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