Randolph "Randy" Robertson is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a supporting character in Marvel's Spider-Man series and is depicted as the son of Robbie Robertson, and the husband of Janice Lincoln.
Publication history Randy first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #67 (December 1968), created by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr. He was the first African-American among Peter Parker's friends, and was introduced in a storyline about student unrest at college, a move by Marvel to be more in touch with the teenagers of 1968.
Randy's father, Robbie, was a high-ranking editor at the Daily Bugle whose storylines did not draw attention to his race; his portrayal was criticized by one letter-writer who said, "It seems to me that your Negroes are merely white people drawn by the artist with their skins darkened by the colors." The creation of Randy was in part a response to this criticism. Randy directly leveled the challenge at his father: "I know you've got made here in whitey's world! But what about the other brothers who played it your way... who got their sheepskins... and still can't make it on the outside?" (Amazing Spider-Man #73, June 1969).
In 1971, Randy played a similar role, acting as a voice of the people in an argument with Norman Osborn about drug abuse: "It hurts us more than anyone else — 'cause too many of us got no hope — so we're easier pickin's for the pushers. But it ain't just our problem! It's yours, too!" (Amazing Spider-Man #96, May 1971). This compassionate take on the hot topic of drug abuse was applauded by readers, as well as teachers and parents.
Randy never became a first-tier supporting character; he appeared off-and-on through the 1970s, and was then dropped for several years. There have been periods where Randy has appeared regularly, including 1988–1989, 2000–2001, and 2011–2012. Nick Spencer's "Back to Basics" arc at the beginning of Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 5) brought Randy back as a regular character, living with Peter Parker as his roommate. Zeb Wells' "Gang War" arc saw Randy marry Janice Lincoln.
Fictional character biography Randy Robertson, son of Daily Bugle editor Robbie Robertson, enrolled at Empire State University a year behind Bugle photographer Peter Parker. A boisterous hothead unlike his even-tempered father, Randy quickly became involved in student activism, albeit usually as the voice of moderation to the more radical Josh Kittiling. On his father's advice, Randy sought Peter's friendship, although Parker's double life as Spider-Man left him little time to help Randy promote social change. The day after meeting Peter, Randy joined Josh and other in protesting E.S.U.'s plans to turn an exhibition hall into a dorm for visiting alumni, rather than for needy students. The crime boss Kingpin interrupted their demonstration to steal the lifeline Tablet, allegedly containing the secret to longevity. When Spider-Man intervened, Randy tried to restrain Kingpin.The Amazing Spider-Man #67 (December 1968) Though he was easily knocked aside, but following Kingpin's defeat, Spider-Man did not forget Randy's act of courage. Randy soon joined Peter's circle of college friends, although he was rarely drawn into Spider-Man's activities at E.S.U. and elsewhere in New York City. His rebellious streak eventually faded, and after graduating from E.S.U. Randy pursued graduate studies in social work at Pittsburg State University, where he met and married fellow student Mandy Batavides, a Jewish woman.
Randy eventually returned to New York with Mandy, and although their hasty marriage troubled Robbie, he soon accepted Mandy as a daughter-in-law. Randy and Mandy stayed at Robbie's side after the hitman Tombstone crippled him. Following his father's recovery, Randy disagreed with Robbie about pleading guilty to misprison of felony and vigorously protested his father's imprisonment. He nonetheless continued to provide his mother Martha with emotional support. and the family was soon reunited when Robbie, after escaping death at Tombstone's hands during a forced prison break, received a pardon. When Mandy received a job offer in California, the younger Robertson couple relocated to the West Coast, but various factors strained their marriage, and Randy returned to New York alone following their divorce.Peter Parker: Spider-Man #17 (May 2000)
Randy gave up social work to become an actor, much to his father's disapproval.Renewing his friendship with Peter whose own wife Mary Jane Watson was believed dead, Randy offered to share his apartment with the widower.Peter Parker: Spider-Man #18 (June 2000) The two men became roommates, although Randy tended to spend more time with their mutual friends Glory Grant and Jill Stacy, little realizing the hazards he and Peter were sharing such as nocturnal experimentation by the extraterrestrial Brll'nah>zhhk< and drugged toothpaste from the Green Goblin.Spider-Man: Revenge of the Green Goblin #3 (December 2000) Once Peter joined the Avengers and moved into Stark Tower, Randy lost touch with the Parkers.Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #22 (September 2007) Randy reappeared in The Amazing Spider-Man and began dating Front Line reporter Norah Winters.Amazing Spider-Man #591 (June 2009)
During the "Spider-Island" storyline, Randy Robertson goes to assist Norah during the outbreak. During this time, he is attacked by the Hobgoblin (Phil Urich) when the villain had been trying to break them up for quite some time. To his surprise, Randy is one of the New Yorkers given spider powers. With his newfound powers, he is able to fend off the Hobgoblin for some time, but begins to lose because of his lack of experience. While almost meeting his death, Norah is entranced in reporting the whole thing and misses an opportunity to save Randy. Randy manages to fend off the Hobgoblin, but decides to break up with Norah, citing that she cares more about the story than his life, or hers.Spider-Island: Deadly Foes one-shot (October 2011) However, his mutation, like the millions of others in New York City, turns him into a monstrous spider hybrid.The Amazing Spider-Man #669 (November 2011) Randy and the rest of the civilian population are cured when Spider-Man uses Doctor Octopus' Octo-Bots to disperse an antidote.The Amazing Spider-Man #672 (December 2011)
Randy and Peter started living as roommates again in the Amazing Spider-Man run by Nick Spencer.
When Spider-Man goes to visit Randy Robertson, he finds him making out with Janice Lincoln.The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 5) #27 (October 2019) The 2023 event Gang War begins with Randy and Janice getting married, with their wedding kicking off a gang war after Janice's father Tombstone is shot by Shotgun during the wedding.
Other versions Spider-Gwen
An alternate universe version of Randy Robertson from Earth-65 appears in Spider-Gwen. This version is a rock n' roll reporter and friend of a band called the Mary Janes.Spider-Gwen #1 (April 2015)
In other media Randy Robertson appears in Spider-Man: The Animated Series, voiced by Alfonso Ribeiro. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information. This version is a rebellious and immature troublemaker. Randy Robertson appears in The Spectacular Spider-Man, voiced by Phil LaMarr. This version is a quiet and laid-back member of the Midtown High football team and boyfriend of Sally Avril who, unlike her, does not bully less popular students like Peter Parker. Randy Robertson appears in Spider-Man (2017), voiced by Zeno Robinson. This version is a student at Midtown High School and has his own blog.
References
External links Randy Robertson at Marvel Wiki Randy Robertson at Comic Vine