Why Spider-Man used to suck...

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Hey, so that occasional pink flashing behind the comics is really weird and not intentional. I think it’s a strange export error. My apologies if you are photosensitive. Like I said at the start, feel free to just have the audio on in the background and treat this like a podcast.

[@umitatsuky]

Super random, but you saying wiiii was the highlight of this video to me. It was so adorable, you made me smile c:

[@suisui7481]

commenting to say I do like you and your content but cant be around 1st hour but will comment good stuff so the algorithim works

[@danepatton2252]

Mr Negative cosplay when?

[@Grizabeebles]

Thanks for the deep dive Scott!! It got my through the whole day. Can I please, please beg you to consider doing a follow-up comparing the "late Ditko" era to the "Superior Spider-man" storyline? I wonder if there's anything good there to explore. Also, thank you again for doing "It's Probably Not Aliens". It's my absolute second-favorite podcast after "Well There's Your Problem" the podcast about engineering disasters (with slides).

[@Smarfton]

Hey, big fan of the channel, but I just wanted to bring something to your attention that inadvertently triggered my wife's anxiety and it has to do with some of the background effects with transitional panels. There's a flickering effect that's a pink/purple color ringing the inner panel. My wife took one look and she freaked out. She's fine now for reference. I know weird comment, but if it affected her like this, it probably has affected others. Thanks for reading, great video overall.

[@JoshuaGoudreau]

Scott is one of those genuine people who even if I'm not super into what he's talking about I'll still sit and hang out with him for as long as he'd like to talk about whatever he's interested in today

[@domsusefulstuff]

Yes

[@wolfore]

Definitely it has everything to do with the passion and heart behind the presentation

[@dew7555]

The world needs more people who would sit and listen

[@TheRedCreeperTRC]

Genuine? Genuinely smug perhaps.

[@zlch4021]

True

[@marka.t.s.8344]

That era of the character is one I appreciate quite a lot, because it isn't until you really compare Ditko's era Peter to any other version of him that you realize just how much of an unmature teenager Peter was, and even if some of the over the top dialogue and panels can be considered as a "Product of their time", it's one of my favorite eras of the character because you can really feel the pent up emotions of Peter, and when you later read about all the other characters that were further explored with Romita and new writers and artists even further down the line it feels nice to see just how far Peter has come, or at leas it feels like that to me

[@gota7738]

Right. Peter going from being mutually antagonistic with Gwen, Harry and Flash to letting his guard down and having them (even Flash eventually) do so in turn feels like character development. In reality it's the switch from Ditko to Romita-Lee, but it feels natural. It may not have been Ditko's intent, but he put in place character flaws for later writers to use. I like seeing Peter struggle with his hot-headedness and his isolationist tendencies, to try and overcome them and do the right thing. Doing good isn't a natural instinct, it's a conscious choice. That's what makes Peter both relatable and inspiring to me.

[@spider-man500]

​@@gota7738Honestly who wouldn't be somewhat of a jerk in Peter's case? He lived his whole life without his parents and knowing why they even left him. He was bullied from the get go just for being himself Makes sense that onwards he is not so willing to be so nice anymore and has no issue being your enemy. Uncle Ben's death didn't help either

[@Vicshade]

Ditko’s run was the best run in my opinion. No story has come close to the Master Planner saga where Peter Parker redeemed himself, threw off his guilt, saved his Aunt, stood up to JJJ. Awesome payoff. He created all those characters, those villains still used today. Lot’s of unfortunate myths about Ditko out there. Not a perfect man, but I think his Spider-Man and Dr. Strange were the best versions.

[@handledeeznutslmao]

Spider-man fans when the bullied, isolated man with no parents, friends and fully blames himself for getting his uncle killed isn't a happy go lucky teddy bear of a human.

[@EverythingNerdySNES]

​@@spider-man500good point

[@MatSjo]

Love how sincere and earnest the content feels since you moved to a home studio and talked openly about your struggles! No need to be fancy with editing and props when the actual content is this great!

[@calboyalexander8181]

Dude is a Dc fan talking trash on marvel. He's always praising dc and lowballing marvel😐

[@Atomicdelta765]

agreed, Scott seems happier also. Keep up the good work Scott!

[@de132]

@@calboyalexander8181 What? Scott isn't a fanboy

[@zinkheroofyoutube8004]

@@calboyalexander8181 Scott’s always seemed to be a bigger Marvel than Dc fan

[@-Teague-]

@@calboyalexander8181 bruh he said "used to suck" not "has always sucked" lol

[@VideoGameStoryTime]

Nice to see Skrull Scott again, your videos about politics in comics are the reason I'm subscribed. I actually kind of like Peter's Randian moment here in the context of his narrative arc. It feels believable that, over time, someone with great power would find it redefining their worldview, causing them to feel like they can survive without other people. Academic studies have suggested that intelligent people often struggle to make friends and form strong bonds specifically because they don't actually *need* to rely on others for help as much. ...Then Peter meets Normal Osborn and sees where Randian objectivism will take him if he carries on down that path. Osborn is selfishness personified, cutting himself off from business partners and his son under the belief that he's better than other people. That's what makes him such a great foil for Spider-Man: he has great power but feels no responsibility to others. So from a narrative perspective, it makes sense that an increasingly socially detached Peter would rethink and course-correct after the Goblin reveal.

[@harmonlanager2670]

Oh that’s a really cool thought! I really like the parallel that Peter adopted his secret identity so he can fulfill his responsibilities while Norman uses his Goblin identity to escape his

[@galactic85]

I'm not sure how much if that is stuff you can actually extract from the text of the original spider-man comics but that sounds like a great idea for a character arc In a spider-man movie. Actually it's kind of what happens in the first raimi movie when the goblin has Peter on the rooftop.

[@daelen.cclark]

@@galactic85 And I find it humorous that he got stabbed after saying those things

[@luisoncpp]

Peter himself was not that bad, at least from the examples presented here. Betty was going to marry another man, so Peter was upset and he just left to avoid the conversation getting worse; when Betty saw Peter with bruises, Peter just wanted to confirm that he shouldn't date her while being Spiderman; in the protest, the protesters were just obnoxious (remember, I'm referring the protesters that appeared in that comic book, not the real-life protesters of that time); in the story arc of not being Spiderman in order to protect aunt May, at the end she just told Peter that she doesn't need his protection. I think the issue is that the whole story arcs have underlying themes that glorifies being a lone wolf and not caring for the others, is not just Peter's personality.

[@harmonlanager2670]

@@galactic85 It’s kinda referenced in the comics. The Green Goblin during the reveal mentions he became a villain cause he was stronger and smarter than everyone so thus deserved better. In the first appearance of the Hobgoblin, he mentions that Norman’s notebooks say he used the Goblin identity as a way to escape societal expectations

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Here’s the thing. I have a habit of making really long, in-depth videos this time of year. Videos that eat away at me for months at a time, straining relationships with everyone around me. While I love how those videos turn out, I don’t want to make this into a stressful holiday tradition. So here’s a more chill but still overly-researched video. Hope you like it! Happy holidays!

[@jackmackakaheavyguyhaiku545]

I like this video. One thing: whatever Ditko's motive, Peter rejecting Betty could be seen by some as a defensive measure. Not saying that that can explain it all, but it is an interesting idea.

[@ИванСнежков-з9й]

Love the video. However I would appreciate if you don't use the flashing bright colorful single frame in the animated background. I'm not photosensitive, so it only annoys me, but there are people who get sick from such kind of stuff.

[@frankfoster6088]

Your stuff is great man. I would enjoy more videos looking into how creators personal lives and politics influenced there art. Feels like there is a lot of potential interesting content there. Just my 2 cents. Keep it up!

[@emilymcplugger]

The phrase I do think is really important in life is this Be curious Some of what Ayn Rand said about the creator and free thinking is spot on. But if we just follow our own desires and block ourselves off from others we tend to stagnate, we can’t develop and grow. The irony is that objectivism, the thing that sees itself as the ally to the creator is actually the creator’s enemy.

[@novaprime9084]

Love your videos

[@PowerPackers90]

Actually, according to Ditko, Norman was always the plan. If you go back and read his Goblin issues, Norman's in the background of Johan's country club almost every time. Ditko last few issues heavyly have Norman doing Goblin things. Like having enough power to knock out Spider-Man with a punch, and sniping someone who was on the top floor of a skyscraper. Norman could only reach him on with some kind of flying machine. Stan's pushback was wanting it to be grander with Harry being Peter's BFF and Norman as a father figure. Where Ditko just wanted him to be an evil businessman friend of JJJ, and his son Harry was a rich jerk in the popular kids who loner Peter hated. Stan's idea was clearly the right move.

[@jokx4409]

So Stan's idea is what became of the Raimi movies, huh? Unless that's exactly what ended up happening, idk, I haven't read those earlier comics.

[@Cr3zant]

@@jokx4409 Stan's idea is what ultimately happened and became the coded gospel for the characters, Ditko's is what he wanted it to be. Ditko was a fantastic artist with great ideas, but Stan as a writer really understood drama and pathos, and that greatly elevated the work Ditko and his other collaborators put out.

[@deadpool630]

Well, it actually has more to do with the fact that Stan refused to give Steve his due credit because with the Marvel Method, the artist was basically writing and pacing half of the book along with their art duties. Stan balked at the idea of listing Steve as a co-writer, and when he did it was in such a backhanded way. So Steve, rightfully frustrated and recently converted to objectivism, quit.

[@gota7738]

Huh, do you have source for those being Stan's ideas/plans? With his first appearance under Ditko and Lee establishing right off the bat that Norman and Harry had a poor relationship despite Harry being otherwise unsympathetic, I always wondered where it would have gone if Ditko hadn't left. On the other hand, I'm not sure I buy that Stan planned for Norman to become a father figure, as that element isn't introduced untill decades later and after Norman's revival.

[@turtleanton6539]

😊😊😊

[@echoingquery]

Scott is like that cool older cousin with a lot of opinions on various subjects that you listen to regardless of what he's saying because it's nice to see him talk about things he enjoys.

[@CherryDKaya]

I’d say that would be me but scott’s on topic rants are much more organized than I could ever be

[@FrankLeeYoung]

Ditko's downward spiral into loneliness and Objectivism is actually quite tragic and worst of all I kinda understand after being screwed over by Marvel like that.

[@Obscure_man31]

His downward spiral was always there but it wasn't as extreme back then

[@thepegasuskid4186]

Are you referring to how long it took Marvel to acknowledge his contributions?

[@hiphopmansion3140]

@@thepegasuskid4186 no but I get why you’d think that. He’s referring to Ditkos belief in Ayn Rands political ideology which he tried to force into Spider-Man’s characterization. Which no matter how you feel about that particular ideology doesn’t really mesh well with Peter Parker. Stan Lee had to overturn a bunch of weird decisions Ditko had made.

[@sboinkthelegday3892]

"which he tried to force into Spider-Man’s characterization" No, he just put it there, because his ACTIONS spoke louder than words that he valued the cooperation. You on the other hand pretend to support "cooperation", but only admire Spider-Man because in your mind you DELETE that actual Ditko half of the character to make him the same old, collectivist, friendly neighborhood, only acceptable, superhero archetype. Spider-Man is carved from the same rare wood as Iron Man and Mr. fantastic. It's you closeted ABSOLUTISTS, who pretend objectivism is the stricter ideology of the two. No, subjectivity or objectivity are not in YOUR wheelhouse. Subjectivty REQUIRES objectivty to not become collectivist absolutism. Ditko may have died alone, but this new mode of thought is in constant mental health trouble over feeling alone even IN groups, and this channel isn't an exception. Your loneliness is far deeper, because what Ditko overdid, less and less people have even stepped their toes in to a healthy degree. All your friends are just bodies you write a new personality for, in your head-canon fan-fiction, just like "friendly neighborhood" Spider-Man. Grow up with Where The Wild things Are, and Spider-Man will enter your teenage life when this toddler development has already ran its course.

[@Urayuss]

@@sboinkthelegday3892 I have no idea what a single sentence of your long, senseless diatribe meant... And I think I'm glad about that. Jesus, dude. Go be overly inflammatory somewhere else, please. Hopefully where nobody else can hear/read what you have to say lol

[@mlp_firewind8129]

I find it interesting that there is a clear pattern of people claiming to not care what others think in a way that show that they care immensely. I mean I guess we’ve all internalized a problem but that’s not a healthy thing to do. Especially not for 50 years.

[@mycollegeshirt]

So true, I was thinking of the random person on Facebook posting "I dont care!" Without context

[@luisoncpp]

Commenting about not caring doesn't necessarily imply that they care; there is a craving in commenting itself, regardless of the opinion of the others. Btw, I agree it's common to pretend that we don't care what other people think about us, but the truth is that we do care.

[@mycollegeshirt]

@@luisoncpp I can see that, I'll give you that I could imagine someone writing in a diary I don't care not so someone will see it, but more as venting

[@shadowtech9158]

It is so odd when people adopt that world view because it is the complete opposite of our social interactions as a specias. We are literally social animals we need to interact with others but some of the ways we have set up our societies become polar opposite or even hinder that aspect.....If anyone has an answer to this let me know but "greed" is not an inherent trait in humans is it or just a learned one?

[@robertt9342]

@@luisoncpp . I think they want the recognition. They crave it as a form of validation.

[@Bonxicm]

Scott actually in sync with a comic movie released?? Always enjoyed everything you produce!!!

[@mattboy5296]

In a way I think having this era of Spider-Man history with Peter being a selfish objectivist jerk during his early years makes him more relatable. The reason being because a lot of teenagers, especially teenage boys, kinda go through that edgy "libertarian" like phase when they're that age and eventually learn to grow out of it when they actually grow up and begin to understand how the real world works and develop a sense of empathy. It's also realistic that Peter would still struggle with those feelings even after Uncle Ben's death because it's a process to change your worldview and it's possible to slip back into old habits or ways of thinking early on. Obviously that wasn't Ditko's intention as he simply thought these ideas were correct, but with hindsight this is an interesting perspective and something that makes Peter Parker feel more real.

[@daelen.cclark]

Funny how hindsight works, isn’t it?

[@doclouis4236]

What's wrong with being Libertarian?

[@hexogramd8430]

@@doclouis4236 everything

[@doclouis4236]

@@hexogramd8430 That doesn't explain anything and you're coming off as extremely ignorant.

[@hexogramd8430]

@@doclouis4236 I think all right leaning people are fundamentally flawed in their ideology, but right wing libertarianism is especially corruptible to bad actors. The amount of pedophile arguments I’ve heard from self described libertarians about how it shouldn’t matter what the age is etc is too much to count.

[@pacosoentken303]

I'm studying culture and media, and honestly this video feels like it could be a lecture in one of my classes. The link between the philosophy and the media, the creating process, the inequality between writers and artists. Very well done! Without knowing it you create content that's not only entertaining but also useful! Truly awesome!

[@adhambarbour]

Man why does this video hit me so hard? I totally feel like Steve right now, I feel like I just want to be alone and push everyone away but after watching this I feel like Scott is speaking to me and telling me, "Hey man, I'm here for. We're here for you!💜" Thank you Scott for not making me feel so alone right now.💜

[@gljames24]

We're here for you!💜

[@ericpeterson8732]

"You know, billionaires who actually want to help people." Scott, you are hilarious!

[@daelen.cclark]

At least Scrooge McDuck existed.

[@littleghost4686]

The fact he prefaced it with our desire to indulge in 'escapist fantasy' makes it even funnier.

[@michael.471]

Being older made me unable to make billionaire vigilantes who were actually good people

[@cleftturnip7774]

Just because you're cynical,doesn't mean you're right.

[@JunAoi]

Batman and Iron Man and literally no one in the real world, or in comics for that matter?

[@losyen4487]

i love how scott went on a deep dive looking through flaws on ditko's belief, but then ties it back to how he fell into such belief. instead of villainizing ditko, he put a lot of empathy on his commentary, staying true to his critic of objectivism.

[@sigmasix3719]

Yes he didn't paint Ditko in black and white terms 😊

[@vykuntapufangtxpreet9546]

What Video Did *U* Watch ?

[@shebjess]

Steve, as a fan of your work, I have to say that your essays are doing a good job in showing why artists/writers really need editors to help them.

[@mickeyconnor830]

Hi there, his name is Scott. 💜

[@timothy.2401]

@@mickeyconnor830 They're talking about Steve Ditko

[@shebjess]

@@mickeyconnor830 Oh, I'm not referring to Scott. I'm referring to Ditko's essays where he feels the need to say the same thing 3 times like he's MoJo JoJo from Power Puff Girls

[@paperbag4477]

Spidey being a jerk is a lot more relatable and understandable seeing how his adolescence shaped him. From the start, his parents died, he was bullied, his only friend came from privilege, and his crush barely recognized him. He would’ve been equal to reed Richard’s on intellect if he wasn’t so poor. By those factors alone, why would he stop that criminal after his wrestling match? Ofc, we know what went down: Ben dying in the process and Peter trying to live up to that code instilled by his uncle. But what new comics lack is Pete’s emotional growth. After uncle Ben dies, Pete just resets himself to be good & funloving. That’s wayy too much of a drastic step to what he was before the accident. I myself imaged that Peter himself has been emotionally avoidant after that moment. Hell, even having more of a shorter temper. And his road to being a better hero is that keeps that temper in place for the sake of others. That’s what ditko got right about Pete’s chracter. Your flaws doesn’t change after being scared straight, you have to put in the work in order to push through those weaknesses. And with those flaws that we wouldn’t have “ Spider-Man no more” or Peter swearing to kill Goblin after he killed Gwen. In a sense, Ditko’s Pete is very layered compared to what he is today. Instead of a sad underdog who can’t catch a break, we have a troubled boy trying his best to be the man his uncle wants him to be. A f**k up who will redeem himself in the long run.

[@zinkheroofyoutube8004]

The thing is though, Dittko didn't see Spiderman’s flaws as flaws, he saw them as strengths, which is the problem Scott is pointing out

[@potatohat3994]

I’ll admit this is def the best combo of comic book talk and other topics. I feel like I’m getting a good balance of both. Happy holidays, here’s to another year of cool content!

[@frightening_volleyball1231]

Wait, around 26:55 Peter joined the FF for money, *not* to be apart of a team Edit: I always kinda liked the idea of Peter starting out more insulated, and slowly becoming more & more open. It just feels more relatable

[@Falkaisis]

I know I'm so late to this video, but I'm glad to find I comment that brought that up! Cause I'm was gonna mention that. It comes across as him leaving out certain details to better paint the narrative that he wants to tell. Whether he meant to or not, it brings into question the validity of his argument. I agree, I like Peter starting off that way. While a lot of my favorite supeheroes are more "boy scout" like and have a strong moral compass, Peter's daily struggles, anger issues, and selfish/selflessness inner war are very relatable. A lot of his problems are pertaining to his life and the people he cares about. I like the idea that he struggles with being selfish and selfless. He could make life so much easier for himself, but doesn't. It's a fine line and realistic line of selflessness and selfishness. There are plenty of times where he wants to be selfish, but he knows he can't be. Then there are times where his selfishness gets the better of him and it bites him in the ass. Throw in the whole, "Why can't I be selfish and be happy? Don't I deserve to be happy?" bit and it makes for a very realistic and compelling character.

[@frightening_volleyball1231]

@@Falkaisis Honestly, my favorite interpretation of him. So much more relatable, and you almost never get to see it

[@csharley1993]

I will never not love when a NerdSync video comes out. This was a solid way to decompression from the new Spider-Man movie. This couldn't have come out at a better time. And i could watch Scott teach me stuff about comics for the rest of my life lol

[@danielhart7435]

He came across as a self righteous twat in this episode.

[@twistedyogert]

Honestly, Spider-Man being a jerk makes him more relatable. He was 14-15 when he got bit by that spider. This might come as a shock to most of us but: Teenagers are awful people sometimes.

[@Turn4theWorse]

The thing is Peter was not only in college, but also has already grown from that exact mindset, and the problem was that this wasn’t treated as a regression in character for a certain reason, it was just treated as the right thing

[@liltaco4119]

The part about Steve Ditko wanting Green Goblin being some random guy was wrong i think because if i recall correctly, Steve actually drew Norman Osborn before in multiple issues so the set up would pay off in the end. Great video though. Really, i have been looking for a Spider-Man comic documentary type video for days now since the hype and this video was pretty much what i wanted

[@friendbreakfast]

i think Scott didnt mean that they made the decision at the last minute, but rather that before the Norman Osborn thing wasnt decided and the clues hasnt been left yet, thats what Steve Ditko wanted. But then together they decided on the Norman Osborn twist and set it up properly from there

[@liltaco4119]

@@friendbreakfast ohh i see my bad

[@bishopcruz]

@@friendbreakfast But the clues had been left, already.

[@lakshmiyamajala471]

It's funny how people say Andrew Garfield Spider-Man is not comic accurate. But when you actually read the original comics he is probably the closest in personality.

[@soychidoese]

Yes! Implicitly Pretentious points this out. Tobey's is the least accurate in this regard while Tom's is closer but Garfield's maintains the sly trickster aspect more than the others. Also, the tone of Ditko's stories are a comedic sitcom which was depicted well in the Watts films, a tone people took issue with when the other adaptations tried to apply the more dramatic tone that the Romita run depicted. Not an objectivist myself but this guy misses the point, but Peter's confidence and self confidence is built up and beautifully paid off through the Spider-Man No More arc as he decided to be the hero without caring what other people think, especially Jameson.

[@lakshmiyamajala471]

@@soychidoese I think people miss interpret the point when they say that "this" is the best Spider-Man, all I can i see and hear in their view is the best idealistic version of a hero. Thats not Peter/Spidey. The whole point was that Peter is a constantly growing and changing character, he is a young teen growing into a young man obviously he is self centered when he has no parents, he is an outcast who is not accepted and is kinda poor. Raimi's Peter never changes he literally stays the same throughout the 3 films bcz when he changes he becomes selfish (SM3), guilt is the driving force of those films. You put it right that Watts got the sitcom tone right. Raimi got the essence of what a hero means (and also made 2 fantastic films). Webb got the characters right but the setting, the story, the pacing, the editing of the films were not that great. And Agreed that Spider-Man No More arc was great.

[@Tojuniorproductions]

The Ditko having issues with Green Goblin being Norman isn't actually true; Ditko has discussed this in interviews, but to make a long story short Norman Osborn was implied to be the Goblin for a LONG time with him being pretty much the only suspect (There is even a scene of him killing a scientist from an elevated position when Goblin and Vulture were the only two flying villains at the time) the argument of the connection to Peter also doesn't work due to Harry not becoming friends with Peter until the Romita era.

[@Deadshadow1405]

Very interesting history on Steve Ditko, sort of disagree with the take on Spider-Man, his explosive temper was something that was a big part of the character for many more years after Steve Ditko left. Also the Sandman being caught by police was only able to happen because Spider-Man beat him up first and he was too tired to fight back properly.

[@wrensart1335]

Late response but yeah, Peter’s anger issues is something that’s a component to him. I don’t really like the modern idea of making Peter / Spider-Man relatable in the sense that he’s treated as a blank slate when he isn’t. Peter is a character with a distinct personality.

[@MegaBond101]

Also in the comics when he was going through a hard time with his emotions and not to mention his anger issues he bonded to venom. And in the later comics this is one of the reasons Venom became more corrupted. I feel really bad for all the spiderman villains. Like this kid fr just makes my blood boil even though he's a fictional character I'm passionate about characters lol 😅

[@wrensart1335]

@@MegaBond101 lol yeah I feel it man

[@daelen.cclark]

Partly because Stan wrote that issue alongside Ditko. That teenage angst and temperamental attitude is captivating, I’ll give it that, but can be self-destructive if left unchecked.

[@cincymutt]

I echo some sentiments that Peter starting out that way is actually a neat unintentional character-growth thing. Like, just seeing start as a pissed off nerd and then see him soften up a bit as the series progresses.

[@petergilveet6666]

I always felt like Spider-Man No More storyline was when Peter actually learned that "with great power comes great responsibility", and it was a whole way until there.

[@tomtudorweaver1078]

I got the Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus Vol.1 two years ago and I actually liked how different the characterization was. Peter was unlikeable, Jameson was a genuinely awful person, and Spider-Man did not care at all about the people behind the masks of his villains and just wanted to make a quick buck taking photos of beating them up. I remember when he first beats Electro he pulls his mask of and says 'I don't know this guy, whatever the police can deal with it' and just leaves. That always stuck with me since I really like the idea that in spite of Uncle Ben's death, Peter Parker still doesn't quite become a truly heroic character until a while into his superhero career, and if he were better from the start maybe he wouldn't have so many villains. I think the Ultimate comics did a good job reworking this by having Peter be a more realistic teenager, a flawed character and because of the tight timespan still dealing with Uncle Ben's death to explain why he could be unlikeable at times. Also side note from the intro: I never minded Mysterio's Tony Stark connection since the hologram tech was such a clever link, plus his base motivation of wanting fame and his voice to be heard despite how petty he was still very much felt like the comic character.

[@greggoat6570]

Yeah well according to this video those classic comics actually suck because this whiny bald goblin man disagrees with a dead guy’s politics!

[@raphaelcurley]

Wrong! ASM drops hard off a cliff after Ditko, there's a reason his stuff gets reprinted every year and the rest of the stuff is yawn.

[@natsmith303]

I used to have an avowed ancap in my friendgroup. No idea if he was at all influenced by Ayn Rand directly, but SO MUCH of her ideology reminds me of him. And lo and behold, Rorschach was the unqualified hero of Watchmen in his eyes. I would really like to emphasize the "used to" in my first sentence.

[@christopherb501]

Paul Ryan, a former (and very recent) Speaker of the House constantly advocated for her books. As the anti-vaxxers like to tout these days, "Let that *sink* in."

[@frankfoster6088]

Holy shit...lol Rorschach? That's a bit on the nose for your old friend. Folks who idolize him and say Rick scare me. I can't believe people don't get that they are good characters because they are bad people.

[@natsmith303]

@@frankfoster6088 Dude was also passionate about the Punisher, which I now see as, like, seven red flags at once.

[@galactic85]

Ah rorschach. The psychopathic stinky murderer who pretends he doesn't compromise his moral code and reads a white supremacist newspaper. Or for teenagers who read watchmen for the first time, their favorite 'superhero.'

[@joshheralal8758]

@@galactic85 Rorschach : "Rape bad. I kill rapists." *Comedian rapes Silk Spectre* Rorschach: "This is fine."

[@arthurdurham]

It's fascinating that arguably (one of) the most popular superhero of all time was created by two people are basically the polar opposites of each other; Ditko isolationism and relentless ego with Stan's jovialness and almost pathologic need to be loved. (Excluding the Ditko only run) I think this really shaped who Spiderman was. A misunderstood self made genius who solves problems with his own skill and determination even against the crowd but who also desperately just wants to belong and make people happy. And in most of the best Spiderman stories both those aspects are part of him. He saves the day and is a true hero but often at some kind of self sacrifice no one gives him credit for.

[@TheJohno95]

For anyone that thinks Stan Lee did absolutely NO writing on Spider-Man, they should be glad that Stan kept Steve Ditko under control by editing his Spidey ideas. If it had been left completely up to Steve, Spidey would be darker than Batman and be acing those villains at the end of his stories. His obsession with Ayn Rand's philosophy led him to the belief that everything is black and white and you must do whatever is best for you. Stan kept pulling back on the reins of his darker tinges about Spidey until he eventually quit. Yeah, Steve definitely gave birth to Spidey. But it might have been stillborn if Stan hadn't held Steve back.

[@jackalvonstone250]

I think there are some horrible interpretations of that whole Betty Brant situation. Peter turning her away from him due to obnoxious behaviour was deliberate because he didn't want to endanger her with his life as Spider-Man anymore. It's a classic trope. Hero purposely makes everyone hate and turn away him so that he can "protect" them. I remember that entire situation.

[@harrylane4]

Except in order to read that you’d need to ignore how he acts throughout the rest of the story and pretend that the arc is following that trope, when it very much isn’t.

[@GigaDonk99]

I'm reading these comics right now and that's not what happened at all. Betty told Peter that Ned had proposed to her, but she wants to marry a man who does not live an exciting or dangerous life, and that was why she fell in love with Peter. But Peter knows she wouldn't want anything to do with him being Spider-Man, so he cuts her off before she can finish confessing her feelings to him, screams at her and treats her like garbage. He ignores her phone calls for DAYS, and gives up on her completely without ever giving her the courtesy of saying "no thanks, go be with Ned instead". It had nothing to do with "protecting" her. It was just Peter being a jealous asshole.

[@justjackson7152]

This idea of self preservation reminds me of Jesse Pinkman’s arc in Breaking Bad he learns to live for himself instead of letting the people around him make the choices for him the difference being that Jesse was locked in a hole for five months for Walt’s mistakes while Ditko and those who share that philosophy blame their own mistakes on others it’s a very small tight rope to walk but it’s important to walk that line in a good way

[@galactic85]

There is a difference between practicing self care and fundementally believing "my interests always matter more than yours for arbitrary reasons."

[@os_boy8745]

I think it's safe to say this is one of those things in which you need to strike a balance. Selfcare is important, that goes without saying, but we also need to look out for each other.

[@Swenglish]

I like the idea of Spider-Man as a person in constant conflict between his selfish impulse and his responsibility to others. If altruism comes easy to him, he's just Superman, and if he gives in to his selfishness, he's Lex Luthor. Spider-Man is in a tug-of-war between those two sides. This is where I think the Amazing Spider-Man movies really nailed it. They don't depict Peter as someone who has learned his lesson and stopped making mistakes, but rather as someone who is constantly struggling to live up to a mantra that's hard to live by, knowing that he should but still having his own wants and needs that sometimes come in conflict with the greater good. I think Spider-Man is at his most interesting when he embodies the debate between selfishness and altruism, rather than one side of it. And I think that's where Ditko without Lee went wrong.

[@williamdavis8718]

Loved this one! Especially loved the Willem Dafoe joke and highlighting the commas in Ditko's statements

[@Tommedian]

I feel like this inspired Dr Octopus’s storyline in insomniac’s Spider-man. He was left bitter after a large corporation stole his work, so he stopped caring about others and ended up hurting Spider-Man

[@aikisteven0616]

So by your own admission you won't read this comment (since it comes too late), but wow, probably the best essay you've done. Too many comic review channels are just "hey, here's a thing. this comic sucks", but your deep dives into the background, political leanings, and philosophies of the creators, and how that informed what they did is really unparalleled and truly brings a better, deeper understanding of their creations and the themes they were trying to get across, for better or worse... (side note, reading back, I think that's the longest sentence I've ever written. English teachers may weep, but I'll just leave it as is for posterity sake if nothing else!) Rambling aside, chalk this up to another vote in the 'you don't need elaborate sets and flashy effects, please just keep your sincerity, love of the medium, and great insights coming, and we'll follow you for as long as you want to keep going' column.

[@EverythingNerdySNES]

He had one room above a thrift store He had a truck of books by Ayn Rand He was short-sighted and reclusive Resisting pleas to take his photograph He drew a Superhero comic He saw the world in terms of Black and White He said "a day's work for a day's pay" "That is our one and only right" - Mr A. By The Emperors of Ice Cream

[@woollypar353]

I think a lot of Ditko's frustrations with editors and fans are actually valid. They'd be more valid if he WASN'T hateful and very public about how hateful he was, but nobody's perfect

[@kennethliyanto9833]

The problem with his criticism on his fans and comic book fan culture is that he was a comic book fan himself and it helped shaped his life. He was a big Batman fan as a kid, an even bigger Jerry Robinson fan and this inspiration and mentorship helped made him the great artist he was. He just failed to see himself in them.

[@anenemystand5582]

His frustration with his editors and some (probably a lot of fans) is valid. I think that's why he embraced objectivism so readily. Because it was in his mind an easy antidote to those issues that made him the hero of the story.

[@robertt9342]

@@anenemystand5582 . I think you are putting the cart before the horse here. Likely he had started down this path many years before and he projected a lot of meaning behind the interactions of his relationships.

[@sashikalachoudhury1803]

I think having Spider-Man being selfish, angry and arrogant is what makes a teenager because it was the first 38 issues which perfectly capture his temper and immaturity. Also if people are going to fear you, hate you, think you as a menace despite what all you have done for them then it is better to not be a superhero at all. He puts his life at stake, loses the people he loves but somehow he comes back to become Spider-Man just because of " with great power comes great responsibility"?? Also if you are dating someone like Betty Brant who gets jealous when she sees Peter just talking to Liz and later on asks whether she should marry ned or not despite dating peter, then you have the right to get angry. Also the protestors stated that they were protesting about some other protest meeting which was kind of ridiculous and he talked to them after he had an argument with ned Leeds, got screamed by Jonah, was worried about Betty Brant after she suddenly disappeared and after he fought another villian.

[@GigaDonk99]

To be fair, the way Betty and Liz are written in these early issues is a super sexist portrayal that is both of its time and very incel-ish. It's not right to excuse Peter's actions when the writer knowingly created female characters who behave like morons just so his self-insert can righteously defy them and call them out on their jealous, fickle ways. Not to mention, Peter literally interrupted Betty before she had the chance to say "But I'm NOT agreeing to marry Ned, I love you" and ghosted her for days because he already decided he can't be with her anymore. She didn't do anything wrong in that particular incident

[@jgrayson1940]

Great video, Scott. Love the deep dives into history of comics. Sad story about a sad man who impacted so many of us in such big ways.

[@Three_Tiny_Robots]

Scott, you're a treasure. Every day that includes a new Nerdsync video is a good day. I still go back through your old videos just to hear you talk about comicbooks and superheroes while I'm doing my chores around the house everyday, I love the tone of your work and how much work you clearly put into researching your scripts and shooting your videos. This post has no real point, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you. 😄😄

[@Neil070]

I remember the British TV presenter Jonathan Ross, a huge Marvel comics fan, and a devoted admirer of Ditko, trying to get an interview. After much effort, he was delighted to be allowed to talk, alone, off the record, to him. Ross was unable to tell us much of the meeting as I recall, but it was a high point of his own life, and one of the last such meetings Ditko would grant

[@cha5]

Ross and comics writer and The Sandman creator Neil Gaiman both got to meet Ditko, Gaiman actually recounted it in his story in Amazing Fantasy #1001.

[@petitpingouin5550]

Ditko's era of Amazing Spider-Man is so fun. Peter was more of a snappish jerk, yeah, but that's what made it great, because a lot of time, his attitude came back to bite him (leaving early before explaining his trouble to the FF in #1 when Sue was willing to help, getting into dangerous spats with the Torch because he was envious of his fame, pushing JJJ into financing the first Spider-Slayer because he was hoping to ridicule him, etc.) and that's just plain fun. I honestly think this video overplays the objectivism leaning. It wasn't that clear-cut within the stories themselves that selfishness trumps selflessness. Peter was portrayed as a flawed teen who tried to do right, even if that often failed. At least twice he did free performances in front of a crowd because he believed the funds would go to charities. His money struggles would influence his choices, but that didn't stop him from trying to do good. And the issue mentioned with Aunt may giving out a speech to Peter encouraging him to take care of himself? Honestly a great moment in context giving in how much of a dump he was, and how much strength it showcased she had even at her age after recovering from a hospital stay.

[@AsgersWeb]

They should make a low budget teen flick 2 hour long origin of SPIDER-MAN that would be in line with proper teen flicks like perks of being a wall flower. No action, no super villains. Just a film titled "Parker".

[@Painocus]

He get's bit by the spider in the final minute epilogue right before the credits roll.

[@legogoldenglider6684]

I know it was quick moment, but the breakdown of Rorschach being a joke was very much appreciated

[@katherinealvarez9216]

It's kind of something that Peter has changed over the times, even when marvel keeps resetting him and trying to keep him static. I enjoy the MCU Peter because... honestly? He's willing to take the harder path if it might doing the right thing or save the other person. And others will see it and do better in turn. Peter is kind. I'm not sure what the future is, but whatever is thrown at him, Peter always perseveres and continue to be a hero.

[@fanfanpay]

« I enjoy the MCU Peter because… I honestly don’t know the real comics Peter and throw a bunch of thing who are supposedly different betters MCU Peter and real comics Peter Parker” Nice dude

[@aug.6259]

@@fanfanpay ah yes, the "real" spiderman gatekeepers

[@RemixerUltimate]

@@fanfanpay dude never said that comics Peter didn't do those things. Get over yourself.

[@katherinealvarez9216]

@@RemixerUltimate let’s just focus on the stuff we like about any iteration of Spidey. He has heart, he has quips, he has brains, and somehow not a lot of common sense and is a doom magnet.

[@mycontentcreation5264]

I wish we get more faithful adaptation of this version of Spider-Man.

[@blaineleavitt3600]

9:53 I’m literally wrapping presents and had a mild panic attack thinking I was being watched, so thanks for that.

[@ivanbrezakbrkan]

It’s 6 am on a Saturday morning and my 7 month son woke an hour ago. He cried his little eyes out last night and I am soooo tired. We’re playing and eating now and I needed sokething relaxing in the background to relax me.. I’m so glad this video is out 😌 Exactly as you said, great audio for the background today - Thank you! 👏🏻

[@dcbandit]

I love that joke about William Dafoe. Great stuff.

[@WanderingReconciler]

Recently discovered this channel. Love the intentionality he puts in to making the dry content fruitful and the confusing parts accessible. Your commitment to be well-researched is evident, good sir.

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

I find myself very conflicted about what makes art good, an individual vision or one that is the result of a collaboration. George R.R. Martin's quote "Art is not a democracy" comes to mind and it personifies the former view. I guess one of my baselines for all of this is George Lucas and how he wrote Star Wars. I'm a huge Star Wars fan (did my profile pic and name not give it away) and I have tremendous respect for the story Lucas put out. He created a story that could have only come from him and had he given the people working with him too much power, the saga very likely would not have been as good as it was. But then again, some of the greatest ideas in Star Wars came about because George Lucas listened to his family, his friends, his directors, etc. While Star Wars is obviously his baby and he was the primary visionary, it was a team effort that became the fantastic story it was because of other people. I do think that there is a danger in art becoming too beholden to multiple opinions. I think that so many different perspectives and opinions lead to inevitable contradictions and if all these different perspectives have a voice in the final product it will lead to the art contradicting itself. For proof, look no further that the Star Wars sequel trilogy. But I think art needs to be criticized and tested and that opinions of people who know what they are talking about need to be valued. So at the end of the day, I am in favor of a more singular vision for art. I think that a single person needs to have the courage and conviction to spearhead a project that could only come from them. But I also think that that person should be humble enough to draw inspiration from a large variety of sources and that includes hearing out what the other people working with him on the project have to say. Those other voices should never over power the primary creator, but they need to be listened to respected. I think that's what George Lucas did with Star Wars and it resulted in a 6 part (yeah, I'm counting the prequels!) masterpiece! I'm even going to include the Clone Wars in there because listening to behind the scenes footage of Dave Filoni and how he tempered some of Lucas's more outlandish ideas is also very entertaining and again exemplifies my point about how it's great to have a singular vision that tempered by those around you.

[@ArcaneAvian19]

Honestly my favorite example of collective/democratic art is just... Mythology. Or if I had a specific example, the Illiad and the Odyssey. Sure they were written/codified by Homer, but those stories are at least 2900 years old.

[@vykuntapufangtxpreet9546]

Oh The Age Old Nonsense 🙄.

[@exeacua]

Loved this video, I love how your channel and Implicitly Pretentious are uploading videos about the early years of Spidey comics. I think people ussualy only talk about the Amazing Fantasy 15 and maybe the first issue of Amazing Spiderman whrn they talk about this period. Thanks.

[@Alex_YJ_Reed]

"Rorschach is a joke, and if you like him, you missed the entire point." I never really liked the Watchmen movie, and now I think I know why: Zack Snyder missed the entire point, and by extension, all the fans of the movie did too, not just Rorschach, but everything else in it as well.

[@WlatPziupp]

Stan Lee then: Barging in to a room with flakes of white powder falling from his mustache to his chest hair shouting "SPIDER-MAN!" into one artist's ear and "EGGBOY, NO HYPHEN!" into another. Stan Lee later: "So when I created Spider-Man and all these other characters..."

[@rykx0r]

"Which sounds like what a super villain would say." I mean it is Objectivism. I'm pretty sure Ayn Rand was one of the Masters of Evil.

[@QuintarFarenor]

Funnily enough, for my RPG-groups I do define "Evil" in that way, being self-centered, egoistical, narcists. Or "Tell me you're evil without saying you're evil" it works so good to give such characters these kinds of motivations, makes them not only evil by definition but subjectively too! Also makes you see (this kind of) Evil in the real world too, which is a bit sad but expected.

[@TheRageaholic]

All the mass murders and other assorted evils of the 20th and now early 21st century have stemmed from Collectivism. Did Steve Ditko or Ayn Rand starve 65 million people to death through collectivization of agriculture in China and the Ukraine? There are much worse things to be than selfish. You, for example.

[@rykx0r]

@@TheRageaholic Ah yes, and I forgot what a blameless engine of progress capitalism was. What with the reckless usage of our planet's resources and the dehumanization of others as a means of providing labor. Obviously I don't think letting millions of people die is good. But I can say "Stalin sucked" and also think "a philosophy that espouses absolute autonomy without reflection on the deep interconnectedness of humanity sucks" too. People should care about and for each other. Now more than ever.

[@juancarloshernandez2333]

@@TheRageaholic interesting. It's not like China has at least 1828 documented instances of widespread famine prior to the collectivization of their agriculture, as opposed to just one instance after collectivization.

[@juancarloshernandez2333]

Similarly, in pre-Soviet Russia, famines used to be a regular occurrence every 10 to 15 years. The USSR faced two famines during the 20's and 30's and then remained famine-free until the 90's. Really makes you wonder if those famines in the 20th century weren't necessarily because "muh collectivism" but rather because Russia and China have been historically prone to famines that kill millions of people.

[@markzaban9314]

At 30:06 u left out a lot of context on why he wants to quit being Spider-man and when he decided to be Spider-man again it wasn't because Aunt May said "u worry about yourself and I worry about myself" she taught Peter a lesson about NEVER QUITING! And Peter didn't mean that he won't have to worry about Aunt May forever, just right now. Peter would have done anything to save Aunt May, even give up being Spider-man so May won't die of heartbreak, if by any chance Peter dies in a battle. He lost Uncle Ben not long ago, and he wouldn't have let May die because of his own failure like last time with Uncle Ben.

[@Nimi856]

Prefect video! you are one of the only creators i can watch a full hr video of, without doing something else in the meantime

[@atosm8300]

The rhythm and flow of your videos are absolutely magnificent. One hour passes by and I don't even notice, it's fantastic. Thank you so much.

[@Logan_Irrelevant]

I love this style of content, I want a super deep dive into Stan Lee. ZYou’re creativity and writing and research could be insanely interesting. Please Scott I beg lol.

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

*"Steve Ditko made up completely fictional people to get angry at, a classic tactic!"* Classic is right Scott! You just described the strawman fallacy, where you distort or exaggerate the point of contention to the point where no one would defend it. But it's a dishonest tactic, because no one is actually advocating for that extreme point, they are arguing something much more realistic and tangible. I've increasingly been seeing strawman fallacies in everything from political speeches, to the news, to even tv shows and movies. It really irritates me because all this strawman arguments do is misrepresent real issues. That just causes viewers to misunderstand these very real issues and it just makes said issues more controversial because no one even understand what is being argued about.

[@raidenvakarian9362]

I had a friend in high school who was OBSESSED with Ayn Rand and objectivism (because, y'know, he'd just played a little game called Bioshock and thought the dystopia of Rapture was actually pretty rad apparently). He read every book and wouldn't shut the fuck up about it. So I, being the open-minded friend that I was, grabbed a copy of Atlas Shrugged from the library, opened it up and read the introduction, where Ayn Rand proudly exclaims that while she was able to make amends to the book for the reprint, she refused to do so because it was already objectively perfect in every way. After that, I put the book back, figuring that was all I really needed to know about her. Turns out I was wrong, it's actually much worse and cringier than I ever suspected. So thanks for that, Scott!

[@luiscortazar6291]

A story I loved was the else world tale Spider-Man Life Story. The Peter Parker there has aspects of Ditko as proud, stand offish and an assertiveness that would push the people around them. But seeing him recieve immediate recoil for his actions, debate on his position in the world especially during Vietnam. It is a Peter Parker who strives to do right by himself and right in general. Which gives me moments where I love and hate him. He constantly bickered with Mr. Fantastic about the good they could do, and their responsibility to the world. Reed was right but Peter's Pride would ultimately sever their relationship. They would become more amicable during the secret wars, but unlike Reed, he never wants to loose the connections he has with his work. I also love that he butt heads with Iron man for perpetuating the war irresponsibly and respects Captain America with a sense of reverence, and sees him as equal as he grows.

[@PyckledNyk]

Wow, no wonder people don’t credit Spider-Man to Steve Ditko. I don’t think Steve Ditko would credit himself either.

[@jdnm87]

I always love when you include any politics in comics, but specially against Ayn Rand lol. This is one of my favorite videos you've done on Spider-man, love your message towards the end, great work :)

[@BonJoviBeatlesLedZep]

So Ditko drew and wrote Peter Parker to reflect himself, while Stan Lee created and wrote J. Jonah Jameson and Reed Richards to reflect himself... What tells me is that the 1960s reaaaally needed therapists.

[@willbeaty6892]

My favorite professional "subtweet" about Ditko's politics was in Uncanny X-Men 123, where Spider-Man cameos in an Arcade story. Chris Claremont (with John Byrne) has Spidey ranting in an internal monologue about how broke he is after paying his income taxes. It's delightful.

[@johnrau2265]

Having heard you reveal that Ditko was seriously disillusioned/angry about a lot of stuff when he headed back to Charlton, my first though was, "Well, that explains the Question. Then you appeared to agree. If you want to explore that in a video, I'd watch it. You could even connect Vic Sage, crusading commentator (Question) with Jack Ryder, investigative reporter (the Creeper- another Ditko creation. I suppose the dichotomy of Hawk and Dove folds in there somewhere. [Had to edit- had a character name wrong. Right name hit me right after I posted]

[@penburger]

You can tell that Ditko was given instructions to change peter's attitude after issue 38. Immediately after in issue 39 he befriends Harry

[@n3rd39]

I've started reading the Ditko comics recently and I've been enjoying myself. Up until issue 30. We've seen Peter get a little mad at flash before but I've never really minded it. In issue 30 as you said, where Peter got mad at Ned, I was rubbed the wrong way. Thank you for addressing all of my general concerns with how Peter was acting. Along with giving me a good amount of context for Ditko.

[@aimeerose27]

Hearing you talk in so much depth about these really interesting topics and going into detail about the context surrounding the comics and their creators is really one of my favourite things!!! You always keep me so interested in what you’re saying so I love these longer videos!

[@OverlyPositiveFanboy]

Honestly, I love the Mysterio/Stark connection in Far From Home. Having Quentin Beck be the developer of B.A.R.F. was a stroke of genius on the filmmakers' part.

[@ApertureHistory]

So happy to see this part of the Spider-man story told! Great video!

[@prestonroe268]

If the spider in my room can pay you to convince me to let him live here, then why isn't he paying rent

[@andrealdana26]

as a psychology student and a big spider-man fan, it's fascinating to look at these two worlds collide during the time where ditko was at helm of spidey (amazing video as always)

[@Painocus]

So Spiderman became a living megaphone shouting "selfishness is good actually"? Of-course Ditko is behind it.

[@ronpetersen2317]

Well his character started out that way. That is a major part of his origin. I suppose it makes sense he might need to relearn that a couple times later for that lesson to finally sink in completely. But it was there from the start as a powerful moral lesson ... the whole with great power comes great responsibility.

[@christopherb501]

@@ronpetersen2317 Still prefer both the Ultimate version and the Sam Raimi version.

[@ronpetersen2317]

@@christopherb501 That's fine ... but there is a reason why the orginal comic version is THE superhero for Marvel. Ultimates ... pft. Fine if you like them but just not the same.

[@radiokunio3738]

​@@christopherb501 Same, this a bit personal, but as a child was told by my groomer that he "would hurt my parents if i told". I didn't tell till 5 or 7 years later, and at that point i had forgot his identity beyond his face. This sounds kind of stupid, but i relate to peter parker in sense we both should of acted sooner but didn't. I still feel guilty that "man" is out there uncaught and mostly likely harming more children. I might lack the powers to help others on a grand a scale, but still do my to report anything that i find and comfort victims. that's why i find that MCU and Objectivist Spiderman, misunderstand what i relate to on a core level. Peter saw what apathy leads to in his uncle's death, and thus becomes Spiderman. the other two are motivated by self interest, like showing up to Stark. They remind me of people who send death threats to pro-shippers and pretend that "helps" grooming victims to get attention. i don't if this makes any sense, but that what peter should be based on my personal code. Some who suffered and acts to prevent the suffering of others, despite if it benefits him personaly.

[@tyshekka]

Randian selfishness is misunderstood. Her claim was that all people behave in a selfish way. We act on anything which helps what we're interested in. If your friends are being insulted, your interest in them will cause you to defend them. If you're part of a group, you'll defend it. You defend your family, your community. That's a form of selfishness.

[@ultimablackmage]

Ditko wrote a lot of my favourite Spidey stories out of all the stories I've read.

[@plkrtn]

5 mins 13 secs in and if this isn't a "Steve Ditko loves Ayn Rand" video I'll be absolutely shocked. Man loved him some objectivist nonsense.

[@kalerohde9759]

Can I ask how it’s all nonsense?

[@Whiteythereaper]

@@kalerohde9759 it's all faux "wake up Sheeple" talk that just exists to prop up the ego of the person saying it

[@gljames24]

@@kalerohde9759 One of the key tenets of "objectivism" is that altruism and self-interest are incompatible, but that is completely and verifiably false. The ideas of open source, open standard, and mutual benefit and their results show that you can align your own self interests with others and mutually benefit. From another angle, if you look at the idea and evolution of trust in game theory, doing everything for your own benefit actually benefits you less mathematically than if you play a tit for tat strategy where you cooperate if the other person is willing to cooperate. "Objectivism" is just a spitefully and mistrusting position people take when they have something to gain from reinforcing their own status and pulling up the ladder from anyone who could challenge their position.

[@kalerohde9759]

@@gljames24 I read atlas shrugged as a young adult and pulled some things from it that would be seen as objectivist, the main thing I pulled was that I shouldn’t have to help if I don’t want to. Especially people who don’t want to help themselves. The “leaches” if you will. I have a cousin who doesn’t work, doesn’t try to get a job, all she does is whine about not having enough to take care of her kids. The family keeps giving, and giving and giving. They expect me to do the same, and I refuse. Because I worked for the things I have, if I chose to help then I will. But if I’m being pressured because “it’s the right thing to do” I refuse. Maybe I’m a dick, probably am actually. But I don’t want to give because someone else doesn’t want to do the work

[@thelionsshare6668]

@@gljames24 Having read Ayn Rand AND Aristotle, I'm going with altruism and self-interest, at their extremes, are incompatible. But for every virtue, there are two vices, one an excess, and the other a deficiency. Clearly altruism to the point where you're letting people take advantage of you, or enabling their bad habits (at your own expense) is bad for you, and the people you ostensibly want to help. Likewise, self-interest has its limits as well.

[@tabsterg]

I wonder if one day you'll make a long video about doctor strange, i would love it! With the videos you've made (wich i *love* ) about spider-man and mysterio, Strange is my only other top 3 marvel faves left that i would love to see you make a video about! _Amazing_ video btw, love this stuff 🕷

[@mindlessyoutubeuser6435]

I like at the beginning that he is more arrogant, selfish and the vibe of a teen that has a chip on his shoulder to the more understanding and selfless, caring Peter. Its kinda like he changes after the battles and the lessons he learns, I know that wasn't planned out but I like to think so

[@rayl6901]

It sounds like Ditko was an overly sensitive individual just like Peter Parker, that took everything to heart, and as typical of these types of people, developed a tremendously over-inflated self image to combat his sensitivity to other people's remarks; and indeed, his own internal amplification of their remarks. People do it all the time: they say to themselves, "I'm so stupid for doing this." It doesn't serve: and if one habitually does this due to sensitivity, it is a hard thing to overcome. The message of Rand to take care of yourself and put yourself first must have struck a chord with him and finally taught him that he has the God-given right to govern his own actions which everybody has. The problem is that skill isn't taught and people don't use it the right way often enough. Fascinating topic and an intelligent commentary. Thanks.

[@johnsonw.7853]

I concur. I understand his frustration. Ditko felt pushed around and here is Ayn Rand who taught him to stand up for himself, but then, if anyone asked for anything, he felt like there would be the possibility of getting hurt. Ditko went too far, and again, I do understand where he is coming from, but there does have to be a balance. I have met many people who feel this way, and I believe I also have a tendency to shut people off when I feel hurt. Thanks for this vidoe Scott!

[@Samantha_yyz]

Perfect Opening! Awkward clumsiness. I have to say I disagree with the points against Far From Home. Its one of my Fav MCU films and really fits into this Spidey's story. Being forced to carry Iron-man's mantle after losing his mentor, trying to get back into being a student again after the world has moved on 5 years. Taking Place in EU makes sense as Peter clearly didnt feel at home in NYC anymore, everyone was watching him and expecting him to just instantly be like the new Head of the avengers. So Petter being like F it school trip to EU, yes let me just be Peter for a bit, let me not have to think about Iron-Man or my new place in all this. And the villain being some who hates Iron-Man is totally fine, Iron-Man was Peter's mentor and now Peter has inherited everything but he is still just a naive Kid. The perfect mark for someone trying to destroy Iron-Man's Legacy, and do you do that best, destroy the hero Iron-Man trained to be the better version of himself. Also ROMANCE WAS CUTE! MCU GIVE ME MORE ROMANCE LIKE THAT ITS CUTE! Thank you for coming to my TedTalk

[@nathanmason7044]

Absolutely agree I definitely think it’s become overhated ( definitely amongst Spider-Man fans)

[@thekoifishcoyote8762]

You only touched on it, but people get villainized for politics like Ditko's, so people use it as an excuse to ignore what they say.

[@reynellfreeman8761]

it's ironic that a lot of modern comic artist and writers are exactly like Steve Ditko form Dan Slott to Vita Ayala you becoming comics does mater nerdsync

[@mouaragon2774]

Sometimes I watch your videos for company. Your videos are always wholesome.

[@ReiAyanami8]

Man...Steve Ditko really liked synonyms. There's probably, almost most definitely, other and better things to take away from this video...but that's what I went with.

[@blakemcnamara9105]

Not a fan of Randyan philosophy but Ditko's original Spider-Man comics were fun reads and they did help shape the character into a realistic person. I think too many people think of Peter Parker as a saint and forget that he was intended to be a bit on the self-righteous side. While these qualities aren't great they made the character more human and interesting in my opinion. And to be fair, most protestors actually are just mindless fools who want to shirk responsibility and have orgies.

[@NikonatorX]

5:33 I think that's out of context. Between those panels, Betty tells him that she doesn't need any more excitement in her life, and doesn’t even wanna talk about Spider-Man because of what happened to her brother. I take that scene as Peter self-sacrificing, so Betty may be with a much better match, according to what she’s outright saying. I mean, for him to actually being selfish, he would tell her: “I Love you, and btw I’m Spider-Man, please live with the daily fear of me fighting criminals and maybe not coming home ever again”.

[@ianfinrir8724]

29:34 I just would like to say that at one point Playboy was the number one publisher of short stories in the United States. Kurt Vonnegut had so much of his work published in Playboy that it became a plot point in one of his novels.

[@TheOgreMan]

I didn’t know what to expect from this video with me just discovering your channel, but I love how detailed and interesting you made the rather boring topic of objectivism. Great job on the video! I can’t wait to check out more of your content

[@strystyl]

I’m not gonna lie to you that toss of the ditko book into the background was easily the most satisfying moment in the whole video lol. Also the analysis of Spider-Man history, but that’s a guarantee for the channel anyway ✨✌🏽

[@TheJPKaram]

Stop apologizing for doing useful tangents, it is annoying, this is a long nerdsync video, i know there will be tangents, i like it

[@anthonya.5600]

This is a great video, learned a lot. I used to read some of the early 60s comics because my piano teacher had a ton of them and I remember noticing how different Peter sometimes seemed compared to the Spider-Man I was more used to seeing on TV or in movies. I still loved those comics for what they were, they were fun. But yea definitely noticed Peter was a lot more angry at the world then I’m used to in other mediums lol

[@fobwatchful]

Just a thought here, back when I was reading Lee/Ditko comics I felt like I was getting more story for my money than when I read Lee/Kirby comics. Hearing about the Lee/Ditko schism reminds me that my favorite X-Men comics were the Claremont/Byrne issues just before they each went their separate creative ways. Altruism vs self interest is a good theme to explore, especially in comics. At 40:00 Ditko sounds like Ridley Scott complaining about millennials who want to see "f*cking comic book movies" instead of _The Last Duel_ . "When the two of them worked together and listened to each others ideas, they made good art." Yup just like Chris Claremont and John Byrne. 🙂 Good stories can be about individualist loners, they can also be about people working together. Watching you rant to Ayn Rand made me laugh out loud. (LOL)

[@johnsilwanus9774]

Brilliant work, Scott! Loved your conclusion of working together equals better art. Also, this was a perfect watch/listen while baking holiday cookies. Thanks!

[@_thomas1031]

Scott, I have to say your channel is one that I genuinely get excited about. The vids are always clearly put together with so much effort + the abundance of personality you bring to each topic🤌. Haven't finished watching, but know its already a great one😄!🙌🙌🙌

[@lexinah3292]

21:10 *looks over at the spider in the corner of my room* If you have enough money to buy a sponsor spot, you have enough money to pay rent!

[@rn6312]

You'll get your rent when you fix this damn door!

[@JohnCavalcante.Oficial]

I like the way you talk. It seems really jornalistic and neutral. The jokes ALWAYS get me off guard

[@christianzamora-dahmen8475]

I really love your videos, Scott, I think I’ve watched a lot of them already, even switched to my personal account so I could comment without “work” getting the way. I adore comics, and one of the things I love most is putting all of it in context, learning the behind the scenes and, ohh… these essays you do are just phenomenal. Thank you so much!