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George R.R. Martin is one of the most recognizable authors in mainstream media thanks to the success of his globally popularGame of Thronesbooks. Given Martin’s extensive work in the fantasy genre, it is no surprise that the author is a massive fan of comic books, especially superheroes from Marvel and DC.
During a convention appearance, Martin talked about his love for superheroes like Spider-Man and Superman, admitting to growing up reading the earliest iterations of the popular characters. However, Martin argued that one aspect of Spider-Man made his stories far superior to Superman, and here is what the veteran writer had to say.
George R.R. Martin explained why Spider-Man is better than Superman
George R.R. Martinhas delivered one of the best-selling fantasy book series with hisA Song of Ice and Fire. It was adapted into one of the most critically acclaimed television shows of the 2010sGame of Thrones. Martin appeared at the Chicago Humanities Film Festival in 2019,discussingthe hit series, his novels, and other topics.
In the discussion, Martin was asked abouthis love for comic books. The author admitted to being a fan of DC Comics when he was younger, reading hundreds of issues of Superman comics. However, Martin revealed that his affinity quickly shifted to Marvel once Spider-Man debuted.
He took up (a relationship) with Gwen Stacy. Well, she died. That was traumatic but she actually died, you know. I mean, DC never killed Lois Lane or even Jimmy Olsen.
Martin made the above statement, referencing Gwen Stacy’s death inThe Amazing Spider-Man#121. In contrast, the Earth-2 version of Lois Lane was briefly killed off in 2012, adding merit to Martin’s point of DC’s reluctance to change Superman’s status quo.
As a result, Martin summarized his feelings on the fundamental difference between Spider-Man and Superman comics by adding that the Superman comics had become cyclical with a never-changing status quo.
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In contrast,Spider-Man comicsalways tell a progressive story with severe consequences for the main character, including the death of his loved ones. As a result, it is hard to argue against Martin’s sentiments about why reading Spider-Man comics was a more fulfilling experience.
George R.R. Martin revealed the surprising Marvel character that influencedGame of Thrones
In the same discussion, Martin also explained how his love for comics influenced his writing. The author cited the example ofthe comic book character Wonder Man, who first appeared in issue #9 ofAvengers.
Wonder Man, who joined the titular heroes in the issue, was a spy working against them. However, the character’s loyalties soon shifted to the heroes, resulting in his death. As a result, Wonder Man was killed off in the very first issue he appeared in.
My whole career is based on Avengers #9. I mean introducing these gray characters who have divided loyalties who are not what they seem.
Martin added that he also similarly enjoyed killing off his character unexpectedly, making the influence of the Wonder Man story on his writing, especially in theASOIAFbooks extremely evident.
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The author himself dabbled into the superhero genre with theWild Cardsbook series. In 2022, it wasannouncedthat the novels would receive a comic book adaptation from Marvel Comics. The four-part seriesWild Cards: The Drawing of Cardswas released later in the same year.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1774
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
