Episode 56
Greetings, Explorers! Today the gang takes a swing at Spider-Man: Life Story. Chip Zdarsky wrote the story and Mark Bagley illustrated it. The series is published by Marvel comics. Nearly 60 years have passed since Marvel published the first Spider-Man comic. Spider-Man: Life Story asks what would happen if Peter Parker aged over that time? The story spans Peter Parker’s life from the 1960s to the present day, with well-known Spider-Man storylines playing out differently than those familiar to readers.
Dennis and Johnny (sadly, no Frankie this episode) begin by discussing the many twists the book makes to established Spider-Man lore in this story. Additionally, we learn why Dennis stopped reading comic books in the 90s (hint: college-age drinking). They continue by chatting about the filter of the Vietnam War influencing the early days of Peter Parker. Furthermore, Parker is torn between his responsibilities to his home town versus protecting soldiers from harm.
The gang explorers Tony Stark’s role in the the story; the similarities between the Vietnam War draft and The Hunger Games; and the hypocrisy of wealthy superheroes like Batman. Additional topics include the design of the Black Goblin; if Peter Parker has a death wish; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Spider-Man: Life Story.
Check out our reading lists for previous seasons by clicking here. We would love to hear your suggestions for future episodes of Graphic Novel Explorers Club.
Songe d’Automne by Latche Swing
