Pa. (WJAC) —As the web-slinging comic book hero Spiderman returns to the big screen this weekend, Johnstown is once again making preparations to honor his co-creator with another community mural
Residents and visitors will notice that along the 100 block of Fairfield Avenue, workers are putting the finishing touches on a third mural honoring Spiderman co-creator Steve Ditko.
This one is being painted in black and white, commemorating the work that Ditko did for ‘Creepy Magazine.’
The creative director behind the project says that the first mural, located in downtown Johnstown, was special because it depicts Spiderman and Doctor Strange, and was approved by Marvel Comics.
He further explained that the company rarely signs off on public art.
The second mural, located on the back of the Bottle Works building, was designed by Javier Hernandez.
It is considered a retrospective of Steve’s career through superheroes, as it contains several images of characters that he worked on.
Officials say the placement of the third mural not only honors the artist who created it but also Steve Ditko’s roots.
“The third mural was designed by Brandon Wilt, who’s the owner of Bent Wookie Comics; that mural ended up across the street from where his business is and it’s important that it’s in the West End of Johnstown because that’s where Steve grew up,” says Matt Lamb, creative director for Bottle Works Arts Center.
Organizers add that a press conference is scheduled for next Thursday to officially unveil the latest mural, as well as announce that dates for the next ‘Ditko Con’ event.
