On Mon, 6 May 2002, Matt Grimaldi wrote: > "Marvin Long, Jr." wrote: > > > > Is it must me, or is the Vulture mosly just comic relief, > > the idiot supervillain who doesn't have a chance but just > > can't figure that fact out? (Did you read the Spidey-Vulture > > clash in one of the recent Peter Parker issues? That was a > > hoot.) > > IIRC, The Vulture was definitely one of the lesser-villians, and > would have been a match for a non-powered superhero. He wasn't > all that onerous a villian, and pretty much stuck to robbery > as his great list of crimes, but was one of Spidey's first. > > He was also necessary experience for Peter to grow as spiderman, > both in skill and philosopy. If he showed up recently, he would > definitely be way outclassed.
He is, sort of. [spoiler space in case you think you might want to go read the comic. It's Peter Parker #135 (#37 in the new numbering system)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . So New York is totally snowed in--not even the subway is running--and Peter Parker has a nasty cold. Of course Aunt May calls and insists that PP come over to shovel the snow out of her driveway, oblivious to his objections. PP slaps on his spider-skivvies and starts swinging across town when, lo and behold, he runs into the Vulture, who is out stealing jewels just like in the good old days. The Vulture attacks, but Spider-Man is so miserable he just tries to persuade the Vulture to go home so that he can get out of the cold himself. But they fight, and Spidey whomps on him pretty good, gets in a few good insults, and in the end the Vulture flies away mad, daring Spidey to show up at their original meeting place in 30 minutes for a final showdown, man against man. Like the conscientous nut Spidey is, he obliges, but he's so out of it due to the cold (both kinds) that he goes to the wrong place by accident. His spinnerets are getting a serious case of frostbite when the Vulture eventually arrives and pulls an automatic machine pistol on our webheaded friend. (How unfair!) Spidey asks to say some last words but the Vulture mocks him, "This isn't an Ausin Powers movie. Now you die!" Spidey grumbles, "Huh. So much for 'man against man.'" The Vulture: "I lied." Spidey: "That's a coincidence -- so did I." And the Human Torch appears out of nowhere to clean the Vulture's clock, but good. Spidey called in some backup because he was just so tired of all the bullsh*t. It's an old gag, but Spidey's such a habitual loner that you just don't expect it. Sweet! Marvin Long Austin, Texas GSV Simple Pleasures Maru "Never flay a live Episiarch." -- Galactic Proverbs 7563:34(j)
