This was the very first column I wrote for ComiXtreme.com. Needless to say, I got much better at writing Still on the Shelf as the weeks went by. The original column was pruned after a time, as it was old, and we needed the space :). So here, in more-or-less its original form, is Still on the Shelf #1- Spider-girl.

Still on the Shelf #1 - Spider-Girl

Originally published March 25th, 2003 on www.ComiXtreme.com. This work is, of course, © Craig Reade.

I (and I know many of you) have seen many of my pet favorite comics get cancelled with no ceremony. We all know that most X-titles, the major Batman books, and all other titles of that nature are relatively safe from cancellation no matter how bad things get. Their sales are typically to high to worry about getting the axe. However, books like some of my favorites, Slingers, for instance, will get cancelled no matter how much promise they show due to low sales, corperate re-invention, or any other excuse you can possibly imagine. We have all had this happen to us at one time or another.This column is going to focus on the titles that are not in the limelight. You may have heard of it- heck, you may have even read it once or twice, but these titles are not nearly selling as many copies as mainstays like Spider-man and Batman. On occasion, I will focus on a title that comes from one of the smaller, independant companies that I feel warrant some attention. This week, Still on the Shelf highlight’s Marvel’s Spider-Girl.Spider-Girl was the flagship title of the ill-fated MC2 branch of Marvel Comics. MC2 promised to be a “lighter and happier” vision of the future, quite the opposite of “possible future” title attempts like the Marvel 2099 Universe. The vision was simple- a story of the next generation of Marvel superheroes that would not take place in the gloom and doom of a post-apocalyptic future. In addition, the creators attempted to capture some of the magic of comic stories from decades past. In that task, they certainly succeeded.

Spider-Girl started with the same concept that Ultimate Spider-man is trying now- attempting to capture an audience with a new story revolving around familiar themes (with up-to-date dilemmas), where the reader is not encumbered by lack of information from decades of back issues. May Parker deals with many of the same issues that her father, Peter did at the beginning of the Amazing Spider-man run- balancing the busy social life and school obligations with the responsibilities od someone with “Great Power.” Added to that is the pressue of somewhat cynical parents who know of her powers and “superhero identity,” and do not feel she is ready to pursue it.

The strongest secondary characters in the title, as with the original Amazing Spider-man, are fellow student’s at May’s high school. She interacts with these characters constantly and works to conceal her identity as Spider-girl from them. All of them have become quite deep and complex over time, and chances are, you can identify with at least one of them in some way. Peter and Mary-Jane also have important roles, as well as the heroes from the other ill-fated MC2 titles. May also has a unique Rogue’s Gallery all her own, not relying solely on tired retreads of old Spider-man villains.

The current story-arc puts Spider-girl up against the “Soldiers of the Serpent.” As with most of the best stories this book has offered up in the past, May is completely outclassed by the leader of the group, Seth, in terms of power. May is faced with the choice of walking away (her father’s preference), or facing an unwinable situation head-on. As often happens in comic books, the choice is made for her. That, of course, is where the story gets good!

I have to admit that I have been a fan of this title since it’s very first issue. Tom DeFalco created Spider-girl, and has been writing the character ever since. Because of that, there has been real consistency in May Parker’s development and the evolution of the title itself. Much like Mutant X was, this title is self-reliant, and outside the normal Marvel Universe. As such, major plot developments happen in this title alone- no need to worry about a major event happening to May in another title that you don’t read (like the Syrin/Deadpool issue in Wolverine 155). It is generally a light, fun read that I can recommend to anyone. It is kid-safe too: there are no over-sexed heroes and half naked heroines in erotic situations. This is really a rarity in this day and age. You’ll have no trouble showing this book to your kids, or future kids. The writing has been great, and the art has been consistent and good. It is currently in serious danger of cancellation, as it has been many times in the past, so be sure to give this book one last look. You never know- a sudden spike in sales may save this title.

Spider-Girl #58 is out now. Spider-girl #59, due out in stores April 3rd, will be the final part of the Season of the Serpent storyline. A new arch will begin with issue #60, due out May 8th. If you are looking to try something new, now is a good time to give Spider-Girl a shot.

If you have a comic that you do not think is getting enough attention, and want me to take a look, feel free to email me or send me a PM, and I may cover it in a future Still on the Shelf. Just remember to please avoid recommending any titles in the top 25 in sales. Thanks for reading, catch you next week!

Ironically, Spider-girl WAS saved from cancellation, and is still being published today.

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