Plot for The Spectacular Spider-Man No. 190: Museum Object and Cultural History

The object in the museum catalogue

Plot for the Marvel comic book Spectacular Spider-Man Volume 1, issue 190, written by J.M. DeMatteis. The script features editor's notes, and was used by Sal Buscema to create the comic's art. The comic was published with a cover date of July, 1992.

Once published, the comic's cover featured the titular hero being crushed in the arms of the villainous Rhino. The story, Horns of a Dilemma was written by DeMatteis, with pencil and inks by Buscema. Colors were done by Bob Sharen and Lettering by Joe Rosen.

The invention of Marvel Comics creators Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the friendly neighborhood superhero Spider-Man first appeared in the pages of 1962's Amazing Fantasy no. 15. The character, a brilliant yet geeky teenager named Peter Parker, becomes a superhero after being bitten by a radioactive spider; attaining many of the abilities of the arachnid, including incredible strength, an instinctive spider-sense that warns of danger, and the ability to walk on walls. Witty and spontaneous, Parker is challenged to balance his spectacular abilities with his ambitions, opting to use his powers for good while protecting his loved ones.

Overturning traditional superhero mythologies, Spider-Man quickly swung into the hearts of readers, inspiring waves of more psychologically complex and relatable superheroes. Since his debut, ol' web-head has remained one of Marvel's most popular properties, headlining several long-running comic titles, as well as being the centerpiece of a multitude media properties, including a succession of animated television series and a blockbuster film franchise.

Materials, dates and provenance

• date made: ca 1991
• Associated Name: DeMatteis, J. M.
• user: Buscema, Sal
• Associated Name: Marvel Comics
• author: DeMatteis, J. M.
• maker: Marvel Comics
• Object Name: comic book script
• Object Name: plot, comic book
• Object Name: plot, comic book
• Physical Description: paper (overall material)
• Physical Description: metal (staple material)
• Physical Description: ink (overall material)
• Measurements: overall: 11 in x 8 1/2 in; 27.94 cm x 21.59 cm
• Subject: Comics
• Subject: Spider Man
• ID Number: 1994.0196.02
• catalog number: 1994.0196.02
• accession number: 1994.0196
• Credit Line: Sal Buscema
• Data Source: National Museum of American History

Sources and reuse

Catalogue descriptions and facts adapted from National Museum of American History through the Smithsonian's official Open Access dataset. This record explicitly marks its metadata CC0 1.0; formatting and selection have been changed.