Spider-Man With His Logo and a Hanging Spider

About this drawing

Spider-Man and spider pairings call back to the moment everything began. In his first comic in 1962, Peter Parker visits a science exhibit about radiation. A tiny spider drifts into the path of an energy beam and, in its last moment, bites Peter on the hand.

On his way home, Peter feels strange. Soon he discovers he can climb walls, lift incredible weights and sense danger before it happens. The spider had passed along a supercharged version of its abilities.

That origin has been retold in different ways. In the 1960s, radiation was a common idea in science fiction, so it fit the era. Many modern movies swap it for a genetically engineered spider created in a lab, which feels more up to date for today's audiences.

Real spiders will not give anyone superpowers, but they are amazing animals. They live almost everywhere on Earth and help keep nature in balance by eating huge numbers of insects. Most spiders are harmless to people, and many are shy creatures that prefer to stay hidden. Spider-Man's story has even helped some kids feel a little less afraid of them.

• spider-man
• spider
• origin
• marvel
• comics