Spider-Man’s amazing web dries up this week when Marvel Comics publishes the final issue of its long-running “Amazing Spider-Man” series, killing off alias Peter Parker. Mr. Parker first became a hero to a nation of comic fans in 1962, discovering his superpowers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. The original story, which introduced into the lexicon the phrase “with great power, comes great responsibility,” has served as the foundation for dozens of comic-book titles, television shows, movie franchises, and a Broadway musical featuring songs by members of the rock band U2. Yet Parker takes his last breath in issue 700 of the original series title, which arrived in stores Wednesday – a decision meant both to deliver a sales kick to end-of-year revenue and to refresh a character who remains a flagship for the media powerhouse. Marvel Entertainment is owned by Walt Disney Co., which purchased the 73-year-old comics giant in 2009. The Christian Science Monitor http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/12/...fans-express-outrage-at-peter-parkers-demise/
