Spider-Girl
© Marvel
Comicscape - February 15, 2006
By: Kurt AmackerDate: Wednesday, February 15, 2006
No man leads a truly normal life. However we might group and classify others by peculiarity, subculture, or social strata, no group of lives can unite in consensus to define normality in the fullest sense of the word. They can only attain degrees and functional consensus. However, compared to some of the comic book geeks out there, Marcus Sarzalejo seems pretty damn normal. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he reviews disability and death claims for an insurance company. He attends community college, where he studies public relations. He'll transfer to the University of Utah soon. At 27 years old, he's already married with a two-year-old son. Marcus reads comic books in his spare time. He really likes SPIDER-GIRL. And, he's determined to stop Marvel from killing her.
Tom DeFalco wrote the first story of Peter Parker's super heroine daughter, Mayday, in WHAT IF? #115, before Marvel cancelled the title. Marvel included the young spider lass in its MC2 imprint, which depicted the children of Marvel Universe heroes fighting villainy in the future. The publisher abandoned a plan to sell the all-ages MC2 titles in Wal-Mart, and cancelled all but SPIDER-GIRL shortly thereafter, with only the odd miniseries to complement the aforementioned series since then. Fan support kept SPIDER-GIRL in the comic shops then, and has continued to do so through seven cancellation attempts by Marvel, including this one. By the third try at #38, Mayday's fans organized, writing letters and congregating at the Save Spider-Girl message board. At each subsequent attempt, they rallied and saved Mayday. For this seventh effort to squash the little title that could, Marcus Sarzalejo and a group of dedicated fans launched Save Spider-Girl! on the web, with the help of former Marvel inker Harry Candelario. Not only do Spider-Girl's fans post on the site's forum and communicate with series writer Tom Defalco, they've launched a grassroots campaign to push the remaining four issues of the series, including creating their own promotional material to mail to comic shops across the country. In short, they've undertaken a public relations campaign that should make Marvel proud. I talked with Marcus about his efforts a couple of days ago.
Kurt: So, I don't read Spider-Girl, but here I am helping you save her. Why are we saving her?
Marcus: The other day, we were trying to think about why we care, but we feel it's a one of a kind book. The comic market needs new blood. Comic shops around the country are for 30-40 year old people. SPIDER-GIRL will appeal to normal people. If you look at the character, you can see the care and the love the creative team has. If you compare her to all the other female characters out there, they don't draw her as a sex symbol. I'm not afraid of giving the book to my niece or any young kids. It's a fun hobby and there's all kinds of stuff, but you need an entry level for everyone.
Kurt: We've talked about both women in comics and introducing new readers in the last couple of COMICSCAPE columns. I think all-ages books are a part of the solution. I don't read SPIDER-GIRL, but I like RUNAWAYS a lot. Do you read that?
Marcus: Yes. The industry desperately need those kind of books. They promote books for six months and then they die. A book needs marketing, and it's a matter of finding the market. Kids are not going to go to a mom and pop comic shop. We've talked to Barnes and Noble and we know the SPIDER-GIRL digests sell very well because they're sold on the mass market.
Kurt: I know. A while back, Marvel said they were going to put comics back in 7-11's. I thought, "Why did they leave in the first place?"
Marcus: Right. That's how I found comics -- on the racks. Every time we push SPIDER-GIRL in libraries, we always get positive feedback. Imagine if we had the funds to promote the book like it should be.
Kurt: You got SPIDER-GIRL collections in libraries? How does that work?
Marcus: You just donate them. Some of the people -- one of our guys named John Koerner -- goes out and gives Spider-Girl comics at schools.
Kurt: He doesn't just wander through the playground giving kids comics, does he?
Marcus: No, he works on school literacy programs and find things that kids will like.
Kurt: Yeah, that would look a bit off. I think Marvel's in an odd position right now. They're making mostly PG-13 material and marketing it to adults in an era where kids play GRAND THEFT AUTO. I don't think they need to push Garth Ennis's THE PUNISHER on children, but you'd think they'd concentrate more on grabbing kids that don't go in comic shops for lack of money or whatever.
Marcus: That kind of thing's killing the industry. I was ready to drop comics and I saw the WHAT IF? with Spider-Girl at the supermarket and I had a quick read and found it very interesting. MC2 was supposed to be published in supermarkets and Wal-Mart and they didn't follow through. We feel very strongly that the book would sell better through a different outlet. The fan base is there and we talk to Barnes and Nobles at the local level about carrying SPIDER-GIRL and we always get a positive response. We really take credit for the trade sales because we've been promoting it for all this time. We don't want to trash Marvel -- we love them. We have nothing but praise for the company, but we feel the industry needs to branch out.
Kurt: Tell me about this public relations campaign you've undertaken to save Spider-Girl.
Marcus: There's a group on the campaign -- it's not just two or three people writing 100 letters to Marvel. We started by contacting each other. We gave feedback to Tom DeFalco and communicated with each other. It started as two or three, then between five and seven, then twenty people. We decided to really organize when we heard the book would be cancelled this time, and Save Spider-Girl!came about because of the 100th issue thing. The site's only been up for a week or two. DeFalco started posting on the message board. Harry Candelario runs the website. He used to ink at Marvel and he wanted to help even though he'd never read SPIDER-GIRL. This time, we're going all out and contacting the press and hopefully bring national attention. None of us are getting paid, and there are about 20 people doing the legwork and a lot of people behind it.
Kurt: Have you received any press attention yet?
Marcus: We got a piece in CRAIN'S NEW YORK BUSINESS. Comic shops contact us and want to put up the posters we designed. Marvel has acknowledged not specifically the campaign, but the support and letters. We don't have enough money to buy a WIZARD ad, and some of the websites are one-sided and don't want to cover certain things. I'm working with the Associated Press right now. They just asked some general questions and showed some interest.
Kurt: It sounds like a second job.
Marcus: We wouldn't be able to do it if it were one person. But we have people paying out of pocket for the web site domain, the registration, the fliers, and the postage. I personally can't do a lot of that, which is why I do a lot of the public relations stuff.
Kurt: Does it look like you'll be able to save SPIDER-GIRL right now, or do you think this is it?
Marcus: As of right now, Marvel keeps saying the book is cancelled at the hundredth issue. We're hoping that might change depending on sales of the next few issues. DeFalco says he doesn't know what's going to happen, but he appreciates what we're doing. But, we don't want Marvel to think DeFalco is behind this.
Kurt: What will you do if Marvel really cancels the title?
Marcus: We'll keep on doing what we're doing. We love the book and want to keep it going. My main reason is my love for the medium. If the industry doesn't promote all-ages books, they're going to go down like dinosaurs. I'm 27 and I'm going to school and sometimes I debate whether I should still read comics. I've come to that path before. I don't consider myself the stereotypical comic guy, but I like SPIDER-GIRL and I feel like readers aren't getting the respect they should. I wouldn't mind having anyone, including my niece, read SPIDER-GIRL. Marvel misses that it's one of their few books they shouldn't be afraid of anyone reading.
This is the seventh time they've tried to cancel the book. We don't want to go over this again in a year or two. We know the digests are selling well and they have enough material to keep printing those for the next two to three years. But Marvel's being shortsighted because what's going to happen a couple of years down the line?
Kurt: I agree. The industry needs to push not so much children's books like the Marvel Age line, but all-ages material like SPIDER-GIRL and RUNAWAYS that live up to that notion. That's it for this week, everybody. If you don't want Marvel to squash SPIDER-GIRL, order issues #96 through #100 and show the House what you want. Anyone that wants promotional material for their shop can contact Marcus at m2099@msn.com. New This Week
By Al Brown and Kurt Amacker
Just when you thought it was safe to scroll down to the Comments section to disagree with Kurt...it's this week's comic books! Avast, matey!
DARK HORSE
Blade Of The Immortal Vol 15 Trickster TP (MR) $16.95
Conan #25 (MR) $2.99
Al: I know we got pretty excited about the fact that some lady's hoo-ha was on display last month, but this month I feel it's worth mentioning that this book is actually pretty cool even aside from all the hoo-has. And I don't even like swords-and-sandals stuff.
Kurt: For once, I agree with you. However, I am always in favor of more hoo-has. Seriously, though, chalk it up to my libertine impulses, but I can't see the huge deal about a naked chick. There's something wrong when retailers can comfortably sell a book with heads and arms getting chopped off to kids, but one naked woman and the world ends. I mean, I know they're worried about getting arrested and I don't blame them, but we as a society...hey! Where are you going!
Goon #16 $2.99
Kurt: So, I finally bought all the Goon trades because of all the good press. For all you Whedon fans: note that I said "good press," not girls running up to me at Hot Topic going "Omigod you just haaaave to watch Buffy!"
Super Manga Blast #59 (MR) $5.99
DC COMICS
Action Comics #836 $2.50
Batgirl #73 $2.50
Al: The end of Batgirl! Do they mean the series, or the character? They might actually mean both...as of March, Batgirl is no longer solicited and May 2006's Robin #150 promises something about her "true fate".
Kurt: You're just mad they never got around to a nude variant.
Batman Gotham Knights #74 $2.50
Batman War Crimes TP $12.99
Kurt: I'm going to start a section next week for the listings called "Things Nobody Asked For." WAR CRIMES is first.
Batman Year One Hundred #1 (of 4) $5.99
Al: Woohoo! Paul Pope! Old, possibly senile Batman! You know this has got to be the Most Ass-Kickinest Book of the Week.
Kurt: I'm buying this and everything, but didn't Frank Miller already write crazy, old Batman? For that matter, didn't Mark Waid take a crack at that, too?
Birds Of Prey #91 $2.50
Al: Guest writer! Boo!
Danger Girl Back In Black #4 (of 4) $2.99
Devil Does Exist Vol 5 $9.99
Al: And his name is Dick Cheney. Hey, did you hear Cheney shot some old guy in the face? Is it bad that I find that hilarious?
Kurt: You know, when you have a reputation, right or wrong, for pure evil, it doesn't help to shoot your friend with a shotgun.
Doom Patrol Archives Vol 3 HC $49.99
Elfquest The Grand Quest Vol 13 TP $9.99
Firestorm #22 $2.50
Hellblazer #217 (MR) $2.75
Hi Hi Puffy Amiyumi #1 (of 3) (RES) $2.25
Kurt: So, is this urabon, hentai, or what?
Infinite Crisis Second Ptg #3 (of 7) $3.99
Infinite Crisis Second Ptg #4 (of 7) $3.99
JSA Classified #9 $2.50
Justice #4 (of 12) $3.50
Kid Eternity TP (MR) $14.99
Losers #32 (MR) $2.99
Al: Final issue! Looks like I picked the wrong week to curb my addiction to love.
Kurt: And by "love," you mean "the unspoiled blood of children," right?
Loveless #4 (MR) $2.99
Mad Magazine #463 $3.99
Manhunter #19 $2.50
Sgt Rock The Prophecy #2 (of 6) $2.99
Kurt: Guest-starring Christopher Walken.
Testament #3 (MR) $2.99
IMAGE
Girls #10 (MR) $2.99
Noble Causes #17 $3.50
Spawn Manga Vol 2 TP $9.99
Kurt: See what happens when you combine two things that suck!
Strange Girl #6 $2.99
Witchblade #95 $2.99
Witchblade Metalkote Alt CVR #60 $10.00
Witchblade Metalkote Alt CVR Sgn #60 $20.00
Al: OMG I am totally getting this. It's gonna be so kewl.
Kurt: Christ, that's like reading code or something.
MARVEL
Daredevil #82 $2.99
Al: First issue with new creative team Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark (Captain America)! Bendis's run was one of the greats, but I love Brubaker too. We're still in good hands.
Kurt: Because of my super-secret connections in the criminal underworld, I have already read this. And, my God, it does rock.
Daredevil Mcniven Variant #82 $2.99
Kurt: This, however, does not rock.
Essential Moon Knight Vol 1 TP $16.99
Al: In preparation for the ongoing series coming in April. Yay, Moon Knight!
Kurt: So, Essential Speedball, anyone? Just me? Okay.
Generation M #4 (of 5) $2.99
Al: This one got Angel in it. That dude loses his powers every other week, so this shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Giant Size Ms Marvel #1 $4.99
Al: In preparation for the ongoing series coming in March. I'm less clear on the justification behind this one. Other than "boobies."
Kurt: I think we should just drop all pretenses. The first page should just be Ms. Marvel, naked from the waist up saying, "Hi, I'm Carol Danvers, also known as Ms. Marvel. I'm here today to rub my heaving breasts for 22 pages. Enjoy!"
House Of M Mutopia X TP $13.99
House Of M New X-Men TP $13.99
I Heart Marvel Marvel AI $2.99
Marvel Adventures Flip Magazine #9 $3.99
Marvel Heroes Flip Magazine #9 $3.99
Marvel Masterworks Sgt Fury Vol 1 HC Var ED $54.99
Marvel Masterworks Sgt Fury Vol 1 New ED HC $49.99
Kurt: I'd rather they just put out an Essential Nick Fury because, you know, I don't want to pay $50 for this. But still, this is pretty cool.
New Avengers #16 $2.50
New Mangaverse #2 (of 5) $2.99
Al: Ha! Wolverine got laser claws. LASER CLAWS! Whee!
Punisher Vs Bullseye #4 (of 5) $2.99
Kurt: What happens when 5.56mm rounds meets playing cards? Find out here!
Runaways #13 $2.99
Kurt: Standalone issue with Molly. It's not bad, but just read it to your kids or something. Or, if you're Al, use it to lure kids into your "battle action van."
Sentinel Squad One #2 (of 5) $2.99
Al: As I predicted, this miniseries doesn't matter.
She-Hulk 2 #5 $2.99
Spider-Woman Origin #3 (of 5) $2.99
Al: This is moving way, way too slow.
Ultimate Fantastic Four #27 $2.50
Al: At the top of the "Things You Have To Try Before You Really Understand Why You Shouldn't Do Them" list is "Having sex with a vacuum cleaner." But right under that is "Mess with time." Unfortunately, Ultimate Reed Richards hasn't seen The Butterfly Effect. Get ready for President Thor!
Ultimate X-Men Vol 13 Magnetic North TP $12.99
X-Men Apocalypse Dracula #1 (of 4) $2.99
Al: Wait, Apocalypse AND Dracula? In the very same book? Surely nothing could top the awesomality of this idea!
Kurt: I bought this already. Look for the review tomorrow. I don't care if it sucks, it's Dracula. Get it? I don't care if it SUCKS? All right, that was f--king lame.
X-Men Deadly Genesis #4 (of 6) $3.50
Al: Finally, the Mystery Mutant revealed. Not that it hasn't been leaked all over the Internet for weeks. It's 616 Geldof.
X-statix Presents Dead Girl #2 (of 5) $2.99
Al: First issue: a bit slow. But I still love the premise and Dead Girl, so I can hang in.
Kurt: You're into dead chicks, too? Jesus, man, is there anything sick you don't like? I'm out of here.
Questions? Comments? Let us know what you think at comicscape@cinescape.com.
