Mainframe and Darkdevil...wait,what is he doing in there? I mean, apart from fighting Matt Murdock from the 1602 reality, obviously.

Noticeably absent? Spider-Girl. Some site are pointing out that no X-Men or Fantastic Four characters are present in this artwork (by Alex Ross, dontcha know?) nor is there a Peter Parker incarnation of Spider-Man. Yeah, no non-Marvel Studios characters. But still, no Mayday Parker makes me concerned.

Until I stop obsessing over the little ol' MC2, I remain

frogoat

Need To Clear Something Up

I just wanted to clarify something. I found this note on the Marvel Wikia page for the MC2 (more accurately under the alternate earth designation Earth-982 page):

In Amazing Spider-Girl # 19 (2008), Peter shows May a Daily Bugle headline. The paper clearly shows that the date is Tuesday, March 28, 1996 (a Thursday in our universe), meaning that the modern MC2 stories take place in the mid-nineties, ironic considering the MC2 universe was started, with Spider-Girl, in 1998.

Here's the image they are referring to from Amazing Spider-Girl #19 (2008):

'But wait!' I hear you say, 'clearly that proves the modern MC2 takes place in the mid-nineties!' Well, no. Not really. Why? Well for starters, there is this little wrinkle which comes from Spider-Girl #33 (2001):

No, you don't need to adjust your screen! It really does give the date as Saturday, February 19, 2017. WHA?! 'Well, what does that mean? Is the MC2 set in the future or the past?' I hear you ponder loudly. The answer is neither. The MC2 is happening right now.

 As I've covered before by deferring to the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z Vol. 7: 'Though the MC-2 features a sliding timescale similar to Earth-616, it is not set in the future, but rather in the present, in this world, the Heroic Age occurred nearly fifteen years in the past.' 

 Essentially, any mentions of real-world current events or particular dates that will someday become impossible to reconcile should be either ignored or 'updated' with a more relevant substitute. Did a 60's Spider-Man comic reference the Beatles? Nowadays that reference might be to a more current music group such as One Direction (I'm so sorry, Bertone). 

Hopefully I've cleared that up and not made everything even less understandable.

Until I figure out how to explain quantum mechanics without the use of a Flux Capacitor, I remain

frogoat

10,000 Page Views!

 10,000 Page views!

 

 I just wanted to thank each and every one of you for clicking on my silly little blog, especially to those people who took the time to sit down and read my rambling thoughts about geeky things and shiny objects. I can't thank you all enough, it means a lot to me to know that there is at least a few of you faithfully reading this blog (or one VERY creepy stalker....let's hope not) and thinking it's worth coming back to read again. When I started this blog, I didn't think anyone would read it. Thanks so much. I've begun repeating myself and the man off-stage with the large Vaudeville Hook is signalling me, so I'd better wrap this up.
 

Thanks again everyone!

Until I stop using the name, I remain

frogoat

Thoughts on Preview of Amazing Spider-Man #8

Let me be clear. I have been extremely fair and reasonable and calm when speaking about Spider-Girl's role in the Spider-Verse crossover event. I've mentioned how much hope and joy I have in seeing my favorite character return to comics for a proper appearance. I've even spoken in defense of Dan Slott to those who've preemptively damned this story based on his previous handling of female characters and 'event' storytelling. I'm certainly going to wait until I read the book before I judge it. Now, with all that said, the two preview pages do not lend me much hope for the future of the Parker Family MC2. They look like they are being torn apart and possibly killed for the sake of motivating May through this story. And I can't abide that.

Yes, it's not lettered. Yes, it's only two pages. Yes, I'll wait and see. But based on these pages alone? I'm suddenly a lot less excited and a lot more apprehensive for Spider-Girl and her role in Spider-Verse. Please don't do this, Dan Slott. Please don't tear apart a whole family. They've been through so much. MC2 is supposed to be the safe haven. Not lacking danger and drama, but safe in the sense that for once, we know Peter made it. He's got a loving family, a great relationship with his wife and even though he retired from web-swinging, he still lives up to the greatest responsibility of all: family. I'd truly hate to see that thrown away.

I'd also hate for Mayday to loose her Father, Mother or both simply to push the story forward. There are certainly other methods of motivating a hero on a journey. May herself is a prime example of a hero without a tragic back-story. Instead of the cliché and well-trodden route of the dead relative/loved one, our Mayday instead stepped forward to defend her family. In doing so May discovered that when she succeeds, people live. It's a clear variation on the Power and Responsibility angle Peter himself learned through lose and pain. I guess if I have a point, the crux of it would be that this doesn't fit at all, both from a storytelling point of view and from a universal outlook approach.

 If Mayday suddenly finds herself an orphan or otherwise tragically motivated, she'll become a very different character from the one I know and love. She'll also become less interesting and less unique. That would be the real tragedy to come out of this story. Spider-Girl -the series- ran for 100 issues followed by a second 30 issue series, then a bunch of featured spots in Spider-Titles, then a third series and a one-shot. Spider-Girl, the concept and character has legs. There is no reason to destroy what works to push a plot forward. 

Okay, I'm being very negative and probably jumping the gun. I'm just very invested in this (emotionally, mentally, financially, you name it!) and I want to see my absolute favorite character in all of fiction handled with the care and respect she deserves. Please. Maybe everything will turn out fine and I'm just overthinking and over-analysing a few unpublished images, who knows? On a positive note, I really, really dig Humberto Ramos drawing THE Spider-Girl. It's means one more artist off my 'Draw Spider-Girl' list. I like what I see, Humberto!

I've got my fingers and toes crossed, Mr Slott. Please do right by Mayday Parker and her family. I'm going to read this entire event to find out. 

Until Spider-Girl and Swiney Girl meet and swap Hamburger recipes, I remain

frogoat

 

Dragon King: Custodial Engineer

After listening to the Mayday Mondays podcast, I've decided to make another post, this time about the huggable and loveable Dragon King, one of Spider-Girl's rogues gallery.

 History 

 

Spider-Girl #4

 

Carlton T. Hackmutter was just a lowly janitor 'Custodial Engineer' who'd been working for decades at Midtown High School . A bitter and curmudgeonly old man who's only passion in life seemed to be collecting and maintaining his large assortment of dragon memorabilia, at least some of which Carlton kept in the basement beneath the school. At some point Hackmutter acquired a Dragon Medallion originating from Ancient China. Carlton was sold this particular Medallion by a deal who said it possessed mystical properties, though Carlton didn't believe such stories. Unhappy and frustrated with his job, Mr Hackmutter would have quit years earlier, if not for his expensive hobby.

While cleaning up some broken glass, Carlton cuts his hand and rushes to the basement to find himself a bandage, angry at the students, the teachers and his place in the world. When some of his blood spills onto the Dragon Medallion he is transformed into the huge Dragon King and decides to use his new found power to terrorize the students and faculty of Midtown High. His rampage does not last very long due to Spider-Girl threatening his dragon collection causing the Dragon King to lunge at her, hitting the electrical main and knocking himself out. He is taken away by the authorities.

Spider-Girl #25

Apparently escaping prison, the Dragon King is recruited into Funny Face's team: The Savage Six.While Face claims the group all want revenge, Hackmutter makes it clear he is only in it for the money. Battling Spider-Girl again, the Dragon King is swiftly defeated when Spider-Girl drops a five-ton boxcar on top of him.

Spider-Girl #80

The last time we see the Dragon King, we find him hiding out in the old basement beneath Midtown High School. Seeking his missing Dragon Medallion to return him to his human form again, Hackmutter has taken to breaking into antique stores in search of it, briefly battling Spider-Girl on one such occasion.

 Unbeknownst to Carlton, a student who had befriended him named Kevin Hartman had possession of the medallion. Having grown tired of being trapped in his monstrous Dragon King body, Hackmutter disliked being called by his villainous name and lamented the loss of his former life. When Mayday (in her civilian identity) and Davida stumble upon Dragon King in the basement, she revealed Kevin had the medallion and was manipulating him for his own purposes. Taking the medallion back, Carlton was transformed back into his original human form before he and Kevin were escorted away by police.

Thoughts

I really like the character of Dragon King. I genuinely think he has a place in Spider-Girl's rogues gallery. Dragon King is visually interesting and intimidating with the strength to back it up. Carlton as a person is also appealing to me. I mean, the guy is a cranky, bitter and nasty old man when we first meet him. I love his random and pointless rampage through Midtown High simply because the kids annoy him and the teachers aren't much better. He's angry and hates his position in life but by the time we see him in Spider-Girl #80 he's grown weary and disheartened at the thought of being stuck in the form of the mythological Dragon King. See, he's even got a character arc!

 Plus the grumpy Mr Hackmutter loves his dragon collection, something any comic fan can relate to on some level. Speaking of his dragon memorabilia, why is it still down in the basement months later when he returns to the school to hide? Unless his collection was split up and sold, or confiscated and what we are seeing in the basement is what he's been taking from his antique shop heists? And how does that four-ton bundle of fun fly?!

I've had this idea in my head for years that a mastermind-type villain would blackmail/coerce/manipulate or otherwise force Carlton T Hackmutter into his Dragon King form once more, giving us an opportunity to see more of Carlton's bitterness and resentment and perhaps even sympathize with him as he seeks his retribution. Then, maybe the mastermind takes on the mantel of the Dragon King, giving us a new character to work with. It's just an idea, but I'd love to see it someday.

One final note, for anyone who cares about the silly MC2 dating non-controversy; In Spider-Girl #4 you can see a poster on the wall amongst Carlton's collection that clearly reads 'Dragonfest 2006'. Spider-Girl #4 was published in late 1998 with a January 1999 cover date. Even back then, Pat Olliffe (or possibly Al Williamson) were making in-jokes. I love it.

I hope we see the Dragon King again someday

Until the Dragon King hides out in the circus, juggling small puppies and singing 'Kids in America' I remain,

frogoat


Another MC2 Villain Blog:

Spyral

Let's Play Catch Up

This is going to be real quick, real short and real fun for me to do, because I wont be sat here for hours sorting out the finer details. Why? Because I just want to cover some stuff I've mentioned before along with  recent things I've been doing and also stuff you've probably already heard about. Let's jump in head first, shall we?

Television

Spider-Girl will not be appearing in the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon. Wait! Wait! That's not entirely accurate. May 'Mayday' Parker, the Spectacular, Amazing and Stunning Spider-Girl, daughter of the one true Spider-Man will not be appearing in this animated series during the third season, which is being marketed as Web-Warriors. Okay, yes it's called 'Web-Warriors' and not Web of Warriors or whatever the heck it was that I misinterpreted from that tiny pixelated logo from that tiny pixelated image that was slipped onto twitter. I screwed up. Anyway, back on point though, yeah. Mayday is a no-go, folks. Instead, the Spider-Girl appearing in the show will be Petra Parker, a gender-swapped analog of Peter Parker. This is a case of Spider-Man with boobs. Who'd of thought? I'm tempted to reference the Ultimate Universe comics version of the Clone Saga in which one of the teen Peter Parker clones is a female copy of him.

 Yeah. I'm really disappointed in this missed opportunity to represent Spider-Girl in other media. Alas. On the plus side, if things all go horribly wrong, Mayday's good name isn't besmirched for years to come.On a more positive note, I would like to congratulate Donald Glover (from the awesome comedy series Community) for being cast as the voice of the Miles Morales incarnation of Spider-Man. It's wonderful to see a fan ascend to playing their heroes. Next time though, cast him in a live-action film. He'd kick all sorts of butt.

In other, unrelated news I've begun watching Star Trek. Yes, I've finally crossed the threshold  I unconsciously avoided for years. It began sometime last year when a good friend selected what he identified as 'the good movies' to watch with me. It has since escalated. I've reached the forth disc of season one of The Original Series. It's better than I ever thought. It reminds me of classic Doctor Who in some respects, but with more shirt ripping and swagger. I'm gonna enjoy watching the rest of the series and who knows, maybe all the others?

Oh, and hey! Doctor Who is back on television. I'm very happy.

Film

So, Guardians of the Galaxy was a great fun film. My faith in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is completely reaffirmed. Captain America: The Winter Soldier was a really wonderful film, Amazing Spider-Man 2 was...it's hard for me to give it a fair judgement. In some regards it was a great Spider-Man film with great characters and awesome quip-age, something I've really enjoyed about the reboot. On the flip side, it was a terribly paced film with multiple plot lines all slapped together to make a movie without a clear focus and a lot of narrative dead ends. Also, nobody cares about Richard and Mary Parker! I both like and dislike it. Garfield and Stone are brilliant (as is Sally Field) but I want a better plot. I love Spider-Man and I really want a great Spidey film. Better still, one with this cast because Andrew Gafield is a really watchable and entertaining Spider-Man.

Comics

I'm going to be cutting back on some titles in the coming months and years. Not because I'm not enjoying the stuff I'm reading (I've already dropped those titles) but because I'm going to attempt to transition further into trade-waiting and trade paperback purchases rather than picking up individual issues which should save some money. For me, this is going to be difficult change. Wish me luck.

Spider-Verse has begun, and so far, so good. Granted I've only read Superior Spider-Man #32 but I really enjoyed seeing SpOck (Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man's body, dontcha know?) being stranded in 2099 -if only for a short time- and voyaging across worlds. I love time travel and dimension hopping stories, so this opening 'Edge of Spider-Verse' tie-in was right up my alley. The one thing I'm really worried about is the willy-nilly death of so many alternate reality Spidey's. Are we going to see the wonton deaths of...oh, I dunno--fan-favorite characters like Spider-Girl or her family?! I'm hopeful but also very nervous. Dan Slott does enjoy teasing the imminent deaths of characters...he's so gleeful about! I'm concerned here, people.

It was announced that Tom Defalco will be returning to write his co-creation Spider-Girl in a 10-page story for the Spider-Verse Team-Up mini series. While his story hasn't been solicited yet, I do wonder if he's going to be teamed up with Ron Frenz or Pat Olliffe on art duties. I'd be kind of offended if either hadn't been approached, as they contributed so much towards developing Mayday throughout her various series. The mini series is only 3-issues so I expect the Spider-Girl story in either December or January. Which, looking at things from a publishing perspective, inclines me to think Mayday herself will be alive through the Spider-Verse event until at least December. Yes, I'm calculating in my head based on nothing more than solicitations, the survivability of my favorite character in all of comics.


Until  Marvel utterly guts me by killing a character who forever changed and influenced my entire life, I remain

frogoat

It Figures: Spider-Girl Action Figures

Hasbro has recently announced there 2015 Marvel Infinite Legends Spider-Man wave and it includes a certain web-stunner. Check it out:

 Yeah, I think I'll be ordering this particular figure. It looks pretty decent, well articulated and the coloring isn't bad either (I'd have preferred a brighter color pallet, personally) but the one major draw back for me is the webshooters. Those are not accurate. At all. But, nevertheless, I'm happy with the figure and look forward to putting down my hard-earned cash for this toy.

 Now is as good a time as any to take a look at the previous few Spider-Girl figures released over the years. Shall we jump in? Lets!

 

This one is from 1999,  a part of the Toy Biz Marvel Famous Covers series.Based on what I can gather from the box-art and online, this was initially made exclusively available through Previews magazine. You are looking at my own figure in the images above, which was one of the hardest to find items I've ever had the misfortune to seek on eBay. It's a nice package, but I wonder what the figure would be like out of the box....

These four figures pictured above were (again) made available exclusively through Previews as part of the Marvel Comics 2 1st Appearances set in 1999. Above we have: (from left to right) American Dream, Spider-Girl, Stinger and Wild Thing. The other three in the set were relatively easy (if not inexpensive) to track down, but Spider-Girl herself was a challenge to even find, let alone ship to Australia. It took the might and ingenuity of my loving and tolerant partner to find and organize the purchase and (by way of two separate countries postal services re-routing the item) shipping of the Spider-Girl figure you see before you. Thanks, honey! One comment about this line of toys; Those breasts are huge! My goodness me! The articulation isn't great, but salvageable with the leg joints being particularly irritating when trying to get the figures to stand and pose. Regardless, having a complete set entirely composed of some of the MC2's female heroes impresses me and I always enjoy seeing them sitting on my shelf.

That's it! There hasn't been a legitimate Spider-Girl action figure released since 1999, so this upcoming release by Hasbro has me enthused to say the least. If you are interested, take a look around the web and see some of the great MC2 custom figures people have made. Very cool stuff out there.

Until we get a new set of super poseable MC2 figures including J2, Darkdevil and the Ladyhawk twins with a Build-a-Figure Dragon King, I remain

frogoat  

 

The Missing Untold Tale of Spider-Man aka Spider-Girl Meets Spider-Man

Or 'Untold Tales of Spider-Man #26'

Someday the truth about Untold Tales of Spider-Man will be known to all. For you see, it didn't really end with issue 25. No, you see, the clever artist and the crafty writer Pat Olliffe and Tom Defalco carried on the Untold Tales tradition with Spider-Girl #10-11. Dig this, friends: Untold Tales of Spider-Man covers previously unseen adventures of Spider-Man during his early career, specifically placed between Amazing Spider-Man #6 and Amazing Spider-Man #24. It was primarily scripted, plotted and pencilled by Kurt Busiek and Pat Olliffe, with help from Roger Stern, Tom Defalco and Ron Frenz.Here's where it get's interesting. Spider-Girl #10 and #11 chronicle our gal Mayday being sent to the past, during (and just prior to) the events of Amazing Spider-Man #25. In the tradition of Untold Tales, I'm going to explain how these two tales fit together.

Spidey grabs his Spider-Signal

Peter agrees to help Liz study

Flash threatens Pete, May meets Peter

 Now, if you've read Amazing Spider-Man #24, you'll know that Spidey uses his Spider-Signal beam to distract Flash Thompson and in dialog clearly states he collected it. Remember that bit, readers. When Spider-Girl arrives in the past (thanks to time-traveling villain Spyral) she meets her dear ol' dad as a teen at Midtown High in a scene which seems to be lifted from Amazing Spider-Man #25, with Flash threatening Pete after hearing he's been seen with Liz Allan. It even features similar dialog from the original story! True enough, Peter had been asked to  Liz's house to help with studying in ASM #24, and he's shown leaving Liz's house at the very beginning of ASM #25.However Spider-Girl #10 is set a day before the events involving Jonah's Robot depicted in ASM #25, as Mayday clearly spends the night at Midtown High after encounter her father as both Peter and Spidey.  Hang on, where does Spider-Girl #10 fit into this mess then, smarty pants? 

Hold up, didn't you already pick that up? WHAA!?!

Liz asks Peter to help her study again.

 Here's what I propose: Peter has been helping Liz study for the past couple of weeks following the events of ASM #24, meaning the scene on page one of ASM #25 is a different study night. This helps with explaining where May's arrival fits into the sequence of events, but doesn't help with explaining that pesky Spider-Signal retrieval scene right after it. Or does it? Flash refers to the events of ASM #24 as taking place 'a few weeks ago.' It's odd for the Spider-Signal  to have been left on the roof 'yesterday' as Peter already collected it. So clearly Peter left his Spider-Signal on a rooftop at some  point after ASM #24. That fits nicely, don't you think?

...And Spider-Girl #10

Just for comparison, here's ASM #25...

In Spider-Girl #10 we see the events of Amazing Spider-Man #25 unfolding from both Peter's and Mayday's perspective, including a fun scene with Mayday meeting her namesake, Aunt May. While this is taking place, Peter is at the Bugle seeing a man named Smythe's 'Spider-Slayer' robot for the first time. Again, the dialog is almost directly lifted from the original, as are many of the panels. Mayday decides to head out as Spider-Girl only to be spotted by Smythe's Robot, leading to a brief clash in Spider-Girl #11. I imagine this scene takes place between the panels in ASM #25. We don't see the 'Spider-Slayer' Robot's entire journey to Midtown High, so the encounter with Spider-Girl at the end of SG #10 and the beginning of SG #11 fits nicely before the Robot locks onto Peter's trail.

While Spider-Man is taking on the 'Spider-Slayer' Robot, May finds herself in combat with the Human Torch and is forced to flee, before heading back to Aunt May's house. Of Course, at this very moment Liz Allan and Betty Brant have arrived seeking Peter, only to encounter Mary Jane. Yet again this encounter from Spider-Girl #11 can fit nicely between the panels of Amazing Spider-Man #25. My only comment about this scene would be that now that Mayday has arrived, Mary Jane Watson perhaps stays longer talking to Aunt May. I bring this suggestion up as Peter has on his costume later in SG #11.

Between panels 3 and 5 here SG v Robot

...before it heads to Midtown.

Betty and Liz meet Mary Jane...

...and then Mayday arrives. Oh my!

Having sacrificed his costume to fool Jonah, Peter luckily has an extra one back home. Unluckily for him, Aunt May finds the spare costume at the end of the issue, stating she was tidying Peter's room after Mary Jane had left. Let's try to work this one out, shall we? Peter could- in theory -have ducked home to grab his spare costume before encountering Spider-Girl again, then stowing it hastily behind the bookcase where Aunt May would very soon later discover it before 'officially' returning home as Peter. It's the best workaround I can see, anyway.

While Pete fools JJJ, MJ leaves...

...with Mayday...

...who spends 20 mins looking for her dad...

...Pete grabs his spare suit, sends May home...

...hides his suit then returns home as Peter.

As I mentioned, Spidey encounters Spider-Girl and the two do battle. Soon they are joined by the Human Torch and the fight continues until May finally tracks down the villainous Spyral. Spidey interrupts the Human Torch so that Spider-Girl can return home and is left confused by being called 'Dad.' Presumably Peter heads home after this, just as he does in Amazing Spider-Man #25. There you have it, the secret but not-official Untold Tales of Spider-Man #26. What do you think?

Until they reprint the Untold Tales of Spider-Man Omnibus with this missing gem, I remain

frogoat

Holiday Update

Obviously, I've been on holiday recently and haven't done much with the blog, or with anything for that matter. But hey, the good news is with leisure time comes reading time and for me that equates to loads of comics and trades. So, I figure I'll type about that this time around. Allons-y!

First things first, my monthly pile of shame. Yes, that cantankerous stare and those accusing glances coming from my shameful pile of unread comics each month has finally been dealt with. Amazing Spider-Man is coming along nicely since the relaunch, though it's noticeably slower paced than it used to be. Ms Marvel is consistently excellent, too. Uncanny Avengers kicks ass but I'm having trouble recalling everything that's relevant from the past 20-odd issues. Unfortunately, I've decided to drop both Wolverine and Fantastic Four. The titles aren't bad, they just aren't my flavor of comics and I've never been a huge fan of either, so when it's time to cut a title or two, these are first to go. I'm probably going to be cutting more severely in the not-too-distant future as well. That'll be harder. Moving along!

I'm delighted to announce, proclaim and gesticulate to all who'll let me that I finally completed both The Complete Ben Reilly Epic Book 4 and the Untold Tales of Spider-Man Omnibus. Both books have been on my other pile of shame-that being trades, collections and omnibuses- for quite some time. Both books were worth picking up purely for their merits, but seeing as the writing was so good, the stories so engaging, the art so gosh-darn beautiful and the pages so glossy, they were a must-read. On a side note, I've managed to turn a friend into a Ben Reilly fan practically overnight with The Complete Clone Saga Epic Book 1. Then straight away Book 2, followed in quick succession by Book 3. I'll have to tell Zach 'Spideydude' Joiner about this! Now that I've finished with all of that, I've just gotta get started on my Spider-Man by Roger Stern Omnibus.

Speaking of stuff I've yet to read, I've visited some of the local big city comic shops and snagged some great swag, which I keep in a comic short box, not a bag. Well, that was almost a complete rhyme. Anyway, so far I've picked up Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #127-129, Web of Spider-Man #52, #54 and #55 (but sadly not #53) and Amazing Spider-Man #574. As for collected works, I've acquired Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection: Ghosts of the Past and Marvel Masterworks: Amazing Spider-Man Vol 4 and Vol 5. The Fourth Masterworks volume is something of an accomplishment for me as I've not found it anywhere online for under $50 dollars and that was a used copy! Pretty happy with that one. I also grabbed the Spider-Men trade paperback on a whim.

All in all, I'm very satisfied with my holiday reading and frivolous purchases, in no small part thanks to my wonderful partner, for not only putting up with my hobby but for also encouraging it. She even picked up some comics of her own which was awesome to see. We must be picking up each others bad habits.

Until I stop loving the comics medium and convert to a newspaper enthusiast, I remain

frogoat






  

I Just Wanna Talk

I've not been giving much over to this blog lately. Life. That's my excuse, anyway. This post is gonna be a bunch of smaller topics that have been kicking around in my skull the past few days. Here goes nothing.

Thank you Emma Stone

I know! I know! Amazing Spider-Man 2 wasn't the best movie - or even the best Spider-Man movie - but you can't deny the sheer brilliance, wit and charm of Emma Stone's turn as Gwen Stacy. Gwen Stacy, the girl famous for dying. Really, that seems to be all she's known for, and looking back at her character in the original Lee/Ditko/Romita days, there isn't much to build a character from. In the early days as a character, she's very hell-hath-no-fury and soon after Romita shows up on pencils, Gwen becomes a bit of a crier and to be honest...an emotional wreck. Seriously love Bertone's work, by the way. He does great articles. Anyway, now we have a more well rounded character to refer to with Gwen Stacy. I know! I know! She's not the canon, Marvel 616, original 1960's character. I don't care. She's a better Gwen Stacy. For once, it's not just about how she died, though obviously there is that too. But now, we've got something more fleshed out and real. And that's fantastic! So thanks again, Emma Stone. Now I care about Gwen Stacy.

Guardians of the Galaxy

The second phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been somewhat strong. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's been as strong as I'd hoped, but after Captain America: The Winter Soldier, my confidence in the Studio to turn out quality, assured films his restored. But aside from all the sequels this time around, there's just one new property to test the cinema-goers tastes: Guardians of the Galaxy. This- to me- is the big one. If this film pulls it off and does not only well at the box office, but well in the critical arena then I will be a wholesale convert.This is an unknown property. I'm a big Marvel Comics fan and yet I know next to nothing about this iteration of the Guardians. Think about that. Marvel Studios is being pretty brave trying to make this film in the first place. Outside of a niche fan base, who has heard of these characters? Nobody. That's ballsy. Those trailers look amazing. I sincerely hope this film does exceptionally well and more unknown or risky properties get a chance to shine.

Well, I'd love to continue this post, but my darling partner is instructing me to get out more, so until I return, I remain

frogoat