A fan favorite for 50 years, this friendly neighborhood crime-fighting phenom swings back into action—and into theaters—on July 3. The Amazing Spider-Man(PG-13), a new 3D adventure from Marvel Entertainment and Columbia Pictures, provides a fresh big-screen take on the character by spotlighting his early days. High-school student Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is an outcast who grapples with issues of insecurity and identity, as well as his all-consuming crush on the beautiful and bright Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone).
Abandoned by his parents when he was a child, Peter has been raised by his loving Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field), but still struggles to understand the mysteries of his past. When he stumbles upon a briefcase left behind by his father, his investigations take him to Oscorp and the research lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), an award-winning scientist and his father’s one-time associate. As events unfold (and a fateful spider bite occurs), Peter finds himself with astounding new abilities…as well as a formidable new enemy, the Lizard (Connors in altered form). He soon faces difficult choices that will not only impact his survival, but also define his destiny as a hero.
Kids can visit the official movie website for a look at the action. Video trailers, character bios, and a gallery of colorful movie photos are presented along with wallpaper and other images to download. An online movie game allows users to take on bad guys while progressing through the levels and unlocking various spider-slick moves, equipment, and achievements. Youngsters can also cruise over the “Marvel Kids” website for more online games, a selection of Spider-Man online comics, downloadable character-themed drawing and activity sheets, full episodes and video clips from the Ultimate Spider-Man animated TV series, and an easy-to-use “Create Your Own Comics” option.
Book Tie-ins
Marvel Press, an imprint of Disney Books, has published a lineup of tie-in titles, each adorned with a fan-grabbing cover. A striking close-up image of the costumed superhero beckons youngsters into The Movie Storybook (K-Gr 5). Including plenty of dialogue and detail, this fast-read describes events and also emphasizes Peter’s gradual realization that along with his new superpowers come great responsibility. Ranging in size from small insets to a double-page spread, the numerous full-color movie photos—laid out with red and blue borders and be-webbed backdrops—include both character portraits and action scenes. This offering can be shared with younger movie viewers or enjoyed by independent readers.
Dr. Connors’s secret formula has unexpected results when the scientist is transformed into a rampaging monster, and all of New York City must Beware the Lizard! (K-Gr 4). Never fear, Spider-Man is determined to put an end to the danger and help his adversary regain human form. This staple-bound picture book blends a clearly written narrative with well-chosen movie photos and gritty, lizard-green backdrops and graphic designs. Becoming Spider-Man (K-Gr 2), a “Level 2″ easy reader, describes how Peter Parker goes from “normal kid” to web-shooting superhero. The book’s simple vocabulary, brief sentences, and open layout will encourage beginning readers. The accompanying movie photos add excitement and provide visual clues for interpreting the text.
The Tangled Webs of Spider-Man (Gr 3-6) will ensnare older readers with an intriguing cover image: Peter Parker wearing his everyday clothes, effortlessly affixed to a towering wall by hands and feet, his shadow falling in the shape of the elongated Spider-Man emblem. Filled by taut suspense, the narrative revisits highpoints from the movie plot with 10 short-story-like chapters. Bits of dialogue are interwoven into clear descriptions of the characters, settings, and conflicts. Each chapter is launched with a black-and-white drawing of Spider-Man in an action pose, and eight pages of captioned full-color film photos are also included.
More Spidey Reads
Catch the eye of moviegoers as well as other devotees of this ever-popular character with inviting titles starring the web-slinging champion. Marvel Press presents a series of staple-bound paperback picture books that pit the superhero against well-known villains: The Amazing Spider-Man vs the Lizard; Doctor Octopus; and The Green Goblin (Mysterio will be released in August). Each tale is told in a straightforward narrative and filled with colorful paintings that convey the action and plot details. Beginning with the kapow-packed cover images, the illustrations reflect the dynamic energy and shifting perspectives of comics-style artwork but presented in a larger-size, easy-to-view format. Just right for newcomers to the Spider-Man oeuvre, the texts explain the origins of each rogue’s super abilities (usually science gone wrong) and evil motivations. While there is plenty of punch-throwing, web-blasting, window-smashing action, the images and storytelling never tip toward overly graphic. The Amazing Spider-Man Storybook Collection (all Marvel Pr./Disney, 2012; PreS-Gr 3), a hardcover volume, compiles 20 action-packed tales similarly told and illustrated. Spidey tangles with a cadre of bad guys (including Sandman, Electro, the Rhino, and many more) while trying to balance his dual existence as superhuman and high school student and contemplating the essence of heroism. This hefty volume is a read-aloud or read-alone bonanza for the youngest Spider-Man buffs.
Great Graphic Novels
Power up your collection with age-appropriate graphic novels starring the web-slinging wonder from Spotlight’s “Marvel Age” line. “Spider-Man Set 4″ includes four spine-tingling standalone volumes: Spidey takes on both the Scorpion and Electro in one busy night and figures out how to make his victory a Two for One deal; survives a twist-turning encounter with a mysterious dragon creature and realizes that “…Everything You Read…” in the headlines isn’t necessarily true; finds himself Playing Hero when a villain-manipulated video game advances to a new level of destruction; and saves President Obama on Inauguration Day (all 2011; Gr 3-7) by foiling an evil plot. All of the tales combine fast-paced storytelling, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and humorous touches. Filled with vibrant colors and gloriously presented on large-size glossy pages, the dynamic artwork clearly conveys events. The volumes are attractively designed, and the publisher’s durable reinforced bindings ensure a long shelf life. Visit Spotlight’s website for other Spider-Man adventures.
Spider-Man: Tangled Web (Marvel, 2012; Gr 3-7), part of the all-ages “Marvel Adventures” line, collects together several exhilarating escapades in an easy-to-thumb-through paperback. Spidey clashes with a dream team of villains, attempts to save a family from being evicted by criminal mastermind Madame Masque, mysteriously switches places—and powers—with the otherworldly Silver Surfer, and more. The writing has a kid-appealingly contemporary tone, and the fast-paced action is balanced with humorous beats and the hero’s funny quips and one liners. Occasionally expanding out to fill a full page, the artwork panels propel the action forward while also emphasizing the light tone of the storytelling. A great first step into the world of Spider-Man comics.
Looking for Spider-Man adventures that will reel in YAs? Check out next week’s SLJTeen e-newsletter for a selection of tie-ins, graphic novels, and more.
Publication Information
SIGLAIN, Michael, adapt. The Amazing Spider-Man: The Movie Storybook. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-142315400-6.
CASTRO, Nachie, adapt. The Amazing Spider-Man: Beware the Lizard! pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142315479-2.
PALACIOS, Tomas. The Amazing Spider-Man: Becoming Spider-Man. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142315487-7.
CASTRO, Nachie, Tomas Palacios, & Michael Siglain, adapts. The Amazing Spider-Man: The Tangled Webs of Spider-Man. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-142315399-3.
WONG, Clarissa S., adapt. The Amazing Spider-Man vs the Lizard. illus. by Todd Nauck & Hi-Fi Design. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142315423-5.
PALACIOS, Tomas, adapt. The Amazing Spider-Man vs Doctor Octopus. illus. by The Storybook Art Group. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142314274-4.
BEHLING, Steve, adapt. The Amazing Spider-Man vs the Green Goblin. illus. by The Storybook Art Group. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142314273-7.
The Amazing Spider-Man Storybook Collection. illus. by various. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-142314292-8.
ea vol: Marvel Pr/Disney. 2012.
DEZAGO, Todd. Spider-Man: Two for One. illus. by Jonboy Meyers. PLB ISBN 978-1-59961-779-4.
_____. Spider-Man: “…Everything You Read…” illus. by Sanford Greene. PLB ISBN 978-1-59961-776-3.
SUMERAK, Marc. Spider-Man: Playing Hero. illus. by Sanford Greene. PLB ISBN 978-1-59961-778-7.
WELLS, Zeb. Spider-Man: Inauguration Day. illus. by Todd Nauck. PLB ISBN 978-1-59961-777-0.
ea vol: “Spider-Man Set 4.” ABDO/Spotlight. 2011. PLB $15.95.
Four vol. set. PLB $63.80. ISBN 978-1-59961-775-6.
TOBIN, Paul, J.M. DeMatteis, & Sean T. Collins. Spider-Man: Tangled Web. illus. by Matteo Lolli et al. Marvel. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7851-5258-3.
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