Comic Wednesday: What makes Spider-man so popular?

Caitlyn Woodbury

caitlyn.gabsbitesizeblogs@gmail.com

When someone thinks of a superhero, there are often 4 names that appear in their head: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Spider-man. But what makes that final one so popular across the world? Let's dive in! 

For those who don't know, Peter Parker (Spider-Man's secret identity) was an intelligent teenage boy who lived with his Uncle Ben and Aunt May after the death of his parents. He was a shy, awkward boy, but his life changed after he was bitten by a radioactive spider. He gained super strength, incredibly fast reflexes and (depending on the adaptation) the ability to shoot webs and climb walls. Not long after he developed these powers, he lost his Uncle Ben to a gunned burglar. Peter blamed himself and then took his Uncle Bens saying to heart: "with great power comes great responsibility"

Spider-Man debuted in 1962 in Amazing Fantasy #15, a comic setting out his iconic origin and a few months later, his own solo series began. Since then, he has had 13 movies (with 2 more being released soon), 15 tv shows, 39 games, a Broadway show and a Christmas album. So, what makes him so popular?

Well, many relate to the awkwardness of the boy. Those who interact with Spider-Man media often know or remember what it was like to be a teenager, not knowing how to talk to your crush or make friends. They see themselves in him! But when he puts on the mask and becomes Spider-Man, people no longer see the person they are, but instead the person they could become. In addition to this, he is quick witted, wildly intelligent, skilled in combat, always optimistic and just overall fun to watch (which accounts for many of the younger fans). 

His creator Stan Lee said in 2015 “What I like about the costume is that anybody reading Spider-Man in any part of the world can imagine that they themselves are under the costume. And that’s a good thing”. Unlike characters with little or no mask, everyone can see themselves as Spider-Man, with race, gender, and age having no impact. A key phrase around Spider-Man is that anyone can wear the mask, which I believe to be the most important part of the love for him. It brings people together (or it should) as anyone can be Spider-Man, as long as you stand up for what is right! 

I think the world could do with more people like Spider-Man.