I guess sales figures depend on when you look. Before J. Michael Straczynski took over in 2001, the main title's sales were down to an incredible 30,000 a month, at least according to the latest Marvel Spotlight where he's interviewed. Supposedly his tenure got them back to 90,000 or so.

Another drawback of all this is that the tension of Spider-Man ever getting married again seems impossible. I suppose they could bring the marriage back after a few years...

The real key is simply good storytelling, whatever the character's circumstances. (And again, I think the actual writing in the issue in question is quite fine). But overall, they have not figured out how to make Superman's marriage work, and they never really made the Parker marriage very compelling.

The soap opera part of a comic should ground the book in a life readers can relate to, but the larger reason people buy comics is for the adventure and thrills. If Marvel simply comes up with a new Archie at Riverdale High cast, they will have achieved nothing. But if they can come up with a new Doctor Octopus or Mysterio, then they'll have something.

Last Edited By: taraco Jan 2 08 11:06 AM. Edited 1 times.