Today’s comic was inspired less by the brand new Spiderman 3 trailer (opening today before Casino Royale), and more by this poster here on the right. As Peter takes on the costume his darker side comes out, and it’s natural that they would physically change the character as well as emotionally. That includes darker clothes (not just costume, check out that drab jacket. So dapper.) and darker hair. Actually a pretty smart move to speed along the characters transition, but this poster stuck out like a sore thumb to me. It instantly lead me down to the idea that Spidey was going Goth, and from there, the joke just writes itself.

I may be blowing it out of proportion a little. I trust director Sam Raimi and actor Tobey Maguire to be less obvious with their choices. But someone in the marketing division loves that new My Chemical Romance album.

The trailer itself is stunning. Beautiful action, lots of drama and possibly the strongest visuals of the series so far. Peter and Mary Jane on the giant web is corny as hell to the cynic in me, but the comic nerd in me peed my pants a little when I saw it.

This new look gives the impression that Spiderman 3, like the 2 before it, is taking some liberties with the history of its characters. Little things like Eddie Brock being a rival photographer instead of a writer is inconsequential in the long run, and things like organic web shooters that set fans into a frenzy in 2002 will look just as meaningless next to The Sandman being named as uncle Ben’s real killer. My first reaction was to cry nerd-blasphemy. You just don’t mess with the origin of a character when it’s this strong. Ben’s killer being a faceless nobody is important. And has been important for 50 years.

After having a week to think about it though, it bothers me less and less. I mean, yes, they’re exploiting the situation a little in order to bring more tension to this third film, but that’s not such a bad thing. The mythology of Spiderman is a long and complicated one. If they have to bend a few rules to connect the dots in the limited time they have, then so be it. As a fan I’d prefer that they didn’t take too many liberties, but as long as the movie is strong, why should I be bothered?

And it looks ridiculously awesome! I’ve spent the past couple days going through the Sandman clips in slow motion, hoping to God that they will miraculously revert to the full scenes and I can get a real idea of how these seemingly beautiful action sequences will look in full. It’s perfect use of technology and character that should blow us all away this summer, and I like him as the lead villain. There’s been so much talk about Venom for this movie that for some reason I assumed he would be the baddie to watch out for. It would seem he’s more of a plot element for the character and possibly a set up for a 4th film. Hopefully.

Everyone involved has been saying “3 films� all along but they can’t end things here and not have Spiderman face off against Venom. It’s the kind of tease that would destroy the franchise… unless that’s what they were trying to do all along. Those diabolical bastards! Seriously, either they’re setting up the 4th movie or they’re holding back on the footage of Venom in all his toothy glory. Either’s fine with me. As long as they fight eventually and it’s not treated as an afterthought.

We’ll have wait until June 4th, 2007 to know for sure but I have faith. The folks behind this franchise have been good to us. Better than any folks have ever been to any franchise, I’d wager to say. Though Superman was on track after the second film, and Batman wasn’t a complete mess either until the third. Crap, Blade died at 3 too.

We’re boned.

Hope you guys like this special non-review edition. Sometimes the biggest news in the industry is the stuff that won’t be happening for another 6 months. With all the buzz and Internet chatter the jokes just creep into my head and it’s better to let them out now when at least I think they’re still funny.

Outside the Theater:

Now, a convention tale of woe. Tom Brazelton from Theater Hopper made a trip down south last week to attend the annual Wizard World Texas show. The first day of the con he woke to find that his card had been broken into and robbed. Merchandising, promotional goodies, and gaming products – gone. Go here to read the story from the man himself.

It’s something you hate to hear happen at one of these shows. So many of the people in artist alley are struggling artists passionate about comics and telling a story. To see something like this go down just breaks your heart. And makes you completely paranoid! There’s more than one reason I have Texas crossed out on my Big Board of Doom.

But it does suck. Show Tom some love and check out his two printed collections. Tons of entertainment for your dollar, and security in knowing that your money is going to support small press comics. Do the right thing.

That’s it for now, but this weekend is going to be awesome. Bob Odenkirk’s (Mr. Show) new feature Let’s go to Prison comes out, crappy animated Penguins FINALLY show up after a year of promotional terror, and can anyone say… BOND!? New comic on Sunday when I’ve recovered form our Digital Pimp Bond get together where we’ll be watching Casino Royale, the old Casino Royale, and another Bond classic to be determined then. See you then!