#100 - NOT THE END? SPIDER-GIRL CONTINUES?

[MattBrady]

Though Marvel has announced – multiple times – that Spider-Girl will end with July’s issue #100, this weekend at the Pittsburgh Comic-Con, writer Tom Defalco and artist Ron Frenz strongly hinted that, as with many things at Marvel, dead may not mean dead.

According to the series’ creators, there is a possibility of a relaunch of a Spider-Girl series, or a series starring Spider-Girl in the future. As the two revealed at a Spider-Girl panel, Defalco has begun preliminary discussions with Marvel about a relaunched title – which would feature a new logo and a more prominent role for Spider-Girl’s father (Peter Parker) in the series. Discussions are, Defalco stressed, preliminary at this point, with a new series not a done deal.

The series, which is Marvel’s longest-running comic in its history with a female protagonist, has been plagued since its earliest days with rumors and threats of cancellation. Set in a possible future of the Marvel Universe, the series stars May “Mayday” Parker, taking up her father’s mantle, as one of a new generation of Marvel heroes. Initially launched as part of a group of “MC2” titles that were set in the future world, Spider-Girl outlasted all of her contemporaries, running from 1998 to this year’s #100.

While the series made sense at its start (Marvel was expanding and looking for new territory to mine and attract readers), the series became somewhat marginalized over time as the other MC2 series fell by the wayside, and Marvel opted to focus on strengthening its “core” universe, and streamline its continuity.

Throughout the series run, it has been saved from cancellation time and time again by the efforts of its fans, who are, while not great in number, perhaps the most dedicated and loyal in mainstream comics. It was partly due to fan support that Marvel chose to collect and reprint Spider-Girl issues in digest form, which have reportedly proven to be very popular.

Asked for comment or confirmation about Defalco’s claims that a new Spider-Girl series is in the offing, a Marvel spokesperson said that nothing has changed - issue #100 is to be the final issue of the series. Asked for further clarification or if there was semantics issues involved, Marvel again reiterated that Spider-Girl #100 will be the final issue of the series.

[samnoir]

Wow! Spidergirl is the little title that could.

Hopefully the digests in the bookstore market will finally find the teen girl audience that it was always supposed to!

Given the fact that there was 100 issues of continuity, not to mention all the storylines based on the Clone Saga, a new #1 does make sense and gives the title a chance to start with a clean slate and no baggage.

I always thought that Spidergirl should have had more of a "Batman Beyond" vibe to it. Given the fact that it's set in a near future.
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[xdemon]

If it is relaunched, I hope people support it.

I have enjoyed it since the What If? issue that started it.

Good luck and count me in!

[LazarusMan]

I really hope that this becomes a done deal. I used to love reading Spider-girl back when it first came out and MC2 was a hoping along. Then the line was all but canceled, and still, this book kept on going. I think it would be awesome if this book continued on into the future, because this will always be the little book that could.

[kingofcities]

I had never read a MC2 book until recently with Last Hero Standing. I thought it was pretty damn fun. I'd definitely check out a new series whether it was Spidergirl or something new involving this universe.

[Goat warrior]

A relaunch could be the solution, even if I usually don't like it. I don't like the idea of not reading Spider-girl on a monthly basis anymore, that's one of the last Marvel book I buy in the monthly format (with Captain America and Marvel Team-up - another title I fear will disappear soon).

[sequart]

I'm not buying it. This character is going on the shelf for quite a while.

[Clem]

Originally Posted by samnoir

I always thought that Spidergirl should have had more of a "Batman Beyond" vibe to it. Given the fact that it's set in a near future.

Spider-Girl isnt set very much into the future. Tom D has said frequently that he believes it takes place now. Saves us from no end of stories with unrelatable premises and technobabble escape clauses.

Personally id love for more Spider-Girl, but the way theyve worded that whole article and how they put the emphasis on Peter Parker makes me think that theyre rejigging it so he's the lead and Mayday's the co-star, which would suck, i always prefer Pete in the mentor role like in that issue where he and May helped Electro and his daughter, then they fell asleep together on the couch, that was sweet.

[LIEFELDISGOD]

delete

[jsalwen]

Originally Posted by LIEFELDISGOD

Hot damn, how unsuccessful does a book have to prove itself to be before it’s allowed to die the death it so rightly deserves. Let it go!! That goes for Marvel, the creators, editors, and the three remaining fans of the book (all of whom I would guess have never shook hands with a woman much less had any more intimate contact with one). It was an ill-conceived concept from the start and should've been canceled a long, long, long time ago. And yes, I’ve read a few issues of the book before. I picked it up on the shelf at the comic shop. It took about 5 seconds to read an issue and ever since I felt a little dumber for have done so.

The only way I could see the title being even remotely profitable, and the concept itself only the slightest bit relevant is in the digest format, targeting the tween-early teen female demographic.

Still, it’s complete and utter tripe.

And the award goes to LIEFELDISGOD!!! Thanks for playing!

[Clem]

Originally Posted by Goat warrior

Marvel Team-up - another title I fear will disappear soon

I can see what you mean. Its sales are almost as bad as Spider-Girl's are right now and at least with that title you can make the excuse that retailers are hurting its sales because they think its cancelled. MTU hasnt got any excuse, which is a shame because i think Kirkman is a genius (as much as he derides us and calls us idiots) and is creating a giant all encompassing arc that takes every story into account (well except maybe the Invincible one, that was just plain fun). The only problem being he spent like 12 issues making Titannus out to be a major threat, only for him to spend an issue lying through his teeth and then get taken down like a chump.

I can see Marvel sticking it out til a big milestone like issue 50 and then cancelling it, just so they can in all conscience say they gave it a fair chance.

[ManofTheAtom]

Bring May into continuity. No, not the one from this series but the real one, the baby Norman stole.

[Clem]

Originally Posted by LIEFELDISGOD

And yes, I’ve read a few issues of the book before. I picked it up on the shelf at the comic shop. It took about 5 seconds to read an issue and ever since I felt a little dumber for have done so.

The only way I could see the title being even remotely profitable, and the concept itself only the slightest bit relevant is in the digest format, targeting the tween-early teen female demographic.

Still, it’s complete and utter tripe.

Your judging a series based on flicking through a couple of issues for 5 whole seconds. Looks like people are still judging a book by its cover...and i thought the cliche would have wiped that out by now.

I jumped onboard around issue 71 and for my troubles ive had brilliant arcs involving the Fantastic Five, Venom, Green Goblin, Hobgoblin, etc. If you dont like these characters, how can you in all conscience still read comic books?

[Da_Black_Goku]

WHAT ... DA HELL!?

This title is like the Lazarus Man of comics. Everytime I think it's gone, it comes right back to life.

Okay, I'm FINALLY convinced to girl this title a try.

[LIEFELDISGOD]

The book’s existence or non-existence does not really bother me one way or the other. Honestly, to those fans who enjoy the title, I wish you nothing but luck in your endeavors.

[Tony Clifton]

I don't read Spider-Girl (mainly because I only limit myself to two books a week), but I'm always happy when a book finds such a feverent fanbase. Just because it's not your cup of tea, doesn't mean others shouldn't enjoy it. Kudos to Tom DeFalco, Marvel and, most importantly, the fans for keeping this book going for so long. Even if the book isn't relaunched, 100 issues is definitely a more-than-respectable run.

[OcCaM]

Originally Posted by jsalwen

And the award goes to LIEFELDISGOD!!! Thanks for playing!

Oh but there's a way to make his post work! A couple substitutions later...

"Hot damn, how unsuccessful does a creator have to prove himself to be before he’s allowed to die the death he so rightly deserves. Let him go!! That goes for Marvel, the creators, editors, and the three remaining fans of Leifeld (all of whom I would guess have never shook hands with a woman much less had any more intimate contact with one). His art was an ill-conceived concept from the start and his books should've been canceled a long, long, long time ago. And yes, I’ve read a few issues of his books before. I picked them up on the shelf at the comic shop. It took about 5 seconds to read any issue and ever since I felt a little dumber for have done so.

The only way I could see a Leifeld title being even remotely profitable, and the concept itself only the slightest bit relevant is no wait I lie! There is no marketable profit for a Leifeld book anymore! Give it a rest you 3 Leifeld fans out there!.

It’s complete and utter tripe."

[My changes in bold, I didn't bother to fix his grammar errors.]

There now THAT is a more accurate trolling statement!

[kalorama]

Originally Posted by LIEFELDISGOD

It was something I promised to do on the last Liefeld thread. As much as I dislike Spider-Girl, usually I wouldn’t bother to post anything about it as I don’t care. Still, that never stops the numerous detractors anytime a Liefeld story is posted from attacking other peoples tastes. And my posts on this subject was much more articulate and lacked the unwarranted vitriol on the Liefeld threads.

Really? Then I must have imagined this:

Originally Posted by LIEFELDISGOD

Still, it’s complete and utter tripe.

Real articulate. And not a hint of vitriol.

There's a distinct difference between disliking/criticizing an artist's work and attacking people's tastes. Also, the people who disparage Liefeld's work clearly do care (about good art, decent drawing and storytelling stills, and interesting plots and dialogue) enough to feel it necessary to critique Lielefld's lack of all of the above.

Originally Posted by LIEFELDISGOD

At the risk of being labeled a flamer (ahh..wait that didn’t sound right...) I’ll leave the subject alone. The book’s existence or non-existence does not really bother me one way or the other.

Which begs the question of why you bothered to post.

Originally Posted by LIEFELDISGOD

Honestly, to those fans who enjoy the title, I wish you nothing but luck in your endeavors.

Truly heartfelt, we can tell.

[NightRiver]

I love this book, but i got on too late. I just picked up the first three digests. I like how Its written like old school marvel books with one and done stories and small arcs, its awesome.

And the long arcs arent written for the trade, meaning that each issue is a complete chapter of the story, not just a scene. Its exactly how I want my superhero books to be. Spidergirl and She hulk and Thing are the only books today that have that classic old feel to it.

Ill pick up anything that is SPidergirl, if she gets a new series, then so be it. IF she joins Exiles, then so be it.

[LIEFELDISGOD]

In all honesty I don’t want anyone’s favorite book to be canceled regardless of my feelings on the title. I truly wish the industry was large enough to support everyone’s tastes.

[LIEFELDISGOD]

delete

[jsalwen]

Oh boy, I didn't post the Troll cover because I was suggesting you liked the title, but rather because it seemed like you were trolling. I wish you luck, but having the name LIEFELDISGOD will definitely have people atacking you in droves, regardless of how you felt about Spidergirl.

[bishop-m]

I haven't read Spider-Girl, but for its supporters I hope this book continues to live in some form. Good Luck!

[kalorama]

Originally Posted by LIEFELDISGOD

Ok, now this is REALLY my last post on the subject...

I was simply making a point.

And it was the wrong one in the wrong place. You wished ill on a project that, by your own admission, you know little about and have no significant experience with. The people who complain about Lielfeld are very familiar with his work. How can they not be, it was pretty much unavoidable for several years. The anit-Liefeld crowd (despite their frequent lapses in etiquette) are expressing heartfelt opinions about something they truly dislike. You (by your own admission) were just looking to start something.

Originally Posted by LIEFELDISGOD

I really don’t want to turn this into a thing or start a anti-Liefeld thread/pro-Spider-Girl thread. This thread should be reserved for the discussion of Spider-Girl.

Then perhaps you should have considered that before you brought up your bruised feelings over Liefeld's treatment in a thread that had nothing to do with him.

Originally Posted by LIEFELDISGOD

In all honesty I don’t want anyone’s favorite book to be canceled regardless of my feelings on the title. That’s always been my view, and I was merely pointing out how not everyone show this courtesy.

It's not an issue of courtesy. If you actually disliked Spider-Girl, then your posting a negative opinion of it and saying it deserved cancellation would be a perfectly legit opinion. But you don't and you didn't. You just posted some negative stuff to "get back" at all the people who post negative stuff about something you like. Pretty childish, don't you think?

Originally Posted by LIEFELDISGOD

The same thing I did is done on the Leifeld threads constantly. I was reversing the tables and got the reaction I was looking for.

And that would be the dictionary definition of trolling, wouldn't it?

Originally Posted by LIEFELDISGOD

I truly wish the industry was large enough to support everyone’s tastes.

It is, as borne out by the fact that, despite his many detractors, Liefeld continues to get plenty of work. But don't let a little thing like the facts interfere with your righteous indignation.

[bob_at_york]

great news!!