The man in the Spider-Man costume has long been the publisher's most relatable character, having struggled in the past with girlfriend troubles, paying rent on time and worrying about the health of his cherished Aunt May. It would make sense, then, for Peter's continuing adventures to reflect the plight of many Americans who have lost their job during the Great Recession.But then I realized his situation in no way reflects the plight that many Americans face. Because instead of being laid off, downsized or otherwise placed into a position where "your services are no longer needed," Peter was fired for cause.
The newspaper photographer was rightly dismissed after doctoring a photo. Among photojournalists, there is no greater sin. It's the equivalent of knowingly publishing a lie. And we all know how well that worked for former New York Times writer Jason Blair.
This fact, however, seems lost on Marvel's talking heads. Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada portrays the situation as just another time when "the old Parker luck" came calling. No. This had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with ethics and integrity. Usually one of Marvel's most steadfast pillars of wholesomeness, Peter acted so wrongly in this instance that he deserved what he got. He also deserves a staggeringly uphill battle to rejoin the industry, because that's what any news photographer would face in this situation.
It's not that I expect realism from my comics, but I expect Spider-Man books to be grounded in reality. And I think Marvel squandered a unique opportunity to tell a story that better reflects the terrible situation that too many Americans face. Yes, some people lost their jobs because they were fired. But so many more lost them through business downtowns, job outsourcings and similar means that in no way reflected on their performance.
That's the audience Marvel should have been looking to engage. Instead, the takeaway seems to be that you can do wrong, but that's okay, everything will turn out fine in the end. That's not the kind of lesson a superhero should be imparting.
2 comments:
You may not realize this since you don't read the book, but Peter works for JJ in the mayor's office, not for the Bugle anymore.
I'm not saying that should have loosened his journalistic morals, but the issue hasn't dropped yet so there maybe be a reason as to why. I'm assuming to make Jonah look good.
Also, the book has already covered some of the "reality" you desire for Spider-man books. The Bugle was acquired while JJ was in the hospital, rebranded, flopped, and has shut its doors. A supporting cast member and reporter has continued reporting in her personal blog called Bugle Girl and the Ben Urich has started his own news website that was doing better than the Bugle. So that thread has some touchstone with things happening in the real world with news.
Huh. That's actually pretty cool what they've done with the Bugle, Ben Urich, etc. I commend them for incorporating those touches of reality into the book.
I'll get down from my soapbox now. ;-)
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