Spider-Man and New York – A History
There’s no denying that Spider-Man is a New Yorker, through and through. Peter’s affection for NYC’s culture and citizens are reflected many times across all of his related media. So saying that New York is a big part of Spidey lore isn’t dishonest. But suggesting that he can’t function properly outside that setting, most certainly is.
In Spider-Man’s earliest comics, he flew to Florida to battle against the Lizard, and he later fought the Hulk and the Green Goblin in New Mexico – in the latter’s first ever appearance no less. In recent years, Spidey has traveled to Los Angeles to mend his relationship with Mary Jane, but ended up battling Luke Carlyle and Doctor Octopus. Spider-Man also journeyed into outer space in the famous Secret Wars storyline, where he gained his black costume. And, more recently, he traversed the globe in the Ends of the Earth series. So, the impropriety of Spider-Man leaving the country is a strange assumption to make, especially when many of his original, prominent storylines did.
Yet, this kind of criticism isn’t limited to the second MCU Spider-Man film. Far From Home’s predecessor was – and still is – routinely lambasted by fans for its lack of Uncle Ben. Peter’s heavy use of gadgetry is also decried, along with his seeking of Tony Stark’s approval.
Of course, as stated earlier, no pop culture property is complete these days without someone ready and waiting to be ill-informed and Mad Online about it. Yet the emergence of Marvel’s Spider-Man seems to have only catalyzed these arguments. The game, which follows an older, more experienced Peter Parker, has even been lauded as a “truer” and more accurate modern representation of the character. But is this a fair assertion? And what’s the crux of all this contention over Spidey’s representation onscreen?