"Whatever life holds in store for me, I will never forget the words: with great power comes great responsibility this is my gift, my curse. Who am I? I'm Spider-Man." -- Spider-Man / Peter Parker
The other day, I saw the most recent trailer for the newest Marvel movie "Captain America: Civil War. "Ever since the movie was announced fans were questioning the appearance of the "Web Slinger." The new trailer confirmed the appearance of Spider-Man in the movie. I'm a huge fan of superheroes, but growing up there were somethings about Spider-Man that made him stick out as opposed to the many other heroes to choose from. What were those things that stuck out to me as a child and still stick out to me as an adult?
1. Origin story.
Spider-Man has a very interesting origin story. While taking a field trip to a science exhibit on radioactive enhanced spiders, high school student Peter Parker is bitten by one the spiders that escaped from the exhibit. Peter Parker returns home that night feeling uneasy from the bite. The next morning Peter Parker discovers the bite from the spider gave him enhanced physical strength, agility and senses. Not to mention the ability to climb surfaces just like a spider. After witnessing his Uncle Ben's death by the hands of a criminal, Peter swore to protect the people of New York City by using his powers to become a vigilante.
2. His age and development.
The biggest thing that separates Spider-Man from most heroes is how young he is. His age is never specified, but the reader can estimate Peter Parker is roughly sixteen or seventeen when he gains his abilities. At this age he is a lot less mature and finds himself using a sense of humor that any teenager who gained super powers would use. We see a development of Spider-Man from kid to adult. The reader sees a drastic change that is not seen in many heroes because most heroes are already adults and see the importance in their duties as heroes. Spider-Man doesn't see the importance in his responsibilities at first, but over time matures into a well rounded hero, who understands his importance.
3. He values those that he loves.
Peter Parker grew up without his parents, the only family he ever had was his Aunt May and Uncle Ben (until he was murdered). Peter Parker's Aunt May was injured by one of his enemies known as the "Green Goblin." On top of being a student, having a part time job and being a superhero, he made time to help nurse his Aunt back to health the only family he had left. One of the most notable things Peter Parker does is reject Mary Jane Watson, the girl he has loved his whole life. Peter is concerned for the safety of Mary Jane as he feels his life as a super hero will put her in danger. As much as he wants to be with one he loves, he puts her safety over his desires.
4. He is more relatable than most.
A lot of super heroes are hard to relate with. Some Superheroes are millionaires and some even aliens from different planets. Spider-Man feels more relatable because you understand what he's going through. Peter Parker deals with the same problems that every high school and college student faces. Talking to girls, managing his time and dealing with bullies. All things that everyone has faced at some point in their lives. A lot of super heroes are portrayed as being perfect individuals, Spider-Man is a kid who makes strives to be better when he realizes he is not even close to perfect.
This is just my opinion, each super hero is unique in their own ways. I, personally, think Spider-Man is one of the more interesting heroes in the world of comics. Love and value whichever superhero you want, but there is something valuable that can be seen in all heroes.
