Peter Porker, The Spectacular Spider-Ham #17

Released in 1987, Peter Porker, The Spectacular Spider-Ham #17 emerged during the waning months of the character’s original self-titled series under Marvel’s Star Comics imprint. The series was designed as a humorous, kid-friendly parody of the mainstream Marvel Universe, anthropomorphizing popular heroes into animal counterparts to appeal to a younger demographic. By issue #17, the title was grappling with the declining sales that eventually led to the series’ conclusion shortly thereafter.

The issue features the creative work of writer Steve Mellor and artist Joe Albelo, who maintained the lighthearted, slapstick tone established by co-creators Tom DeFalco and Mark Armstrong. The design and narrative direction prioritized whimsical adventures that subverted traditional superhero tropes, relying on puns and visual gags. While the series did not reach the commercial heights of Marvel’s primary line, it has since attained a dedicated cult following among collectors who appreciate its place in 1980s experimental comic branding.