Spider-Man is a fictional superhero created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko for Marvel Comics. First appearing in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962, he quickly became one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the comic book world. The character’s real name is Peter Parker, a high school student from Queens, New York, who gains spider-like abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. These powers include superhuman strength, agility, the ability to cling to walls, and a sixth sense known as “spider-sense” that warns him of danger. He also creates web-shooters, devices that allow him to swing through the city and trap enemies.
Peter’s life is deeply affected by the death of his Uncle Ben, which teaches him the critical lesson that “with great power comes great responsibility.” This principle becomes the core of his character and the driving force behind his decision to fight crime. Balancing his double life as a superhero and an ordinary young man, Peter faces personal struggles, romantic challenges, and the constant burden of protecting the people he loves.
Spider-Man’s appeal lies in his relatability—he deals with everyday problems like paying rent, keeping a job, and navigating relationships, all while saving the city from villains such as the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, and Venom. Over the years, the character has evolved through comic books, animated series, and blockbuster films, becoming a global cultural icon and a symbol of perseverance, humility, and moral responsibility.