Dan Slott used anger to sell Superior Spider-Man 9, but people are really just sad — for him

175 comments

1. Good Lord, it just keeps getting worse, doesn’t it? I haven’t talked to my local comics dealer but I’m sure it’s not selling well there, either. And Slott will flip out again because he can’t deal with criticism like an adult. Not to mention his fanboys will defend him no matter what.

   For someone who claims to be a lifelong Spidey fan, Slott sure writes the character as though he hates him.

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   1. Carl, Slott’s Spiderman hasn’t sit we’ll with me, but I could never put my finger on why. We’ve all put up with storylines we don’t care for with our favorite characters, but there is something extra unpleasant with superior spiderman; and when I read your last sentence, I said, “that’s it!”. I think you nailed it. Great observation.

   2. I can think of many, many times I’ve been upset with a direction a character was taken (especially Spider-Man), but for the most part I’ve always just rolled my eyes. Not so with this current run. Like you said, there is something “extra unpleasant” going on. Sales do not mask it.

      If you put a teaspoon of diarrhea into a tub of your favorite ice cream, you will still taste the diarrhea.

   3. Indeed, Carl. Outwardly, he does everything to convince you “Hey, I’m the biggest Spider-Man fan ever!” It’s actually a bit creepy. It’s like the stalker who says they “love” someone, when really … they hate them. That’s why I said that this whole thing has been has been the Brain Trust has turned into a character study on the inner workings of Dan Slott’s mind.

      And why wouldn’t Slott hate Peter? Would Peter Parker behave the way Slott has towards fans — even angry fans — over the years? Of course not. When one writes from the heart amazing things can happen (e.g., see Stallone first Rocky movie, which won an Oscar), but it also exposes the author. Dan Slott has been exposed.

   4. It IS pretty creepy. And it takes a whole bunch of weird connotations considering how often he’ll stalk people on the internet, from Twitter to blogs to forums (he once told a fan on Spider-Man Crawl Space to f*** off, all for criticizing one of his stories). Slott must have a Google Alert for his name or something and must read everything that others are writing about him.

      And if he truly liked the character, would have done this storyline? I don’t think so. Stan Lee, Gerry Conway, Roy Thomas, Roger Stern and other vastly superior writers put Spidey through the ringer, but there was at least a reason for them to do so. With Slott, it’s just another gimmick, which is all Marvel and DC are about these days.

   5. Carl, you’re on a roll, brotha!

   6. I seriously think that if Dan Slott had a real job, he’d be fired in an instant. Would any employer (other than Marvel, that is) want someone like him representing them and going around the internet harassing people for not liking his work?

2. I’m sure sales are strong at the moment (relatively, at least). Stirring the hornets’ nest tends to have that effect in the superhero comics market, but it’s not something that can be easily sustained. Even if they hate what’s happening, there are a lot of fans who have to see it through.

   But there are still plenty of others, myself included, who are happy to just wash their hands of it and walk away. And it’s not so much the story itself that bothers me (though I will say, if the only way you can make your protagonist look better is by portraying every other cast member in the book as wildly out of character in comparison with their established histories/personalities/intelligence/skills, that’s just not very good writing). What bothers me is the level Marvel and Slott go in antagonizing their own readership.

   And I get it – for now, it’s paying off in sales. But as a longtime reader and fan, it leaves me with a really bad taste in my mouth, and I know I’m not alone. At this point I’m all but completely turned off of my favourite character – or at least the version of him we’re being given in the comics. And to be honest, I now find I’m pretty happy saving the money I’d otherwise be spending there.

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   1. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Captain. Your sentiments echo many I have made. Marvel has done itself a great disservice. It has unnecessarily burned bridges with many long time readers. I used to spend big bucks on Marvel. I haven’t in years, basically, since OMD. I kept tabs on ASM because I loved the character, but I’ve held on to a lot of cash. My wife … is probably pretty happy about that. 😉

   2. I’ve saved a TON of dough since the mid-2000s when I ceased buying new comics. And I don’t regret it a bit. Multiple titles with weak stories, ridiculous crossovers, far-left lecturing … sorry, but I’ll limit my purchases to Essentials and the occasional TPB of vintage good stuff. (I recently bought a Guardians of the Galaxy TPB — the original team’s first appearances. Good stuff indeed.)

   3. Hube, you may have pushed me over the edge. I might have to check out Guardians of the Galaxy TPB. I’m hoping to fly back to Chicago sometime this summer, so maybe that will be my reading material for the plane.

   4. Doug: Make sure it’s the omnibus volume — “Tomorrow’s Avengers” I believe it is subtitled. The later stories get a little weak, but their first appearance, then the Two-In-One and Defenders arcs are sensational. FYI. 🙂

   5. Nice. Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll definitely check it out.

3. Same here, Hube. I’ve been limiting my purchases to Essentials, TPBs of good stories, and Showcase Presents (DC’s counterpart to Essentials). Other than the occasional modern superhero comic from an indie company like Invincible or Dynamo 5, I don’t read today’s comics.

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4. Hey, Hube, did you ever get the West Coast Avengers: Lost in Space-Time trade paperback?

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5. Carl: Yes. And I was sadly disappointed!

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   1. Is that the story arc where Mockingbird gets drugged and brainwashed by Phantom Rider? If so, then I have heard mixed reviews about it.

   2. Yep. That’s the one. 😛

   3. Then I have heard mixed-to-negative reviews about the storyline. I also know that’s where Mockingbird and Hawkeye’s marriage fell apart because he objected to her killing Phantom Rider for essentially raping her. Personally, I think that sounds a bit contrived.

6. Ok, I wasn’t mad when this started, and I don’t care how harsh or unreasonable y’all think this sounds.… but F**K this comic dude, I mean really…. bad writing to the max.
   1. Peter would never risk killing that girl to save himself
   2. Peter DIDN’T risk killing that girl to save himself, if you read the last issue of superior, he clearly tries to stop OTTO from ripping the scanner off her head. Peter was trying to SAVE her from OTTO! AND Peter LETS Otto operate on her
   3. So it’s somehow Peter’s fault that his villains do crazy sh**? And the solution is to stoop to their level? Hypocrisy, thy name is Octavius
   4. Peter “doesn’t deserve to be Spider-Man” that quote alone is unforgivable…. F**k this s**t, I made an account just post this comment…. Results don’t make Spider-Man, the heart does, Peter Parker (and Miles Morales and Miguel O’Harra and Ben Riely) will always be Spider-Man. Ock, never.

   OH, and to all the people who say “Awww, Otto like kids so thats a redeeming quality.”
   Thats like saying that its a redeeming quality for a pedophile to like puppies. Otto is a psychotic, murdering, egotist. I refuse to have sympathy for him, especially after he killed my favorite super hero, stole his life, and proclaimed to be better than him…. This is basically a bitch-slap to all Peter Parker fans

   This is the first time I’ve ever been worked up over one of my fandom…. and I sat through Dragonball Evolution AND The Last Airbender…. f**k….

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   1. Thanks for taking the time to read and register an account, GojiraG. Yes, it is rather frustrating to see what Slott has done. The best thing we can do is not to give him (or Marvel) our disposable income, to let them know they’re not getting our money and then to make the case to our friends.

   2. I’ve been warning people about this storyline elsewhere. Pretty much everyone I know (including my folks, who haven’t read comics since they were kids) is repulsed by the whole Doc Ock-inside-Spidey concept, even if they’re not comics fans.

7. I myself cannot stand this direction of the character. I stuck on for the first nine issues because the ghost Peter was a interesting angle even though I hated how this came about. After nine I’m done, it wont make a difference but I am send all nine issues that I bought back to Marvel with a letter stating my displeasure of what they have let this wind bag do to the character. Like I said they wont care but at least I will make it know that they wont get my money anymore. Maybe if more people sent them back that would realize that comic books are for the people who pay for them not the writers with a giant ego who enjoys destroying a classic character and the fan base. Nuff’ Said

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   1. Glad to hear you’ll be mailing in your copies! Nice idea. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it.

   2. Funny you mention that because on my way home I was considering doing a similar move only I will send back every spider comic I own that has Dan slott ‘s name attached with a strong letter stating either he goes or they lose money

   3. Nice move, Jeff. I’d suggest taking a picture of a few different steps of the packaging process, uploading them to Twitter, and then using hashtags ‘Marvel’, ‘Spider-Man’, and ‘Peter Parker.’ I’d also aim it at @DanSlott. You’ll get good eyes on it. If you’re on Tumblr, do that too. These media platforms can pack a good punch if you leverage them correctly.

   4. Well, if you need a good belly laugh, Slott is really giving me a flaying on the Marvel Forum over my boycott.

   5. I’m going to give this a good look-over this weekend. Depending on what was said, I think it might be time for another blog post.

      Update: I’m going to hold my fire on another post for now, but these posts will likely be used as ammunition when the time comes.

   6. It just got even funnier. I was told that my boycott of an additional 12 Marvel books would get no notice.Yet Slott has posted on it three times so far and counting.I’m ‘Captain Boycott’, by the way.

   7. Dan Slott is ‘Private Parker-killer’ with medals for over-sensitivity and immaturity in online combat.

8. God guys, reading these posts is like oil on my soul—I was beginning to worry I was the only guy who remembered Peter Parker.I’ve been flayed alive on the Marvel Forum by Slott himself (who has suggested I delete my Marvel.Com account) and by his verious lickspittle acolytes.Thanks for keeping the faith guys!!!!

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   1. John, you are not alone my friend! Always remember that. And if there are any particularly nasty comments by Slott, feel free to post them here. Years ago I went to Marvel.com and the mod banned me for months over some made up charge that I was swearing on the boards or saying something completely out of line and he had to do it. Since I was banned, I had no recourse. Even another mod contacted me and said he agreed with me, but that his hands were tied. All I was doing was making the case that OMD/BND was a train wreck and an insult to anyone who loved Peter.

      Anyway, keep hammering away. There are more people who agree with you than you think.

9. I know Slott said in his rant against you that Superior is selling well and in truth he is right, it is one of highest selling comics right now, but that’s not the whole story. Here is a link for monthly comic sales numbers, http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales.html. Let me give you a run down. In January, issue #1 was the highest selling comic of the month with 188,000 sold, probably because it was a number one issue and had gotten lots of press because of Amazing 700. That same month, issue 2 fell to 112,000 copies sold. That’s still a big number but it’s also a big drop. In February, issues 3 and 4 sold 101,000 and 95,000 respectively. In March, issue 5 sold 94,000 copies and issue 6 sold 86,000 and fell out of the top ten comics sold that month. The full numbers haven’t come out for April yet, but the list of the top ten comics sold that month have and there’s not a Superior Spider-man issue in there. Superior is still selling in good numbers but those numbers are dropping every month. If you look at Amazing from this time last year, which Slott was writing, it was selling around 45-50,000 each month. Slott’s comic is selling now because it’s a gimmick to spike sales but as more and more fans are outraged, the sales numbers should continue to drop back to or less than what was being sold last year. Issue 9 will have a spike because of it’s press, but I bet after 9 the sales numbers will take a large drop.

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   1. Thanks for the heads up, cambo418! I really appreciate it. I haven’t had the time to really dissect these numbers, so that is very helpful. I wonder what Mr. Slott’s defense of this will be. Interesting stuff.

      Thanks again for taking the time to comment.

   2. If you are able, the Marvel Forum for Spider-Man, under the ‘If you hate the ending to Spiderman #700…’ thread, makes fascinating reading right now, including Mr Slott’s replies to fans.

   3. Thanks, John! I’ll either check it out late tonight when I get home or tomorrow after work. Hmm… Possible blog post material? We’ll see. 😉

   4. My God … I took a gander at the Spidey forum and Slott really is one insecure little man-child. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so childish in the face of criticism!

   5. I wonder what the suits at Marvel AND Disney would think if they were aware of the type of responses fans are getting when they voice dismay about SUPERIOR?

   6. I gave a quick look yesterday and I just burst out laughing. The guy has serious issues. And on top of that “DragynWulf” was the moderator who banned me years ago. I see he’s still around. I love how in the “rules” section he says not to complain if your comments just disappear because that means you’ve broken the rules. That’s rich coming from a guy who completely fabricated a story to ban me because he didn’t like how effective I was at ripping OMD/BND.

   7. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve been deleted and blocked.I’ve tried to plot a course now that lets me jab and move, without being–unfairly–knocked out! There sometimes seems to be an air of desperation in their replies.

   8. Yes. Dan seems to think he’s being funny and witty by mocking people who said they’ve stopped buying a dozen Marvel titles a month … but he really just makes himself look like an unprofessional clown.

   9. I think ,somehow, Marvel needs to be told to consider doing the ‘gasp wow gosh never saw that coming on the back of the movie’ revival of Peter with a DIFFERENT writer AND a different editor.Neither Slott nor Wacker , in my view, ‘get’ Peter, maybe one reason why they had to kill him.Tom Brevoort would be a safe editor, for example.ANYBODY would be a better writer, for me.
      I’M the guy boycotting the 12 titles.And it’s not the first swipe Slott has had at me.I regard them as battle scars! My concern is WILL there be anything left to revive and, if so, can we go forward with a new creative team, as, otherwise, I stay gone!

   10. I swear that I didn’t know you were that guy. That exchange just stood out to me. Yeesh. These guys… It’s depressing.

   11. In between deletions and blockings, if it wasn’t for my wife I think Slott and I would need to ‘get a room’! Seriously, however, the whole SUPERIOR thing IS depressing.I have never felt so utterly let down by Marvel —and when you look back, that really IS saying something.

   12. Slott is very immature. Like I said, I swear he must have a Google alert for his name, because otherwise how else can he find articles about himself so damn quickly? Yeesh. Why does he care so much about what others have written about him? It’s a good for a laugh, anyway, but the dude cannot handle criticism of any kind and has some issues (and that’s being kind).

       And the guy who banned you is still around, Doug? He must be one of Quesada’s or Alonso’s goons.

   13. Cambo418,
       In the forum I did debate that fact and provided some statistical insight. He got mad and went off at me, then I was banned.

10. I quit Spider-Man when this whole mess was announced but I have still been keeping track of what is going on and to me it is pure character assassination of Peter Parker. Even if (and they probably will) bring Peter back the damage will be done. I don’t just mean in universe, I mean to us the fans as well. After all how can we ever trust marvel with one of our most beloved characters after they pull something like this. Peter Parker (not his suit or his powers), the actual person and his struggles with every day life in which he just about always does the right thing regardless of the cost to himself is not just a comic book icon he is a cultural one, he is bigger then just being a Marvel character and yet Marvel still seem fit to allow people like Slott to crap all over him and undo what makes millions of people around the world love him.

    What for?

    Really it is just for the shock value so that sales will be temporarily boosted while people see just what the hell is going on, sales that will probably start to decline soon as Slott kicks Peter further and further into the dirt.

    Ock is not a hero, he is not superior in anyway. He is a coward, a bully and a thief who is only pretending to be a hero in order to keep his disguise going, because he doesn’t want to give up the life he stole from someone. His actions are not noble like Peters, they are purely selfish and designed to extend his own life. Even the way he acts as a hero just shows how much of a villain he is. Characters like Peter Parker, Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent know that no matter how heinous the villain is you can’t beat them by killing them, that just makes you a monster as well.

    Oh and as for Otto never hurting kids? As this ever been hinted at before? I really can’t remember. But considering he was going to kill a few billion people (including kids) I think is just a new bullshit reason slott has invented to make us think ock is better then peter

    Reply

    1. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Darren. Keep it up. Don’t let Dan Slott’s immature comments on other forums dissuade you from speaking your mind. You are not alone and there are many, many others that feel the same way you do.

       Indeed, it says something about Mr. Slott that he turns a character who tried to kill 6 billion people one week into a “hero” the next — and then acts incredulous at your reaction.

       Here’s another thread where you can voice your displeasure with the direction of the book.

    2. on the marvel forums his excuse for all this in one of his posts was simply that it was a story line that he had planted the seed for 100 issues previously, as if that makes it any better. If a murderer spends months planning out his kill it doesn’t make it any less a crime, it just means they had the time to change their mind.

       Also I hate the “oh it is a comic, he will be back” excuse is rubbish. Sure it may be true but that attitude just gives people like Slott free reign to do stuff like that because if the fans hate it, well a quick retcon can always fix the problem.

       If I was to break your finger, sure I could say “oh don’t worry your finger will heal” but that doesn’t mean I should have done it in the first place.

11. Reblogged this on The Orange Mask and commented:
    It’s like he took everything I’ve been thinking and stated it perfectly. It’s amazing.

    Reply

12. This post was so good I had to both reblog it to my own site, as well as follow you on Twitter. You said exactly everything I have been thinking. You said it perfectly. These are very dark days for Spidey fans. I’m 33, and have been reading since I was 5. I’ve been through some stinkers of some stories but this has been crazy. Your post hit the nail right on the head. My biggest query at this point is what Marvel’s endgame goal actually is. Currently, they are looking to expand the Superior line with Superior team up, Superior Carnage, etc. But from a business standpoint and I guess even from a creative one, is there really long term viability in Otto in the main, flagship title of the company? If the goal is to tell a story of redemption, Marvel has already prevented themselves from doing so just in the 9 issues, where we’ve seen Otto kill Parker twice, shoot a man at point blank range and beat Vulture, Screwball and Jester all within an inch of their lives, while attacking the avengers. Even in Avenging, we saw Otto knock Wolverine unconscious and I actually love Chris Yost’s writing (and version of the character moreso than Slotts version). The whole point seems to be, “We’ll make you angry…and you know what? Unless you want to buy Ultimate Spidey, you’ll sit there and take it. Muaahhhahahaha!” That sort of marketing has to effect sales at some point. By the way, kudos to you on another post where you called Slott out and said that speaking in all caps still doesn’t mean you’re right, haha. Awesome blog. Count me in as a new reader.

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    1. Thanks for the feedback, OrangeMask. As I’ve said before, one of the reasons I’ve been writing on this issue because Mr. Slott tries to downplay the assertion that there are many others who feel as we do.

       There was an infinite number of ways the story of “Doc Ock’s redemption” could have been told, but Marvel decided to do so in a way that was unnecessarily confrontational. Why go out of your way to anger the fan base when it’s possible to write a story that can unite Spider-Man fans everywhere? It makes no (spider?) sense to me (sorry, I couldn’t resist). I understand that you can’t please all the people all the time, but Marvel’s editors appear to have chose the antagonistic route simply to generate sales through anger and sheer morbid curiosity.

       Mr. Slott’s mockery of anyone who is upset with the direction of the book is also rather telling. There is a professional way to deal with angry fans, and he has chosen not to do that. He belittles people. He laughs at them. He insinuates that they are idiots. Can you imagine Stan Lee doing anything like that?

       Anyway, thanks again for reading and taking the time to comment. Hopefully my posts outside the realm of comics don’t upset you to much. I’m not sure where you lie on the political spectrum, but I will tell you this: I will not treat you like Mr. Slott treats his readers who tactfully disagree with him. And when it comes to Spider-Man, you can count me in as a reliable ally.

    2. When I told Slott on the Forum that, in addition to ignoring his SUPERIOR book, I would boycott another 12 Marvel titles, he branded me ‘keyboard warrior’ and suggested I also delete my Marvel.com account. So I did.

    3. John,

       Dan’s reaction to your boycott is an eye-opener. He might think he was being witty, but he was not. He showed the world how small he really is by treating you that way.

       With that said, I’m not sure if I would have deleted the (free) account all together. Dan Slott wants you to shut up, so if your online presence (i.e., moral compass) is missing, that helps him out. If you deleted your account, but will continue to occasionally voice your disapproval elsewhere on the web, cool. But if you will now go into radio silence, I’m bummed out. We need people who speak with the courage of their convictions, even if it seems like your fighting against the tide.

       A guy who could take Spider-Man’s arch enemy — a man who tried to execute 6 billion people — and turn him into a “hero,” is a confused individual. Just because his followers are large in number, it doesn’t mean your observations are not accurate. You might be a lone voice of sanity in a sea of morally relativistic nonsense, but if you keep hammering away you will change minds.

       Anyway, I salute you for your efforts. Take Slott’s insults as a badge of honor.

13. Dan Slott is not really worth all our anger. He is a pathetic person who is using fan outrage and shock value to generate temporary high sales. Now I am not going to boycott all of marvel, they still do stuff I like. But when it comes to anything done by Dan Slott (and I don’t care what company he works for now or in the future) I am not going to give his work my money. He has shown himself to be a deplorable internet troll whose main arguments against any negative posts toward him or Superior Spider-Man is either “You’re an idiot” or “It is selling well so boo to you” which just shows how childish he really is.

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    1. well I left a 2nd reply on that newsrama link you provided, and considering it may get deleted (because i did get justifiably nasty) I thought I would post what I said here for you and your readers to enjoy

       “Double post I know. But after rereading this entire interview with that arrogant up himself ass Dan Slott laughing over the fact they have killed Peter off. SCREW YOU SLOTT. I am not going to debate or argue about sales or how good (or NOT GOOD) you are as a writer. You are simple a VILE, DESPICABLE and HORRIBLE nasty little germ of a human being. Bad enough you have ruined beyond saving Spider-Man, but to actually laugh about it.

       SCREW YOU

       Reply to this if you want. I don’t care. Call me an idiot, a troll, an internet warrior, throw all your stupid damn sales statistics at me. I DON’T CARE.

       GET LOST.

       GET OFF SPIDER-MAN

       GET OFF COMICS

       GO AWAY

       You are quite simply SCUM”

    2. Darren, I feel I was sucked into the ‘tell it to Slott’ trap on the Forum.He seems impervious to fan criticism.Which means we should maybe ignore him and talk to someone else. We need Slott off the book for good, never to come back, hopefully taking Wacker with him.These guys pretend they are immersed in Spidey heritage.Their work says otherwise.Somehow, MARVEL and/or DISNEY need to hear our message.Any ideas?

    3. I honestly felt I had nothing further to say to Slott—we’d been banging away at each other for weeks and I was actually curious to see just how long a big selling comics god like him would bother to argue with a gnat like me (I mean, surely he had comics to ‘write’).But, really, the guy seems indefatigable in these crappy arguments.When the Moderator then chipped in by saying my merely having the account was supporting Marvel, despite my 12 issue boycott, I thought it was time to go.I actually felt being exposed to these two was eroding my general mood and well being–seriously. BUT ,I have emailed Marvel to tell them about my boycott.I’ve also separately emailed Marvel and Disney to ask for their views on the content and tone of Forum postings in response to fans’ comments.I won’t get replies, but, maybe, if others did likewise the message might get through.Everytime I think it CAN’T get any worse, I see the solicitation for the next SUPERIOR and I die a little inside. If DC handpicked a mole to infiltrate Marvel to destroy Spider-Man, they could not do a better job than Slott.It’s like a never ending nightmare.Will there be anything left after this vandalism?

    4. Ya. I am done with Slott not just as a comic writer but as a person. And if Marvel continue to support him I may just have to be done with them as a company as well, regardless of whether or not I like some of their titles. Because any company that allows ppl like him to work for them and seem perfectly fine with it…is a company that is not worth my time.

    5. I agree the venting process was cathartic!! I needed to know my ire was being heard and at least I know Slott heard it.I’m concerned that when Marvel deigns to bring back Peter, they will try to riff on our protests and say ‘look, we listen’. I actually wonder if Peter is now broken beyond all repair without asking Mephisto to re-set again.The point I’d love to make to Marvel is that it MATTERS how you write Peter, it’s not a temporary thing, it’s not a sales mule, it’s a character who MATTERS to many people.So, somehow, a senior editor somehow needs to take on board that this can’t be allowed to happen again.When these things happen, there’s been a breakdown in editorial quality.I don’t want to alarm anyone, but they’re off an another ‘editorial getaway’ now, I believe! Dread to think what shit they’re cooking up.I wrote to Marvel way back telling them they weren’t worthy of the Spidey legacy. I don’t think they give a flying fuck so long as sales stay high.

    6. John I know my rant at him will fall on deaf ears, he basically lives on this kind of reaction like a negative emotion vampire, it was more for myself. I just had to vent at him because as much as him killing Peter and replacing him with Ock annoyed me, his attitude towards it all in that interview was just something else and I couldn’t let it go without saying something about it.

    7. Note this:

       [H]e basically lives on this kind of reaction like a negative emotion vampire … (Darren Higham).

       And this:

       I actually felt being exposed to these two was eroding my general mood and well being–seriously (John Roche).

       These two quotes are very insightful. I think Mr. Slott does feed on the negativity, but he actually feeds on any attention. He needs it. He needs his ego fed, whether it is by “followers” on Twitter who idolize him, or by those who are angry w him venting around the Internet. Notice how he searches out comments about him? Notice how his Twitter feed is basically a shrine to himself and how great he is? Twitter will always be “personal,” but some people use it to disseminate information and have a free flow information between them and their followers, and others use it to say to the world, “Look at me! I’m superior! Yay!”

       When you “talk back” to Dan, I would not craft your message for him, but for other readers who are on the fence or those who want to speak up but for whatever reason have convinced themselves “Eh, what good will it do?” When you go over Slott’s head and put together a cohesive argument that he can’t counter, that’s when you got him. His petty responses make him look bad, and when objective observers juxtapose what you say up against his words it’s like night and day.

    8. As was pointed out by Darren, he thrives on negativity. He gets some sort of weird sick kick out of it. His responses to your comments show the perverse thrill he seems to get out of angering fans. You did a good thing by cutting it off it was affecting your mood.

    9. I also contacted Disney and Marvel, I have yet to get a reply. I informed them of how I felt about the moderation in the forum. If it helps I supported you in the forum until I was banned.

    10. Oh Geeze, if you mention my Dan Slott posts on that forum … that’s like sneaking into a room full of zombies, walking into the center and then screaming “I’m alive!”

14. Well if I had been arguing about the merits of his story and detailing how and why it fails then I would try to make a compelling and cohesive argument as you rightly say I (and others) should.

    But this was a pure emotional thing for me. It was not the story or the fact he had killed Peter for a second time it was the way he laughed about it.

    Look at these direct quotes by that man from that interview

    “And there’s been a lot of things along the way that have ticked people off. It’s all good.”

    ” I love the fact that we bring the gold Octobot back on frame. “Oh, look, there’s the back-up Peter Parker personality. Let’s delete that, too.” You know the thing you thought was a lifeboat? We burn it! [Laughs.] Mind wiped out, back-up wiped out, gone, done, boom. Now let’s move forward. New age. New Spider-Man.”

    and then goes on about how..

    “Peter Parker is that guy in Amazing Fantasy #15 who has all the powers of Spider-Man, and is going to selfishly use them for him and his family, and to hell with the rest of the world.”

    He loves the fact he is ruining Peter’s image. He finds it amusing.

    Hate may be a strong word and shouldn’t be used lightly to describe people

    but

    I HATE DAN SLOTT

    I am not going to go crazy and wish him dead, that is wrong but all the same. I hate him. I hate everything about him. There is no redeeming qualities about that man at all and people need to wake up and realize that. Even if you like hsi work as a writer as a human being he is just the lowest of the low and if I met him the only thing stopping me telling him to his face the amount of absolute disgust I feel for him would be the bile rising up in my throat

    Reply

    1. What’s equally frustrating is that he has moderators who carry his water on sites like Newsarama. I love how the moderator totally distorts my previous critiques of Dan Slott to try and take attention away from my review of SS#9.

       With that said, I would try not to allow Mr. Slott to generate hate inside you. He’s not worth it. Rise above it and let it be known that you’re a better man than he is. Then you’ll get people on Newsarama who say you exude a “holier than thou” attitude when in reality all they’re doing is getting upset at your moral clarity.

    2. well my kind of hate is not the type where I wish him harm or want to see him dead. I simply have no time for him as a person. Meeting him I would either tell him, politely, my opinions on his whole attitude or (more likely) just turn and walk away from him. He just leaves me totally dumbfounded

    3. I’m guessing tens-of-thousands Peter Parker fans agree with you. 😉

    4. When I described Slott’s acolytes as ‘Slottobots’ on the Forum, three people posted that it made them laugh,including one pro-Slott guy.The Moderator deleted it.THAT’S the problem with the Forum, it’s an unfair fight.
       I had a letter way back in ASM #612 complaining about the depiction of Peter (drunken one night stand anyone?) and Wacker’s detailed, bullshit response, was actually longer than my letter.The rot had set in with this creative bunch years ago and the decline has been BRUTAL ever since.One motivation for leaving the Forum was to deny Slott the elixir of attention.

    5. More like Deciptslots. … but it made me laugh, too. And I’m not deleting it.

       The moderators over at the Marvel boards (particularly DragonWulf, the guy who made up a fictional account for why he banned me for months) are little toadies for guys like Slott. I left for good not too long before then for the exact reasons you did. I may have seen your posts from time to time.

15. Remember when the Big Two were more interested in actually entertaining their fans as opposed to finding new ways to piss them off? These days, they’re all about the latter and not the former. I really would feel sorry for non-comics fans who enjoyed the recent Andrew Garfield/Emma Stone movie and picked up Inferior Spider-Man thinking it would just like the movie they saw.

    Reply

    1. We all know how Andrew Garfield feels. For all those who want to warp what I was saying in my “Is Dan Slott asking us to root for a rapist” post?, I have only this to say: “Spider-Man agrees with me. ‘Nuff said.”

    2. I’m glad to see that Garfield agrees with you!

    3. Douglas & Carl, you do realize that Andrew Garfield is not associated with the andrewgarfield.tumblr, right? It’s by an Andrew Garfield fan. So it’s not really a case of “Nuff Said.'” It’s a case of you misrepresenting what Andrew Garfield believes. Or are you now going to say that this is a case of warping what you are saying?

    4. If that is the case, I stand corrected.

       Is it “nuff said”? If you’re correct, then no. I would have thought in this day in age a celeb like Garfield would be smart enough to snatch up Twitter and Tumblr accounts so that wouldn’t happen. But that doesn’t make the argument any less valid. The moderators should address my points or not. But they shouldn’t distort what I was saying in order to try and smear me or to take away my credibility on a critique about SSM#9.

       Why would Doc Ock, a guy who wanted to “transcend Hitler and Pol Pot” during the “Ends of the Earth” storyline, suddenly get cold feet about getting with MJ? Why would a guy who had no qualms exterminating six billion people worry about hooking up with MJ in Peter’s body — particularly since he was going to be “superior” to Peter in every way?

       Answer: He wouldn’t. The writers got cold feet because they know I’m right. If Ock has sex with MJ under false pretenses, it is tantamount to rape. Notice in Dan’s extended Tweet he got all Clintonian and said “no physical rape” took place. Ah yes, I suppose he’s talking about the panel where Ock pleasures himself to thoughts of MJ. Sick.

       Now go back to Newsarama, where you guys can make up things about my posts and then react to it.

    5. Douglas,
       That is true. But it’s nice to see you admit to making assumptions, consider them facts, get proven wrong, but don’t “consider the argument any less valid.”
       And then complain that people are “making things up about you.”

       In your other point, you’re not taking the story into account. Doc Ock wanted to transcend “Hitler and Pol Pot” during the “Ends of the Earth” story line.
       Then in Amazing Spider-Man #700 a change took place. At the end of that issue, Peter Parker forced Doc Ock to relive and experience everything that helped him learn that with great power comes great responsibility.
       Then after that took place, Doc Ock decided to live out Peter’s life and be a better Spider-Man and a better Peter Parker.
       Then in Superior Spider-Man #2 he came to the conclusion that being a better Peter Parker would mean not being with MJ.

       It seems that you have to make up or ignore things to make your posts here seem valid.
       You should run all of this by the Andrew Garfield tumblr account and see if the fan running that site agrees with you on this too.
       ‘Nuff Said.

    6. Greg,

       You’re a sad little troll, aren’t you? Andrew Garfield actually agreeing with me would have been the sweet little cherry on top of a set of arguments we can agree or disagree with. Notice how it was never mentioned in the main body of any of my posts? Not once. The reason why I thought it was him was a.) because it has his full name in the account and most celebs have that on lock down from the get go these days, especially if they’re going to be in a huge summer movie, and b.) because the account probably sent over a few thousand people to my blog (much more than newsarama) and I can see that through the back end of my site.

       I’m so glad that because Peter beamed “With great power comes great responsibility” into Ock’s head that it totally just changed his stripes. That’s believable — or not, given that he executed Massacre. And I’m glad that guys like you would absolve him of his crimes and consider him a hero at the drop of a dime. The last time I checked there was the rule of law, and Ock has about 5,000 crimes against humanity to answer for. Coming within an inch of ending it for six billion people would kind of require some sort of punishment, but that’s just me. You can just ignore that little “extinction level event” thing because Dan Slott says he’s a hero.

    7. Douglas,
       It’s sad that when someone calls you out with the truth you have to label them a troll.
       “Andrew Garfield actually agreeing with me would have been the sweet little cherry on top…”
       But he didn’t. Only in your fantasies. Even while explaining why you were wrong and mistaken you try to spin, spin, spin. (After hurling more insults, of course.)
       You’ve insulted Slott about only focusing on his book’s sales, yet you excuse your blunder by the volume of traffic your mistake sent to your blog.
       You’re very hypocritical in many ways, aren’t you?
       I guess this is the point where you label me a troll again because I’m pointing out more of the truth. Or maybe you’ll call this a “distortion” as well.
       It must be nice to always be right. Even when you aren’t.

    8. Greg, when are you going to pull quotes from my actual pieces instead of concentrating on a jab I took at Slott-worshippers in the comments section (one of over 80 replies and counting)? I’ll be waiting. Notice how when I took Dan Slott apart I dissected his extended rant piece by piece. Can you do that, or are you going to just keep talking about Andrew Garfield?

16. I tried reading all the posts guys, but I needed to get this damn rage off my chest. And it is rage. Slott wrote some okay stories, action-wise, at some point in Spidey’s timeline, but I can’t remember them at this point. No, it’s true, I haven’t bought any of Petrock’s run, but I don’t need to taste garbage to know it’s garbage. There were a couple of panels posted by some of Slott’s admirers, some British guys, and all I felt was my skin crawl, and my fist spontaneously clenching shut so at to smash something. I am not a man given to maudlin expressions of fandom, but Peter is as close to a beloved friend as a fictional character could get…Sure, it’s a comic-book character, but I grew up with him, laughing when he triumphed, wincing when he screwed something up in a petty way, and grieving when the occasion called for such feelings…But how would that be possible with Pet-rock, which is the way I call the conflation of Peter and Octopus in case it’s confusing, to express my utter contempt for the miscreant: a character which in the build-up to Peter’s assassination, effective by now, it would seem, claimed he wanted to out-Hitler Hitler. A hypocritical, narcissistic sociopath is hardly the stuff of which heroes are made, specially when this one’s actions so clearly point to a ceiling of a**holedom, and a nadir worthy of a nazi…And that’s just Pet-rock; let’s not say anything about the non-sensical, inexplicable characterization of the entities that comprise Spidey’s former supporting cast, as they are Pet-rock’s by now. By the way, was this the reason that the Black Cat was so unceremoniously shuttled out of Peter’s life? Sure, I still prefer Mary Jane, although Slott’s simpering Titian-haired amazon was a bit hard to take by the end, there, but then again, the Felicia Hardy from the “Peter Parker Spectacular Spider-man” saga of the the Owl and Octopus would have seen right thru Pet-rock’s disguise, even with Pete’s grinning mug staring back at her. I will not buy a single “Superior”, as I have no need of alternative forms of toilet-paper. Oh, by the by, Peter had actually already tangled, albeit non-chalantly, with Wolverine, slapping him unceremoniously away during a scuffle in the first “Secret Wars”, telling Wolvie that to him, that is Peter, “he was just a joke.” Apparently Pet-rock’s unwarranted assault of Wolverine was supposed to stoke the fires of neanderthal fan-boys who relished the moment of Pet-rock’s pugnacious take-down of the X-man. Again, I haven’t read Comic Petrock, but it seems that some of their love is based on youthful ignorance of Spidey’s history, which is forgivable, but then their cheering of an unrepentant, murderous piece of DSM-IV case-history is bizarre to say the least. I apologize for the long-winded rant, but I just needed this release. And Mr. Ernst, our politics are probably not compatible, but I don’t see a doctrinaire producing this blog, just a man expressing understandable distress over the incomprehensible bastardization of what was a terrific, iconic, and complicated long-lived character. I will probably buy Spider-man comics again, but only after this inert, geological fad cast-off shuffles off the stage. Make mine Melville!! or Milton!! or Wil-E….

    Reply

    1. Gilberto,

       Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. No need to apologize for the length at all. You made great points, particularly the one about Ock recently wanting to transcend Hitler, only to become Dan Slott’s “hero” months later. Amazing (no pun intended) that many “fans” actually have not only accepted this, but embraced it. They then mock guys like us, who point out how insulting and downright wrong it was for Mr. Slott to do such a thing to Peter Parker.

       The other interesting thing about SSM you also addressed, in that Slott’s bizarre editorial decision cuts across ideological lines. Liberal? Conservative? Libertarian? You can find men of all ideological stripes that are upset with what Marvel has allowed to be done to Parker. It really is a travesty.

       Again, thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it.

17. Men???Hell, I believe you can find women, mothers with children, of all stripes horrified at these developments as well….Slott claims that he wanted to out-meta all meta analyses of the comic narrative previously attempted, I do believe he said this, but the voyeuristic aspect of comics, or all visual media for that matter, needs no rehashing; still, Slott seems to wallow in it, even making us complicit in a peeping-tom voyeurism of Peter’s memories which will make anyone’s skin crawl. This, incidentally is the intimation portrayed in the panel posted by one of those British guys I mentioned. The guy posting it said that this is the image that “lingers in the mind.” Yes, you scum-bucket. It lingers because of its egregiousness, not its artistry. Also, Mr. Ernst, your comment above about not wasting any time hating Slott is well taken, and applauded. If only that had been the tenor of the conversation before one idiot, or was it many?, decided to threaten Slott’s life, providing him with a certain veneer of moral superiority, that though unwarranted, is understandable when people assume that everyone of his detractors is a fan without any perspective at all. And as to whether Slott thrives on negativity, well, we might have to start calling him “The Parasite,” after all. But perhaps that is just petty, and beneath you. Though maybe not me…

    Reply

    1. While I wish no harm to come to anyone — including Dan Slott — I see random threats by anonymous Internet trolls as par for the course for any public figure. The U.S. has a population of 300 million people. There are plenty of idiots to go around. I don’t have nearly the soap box Dan Slott has and someone created a website for a time dedicated to essentially hating me. This person also sent me creepy emails … to put it nicely. It’s to be expected that a small percentage of nuts would threaten such an outspoken public figure.

       Anyone who tries to apologize for SSM by painting its critics as a threat waiting to happen is not serious. They will do anything to detract from a cogent, well thought out argument. The key is to expose their tactics, brush them off, and then keep hammering away.

18. what annoys me even more is that Inferior will be making appearances in comics I do like such as Deadpool and Scarlet Spider but I refuse to support Inferior in any way so if that means skipping issues of good comics he guests in, then so be it. Because it may be one thing to boycott the spider-man titles that he is in but if his appearance in other comics starts to hurt their sales while he is in them… then perhaps Marvel will sit up and take notice that he just isn’t good for business

    Reply

19. I really like Superior Spider-Man. It’s really interesting and I’m eagerly awaiting each new issue.
    That doesn’t mean that I think Doctor Octopus is a good person or that Slott is a flawless writer. He’s succeeded in making a comic book that’s very interesting for me to read, though.
    I like seeing doctor Octopus’ unexpected thoughts and reactions. I like seeing this character change and grow.

    Reply

    1. Sandra,

       While I disagree with you, I do appreciate the time that you took to read and comment. Thank you.

20. I am from Britain and frequent many different Comic Cook shops in my local area and when visiting family around the UK. In every shop there are copies of Superior Spider-Man on the shelves.

    Personally, I am not much of a Spider-Man fan but I have to say I am extremely puzzled at the route they seem to take with the character. A strategy where you try and use hate and anger to sell comics is absurd. Imagine if the James Bond producers did the same thing and had Blofeld swap with James Bond? Completely ridiculous.

    I have read 3-4 issues (courtesy of my comic shop worker letting me in the shop) and it is complete nonsense. The only saving grace is that with Amazing Spider-Man 2 out next year Marvel will put Peter back into his own mind.

    Reply

    1. James,

       Thanks for the comment. I like the James Bond analogy. Spot on.

       I’m hoping that with the new movie coming out they’ll make things right, but with these guys you never know…

21. Guys, for some funny recaps on the Petrock comic, I’d recommend the Spider-man crawlspace. They have some funny blogs, and a somewhat perverse fandom outlook on things, as I see it. Most of the guys here don’t seem to like Peter Parker’s characterization on Petrock, specially his character’s assassination on #8, where he seems willing to let a little girl die to protect what’s left of his consciousness, but they’re still reading the comics. These guys are witty, even in their somewhat masochistic way. After all, why would you buy a comic book that aggravates you?…Frankly, though, I find them useful. They read the comics, so you don’t have to.

    Reply

    1. Gilberto,

       Thanks for commenting. I definitely check out the Crawlspace reviews and podcasts. The thing that I find interesting is that in the podcasts they often sound like they don’t like the book that much, but then they’ll give the issue a ‘B-‘ or perhaps a ‘C’. I sometimes feel like they’re so invested in Spider-Man that they can’t bring themselves to just say “this sucks, we’re done until it gets better.” Do you feel the same way?

       In the podcast for SSM #9 I think someone referred to Dan Slott committing “intellectual rape” and then one of the guys basically said not to go there. They laughed and moved on, but once that sort of thing is said it can’t be taken back. We’ve seen behind the curtain.

       These days I usually see an issue in a comic shop or a book store, read it and then put it down if it’s SSM. I can’t be giving Marvel my cash. I’ll still purchase other items, but Marvel is rare buy these days.

22. Hah!!Doug, that’s exactly what I thought while I was listening to their ratings. They are guys that are completely invested in liking the comic, perhaps a necessary situation, given that their sponsor is a mail order comic outfit. And though I would certainly argue with their rating system; I mean, the only A comics that I would have in mind are classic level stories, sagas like Frank Miller’s run in “Daredevil”, with Elektra and the Hand; John Romita Jr.’s Spider-man during the eighties, “To fight the unbeatable foe”, and those two-fisted romps when Spidey faced off with Mr. Hyde, and the initial Hobgoblin run; the Owl and Doctor Octopus in “Spectacular Spider-man”; Walt Simonson’s “Ragnarok and Roll,” etc. Let’s not even mention “Watchmen” or “Dark Knight”, and Jean Giraud or “Corto Maltese”….But that is another matter, altogether; still, while I enjoyed the punctilious fan-boy nitpicking, as who wouldn’t?, all of it seemed forced, based upon the pursuit of a story-line that hinges on a character that is at best a “d*ck”. Oh, and they do mention “mental rape” being the outrage that will make us think of Doctor Octopus, in the future, when Pete is back in his body, I suppose, as the premiere Spider-man villain. Bully for him. Although they shied away from the “Superior Spider-rapist” tack in the conversation, because that seems to be the main reason that confuses many aficionados of this comic. Slott’s Petrock is formerly a villain willing to kill millions, but he’s soft on kids, so he has some redemptive qualities, unless you think enough to power a potato light-bulb, and then the whole house of cards crashes in on itself. But, their conversation seems to say, don’t think too much, because comic readers, which they are, don’t seem to like to think too much, except they do; but not about thorny little issues, like characterization, and consistent plot development, which is just an uncouth thing to do, after all; which is just what they go ahead and do, nevertheless, blithely giving props to this putrid production, all the while lampooning it to quite an extent. Maybe, it’s all just post-modern posturing from the nearest Baja cantina, with a suitable offering of alcoholic, jokey bonhomie. But you should still spend your money, for that is the thing to do. As for me, I’ll attempt to focus on the more promising offerings from overseas. Or maybe I’ll just dig thru my admittedly much too well-used collection. And the podcasts are still quite funny. Thanks for listening.

    Reply

    1. If there was a section on this blog where I could frame comments and put them up on the “Wall of Awesome” this comment would make the list.

       “Slott’s Petrock is formerly a villain willing to kill millions, but he’s soft on kids, so he has some redemptive qualities, unless you think enough to power a potato light-bulb, and then the whole house of cards crashes in on itself.”

       Here! Here!

       I wasn’t thinking about the Crawlspace sponsors when I wrote that. Very good point. Thanks again for the insight, Gilberto. Much appreciated!

23. I have never left a comment on a comic book before, a writer, an artist, or even gotten into the whole forum thing with comics. I have only seen what’s happened to Peter since about March, and as a 51 year old WOMAN who has loved Spidey since the mid-70s, I see what Slott’s done here, and it just feels like Slott has masturbated all over the character with all the angst and anger of a pudgy, bullied, balding little kid who has grown up to emotionally associate more with Ock than the heroic, athletic, good-looking man-child with the powers, who always got the girl.
    The things I notice are not the things others have noticed. Plot holes large enough to drive a truck through…
    1. When did Ock get so damn smart? He was never this able. If he was, he would have easily killed Spider-Man a long time ago. Slott gave Ock an IQ that makes Reed Richards look like an idiot.
    2. When did everyone else get so stupid? The people who have known him for years and years suddenly get as intuitive as a wet sponge? These are heroes who have known him for forever, but take a few tests as proof that yeah, it’s him. He must be angst-ridden, or something… Right… They couldn’t even call in Dr. Strange? Really???
    3. There should be TWO Ottos running around, because the golden octobot with a direct connection overwrote Otto over Peter, but Peter got overwritten into Otto… how? Magic? If anything, Peter should have existed ONLY in the octobot if a transference is what happened.
    4. What happened to Madame Web, the only one who could call him out reliably? A ridiculously convenient, seemingly permanent coma. Thanks, Slott. We needed more coincidental bullshit to support this whole switcheroo.
    5. As SOON as Peter’s memories got transferred in, the moral code should have kicked in where Otto decided to sacrifice himself rather than steal Peter’s body. You literally CANNOT be a hero in a stolen body, no matter how much better a job you think you can do. This makes you a villain.
    6. Why the heck couldn’t the suddenly super-genius intellect Slott gave Otto give him the ability to stop the deterioration of his own body, or find a suitable substitute? He had to Hail Mary Peter’s body? There were better and easier alternatives in the YEAR building up to his complete physical breakdown.
    7. When Otto realizes Peter is still in him, he doesn’t think about how he can safely remove or live with the persona/soul of Peter, he decides he is a glitch, and goes in and kills him again. With impunity. With glee. Again, a plot hole. How can he be a superior ANYTHING while killing a remnant of the man whose life you stole? See #5.

    Now, I know this is comic book writing and not high fiction, but a bad story is a bad story. Slott is taking way too much satisfaction in making this villain an unbeatable force with an intellect that never existed at this level, where everything goes his way, when it never has before. When a story stretched credibility into an insulting farce is way past where I draw the line. Stop insulting me, Mr. Slott. I’m a fan who deserves better. Shame on you, you pathetic bully.

    Reply

    1. Two things:

       1. I see what Slott’s done here, and it just feels like Slott has masturbated all over the character with all the angst and anger of a pudgy, bullied, balding little kid who has grown up to emotionally associate more with Ock than the heroic, athletic, good-looking man-child with the powers, who always got the girl.

       I’m not going to lie: I think if you paid a professional psychologist to analyze the man you’d probably get similar feedback. As I’ve said before (and articulated very well by Carl from Carl’s Comics), Mr. Slott seems to hate Peter. The way he pejoratively referred to him as “Jiminy Cricket” was incredibly telling. You could feel the disdain in his voice coming off the page.

       2. You literally CANNOT be a hero in a stolen body, no matter how much better a job you think you can do. This makes you a villain.

       Boom. Avi at The Four Color Media Monitor has hammered this point home, if I’m not mistaken. It’s impossible to argue with this. You can not reform if you are a body snatcher. I actually have a post I might work up that touches on Doc Ock and “Secret Invasion.” Regardless, you’re right on point.

       Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it.

    2. With great (writing) power comes a great need to self-validate. I greatly need a shower. Appreciate the feedback.

24. Rogue, I’m wincing for Slott, but I’m not one little bit sorry for the dressing down you just gave him. I also need to take a shower, for that image you put in our collective heads. Mad props. Your logic seems flawless. And Doug, I’m reading your lucid dreaming blog; evolution is an ever ongoing process, and it’s nice to see that you’re an oneironaut in more ways than one. Keep the lights burning, brother.

    Reply

    1. Thanks! I just replied. Hopefully it’s not too unfocused. That’s a topic that lends itself to going off on tangents.

    2. Thanks, Gilberto. Between the unforgivable plot holes, the way Slott has been so snarky to the fanbase and the way the younger readers seem to be rooting for a “hero” with a mass murderer’s values makes me feel like Slott will have a lot to answer for one day. Redemption stories are great, but when the road itself is evil it negates the whole thing, and makes you feel dirty for even witnessing it. Come on, Stan! Show this upstart pup what you REALLY think! Lol!

    3. My overwhelming feelings have been anger and impotence–nobody seems remotely willing at Marvel to countenance the fact that something dreadful is being done here.Slott really isn’t worth effort or thought—my Forum exchanges with him helped to the extent that had this story come from someone I respected it would have felt even worse.BUT, what I still do is register protest on EVERY web page, forum, Facebook page, group at EVERY opportunity.So, if Marvel says ‘Who would you like to see…’, I say my bit on Peter.If everyone does it, every time, it might, MIGHT, just register with other fans and maybe even some editors worried that SUPERIOR has peaked. The message needs to stay in their faces.But the message , I think, is not just ‘Bring Back Peter’, because Marvel can use that to market his return.The message needs to be ‘NEVER, EVER, AGAIN’.

    4. I have no idea why Stan is silent on this. I understand he’s near the end and probably doesn’t want to start a feud, but my goodness … it’s Spider-Man! Sure, there’s a picture of him shredding ASM #700, but it would carry a lot of weight if he just said something along the lines of, “Dan Slott can do whatever he wants, but in my opinion this is just wrong.”

    5. I think the Stan shredding pic is dubious.Stan is still part of Marvel—he’s in the indicia, so, whatever he feels, he’ll be contractually sewn up tight as a drum.Even without that, Stan doesn’t really criticize Marvel like that..Sales are the only thing that Marvel listens to,anyway.

    6. I never got the feeling Stan would ever stay silent on anything. I didn’t know about the ripping of 700, and I got the feeling that the other remark I did see was more of a sarcastic tone of “Yeah, sure, I think your writing is indicative of your level of talent”. I of course, would rather see a public dressing-down in the spirit of “What the Excelsior do you think you’re doing, crapping all over my creation, when you can’t come up with a creative way to tie your shoes” or something similar. Just my opinion. 🙂 But I’d frame it.

25. And the pic of the ASM shred is fake. Googled it. http://tinyurl.com/n5g5rkw
    Thanks a bunch for letting me have my say on your blog, Douglas. It was a good way to let something out I’d been holding for way too long.

    Reply

    1. Nuts. I thought the pic went with the tweet to Slott about giving him the death of Peter as a birthday present. How depressing.

       Vent here about SSM any time. Unlike the Marvel boards and Newsarama, I’m not going to just delete comments or ban people because they disagree with me… I think there needs to be an outpost where people can voice their displeasure with the book, and if this blog provides one of them then I’m happy.

26. Douglas and Rogue, that Stan has remained silent on this has been one of the most confusing things in this whole disaster. Yes, he’s been in the movies, but with some slight humor tossed at his persona, what with confusing him with ole’ Hugh Hefner in Spiderman 1, I thought that was Stan knowing that that avuncular cool cat thing is just that, a persona. I thought he would still pipe up about something so close to his , admittedly, “reputed” heart. But his silence speaks volumes. And Roche, you’re probably right about him keeping his mouth shut as tight as drum. Those contractual obligations to Mammon, I tell you. Maybe with age, wisdom fritters away when hemmed in by notions of profit and popularity. So much the worse for loyal fandom…

    Reply

    1. lol the hugh reference was in iron man. and he did comment on this. he said thanks dan slott on my birthday you killed off peter parker. he said it jokingly, but i don’t think it was 100% a joke.

27. Douglas did you check out Avenging Spider-Man 16 and see wolverine’s real reaction? and yes i agree with you wholeheartedly, whenever Dan Slott doesn’t like the response or tha bashing he pulls out his sales numbers. most people are buying to see when the hell peter parker will regain his body. and others are buying to own a piece of art that will go down as horrendous along with One More Day, when is a competent person going to be made Editor-in-Chief at Marvel, with the balls to say no that’s not happening. or even let’s fix all this bullshit that has ruined some of these characters. Sadly, Marvel is in need of it’s own reboot like DC did. but they need a new person in charge, who won’t allow for the mass raping of the characters, and allow writers to give the proverbial middle finger to the fans that made the characters successful and iconic. you want doc ock to be a hero. put his ass in one of the cloned bodies of peter parker. and bam then you have another comic.

    Reply

    1. I did go to the Union Station comic shop in DC, but it’s super small and they didn’t have an older issue of Avenging to check out. Although that still is on my mind. There’s a comic shop out in Laurel, MD that I sometimes go to. I’m sure they’ll have it next time I swing by.

       Your point on the clones is well taken. As I’ve said in a few posts, there was an infinite number of ways Dan Slott could have had his “Superior” Spider-Man while not face stomping Peter Parker into the ground. He went out of his way to annoy long time fans, and then he gets this incredulous “Why is everyone so angry?” act going when he’s nailed on it.

28. Funny!

    “I gave a quick look yesterday and I just burst out laughing. The guy has serious issues. And on top of that “DragynWulf” was the moderator who banned me years ago. I see he’s still around. I love how in the “rules” section he says not to complain if your comments just disappear because that means you’ve broken the rules. That’s rich coming from a guy who completely fabricated a story to ban me because he didn’t like how effective I was at ripping OMD/BND”

    Same thing happend to me from the same guy! I was beating Slott in a debate and pow I was gone.

    Reply

29. Slott once said he loved spider-man, what a horrible lie. The man utterly destroyed the character he so called loved, and embarrassed him. I gave up spider-man , i much prefer Mark waid’s Indestructible Hulk and yost’s Scarlet spider. Awesome analysis and posts man! so happy that someone is putting slott in his place.
    here, you might want to watch this, really cool 🙂 :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xjld71JLmsU

    Reply

    1. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Rezi-George. I appreciate it. That video is extremely well made. Kudos to the guy who put it together.

       And, strangely enough, there is a screen shot from this blog at 11:23. In regards to the Marvel editors: “The inmates are running the asylum.”

    2. No prob man :D, as a spider-man fan to another, we both know that what slott is doing is terrible and a basic slap to the face to the fans 🙂
       lets hope a good author comes along and cleans up this mess ^_____^

30. Great video!
    I am back in the Marvel forum so the ban was lifted (I bet it will not last long).

    Reply

31. The ban lasted one day, I made 3 posts (all within the guidelines) and was quickly banned.

    Reply
32. Pingback: Why I Don’t Buy Marvel, And Why I’m Sorely Tempted To (PLEASE GIVE FEEDBACK) | Jyger's Rant

    1. I like a lot of marvel books but after what I have experienced from Slott I will never buy a book with his name on it.

33. John and others,
    I stood up to Slott for you unfortunately most of the posts were removed. Don’t be silent call marvel and complain. When I cancelled Superior Spider-Man they asked why, trust me I told them why. I also called marvel and voiced a complaint. The more of us there are the more power we will have. Douglas was right I let Slott go crazy on me then I hit him with something he could not defend. Even his sales number crap is a line. Of course my post was removed but I now have a video explaining why it is not as “Superior” as he thinks.

    Reply

34. I believe a more interesting story line is along the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde variety. Sometimes Peter would emerge and dominate. Other times, Otto would emerge and dominate. And nobody in the Marvel universe can cure this dilemma. As far as genius goes, Otto is more systematic in his approaches. But Peter could cook up something brilliant, on the spur of the moment. Dr Otto and Mr. Parker would be far more interesting.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Randy. As your idea points out, there were countless directions Mr. Slott could have gone with the story that would not have involved outright killing Peter, for all intents and purposes, twice. Your idea is very viable if Slott played his cards right, but I doubt he’ll go that route. And even if he did, there’s been so much damage done to the character that it will take one smart cookie to get Peter where he needs to be.

35. Gotta say I don’t agree with your criticism, Douglas. For one thing, that shard of Peter’s memories had just experienced the memory of his friends and loved ones being torn from him by Otto. So he’s going to be a little teary-eyed as he struggles to remember his world. Otto used Peter’s own emotions against him in their battle. It was a very sad scene, but I also think one that was very well done.

    It is surprising that you’re accusing Slott of using anger to fuel his sales when this blog looks pretty anger-inducing. I’m sure you don’t mind the attention.

    Reply

    1. Antonio, I’ve written this blog long before Slott killed Peter. It’s rather bizarre that guys like you always accuse me of seeking “attention.” I don’t need your attention. I wrote this blog when less than five people a day came here, and I’ve written it when 5,000 or more a day came here.

       In case you didn’t notice, it was Dan Slott and Marvel that put out a promotional teaser that said fans would be “angrier” than they were after ASM #700. Just because my blog is “anger-inducing” to you it doesn’t mean I that am fueled by anger. I can not help it if the truth has a way of striking a nerve, whether it’s with Dan Slott, you or anyone else.

       Thanks for the comment, Antonio. As usual, the contribution from Slott’s defenders is rather … illuminating.

    2. I see you didn’t try to argue my point about the scene. That’s telling.

       And yes, Marvel did market it that way. Same way sad movies expect you to cry. Some people just want it to be Big Bad Marvel mistreating them as fans. That way, they can write blogs abou it.

       In either case, I’m talking about this specific blog post. Don’t really care about the rest of your blog. But if you need a ‘Slott supporter’ to show how much you’re an outside and how we’re all trying to keep you from speaking your version of the truth to the world, by all means go ahead and use my disagreeing with your post to do so.

    3. What is there to argue with? I already stated in the post how Dan Slott could have written the scene. Inside Peter’s head he would have been in charge — not Ock. The memory of Uncle Ben would have towered over Otto like Galactus. And when “Uncle Ben” smashed Otto into a million pieces he would have ripped his face off to reveal … it was Peter all along. Why? Because the values instilled in him by Uncle Ben do not die and they are infinitely more powerful than the evil machinations of a madman.

       You choose to defend Slott’s depiction of Peter Parker, the Perpetual Man-boy. Good for you. There’s not a whole lot to argue with. More power to you. (Or should I say ‘weakness’? You get the point.)

       In regards to me being an “outsider,” even if I was to agree with your barely-coherent premise, what does that have to do with you? Are you the moderator on Newsarama who blocked me? Are you Dan Slott, who blocked me without ever having interacted with me? (I only found out when a reader told me to check out his Twitter feed.) Are you a moderator at the Marvel boards, who just erases content that makes Dan Slott look bad? I’m assuming the answer is no. In reality, you’re just some guy who showed up and wanted to continue the tired line that Spider-Man blog posts I’ve written (less than 1% of my total) were for “attention.” Yawn. Call me when you want to get serious.

36. Great response Douglas I like how you are not afraid to have a good debate, if you were like the marvel forum moderator Dragynwulf you would have banned the person and claimed that people who supported the person were the same person you banned with no proof. Then you would lie and make posts to others to try to discredit the person. Of course then you would also have to remove posts and construct a story that the person broke a rule and started attacking when the truth is that they responded in an attack after they were attacked many times before responding back with a negative post, and that is clearly beneath you.

    Reply

    1. If someone wants to say, “SolidSnakeEyes is Douglas Ernst,” they can feel free to do that. I’m not going to advertise who I am unless I have to because I know some idiot will turn the conversation to George W. Bush or President Obama or something stupid because I’m conservative. Or they’ll say that I’m just trying to promote my own blog. And if Mr. Slott banned me from his Twitter feed, I have no doubt that they’d love to get me banned from the boards sooner rather than later, no matter how tactful I am.

       It says quite a bit that the moderator had to resort to a personal attack off the get go (i.e., I “don’t care” about the real fallout from war) instead of sticking to the topic at hand. He’s the one who bans people for personal attacks, and then that’s one of the first things he does. Completely unprovoked. He makes a lame defense of his point, and then tries to weaken mine by attacking my character.

       I also find it strange that in order to win the argument, one of the first things he did was to start talking about his own military service in a way where it would be extremely difficult to challenge him without getting personal (and banned). How do you argue on a comics forum with a guy whose main point is centered around his own time in war and how many people he’s “killed”? It’s like he’s begging for someone to challenge him so he can ban them.

       How dare he tell me I “don’t care”. Did I not care when my friend got his head blown off by a sniper and the NYT broke the news of it before the military ever told his family? (Google Hector Leija if you want to learn about a fine soldier.) Do I not care when I hear stories from friends who work “for the government” who have been blown up (multiple times) and lived to tell about it? Good thing parts of your liver can grow back… I couldn’t believe DragynWulf went there without even knowing me. It’s astounding, really.

    2. I looked up your friend, I am truly sorry.
       DragynWulf should chose his words much more cautiously.

    3. Thanks, man. Yes, it’s even worse that it’s the moderator who is so fast and loose with such accusations… He’s against personal attacks unless he’s the one making them, I guess.

37. I’m 49 and have been reading Marvel books since I was 10. For me Spider-Man will always be Peter Parker. I refuse to accept any substitute, especially poorly written ones.

    I’m not buying Inferior Spider-Ock. However I do peruse through them at my local comic book shop. There’s plenty of them on the shelves and I have re-read my cousin’s set of books so I’m glad I saved my money.

    In the meantime, I don’t care how long it takes but I’m waiting for a new creative team to bring Spidey back to his former glory with sophisticated and mature story-telling.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for the read, Magnetic Eye. I appreciate it. Be careful there, according to Dan Slott they’re selling out everywhere. He’ll accuse your magnetic eye of needing prescription classes or something. Indeed, the true Spider-Man is Peter Parker and he is most definitely not Doctor Octopus.

38. Jeez, this whole thing’s kind of a mess. Great article, man, you brought up some really good points. “Superior” bothers me ’cause I’d defended Slott’s stuff in “Amazing,” but i think this just went a little too far. I think the biggest issue with the new stuff is that Otto just isn’t an interesting hero. I still read the “Superior” stuff, but it’s mostly ’cause I’m hoping Carlie or Mary Jane or the Black Widow will catch on. I think the reason most of us liked Peter was because he was interesting. He had character flaws and internal conflicts, but he was still likable and we wanted him to succeed. I don’t feel that at all with Otto. I still like the stories, but I don’t like the character, and that’s pretty crucial.

    Honestly, though, I want Peter back and a much more in-depth romance with the Black Cat than we got in ASM #600 or whichever it was. 😛

    Reply

    1. Hi Jonathan,

       Thanks for the comment. My thing with Slott is, regardless of the quality of the stories (and I don’t think they’re all that great), he acts as if anyone who is upset with what he’s done is being irrational. You don’t just make the Red Skull into Captain America or The Joker into Batman and essentially say, “But look at all the interesting character development we can explore!” That’s the defense I often hear for SSM from people and it’s just plain wrong to me.

       If Slott would have made this a six-part tale within ASM I could have swallowed it. I would have cringed, but I’d say, “Fine. Whatever.” But the execution of the tale (no pun intended) was horrible.

       I felt the same way with OMD/BND. Want to get rid of Mary Jane? Fine. There are logical ways to do that. But the way they went about that … well, it speaks for itself.

    2. You’ve said it all, man… I used to luv spiderman, read it in my childhood until the clone saga ending… Last year, with the marvel app, I’ve re-started reading it but since the superior #9, i’ve just lost interest again… Well now i’m reading witch doctor, great comic, but i feel sad that I can’t keep up with spidey anymore, and that’s simply because he aint there anymore… And I cant imagine who wants to read a comic book with doc ock as the main character… I really Think they’vê lost it… Big time… Sorry bout my english, brazilian guy here… Bye!

    3. No problem, Pedro. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it. Just don’t give them your cash. That’s the best thing you can do. That, and to tell your friends just how badly they’re treating the character.

       I’d suggest you say something to Dan Slott on Twitter, but I’m sure you’ve heard about how he responds to constructive criticism.

       Side note: No problem on the English. I’ve actually found that people born outside the U.S. often speak better English than those born here. You fall into that camp. Congrats! It also says something about our educational system, but that’s a story for another day.

    4. Done that already in marvel forum… under the nick “Pedrada” (in portuguese, that means somethin like “hit with a stone”)
       Nice blog, by the way, it’s surelly going to my favorites tab…

    5. Thanks, Pedro. And unlike Dan Slott, I won’t call you “immoral” when I disagree with you. We’ll hash it out like two adults. 😉

       You see, Dan Slott puts a man who wanted to transcend Hitler, Pol Pot and Ghengis Khan into Spider-Man’s suit, and then he gets upset when someone gives a quick history lesson as it pertains to the implications of such an editorial choice. Are comics “just” comics? I would argue not. Popular culture is incredibly important — but so is history. That’s why this blog covers both (often simultaneously).

39. I’m not so concerned with Peter going away for a while. After all, look how long Barry Allen (i.e Flash) and Hal Jordon (i.e. Green Lantern) had been away. Both had been away awhile and eventually came back. Or how long was Bruce Wayne away, while he had some substitute take his place? I just hope Peter can straighten out all the issues when he returns.

    Is Doc Ock being more ruthless a plus? After all, both Batman and DareDevil beat up bad guys and can be brutal at times. I much prefer to read Batman and DareDevil doing it.

    The biggest problem with erasing Peter’s memories is this: Doc Ock loses all the Kung Fu stuff the Master of Kung Fu taught. Wouldn’t he be a more effective fighter if the also remembered this stuff? And he loses all the fighting movements Peter gained over the years.

    Doc Ock is finishing his PhD too fast. About a month ago, he entered the program. Now he is working on his thesis. Is anybody really that smart and would a university really allow this?

    Doc Ock is only interesting to me, when he battles someone of equal or superior intellect – like the current Green Goblin. After all, the Goblin just found a design flag in his mechanical spiders to exploit. Just like Peter used to find problems in Doc’s stuff, within the moment.

    Reply

    1. Hi Randy. Thanks for the read. As I’ve said before, I would not have minded a six-part story arc in ASM where Doc switches places with Peter. I would have been annoyed, but in general I would have rolled my eyes and moved on. But to slay Peter (twice) the way they did, and then to keep it going, and going, and going… And then to rub it in the faces of Peter Parker fans with “You’ll be angrier than #700” promo spots? Not cool.

       They could have found a way to put Ock in a Spider suit without spitting all over Peter Parker’s grave. I think Marvel failed … big time on that front.

40. Slott rules. Get over it, quit hating and enjoy the ride its way more superior.

    Reply

    1. Hey, look, it’s a troll who goes by “Peter Parker” … who offers nothing substantive to add to the conversation. Zzzzzz.

    2. Slott is that you???
       No it can’t be he did not use caps or 😉

41. Total shit, this is just a FAIL, what the hell was the writer thinking? you just can’t leave behind a character like peter parker! and worse replace it with doctor octopus, lots of people hate that guy, including me, well i just gave my opinion. Fuck Slott (slut), fuck Dan!!!.

    Reply

    1. If you stick around long enough Dan Slott might decide the Green Goblin should be the new Spider-Man… Or maybe Mr. Slott will take over another book. Reed Richards will die and then Doctor Doom and Sue can start a “forbidden love,” in which Doom is the new leader of the FF. Don’t like that idea? According to guys like Dan Slott, you’d be closed minded.

42. Slott is all over the map and has been for a quite a bit now. He was left with a mess, and to his credit he has cleaned that up quite a bit. But his writing is so bizarre currently. He has characters act incredibly ooc only to have their thought process explained 3 chapters later in a thoughtful and meaningful manner. He comes up with a good idea and then finds the most lazy slovenly way to make it happen. Sometimes his humor is spot on and others time it circles the rim the of the toilet. It’s so inconsistent I don’t know what I’m getting to the point I’ve stopped buying Spiderman comics. Last time I did that I found out about OMD. It’s a shame but more and more I see Peter written like a bad, weak, or undeveloped human being. And to be sure, he’s had those moments before. But it seems now as though Slott is trying to make SpOck look good by making Peter look bad by comparison.

    As a gentleman I wish you only the best Mr Slott if you are out there reading this. But I must confess I’m looking forward to Peter’s return.

    Reply

    1. “He comes up with a good idea and then finds the most lazy slovenly way to make it happen. Sometimes his humor is spot on and others time it circles the rim the of the toilet. It’s so inconsistent I don’t know what I’m getting to the point I’ve stopped buying Spiderman comics,” (Regless).

       Very well said. I’d say “inconsistent” is a spot on critique of his work. In my comments around the internet and on this blog I’ve acknowledged that there are parts of even SSM that are interesting and perhaps worth exploring. But killing Peter to get at them? Taking him out like a punk (twice?). No thanks. That was not the way a hero of his stature was supposed to exit the stage.

       “It’s a shame but more and more I see Peter written like a bad, weak, or undeveloped human being. And to be sure, he’s had those moments before. But it seems now as though Slott is trying to make SpOck look good by making Peter look bad by comparison,” (Regless).

       Bingo. As others have commented on my posts, it’s almost as if Dan Slott hates Peter Parker. I think that might be a subconscious thing, so I’d rather not get too into that… The bottom line is that his understanding of what made for a compelling Peter-read was way off the mark. I felt like Peter was regressing when I was reading certain issues of ASM over the past few years. It’s like the writers and editors said, “Okay, we can’t make him young again in some sort of freak time-loop accident so let’s just make him dumber.” It was painful to read.

43. Just stumbled across this a bit after the original posting. I’m inclined to agree with you on this. I’m a 41-year old dude who stated reading comics back in high school. I’ve been on and off on Spider-Man – I rediscovered the title when JMS took it over and greatly enjoyed seeing Peter develop – I didn’t like everything in that run but I did enjoy seeing Peter find a new career, work on a difficult patch in his marriage, talk with his aunt about the death of Uncle Ben, etc. Like presumably a lot of others I voted with my feet after “One More Day”.

    Generally speaking, I’m ok with big changes in comic books and don’t need a constant status quo. For example, the death of Peter Parker in the Ultimates line worked for me – he died not saving the universe but in saving those important to him. And seeing Miles as his successor is its own interesting arc – he has doubts, he has the support – and criticism – of members of Peter’s supporting cast. It makes for an interesting story and gives Miles a legacy to live up to. Same thing with Dick Grayson as Batman and Wally West as the Flash – whether their reigns were long or short they were faithful to the overall idea of the character and had something to live up to while at the same time dealing with their own demons.

    With Superior Spider-Man…. I just don’t like it. I don’t feel Doc Ock is struggling with a legacy, I feel he’s fouling it. I’d rather read the stories of a flawed character like Peter Parker who tries to do the right thing almost all of the time, sometimes does the wrong thing, and lives with the regrets and tries to make up for it. I don’t like working with people who behave like the Doc Ock Spider-Man and, after giving the series a shot, I don’t enjoy reading about it. He doesn’t seem changed by inheriting Peter’s memories aside from a binary “I’ll be good instead of evil”. He doesn’t seem at all interesting to me.

    And I absolutely concur that Uncle Ben would have mopped the floor with Doc Ock.

    Reply

    1. Dan,

       Thanks for taking the time to comment. I think you said it quite masterfully with:

       I don’t feel Doc Ock is struggling with a legacy, I feel he’s fouling it. I’d rather read the stories of a flawed character like Peter Parker who tries to do the right thing almost all of the time, sometimes does the wrong thing, and lives with the regrets and tries to make up for it. I don’t like working with people who behave like the Doc Ock Spider-Man and, after giving the series a shot, I don’t enjoy reading about it. He doesn’t seem changed by inheriting Peter’s memories aside from a binary “I’ll be good instead of evil”.

       Can you imagine that an entire generation of Marvel fans are now growing up with a Spider-Man who is at his core a psychopathic madman? It’s sad.

44. This whole “Doc Ock in Spidey’s body” is such a steaming crock of shit! I realize that after 50 years, the old type storylines start to repeat themselves. But killing off a character that many readers had invested decades into is really stupid. I’ve been a Spider-Man fan since the mid 1970’s, but I’m not going to buy a single issue of any Spider-Man book until Marvel wises up and brings back Peter Parker. Dan Slott can’t keep his sales driven claws on the character forever. And when Mr. Slott is finally given the heave-ho, we all know Peter Parker shall return and Danny boy will be given the disdain he deserves, sales be damned.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for the comment, beuschman. I empathize with you! I’m a tad younger (born 1979), but I learned to read in large part because of Spider-Man comics. That’s one of the reasons why it’s rather bizarre that Marvel’s editors seem to take great glee with spitting in the faces of guys like you. One would think that belittling long times fans would be a frowned upon business model. In Dan Slott’s world that’s the decision they’ve made and they’re sticking to it.

       I wish them the best of luck with that.

45. I’m a 49 year old dude who has been reading Marvel books since 1975 and I’ve amassed almost every single issue of “Amazing Spider-Man”. My kids love perusing through my large collection of mainly Marvel titles, but I stress to them the poor quality of the last 100 issues of ASM compared to previous writers.

    To be fair, I did like some things that Dan Slott had done on ASM, but overall I was simply not enjoying Spidey as I once did prior to the whole OMD fiasco.

    I guess the biggest trap is the emotional attachment of being a long time reader that you simply fall into a rut hoping for a better outcome for such a beloved fictional character you have grown up with and can relate to.

    ASM #700 and the subsequent SSM title are a great insult to say the least. The guys at my local comic book shop are pretty cool and allow you to read books off the shelf. I always end up putting SSM back on the shelf. I’m glad I’m not paying for such a poorly written bad idea made excruciatingly worse when scribbled by Ramos.

    I have even read my cousins set of SSM but I remain convinced that this is Marvel’s worse marketing gimmick ever, disrespecting the iconic character of Peter Parker in such a shrewd manner and holding many long time readers in contempt with a bland caricature as a substitute.

    My Marvel pull list is down to just 5 titles now.

    Reply

    1. Magnetic Eye,

       I had almost every issue of ASM from the mid-80’s until OMD. After that I held on for a bit only because I wanted to keep the streak going. I felt a loyalty to the character and thought the guys in charge would right the ship. Finally, I just said “enough” … and that was it. I stopped collecting ASM and would only grab a random issue if one of my brothers said a specific story wasn’t too bad. I kept tabs on ASM because there was always that glimmer of hope that it would return to its creative potential. We’ve seen how well that’s worked out.

       I would love to start buying Marvel again, but it seems as though the current crop of writers and editors see nothing wrong with mocking loyal customers. They appear to take great glee in rubbing their controversial decisions in the face of those who disagree with them.

       Dan Slott and Co. have acted like a bunch of petulant children, and the more obvious it becomes to those on the fence the deeper they delve into unproductive behavior. I really do feel sorry for them. It is within their power to craft creative stories that bring the vast majority of Spider-Man fans together. Instead, we get a guy who tried to kill six billion people taking up the mantle of Spider-Man. Sad.

    2. Douglas,

       I couldn’t agree more. I really don’t understand Marvel’s strategy at publishing controversial disposable pulp fiction instead of good quality, well-written and creative stories of relevance and long lasting legacy.

       I have condensed the following paragraph from “Marvel Comics – The Untold Story” by Sean Howe. I love this quote by Jack Kirby whom I think said it best circa 1968, “You fellas think of comics in terms of comic books, but you’re wrong. I think you fellas should think of comics in terms of drugs, war, journalism, sales, business, the economy. If you have a viewpoint, I think you can tell it more effectively in comics than you can in words. Comics is journalism. But now it’s restricted to soap opera”.

       How true is that of Marvel today? Other than a small handful of great titles, they are obsessed with too many uneventful poorly written events and crossovers to keep track off. There aren’t enough self-contained books with an individual identity. It seems that the Marvel Universe has become an arena of heroes fighting heroes, mutants and Avengers in every other team and too many franchise titles.

       Their editorial mandate of micromanaging every single book with asphyxiating uniformity is destroying any sense of identity and individuality for each book.

       I also wonder with the new Marvel / Disney conglomerate that they are now more focused on their movies targeting an all ages (mass audience) demographic to really care about good quality stories in their print media.

       IMO, SSM was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. The lack of respect shown to the character of Peter Parker and the shrewdness in which this new direction was executed is deplorable. I cannot empathize with the current story-line at all and I am desperately hanging out for an ALL NEW creative team to bring back Peter Parker the AMAZING Spider-Man.

46. It’s nice to see a fair playing ground here. See, Slott and his fanboys always won because it was his place, his rules. Now, clearly the Peter fans win. You have the strongest argument and know a good comic when you see one. The inferior spider ock has too many plot holes, mistakes or just horrible decisions. In reality, there are more Peter fans than ock fans, but, Slott deludes himself into believing everyone lives him and his ” story”. #peter2013

    Reply

    1. I think the key word here is “fair.” Indeed, Dan Slott throws his weight around on other boards. Try and put forth an biting critique on the Marvel boards; you will be banned or your posts will disappear. On two other forums I’ve experienced him asking the mods to shut things down — successfully — when things weren’t going his way.

       On my blog, I welcome everyone as long as they keep it clean and stay reasonable sane. Sometimes I’ll get someone who only puts forth an endless string of expletives and nothing else. That’s the wrong answer, obviously.

       Anyway, thanks for the comment!

47. I’M TRYING TO BE PATIENT WITH MARVEL.. THE ONLY REASON I GOT INTO COMICS WAS BECAUSE OF SPIDER-MAN… I BOUGHT MANY OTHER BOOKS AS A BONUS.. I’M SORRY I BOUGHT ISSUE 700.. I DO NOT BUY SUPERIOR.. BUT IF PETER DOESN’T COME BACK, AND SOON, I WILL STOP READING THE FEW MARVEL TITLES I DO READ.. BUT I FEAR THAT EVEN IF PETER RETURNS SLOTT HAS CAUSED IRREVERSABLE DAMAGE TO THE SPIDER-VERSE…

    Reply

    1. Sir,

       You are correct with one thing: No matter what happens, there is a mess to be picked up. A big one. Does anyone really trust Dan Slott to bring Peter Parker back to prominence once “Superior” is over? I don’t.

    2. Dan Slott reminds me of that brat kid Sid Phillips from Toy Story, because he has completely butchered and disrespected the mythos and ethos of Peter Parker the Amazing Spider-Man.

48. HI everyone,
    I thought you might enjoy reading Dan Slott’s current fuss and twist.

    http://www.comicvine.com/spider-man/4005-1443/forums/superior-spider-man-discussion-739993/?page=48

    Traditional Slott rant on page 48 on.

    Reply

    1. I checked it out…I am not shocked.
       I see you stayed out of it, good move.

49. Thank you so much for writing this you have given me hope for the first time in a long time about the future of Spider-Man I hope you continue writing this peice if you ever need an outsiders perspective I will gladly help.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment! You’re not alone out there. If you haven’t checked out Marvel’s gone wack- A Memorial To The Real Peter Parker, you might want to check them out as well.

       You’re always welcome to comment here, vent or just drop in to talk about Spider-Man. Again, thanks the read.

    2. Very funny. Thanks for that.

50. Aside from confusing “flout” with “flaunt,” you hit the nail right on its head. And your brother is so right it hurts. Luckily I quit buying Marvel comics in the late ’80s so Peter Parker will always be Spider-Man and Spider-Man will never be an Avenger, etc.

    Reply

    1. Haha. I was probably thinking something along the lines of “he completely flaunts the way he flouts the rule of law,” and mashed their respective meanings together in my head. Good eye. I’ve made the fix.

       Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

    2. I have never liked the notion of Spidey as an Avenger. Same with Wolverine. Maybe as special guest appearances every now and again.

       Marvel should’ve kept them where they work best and that’s in their own solo books.

51. it disgust me that they made doc oc a hero he murdered so many people and hes just sick in the mind and now we have to live threw this watching him enjoy the rest of peters life? his morals as spiderman are shit he already killed his enemies the real spiderman would never i sincerely hope if Dan Slott continues with this garbage he will be known for completely murdering and destroying then pissing on the legacy that is the amazing spiderman

    Reply

    1. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Tony. I appreciate it.

       Oh, I think you’re very close on what Dan Slott’s legacy will be. What’s more important? Short term sales or how people remember you when you’re long gone? As far as his work on Spider-Man, I don’t think the jury is going to come back with one favorable to Mr. Slott.

52. It amuses me to see that the anti-Superior readers still think they are in the majority and quite frankly one of the most delusional group of fanatics I have ever witnessed. It’s like watching the guy on the corner yelling hysterically about how the end of the world is coming.
    As for Dan Slott, I think he’s handled himself quite well considering some of you losers actually stooped so low as to send the man death threats.
    Superior has breathed new life and excitement into the franchise and Peter Parker will be better off for it when he comes back (hopefully no time soon).

    Reply

    1. Oh, hey, it’s a troll.

       Sentence 1: Anyone who isn’t a fan of SSM is delusional. Sentence 2: Anyone who disagrees with SSM is like a strange man screaming on a corner. Sentence 3: Try and tie anyone who dislikes SSM with random people who sent Dan Slott death threats. Sentence 4: End with calling people who disagree with SSM “losers.”

       How many ad hominem attacks can you get into one reply, Hector? I see that Dan Slott taught you well. I feel sorry for you.

    2. If by new life and excitement, you mean One More Day levels of crap, then yes. You a correct Mr. Yamaguchi.

    3. Typical trollish garbage from a Slott fanboy, I see, probably posting from his basement.

    4. Or rather, his parents’ basement.

    5. It amuses me to see pro Superior readers who still think SSM is a quality piece of work, when in fact regardless of the sales statistics; the series is riddled with character flaws, dumbed down dialogue and displays some of the ugliest artwork in all comicdom.

       Inferior Superior has breathed rancid winds of asphyxiation into what used to be a super hero book with ASM and has degenerated into infantile levels of parody, caricatures and clichés.

       As for Dan Slott, a professional writer who handles himself rather unprofessionally when he can’t take criticism of his work constructive or otherwise.

       Can you imagine every film-maker around the world reacting like Dan Slott does on the internet if their films get a less than satisfactory critique? It’s laughable and sad.

    6. Slott’s defenders (those who think that it’s a masterpiece) have obviously never read Lee and Kirby in their prime. Or Claremont and Byrne. Or Marv Wolfman. Or Steve Englehart. Or Walt and Louise Simonson. And so on. They don’t know what a quality piece of work is.

       It still baffles me that Slott can get away with acting immature on the internet and trolling/harassing those with whom he disagrees. Presumably, on company time. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: anyone with a real job who acted the way he does would be fired. If I badmouthed my employer, or if my mom badmouthed hers online or anywhere in the public arena for that matter, we’d be done.

53. Pingback: God of Comics [2013-11-27] | Living Myth MagazineLiving Myth Magazine | The online magazine for geeks, nerds and other obsessively passionate people. Vancouver based and read world wide.

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