Western Australia and Spider-Man: Difference between pages

Revision as of 08:47, 13 March 2007

Revision as of 12:17, 11 May 2007

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{{otheruses4|the Marvel Comics character}}

{{Australia state or territory |

{{redirect|Peter Parker}}

| Name = Western Australia

{{Superherobox| <!--This box is part of Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics. See that article for details-->

| Fullname = State of Western Australia

|image=[[Image:Amazingspiderman50.jpg|250px]]

| Flag = Flag of Western Australia.svg

|caption=Cover art for ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 2) #50.<br>Art by [[J. Scott Campbell]].

| CoatOfArms = Western Australia coa.png

|character_name=Spider-Man

| Map = Western Australia locator-MJC.png

|real_name=Peter Benjamin Parker

| Nickname = Wildflower State

|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]

| Emblems = Floral - [[Kangaroo Paw]] (''Anigozanthos manglesii''); Mammal - [[Numbat]] (''Myrmecobius fasciatus''); Bird - [[Black Swan]] (''Cygnus atratus'')

|debut=''[[Amazing Fantasy]]'' #15 (Aug. 1962)

| Emblem_title1 = Floral

|creators=[[Stan Lee]]<br>[[Steve Ditko]]

| Emblem1 = - [[Kangaroo Paw]] <br/>(''Anigozanthos manglesii'')

|alter_ego =

| Emblem_title2 = Mammal

| Base of operations = [[New York City]]

| Emblem2 = - [[Numbat]] <br/>(''Myrmecobius fasciatus'')

|alliances =[[New Avengers (comic book)|New Avengers]]<br/>[[Daily Bugle]]<br/>[[Civil War (comics)#The Secret Avengers|Secret Avengers]]<br/>[[Fantastic Four#"Alternate Fantastic Four" members|"New Fantastic Four"]]

| Emblem_title3 = Bird

|aliases = [[Ricochet (comics)|Ricochet]], [[Dusk (comics)#Dusk II|Dusk]], [[Prodigy (comics)|Prodigy]], [[Hornet (comics)#Hornet II|Hornet]], [[Captain Universe]], [[Ben Reilly]]

| Emblem3 = - [[Black Swan]] <br/>(''Cygnus atratus'')

|powers = [[Spider-Man's powers and equipment|Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, agility, reflexes; ability to stick to solid surfaces; clairvoyant "spider-sense"; night vision; healing factor; toxic stingers that extend from forearms]]; ability to produce both [[biotic material|organic]] and [[synthetic fiber|synthetic]] spider-webbing

| Capital = [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]]

| ChiefType = Premier

| Chief = [[Alan Carpenter]]

| ChiefParty = [[Australian Labor Party|ALP]]

| Viceroy = [[Ken Michael]]

| ViceroyType = Governor

| PostalAbbreviation = WA

| AreaRank = 1^st

| TotalArea = 2645615

| LandArea = 2529875

| WaterArea = 115740

| PercentWater = 4.37

| PopulationRank = 4^th

| Population = 2,050,900

| PopulationYear = December [[2006]]

| DensityRank = 7^th

| Density = 0.79

| EntityAdjective = State

| GSP = $100,900

| GSPYear = 2004-05

| GSPRank = 4^th

| GSPPerCapita = $50,355

| GSPPerCapitaRank = 3rd

| HighestPoint = [[Hamersley Range|Mt. Meharry]]

| HighestElev = 1,253 m [[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]

| HighestElev_ft = 4,111

| LowestPoint =

| LowestElev =

| LowestElev_ft =

| TimeZone = [[UTC+8]] (+9 [[Daylight Saving Time|DST]])|

| HouseSeats = 15

| SenateSeats = 12

| ISOCode = AU-WA

| Website = www.wa.gov.au

}}

'''Spider-Man''' ('''Peter Benjamin Parker''') is a [[fictional character|fictional]] [[Marvel Comics]] [[superhero]] created by [[Stan Lee]] and [[Steve Ditko]]. Since his incarnation and [[First appeared|first appearance]] in ''[[Amazing Fantasy]]'' #15 (Aug. 1962), he has become one of the world's most popular, enduring and commercially successful [[superhero|superheroes]].

'''Western Australia''' is [[Australia]]'s largest [[States and territories of Australia|state]] in area, covering the western third of the mainland, and is bordered by [[South Australia]] and the [[Northern Territory]]. It is, after the [[Sakha Republic]] in [[Russia]], the largest [[subnational entity]] ([[statoid]]) in the world. The capital city, [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]], is one of the most isolated cities of its size on the planet, being closer to [[Jakarta, Indonesia]] (3,007&nbsp;km/1,868&nbsp;miles) than to [[Sydney]] (3,284&nbsp;km/2,041&nbsp;miles).

When Spider-Man first saw print in the 1960s, [[teenage]] characters in superhero comic books were usually [[sidekick]]s. The Spider-Man series broke ground by featuring a hero who himself was an adolescent, to whose "self-obsessions with rejection, inadequacy, and loneliness" young readers could relate.<ref>Wright, Bradford W. ''Comic Book Nation''. (Johns Hopkins, 2001) p. 210</ref> Spider-Man has since appeared in various media including several animated and live-action [[Spider-Man on television|television series]], [[syndicated]] newspaper [[The Amazing Spider-Man#Newspaper comic strip|comic strips]] and a successful [[Spider-Man films|series of films]].

West Australians are often colloquially referred to as [[Sandgroper (insect)|sandgroper]]s due to the sandy soils around Perth.<ref>[http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/collections/natscience/invertebrates/sandgropers.asp Western Australian Museum - Sandgroper]</ref>

Marvel has published several [[Bibliography of Spider-Man titles|Spider-Man comic book series]], the first being ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man]]''. Over the years, the Peter Parker character has developed from shy [[high school]] student to troubled college student to a married teacher and a member of the superhero team the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]].

==Geography==

[[Image:WAHighways.png|thumb|right|260px|Western Australian cities, towns, settlements and [[List of highways in Western Australia|road network]]]]

The bulk of Western Australia consists of the extremely old [[Yilgarn craton]] and [[Pilbara craton]] which merged with the [[Deccan]] of India, [[Madagascar]] and the [[Karoo]] and [[Zimbabwe]] cratons of South Africa, in the [[Archean]] Eon to form [[Ur (continent)|Ur]], one of the oldest [[Supercontinent]]s on Earth (3,200-3,000 million years ago). Because the only [[orogeny|mountain-building]] since then has been of the [[Stirling Range]] with the rifting from Antarctica, the land is extremely eroded and ancient, with no part of the State today above 1,245 metres (4,085&nbsp;ft) [[Australian Height Datum|AHD]] (at Mount Meharry in the [[Hamersley Range]] of the [[Pilbara]] region). Most parts of the State form a low [[plateau]] with an average elevation of about 400 metres (1,200&nbsp;[[Foot (unit)|ft]]), very low relief, and no surface runoff. This descends relatively sharply to the coastal plains, in some cases forming a sharp escarpment (as with the Darling Range/[[Darling Scarp]] near Perth).

==Publication history==

The extreme age of the landscape has meant that the [[soil]]s are remarkably infertile and frequently [[laterite|laterised]]. Even soils derived from [[granite|granitic]] [[bedrock]] contain an order of magnitude less available [[phosphorus]] and only half as much [[nitrogen]] as soils in comparable climates in other [[continent]]s. Soils derived from extensive [[sand]]plains or [[ironstone]] are even less fertile, being even more devoid of soluble phosphate and also deficient in [[zinc]], [[copper]], [[molybdenum]] and sometimes [[potassium]] and [[calcium]].

By 1962, with the success of the [[Fantastic Four]] and other characters, Marvel editor and head writer Stan Lee was casting about for a new superhero idea. He said{{Fact|date=March 2007}} that the idea for Spider-Man arose from a surge in teenage demand for comic books, and

the desire to create a character with whom teens could identify. In his autobiography, Lee cites the non-superhuman [[pulp magazine]] crime fighter [[The Spider]] as an influence<ref>Lee, Stan, and Mair, George. ''Excelsior!: The Amazing Life of Stan Lee'' (Fireside, 2002), p.130. ISBN 0-684-87305-2</ref> and both there and in a multitude of print and video interviews said he was inspired by seeing a [[fly]] climb up a wall &mdash; adding in his autobiography that he has told that story so often he has become unsure of whether or not it is true.<ref>[[Ibid.]], p.126: He goes even further in his autobiography, claiming that even while pitching the concept to publisher Martin Goodman, "I can't remember if that was literally true or not, but I thought it would lend a little color to my pitch".</ref> Artist Ditko, in a 1990 article by himself, gave a more prosaic origin story for the name: {{cquote|"In a discussion with me about Spider-Man, Stan said he liked the name [[Hawkman]] but [[DC Comics|DC]] had the name and character. Marvel would add [[Ant-Man]] [and the [[Wasp (comics)|Wasp]]] so it would have the [[insect]] category. (Technically a spider is not an insect). From that I believed Stan had named the character.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=LfgGmF3aoigC&pg=PA56&lpg=PA56&dq=%22stan+lee%22+%22steve+ditko%22+%22amazing+adult+fantasy%22+%22twist+ending%22&source=web&ots=odKH2BKYvb&sig=85RgvSJv94bNG89_jTq3r98G3JE#PPA56,M1 ''Robin Snyder's History of Comics'' vol. 1, #5 (May 1990): "An Insider's Part of Comics History: Jack Kirby's Spider-Man", by Steve Ditko], reprinted, revised and updated, in ''Alter Ego: The Comic Book Artist Collection'', edited [[Roy Thomas]] ([[TwoMorrows Publishing]], 2000), p. 56. ISBN 1893905063.</ref>}}

Lee approached Marvel publisher [[Martin Goodman (publisher)|Martin Goodman]] to seek approval for the character. In a 1986 interview, he described in detail his arguments to overcome Goodman's objections.{{ref_label|Lee|1a|1a}} Goodman agreed to let Lee try out Spider-Man in the upcoming final issue of the canceled [[science-fiction]]/[[supernatural]] anthology series ''[[Amazing Adult Fantasy]]'', which was renamed ''[[Amazing Fantasy]]'' for that single issue, #15 (Aug. 1962).<ref>[[Les Daniels|Daniels, Les]], ''Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades of the World's Greatest Comics'' (Harry N. Abrams, New York, 1991), p. 95. ISBN 0-8109-3821-9</ref>

The infertility of most of the soils has required heavy inputs of chemical fertilisers, particularly [[superphosphate]], [[insecticide]]s and [[herbicide]]s, which, with the ensuing damage to [[invertebrate]] and [[bacteria]]l populations, and [[soil compaction|compaction of soils]] through heavy machinery and hoofed mammals has done great damage to the fragile soils. The massive clearing of the land has not only damaged habitats for native flora and fauna, making the South West region of the state that with the greatest percentage of flora and fauna rare, threatened or endangered in Australia, and one of the biodiversity "hot spots" in the world, it has also led to major problems with [[salinity|dryland salinity]] and the loss of fresh water. (See [[Southwest Australia]])

Jack Kirby, in a 1982 interview, claimed Lee had minimal involvement in the character's creation, and that it had originated with Kirby and [[Joe Simon]], who in the 1950s had proposed a character called The Silver Spider for the [[Crestwood]] comic ''Black Magic'' until the publisher went out of business. {{ref_label|Kirby1|1a|1a}}

The [[Southwest corner of Western Australia|southwest coastal area]] is relatively temperate and was originally heavily forested, including large stands of the [[karri]], one of the tallest trees in the world. This agricultural region of Western Australia is in the top nine terrestrial habitats for terrestrial [[biodiversity]] with a higher proportion of [[endemic species]] than most other equivalent regions, and thanks to the offshore [[Leeuwin Current]], numbers in the top six regions for marine biodiversity, containing the most southerly coral reefs in the world. Annual rainfall varies from 300 millimetres (12&nbsp;[[Inch|in]]) at the edge of the [[Wheatbelt (Western Australia)|Wheatbelt]] region to 1,400 millimetres (55&nbsp;inches) in the wettest areas near Northcliffe, but in the months of November to March evaporation exceeds rainfall and it is generally very dry. Plants must be adapted to this as well as the extreme poverty of all soils. A major reduction in rainfall has been observed, with a greater number of rainfall events in the summer months (see [[Southwest corner of Western Australia]]). This may be due to [[Climate change]].

Simon, in his 1990 autobiography, disputes Kirby's account, asserting that the [[supernatural]] [[anthology]] ''Black Magic'' was not a factor, and that he (Simon) devised the name "Spiderman" (later changed to "The Silver Spider"), while Kirby outlined the character's story and powers. Simon later elaborated that his and Kirby's character conception became the basis for Simon's [[Archie Comics]] superhero [[The Fly (Archie Comics)|The Fly]], introduced in early 1959.[[Image:AmazingFantasy15.jpg|thumb|''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (Aug. 1962). Cover art by [[Jack Kirby]] (penciller) & [[Steve Ditko]] (inker).]]

The central four-fifths of the State is [[semi-arid]] or [[desert]], and is lightly inhabited with the only significant activity being mining. Annual rainfall here averages about 200 to 250 millimetres (8&ndash;10&nbsp;in) but is very erratic because most of it is produced in torrential falls by [[tropical cyclone|cyclones]] in the summer months that are often unreliable.

Comics historian [[Greg Theakston]] says that Lee, after receiving Goodman's approval for the name Spider-Man and the "ordinary teen" concept, approached Kirby. Kirby told Lee about his 1950s Silver Spider/Spiderman, in which an orphaned boy living with an old couple finds a magic ring that gives him superpowers. Lee and Kirby "immediately sat down for a story conference" and Lee afterward directed Kirby to flesh out the character and draw some pages. Steve Ditko would be the inker.<ref>Ditko, ''Robin Snyder's History of Comics'', Ibid.: "Stan said a new Marvel hero would be introduced in #15 [of what became titled ''Amazing Fantasy'']. He would be called Spider-Man. Jack would do the penciling and I was to ink the character". At this point still, "Stan said Spider-Man would be a teenager with a magic ring which could transform him into an adult hero &mdash; Spider-Man. I said it sounded like [[The Fly (Archie Comics)|The Fly]], which Joe Simon had done for [[Archie Comics]]. ... Stan called Jack about it but I don't know what was discussed. I never talked to Jack about Spider-Man.... Later, at some point, I was given the job of drawing Spider-Man".</ref> "A day or two later", Kirby showed Lee the first six pages, and, as Lee recalled, "I hated the way he was doing it. Not that he did it badly — it just wasn't the character I wanted; it was too heroic".<ref>Theakston, Greg. ''The Steve Ditko Reader'' (Pure Imagination, Brooklyn, NY, 2002; ISBN 1-56685-011-8), p. 12 (unnumbered)</ref> Simon concurs that Kirby had shown the original Spiderman version to Lee, who liked the idea and assigned Kirby to draw sample pages of the new character but disliked the results — in Simon's description, "[[Captain America]] with cobwebs".{{ref_label|Simon1|1b|1b}}

An exception to this is the northern [[tropical]] regions. The [[Kimberley (Western Australia)|Kimberley]] has an extremely hot [[monsoon]]al climate with average annual rainfall ranging from 500 to 1,500 millimetres (20&ndash;60&nbsp;in), but there is a very long almost rainless season from April to November. Almost all (''85%'') of the State's [[runoff (water)|runoff]] occurs in the Kimberley, but because it occurs in violent [[flood]]s and the insurmountable poverty of the generally shallow soils, the only development has taken place along the [[Ord River]] with an ambitious scheme that has only recently begun to pay off.

Lee turned to Ditko, who developed a visual motif Lee found satisfactory, although Lee would later replace Ditko's original cover with one penciled by Kirby. Ditko said, {{cquote|"The Spider-Man pages Stan showed me were nothing like the (eventually) published character. In fact, the only drawings of Spider-Man were on the splash <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[i.e.]], page 1] and at the end [where] Kirby had the guy leaping at you with a web gun... Anyway, the first five pages took place in the home, and the kid finds a ring and turns into Spider-Man.<ref>Theakston, Ibid., page 13</ref>}}

Snow is only a regular occurrence on the [[Stirling Range]] near [[Albany, Western Australia|Albany]], as it is the only mountain range far enough south and with sufficient elevation. More rarely, snow can fall on the [[Porongurup National Park|Porongurup Range]]. Snow outside these areas is a major event; it usually occurs in hilly areas of southwestern Australia. The most widespread low-level snow occurred on [[26 June]] [[1956]] when snow was reported in the Perth hills, as far north as [[Wongan Hills, Western Australia|Wongan Hills]] and as far east as [[Salmon Gums, Western Australia|Salmon Gums]]. However, even in the Stirling Range, snowfalls rarely exceed 5 cm (2 in) and rarely settle for more than one day.<ref>[http://www.feargod.net/wa-snow1.php Snow in Western Australia: About Snow in WA], retrieved [[4 February]] [[2007]]</ref>

Ditko also recalled that, {{cquote|One of the first things I did was to work up a costume. A vital, visual part of the character. I had to know how he looked ... before I did any breakdowns. For example: A clinging power so he wouldn't have hard shoes or boots, a hidden wrist-shooter versus a web gun and holster, etc. ... I wasn't sure Stan would like the idea of covering the character's face but I did it because it hid an obviously boyish face. It would also add mystery to the character....<ref>Ditko, ''Robin Snyder's History of Comics'', Ibid.</ref>}}

'''Highest maximum temperature:''' 50.5&nbsp;°C (122.9&nbsp;°F), [[Mardie, Western Australia|Mardie]], [[Pilbara]], 61.6&nbsp;kilometres (38.3&nbsp;mi) from [[Barrow Island, Western Australia|Barrow Island]], [[19 February]] [[1998]]

Much earlier, in a rare contemporaneous account, Ditko described his and Lee's contributions in a mail interview with Gary Martin published in ''Comic Fan'' #2 (Summer 1965): "Stan Lee thought the name up. I did costume, web gimmick on wrist & spider signal".<ref>[http://www.ditko.comics.org/ditko/artist/arcomicf.html "Steve Ditko - A Portrait of the Master."] ''Comic Fan'' #2, Summer 1965. Published by Larry Herndon</ref> Additionally, Ditko shared a [[Manhattan]] studio with noted [[fetish]] artist [[Eric Stanton]], an art-school classmate<ref>[http://www.ditko.comics.org/ditko/crea/crerstan.html Ditko Looked Up: "Ditko & Stanton"]</ref> who, in a 1988 interview with Theakston, recalled that although his contribution to Spider-Man was "almost nil", he and Ditko had "worked on storyboards together and I added a few ideas. But the whole thing was created by Steve on his own... I think I added the business about the webs coming out of his hands".<ref>Theakston, Ibid., p. 14 (unnumbered, misordered as page 16)</ref>

'''Lowest minimum temperature:''' -6.7&nbsp;°C (19.9&nbsp;°F), [[Booylgoo Springs, Western Australia|Booylgoo Springs]], 187.3&nbsp;kilometres (116.4&nbsp;mi) from [[Meekatharra, Western Australia|Meekatharra]], [[12 July]] [[1969]] [http://members.iinet.net.au/~jacob/worldtp.html]

===Commercial success===

==History==

A few months after Spider-Man's introduction in ''[[Amazing Fantasy]]'' #15 (Aug. 1962), publisher Martin Goodman saw the sales figures for that issue and found it had been one of the nascent Marvel's highest-selling comics.<ref>Daniels, Ibid., p. 97</ref> A solo series followed, beginning with ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' #1 (March 1963). The title eventually became Marvel's top-selling series<ref>Wright, Ibid., pg. 211</ref> and the character a cultural icon; a 1965 ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'' poll of college campuses found that college students ranked Spider-Man and fellow Marvel hero [[The Hulk]] alongside [[Bob Dylan]] and [[Che Guevara]] as their favorite revolutionary icons. One interviewee selected Spider-Man because he was "beset by woes, money problems, and the question of existence. In short, he is one of us".<ref>Wright, Ibid., pg. 223</ref> Following Ditko's departure after issue #39, [[John Romita, Sr.]] became the character's next-most-associated signature artist, penciling the character over the several following years.

{{Main|History of Western Australia}}

[[Image:SpiderMan96.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #96 (May 1971), the first of three non-[[Comics Code]] issues that prompted the Code's first update, allowing comics to show the negative effects of illegal-drug use. Note cover-blurb reference to "The last fatal trip!" Cover art by [[Gil Kane]]<!--confirmed: both penciled and inked-->]]

[[Image:John Forrest 1898.jpg|thumbnail|170px|[[John Forrest]] was the first Premier of Western Australia]]

An early 1970s Spider-Man story led to the revision of the [[Comics Code Authority|Comics Code]]. Previously, it was taboo to depict [[illegal drugs]], even negatively. However, in 1970 the [[Richard Nixon|Nixon]] administration's [[Department of Health, Education, and Welfare]] asked Stan Lee to run an anti-drug message in one of Marvel's top-selling titles.<ref name="drugs">Wright, Ibid., pg. 239</ref> Lee chose the top-selling ''The Amazing Spider-Man''; issues #96–98 (May–July 1971) feature a [[story arc]] that shows the negative effects of [[drug abuse]]. In the story, Peter Parker's friend [[Harry Osborn]] starts taking pills and becomes so ill that when Spider-Man fights the [[Green Goblin]] (Norman Osborn), Spider-Man defeats Norman by simply showing him his sick son. While the story had a clear anti-drug message, the Comics Code Authority refused to issue its seal of approval. Marvel nevertheless sold the three issues without the Comics Code Authority's approval or seal and sold so well that the industry's self-censorship was undercut.<ref name="drugs" />

The first inhabitants of Australia arrived from the north approximately 40,000 to 60,000 years ago. Over thousands of years they eventually spread across the whole landmass. These [[Indigenous Australians]] were well established throughout Western Australia by the time European ships started accidentally arriving en-route to Batavia (now [[Jakarta]]) in the early seventeenth century.

In 1972, a second monthly [[ongoing series]] starring Spider-Man began: ''[[Marvel Team-Up]]'', in which Spider-Man is paired with other superheroes. In 1976, his second solo series, ''[[The Spectacular Spider-Man|Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man]]'' began, running parallel to the main series; a third solo series, ''[[Web of Spider-Man]]'', launched in 1985, replacing ''[[Marvel Team-Up]]''. The launch of a fourth monthly title in 1990, written and drawn by popular artist [[Todd McFarlane]], debuted with multiple variant covers and sold in excess of three million copies , an industry record at the time.<ref>Wright, Ibid., pg. 279</ref> There have generally been at least two ongoing Spider-Man series at any time. Several [[limited series]], [[One-shot (comics)|one-shots]] and loosely related comics have also been published, and Spider-Man makes frequent cameos and guest appearances in other comic series.

The first European to visit Western Australia was a [[Dutch people|Dutch]] explorer, [[Dirk Hartog]] who on [[26 October]] [[1616]] landed at (what is now known as) Cape Inscription, Dirk Hartog Island. For the rest of the 17th century there were many other Dutch travellers who also, usually unintentionally, encountered the coast. By the late 1700s, English and French sailors had also begun to explore the Western Australian coast.

The original ''Amazing Spider-Man'' ran through issue #441 (Nov. 1998). Writer-artist [[John Byrne]] then revamped the origin of Spider-Man in the 13-issue [[miniseries]] ''[[Spider-Man: Chapter One]]'' (Dec. 1998 - Oct. 1999, with an issue #0 midway through and some months containing two issue), similar to his having details and some revisions to Superman's origin in [[DC Comics]]' ''[[The Man of Steel (comic book)|The Man of Steel]]''. Running concurrently, ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' was restarted with vol. 2, #1 (Jan. 1999). With what would have been vol. 2, #59, Marvel reintroduced the original numbering, starting with #500 (Dec. 2003). This flagship series has reached issue #540 as of early 2007.

The present state has its origins in the expropriation of Aboriginal land by the British settlement known as the [[Swan River Colony]], founded at Perth in [[1829]] (although the first British settlement occurred in Albany in 1826).

As of 2007, Spider-Man regularly appears in ''The Amazing Spider-Man'', ''[[New Avengers (comic book)|New Avengers]]'', [[The Sensational Spider-Man (vol. 2)|''The Sensational Spider-Man'']], ''[[Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man]]'', ''[[Spider-Man Family]]'' and various [[limited series]] in mainstream Marvel Comics continuity, as well as in the [[alternate-universe]] series ''[[Spider-Girl|The Amazing Spider-Girl]]'', and ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man]]'', the alternate-universe [[tween]] series ''[[Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane]]'', and the alternate-universe children's series ''[[Marvel Adventures Spider-Man]]'' and ''[[Avengers_%28comics%29#Marvel_Adventures:__The_Avengers|Marvel Adventures: The Avengers]]''.

Population growth was very slow until significant discoveries of [[gold]] were made in the 1890s around [[Kalgoorlie, Western Australia|Kalgoorlie]].

Spider-Man has become Marvel's flagship character, and is often used as the company mascot. When Marvel became the first comic book company to be listed on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] in 1991, the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' announced "Spider-man is coming to [[Wall Street]]"; the event was in turn promoted with an actor in a Spider-Man costume accompanying Stan Lee to the Stock Exchange.<ref>Wright, Ibid., pg. 254</ref> When Marvel wanted to issue a story dealing with the immediate aftermath of the [[September 11th, 2001 attacks]], the company settled on the December 2001 issue of ''The Amazing Spider-Man''.<ref>{{cite web | author=Yarbrough, Beau | year=2001 | title=Marvel to Take on World Trade Center Attack in 'Amazing Spider-Man'| format=http | work=ComicBookResources.com | url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=461 | accessdate=September 29|accessyear=2006}}</ref> In 2006, Spider-Man garnered major media coverage with the revealing of the character's secret identity,<ref>{{cite web | author= | year=2006| title=Spider-Man Removes Mask at Last | format=http | work=BBC | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5084326.stm | accessdate=September 29|accessyear=2006}}</ref> an event detailed in a full-page story in the ''[[New York Post]]'' before the issue containing the story was even released.<ref>{{cite web | author= | year=2006| title=New York Post Spoils Civil War #2 | format=http | work=Newsarama.com | url=http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/CivilWar/CivilWar2_End.html | accessdate=September 29|accessyear=2006}}</ref>

The colony eventually became a state of Australia on [[1 January]] [[1901]].

==Fictional character biography==

==People==

{{main|Fictional history of Spider-Man}}

[[Image:Swan River,Perth,Western Australia.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Western Australia's capital city, [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]], on the Swan River, home to three quarters of the state's population]]

In his first appearance, Peter Parker is introduced as a teenager from the [[Forest Hills, Queens|Forest Hills]] section of [[New York City]] who gets bitten by a [[radioactive]] spider during a science demonstration. He gains powers and at first attempts to become a TV star. He fails to stop a thief, and weeks later the same criminal kills his [[Benjamin Parker|Uncle Ben]]. Learning that with great power comes great responsibility, Spider-Man becomes a vigilante.<ref>''Amazing Fantasy'' #15, Vol. 1</ref> As he battles his enemies for the first time, Parker finds juggling his personal life and costumed adventures difficult, even attempting to give up.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #50, Vol. 1</ref><ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #100, Vol. 1</ref> Enemies constantly endanger his loved ones,<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man Annual'' #1, 1963</ref> with the [[Green Goblin]] managing to kill his girlfriend [[Gwen Stacy]].<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #121, Vol. 1</ref> Though haunted by her death, he eventually marries their mutual friend, [[Mary Jane Watson]],{{Fact|date=May 2007}} and much later reveals his civilian identity to the world,{{Fact|date=May 2007}} furthering his already numerous problems.

Since the settlement in 1829 of the [[Swan River Colony]] by the [[Great Britain|British]], many immigrants have continued to be of British origin, outnumbered only by arrivals from other Australian states. Today Australian Aboriginal people number over 1.5% of the population and are rapidly growing despite having mean average [[life expectancy|life expectancy rates]] more than 20 years less than the average non Aboriginal Australian.

==Powers and equipment==

There has also been significant immigration from [[New Zealand]] and [[South Africa]]. Small numbers of [[Southeast Asia]]n (especially [[Overseas Chinese|ethnic Chinese]]) immigrants began to arrive in Western Australia in the mid-to-late [[19th century]], attracted to the goldfields. Transportation of convicts to Western Australia did not begin until 1850 and lasted until 1868 with Western Australia being the last colony to receive convicts. During this period, over 9,000 convicts were transported to the colony, on 43 convict ships. Immigration restrictions (the [[White Australia Policy]]) caused non-white immigration to cease in the 1890s. Unlike most other parts of Australia, Western Australia received many migrants from Italy in the 1920s, a time when many Italian immigrants were choosing to go to the United States. Following [[World War II]], immigration to all of Australia from [[Europe]] increased, especially from [[Italy]], [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]], [[Germany]], [[Russia]], [[Ukraine]], and [[Greece]].

{{Main|Spider-Man's powers and equipment}}

[[Image:Spidey costumes.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The three costumes of Spider-Man used in ''Civil War''. Art by [[Leinil Francis Yu]].]]

A bite from an [[irradiated]] spider causes a variety of changes in Peter Parker's body, giving him [[List of comic book superpowers|superpowers]]. In the original [[Stan Lee|Lee]]-[[Steve Ditko|Ditko]] stories, Spider-Man has the ability to cling to walls, superhuman strength, a sixth sense ("spider-sense") that alerts him to danger, perfect balance and equilibrium, as well as superhuman speed and agility. In story-lines published in 2005 and 2006 (such as [[Spider-Man: The Other|The Other]]), he develops additional spider-like abilities including biological web-shooters, toxic stingers that extend from his forearms, the ability to stick individuals to his back, better control over Spider-sense for detection, and night vision. Spider-Man's strength and speed have also increased beyond his original limits.

Spider-Man's overall metabolic efficiency has been greatly increased, and the composition of his skeleton, inter-connected tissues, and nervous system have all been enhanced. Spider-Man's musculature has been augmented so that he is superhumanly strong and flexible. He has developed a unique fighting style that makes full use of his agility, strength, and equilibrium.

In the [[1970s]], a new wave of Asian immigrants, mostly ethnic Chinese and [[Vietnamese people|Vietnamese]] began to arrive in Western Australia. Perth, in particular, paralleled the multicultural experience of other large Australian cities and has become home to people from most of the countries in the world. Presently, 11.9% of Western Australian residents were born in the United Kingdom or [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], while 5.3% were born in Asia. In recent years, Western Australia has had the highest overseas migration rates in the nation. Western Australia now has the highest proportion of overseas born citizens in Australia. Interestingly, Perth has developed a significant Japanese population and now has more Japanese nationals with Australian permanent residency than any other city in Australia.

Peter Parker is intellectually gifted, excelling in [[applied science]], [[chemistry]] and [[physics]]. In fact, Peter's uncanny affinity for [[science]] is nothing short of [[genius]]. He uses his wits in addition to his powers. Besides outsmarting his foes, he constructs many devices that complement his powers, most notably mechanical web-shooters (ejecting an advanced adhesive compound which dissolves after two hours<ref>{{cite web| title = Spider-Man| publisher = Marvel Directory| url = http://www.marveldirectory.com/individuals/s/spiderman.htm| accessdate = 2006-10-21}}</ref>), which he developed in his teenage years. They are capable of releasing web-fluid in a variety of configurations, including a single strand to swing from, a net, and a simple glob to foul machinery or blind an opponent. He can also weave the web material into simple forms like a shield, a spherical protection or hemi-spherical barrier, a club, or a hang-glider wing. Other equipment includes spider-tracers (spider-shaped adhesive homing beacons keyed to his own spider-sense), a light beacon which can either be used as a flashlight or project a "Spider-Signal" design, a specially modified [[camera]] that can take pictures automatically. He has also used an invention of Ben Reilly's (a clone of Peter Parker), called "impact webbing": a pellet that explodes on impact into a wrap-around net of webbing.

Perth's metropolitan area had an estimated population of 1.50 million in 2006 which was almost three quarters of the state's population. The Perth metropolitan area has grown to include the port of [[Fremantle, Western Australia|Fremantle]] and the town of [[Rockingham, Western Australia|Rockingham]]. Other important or well-known centres include [[Mandurah, Western Australia|Mandurah]] (pop. 54,000), [[Bunbury, Western Australia|Bunbury]], [[Kalgoorlie]], [[Albany, Western Australia|Albany]], [[Geraldton, Western Australia|Geraldton]], [[Port Hedland, Western Australia|Port Hedland]] and [[Broome, Western Australia|Broome]], but these are all relatively small cities or towns.

Though lacking in directed training, Spider-Man is one of the most experienced superheroes in the Marvel Universe. He has worked with virtually everyone in the superhero community at one time or another. Due to this experience, he has beaten foes with far greater powers and abilities. His fighting style is purely freestyle, which incorporates his speed, agility, strength and spider-sense. A very large part of his combat ability is improvisation and using his wits to out-think his opponents. One constant is his habit of using jokes, puns and insults. This not only causes his adversaries to become angry and distracted, but it also helps Spider-Man deal with any fears or doubts that he might have during a battle.

==Economy==

[[Image:Kalgoorlie Super Pit.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Kalgoorlie Super Pit, Australia's largest open-cut gold mine.]]

Western Australia has the highest per capita output of any Australian state, with an economy that has been largely based on the extraction and export of mining and petroleum commodities, especially, [[iron]], [[alumina]], [[natural gas]], [[nickel]] and [[gold]]. Western Australia is a leading alumina extractor, producing more than 20% of the world's [[aluminium]]. It is also the world's third-largest iron ore producer, producing around 15% of the world's total iron ore output. Western Australia also extracts up to 75% of Australia's 240 tonnes of gold. Diamonds are extracted at [[Argyle diamond mine]] in the North West. Coal is mined at [[Collie, Western Australia|Collie]] and used for domestic power production.

Spider-Man has had a few costume changes over his history, with three notable costumes -- his traditional red-and-blue costume, the black-and-white alien [[symbiote (comics)|symbiote]] and the technologically advanced [[Spider-Man's powers and equipment#Stark Armor|Stark Armor]] costume designed by [[Iron Man|Tony Stark]]. In early comics and sporadically throughout his run depending on a given artist's interpretation, Spider-Man's costume included webbing that extended from his underarms to his torso.

Western Australia's economy recently has benefited from an unprecedented amount of foreign demand for resources, particularly from [[China]]. This has contributed to strong [[Gross state product|GSP]] growth.<ref>[http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[e-mail]/log?openagent&5220001_Annual_Gross_State_Product_All_States.xls&5220.0&Time%20Series%20Spreadsheet&EA12DD28F5551158CA257221001A0D89&0&2005-06%20Reissue&13.11.2006&Latest 5220.0 Gross state product, Chain volume measures and current prices]</ref> Perth has emerged as a significant administration centre for businesses in the mineral and oil and gas industries.

Spider-Man editor Axel Alonso said in a November 2006 interview that Spider-Man will again wear his black costume beginning February 2007 partially, but not primarily, due to the [[Spider-Man 3|third Spider-Man film]].<ref> {{cite web | title = Spider-Man's Back in Black in February| publisher = [[CBR]]| url = http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=8341|accessdate = 2006-11-06}}</ref>

Agricultural exports are also important (amounting to approximately 3% of GSP), especially wheat, barley and sheep products such as wool and meat. In recent years, [[Tourism in Australia|tourism]] has grown in importance, with the majority of visitors coming from the United Kingdom and Ireland, Singapore, Japan and Malaysia.

==Enemies==

Western Australia, with about 10% of Australia's population, has historically generated approximately 30% of Australia's export revenues, however the recent commodities boom has pushed this figure to now exceed 40%. The State now generates more export income than New South Wales and Victoria (Australia's two most populous states) combined. High incomes, strong corporate activity, lower unemployment, mineral revenue and a younger population mean that Western Australia provides a significant financial subsidy to all other states. The economic boom in Western Australia is so strong that a significant labour shortage has emerged. The state government has launched an appeal for more people to move to the growing state at [http://www.gowestnow.com www.gowestnow.com]. Very high levels of job vacancies have emerged and unless skilled workers can be found, the state government fears that significant economic opportunities may be lost.

{{main|Spider-Man villains}}

Spider-Man has one of the best-known [[rogues gallery|rogues galleries]] in comics. Spider-Man's most infamous and dangerous enemies are generally considered to be the [[Green Goblin]], [[Doctor Octopus]], and [[Venom (comics)|Venom]].<ref> {{cite web | title = Spider-Man villain poll| publisher = [[IGN]]| url = http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/684/684904p5.html| accessdate = 2006-10-01}}</ref> Others include the [[Hobgoblin (comics)|Hobgoblin]], the [[Lizard (comics)|Lizard]], the [[Scorpion (comics)|Scorpion]], the [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]], the [[Rhino (comics)|Rhino]], [[Mysterio]], [[Morbius the Living Vampire]], [[Morlun]], [[Hydro Man]], [[Shocker]], the [[Vulture (comics)|Vulture]], [[Electro (comics)|Electro]], [[Chameleon (comics)|Chameleon]], [[Kraven the Hunter]], [[Carnage (comics)|Carnage]], and the [[Kingpin (comics)|Kingpin]]. As with Spider-Man, the majority of these villains' powers originate with scientific accidents or the misuse of scientific technology, and they tend to have animal-themed costumes or powers. At times these villains have formed groups such as the [[Sinister Six]] to oppose Spider-Man.

==Supporting characters==

This boom has also caused a massive rise in property values. Average residential property increased in value by over 40% in 2006. Perth property is now the most valuable in Australia and has replaced Sydney as the most expensive city in Australia. Massive projects continue to fuel the economy and population growth continues to push rental and purchase prices up.

{{main|Spider-Man supporting characters}}

[[Image:ASM519 COV.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Spider-Man, his Aunt May and wife Mary Jane. Art by [[Mike Deodato]].]]

Spider-Man was conceived as an ordinary person given great power, and the comics detail his civilian life, friends, family and romances as much as his super-heroic adventures.

Some of the more important and well-known members of his extensive supporting cast include: <!-- keep this list as short as possible please! Additions should be added to 'Spider-Man supporting characters' -->

Significant refining and manufacturing industries are located within the state and are continuing to grow strongly with the states booming economy. These include [[Liquified natural gas]] production mainly for export to Asia, Petro chemicals and fertilizer Production in the North West Shelf region. A major heavy industrial area is located south of Perth at [[Kwinana]]. Oil Refining is conducted here along with an [[iron]] and [[steel]] mill owned by [[BHP Billiton]]. Alumina and Nickel are also produced in Kwinana. Shipbuilding is conducted at [[Austal Ships|Austal]] yards in [[Henderson, Western Australia|Henderson]] south of [[Fremantle]]. Several heavy and light engineering and metal fabrication factories are located in Perth catering for the demands of the mining industry. Other light industries include cement and building product manufacturing, flour milling, food processing, animal feed production, automotive body building, printing and boat building.

*[[Aunt May]] – Peter Parker's loving aunt, who raises him after his parents die. After the murder of her husband, Peter's [[Benjamin Parker|Uncle Ben]], May is virtually his only family, and they are very close.

*[[Gwen Stacy]] – Peter's college girlfriend, who is tragically murdered by the [[Green Goblin]].

*[[Betty Brant]] – Secretary at the Daily Bugle who was once in love with Peter

*[[J. Jonah Jameson]] – the irascible publisher of the ''[[Daily Bugle]]'' newspaper. While he employs Peter Parker as a photographer, he is also Spider-Man's greatest critic and largely responsible for the public's distrust of the hero.

*[[Joseph "Robbie" Robertson]] – Editor-in-chief at the ''Daily Bugle'', a moderating influence on Jameson, and a father figure to Peter after Uncle Ben's Death.

*[[Mary Jane Watson]] – originally merely Gwen Stacy's competition, MJ eventually became Peter's best friend and wife.

*[[Flash Thompson]] – Peter Parker's high school [[bullying|tormentor]], later one of his closest friends. Due to brain damage, he suffers [[amnesia]] and regresses to his [[bullying]] personality.

*[[Harry Osborn]] – Peter's best friend in college, who eventually follows his father's footsteps and becomes the second [[Green Goblin]], which destroys him.

*[[Black Cat (comics)|Black Cat, Felicia Hardy]] – a reformed cat burglar who was Spider-Man's lover and partner at one point.

==Alternate versions==

IT industry is located at the Bentley Technology Park.

{{main|Alternate versions of Spider-Man}}

Several major along with smaller specialised breweries are located mainly in Perth including Swan Brewrey at Canning Vale, Carlton United Brewing at Mosman Bay others include Little Creatures Brewery in Fremantle and Gage Roads Brewery also Fremantle. Western Australia also has major wine producing regions in the South West located in the [[Margaret River]] region and Swan Valley. Several wineries produce wine for local consumption and international export

==In other media==

Western Australia has a significant fishing industry that produces fish for the local cats which don't know nothingconsumption and foreign export including Western [[Rock Lobsters]], Prawns, Crabs, Shark and Tuna. Processing is conducted along the west coast. Whaling ceased at [[Albany, Western Australia|Albany]] in 1978.

{{main|Spider-Man in other media}}

==Bibliography==

Perth is a major center for banking and finance, and includes state head offices for all major banks, [[Commonwealth Bank|Commonwealth]], [[National Australia Bank]], [[Westpac]] and [[Australia and New Zealand Banking Group|ANZ]]. It is also home to the Head Office of [[Woodside Petroleum]] and has major offices for [[Rio Tinto Group|Rio Tinto]], BHP and [[Western Mining Corporation]]. Several insurance companies have large offices in Perth including [[AXA]], [[Aviva]], [[AMP Limited|AMP]] and [[SGIO]].

:''Main article: [[Bibliography of Spider-Man titles]]''

Spider-Man [[first appearance|first appeared]] in ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15. After that, he was given his own series. Many followed, and as of July 2006, the related titles are:

*''[[The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' #1–441, Vol. 2 #1–58, #500&mdash; (Marvel Comics; March 1963 – Nov. 1998, Jan. 1999 – Dec. 2003, January 2004&mdash;).

[[Image:HayStreetPerth01 gobeirne.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Hay Street, Perth]]

*''[[Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man]]'' #1&mdash; (Marvel Comics; December 2005&mdash;).

Perth has the biggest retail sector in the state with retail outlets being found mainly in Hay, Murray and Wellington Streets. Several large shopping malls are located in the suburbs at Garden City, Karrinyup, Morley and Cannington. Department stores include [[Myer]] and [[David Jones Limited|David Jones]]. Fremantle is also a retail centre catering for local and tourist needs.

*''[[The Sensational Spider-Man (vol. 2)|''The Sensational Spider-Man'']]'' #23&mdash; (Marvel Comics; April 2006&mdash;).

*''[[Spider-Man Family]]'' #1&mdash; (Marvel Comics; Feb. 2007&mdash;)

*''[[New Avengers (comic)|New Avengers]]'' #1&mdash; (Marvel Comics; Jan. 2005&mdash;, continuation of ''Avengers'' vol. 3)

*''[[Astonishing Spider-Man]]'' #1&mdash; ([[Panini Comics]]/[[Marvel UK]]; Unknown month 1994&mdash;). Part of Marvel UK's "Collector Edition" line, reprinting US stories from two to three years earlier

===Other continuities===

Western Australia is also unique in that it is the only state in Australia where retail trade is tightly regulated and there are strict restrictions on the hours that stores are allowed to open. Major stores are restricted to open between 8:00am and 6:00 p.m. weekdays except Thursdays in the suburbs where closing time is 9:00pm. Saturdays stores are open from 8:00 am to 5:00pm. A [[referendum]] was held on [[26 February]] [[2005]] on the issue of allowing weekday trading to 9pm and 6 hours of trade on Sundays; the referendum was defeated, in line with historical Australian referendum voting (only 8 successful referendums from 44).

*''[[Ultimate Spider-Man]]'' #1&mdash; (Marvel Comics/[[Ultimate Marvel]]; Oct. 2000&mdash;)

*''[[Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane]]'' #1&mdash; (Marvel Comics; Dec. 2005&mdash;) Sequel to ''Mary Jane'' and ''Mary Jane: Homecoming'' miniseries).

*''[[Spider-Girl|The Amazing Spider-Girl]]'' #1&mdash; (Marvel Comics; October 2006&mdash;) Set in an alternate future, starring Spider-Man's daughter.

*''[[Marvel Adventures Spider-Man]]'' #1&mdash; (Marvel Comics/[[Marvel Adventures]]; May 2005&mdash;) Continuation of ''Marvel Age Spider-Man''

*''[[Avengers_%28comics%29#Marvel_Adventures:__The_Avengers|Marvel Adventures: The Avengers]]'' #1&mdash; (Marvel Comics/[[Marvel Adventures]]; May 2006&mdash;).

==Footnotes==

Exemptions to this are granted for designated tourist precincts of the Perth city centre, Fremantle and major regional centres: these are allowed to trade on Sundays from 12:00pm until 5:00pm. The Perth City area has Friday night trading until 9:00pm.

{{Reflist}}

<div class="references-small">

===Notable Western Australian private companies===

{{note_label|Lee|1a|1a}}Stan Lee, 1986: "He gave me 1,000 reasons why Spider-Man would never work. Nobody likes spiders; it sounds too much like Superman; and how could a teenager be a superhero? Then I told him I wanted the character to be a very human guy, someone who makes mistakes, who worries, who gets acne, has trouble with his girlfriend, things like that. [Goodman replied,] 'He's a hero! He's not an average man!' I said, "No, we make him an average man who happens to have super powers, that's what will make him good'. He told me I was crazy".

*[[Alinta]]<ref>[http://www.asx.com.au/asx/research/CompanyInfoSearchResults.jsp?searchBy=asxCode&allinfo=on&asxCode=AAN Australian Securities Exchange entry for Alinta] Retrieved [[2007-01-26]].</ref>

::''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' interview, quoted in ''The Steve Ditko Reader'' by [[Greg Theakston]] (Pure Imagination, Brooklyn, NY; ISBN 1-56685-011-8), p. 12 (unnumbered)

*[[Aquila Resources Limited]]<ref>[http://www.asx.com.au/asx/research/CompanyInfoSearchResults.jsp?searchBy=asxCode&allinfo=on&asxCode=AQA Australian Securities Exchange entry for Aquila Resources] Retrieved [[2007-01-26]].</ref>

*[[Australasian Resources Limited]]<ref>[http://www.asx.com.au/asx/research/CompanyInfoSearchResults.jsp?searchBy=asxCode&allinfo=on&asxCode=ARH Australian Securities Exchange entry for Australasian Resources] Retrieved [[2007-01-26]].</ref>

{{note_label|Kirby1|1a|1a}}Jack Kirby, 1982: "Spider-Man was discussed between [[Joe Simon]] and myself. It was the last thing Joe and I had discussed. We had a strip called the 'The Silver Spider'. The Silver Spider was going into a magazine called ''Black Magic''. ''Black Magic'' folded with [[Crestwood]] (Simon & Kirby's 1950s comics company) and we were left with the script. I believe I said this could become a thing called Spider-Man, see, a superhero character. I had a lot of faith in the superhero character that they could be brought back... and I said Spider-Man would be a fine character to start with. But Joe had already moved on. So the idea was already there when I talked to Stan".

*[[Bank of Western Australia|BankWest]]<ref>[http://www.bankwest.com.au BankWest Website] Retrieved [[2007-01-26]].</ref>

::"Shop Talk: Jack Kirby", ''[[Will Eisner]]'s [[The Spirit|Spirit]] Magazine'' #39 (Feb. 1982)

*[[Multiplex (company)|Multiplex]]<ref>[http://www.asx.com.au/asx/research/CompanyInfoSearchResults.jsp?searchBy=asxCode&allinfo=on&asxCode=MXG Australian Securities Exchange entry for the Multiplex Group] Retrieved [[2007-01-26]].</ref>

*[[Wesfarmers]]<ref>[http://www.asx.com.au/asx/research/CompanyInfoSearchResults.jsp?searchBy=asxCode&allinfo=on&asxCode=WES&companyName=&principalActivity=&industryGroup=NO Australian Securities Exchange entry for Wesfarmers] Retrieved [[2007-01-26]].</ref>

*[[The West Australian|West Australian Newspapers]]<ref>[http://www.asx.com.au/asx/research/CompanyInfoSearchResults.jsp?searchBy=asxCode&allinfo=on&asxCode=WAN Australian Securities Exchange entry for West Australian Newspapers] Retrieved [[2007-01-26]].</ref>

*[[Woodside Petroleum]]<ref>[http://www.asx.com.au/asx/research/CompanyInfoSearchResults.jsp?searchBy=asxCode&allinfo=on&asxCode=WPL Australian Securities Exchange entry for Woodside Petroleum] Retrieved [[2007-01-26]].</ref>

{{note_label|Simon1|1b|1b}}Joe Simon, 1990: "There were a few holes in Jack's never-dependable memory. For instance, there was no ''Black Magic'' involved at all. ... Jack brought in the Spider-Man logo that I had loaned to him before we changed the name to The Silver Spider. Kirby laid out the story to Lee about the kid who finds a ring in a spiderweb, gets his powers from the ring, and goes forth to fight crime armed with The Silver Spider's old web-spinning pistol. Stan Lee said, 'Perfect, just what I want.' After obtaining permission from publisher [[Martin Goodman (publisher)|Martin Goodman]], Lee told Kirby to pencil-up an origin story. Kirby... using parts of an old rejected superhero named Night Fighter... revamped the old Silver Spider script, including revisions suggested by Lee. But when Kirby showed Lee the sample pages, it was Lee's turn to gripe. He had been expecting a skinny young kid who is transformed into a skinny young kid with spider powers. Kirby had him turn into... Captain America with cobwebs. He turned Spider-Man over to Steve Ditko, who... ignored Kirby's pages, tossed the character's magic ring, web-pistol and goggles... and completely redesigned Spider-Man's costume and equipment. In this life, he became high-school student Peter Parker, who gets his spider powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. ... Lastly, the Spider-Man logo was redone and a dashing hyphen added".

===Minimum Wages===

::Simon, Joe, with Jim Simon. ''The Comic Book Makers'' (Crestwood/II, 1990) ISBN 1-887591-35-4.

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Minimum wage applicable to employees covered by the Western Australian State labour relations system (other employees may be entitled to a higher minimum wage)

|- bgcolor="#efefef"

|

! colspan="2" | Full Time/Part Time Employee

! Casual Employee

|-

! Age

! Weekly Wage ([[AUD]])

! Hourly Wage ([[AUD]])

! Hourly Wage ([[AUD]])

|-

| Adult (>21 years)

| $504.40

| $13.27

| $15.93

|-

| 20 years (90% Adult Wage)

|$454.00

|$11.95

|$14.34

|-

|19 years (80% Adult Wage)

|$403.60

|$10.62

|$12.75

|-

|18 years (70% Adult Wage)

|$353.10

|$9.29

|$11.15

|-

|17 years (60% Adult Wage)

|$302.70

|$7.97

|$9.56

|-

|16 years (50% Adult Wage)

|$252.20

|$6.64

|$7.96

|-

|<16 years (40% Adult Wage)

|$201.80

|$5.31

|$6.37

|}

*{{note_label|Simon2|1c|1c}}Joe Simon, 1997: "In the late [[1950s]], [[Archie Comics]] asked me to create a new line of superheroes. I gave the Silver Spider sketches to Jack Kirby and I changed the name again, this time to [[The Fly (Archie Comics)|The Fly]]. Jack held onto the sketches and when Stan Lee asked Jack for new ideas, Jack brought the original Spider-Man pages to Marvel Comics. Later, Stan handed the pages over to Steve Ditko. Ditko, on first seeing those pages, commented, 'This is Joe Simon's Fly.' Steve Ditko worked up his own version of the character's costume".

==Government==

::"KAPOW! A Talk With Joe Simon", Dan Whitehead, ''The Web'' Magazine, 1997.

{{main|Government of Western Australia}}

</div>

[[Image:WAGovernmentHouse1crop gobeirne.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Government House, Western Australia]]

Western Australia was granted self-government in 1889 with a bicameral House of Parliament, located in Perth, consisting of the [[Western Australian Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]] (or ''lower house''), which has 57 members; and the [[Western Australian Legislative Council|Legislative Council]] (or ''upper house''), which has 34 members. Suffrage is universal and compulsory for Australian citizens residing in Western Australia over 18 years of age.

With the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901, Western Australia became a State within Australia's [[Federation|federal]] structure; this involved ceding certain powers to the Commonwealth (or Federal) government in accordance with the Constitution; all powers not specifically granted to the Commonwealth remained solely with the State, however over time the Commonwealth has effectively expanded its powers through increasing control of taxation and financial distribution.

Whilst the sovereign of Western Australia is the Queen of Australia ([[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]]), and executive power nominally vested in her State representative the [[Governor of Western Australia|Governor]] (currently [[Ken Michael]]), executive power is effectively administered by the premier and ministers. The premier is [[Alan Carpenter]] and ministers are drawn from the party or coalition of parties holding a majority of seats in the lower house of Parliament, (currently Labor).

===Secession===

{{main|Secessionism in Western Australia}}

[[Secessionism in Western Australia|Secessionism]] has been a recurring feature of Western Australia's political landscape since shortly after European settlement in 1829. Western Australia was the most reluctant participant in the [[Federation of Australia|Commonwealth of Australia]].<ref>[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/MULR/2000/40.html Review Essay, New Federation History, Melbourne University Law Review] www.austlii.edu.au </ref>. Western Australia did not participate in the earliest federation conference. Longer term residents of Western Australia were generally opposed to federation, however the discovery of gold brought several immigrants from other parts of Australia. It was these residents, primarily in [[Kalgoorlie, Western Australia|Kalgoorlie]] but also in [[Albany, Western Australia|Albany]] who voted to join the Commonwealth, and the proposal of these areas being admitted separately was considered.

In a [[referendum]] in April [[1933]], 68% of voters voted for the state to leave the Commonwealth of Australia with the aim of returning to the [[British Empire]] as an autonomous territory. The State Government sent a delegation to [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Westminster]], but the British Government refused to intervene and therefore no action was taken to implement this decision.

For social and cultural reasons the concept of secession is unlikely to be seriously considered in the future, even though commentators occasionally raise the idea due to economic reasons.

== Native species ==

[[Image:Black_Swans.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The [[Black Swan]] is the state bird of Western Australia]]

[[Image:Kangaroo Paw.JPG|thumb|right|150px|The [[Kangaroo Paw]] is the Floral emblem of Western Australia]]

===Fauna===

==== Birds ====

WA is home to around [[List of Western Australian birds|540 species of birds]] (depending on the taxonomy used). Of these around 15 are endemic to the state. The best areas for birds are the south-western corner of the state and the area around Broome and the Kimberley.

=== Flora ===

(see [[:Category:Flora of Western Australia|Flora of Western Australia]])

Western Australia, in its south west region has some of the largest numbers of plant species for its area in the world. Prior to European settlers expanding agriculture, it is speculated that there were significant numbers of flower and plant species that were never described before they became extinct.

====Algae====

[[William Henry Harvey]] (1811 - 1866) published his magnificent five-volume ''Phycologia Australia'' which was issued in parts between 1858 and 1863. He earned the title of ''father of Australian Phycology''. His main collection is in the herbarium of [[Trinity College Dublin]] (TCD)., there is also a large collection of his specimens in the [[Ulster Museum]] (BEL), Belfast.

== Education ==

Education in Western Australia consists of one year of pre-school at age 5, followed by seven years of primary school education, ie Years 1 through 7. Students move into Year 8 at age 13 and five years of secondary education. The final two years of secondary education are currently changing to compulsory. All students who completed Year 10 in 2005 are now required to undertake further studies in yr 11. Students are required to complete the year in which they turn 16 (usually yr 11).

Commencing in 2008 all students will be required to complete 12 years of study before leaving school. Students will have the option to study at a [[Technical and Further Education|TAFE]] college in their eleventh year or continue through high school with a vocational course or a specific University entrance course.

The major universities in Western Australia are the [[Curtin University]], [[Murdoch University]], [[Edith Cowan University]], [[University of Notre Dame Australia|University of Notre Dame]] and the [[University of Western Australia]].

== Media ==

=== Print ===

Western Australia has two daily newspapers: the independent tabloid ''[[The West Australian]]'' and ''[[The Kalgoorlie Miner]]''. Also published is one Sunday tabloid newspaper, [[News Corporation]]'s ''[[The Sunday Times (Western Australia)|The Sunday Times]]''. However, the interstate broadsheet publication ''[[The Australian]]'' is also available, although with sales per capita lagging far behind those in other states. With the advent of the Internet, other online publications from around the world are now easily accessible. Some, like the New South Wales based ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' and ''The Australian'' which provide free access to their sites, are becoming increasingly popular.

=== Television ===

Metropolitan Perth has eight broadcast television stations;

* [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] WA. Produces nightly local news at 7pm. ''(digital & analogue) (callsign: [[ABW-2]] Analog, [[ABW-2|ABW-12]] Digital)''

* [[ABC 2]] ''(digital only) (callsign: [[ABW-2|ABW-12]])''

* [[Special Broadcasting Service|SBS]] WA ''(digital & analogue) (callsign: [[SBS-28]] Analog, [[SBS-28|SBS-29]] Digital)''

* [[SBS World News Channel]] ''(digital only) (callsign: [[SBS-28|SBS-29]])''

* [[Seven Network]] Perth. Produces weeknightly local news from 6pm - 7pm. ''(digital & analogue) (callsign: [[TVW-7]] Analog, [[TVW-7|TVW-6]] Digital)''

* [[Nine Network]] Perth. Produces weeknightly local news from 6pm - 6.30pm. ''(digital & analogue) (callsign: [[STW-9]] Analog, [[STW-9|STW-8]] Digital)''

* [[Network Ten]] Perth. Airs weeknightly local news from 5pm - 6pm, however live from [[Sydney]]. ''(digital & analogue) (callsign: [[NEW-10]] Analogue, [[NEW-10|NEW-11]] Digital)''

* [[Access 31]]. Community service channel. ''(analogue-only) (callsign: [[Access 31|ATW-31]])''

Regional WA has a similar availability of stations, with the exception of Access 31 in all areas but [[Bunbury, Western Australia|Bunbury]] and [[Albany, Western Australia|Albany]]. The metropolitans commercial stations are affiliated with:

* [[Golden West Network|Golden West Network (GWN)]]. Produces weeknightly local news from 5.30pm - 6pm, also airs Seven Perth news until 7pm) ''(analogue only) (callsign: SSW South West, VEW Goldfields/Esperance, GTW Central West, WAW Statewide)''

* [[WIN Television WA]]. Produces weeknightly local news from 6pm - 6:30pm, however live from [[Wollongong, New South Wales|Wollongong]]. Also airs Ten Perth news from 5pm - 6pm. ''(analogue only) (callsign: WOW)''

Pay TV services are provided by [[Foxtel]], which acquired many of the assets and all the remaining subscribers of the insolvent [[Galaxy (Australian TV)|Galaxy Television]] satellite service in [[1998]]. Some metropolitan suburbs are serviced by Pay TV via cable; however, most of the metropolitan and rural areas can only access Pay TV via satellite.

=== Radio ===

The top five radio stations broadcasting in Perth include, (2005 ratings in descending order), [[Mix 94.5]], [[720 ABC Perth|720 ABC]], [[96fm (Perth radio station)|96FM]], [[Nova 937|NOVA 93.7FM]] and [[6PR]]AM. The regional areas of the state have a number of local broadcasters, and the national broadcaster, the [http://www.abc.net.au Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)] also has a presence in all regional centres. Across the state, there are over 380 FM broadcast transmitters. (See [http://1fm.com.au/WA/ FM Online listing for WA]).

==Sport==

{{main|Sport in Western Australia}}

A number of national or international sporting teams and events are based in the state, including:

* Two teams in the [[Australian Football League]] (AFL): the [[West Coast Eagles]] (the 2006 Australian Rules Football premier winners) and the [[Fremantle Football Club]] (the "Fremantle Dockers");

* A state cricket team, known as the Retravision [[Western Warriors]];

* A [[football (soccer)]] team, [[Perth Glory]], which plays in the [[A-League]].

* the [[Western Force]], which plays in the [[Super 14]] [[rugby union]] competition

* the [[Perth Wildcats]], which plays in the [[National Basketball League (Australia)|National Basketball League]].

* from [[2008]] a West Australian [[rugby league]] team will compete in the [[Jim Beam Cup]], with a view to competing in the [[National Rugby League]]

Events hosted by Western Australia include the [[Hopman Cup]], the [[Perth Cup]] and the [[Red Bull Air Race]].

==See also==

{{Commonscat|Western Australia}}

*[[List of Western Australian towns]]

*[[List of highways in Western Australia]]

*[[List of statues in Western Australia]]

==References==

*[http://www.marvel.com/universe/Spider-Man_%28Peter_Parker%29 Marvel.com: Spider-Man] official site

<div class="references-small"><references /></div>

*[http://www.comics.org Grand Comics Database]

*[http://www.spiderfan.org/ Spiderfan.org]

*[http://boards.sonypictures.com/spiderman Sony Pictures Movie official message boards]

*[http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.687 Marvel.com: "Venom: The Sordid History of Spider-Man's Black Costume"]

*[http://www.longislandexchange.com/articles/reviews/spidermanthree051007.html Spider-Man 3 with Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst]

==External links==

[[Image:Aerial_view_of_Fremantle.JPG|thumbnail|right|200px|Aerial view of Fremantle Harbour, a major port in WA.]]

* [http://www.wa.gov.au/ Official Western Australia site]

* [http://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/ Parliament House Western Australia]

* [http://www.govhouse.wa.gov.au/ Government House Web Site]

* [http://www.westernaustralia.com/ Tourism Western Australia]

* [http://www.onlinewa.com.au/ OnlineWA]

* [http://www.encyclopedia.uwapress.uwa.edu.au/home/ Historical Encyclopedia of WA]

* [http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/ State Law Publisher]

* [http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[e-mail]/ddc9b4f92657325cca256c3e000bdbaf/9d7b3b8ed6083e71ca256bbf000171db!OpenDocument#Top 2001 Census Basic Community Profile and Snapshot] free

*[http://www.dtf.wa.gov.au WA Dept of Treasury and Finance] Provides current economic data for Western Australia

*[http://www.dtf.wa.gov.au/cms/tre_content.asp?ID=775 Commonwealth- WA State Financial Relations Overview]

{{Australia}}

{{Spider-Man}}

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