Most interestingly, Valerie has one important thing in common with Peter Parker… And since ‘Electric Company’ intentionally featured a diverse cast of characters, Val is the first Spider-Family member of color, something that I wouldn’t mind seeing more of in modern Spidey stories. Jessica Drew, Marvel’s official “first” Spider-Woman wouldn’t arrive for another couple of years, and her ABC cartoon (featuring ‘Knot’s Landing’ actress Joan Van Ark in the title role) didn’t pop up until 1979. I have to say, even with the intention choice of simple phrasing, Spidey Super Stories #11 still makes for an interesting read, and from a historical perspective it’s fascinating. As the Webbed Wonder dozes off, his fast-paced lifestyle gets the better of him, and Peter sleeps past the one-hour dissolution limit of his ingenious webbing.Ĭue Val, longing for a little superhero-style excitement in her life…
Besides, the smooth art of comics veteran Win Mortimer is lovely enough that we can be distracted. It’s a necessary silly plot moment to set up the next part of our tale, Faithful Spoilerites, so we can just roll with that particular nonsensical punch. Then, he sets off to tan on a rooftop in New York City. While the assembled Company (including Val, a librarian who has appeared in previous issues of Super Stories) looks on, Spider-Man makes short work of Vultch, and returns the stolen goods.
The lead story in Spidey Super Stories #11 opens with The Vulture, robbing a jewelry store just outside the Electric Company theatre. Spider-Man, nobody knows who you AAAAAARRRREEEE!
Now, sing it with me forty-somethings, while the kids nod along condescendingly! Marvel even created a comic-book adaptation of those adventures, likewise aimed at readability and educational moments for kid readers. Among the wonderful things that program gave us was the first live-action adaptation of a Marvel Comics property (unless one counts the Captain America serial of 1944, which changed milquetoast-turned-super-soldier Steve Rogers into District Attorney Grant Gardner, who operates more like Batman than the Sentinel of Liberty.) That was “Spidey Super Stories”, featuring the Web-Slinger in action against any number of nefarious foes, all the while teaching lessons in grammar, spelling and other age-appropriate lessons. Previously in Spidey Super Stories: Following up on the success of ‘Sesame Street’, the Children’s Television Workshop expanded in 1971 to give us ‘The Electric Company’, an educational program aimed at slightly older, elementary school aged children. After 43 years, now it can be told! Witness the truth about the FIRST Spider-Woman! Your Major Spoilers (Retro) Review of Spidey Super Stories #11 awaits!
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