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Brainiac5
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09 Jan 2011, 11:31 pm

I'm referring specifically to the earliest Amazing Spider-Man comics, the ones drawn by Steve Ditko.
In the early issues, Peter Parker is shown to be socially awkward, had no friends, and was constantly bullied by his high school peers. He had a high IQ, was a straight A student, and showed an obsessive interest in science, to the exclusion of any other interests.
After Ditko left the book and was replaced by John Romita, much of Peter's social ineptness disappeared, and his social troubles seemed to be exclusively due to his duties as Spider-Man interfering with his social life. I speculate that the more Autism-related elements to Peter's character were of Ditko's influence, as Ditko himself might be on the Spectrum. Ditko consistently refused to be interviewed throughout his career, stating that his work is what's important to the public and his personality. From what little is known of his personality, he seems to have an obsession with Objectivism philosophy and the writings of Ayn Rand.
On a side note, there's also ground to argue that Aunt May was in the early stages of Alzheimer's in those same issues.



buryuntime
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10 Jan 2011, 1:51 am

I read that as Peter Pan. :(



Kraichgauer
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11 Jan 2011, 5:46 pm

Brainiac5 wrote:
I'm referring specifically to the earliest Amazing Spider-Man comics, the ones drawn by Steve Ditko.
In the early issues, Peter Parker is shown to be socially awkward, had no friends, and was constantly bullied by his high school peers. He had a high IQ, was a straight A student, and showed an obsessive interest in science, to the exclusion of any other interests.
After Ditko left the book and was replaced by John Romita, much of Peter's social ineptness disappeared, and his social troubles seemed to be exclusively due to his duties as Spider-Man interfering with his social life. I speculate that the more Autism-related elements to Peter's character were of Ditko's influence, as Ditko himself might be on the Spectrum. Ditko consistently refused to be interviewed throughout his career, stating that his work is what's important to the public and his personality. From what little is known of his personality, he seems to have an obsession with Objectivism philosophy and the writings of Ayn Rand.
On a side note, there's also ground to argue that Aunt May was in the early stages of Alzheimer's in those same issues.


You know, that that you mention it...
I can see how Peter Parker could have Asperger's, and how he had learned socialization and rid himself of his awkwardness as Spiderman.

-Bill, otherwise known as Kraichgauer



Brainiac5
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12 Jan 2011, 11:06 am

I wonder how getting superpowers and becoming a hero affect an Aspie's personal development. Even as a kid, I remember thinking that being Spider-Man might have made Peter grow in ways that he woudn't have otherwise.



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12 Jan 2011, 2:13 pm

Brainiac5 wrote:
I wonder how getting superpowers and becoming a hero affect an Aspie's personal development. Even as a kid, I remember thinking that being Spider-Man might have made Peter grow in ways that he woudn't have otherwise.


Just the responsibility, and the competence required to be a superhero I think would help with Peter's socialization.

-Bill, otherwise known as Kraichgauer



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14 Jan 2011, 8:38 pm

Just because someone's really interested in something doesn't mean they have Asperger's.

Also, the word "Aspie" is a f*****g terrible word. Just typing it makes me feel violent.


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15 Jan 2011, 4:30 am

"Is Peter Parker an aspie?"

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvdf5n-zI14[/youtube]


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boosterjones
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18 Jan 2011, 9:57 pm

I've read a lot of 1960's Marvel comics (thanks to reprints) and I think that you've got a good point there.

Speaking on the subject but on a tangent, don't you think that the 1960's Reed 'Mr Fantastic' Richards was an aspie too?

Also, Namor the Sub Mariner, although I don't think he has AS, has many AS traits.

Nuff Said!



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19 Jan 2011, 2:40 am

Delirium wrote:
Just because someone's really interested in something doesn't mean they have Asperger's.

Also, the word "Aspie" is a f***ing terrible word. Just typing it makes me feel violent.


Propose an alternative.

ruveyn



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19 Jan 2011, 9:30 am

ruveyn wrote:
Delirium wrote:
Just because someone's really interested in something doesn't mean they have Asperger's.

Also, the word "Aspie" is a f***ing terrible word. Just typing it makes me feel violent.


Propose an alternative.

ruveyn


Considering Asperger's is essentially the same as autism and is being merged into autism in the DSM, I just describe myself as autistic.


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raisedbyignorance
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19 Jan 2011, 3:41 pm

To be any kind of superhero you need to have coordination and you can't have a fear of heights. As cool as it would be I don't know if any aspie can be a truly successful Spider Man. I know I wouldn't I probably would get killed on my first attempt!



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19 Jan 2011, 6:14 pm

raisedbyignorance wrote:
To be any kind of superhero you need to have coordination and you can't have a fear of heights. As cool as it would be I don't know if any aspie can be a truly successful Spider Man. I know I wouldn't I probably would get killed on my first attempt!


But remember, Peter now has the dexterity and coordination of a spider. And dare I suggest... a spider's fearlessness?

-Bill, otherwise known as Kraichgauer