Watching Spider-Man flying over the streets of Manhattan was one of the highlights of my youth, even if he was just a balloon. From 1987 to 1998 the iconic balloon, designed by John Romita Sr., captivated the hearts and minds young and old alike. And on November 26, 2009, millions of fans will feel their Spider-senses tingling with the return of our favorite addition to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“Spider-Man’s return to the Macy’s Balloon line-up this year is an event of seismic magnitude,” says Robin Hall, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “When is Spider-man coming back? is a question that has been shouted from the sidelines each and every year we inflate our helium giants on Thanksgiving eve.”
The new Spider-Man balloon debuting this year will combine the classic pose – outstretched arms and bent legs (his ‘wall-crawling’ style) – with an updated suit, defined contours and his signature web-shooting hand pose.
Simon Philips, President of Worldwide Consumer Products for Marvel Entertainment, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to bring Spider-Man back to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a landmark event that millions anticipate each year. The enduring popularity of New York’s own friendly neighborhood Super Hero has only grown since the last time he appeared in the Parade and we are certain the new Spider-Man balloon will delight both long-time fans and new audiences alike,"
(Original Spider-Man Balloon)
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade garners over 50 million viewers and around 3.5 million spectators who line the streets of New York City, ready to usher in the holiday season.