Michael A. Burstein, winner of the 1997 Campbell Award for Best New Writer, has earned 10 Hugo nominations and two Nebula nominations for his short fiction. Burstein grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, but now lives with his wife Nomi in Brookline, Mass., where he is an elected town meeting member and library trustee. He has two degrees in physics and attended the Clarion Workshop. He taught science for many years and he currently edits science textbooks. More information on Burstein and his work, as well a link to his blog, can be found on his Web page, www.mabfan.com.
Description
This is one essay from the anthology Webslinger
The tangled web of vengeance, love and loss woven by Spider-Man comics and films is explored in this collection of insightful essays by acclaimed writers of comics and science fiction. A variety of topics—from the superhero’s sarcasm to the science behind radioactive spiders—are discussed in essays on “Turning Rage into Responsibility: A Psychology of Loss,” “Love Is Selfish: Can a Hero Afford Personal Attachments?,” and “Self Identity and Costume Design.” The popular rival Green Goblin, the bumbling-yet-influential media, and the part New York City itself plays in stories are skillfully explored, as well as the overall philosophy of mild-mannered Peter Parker and Spidey’s relationship with the rest of the characters in the Marvel universe.
About the Author
Gerry Conway has worked in comics since the age of 16 and is best known in Spider-Man circles for scripting the death of Gwen Stacy and for his co-creation of the Punisher. In addition, Conway has written several novels and worked in both film and television as a writer and producer. He lives in Los Angeles.