Posted By Dan Greenfield on Sep 30, 2024 | 2 comments

Based on the art of JOHN ROMITA Sr.!

I love stuff like this: Marvel Comics on Monday announced that Spider-Man would return for this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28.

It’s the first time Spidey will swing through the city’s canyons of skyscrapers in a decade. Not just that, the all-new Spider-Man balloon is based specifically on John Romita Sr.’s version of New York’s favorite wall-crawler.

Dig this artist’s rendition:

“Ever since Marvel Comics #1 hit stands in 1939, Marvel’s home has always been New York. So when the opportunity to work with Macy’s came about to bring one of our most iconic characters back to one of the most emblematic events of New York City, we knew this was the perfect fit for Spidey and our brand’s legacy,” said Chris Fondacaro, Head of Marvel Franchise. “We’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate our roots and our fans while honoring one of the most indelible comic book creators from Marvel Comics: John Romita Sr.”

As I noted just the other day (and on many other occasions) Romita is the greatest Spider-Man artist who has ever walked the Earth. What the great Steve Ditko pioneered, Romita perfected.

Creatives from Macy’s Parade Studio collaborated with Marvel to design the new Romita balloon, according to the comics publisher.

2000

Spidey’s been a recurring character at the Thanksgiving Day Parade for more than four decades. He debuted in 1981, and his first big balloon premiered in 1987. After the original balloon was retired, Web-Head made his return in 2009 and lasted until 2014.

The 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air Thursday, Nov. 28, on NBC and stream on Peacock. Check local listings for details. For more information, visit macys.com/parade.

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MORE

— 13 Times Comics Characters Soared in the MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE. Click here.

— Bask in This Original SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN Cover Painting by JOHN ROMITA. Click here.