Comics Newsarama interview with Spidey Writers (FYI)

[Eye Doc]

Newsarama has anew interview up with the Spidey creative personnel. I don't think anyone has posted any of it so far.

Enjoy

http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Spider-Man/unmasked/presscon.html

UPDATED: Marvel Comics held a conference call Thursday afternoon with the comic book press to discuss the recent "Unmasking" of Spider-Man in the Civil War storyline.
The press conference kicked off with Marvel's Jim McCann introducing the panelists: Peter (Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man) David, editor Axel Alonso, Roberto (Spectacular Spider-Man) Sacasa, and Joe (Amazing Spider-Man) Straczynski.

"I have a problem with my audio," JMS began with a joke, "No mater what I do, I can still hear Peter [David]"

McCann then set the stage for the current status of the Spider-Man titles, following through from the events in Civil War #2, where Peter Parker unmasked.


Asked to start off with his "War at Home" arc in Amazing, Straczynski explained that he'll explore Peter's world as he becomes more and more uncomfortable with his decision, to the point where Peter and Tony Stark have a confrontation and a dissolution of the trust they shared.
This will, according to JMS, lead to Peter asking the major question as to whether or not he's made the right decision and thrown in with the right side.


In speaking of Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Peter David said that he decided to steer clear of the main revelation, and will be picking things up slightly after the revelation, and will be focusing mainly on Peter working at school.
The feelings toward Peter from parents and the kids will hold real-world resonance, David said. Issues #10-#12 will feature "several Mysterios" appearing at the school and looking to take on Spider-Man.

This will all lead to a difficult decision for Peter Parker in regards of the school and his job, as to whether or not he should leave his teaching position or leave, considering that, if he leaves, villains may still show up at the school and put the kids in danger.

Additionally, an old flame of Peter's will resurface, having written a tell-all book that does not cast Peter in a positive light. David said fans will get a kick out of this as it will a character not seen in a while. {Deb Whitman anyone?}


Speaking of Sensational, Sacasa explained that his initial exploration of the reveal will also focus on the school (in a single issue with art by Clayton Crain, art below) which will also feature Doctor Octopus showing up and threatening the school.
The following arc will be called "The Deadly Foes of Peter Parker" and will see a collection of rag-tag villains gathered together to attack Peter Parker.


Moving on to questions, the writers said that all three series are coordinated through editor Axel Alonso's office. "JMS is providing the macro story," Alonso said, "And Roberto and Peter are telling the nooks and cranny stories."

Asked about Spider-Man's "criminal" past, JMS said that he would be surprised if many former claims don't come back to haunt him, as before this, the claims had no way to come back and haunt him.
Sacasa agreed, saying that Peter's friends will have many questions for him, not just about his double life, but why he trusted some people to know his secret, but not others.

David added that when looking at it, he found it compelling to look at the people in Spider-Man's neighborhood (excusing the pun) rather than watching him served with endless court papers.

In closing, JMS added that many of Peter's closest friends are feeling hurt, due to the betrayal of trust. "The anger will come later," JMS said, "But for now, they're just hurt."

Asked if, by casting Spider-Man as the everyman hero, there's a temptation to recast Reed Richards and Tony Stark as bad guys, JMS said, "The monster never sees the monster in the mirror" explaining that these individuals think they're right - as do Captain America and those who stand against Registration.
David concurred, adding that it would be a disservice to the characters to slant any of the heroes as "bad guys." "This is quite possibly the most 'gray area' event in the history of comic books that I've done...with Civil War, it's really, really difficult to figure out who's side you're on, and who's right, because they're both right and they're both wrong."

Further explaining the differences between the characters, JMS reiterated his story from Heroes Con about an upcoming scene between Spider-Man and Reed when Reed tells Peter about his uncle who was brought up on charges of being un American, ultimately losing his job and going to jail because of his beliefs. In telling Reed he must have been proud of his uncle, Reed counters Peter by saying that his uncle was wrong, and the law is the law, and his uncle was wrong for going against it.

"I always feel that any comic book story that has its basis in the real world is going to be more interesting than something that is totally fictional," David said, in talking about the relation between the storyline and the real world.


Alonso, in speaking to the division between the characters, noted that this is war in the Marvel Universe, and both sides will make Faustian pacts as needed. The Editor also noted that Marvel is extremely aware of its readership's tendency or desire to cheer the underdog and throw in on one side or the other.

Asked if the three titles are going to be bogged down with "heavy" stories due to the reveal, David said no, given that all three are different writers. "I don't think the material is going to overwhelm the sense of identity of the books."

All three writers said that when they were told of the change, they adapted and rolled with it relatively easily, but as JMS noted, part of the fun is the "Oh my God" aspect of rolling with changes that are presented to you.

Asked about the larger change in stories that can be told with Spider-Man given the unmasking, David said that, as he sees it, the change in Peter's life is similar to what we see when someone finds instant celebrity in the real world - their private life is virtually gone, and "You're on 24/7" David said, "And every single move you make gets put under the microscope."
Sacasa pointed out that the reveal also humanizes Spider-Man, given that he said how old he was when he started, and that its well known that he's a family man. In that fashion, Doc Ock, Sacasa said, knows that he was taken down by a 15 year old kid, or, when his villains go up against him, they know they're trying to kill a family man.


In speaking of fan reaction, David pointed out that, in listening to the fans, you get a mixed message – in that they call for change, yet tend to complain about it when change does come. "Fans may say they don't want things to change, but if you don't change, they drift away in favor of something exciting and different."

When asked about Peter's relationship with Mary Jane, and if the now duel-celebrity nature of their marriage will be addressed, David said that the marriage will be approached in all three titles, given the importance of Mary Jane in Peter's life.
An upcoming scene in Sensational with Mary Jane arguing with Peter on her cellphone was pointed out, and it was noted that after the argument, MJ notices that everyone is staring at her, and people ask if she was arguing with Spider-Man.

JMS noted that in some instances, the added stress something like increased scrutiny brings, brings couples closer together, rather than driving them apart, and that may just be what is seen with Peter and MJ as a result of the reveal.


When asked why Peter didn't merely reveal his identity to S.H.I.E.L.D., JMS pointed out that Peter was backed into a corner by Tony Stark, and, as time goes by, Peter will come to resent both Tony and the decision he feels he was forced into. As Stark saw it, JMS continued, he needed to send a message to the heroes to come in under the Registration Act, and who was better (and more visible) than Spider-Man to send that message?

Asked by JIm McCann if the revelation of his identity goes against his maxim of “With great power comes great responsibility,” Straczynski took the floor, saying that the revelation fits perfectly within his worldview.
“This is a guy who torments himself over what is a responsible thing to do. If you look at his stories, it’s been him agonizing over ‘what should I do in this situation?’ When you have this kind of crisis going on, his agony will be that much greater in trying to find what is responsible. Is responsible obeying the law, or is responsible opposing the law? Is responsible staying in the country and fighting from the inside, or is responsible leaving the country in protest? Responsibility is the core of what the Civil War story is about. Where do ones responsibilities lay? With the country, with the laws, with right and wrong, or with oneself? I think that, in a way, has pulled the Marvel Universe into that paradigm of Peter’s. All these heroes have great power, now what is their responsibility. It made the Marvel Universe into a mirror of Peter Parker.”

“What he said,” David added.

“Yeah, he’s the Hamlet of the Marvel Universe,” Sacasa added. “I completely agree.”

“He leads with his heart, which is why he went above and beyond the requirements of the Super Hero Registration Act,” Alonso added. “Captain America and Iron Man, represent the opposing sides of this war, and they tend to see things as more cut and dry. They can see some of the nuances and arguments, but Peter, who ultimately is the heart of the Marvel Universe, can see all the shades of gray. As a result, he’s sort of our tour guide through the whole story.”


Asked if Spider-Man's identity is revealed in Spider-Man 3, JMS and Sacasa said they didn't know, but David pointed out that he couldn’t not comment, as he is writing the novelization of the film.
Alonso said that the comics are not beholden to the movies, and they are free to maintain the comic line's identity in light of the developments shown in the film.


Asked if there is an exit strategy for the reveal, McCann said that the revelation will play a major role in the Spider-Man comics through next year.
End of call...
-----------

I think this was a bad idea. Still, it could (or at least should) lead to some interesting stories. Unfortunately, Marvel can take even the best premises and screw them up these days. I'll probably stick around just to see how the supporting cast members react (Flash, JJJ, Liz, Deb Whitman, Robbie, Betty, etc.).

Eye Doc

PS--I still think Marvel may have a plan to undo all of this by 2007-2008.

 

[shinlyle]

In speaking of fan reaction, David pointed out that, in listening to the fans, you get a mixed message – in that they call for change, yet tend to complain about it when change does come. "Fans may say they don't want things to change, but if you don't change, they drift away in favor of something exciting and different."

Proof that they still don't get it.

Maybe if these guys could write a Spidey story that didn't depend solely on a "Huge change in Spidey's status quo", we wouldn't be so jaded.

Morons.

 

[Doc Destruction]

Yep, complete idiots. STILL glad I dropped all that crap. PD needs to read my sig.

 

[shinlyle]

Yep, complete idiots. STILL glad I dropped all that crap. PD needs to read my sig.

Ha! I was waiting for you to show up and say that!

 

[Doc Destruction]

Glad to be of service

 

[Eye Doc]

I was actually surprised to read JMS' comment about Pete and MJ

JMS noted that in some instances, the added stress something like increased scrutiny brings, brings couples closer together, rather than driving them apart, and that may just be what is seen with Peter and MJ as a result of the reveal.

Several of my buddies at my local shop have talked about what the end result of this unmasking will be. The general consensus is :

1) That MJ is going to get killed or seriously hurt as a result of Peter's decision. As a result she'll die; or she'll want out of the marriage and Peter will reluctantly agree to let her go.

2) Somehow a Marvel character will undo all of this (ex. Doc Strange, Scarlet Witch, etc) via magic. In doing so, MJ and the other characters in the MU will lose any memories of her marriage to Peter, thus effectively ending the marriage. Peter may or may not remember the marriage. If this route was chosen, they'd probably make him remember it just to make him suffer.

I'm still looking for Marvel to try to write MJ out of the series. But, perhaps I'm wrong. Maybe they plan to keep her around for awhile or at least tell the best stories they can before they try to end the marriage.


Eye Doc

 

[MaxCarnage]

Every interview with this group shows that they are totally enamoured with themselves and don't really care what the fans think. They wave away any genuine criticsm as whiny fans who don't really know what they want. Good riddance to all of them, I say.

 

[Jack O Lantern]

Asked by JIm McCann if the revelation of his identity goes against his maxim of “With great power comes great responsibility,” Straczynski took the floor, saying that the revelation fits perfectly within his worldview.
“This is a guy who torments himself over what is a responsible thing to do. If you look at his stories, it’s been him agonizing over ‘what should I do in this situation?’ When you have this kind of crisis going on, his agony will be that much greater in trying to find what is responsible. Is responsible obeying the law, or is responsible opposing the law? Is responsible staying in the country and fighting from the inside, or is responsible leaving the country in protest? Responsibility is the core of what the Civil War story is about. Where do ones responsibilities lay? With the country, with the laws, with right and wrong, or with oneself? I think that, in a way, has pulled the Marvel Universe into that paradigm of Peter’s. All these heroes have great power, now what is their responsibility. It made the Marvel Universe into a mirror of Peter Parker.”

AKA I can't justify it so I'll pull a Bush and talk **** for a few minutes and sound smart.

He just doesn't get, Peter doesn't work for the law he works for whats right, the law in some states has the death penalty, Peter doesn't agree with that. If it was only the law he was worried about why would he reveal himself to the world. It also discounts the fact that superheros are viglante's, people who take the law into their own hands which is illegal.

 

[Kirk Langstrom]

I had dropped FNSM when all that "future Hobgoblin/Uncle Ben yakety-yak" started, but if pad brings Deb Whitman out of mothballs, i will DEFINITELY start picking the book up again. What a GREAT opportunity to re-visit some long forgotten supporting cast...Phillip Chang, Mrs. Muggins, etc.,...

Anyway; sounds like Peter Parker will be getting tossed into the meat-grinder over the next few months. Definitely excited to see where they go with this....and how far.

 

[savemarvel]

You can tell that the entire press conference was an act of desperation on the part of the writers behind Spider-Man. IF they were so confidant about what they just did, why did they get together right after the unmasking happen? Why wait a month to address the fans about the future of Spider-Man if they though what they did was the right move?

What you see here is smoke and mirrors, and you can tell that by the way each creator responded to the questions given. You can tell that the writers know that they just painted themselves into a corner with what they did and you can tell that they don't have a way out.

 

[spideylover89]

I had dropped FNSM when all that "future Hobgoblin/Uncle Ben yakety-yak" started, but if pad brings Deb Whitman out of mothballs, i will DEFINITELY start picking the book up again. What a GREAT opportunity to re-visit some long forgotten supporting cast...Phillip Chang, Mrs. Muggins, etc.,...

Anyway; sounds like Peter Parker will be getting tossed into the meat-grinder over the next few months. Definitely excited to see where they go with this....and how far.

I agree, the whole future gobby thing has bored the hell out of me, but if Deb's coming back I'm definitely on board FNSM again. Hopefully the writers will come up with some pretty creative stories surrounding the unmasking, there is a lot opportunity for some decent writing.

I'm also interested in seeing how MJ's fame and Pete's new fame are going to affect their lives.

 

[stillanerd]

Looking over this, some of these “future storylines” for the publicly unmasked Spidey was already revealed a few weeks ago, so not too many surprises there. It also seems like the descriptions of them seem to confirm what some thought would happen next, such as Peter regretting his decision, his job in jeopardy, being sued, the tell-all book from an ex (pretty sure it’s gotta be Deb Whittman), and it appears that, after Civil War, Peter will be Marvel’s equivalent of the Fugitive (even though the Incredible Hulk kind of filled that bill). There were a couple of things that did catch my eye. This statement for instance:

Asked if, by casting Spider-Man as the everyman hero, there's a temptation to recast Reed Richards and Tony Stark as bad guys, JMS said, "The monster never sees the monster in the mirror" explaining that these individuals think they're right - as do Captain America and those who stand against Registration.
David concurred, adding that it would be a disservice to the characters to slant any of the heroes as "bad guys." "This is quite possibly the most 'gray area' event in the history of comic books that I've done...with Civil War, it's really, really difficult to figure out who's side you're on, and who's right, because they're both right and they're both wrong."

Further explaining the differences between the characters, JMS reiterated his story from Heroes Con about an upcoming scene between Spider-Man and Reed when Reed tells Peter about his uncle who was brought up on charges of being un American, ultimately losing his job and going to jail because of his beliefs. In telling Reed he must have been proud of his uncle, Reed counters Peter by saying that his uncle was wrong, and the law is the law, and his uncle was wrong for going against it.

"I always feel that any comic book story that has its basis in the real world is going to be more interesting than something that is totally fictional," David said, in talking about the relation between the storyline and the real world."

It looks as though JMS and PAD, despite their protestations, have in fact confirmed that we should see the pro-registration side IS the wrong side in Civil War despite Marvel’s claims. Even so, they're still going with the "action line." The fact that he opens his comment with "The monster never sees the monster in the mirror" pretty much betrays where his, and consequentially Marvel’s sympathies lie. And I’m sorry, but any character who is depicted as justifying the actions of Joseph MacCarhty (and yes, this IS what is being discussed by Peter and Reed) is NOT supposed to be someone we are supposed to be rooting for, even if it is Reed Richards. And by the token that Peter eventually rejects Tony Stark because of his actions clinches the notion that Spidey choose the wrong side. Then there’s this:

Asked by JIm McCann if the revelation of his identity goes against his maxim of “With great power comes great responsibility,” Straczynski took the floor, saying that the revelation fits perfectly within his worldview.
“This is a guy who torments himself over what is a responsible thing to do. If you look at his stories, it’s been him agonizing over ‘what should I do in this situation?’ When you have this kind of crisis going on, his agony will be that much greater in trying to find what is responsible. Is responsible obeying the law, or is responsible opposing the law? Is responsible staying in the country and fighting from the inside, or is responsible leaving the country in protest? Responsibility is the core of what the Civil War story is about. Where do ones responsibilities lay? With the country, with the laws, with right and wrong, or with oneself? I think that, in a way, has pulled the Marvel Universe into that paradigm of Peter’s. All these heroes have great power, now what is their responsibility. It made the Marvel Universe into a mirror of Peter Parker.”

“What he said,” David added.

“Yeah, he’s the Hamlet of the Marvel Universe,” Sacasa added. “I completely agree.”

I love it how both JMS, and by the same token PAD and Sacasa, pretty much reiterate and elaborate on Spider-Man’s theme of “with great power comes greater responsibility” without actually answering the guy’s question, which was how did a particular choice by Peter fit with this theme? Couple this with PAD’s stating the now tired and over-used line of “fans really don’t like change” (which was pretty much the same defense he used when defending “The Other: Evolve or Die” before Joe Quesada and JMS later came out and admitted it was essentially a crappy arc) and savemarvel is on to something. This is all about damage control. And, perhaps I am mistaken, but the tactic of promoting future storylines after a major change in the status quo was also tried during the clone saga after Ben Reilly was officially made the “original” Spider-Man. And of course, we all know what happened there, don’t we?

 

[Marc]

JMS said, "The monster never sees the monster in the mirror" explaining that these individuals think they're right - as do Captain America [Joe Q] and those who stand against Registration [insane writing].

In speaking of fan reaction, David pointed out that, in listening to the fans, you get a mixed message – in that they call for change, yet tend to complain about it when change does come. "Fans may say they don't want things to change, but if you don't change, they drift away in favor of something exciting and different."

I find these two statements utterly hilarious.

Is the parallel there on purpose? A mocking self-commentary perhaps.

PAD seriously need's to go back to classes and understand you're supposed to work within the confines of the character and if you can't achieve that then you're just a bad writer, simple as that. It has nothing to do with change in iteself which is STILL the solitary debating tool these morons have in their arsenal. Which was debunked for the rubbish it is years ago. ****ing soap writers can manage to stick to the confines of their characters while having revelations every 5 seconds. Writers are supposed to branch a character, grow them. Not cut off branches you don't like and duct tape some steel monstrosity onto the side, then run away before it falls off.

Change, real and inetlligent change is actually going back to know who your character is, why he is, then challenge him on it. Like killing people, that is something to explore that can deal with change within the confines of his character. Yet instead of this huge question of morality being tackled, you knobs simply threw it in as a shock factor. A single moment out of 12 filler issues of crap that could have easily taken ages to explore fully and not been tedious filler full of gimmicks, shiney objects and laser shows.

All this lazy thinking is pathetic. Peter's reveal is an obvious contradiction to his character/history/actions and requires a complete absence of thinking. JMS's reasoning? Peter was backed into a corner by Stark? Oh, you mean the guy who has for 40 years fought from that corner and ended up the winner? That guy? Oh... but you had him wilt like a flower without putting up any fight at all. That can't be right. If Spider-Man, the now castrated and complete tool of a character sends a message for Stark... its that you haven't got a hand to play with. It shows Stark has a bloody idiot on board, a simpleton easily manipulated easily able to get him to do a complete flip flop on one of his defining principles without even trying.

"would be a disservice to the characters to slant any of the heroes as "bad guys." "This is quite possibly the most 'gray area' event in the history of comic books that I've done"

You mean Stark, who has been turned into the biggest prick in the universe is the good guy right? *cough*"Peter was backed into a corner by Tony Stark"*cough* Its as black and white as it gets, people were guessing this **** as it was announced, the story has been told in comics a stupid amount at this point by far more talented writers and the endgame is rather obvious.

And how in the depths of hell is that numpty Axel Alonso still in a job?

 

[gooner88]

My first post here(please don't hurt me). What I don't understand about the Civil War is why Spidey would side with Tony and not Captain America. Captain America is sort of a symbol of all that is good and righteous and is Peter's idol in a way isn't he? I don't see how it's keeping in with Peter's character that he would so easily give away his identity for a man who is going against Captain America. Spidey has kept his identity a secret for so many years, and to so rashly give it away like that hardly seems like something Peter would do, especially when he knows that he would likely have to fight against other superheroes.

It made me mad, but I'll see how it goes.

 

[farmernudie]

Yeh, i agree.....they are ignoring Spidey's "true character" after all these years. Just reading a comic the other day where he (Pete) was talking about why he has a secret identity....it made me laugh when i thoguht about the current storyline.

Pete knows by revealing this, he is now gonna endanger ALL the kids and school people he works with....endager all the newspaper folks too, even more than before...andanger May, Mary Jane....his friends...EVERYONE ENDANGERED CONSTANTLY......not just here and there when one nut job finds out about his identity somehow. Pete isn't for that.

This is merely ONE reason he'd never reveal...or be suddenly pressured into it by Iron Man of all people. Sure, fans like change....but not dumb change. Sure, there may be a few neat stories coming out of this...but it is change that is not needed or true to the history of this character.

 

[Doc Destruction]

I find these two statements utterly hilarious.

Is the parallel there on purpose? A mocking self-commentary perhaps.

PAD seriously need's to go back to classes and understand you're supposed to work within the confines of the character and if you can't achieve that then you're just a bad writer, simple as that. It has nothing to do with change in iteself which is STILL the solitary debating tool these morons have in their arsenal. Which was debunked for the rubbish it is years ago. ****ing soap writers can manage to stick to the confines of their characters while having revelations every 5 seconds. Writers are supposed to branch a character, grow them. Not cut off branches you don't like and duct tape some steel monstrosity onto the side, then run away before it falls off.

Change, real and inetlligent change is actually going back to know who your character is, why he is, then challenge him on it. Like killing people, that is something to explore that can deal with change within the confines of his character. Yet instead of this huge question of morality being tackled, you knobs simply threw it in as a shock factor. A single moment out of 12 filler issues of crap that could have easily taken ages to explore fully and not been tedious filler full of gimmicks, shiney objects and laser shows.

All this lazy thinking is pathetic. Peter's reveal is an obvious contradiction to his character/history/actions and requires a complete absence of thinking. JMS's reasoning? Peter was backed into a corner by Stark? Oh, you mean the guy who has for 40 years fought from that corner and ended up the winner? That guy? Oh... but you had him wilt like a flower without putting up any fight at all. That can't be right. If Spider-Man, the now castrated and complete tool of a character sends a message for Stark... its that you haven't got a hand to play with. It shows Stark has a bloody idiot on board, a simpleton easily manipulated easily able to get him to do a complete flip flop on one of his defining principles without even trying.

"would be a disservice to the characters to slant any of the heroes as "bad guys." "This is quite possibly the most 'gray area' event in the history of comic books that I've done"

You mean Stark, who has been turned into the biggest prick in the universe is the good guy right? *cough*"Peter was backed into a corner by Tony Stark"*cough* Its as black and white as it gets, people were guessing this **** as it was announced, the story has been told in comics a stupid amount at this point by far more talented writers and the endgame is rather obvious.

And how in the depths of hell is that numpty Axel Alonso still in a job?

VERY well put, man. An excellent sample of what my sig means, but laid out in depth. I agree with you completely.

 

[SpideyInATree]

As long as JMS keeps writing ASM like he wrote # 533 there should really be nothing to worry about where I'm concerned.

And with David and Sacasa picking up the smaller details of the unmasking story, it should be interesting.

The guys sound like they're on the same page, at least they're doing a good job of pretending it. I hope that this means a tighter continuity among the Spider-books, because this storyline NEEDS the tight continuity.

If they treat this plot like they have Sins Past and The Other, then I'll agree with the "keep the mask on" supporters eventually.

But if they keep doing what they're doing I see no problems in the near future.

I am looking foward to see which character it is who wrote a book about Peter Parker, and in a negative light. That should be interesting. And I'm looking forward to a more expanded look at Ock's reaction in the upcoming issue of Sensational. Ock's reaction to it all is a lot more important to me than Osborn's, as Octopus has once saved Peter's life during the Web of Death arc, claiming that it's him and him alone that should kill Spider-Man, no one else. I hope that Sacasa, who's been strong with continuity so far, remembers this. But nobody remembers anything from the Clone Saga, so...I guess it'll just be false hope.

I can't believe Peter David, of all people, said what he said about the fans though. You would think that JMS would have said that, but Peter David is kind of surprising. Maybe the uber Spidey nerds have finally gotten to him, haha. I know if all I saw people saying was how Marvel was killing Spider-Man it might get to me as well, especially writing for the character.

Either this was an attempt to show the fans that the Spider-Man writers are "a tight knit group" or to try and calm some of the fans and show the grand scheme of things. I thought it was kind of poopy of JMS to go and basically reveal his plot. Even though it was obvious, it's still something that I thought was stupid.

 

[spideylover89]

I can't believe Peter David, of all people, said what he said about the fans though. You would think that JMS would have said that, but Peter David is kind of surprising. Maybe the uber Spidey nerds have finally gotten to him, haha. I know if all I saw people saying was how Marvel was killing Spider-Man it might get to me as well, especially writing for the character.

Actually if I'm not mistaken, PAD has been kind of impatient with fans before. I know a lot of people posted on his boards during the Other, asking questions and trying to make sense of things, and many of them remained civilized about it, but he wasn't too kind to them. It would be one thing if they were just posting negative comments just to piss him off, but a lot of them were being really mature about it and just wanted to get their concerns adressed.

I thought it was kind of poopy of JMS to go and basically reveal his plot. Even though it was obvious, it's still something that I thought was stupid.

Yeah that was kind of stupid, but I guess he did it as a hopeful attempt to assure fans that they have some stories already planned out that deal with the issue. It makes it look like they had this properly planned out from the start instead of just poking around blindly for a way out.

 

[JackBauer]

Asked by JIm McCann if the revelation of his identity goes against his maxim of “With great power comes great responsibility,” Straczynski took the floor, saying that the revelation fits perfectly within his worldview.
“This is a guy who torments himself over what is a responsible thing to do. If you look at his stories, it’s been him agonizing over ‘what should I do in this situation?’ When you have this kind of crisis going on, his agony will be that much greater in trying to find what is responsible. Is responsible obeying the law, or is responsible opposing the law? Is responsible staying in the country and fighting from the inside, or is responsible leaving the country in protest? Responsibility is the core of what the Civil War story is about. Where do ones responsibilities lay? With the country, with the laws, with right and wrong, or with oneself? I think that, in a way, has pulled the Marvel Universe into that paradigm of Peter’s. All these heroes have great power, now what is their responsibility. It made the Marvel Universe into a mirror of Peter Parker.”

funny how he just seems to forget about Peter's responsibilities to his loved ones... moron.

 

[SpideyInATree]

Yeah that was kind of stupid, but I guess he did it as a hopeful attempt to assure fans that they have some stories already planned out that deal with the issue. It makes it look like they had this properly planned out from the start instead of just poking around blindly for a way out.

I just think he was saying it to tone down some of the fans who were on the kick of "Spider-Man is Iron Man's sidekick".

One of the plot points I'm looking forward to is when Pete finally decides that Tony is wrong, or at least wrongfully pushed him into revealing his identity, that Spidey is going to kick his ass and shove the Iron Spidey suit down his throat.

ASM # 533 was a nice building block of the beginning of how the relationship is sort of coming to an end. It already showed that Pete really feels he didn't make the right decision in his heart, but on the surface it just seemed that it was the right thing to do.

Though one thing that I liked about the interview is how they said that through this whole event Spider-Man represents the heart of the Marvel Universe, and that once this is all said and done I'm banking on a completely revamped and changed Marvel Universe, courtesy of something crazy about to happen, and hopefully it's not the Scarlet Witch's chaos magic, heh.

Someone mentioned the cosmic cube in another thread, and I wouldn't count that out.

 

[savemarvel]

funny how he just seems to forget about Peter's responsibilities to his loved ones... moron.

The reason why they want to forget it is because it will blow their flimsy and crappy argument about why they did what they did out the window.

 

[James"007"Bond]

they'd probably make him remember it just to make him suffer.

Its sad but oh so funny.

 

[Captivated]

When asked why Peter didn't merely reveal his identity to S.H.I.E.L.D., JMS pointed out that Peter was backed into a corner by Tony Stark, and, as time goes by, Peter will come to resent both Tony and the decision he feels he was forced into. As Stark saw it, JMS continued, he needed to send a message to the heroes to come in under the Registration Act, and who was better (and more visible) than Spider-Man to send that message?

No... This makes no sense. I agree with some points, but reject the conclusion.

I understand why Peter felt pressure from Tony. He respects Tony... There has been a foundation built for this relationship...

Recap: Tony gave Peter a blank check when Peter asked for investment capitol (for Charlie). Peter was blown away that Tony trusted and respected him that much. Then he was recruited as an Avenger, given a place to stay when he and his family found themselves vunerable, literally out on the street. (I don't see this as unrealistic... it's not that Peter hasn't WANTED compensation for what he does as a superhero... and from day one he saw it as being temporary) Tony also gave him a cover story and totally shut down that sleazy reporter that went after MJ. Then he SAVED Peter after the missle exploded, spared no expense in trying to find a cure for his disease, scooped him up and took care of his family after he died (in the Other)... I can understand why Peter respects and feels grateful to and may-be even a little beholden to Tony.

That is why he even CONSIDERED the request Tony made. BUT, while I see Peter REGISTERING and backing Tony in registration PUBLICALLY, I don't see him compromising his identity publically, when that was NOT required to register. All the reasons he has guarded his ID, with the exception of stressing Aunt May, STILL exsist.

And technically... the way it was presented... it was Aunt May who talked him into it. Realistically, he should have been extremely touched by his family's willingness to back him up, knowing it would radically change, even indanger, their own lives... But Peter's reaction should have been to explain to Aunt May WHY letting ALL his enimies know who he is, IS NOT a good idea.

Come to think of it... when he came out with Tony FOR registration, he could have given a compelling explaination -- to the masses via T.V. -- why he was not going to tell the whole world who he was... like he did with Sally. He could have for once been open and told people that he has a secret ID to PROTECT innocent people who would otherwise be put in harms way. And forget the comparison to cops and judges... the difference being Spidey has some well established super-villain enemies that "run of the mill" security measures couldn't twart. The best security measure in these cases are anonymity.

Asked by JIm McCann if the revelation of his identity goes against his maxim of “With great power comes great responsibility,” Straczynski took the floor, saying that the revelation fits perfectly within his worldview.

NO. IT DOES NOT!!! Yes, he struggles over what the responsible thing to do is... but, his first responsibility has been to keep his friends and family safe by NOT painting a big bullseye on their backs. He has always been real CLEAR about the fact that if his secret got out, the ones he loves would be targets for his enemies. There is NO REASON that would have changed. I think he has also understood that his life as Peter Parker would be done... and I don't think he WANTS to be Spidey 24/7.

“This is a guy who torments himself over what is a responsible thing to do. If you look at his stories, it’s been him agonizing over ‘what should I do in this situation?’

"When you have this kind of crisis going on, his agony will be that much greater in trying to find what is responsible. Is responsible obeying the law, or is responsible opposing the law? Is responsible staying in the country and fighting from the inside, or is responsible leaving the country in protest? Responsibility is the core of what the Civil War story is about. Where do ones responsibilities lay? With the country, with the laws, with right and wrong, or with oneself? I think that, in a way, has pulled the Marvel Universe into that paradigm of Peter’s. All these heroes have great power, now what is their responsibility. It made the Marvel Universe into a mirror of Peter Parker.”

“What he said,” David added.

“Yeah, he’s the Hamlet of the Marvel Universe,” Sacasa added. “I completely agree.”

I have no argument with this statement. Good analysis.

BUT it really has nothing to do with how "in character" it is for Peter to go against what he has ALWAYS KNOWN to be the responsible thing to do in KEEPING his ID secret.

“He leads with his heart, which is why he went above and beyond the requirements of the Super Hero Registration Act,” Alonso added.

STILL not a good excuse for revealing his ID. Leading with his heart would require him to stick to his guns on that one -- if ANYTHING.

“Captain America and Iron Man, represent the opposing sides of this war, and they tend to see things as more cut and dry. They can see some of the nuances and arguments, but Peter, who ultimately is the heart of the Marvel Universe, can see all the shades of gray. As a result, he’s sort of our tour guide through the whole story.”

What shades of gray? It's so obvious which side the writers of these stories are on. That's a political topic I don't have the energy for right now... But, I'm sure I'll get into it before it's all over.

 

[spideylover89]

It is funny how the writers can't seem to come to terms with the fact that they have been pretty biased about which side of the registration act is the good one. I feel bad for anyone who respects Iron Man because he has been turned into a complete ass and as we can see from the slew of "spidey's gonna kick Tony's ass" comments on the boards, the fans have felt the affects of Tony's character change. He was a really cool guy in the beginning and everything he did for Peter seemed to be out of respect, but now it's like it was all just to butter Pete up so he could manipulate him later on.

So to say Civil War isn't black and white is pretty stupid to me.

 

[Marc]

Doc - Cheers.

I just think he was saying it to tone down some of the fans who were on the kick of "Spider-Man is Iron Man's sidekick".

One of the plot points I'm looking forward to is when Pete finally decides that Tony is wrong, or at least wrongfully pushed him into revealing his identity, that Spidey is going to kick his ass and shove the Iron Spidey suit down his throat.

Though one thing that I liked about the interview is how they said that through this whole event Spider-Man represents the heart of the Marvel Universe, and that once this is all said and done I'm banking on a completely revamped and changed Marvel Universe, courtesy of something crazy about to happen, and hopefully it's not the Scarlet Witch's chaos magic, heh.

Someone mentioned the cosmic cube in another thread, and I wouldn't count that out.

He was and the 'betrayal' of that was so obvious and contrived from the beginning every fan realised they'd go their seperate ways but that didn't negate the idiotic acts of spidey. Every person reading Tony pretty much flagged him as a dick in this storyline, it was instant and one of the first conclusions. Spidey on the otherhand couldn't work this out... the reader is smarter and five steps ahead of the super intelligent superhero. Peter having years upon years of bad experiences with regards to his ID being known, somehow forgets all of that because his 'heart' says so. Another way of saying, he left his brain in a sewer somewhere. And if the bad stuff promised does happen, Peter is going to be saying "Why did I reveal myself?" and a collective "no duh" will sigh out across the world.

As for being the heart of marvel. Well lets see; Spidey is now a coward, a moron, ignorant, nieve, irresponsible, thinking short term only, has a wild disregard to those who love him and is redundant. I guess thats right, yes, yes he is the heart of Marvel. The cold black shriveled heart.

What you're talking about is a deus ex machina. Its the very definition of poor and lazy writing.