Thursday, April 29, 2010

Ecocomics Recession Watch: Amazing Unemployed Spider-Man Edition

"Brother, Can You Spare a Crime?" in Amazing Spider-Man #628
by Mark Waid, Tom Peyer and Todd Nauck and Lee Weeks, Marvel Comics (2010)

When we last left Peter Parker, he was fired from his job at city hall. Now, we catch a glimpse of the unemployed life, as Peter experiences difficulty keeping the roof over his head. As he mentions, there was a time when he could just secure a freelance job taking photos for The Daily Bugle. But in the midst of this recession, it seems that such gigs are harder to obtain than usual. Not to mention The DB was recently destroyed!

One minor nitpick here: I don't know where he pulled the "one million other New Yorkers" statistic. As of March 2010, there were about 400,000 unemployed living in NYC. Statewide, the number of unemployed residents was about 831,800. Granted, if Peter was talking about the entire state (which I doubt), then his estimate of one million would have been closer. Even still, rounding up by over 150,000 is a big deal.

16 comments:

MikeRussellMcK said...

With significantly higher levels of uncertainty and risk in the Marvel Universe, wouldn't we expect a greater reluctance to invest? After all, what happened to the DB's shareholders? Even if it was heavily covered with the special comic-book-world insurance policies previously discussed, it's doubtful investors would get 100 cents on the dollar. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that higher levels of unemployment would result from lower levels of investment, compared to our world. That might explain the 1M New Yorkers comment.

You also have systematic bigotry against mutants that leads to very high levels of unemployment in their population, but I doubt that alone could make up the discrepancy following House of M.

Idea for you: I've noticed in both the DC and Marvel Universes there are a lot more government agencies, departments and programs due to the presence of superheroes and villains. Does this lead to crowding out of private investment? My apologies if this has already been covered.

ShadowBanker said...

Ha! Your theory on comic book unemployment levels is great. We were actually going to do a post on that topic very soon, so I'm glad you mentioned it.

The idea about crowd-out definitely hasn't been covered. Thanks so much for the idea!

MikeRussellMcK said...

The low levels of investment and crowding-out could possibly explain why so many brilliant inventors turn to crime in comics. Such a mixture would limit entrepreneurial opportunities, right? In our world Mr. Freeze might of made millions selling hyper-efficient HVAC equipment, but without start-up capital his options are limited.

Will said...

Comics also seems to have mega corporations that seem larger than U.S. equivalents. Wayne Enterprises (and its subsidiaries), Lexcorp, Stark Whatever he is going with now, OsCorp, etc. All seem like very large companies (on a scale with GE) stretching across numerous fields. Perhaps the Sherman Antitrust Act never was passed in Marvel and DC. In that environment, it makes sense why someone fired from one of the big corporations has basically no other job opportunities and goes to a life of crime.

Unknown said...

This is a fine example of showing how the recession affects the people and unemployment. As a Spider-man fan, this made me laugh and remember my own unemployment episode. After being laid off from work, it hit me pretty hard. Thankfully, I got back on track with the help of the reemployment services program. Getting myself a new job after a few weeks, with good co-workers, a fine work environment, and supported by a worker compensation program, it makes me feel relaxed that all hope is not lost.

Penis Enlargement said...

These kind of post are always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content so I happy to find many good point here in the post, writing is simply great, thank you for the post

kamagra said...

I've heard that Spider-Man #628 is perfect, actually my friends told me they have all the editions, so due to the recession I won't buy the Spider-Man #628, actually the recession is still hard for me.m10m

link wheel said...

Daniel, yea I can see what you did there. I actually liked that part, but hehe I'm not that harsh like my dad with these things. He at all times tells me crazy stories again in the day and calls me a loser. I assume it's time I transfer out of my parents' basement LOL. Aaanyways, what about you? what does your dad assume xD" Anyway, in my language, there usually are not much good source like this.

sim so dep said...

I want to say that after reading your post I have found so many interesting thing in your blog and I really love that. Keep up the good work!

gulf coast claims facility said...

I have been trying to Gain entry to this website for a while. I was using IE then once I tried Firefox, it worked just effective? Simply needed to convey this to your attention. This is actually good blog. I have a bunch myself. I really admire your design. I know that is off matter however,did you make this design your self,or purchase from somewhere? Anyway, in my language, there usually are not much good supply like this.

bp claims said...

Your blog is fine. I just want to comment on the design. Its too loud. Its doing approach an excessive amount of and it takes away from what youve received to say --which I think is de facto important. I dont know when you didnt suppose that your words could hold everyones consideration, but you have been wrong. Anyway, in my language, there are not a lot good source like this.

gccf said...

Excellent information here. This attention-grabbing publish made me smile. Possibly when you throw in a couple of footage it's going to make the entire thing more interesting. Anyway, in my language, there should not much good source like this.

bp claims process said...

Please inform me it labored proper? I dont wish to sumit it again if i would not have to! Either the blog glitced out or i'm an idiot, the second option doesnt shock me lol. thanks for an ideal blog! Anyway, in my language, there are not much good source like this.

gccf claims said...

Howdy, i learn your weblog occasionally and that i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get loads of spam feedback? If that's the case how do you forestall it, any plugin or anything you possibly can advise? I get a lot lately it's driving me mad so any help may be very a lot appreciated. Anyway, in my language, there usually are not a lot good supply like this.

sim so dep said...

All seem like very large companies (on a scale with GE) stretching across numerous fields. Perhaps the Sherman Antitrust Act never was passed in Marvel and DC. In that environment, it makes sense why someone fired from one of the big corporations has basically no other job opportunities and goes to a life of crime.

top pills said...

I think that this is really good, I would like to have the chance of analyze,I really like this information !