Among the Spider-verse
If not a "menace to society," how about a mention?
I'm looking forward to seeing "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," which looks to feature every Spider-man ever created, thus far. And even though I doubt my contribution to the legendary "menace to society" will appear somewhere in the superfluity of Spider-man's, I'd like to think my geriatric thief cum Spider-man imposter, might make the cut in the voluptuous background of this movie.
13-years ago I was honored to have been asked by then Spider-man editor Stephen Wacker to write and draw an 8-page story that would eventually be published in Amazing Spider-man #692, the 50th anniversary of the famous Marvel wall-crawler. A comic book I've been reading for 45+ years. Stephen gave me one prompt, "What happened to the costume when Peter Parker quit being Spider-man in issue #50?" I went home and thought about it. The only caveat was that the costume had to be returned to the garbage can Peter Parker originally tossed his superhero costume in by the next morning for continuity purposes.
I was semi-inspired by a Roger Stern story written in 1984 called "The kid who collects Spider-man," drawn by Ron Frenz and Terry Austin in issue #248. It was beautiful yet heartbreaking and I wanted to create a spiritual sequel. Suffice it to say, when I submitted my story and art, the editor admitted to shedding a tear.
Anyway -- I highly doubt my busted version of Spider-man will make muster for the Spider-Verse but I won't know til I see it and inspect every frame like so many other aficionados will most likely do. But I look forward to the next installment of this animated franchise like the true fan that I am.
Big Ups to Henry Chamberlain and his super kind review of my comic book, COVID COP, at Comics Grinder.
Excerpts:
"Drawn in the mock heroic style that Haspiel is known for, this comic book will deliver a weird and entertaining jolt right to the jugular and then some. You probably won’t have nightmares from reading this but I can’t guarantee it."
"This comic will defy your expectations, especially if you don’t really know what to expect, and offers up the most recent example of a cartoonist at the top of his game."
You can read the entire review HERE. And you can read an article HERE or see/hear our podcast discussion below:
Until I set up a proper online store, I’ll be hawking COVID COP at upcoming events but I’m also making it available for sale (only in America ~ for now) via Venmo or PayPal. There’s a limited supply but for $20 (which includes shipping) you can get a signed copy mailed directly to your doorstep. Please remember to add your full name and address in your order.
venmo (@Dean-Haspiel)
paypal (dean.haspiel@verizon.net) — last four digits: 8150
Meanwhile, here are two commissions I did for a couple of Covid Cop backers:
Reminder: THERE IS NO TRY, a short film I wrote and directed, featuring a Star Wars dilemma, has been selected for the Awesome Con Short Film Festival! It will screen in Washington, DC on Saturday, June 17th from 3:30pm - 5:45pm. That same block of short films also features Nightwork studio mate, Whitney Matheson’s CONTINUITY ERRORS.
DENNY BARRACUDA, the short film I co-produced, was selected to be in the NYC Independent Film Festival. Written by Whitney Matheson and directed by Shannon Goldman, it will screen 5pm on Saturday, June 10th. Get your tickets HERE.
Okay, I wrote a couple of new short film scripts I hope to direct. I’m in the middle of writing a new play that could evolve into something else. And I’m halfway finished writing the script for Covid Cop 2 (title TBD) which gets super insane with a surprise ending no one could ever predict.
Bring me beach weather!
love, Dean
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It was so great having you as a guest on Comics Grinder! We covered a lot of ground. You're always welcome back.