The Slice: Whose turn to change Spidey?

There were exceptions, of course.

For instance, Virginia Hutsell in Davenport got 135 pirates, witches and what have you.

But most Slice readers reporting their trick-or-treat headcounts indicated that the numbers were small this Halloween and showed a continuing downward trend.

When most candy-dispensers closed up shop Friday night, there were still a lot of treats left.

At my house, the modest turnout was about average. Maybe a little better.

There would have been one more trick-or-treater to count. Except Spider-Man was “too pooped” and stayed out in the stroller.

At least that’s what a vampire on the porch reported, gesturing toward the street.

That got me thinking.

What if the whole web-slinger franchise were based on the adventures of that costumed superhero resting out there by the end of my walkway?

Just imagine.

Green Goblin: “Where is Spider-Man? I will have vengeance. I demand that he confront me and meet his inglorious fate!”

Spider-Man’s mom: “He’s taking a nap. Could you come back later?”

Green Goblin: “Oh, OK.”

Or…

Mary Jane Watson: “Oh, Peter! You are so exasperating! When will you really talk to me?”

Peter “Spider-Man” Parker: “Soon, MJ. Soon. But I’m kind of drowsy. I think I need a little lie-down. Could you go away?”

Or…

J. Jonah Jameson: “Where’s Parker! I need those incriminating photos of Spider-Man today!”

Some underling at the Daily Bugle: “I went by his apartment, chief, and he was still in his jammies. I couldn’t understand anything he said, though. His mouth was full of graham crackers.”

Or…

Aunt May: “Peter, I’ve never told you this. But your Uncle Ben believed that you were destined for great things.”

Peter Parker: “Really? Well, did he say anything about how I am supposed to manage that with a 7:30 bedtime?”

Or…

Radioactive spider about to munch Peter: “Hey, kid. Get ready. I am going to bestow some amazing super powers.”

Peter: “I think it’s working already. My spidey sense tells me that one of my cartoon shows is about to come on.”

Or…

Doctor Octopus: “So, Spider-Man. We meet again. Last time, you foiled me with your blanky of doom. But today there shall be a reckoning. I command you to emerge from that stroller!”

Spider-Man: “No, thanks. I’ve got all the Halloween candy I need. If you’ll pipe down, I think I’ll try to catch a few winks.”

•Today’s Slice question: Can you remember when people who disagreed about politics didn’t necessarily hate one another?