The web has been cut

If you’ve been collecting the “Spider-Man” comics that The Spokesman-Review has been carrying for the past several months, you’re in for a disappointment.

According to Mike Dixon, The Spokesman-Review’s national advertising manager, the comic was part of an advertising partnership between News America Marketing and more than 1,000 Sunday newspapers that has been discontinued. The last comic is in today’s paper.

The partnership began in August of last year. News America and its national advertisers paid for the printing of the comic book, while participating Sunday newspapers – including The Spokesman-Review – distributed the comic book free to their subscribers.

“The reason why we’re no longer running ‘Spider-Man,’ ” Dixon said, “is because News America Marketing, the company that was producing the product, has decided to discontinue printing it, due to the lack of advertisers who are willing to continue supporting the printing of the project.”

“The Amazing Spider-Man,” which was created by Stan Lee, was originally published in 1963 by Marvel Comics.

Readers interested in ordering the entire 24-comic collectible series can do so by sending $39.95 plus $7.95 for shipping and handling to: Spider-Man Collectible Series, News America Marketing, 20 Westport Road, First Floor, Wilton, CT 06897.

The offer expires March 31.

–Staff reports