The Story of Spider-Man

Unless you've lived in a cave for the past 4 decades, then you've heard of Spider Man. This Marvel comics superhero has been a recognizable icon ever since his first appearance in 1962 and continues to be one to this day. There are not only comics devoted to this character, but video games and even blockbuster movies starring some of today's biggest celebrities like 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, Spiderman, as well as his alter ego Peter Parker, appeared for the first time in the comic book called Amazing Fantasy #15. But Spiderman was different than other heroes of his time because he was of adolescent age. It was easy for teens everywhere to relate to him because he struggled with the same issues as they did, and still do. Peter Parker and Spiderman became so popular that Marvel gave his character his own comic book and has since published multiple volumes. Over the years, the Peter Parker character evolved just as many of his fans have -- from a high school teen to a college student to a married working man.

And how did Peter Parker turn into a crime-fighting spiderman? The story is that while attending a science fair he was bitten by a radioactive spider which in turn gave him his special powers. These powers included 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 killed his uncle, he dedicates himself to fighting crime. The Spider 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 evil Green Goblin. And Peter's girlfriend, Gwen Stacy, has an affair, has twins and gets murdered by the guy she had an affair with. After Norman killed Gwen, Peter (in superhero form) killed Norman. I know, it gets hard to follow.

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

Copyright 2007 Mark V. Schwartz - All Rights Reserved

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