In “I Remember Well,” we shine a light on instances where writers revive long-forgotten plots and characters within comic book histories. Today, we delve into how one of Spider-Man’s early tragedies has been quietly corrected.
Spider-Man made his sensational debut in 1962’s Amazing Fantasy #15, brought to life by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee. The opening issue featured a host of teenagers who mock Peter Parker, establishing the challenging social dynamic that Spider-Man would face. Interestingly, Ditko often reused character designs, so the backgrounds of this initial encounter unintentionally became part of Spider-Man’s rich tapestry of relationships.
In the years that followed, writer Kurt Busiek explored these generic characters further, embedding more depth and personality into their narratives. One particular character of interest is Sally Avril.
In the acclaimed series Untold Tales of Spider-Man, Busiek, along with Pat Olliffe, Al Vey, and Pam Eklund, crafted new narratives set between Lee and Ditko’s original Spider-Man arcs, giving personality and backstory to previously nameless figures. Sally, initially a mere background character, blossomed into a vibrant personality with notable talents, especially as a gymnast.
Her journey took a twist as Sally, alongside a fellow student named Jason, became embroiled in one of Spider-Man’s adventures, compelling her to adopt the superhero persona of Bluebird, utilizing her gymnastic prowess and some gadgets she acquired from Jason’s scientific father.
However, the superhero life proved short-lived; despite her enthusiasm, Spider-Man eventually dissuaded her from continuing her superheroic pursuits, inadvertently risking her safety during confrontations with foes. Following her brief retirement, Sally sought to become a photographer, mirroring Peter’s career. Tragically, while attempting to follow in his footsteps, a serious car accident claimed her life, leaving a permanent mark on Peter.
Peter carried the weight of guilt for her death until the storyline of The Clone Conspiracy in 2016-2017 revived Sally as a clone, revealing that she had been brought back, much to Peter’s astonishment. This arc introduced complexities concerning cloning and resurrection within Spider-Man’s universe.
While the story left many questions unanswered, ultimately, it allowed for Sally’s resurrection without explicit confirmation of all surviving clones. Subsequent arcs, particularly in Spectacular Spider-Men, showcased her re-emergence into Peter’s life, including her attendance at an important funeral and a remarkable reunion over coffee, where she shared her extraordinary circumstances post-resurrection.
As the narrative unfolds, and Sally attempts to navigate her new reality, fans are left hoping to see her flourish within Spider-Man’s intricate world. Given the writers’ skillful development leading to this point, there should be a robust possibility of her returning in subsequent comics.
Based on reporting by CBR.com. Read the full story at CBR.com.