First Appearance: Spider-Man made his debut in Amazing Fantasy #15 in August 1962, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Teen Superhero Pioneer: Unlike most superheroes of his time, Spider-Man was a teenager, which was revolutionary. He wasn’t a sidekick but a hero dealing with relatable issues like school, relationships, and finances.
Iconic Suit Design: Spider-Man's red-and-blue costume is one of the most recognizable in comic history. Steve Ditko designed it, and the web pattern and expressive eye lenses are iconic features.
The Spider Bite: Peter Parker gains his powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider, granting him super strength, agility, the ability to cling to walls, and a “spider-sense” that alerts him to danger.
Homemade Web-Shooters: Spider-Man’s web-shooters are an invention by Peter Parker himself, showcasing his genius-level intellect. The webs dissolve after an hour, which helps him clean up his crime-fighting messes.
Multiple Adaptations: Spider-Man has appeared in various media, including cartoons, TV shows, and blockbuster movies, played by actors like Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland.
Villainous Rogues' Gallery: Spider-Man's villains are some of the most famous in comics, including Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Venom, and Sandman. Each has unique ties to Peter Parker’s life.
The Death of Gwen Stacy: The storyline where Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker’s love interest, dies (The Night Gwen Stacy Died) is one of the most pivotal and heartbreaking moments in comic book history.
Multiverse Spider-People: Spider-Man’s multiverse concept has spawned other Spider-heroes, such as Spider-Woman, Spider-Man 2099, and Spider-Gwen. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse brought these versions to mainstream popularity.
Catchphrase Legacy: The phrase “With great power comes great responsibility” is central to Spider-Man’s ethos and one of the most quoted lines in pop culture, attributed to Uncle Ben.