Webslinger

The tangled web of vengeance, love, and loss woven by Spider-Man comics and films is explored in this collection of insightful essays by acclaimed writers of comics and science fiction. A variety of topicsfrom the superhero's sarcasm to the science behind radioactive spidersare discussed in essays on 'Turning Rage into Responsibility: A Psychology of Loss,' 'Love Is Selfish: Can a Hero Afford Personal Attachments?,' and 'Self Identity and Costume Design.' The popular rival Green Goblin, the bumbling-yet-influential media, and the part New York City itself plays in stories are skillfully explored, as is the overall philosophy of mild-mannered Peter Parker and Spidey's relationship with the rest of the characters in the Marvel universe.