Episode 1052: A Conversation with Ron Frenz: Creator Commentary on Untold Tales of Spider-Man #9, #25

·1 hr 22 min·5 clips

Ron Frenz reveals how he channeled Steve Ditko's style for a 1990s Spider-Man story set in the 1960s.

This episode of Comic Shenanigans features host Adam Chapman in conversation with veteran comic artist Ron Frenz. The episode focuses on a creator commentary for two issues of Untold Tales of Spider-Man: issue 9 and issue 25, which Frenz drew in the mid-1990s. Chapman begins by noting this is Frenz's 13th appearance on the show and frames the discussion as a follow-up to previous creator commentaries. Frenz explains how he got the gig to draw these issues, noting he was sharing a studio with Pat Oliffe, the regular artist on the series, and was likely called due to their proximity and stylistic similarities. The host places the work in context, mentioning Frenz was also the regular artist on Superman at the time. Frenz discusses the scripts from writer Kurt Busiek, describing them as detailed but allowing artistic interpretation. A significant portion of the conversation centers on Frenz's artistic approach to drawing Spider-Man in a story set within the Ditko era of the 1960s. Frenz talks about consciously channeling Steve Ditko's style, including drawing Peter Parker with a period-appropriate haircut and clothing. He analyzes specific pages, such as an opening splash with the Lizard and a transformation sequence where the Lizard turns back into Curt Connors, noting influences from John Buscema and lifting from original Ditko artwork. The discussion covers technical aspects like inking differences between the two issues, with Al Milgrom inking issue 9 and Mike McLeod inking issue 25. Frenz mentions doing tighter pencils for one issue and more breakdowns for another, affecting the final look. Chapman points out a slapstick moment with J. Jonah Jameson getting hit by a door twice, and Frenz comments on drawing comedic gags. Towards the end, they touch on the series' cancellation, linked to a price increase to 89 cents that may have hurt sales. The episode concludes with plans for a future commentary on Frenz's Hercules miniseries and a mention of its recent reprint in a Thor epic collection.

As heard by us

A page-focused craft conversation on Ditko influence, Spider-Man's proportions, and two Untold Tales issues.

Ron Frenz's visit to Comic Shenanigans episode 1052 gives Adam Chapman a clear lane for a creator-commentary look at Untold Tales of Spider-Man.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get a friendly seat beside Ron Frenz as he and Adam Chapman revisit Untold Tales of Spider-Man, Ditko influence, and the choices behind specific pages.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Comic Shenanigans