Marvel Preview: Spider-Man

Before Marvel Comics releases its newest production, “Iron Man”, I am going to write about a Marvel character every week until the week it hits theaters. Look out for an “Iron Man Edition” the week of its release. This week, we will be taking a look at the Amazing Spider-Man. Spider-Man is usually the first thing that comes to people’s minds when Marvel is mentioned. One of the most unique characters, both super powers and character, it makes Spider-Man realistic. DC Comics’ Superman is one of the most well-known superheroes around, but he lacks realism and “human character”. After all, he is from a different planet. But for those of you who are not familiar with Spider-Man or his interesting story, read on. If you do, you should read on as well.

Peter Parker is a geeky teenager who lives with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben in Queens, NY. His parents died in a plane crash when he was an infant. On a field trip to a laboratory, Peter is bitten by a radioactive spider. He goes home and sleeps and has superpowers the next day. He uses these powers to defend himself from Flash Thompson when he is threatened by him at school. It isn’t until tragedy strikes at home, does Peter realize that he must use powers to help the people of New York. “With great power comes great responsibility.”
SPIDER-MAN
Your friendly neighborhood web-slinger
SPIDER-MAN FACT FILE

Real Name: Peter Benjamin Parker
Occupation: Freelance photographer, science teacher
Base: New York City
Height: 5 ft 10 in

Weight: 170 lbs

Eyes: Hazel

Hair: Brown
First Appearance: Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962)
POWERS

Possesses the proportionate strength, speed, agility, and reflexes of a spider. Can cling to any surface and generate organic webbing. Also possesses a “spider-sense” that warns him of danger and can psychically align him with his environment. Invented spider-tracers that he can track across the city with his spider-sense.
ALLIES/FOES
ALLIES Ben and May Parker, Mary Jane Parker, Captain America, The Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, Eugene “Flash” Thompson, Betty Brant Leeds.

FOES Chameleon, Vulture, Doctor Octopus, Sandman, Kingpin, Green Goblin, Lizard, Electro, Kraven the Hunter, Black Cat, Venom, Mysterio, Carnage, Scrier, Judas Traveller.
ISSUE #1

While attending a scientific demonstration, Peter Parker was bitten by a spider that had been exposed to radioactivity. Feeling nauseous, the teenager immediately headed home and began to exhibit the most amazing powers…like the ability to stick to walls and crawl up sheer surfaces!

ESSENTIAL STORYLINES

• Amazing Spider-Man #31-33: Spider-Man battles the Master Planner in order to obtain a rare serum that can save Aunt May’s life.
• Amazing Spider-Man: Fearful Symmetry or Kraven’s Last Hunt: Kraven the Hunter kidnaps Spider-Man and takes his place in a battle against the deadly Vermin.
• Amazing Spider-Man: The Saga of the Alien Costume: Spider-Man learns that his new black costume is actually an alien symbiote.
• Amazing Spider-Man vs. Venom: Spider-Man meets his match when Venom enters his life.
• Amazing Spider-Man: Identity Crisis: When a $5 million bounty is placed on his head for a murder he didn’t commit, Spider-Man must adopt four new costumed identities to find the real murderer.
• Amazing Spider-Man: Coming Home: Spider-Man meets the man called Ezekiel and learns there may be a lot more to his origin than he ever realized.