Tell me more ×
Science Fiction & Fantasy Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 7 down vote favorite

I saw a funny panel Slytherincess posted in chat. It has a six legged emblem on Spideys costume. Is this a Stan Lee sanctioned version of the webslinger? Spider-man

Is there a back story?

share|improve this question
4  
He was originally known as cricketman, and couldn't afford a new costume after the brand change. You have any idea what a tailor costs in 1960s NYC? He's already living in a studio apartment in the crack district as it is. – John O Oct 3 '12 at 19:21

1 Answer

up vote 8 down vote accepted

That's from the 1967 Spider-Man cartoon series, which included Stan Lee as a "Creative Consultant". The 1967 cartoon series has given rise to an internet meme involving taking screenshots from the series and adding "witty" text to it.

So while it is a product approved by Stan Lee, like most cartoons, complex designs must be simplified. It's the same reason that most cartoon people have 3 or 4 fingers and not 5 like a real person would have. Thus, an 8 legged spider now has 6 legs, making it look like a tick instead.

share|improve this answer
4  
The shape does look like a tick, but ticks are arachnids, and have 8 legs. ;) – S. Albano Oct 4 '12 at 5:11
2  
Curse you and your knowledge!!! :) They, uh, pulled two legs off the tick... And beat it up... And threw it into the garbage... Yeah... that's it. – BBlake Oct 4 '12 at 11:58
1  
@AndresF. “How on Earth is a 6-legged spider a "simpler" design than an 8-legged one?” When you’re drawing the damn thing 24 times per second, it’s simpler. – Paul D. Waite Jan 25 at 12:49
1  
@PaulD.Waite I understand that, but 2 additional legs are insignificant compared to the webbing on his mask, for example. When drawing 24 fps, it's simpler to remove the webbing thant a couple of legs! – Andres F. Jan 25 at 13:32
1  
@AndresF. sure, but take away the webbing on his mask and he's not Spider-Man any more. Take away two legs from the spider on his back, and no-one notices until it's 30 years later and we all have nothing better to do than look at this stuff on the internet all day. – Paul D. Waite Jan 25 at 13:43
show 3 more comments

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.