The Romantic Melancholy of Spider-Man: Blue

Dive into the heartbreaking romance of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's exquisite 2002 miniseries - "Spider-Man: Blue"
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[@Rouge31]

"People stay with you for as long as you remember them." - Peter Parker, Spider-Man: Blue

[@iwatals400]

“I’m gonna put some dirt in your eye”-Peter Parker, Spider-Man 3

[@pixelperfect9867]

"You're a fraud Spider-Man!" -Harry Osborn, Amazing Spider-Man 2

[@Rouge31]

"It's my birthday. Now it's time for me to light my candles!" - Electro, The Amazing Spider-Man 2

[@msucsabahmuhammadhazman1821]

"I missed the part where that's my problem"-Peter Parker,Spider-Man

[@Lucario4thewin]

"Pizza time." -Pizza boy Spider-man 2

[@sergioruiz733]

I had an ex who I lost about a year ago, she was my first love and gave me happy, humorous romantic memories filled with an array of firsts. She was cut out of life too short and my now gf found this comic in my shelf and wanted to read Spiderman when Far From Home was coming out. Around this time I heard of her death and cut myself off from her and she was angry. She read the comic, before she had been somewhat irritated that I kept certain mementos from my relationship with my ex, (personal shot glasses, ankle bracelets we bought from a young street vendor in Bolivia, and a pair of keys copies from our first apartment,) but after reading the comic she and me had a talk about my relationship back then, how I felt, the highs, lows and the happiness I had with her and we talked about her for hours and later attended the funeral, it really strengthened our relationship and it was nice that I found someone so perfect as to not be jealous of someone who impacted my life. One chapter ends and another begins and I feel like lucky to feel love again.

[@user-sf3pg6fi1j]

This is beautiful.

[@seandixon5737]

A beautiful story you told in this comment. Thank you sharing. Wishing you the best.

[@seandixon5737]

A beautiful story you told in this comment. Thank you sharing. Wishing you the best.

[@romareknow1124]

❤️

[@vincentfranklin17]

Wonderful story!

[@trevinodude]

I love MJ's reaction in the end. She was so understanding of Peter before Joe Qaesada decided 'SCREW HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS!' then Dan Slott made things worse and... yeah, Nick Spencer is fixing it.. but this book... it shows why both Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane are Peter's greatest loves. Gwen is Peter's biggest what if... and MJ, his greatest sympathizer.

[@MrJole777]

when does Nick Spencer's run start?

[@lightknight429]

@@MrJole777 it already started

[@johndavidtibbetts7320]

Considering just how utterly wrong he got captain america and falcon I'm shocked at what I've seen of his spiderman run, since it actually is pretty damn good

[@jenisia3600]

Ugh i despised slotts run

[@themoofs6925]

Dude i was born in 99. I remember I was like 8 years old reading One More Day and crying when he made the deal with the devil (his name starts with an M) and thinking as an 8 year old that this means happiness with a person you love is impossible. It was insane.

[@lastmanstanding7155]

That ending is why MJ is just so awesome. You know, before they decided to make Peter a man child. She never really was a damsel. Her character probably wouldn't allow that. But she knew how to support Peter and he knew how to support her. Honestly, it's really sad they decided to get rid of that realtionship.

[@uncannydcmarvelous5732]

When did they make Peter a man child?

[@legowilley2181]

@@uncannydcmarvelous5732 one more day

[@someindividualistdude4645]

Quite ironic, considering Jeph Loeb lost his own son to cancer, so you are right, he does know a lot about grief.

[@walkerfreeman2697]

The fact Mj was listening to peter talk to Gwen in his own way and be so accepting of it is so nice. She knows she’s not her but that’s not what she wants to give Peter. She just letting him heal. Both Gwen and mj are some of the best love interests

[@pizzaface7493]

I'll just picture the TASM version of Gwen and Peter in this story because of the chemistry they had in both movies, make it seem more tragic for Peter when he records the message

[@rgutierrez595]

I feel like they don’t even do Gwen justice in those movies. Just pick up some of her comics and see the relationship blossom. The movies haven’t done her or MJ justice imo.

[@jesusolguin5896]

@@rgutierrez595 but Gwen was more improved, than Rami My where she just screamed her lungs out

[@lyndoncmp5751]

John Romita's version for me.

[@RobyFN2169dtf]

My favourite Spider-Man book of all-time. I just hope Hollywood can avoid an adaptation of the story until I get there! That said, brilliant video, my dude

[@MattDraper]

+iamthatroby Thank you! I think this might be my favorite, as well. I think they'll probably lay off Gwen Stacy in the movies for a little while. I'd love to have something that goes deeper into their relationship and tragedy than what we got with ASM2.

[@MattMcIrvin]

@@MattDraper Looks like they're playing it very differently--developing something between the MCU Spidey and a very different MJ, and bringing Spider-Gwen into Sony's new animated multiverse. If she has a romantic arc at all, it'll be with Miles Morales.

[@oisinreilly2639]

@@MattMcIrvin I think in FFH Gwen will be revealed

[@sugaryheaven4089]

@@oisinreilly2639 She wasn't

[@RobertK1993]

Yes it's good

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

I love this music.

[@calintarasascu17]

What are u doing here?÷)))

[@PieroMinayaRojas]

Hello there

[@calintarasascu17]

@@PieroMinayaRojas GENERAL KENOBI

[@OscarSanchez-nk3uw]

I'm not crying ;-;

[@MattDraper]

Oscar Sanchez It's just been raining ... on my face ...

[@julioalmeida863]

Neither am I... (Sniff)...

[@a-dub6434]

its ok to cry your among friends

[@vincentfranklin17]

One of my all-time favorite Spider-Man stories ever.

[@Sanat_Anand]

Yeah, the first time I read it, it just felt so damn real..

[@benniferlopez488]

it’s easily my favourite

[@mayukhbanerjee1147]

This is the book that made me fall in love with Spiderman comics all those years ago when I was in 2nd grade. I still remember how I used to take it to school to show my friends and now that I look back it was and still is one of the most prized books in my life. Love Spiderman Blue.

[@Midnight_horrors885]

I honestly thing if they were to make a film about an older Peter Parker and Spider-Man I think spider-man blue would be an amazing story to translate due to the fact that they can do a lot with the flash backs and give a real depth to characters like we’ve never seen before

[@jkjordon1]

Since no way home is coming, I'd imagine a short film with Andrew Garfield based on this story.

[@chrisossu2070]

All I hear about Jeph Loeb in the present are negative things, but at one point he seems to have been one of the greatest superhero writers. What happened? Also every time I hear about Peter Parker's marriage to Mary Jane, I become depressed knowing that's one relationship that no writer in Marvel will ever recover, at least not in the mainline continuity.

[@chaddiamond8387]

His son died

[@maxp.c1330]

Do i have a suprise for you just read the new books

[@caammm88]

It's always a pleasure to read a Jeph Loeb book. He consistantly shows how he cares about the person underneath the mask

[@HetLedie]

For all those who wish Gwen and Peter could still be together, I look at Gwen as the physical embodiment of the old classical way of writing women and romance arcs, which had to die off to give way to the more modern approach to female characters that Marvel's writers would adopt in the late 70's and early 80's. With the exception of the unflappable Louis Lane, Gwen was like many comic book women of her day, a fragile damsel in distress, that any Superman or Spider-Man worth his salt would risk his life saving. Mary Jane and other strong women like her were icons of feminism that brought Marvel comics into the 21st century. Gwen Stacy was a smart passionate young lady, yet she came from money and was demure rather than outspoken. Mary Jane represented the best of both world's. She was characterized by intense feminine compassion and sensitivity, yet she was a spunky bad ass that refused to take shit from anyone. During the Inferno crossover storyline, MJ straight up attacked a demonically possessed HobGoblin when he threatened Peter's life in a sewer brawl. Mj was an battling underdog like Peter, constantly struggling to pay her bills, fighting her way to pay her dues through theater and modeling careers. MJ and Peter both come from working class families whereas Gwen came from the upper crust. Peter spent so much time looking up to Gwen that he neglected his friends, (Harry Osborne-drug addiction). Unlike Gwen, Mj was a lot more open with her inner feelings, not afraid to tell Peter off when he made her mad and whenever anyone threatened her man she'd beat the shit out them.. Gwen went on a trip to Europe to avoid a confrontation with Peter after a big fight.----- Tho I refuse to acknowledge her actions in France as canon (see Sins Past)----- Based on this behavior it is easy to see why writers put Gwen by the way side in favor of stronger, more assertive women like MJ and Felicia Hardy. In hindsight, it is kind of messed up how Gwen Stacy ultimately died to become muse or spiritual impetus for Peter Parker to continue on being Spider Man, but I want the writers to let real Gwen remain dead canonically (in Earth 616) out of respect for the character. I am hoping that Peter and MJ can be reunited in holy matrimony once again. Signed, Someone with too much time on his hands.

[@mrmaxwell346]

Spoken like a true king my good man, spoken like a true king.

[@johndavidtibbetts7320]

Spider gwen really is the best modern interpretation of gwen stacy so theres really no need for classic gwen to come back. Save for, like, a one off time travel crossover where the two meet like how kyle raynor got to go back and meet not evil hal jordan

[@ha21yang93]

The real Gwen is one of the few characters that has remained dead but still her death is remembered till this day from fans and Peter and MJ. She will always be the what if story and for me like MJ she is a special character.

[@rgutierrez595]

I think the biggest thing you missed is how Gwen is his first true love. Their romance plays out to all of regular guys crushing on the “perfect girl”. Gwen was the epitome of your average crush in high school. She was smart, the prettiest girl in school, flirty yet mysterious, and with your average jock in high school (flash Thompson) . She was the girl that peter deserved, she was the first one that give him a chance and saw him for more than just the four eyed science geek in high school that happens to be your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. She was an unlikely love that reinforced his confidence as a character and his constant battle between the overbearing, quick, and witty Spider-Man and your head in the books, science wiz Peter Parker. Gwen made Peter become the man that he is and that made her truly unforgettable. I love Mj as much as the next guy but Gwen felt like the girl that Peter should have been able to settle down with and end his life with his true first love

[@HetLedie]

@@rgutierrez595 I think that is what makes Gwen such a compelling character is the idea that she was too noble for this jaded world. She always took the high road. Was honorable, loyal. She was killed with pure malice just for diing what came naturally to her, showing love and compassion for others. Goblin decided she must die for the sin of loving the inferior Peter Parker. Tragically Gwen was too good for the world she lived in. You can't have great romance without great tragedy when you look at it from a Romance Writers point of view Gwen's death represents the death of young love as well. You know, the kind of intense, naive love you only feel in your youth. Gwens death knocked Peter down from that cloud of love he was floating on so hard, he spent 2 decades worth of comics, suffering from commutment issues. From that point going forward he would struggle with his love life, never finding the same intense feeling. Mj saved Peter though. She gave him a reason to give commited love another go. With her he had the most ideal incarnation of mature love one can have. The love between equals, supporting each other noncinditionally warts and all.

[@johnbarthalameuwhaler]

Fantastic video on a fantastic series. I'm a sucker for some slower emotional super hero books though (loved All Star Superman)

[@MattDraper]

+Eli Dawson Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. I'm a huge fan of All Star Superman, as well. That will DEFINITELY be the subject of a video in the future.

[@MrTyrranical]

i kinda wanted to cry while watching this. RIP Gwen

[@MattDraper]

Kinda the best compliment I can receive.

[@kieranwestphal]

LOVED this video. There aren't enough great video essayists that cover comics, the format is essentially a sea of educated opinions on movies right now. This was really well done!

[@MattDraper]

Thank you very much!

[@Remy-eo7yb]

This doesn't even make me sad it just makes me feel blue

[@tayyou1506]

Dang onions !

[@Nemo-oj8mb]

6 years later, this video still perfectly echoes the sentiment Spider-Man Blue encompasses. This video was so heart-wrenching in depicting Peter's love and memory for Gwen that it retroactively makes Green Goblin feel so much more detestable and evil to have taken her away.

[@TorchlightCinema80]

Why the hell am I crying so damn hard?

[@I.M.O.P]

I actually cried a little at the very end, great video man subscribed!

[@bigburd7232]

I recently read this story, and feel in love all over again with my favorite superhero. This story is so good!

[@franzr.yablon2839]

Thank you for making this video. I've been slowly relearning and reintegrating with my love for Comic Books ever since Avengers Endgame and you've provided me with insightful looks on relatively unknown books and stories. This video just made me love Spider-man all over again in the same way that Tom Holland's casting and acting did. Best of luck to you and your future endeavors, Mr. Draper.

[@redhood2255]

I'm not crying!...I'm just..just...shut up!.....and thank you for this!

[@KHEndsoftheEarth]

This story of Pete/Spidey will always be a favorite of mine, seeing you do this video amazingly well just makes me like it all the more. Thank you.

[@mechajay3358]

*_Dude that was Beautiful_* 👏👏👏😢

[@rpeters330]

This is simply perfect.

[@dennydarkko]

By far the most amazing Spider-Man story ever.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Especially the first time around by Lee and Romita in the late 1960s.

[@ravenamber890]

This one and "The Kiss" by John Romita Sr. are my all-time favorite Spider-Man's stories. Great video. It reminded me to read it again.

[@kalenberreman8252]

Loeb and Sale were such a brilliant team.

[@Hahaa99]

Absolutely ! With this and the Long Halloweeen

[@ryancordova6312]

It very much reminded me of an older comic book style. Clever. Well done on this video!

[@MattDraper]

+Ryan Cordova Thank you! Sale has a great throwback style perfect for this story. He's definitely one of my favorite comic artists.

[@ethanp8381]

I doubt they would ever do it but Spider-Man Blue would’ve been the perfect story for the amazing Spider-Man 3

[@Diego-b5s]

I come back to this video every few months and it still blows me away. The music, the tape recording all immerse me in this book that started my love of comics all those years ago. Matt, I watched this video when I was a sophomore in hs and fell in love with the character, not the icon of spider-man. This book changed my life, and this video did too. I love all your videos, i binge them all every couple months and have seen how much you have grown and it makes me so happy to see you grow as the premier comic book video essayist on KZbin.

[@nefariousgremlin7554]

I loved Loeb and Sale's work on Batman, and I'm sure I'll love their work on Spiderman. This video has convinced me more than ever that I need to check this series out.

[@joefriedman9843]

Possibly my favorite comic of all time. This hit me so hard. 10/10.

[@thomask70]

Damnit... some of those scenes at the end just brought out the waterworks!

[@paragonjones13]

Man, that was sad. I'm currently going through an in-between phase with a friend of mine and this made me contemplate our relationship... I need to go and think some more about she and I.

[@Raida]

Just subscribed to your channel because of this lovely insight on my favourite Spider-Man story. You capture just what this story makes me feel, and it's a rare tale that can inspire both feelings of sadness and affirmation for the beauty of life. I'll admit I have a personal preference for stories that depict the beauty of life despite loss, and while the Spider-Man saga as a whole captures that, this is easily one of its most powerful manifestations

[@thelettera7978]

My absolute favorite quote from any book is, "And I remember being foolish enough to think... Let's fall in love."

[@DamianGshow]

I was born after gwen had been killed off so i never got to know her as a character but I remember purchasing this on a whim and LOVING the story and the way it was played out via audio tape....the ending with MJ saying to tell gwen she says hi....very understanding woman in that moment MJ

[@anthk.4846]

John Romita Senior will always be my favourite spider man artist.

[@Your_canonevent]

The artist isn't John Romita Senior, the artist is Tim Sale who sadly died on 2022

[@andrewxyz24]

Beautifully edited and wonderfully scripted. Thank you.

[@Little3Pigs]

Reading all this Joseph loeb and Tim Sale collabs is beutiful, they did so much great stuff togheter, it just amazes me how they can interpret all these different caracthers, understand them, and develop a story that give a meaning on the journey and internal struggles of each hero. The long halloween, Dark Victory, Superman of all seasons, Spiderman blue, all great.

[@tmc8195]

Wonderful little nugget of art this video is. Hit me right in the soft spot. Great job!

[@yoboyryy1715]

Literally one of my favorite Spidey stories ever.

[@Staygeeky2456]

I've recently discovered you & you've easily become 1 of my fav channels. Idk how, but this video legit made me tear up...

[@JaiProdz]

we need this adapted into a film

[@hamstiog]

This is pretty cool. I hope this channel blows up soon. Keep it up man!

[@MattDraper]

+hamstiog Thank you! This video was a pretty big undertaking, but the support and kind words make it well worth it.

[@hamstiog]

Hey, thats awesome! I could tell a lot of effort went into this.

[@timothyboykin9318]

Reading stories like this kind of makes me worried about falling in love. What if I lose this person, what if something bad happened to this person. I was close to crying reading this particular story because I'm scared of falling in love with a girl that I know.

[@emrld_wz]

Timothy Boykin You should take the chance before it's too late and treasure it while you can. That way, even after death, you can both be happy.

[@sebastianzuzi311]

Timothy Boykin Oh boy. Go for it. Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you gonna get.

[@estebansamra7255]

To me - the gold standard of a Spider-Man comic. Such a reverence and love for the material. The ending is incredible - the shadowing of Mary Jane and Peter after Gwen had died. In the past, before they were together, Mary Jane closed the door to console Peter, as that is what he needed. Now in the present Mary Jane closes the door and leaves Peter to grief by himself. A wonderful ode.

[@jakelittle5265]

I’ve watched this video a thousand times and red the comic but it still gives me goosebumps

[@evandavid2816]

Another beautiful piece of work from the Loeb/Sale team, with the vivid visual contrast between Gwen as the classical elegant blonde and Mary Jane as the quintessential lively redhead popping out from the pages like never before in my eyes (the colourist did a truly Marvel-lous job, yes?). Any chance you could cover another classic series that revisits Spidey's past, namely Kurt Busiek's criminally under-rated 'Untold Tales of Spider-Man'? (Busiek's seminal collaboration with Alex Ross, 'Marvels', would also make a great companion piece to this video in my view, especially given its focus on Gwen in its final issue...).

[@JoshuaHenelyThornhill]

One of your videos that touched me the most. Everything's fall right and pull the string that need to be pull. Brilliant!!!

[@seantaylor424]

I sadly haven't read this story, but there's a collection of Gwen stories called "The Night Gwen Stacy Died" that includes the two famous issues (naturally), an issue of back when Gwen was alive and not slated to die (to give readers a better idea of the person at the center of the tragedy) and a short story at the end of Peter reflecting on what Gwen meant to him and worrying that she might be upset with him for moving on with MJ, but concluding that she would understand with how things panned out. Stories like that and Blue are very touching and I'm glad Loeb and Sale took the time to tell them for several characters.

[@edthacow]

I've been an comic reader off and on again for 20 years. This series is my favorite.

[@smonrisotto]

Wow did not expect Vampires at the end, great music choice!

[@liitkyd9167]

Lotus is going to hit so different

[@spicytunapod]

Still to this day, one of the greatest Spider-Man books I have ever read. I find myself going back to read this again so often.

[@MultiSnowberry]

Really love your video, you deserve more view for your quality content

[@Mr_Movie_Fan]

Ordered the comic yesterday, can't wait to read it

[@cavc94]

Despite I dislike Gwen Stacy I really loved this comic. I was afraid MJ would be diminished in order to spotlight Gwen but I was glad she steals the show every time she appears just like it has to be. Also Tim Sale's art makes Loeb's script shines despite he is mostly retelling stories and adding a behind the shadows villain as he usually does.

[@andrewhuynh6556]

holy crap that was a great video

[@Big_Div]

This is one of the only comics that has made me cry at the end where mj tells Peter she misses Gwen as well just makes me feel blue not a pun

[@thirdplanet4471]

First comic my mom bought me

[@cryptozoomauler5505]

Your mom has good taste.

[@andyallom4357]

A book that has sat on my shelf unread for too long now. Time again to open the book and my heart.

[@gigabyte284]

This is my favorite video of all time

[@osvaldotellez2044]

Perfect video to watch on this Valentine's Day 🥺😢

[@zell959]

This was one of the last physical comics I remember buying. Started watching this after hearing about the “Pens down” debacle, and now I’m that much sadder about the state of this industry...

[@user-hr1mn4qw2j]

Another great one! You should do one exploring Kraven’s Last Hunt. I love the style of your vids!

[@julio.dealmeidabranconeto5831]

The final page gets me every time

[@ginofrancejr555]

Excellent video review I love loeb and sales color series at marvel and Spiderman blue is a great melancholy story of love and loss

[@danenagai1157]

Just bought this and Daredevil Yellow yesterday. Can't wait to read these once my projects are completed.

[@jvera828]

Well done. It's like Cowboy Bebop got bit by a radio active spider.

[@4thcoming]

Tim Sale and Jeph Loeb ❤

[@markburns4837]

I think I'll be checking it out.

[@GhostOfBilly]

I genuinely love the video but I highly recommend "there will never be another you" by Lester Young as the background jazz to this video and think it was kind of a missed opportunity. That being said this might be my favorite spidey comic since the original Morales run in ultimate comics.

[@Jose-se9pu]

And I cry. Every single time.

[@AOriginalProduction]

6:45 this is my first time hearing the full story and it's incredible how easily one can feel every emotion the writers/ artists want the reader to feel through the eyes of Peter Parker.

[@thepulp80s]

I can see alot of work went into this video Well done!

[@joydas5135]

6:57 it was referenced in TASM 2 with a small note, "Do I have to lose you too?"🥀

[@sinjinbaker6031]

This video was great!!! Love this story!

[@maverickslb80]

This was so beautiful.

[@rgutierrez595]

It’s always hard to judge Spider-man. He has faced so much yet he still is a victim of the life that we thought he deserved. Gwen was the girl that Peter not only loved but was the one that made him actually fall in love. This book not only showed Peter in a time of need but also it was defined by Peter achieving the woman of his dreams, but the woman that he deserved. Gwen was Peter’s first love and it’s not possible to recreate the bond that they shared.

[@evolionbot]

thank you

[@AkramAkram-pm2sp]

True love is never forgotten

[@David78343]

damn bro your writing is so good Ive been frecuently watching this video over the last year! ;3

[@mattfrank5811]

Love that comic. Also each chapter was the name of a frank sinatra song. So that was pretty cool

[@jasontodd9741]

Ive never been a fan of spiderman but oh boy do i intend to start reading his comics now

[@loriisgorey]

Wow, I love this.

[@usmanzubair742]

Spider Man Blue was so unique as it gave us a different side of Peter Parker

[@joadarium9605]

Spider-Man Blue is definitely some of the many best Spider-Man comics

[@bL4zZ3e]

this and your Mark Waid Daredevil video are my favorites. I get chills every time I watch both or even hear them. Your channel is truly something special and I’m glad I’ve gone through and watched majority of the content and subscribed. (Just need to watch some more) I also do ask if you ever plan on covering DD Yellow and Hulk Grey? Also, as odd as this may sound, I appreciate that you upload weeks at a time. It feels like a sweet treat when you upload and I love it! Anyways, I hope you’re doing well!

[@usayeed727]

Beautiful video.

[@eljedidelcine6143]

And the guy who wrote this beautiful comic book also wrote the awful Ultimatum

[@aryan7767]

His son dying really contributed to that

[@napper0089]

You got me crying

[@KillerTacos54]

This was so good!

[@indiocole264]

3:55 Damn he THICC!!!

[@frankgori9582]

you deserve way more subs