The Story of Spider-Man

Unless you've lived in a cave for the past 40 years, then you've heard of Spider-Man. This Marvel comics superhero has been a recognizable icon since his first appearance in 1962 and continues to be one to this day. These days, there are not only comics devoted to this character, but video games and even blockbuster movies starring some of today's biggest celebrities such as Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. With all the renewed interest in this character, some people unfamiliar with the whole story may wonder how Spidey got his start.

In 1962, this character as well as his alter ego Peter Parker appeared for the first time in the comic book Amazing Fantasy #15. Spiderman was different than other heroes of his time because he was of adolescent age. He was easy for teens everywhere to relate to because he struggled with the same issues as they did, and still do. Peter Parker and Spiderman were so popular that Marvel gave the character his own comic book and has published multiple volumes. Over the years, Peter Parker has evolved just as many of his fans have -- from a high school teen to a college student to a married working man.

So, how did Peter Parker turn into a crime-fighting spider? The story is that while attending a science fair, he is bitten by a radioactive spider which gives him his special powers. These powers include spider-sense, wall-climbing and web-slinging. At first, Peter tries to use his powers to gain wealth and fame, but after stopping a thief that he discovers killed his uncle, he dedicates himself to fighting crime. The Spidey story is a veritable soap opera in comic book form, filled with love, betrayal, murder and even drug abuse. For example, Peter's best friend Harry turns out to not only be a raging drug addict but the son of the Green Goblin. And Peter's girlfriend, Gwen Stacy, not only had an affair with Harry's father Norman and bore him twins but was murdered by him. After Norman killed Gwen, Peter (in superhero form) killed Norman.

From then on, Peter meets Mary Jane Watson, the girlfriend he is most associated with who eventually becomes his wife. In the wildly popular movie franchise, Mary Jane is played by Kirsten Dunst. Because the movies really don't tell the whole story, Spider-Man enthusiasts should read as many old comics as they can -- if they can obtain them! The collectible comic book industry is a booming business and an old comic in mint condition can cost thousands of dollars. But, to a die-hard Spidey fan, it's a small price to pay!

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

Technorati Tags: Spider Man, The Story of Spider-Man, Spider-Man

• Spider Man
• Free Spider Man Game
• Free Spider Man Game Online
• Spider Man 2
• Spider Man 3
• Spider Man 4
• Spider Man Action Figure
• Spider Man Cartoons
• Spider Man Coloring Pages
• Spider Man Comics
• Spider Man Costume
• Spider Man Game
• Spider Man Movie
• Spider Man Pictures
• Spider Man Poster
• Spider Man Soundtrack
• Spider Man Swim Wear
• Spider Man Toy
• Spider Man Venom
• Spider Man Wallpaper
• Ultimate Spider Man Collection
• Social Bookmark This
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• Privacy Policy
• Sitemap
• Resources
• Add URL