Comics

When did Spider-Man make his comic-book premiere?

Photo by Waldemar / Unsplash

It’s said that the idea for Spider-Man came to Stan Lee, in part, while watching a spider climb up the wall. Lee himself has said he’s heard the story recited back to him so many times he’s not even sure if it’s true anymore.

But who cares if it’s true? It’s clearly one of the most relatable superhero origin stories ever created. Lee also said he wanted to create a character that teenagers could relate to. Sure, Spider-Man has awesome spider-like abilities, but he also struggles at school and with taking care of his aging, widowed aunt — who just so happens to be widowed because of his own teenage selfishness. Heavy stuff.

It’s a character that can be endlessly reinvented and it seems like he’ll always be with us, but Peter Parker got his start in the comic books of a time gone past. When did he make his first appearance?

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