Ciao! Sono Spiderman!

I really like comics so it was a big treat to come across a Spiderman exhibit while exploring the Roman ruins yesterday. (And it was free!) I hadn't realized that Spiderman was so popular in Italy, but it makes sense considering that in Europe and Asia comics are not considered solely the domain of kids and nerds who live in their parents' basements. It turns out that the exhibit was part of Rome's Notte Bianca and they even projected a spiderweb on the side of the Colosseum. Back to the exhibit: there were examples of noted Italian artists who had drawn Spidey, a giant upside down Spidey in the centre of the room (kisses anyone?) and a collection of action figures. Aside from the comics, the exhibit also had different versions of the Spiderman theme playing, like the metal version and the bossa nova version. So, in order to get a better feel for it, I think you should hum the theme tune while you look at the rest of the pics.

Some of the old classic covers. I think Spiderman made his debut in Italy around 1970.

One wall was dedicated entirely to social and cultural issues. In this example Mary Jane is clearly determined to overcome the evil that is smoking.

These panels deal with eating disorders. I don't know about you but those last few panels before the hospital bed are terrifying.

Spidey goes to 'Nam.

Spiderman, Wolverine and Cyclops help the NYPD and NYFD find survivors in the wreckage of the World Trade Center.