This Day in Comic Book History: July 2
This Day in Comic Book History: July 2
July 2 is a great day for Spider-Man fans — the birth of the writer who shaped the wallcrawler's modern era, plus the release of a blockbuster film that brought Spidey back to the screen.
July 2, 1967: Birth of Dan Slott, Amazing Spider-Man Writer
Dan Slott Born — July 2
Amazing Spider-Man writer 2008–2018 · Superior Spider-Man · One of Marvel's longest single-title runs by one writer
Dan Slott was born on July 2, 1967, and wrote The Amazing Spider-Man for Marvel Comics from 2008 to 2018 — one of the longest continuous runs by a single writer on any major superhero title in Marvel history. Slott's run included the controversial but beloved Superior Spider-Man storyline in which Doctor Octopus took over Peter Parker's body, as well as sweeping global adventures that expanded Spider-Man's world dramatically. His decade-long stewardship of Marvel's flagship character made him one of the definitive Spider-Man voices of the modern era.
July 2, 1925: Birth of Jerry DeFuccio, Mad Magazine Writer
Jerry DeFuccio Born — July 2
Mad Magazine associate editor and writer · 30+ years at Mad · Essential voice of American satire
Jerry DeFuccio was born on July 2, 1925, and spent over three decades as a writer and associate editor at Mad Magazine, one of American cartooning's most influential institutions. Mad's irreverent, satirical voice shaped the sense of humor of multiple generations of Americans — from Baby Boomers to Gen X — and contributors like DeFuccio were essential to sustaining that voice decade after decade.
July 2, 2012: The Amazing Spider-Man Film Released
Amazing Spider-Man Film — July 2
Director Marc Webb · Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker · Rebooted the Sony Spider-Man franchise after Sam Raimi trilogy
On July 2, 2012, director Marc Webb's The Amazing Spider-Man was released in theaters, starring Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker / Spider-Man and Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy. The film rebooted the Sony Spider-Man franchise following Sam Raimi's trilogy and returned to a younger, high-school-era Peter Parker origin story. While the film divided critics and audiences compared to Raimi's beloved interpretations, it was a significant commercial success and Garfield's portrayal of the character earned widespread affection that grew stronger over the following decade.
July 2, 1954: Birth of Arne Starr, DC Comics Illustrator
Arne Starr Born — July 2
DC Comics illustrator · Consistent contributor to the DC universe across multiple titles
Arne Starr was born on July 2, 1954, and built a career as a DC Comics illustrator, contributing his work to various titles in the DC universe. Artists like Starr represent the backbone of the comics industry — the reliable, skilled professionals who fill in the vast canvas of a publisher's output and ensure that every title gets its stories told with craft and care.
🏆 Top 10 Key Comics Tied to July 2 History
- Amazing Spider-Man #700 (February 2013) — Dan Slott's (born this date, 1967) landmark issue in which Doctor Octopus takes over Peter Parker's body; one of the most-discussed Spider-Man issues in decades.
- Superior Spider-Man #1 (March 2013) — Dan Slott's controversial but acclaimed new direction; Doc Ock as Spider-Man proved Slott could surprise even the most skeptical fans.
- Amazing Spider-Man #1 (March 1963) — First solo Spider-Man series; the title Dan Slott (born this date) would eventually steward for a decade-long iconic run.
- Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962) — First Spider-Man by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko; the character Dan Slott devoted a decade to writing.
- Amazing Spider-Man #600 (September 2009) — Dan Slott's oversized anniversary issue; demonstrated his ability to handle landmark Spider-Man moments with genuine emotional weight.
- Amazing Spider-Man #655 (April 2011) — "No One Dies" — Dan Slott's wordless dream sequence issue; considered one of the finest single issues of his run.
- Mad #1 (October 1952) — Launch of Harvey Kurtzman and Bill Gaines' satirical masterpiece; the institution Jerry DeFuccio (born this date, 1925) served for 30+ years.
- Amazing Spider-Man: Ends of the Earth (2012) — Dan Slott's global Spider-Man adventure; published the same year The Amazing Spider-Man film released on this date.
- Spectacular Spider-Man #1 (December 1976) — First issue of Spider-Man's solo companion title; part of the vast Spidey universe Dan Slott would one day inherit.
- Spider-Men #1 (August 2012) — Dan Slott's landmark crossover between Peter Parker and Miles Morales; published the same summer as The Amazing Spider-Man film.
Find Amazing Spider-Man back issues and Dan Slott's landmark run at Epic Panels Comics!