An image from the new Spider-Man comic. By Marvel Comics.

The comic book world’s most famous photographer is about to taste a bit of reality. In a new issue from Marvel Comics, Peter Parker, the fictional photojournalist who must balance his day job with a secret life as the costumed superhero Spider-Man, is getting fired.

According to editors at Marvel, the newest issue of “The Amazing Spider-Man” will find Peter Parker surfing the unemployment line. “He’s going to struggle with unemployment and trying to save the city while he can barely afford to keep a roof over his head,” says Steve Wacker, Marvel Comics senior editor. Parker apparently gets caught manipulating images, then promptly gets the boot.

And finding another job won’t be easy. Parker’s skills as a photographer brought him from lowly errand boy at the Daily Bugle to personal photog to the Mayor, and his genuine aptitude for the art is one of his only abilities that doesn’t rely on super powers. “He’s tried other jobs in the past,” says Wacker, “but he’s always had the security of falling back on his talents as a photojournalist.”

The move is part of a storyline that sees the web-slinger in a downward spiral… in both jobs. While Peter Parker struggles to make enough money to produce his essential “web fluid,” the hero Spider-Man has to deal with a bevvy of old foes returning from his past.

In an economy where artists and photographers have a tough time making ends meet, it’s comforting to know that even superheroes are struggling to keep up. Hopefully Spidey finds a job soon.

The unemployment issue — “Amazing Spider-Man #623” — hits shelves today.