The Spider Ring QuicktimeVR
This is a reproduction of the Spider Ring that Diamond International Galleries sold in 1996, in a limited edition of 250 (along with an Operator #5 ring). The original Spider Ring had a silver finish and a non-adjustable band.
Why did Diamond see fit to reproduce the ring of The Spider, a generally forgotten hero?
If there's a segment of the population most familiar with The Spider, it would be collectors of character premiums. The original metal rings from The Spider, and Popular Publication's other stalwart, Operator #5, rank right up there with Superman and Orphan Annie when it comes to most sought after memorabilia.
 Collectors, it seems, understand the magic and power associated with rings throughout the ages, and during the 1930s in particular. Sure, rings were simply an inexpensive marketing device for promoters of radio shows and pulp escapades, but they were effective because that earlier generation wasn't so cynical about symbols, and boys weren't above wearing jewelry.
There isn't much myth and legend to be found among today's racks of comic books and action figures. The reality of gadgets and guns have replaced the mystique of a hero's ring. Mystery has given way to utility during kids' play-time: "A ring? That doesn't DO anything. Where's my Mega-Zord?" Chalk it up to "sophistication."
To view this QuickTimeVR object, you need QuickTime 2.5 and Plug-In (with QTVR
components.) Imaging by Chris Kalb.
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