Life imitates art? Art imitates life? Despite a couple of comic selling for a million dollars last week, we know that the economy hasn't been too great lately. Times are tough. They're so tough that even comic book characters are feeling the hard times. What character has faced hardship time and time again? Spider-Man. As Peter Parker, he will be hearing two words that no one wants to hear:
In case you haven't been keeping up with Amazing Spider-Man, Peter has been making ends meet working for Jameson in the Mayor's office. He's been freelancing for the Frontline as well, but his main income has been with Jameson. While protecting Jameson and the city, Peter makes a sacrifice that could cost him his career as a photographer. Something is going to happen that causes him to get blacklisted in New York City.
One of Spider-Man's concerns has always been about being able to pay for the materials to make his web-fluid. Let's not forget how often his costume gets ripped. Buying needles and thread has to add up with how often he has to repair it.“Peter Parker’s been through some rough times lately, with all of his deadliest foes returning, and he couldn’t lose his job at a worse time” said Senior Editor Steve Wacker. “He’s going to struggle with unemployment and trying to save the city while he can barely afford to keep a roof over his head.”
The first installment of Peter losing his job begins this week in Amazing Spider-Man #623 (with the next issue landing a week later on March 10). I'm left wondering if the idea of reading about Peter struggling (more than usual) sounds appealing to readers. Spider-Man has always suffered personal losses in his crime-fighting career. Now he's losing his job over it. Most likely there are readers who have been in similar situations (well, maybe not losing a job due to superhero activities), is this something that people want to read? Does having Peter Parker/Spider-Man go through hard times make him a better character?
Perhaps this will be a short term thing. We've heard about the upcoming Avengers line up. Since Spider-Man is on it, perhaps he'll have a place to stay with them. While we don't know where the Avengers will operate out of ( Avengers Tower? Avengers Mansion? Captain America's place?), he could probably crash with one of his "co-workers." In light of the " Heroic Age" that is coming, we still don't know what kind of an Avenger Spidey will be. Will the Avengers be accepted by the public? Will they have government funding (along with a paycheck)? Will Tony Stark foot the bill? Will Spider-Man be too proud to accept help from his friends?
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