“With great power comes great responsibility.” Everybody knows the line (whose origins are disputed), but today many will attribute it to the Amazing Spider-man. Spider-man is the mascot of Marvel today, and there is good reason for this. Spider-man has become the face for a multi-billion dollar company, had a float in the Macy’s day parade, and has taught several generations what it means to be a hero. Plus, on the movie screen the actors look pretty good in a spandex suit.
Since his conception in the 1960’s, Spider-man has been a favorite for all ages. The dichotomy between his masked identity and his shy high-school persona make him a dynamic and relatable character. Peter Parker, being bullied for years, knows and cares about the little guy. When he gains his amazing powers, he understands what I is like to be pushed around by somebody bigger and knows he must use his abilities for good.
Of course, the story does not simply kick off without a problem. Spider-man’s quest starts as vengeance. When his uncle Ben is killed, Peter feels guilty for his inability to save Ben’s life. Even with his amazing powers, he was totally helpless to do anything. This is where Joseph Campbell’s “Heroes’ Journey” comes in. Peter follows the path that Campbell has devised (like many heroes before him) to the period.
So who was the original Spider-man? The one from ancient tales that Stan Lee and Jack Kirby emulated in the modern web-slinger? Many heroes of old have extra ordinary powers gifted to them by their divine blood. Spider-man, although acquiring his power through a spider bite, is a direct homage to the “divine blood.” In fact, one of the modern story arcs of the Amazing Spider-man, titled Spider-Verse is all about a villain’s quest to acquire the blood of Spider-men from across the multiverse (think all the different Earths that could be) to gain the heroes power. Some heroes known for their divine blood, whose stories closely follow that of Spider-man include: Heracles and Odysseus are relatively close, depending on what stories you look at.
One of the most important things a hero doe sis teach us a lesson. Besides “with great power comes great responsibility” Spider-man teaches us humility and courage. Peter could use his powers for great wealth and fame, but refuses to reveal the man behind the mask or become some kind of mercenary for hire (like the beloved Deadpool, who dresses eerily similar to Spider-man). When Pete is just 15, he has already started to use his powers for good. He knows he has these powers for a reason, and even if he will face danger Peter must do what is right.
Spider-man might not be all that original, but Jack Kirby and Stan Lee sure know how to make a character interesting. Peter Parker and Spider-man will be sticking around for a while if the stories keep coming out. Also, Spider-man will be making an appearance in the up coming Captain America: Civil War, so he will certainly be in the next few Marvel movies. Of course, even if Peter Parker goes away and the name Spider-man becomes a thing of the past, he won’t really be gone.Heroes never die, they just change their masks.