Friendly, jobless Spiderman

The prolonged downturn in the US has started to take its toll on our superheroes as well. Peter Parker, that adorable alter ego of Spiderman, has lost his job. In the latest issue of The Amazing Spiderman, Parker is axed from his job as official photographer of the Mayor of New York and he runs out of cash to buy even 'web fluid'. BT takes a look at other caped supermen and their job prospects.

Clark Kent better polish his resume. Given the falling circulation of newspapers in the US, this mild-mannered reporter of The Daily Planet is likely to join Spidey in the long line of jobseekers in the US. Newspapers made $7.5 billion less in 2008 than in the previous year.

Batman/Iron man: These gentlemen have inherited multibillion-dollar empires. Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Tony Stark (Iron Man) are unlikely to look for jobs in the near future. Wayne Enterprises' market valuation, though, is likely to dip as its investments in businesses like steel, shipping, electronics and entertainment have been affected by the downturn.

Daredevil: This superhero cannot see but practices law. Perhaps, ideal qualifications for a lawyer. According to the American National Law Journal's annual survey of the country's 250 largest law firms, the number of attorneys in the private sector dropped 4 per cent in 2009. Not so good news for Daredevil.

The Incredible Hulk: He is a nuclear scientist when he is not angry and turning a funny shade of green. With a Ph.D in nuclear physics and Iran looking to expand its nuclear programme, Dr Burce Banner is unlikely to starve provided he is willing to emigrate.