There are two distinct variations for Spiderman "A" (Spiderman with small head and removable eyes). The more typical Spidey A is shown on the left hand side of these pictures. The Spidey A that is the *rarer* version is shown on the right hand side (and will be referred to as the *HK 3.4* variation on the rest of this page). Some quick Points of Interest on the *HK 3.4* variation:

* 3.4 Patent.
* Made in Hong Kong with an IMC of 7.
* Wire head spring.
* Lack of molded "webbing" on the back half of the head.
* Head molded in a darker red plastic.
* No molded on Copyright info.

The picture on the right shows a top comparison view of these two variations. Note the lack of molded "webbing" on the back half of the mold for the *HK 3.4* version.

On the *HK 3.4* Spidey that we have, the removable eyes do not have any white paint in the middle of the eyes. I do not believe that this dispenser ever had any white paint applied, because there is not any trace of paint in any of the crevices around the area that typically gets painted.

 

Here is a better view of the missing "webbing" on the *HK 3.4* Spidey. It almost appears that the *HK 3.4* variation might have been some kind of a *test* mold for PEZ. Or maybe the Hong Kong molding plant tried to cut some corners in the mold, and their version was soon rejected. Who knows! But, this is an interesting question... and one that may never be solved.

 

This picture shows a comparison of the back of the Spidey heads. Again, the one on the left is the regular version, and the one on the right is the *HK 3.4* version. The common Spidey obviously has the plastic single leaf head spring, and the *HK 3.4* Spidey has a wire head spring.

Although hard to tell, the *HK 3.4* Spidey has a slightly smaller head that is shorter in height.

The *HK 3.4* version does not have any molded copyright information.

On the standard Spidey A, there is a *spud* or a thicker area shaped in a circle right above the candy kicker. This extra spud is not on the *HK 3.4* version. If you look closely at the *HK 3.4* Spidey, you will see where the plastic has developed a small crack shooting up from the candy kicker. My guess is that PEZ added the extra thickness of plastic in this area on the "newer" head design to strengthen this area and prevent cracking.

Another interesting item is the shape and size of the upper inner sleeve portion on the *HK 3.4* Spidey. Normally, on wire head spring inner sleeves, the "ledge" on the back of the inner sleeve that rests on the top of the stem is thicker. On the *HK 3.4" version, this "ledge" is much thinner in width, and is more like the "ledge" on a plastic head spring inner sleeve. The *HK 3.4* inner sleeve is definitely a transitional piece!

The Eyes! There are some definite differences between the two variations when it comes to the eyes. On the *HK 3.4* Spidey (right)... the eyes are smaller, narrower, and have a more pronounced *curl* upwards at the tips. The middle pupil area on the *HK 3.4* version is more raised, and is smaller in size. The pupil area on a normal Spidey A is more inset, with a much smaller raised *bubble* in the middle. It is my opinion that the pupil area was inset more on the regular Spidey A so that this area could be painted easier by creating a deeper *pool* for the paint to collect.

Additionally, the pocket in the head where the eyes go is much deeper on the *HK 3.4* Spidey.

 

 

This is a close-up of the candy kicker and the wire head spring. Notice the slight *double hump* in the profile on the back of the candy kicker. Because the surface is smooth and not wavy, my opinion is that this profile was intentional... and not a defect from how the plastic flowed into the mold.

 

 

 

Here is a picture of the light pink candy button. The inner sleeve is light to medium yellow color.