Week 9 Coding Sheet

Amazing Spider-Man Fan Letters

Code passages that seem meaningful.
A single passage may receive more than one code.

1.Praise

Positive evaluation of the comic, a story, a creator, a character, or Marvel generally.

Examples:

• “best issue yet”
• “great hit on our campus”
• “your group seems to maintain a high standard of creativity”

2.Criticism

Negative evaluation, complaint, disappointment, or frustration.

Examples:

• dissatisfaction with a story decision
• criticism of Marvel’s choices
• frustration with plot direction
• criticism of an aspect of writing or art

3.Emotional Response

Affective reaction: excitement, anger, shock, sadness, grief, admiration, etc.

Examples:

• “unable to contain my congratulations and anger”
• strong reaction to Gwen Stacy’s death
• excitement about comics’ social role

4.Character Discussion

Comments focused on specific characters, their relationships, or what should happen to them.

Examples:

• Gwen Stacy
• Peter Parker
• Mary Jane
• proposals about Spider-Man’s future

5.Plot and Story Discussion

Comments about narrative events, specific issues, continuity, themes, or story direction.

Examples:

• reactions to issue #121
• discussion of drug stories
• proposals for future plots

6.Creator and Editorial Awareness

References to writers, artists, editors, Marvel policy, the Comics Code, or the making of comics.

Examples:

• addressing Gerry Conway or Stan Lee
• discussing Marvel’s editorial decisions
• discussing the Comics Code

7.Fan Identity

Ways the writer presents themself as a reader or fan.

Examples:

• “I’ve read every Spider-Man mag”
• “I am in college”
• “us college guys”
• parent-reader identity

8.Participation and Community

Evidence that comics fandom is social, collective, or participatory.

Examples:

• campus fandom
• writing in to influence Marvel
• readers imagined as a group
• “Spider-Men of the world, unite!”

9.Request or Suggestion

Direct or indirect attempt to influence future comics.

Examples:

• asking Marvel to change direction
• requesting a story topic
• proposing a new setting or plot
• urging Marvel to “use” its platform

10.Personal Connection and Social Context

Links between comics and the writer’s life or broader social issues.

Examples:

• school, family, campus
• Vietnam
• race
• drugs
• education
• youth culture

Questions to keep in mind

• Why am I choosing this code?
• Could this passage take two codes?
• Is the writer evaluating, reacting, identifying, or persuading?
• Does this code need to be revised?