Spider-Manisafictionalcharacter,acomicbooksuperherothatappearsincomicbookspublishedbyMarvelComics.Createdbywriter-editorStanLeeandwriter-artistSteveDitko,hefirstappearedinAmazingFantasy#15(cover-datedAug.1962).LeeandDitkoconceivedthecharacterasanorphanbeingraisedbyhisAuntMayandUncleBen,andasateenager,havingtodealwiththenormalstrugglesofadolescenceinadditiontothoseofacostumedcrimefighter.Spider-Man'screatorsgavehimsuperstrengthandagility,theabilitytoclingtomostsurfaces,shootspider-websusingwrist-mounteddevicesofhisowninvention(whichhecalledweb-shooters),andreacttodangerquicklywithhisspider-sense,enablinghimtocombathisfoes.
Spider-ManhadnosuperheromentorlikeCaptainAmericaandBatman;hethushadtolearnforhimselfthatwithgreatpowertheremustalsocomegreatresponsibility—alineincludedinatextboxinthefinalpanelofthefirstSpider-Manstory.
