A lot of fans still fondly remember J.M. DeMatteis’ “Kraven’s Last Hunt” story that ran in the Spider-Man titles back in the 1980s. In fact, several people commenting on Kevin’s post about the next two Spider-Man films brought up the story when suggesting plot ideas for the film franchise.
But you have to wonder (no pun intended) if the story would still resonate with fans if it had starred Wonder Man, as DeMatteis originally pitched it.
On his blog on Amazon.com, the writer talks about how his “back from the grave” story took a life of its own, starting as a pitch for a Wonder Man mini-series, then moving on to Batman and finally finding its way to Spider-Man:
I discovered, as I worked away on the proposal, that Spider-Man—recently married to Mary Jane—was a far better choice than either Wonder Man or Batman. Peter Parker is perhaps the most emotionally and psychologically authentic protagonist in any super-hero universe. Underneath that mask, he’s as confused, as flawed, as touchingly human, as the people who read—and write—about him: the quintessential Everyman. And that Everyman’s love for his new wife, for the new life they were building together, was the emotional fuel that ignited the story. It was Mary Jane’s presence, her heart and soul, that reached down into the deeps of Peter’s heart and soul, forcing him up out of that coffin, out of the grave, into the light.
He goes on to note how some problems in his personal life helped make the story what it was. Go read the whole entry for the full story; it’s an interesting account of how the rejection of something wonderful can lead to something even more spectacular.
September 12th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
And once again we read from another writer about the importance of Mary Jane PARKER to Peter’s life and another classic tale is now chopped at the knees…
Yeah, I’m still bitter and no, I’m not getting over it.
September 12th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Do I even need to mention how the author of one of the best Spider-Man stories ever (possibly THE best Spider-Man story ever)felt that it worked best with a MARRIED Spider-Man?
Take that, Joephisto.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
But ya know JQ got rid of MJ b/c he thinks you can tell _more_ stories about single spidey, not necessarily that you can’t tell good ones about a married one.
But still, IMO it was stupid to break them up (but the new stuff seems ok, haven’t gotten around to checking it out yet)
September 12th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
But ya know JQ got rid of MJ b/c he thinks you can tell _more_ stories about single spidey, not necessarily that you can’t tell good ones about a married one.
But still, IMO it was stupid to break them up (but the new stuff seems ok, haven’t gotten around to checking it out yet)
oh, yeah and JMD is a great writer all around (esp when he leaves off the baba orielly
stuff)
September 12th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
From The Associated Press:
“A man, going by the name of ‘Sluggo’ on internet message boards, has committed suicide today by driving his car off a cliff rather than be subjected to any more bitching and whining about Spider-Man no longer being married from people who should have better ways to spend their time”
September 12th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Good to hear… Good riddance, Sluggo!
Honestly, people complaining about people complaining about OMD are the ones I find annyoing.
I generally don’t comment on BND stuff (and there’s been A LOT of it here lately) because I haven’t read any of it and I probably never will. I don’t comment on it because I haven’t read any of it. But here’s an article looking back on one of the best Spidey stories ever, and the post specifically makes quotes about how the author changed the story, framing the story to fit a married Spider-Man because he feels that’s how it worked best. The result? A masterpiece in most readers opinions.
That makes my comments here completely relevant and appropriate. Had this been yet another article/interview concerning BND I wouldn’t have posted.