Spider-Man

Fictional Marvel Comics superhero

Comics character

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Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962)

Spider-Man is a fictional character and superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962). The character is the alter ego of Peter Parker, an orphan raised by his Aunt May and Uncle Ben in New York City after his parents, Richard and Mary Parker, died in a plane crash.

Origin and Background

Peter Parker gains his superpowers after being bitten by a radioactive spider during a science demonstration. This bite grants him the abilities of a spider, including superhuman strength, agility, and the ability to cling to walls. He also develops a "spider-sense" that alerts him to danger. Initially using his powers for personal gain, Peter learns the importance of responsibility after his Uncle Ben is killed by a criminal he had previously ignored. This event leads to his famous motto: "With great power comes great responsibility."

Powers and Abilities

Spider-Man possesses several superhuman abilities, including:

• Superhuman Strength: He can lift approximately 10 tons.
• Superhuman Speed and Reflexes: His reflexes are 40 times greater than those of an average human.
• Spider-Sense: A precognitive ability that warns him of danger.
• Wall-Crawling: The ability to cling to most surfaces.
• Web-Shooters: Devices he created to shoot a special "web fluid" that he uses for web-swinging and creating web-based weapons.

Supporting Characters

Spider-Man's supporting cast includes:

• Aunt May: Peter's loving aunt who raised him.
• Mary Jane Watson: His primary love interest and later wife.
• Gwen Stacy: His first love, whose death profoundly affects him.
• J. Jonah Jameson: The irascible publisher of the Daily Bugle who frequently campaigns against Spider-Man.
• Harry Osborn: Peter's best friend and the son of his arch-enemy, the Green Goblin.

Villains

Spider-Man's rogues' gallery is one of the most famous in comic book history, including:

• Green Goblin (Norman Osborn)
• Doctor Octopus (Otto Octavius)
• Venom (Eddie Brock)
• Sandman (Flint Marko)
• Lizard (Dr. Curt Connors)
• Vulture (Adrian Toomes)

Teams and Alliances

Spider-Man has been a member of several superhero teams, including:

• Avengers
• Fantastic Four
• X-Men

Cultural Impact

Spider-Man is one of the most popular and commercially successful superheroes. He has appeared in various media, including animated TV series, live-action films, and video games. The character's relatable struggles and moral lessons have made him a beloved figure worldwide.

See Also

• Marvel Comics
• Stan Lee
• Steve Ditko
• List of Spider-Man enemies
• Spider-Man in other media