Background
Learn about how this character came about:
Spider-Man
Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider as a teenager, granting him spider-like powers. After the death of his Uncle Ben, which he could have prevented, Peter learned that "with great power, comes great responsibility." Swearing to always protect the innocent from harm, Peter Parker became the Amazing Spider-Man!
Aliases:
- Peter Parker
- Captain Universe
- Dusk
- Hornet
- Prodigy
- Ricochet
- Bombastic Bag-Man
- Poison
- Pestilence
- Spidey
- Wallcrawler
- Webslinger
- Web-Head
- Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
- Spider-Kid
Origin
Peter Benjamin Parker was born to C.I.A. agents Richard and Mary Parker, who were killed when Peter was very young. After the death of his parents, Peter was raised by his Uncle Ben and Aunt May in a modest house in Forest Hills, New York. While still in High School, Peter attended a science exhibition about radiology where he was bitten by a radioactive spider, granting him the proportionate strength and agility of a spider as well as a " Spider-Sense" that warns him of nearby danger. In order to test his new abilities – and earn some cash, Peter participated in a wrestling challenge against Crusher Hogan. He easily won the challenge and also gained the attention of the media. Afterwards while backstage, Peter saw a burglar run past him but did nothing to stop him as it wasn’t his problem. Later that night when Peter arrived home, he was told by a policeman that his Uncle Ben had been murdered by someone who broke into their house. The cop mentioned they had tracked the killer to a warehouse. In his anger Peter put on his wrestling costume and went after the murderer himself. After arriving at the warehouse and easily defeating Uncle Ben’s killer, Peter saw that it was the same burglar he didn’t stop at the arena… thus learning that "with great power comes great responsibility".
Learn more at ComicVine.com.
Videos
Watch a quick history on your character from super-fans:
-
History of Spider-Man!
YouTube Channel: Variant Comics
-
Ultimate Spider-Man "Origin to His Death" - Full Story | Comicstorian
YouTube Channel: Comicstorian
-
History Of Spider-Man 2099!
YouTube Channel: Variant Comics
Comics
Get started reading! Here are a few places to start:
Helpful Links
There are lots of great resources around the web to learn more about comics and to get in on the discussion.
- Marvel Unlimited: The Netflix of Marvel comics. Get access to their entire backlog
- Comic Book Herald: Great resource for reading lists of events and characters
- r/marvel: Join the conversation! A subreddit for everything Marvel!
- r/comicbooks: Another subreddit for the wider world of comics!
- Marvel 101: Get a quick background on your favorite characters and storylines!
- Variant YouTube Channel: Great channel for quick histories on your favorite characters
- Marvel.com: When in doubt, go to the source!
- DC Comics: Looking for Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman? Check out the Distinguished Competition!




