‘Amazing Spider-Man’ killed off by Marvel Comics as fans express outrage at Peter Parker’s demise

[octoberlib]

Spider-Man’s amazing web dries up this week when Marvel Comics publishes the final issue of its long-running “Amazing Spider-Man” series, killing off alias Peter Parker.Mr. Parker first became a hero to a nation of comic fans in 1962, discovering his superpowers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. The original story, which introduced into the lexicon the phrase “with great power, comes great responsibility,” has served as the foundation for dozens of comic-book titles, television shows, movie franchises, and a Broadway musical featuring songs by members of the rock band U2.
Yet Parker takes his last breath in issue 700 of the original series title, which arrived in stores Wednesday – a decision meant both to deliver a sales kick to end-of-year revenue and to refresh a character who remains a flagship for the media powerhouse. Marvel Entertainment is owned by Walt Disney Co., which purchased the 73-year-old comics giant in 2009.


The decision to kill off Parker is intended to renew interest in the character and to create new story lines for the future, Dan Slott, writer of the last 70 issues of “The Amazing Spider-Man,” told The Associated Press Thursday. In the final issue, Spider-Man finally falls to longtime nemesis Doctor Octopus, known as Otto Octavius to his mother.

“This is an epic turn.… Every now and then, you have to shake it up," Mr. Slott said. "The reason Spider-Man is one of the longest-running characters is they always find a way to keep it fresh. Something to shake up the mix.”

The Christian Science Monitor (http://s.tt/1xIOI)




So, I take it they'll come out with a new Spiderman? It just won't involve Peter Parker?

[jberryhill]

1. Not to Doc Oc!

This is remiscent of the "new suit" back in the 80's, but they aren't going to let Doctor Octopus live, are they? That guy is a prick.

[exboyfil]

2. If it was going to be a villian

Then it should have been the Green Goblin.

Peter Parker will be back within 2 years - just like the "we were kidding when Parker revealed his identity" or Superman "died" at the hands of Doomsday.

Most DC/Marvel storylines have long since petered out. Even the fantasy/Elsewhere stories have reached their logical conclusion. I think nearly every major super hero has been "killed" at some point. They even make a joke about it in a Marvel fantasy series (can't remember the name) where the heroes are in a "Valhalla" and one asks another one when they will come back to the living.

The only truth in comics is that you can't bring "Gwen Stacy" back, and, in a sense, they have a couple of times with the clones and marrying Green Goblin (yuck).

I think I will pas on ASM 700 - I haven't read one in many years, and I see no reason to start again.

[graham4anything]

3. I love Alfred Molina, hope they bring him back as Doc Oct to film this but

comic books now live in 12 demensions and just because one ark of a comic does one thing it is almost like the year Dallas killed off Bobby.

Next year it was all a dream

But it gets those who read comics into the stores to purchase.

And it still is popular. The Big Bang Theory would not exist without it.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

4. Comic book heroes never really die...

forever.

The ones that do stay dead didn't make the company any money.

[LTR]

5. Haven't they already killed him off?

Seems like they've done this multiple times with their superheroes.