| Posted: 26 September 2011 at 6:09pm | IP Logged | 10
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I'm sorry, but the discussion about Spider-man is a clear and perfect example of "fans and pros misunderstanding" a character.
First, the "geek" issue. I guess we would first have to define the term "geek" and "nerd". For some those terms mean a highly educated, interested, and gifted individual in a particular field. Usually associated with science or technology. In that sense a Geek could be very good looking, popular and even rich. His knowledge makes him a "geek".
For others however, the term "geek" is associated with being a rejected outsider because of some unusual interest and knowledge in a particular field. Said field does not have to be advanced or highly skilled. It could be for example reading comics, playing chess, computers, etc. The field itself actually doesn't matter. it is rather the fact that this interest is so compulsive that it takes away from that individual's ability to relate to his environment. making him a rejected outsider. (not saying this is a good or bad thing, just saying that's what it is).
If you are thinking about the first definition then yes PP is a "geek". However, that is not how most people think of PP, and that is not how he is being depicted today's comics. The misconception is that he is uncool, unwanted, nerdy, stupid (outside his field of interest), etc. The way other heroes and villains have viewed him the past ten years has been as a guy who isn't up to par. a waste of time (with some potential if he stopped being so silly). Recently Cap told him he didn't want him on the team because he isn't good enough but went along because Iron man said so (something like that).
Now this is where the misconception or misunderstanding lies, even from those who are defending PP. He hasn't been THAT guy since like the 6 issue of his run. He hasn't been the weirdo "loser, newbie kid with new powers since like year one. Again, the facts are that the absolute hottest girl in the whole college was pining over him. was totally in love with him. The other Hottest girl btw was fighting with said girl over him. Guys wanted to be his friends. He was the guy who when he walked in the room, everyone turned around and did a "norm"! Only his preoccupation with his Spidey life got in the way of that popularity. He is good looking, and popular. Not at all a "geek" in the second sense. As far as his SPider-man identity, he was the guy that the Avengers, actively tried to recruit. The guy who wasn't impressed by anyone, including the FF or the Avengers.
which brings us to the second HUGE misconception. that Spider-man is somehow a newbie, with not enough experience to handle a guy like Cap. sorry JB but Cap has absolutely no chance in fighting SM. The difference is way too huge. We forget that Spider-man isn't a newbie, or some inexperience young kid. He has been around for a long time and because of his popularity, many guest appearances and many comics, has literally experienced everything there is to experience in the MU. he has fought alongside and against the most powerful beings of the MU as well as the weakest. He is not a newb by any stretch of the imagination. Though he may not have Cap's leadership oriented personality or standing,.. (who does?) he isn't the fresh kid that sees Cap as some impossible giant the way he is depicted today. ( See his previous meetings with Cap). respect for sure but a peer non the less. Not a father figure.
The reason SM appears to be less then what he is was established fairly clearly (if you paid attention) in the comics.
1) he doesn't think of himself as a big deal. But it is important to note however, that unlike current beliefs he didn't consider himself "less than" either. He was just a humble guy . One who btw had a chip on his shoulder and was quick to put anyone who came at him in their place.
2) He (like Superman) holds back when fighting lesser foes for fear of hurting them. Just like the Superman vs Batman fight created the misunderstanding that Batman could "fight" superman, so to did the fights between SM and punisher,DD,Kraven, etc. created the misunderstanding that they could fight Spider-man. They can't. think about it this way. Spider-man could literally kill DD with a single punch. DD cannot hurt SM with a single punch. Those are facts. Now think about those fights again.
It isn't that SM has the strength of "10 men", it is that he lifts/presses, TEN TONS. that is 20, 000 pounds. compared to the 800 or so that Cap lifts. That means he is more then Twenty times stronger than Cap. Hulk is only ten times stronger than Spider-man. Think about it. It isn't that he is fast, it's that he is TEN times faster than the average human, he doges bullets and lasers, and has a Spider-sense which warns him ahead of time. It's not just that he is tough, it's that his body is very strong and able to resist injury from over 50 men hitting him at once. It's not just that he is experienced, it's that he has been there and done it all. From cosmic to street thug.
I LOVE Cap. But What could Cap possibly do to such a guy? punch him? throw his shield at him? How could Cap for example avoid his webbing? by blocking it? thereby giving a hold of the shield? Who wins that tug of war? by dodging it? for how long and how? assuming SM shoots a wide net. The disparity between Cap and Spider-man is almost as big as the one between Spider-man and Superman. IOW, there is nothing he could do.
I feel so truly bad at how deep the misunderstanding of Spider-man goes. HE is the best he is at what he does. I don't say this cause I'm a fan, I say because that's what it is. He isn't the guy in the front of the group shoot for no reason. Don't let bad writing/art, Peter Parker's humble disposition, or faulty beliefs fool you. There are plenty of examples of GREAT Spider-man runs where he shows you what he is capable of.
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