Marvel announced that Peter Parker is becoming unemployed in Amazing Spider-Man #623, out this week, and the media appears to be picking up on the topical connection between the Marvel Universe and a real world situation in which many find themselves.  Numerous Web pick-ups from mainstream print and TV venues indicate substantial early interest, and the storyline was also a topic of discussion on CNBC on Monday. 

The story will kick off with Spider-Man’s alter ego getting fired at the Mayor’s office, and getting blacklisted in New York.  “He’s going to struggle with unemployment and trying to save the city while he can barely afford to keep a roof over his head,” Marvel Senior Editor Steve Wacker said of the storyline.

The PR is flogging not only the issue coming out this Wednesday, but also the fact that the next issue will be out only one week later.