Simphiwe Dana's Presentation with Orchestra and Interactive Shows in South Africa

With the release of Spider-Man: A New Day, it is relevant to revisit the importance of this hero in video games. This list compiles the best appearances of the character, selecting a representative title for each console generation, highlighting why these games are essential for fans of the 'friendly neighborhood' hero.

The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin (1991)

The title The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin, originally released for the Mega Drive, introduced the character in an unprecedented way for its time. In this game, Spider-Man had the ability to walk on walls, swing through levels with webs, shoot webs at opponents, and use a web shield. A notable detail was the functionality to photograph enemies to accumulate funds intended for replenishing his web bar. The gameplay followed a semi-linear structure with sequential, yet extensive, phases that allowed for exploration in search of the boss.

The player had a limit of 12 hours (within the game's time) to defeat all bosses and collect the necessary keys to deactivate the bomb planted in the city by the Kingpin. Additionally, it was possible to take breaks at Peter Parker's apartment at any time to restore health and the web bar, although this consumed available time, while the supply of web cartridge refills was limited.

Spider-Man (2000)

Spider-Man marked the character's debut in 3D format, being released simultaneously for PlayStation and Nintendo 64, and later for PC and Dreamcast a year later. In all its versions, the player controlled Spider-Man through a series of expansive levels, allowing, for the first time, to observe the iconic web-swinging across urban skyscrapers in a video game. Its game mechanic was diverse, encompassing moments of combat, exploration, and pursuit, where the objective was to reach a specific location before the enemy. The game also included several fan-favorite elements, such as comics scattered throughout the environments, special appearances by Marvel universe figures like the Punisher, and narration by Stan Lee.

Spider-Man 2: The Movie (2004)

Based on the character's second movie, Spider-Man 2: The Movie constitutes the second Spider-Man game for the PlayStation 2 generation. In this iteration, web-swinging across the city became even more impressive, requiring proximity to buildings, as seen in the film, and offering numerous mysterious locations to explore throughout Manhattan. The city presented a vibrant atmosphere, filled with various types of crime and other emergencies to be resolved. Despite this vast addition of content, the main attraction lay in the character's abilities and how they integrated, giving players the feeling of experiencing the Spider-Man experience.

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (2010)

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is recognized as one of the most engaging Spider-Man titles, practically pioneering the exploration of the Marvel multiverse. The game presented various versions of the character, including Spider-Man Noir (who received a recent adaptation) and 2099. Each variation of Spider-Man has its own HUD and gameplay modifications. For example, Noir incorporates stealth elements, while his combat is significantly more tactical. Its narrative is captivating, placing it among the greatest highlights of the character's games, both in terms of quality and appeal. It is a straightforward game, focused on combat and full of personality, but remains fun and dynamic, offering four distinct worlds for the player to discover and explore.

Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018)

Initially released for the PlayStation 4, Marvel’s Spider-Man is considered by many enthusiasts to be the best title of the character. It offers a memorable experience in all its aspects, from agile and fluid combat to dynamic movement through the city's skyscrapers. The depicted New York is vast and visually spectacular, guaranteeing countless hours of gameplay for those aiming to complete 100% of the title. Another strong point lies in the large number of available suits, which unlock special abilities. A significant difference from previous games is the focus on the story. The dilemma between personal life and superhero life—a recurring theme in the character's narratives since its beginnings and one that redefined the comics—is well explored in this game. The complex decisions and their respective consequences, enhanced by the excellent voice acting, tell this story masterfully.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (2023)

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 represents the most recent Spider-Man game released to date and is also seen by many as one of the best titles of the current generation. In this game, all elements present in previous titles (including Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales) have been enhanced. The result is faster, smoother, and more dynamic gameplay, exploring the multiverse by presenting Peter Parker and Miles Morales side by side. The option to switch between the two Spider-Men maintains gameplay variety, while the inclusion of web wings offers an attractive alternative to traditional swinging. Furthermore, the hunt for Kraven and the presence of Venom inject great impact into the plot, resulting in an exciting and immersive narrative. This title establishes itself as the definitive experience for anyone who wishes to embody Spider-Man, making it indispensable for any fan of the hero.

An extremely rare 1892 ZAR Proof Penny, minted in only 25 pieces, will be the centerpiece of the Signature Auction 27, taking place at Bassani’s Auction House on Sunday, August 2. This coin marks an important moment for collectors of rare international currency.

Historical Significance of the Coin

The coin represents the beginning of official coin production for the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek under President Paul Kruger. According to the Hern catalog, its estimated value is R350,000, and it is considered a foundational artifact of South Africa's monetary identity.

Expert Commentary on Rarity

Landon Colske, Senior Numismatic Expert at Bassani’s Auction House, noted that 'the 1892 coin issue is one of South Africa's greatest numismatic rarities.' He added that while millions of pennies eventually circulated throughout South Africa, only 25 Proof 1892 specimens were produced for presentation and collection purposes, and after more than 130 years, they remain among the most hard-to-find South African coins.

Contemporary Achievements and Legacy

Auction house director Dillon Bassani emphasized that the sale covers both historical heritage and modern minting achievements. In addition to the 1892 penny, the event will feature one of the South African Mint's most ambitious contemporary works—a one-kilogram silver high-relief elephant from the African savanna.

The high-relief elephant coin, released in a limited edition of only 100 pieces, was created based on wild animal sculptures by world-renowned South African artist Dillon Lewis and transformed into a numismatic form after months of complex technical refinement to preserve all details.

History of the South African Gold Market

The auction will also showcase the growth of the South African gold market through rare early Proof Krugerrands from 1967, 1968, and 1969. Although the Krugerrand became globally known as the first modern circulating coin, these early proof issues were struck in small quantities and preserved by collectors, allowing them to be worth significantly more today than their spot gold value.

Collection Overview

Collectively, the featured lots tell the story of South African minting over more than a century—from republican origins in the 19th century to the global boom of the Krugerrand and modern high-relief works. Mr. Colske concluded that at one auction, collectors can trace the country's history from the first ZAR coins to modern masterpieces. Mr. Bassani added that this event provides collectors with rare opportunities to acquire items that are usually seen 'once in a generation.'

When salaries stopped, debts grew, and five daughters depended on the income, Asha Jha, a resident of Bihar, found a solution in the form of an art form she learned in childhood and kept after marriage.

The Beginning of the Journey and Financial Hardships

Asha and her husband, both teachers, faced months without salary during the financial crisis. To ensure her daughters' education, she began selling Madhubani style paintings for prices ranging from 100 to 200 rupees. Some buyers paid her for the work with bangles, but she continued painting.

Recognition and Business Growth

A painting depicting the life cycle rituals of Mithila, which Asha created for almost two years, attracted the attention of government officials. They encouraged her by suggesting she paint a scene from Sita Swayamvar, which led to wider recognition and receiving a State Award in 2008.

Further breakthrough happened at home. With the support of her daughters, Asha founded Madhubani Paints. Using borrowed phones and Facebook posts, they managed to reach customers across India and abroad, and orders gradually started coming in.

Social Impact and Future Plans

The way of supporting the family soon turned into a livelihood network. Today, Madhubani Paints collaborates with 250 women artisans across Bihar, helping many gain independent income and pay for their children's education. Asha has received 13 national awards, and her works have been appreciated by fans worldwide.

She now aims to create opportunities for 1000–2000 people through Madhubani art while passing this tradition on to future generations. According to Asha, previously women would approach them in tears after violence, whereas today their husbands let them go to work with pride.