We all know of the Marvel comic book superhero who effortlessly climbs tall skyscrapers, swings from buildings and shoots spider webs at any enemy that dare cross his path. Although we may already know Peter Parker's story, are we aware of the history behind this notorious crime fighter, and how he came to be?
Marvel's Spider-Man was created by comic book Writer, Editor and Actor Stan Lee, along with comic book Artist Steve Ditko. Spider-Man first appeared in an American comic book called, Amazing Fantasy #15. This "new kind of superhero" received a lot of positive attention and so The Amazing Spider-Man comic book series was quickly launched in 1963, introducing youth everywhere to Peter Parker who was just your average high school student who struggled with rejection and loneliness, although a very bright young man. His character was one that young readers could easily relate to, unlike many other superheroes. Parker eventually became the man behind Spider-Man's secret identity, after being bitten by genetically altered spider.
Spider-Man's original comic book series was a huge success and following behind in 1968 was The Spectacular Spider-Man, which was the name given to the several comic books and one magazine series starring Spider-Man. Spider-Man truly grew to be a success and so his popularity led him to be carried to different platforms like television and films. The first animated series was titled, Spider-Man, and ran on ABC from 1967 to 1970. Fans outside the United States were also able to enjoy Spider-Man in overseas films.
In 1977, Nicholas Hammond, Chip Fields and Robert F. Simon starred in a 1977 TV series entitled, The Amazing Spider-Man (Check out the clip below). It only lasted two years, but it told the story of Spider-Man in live-action.
Theaters welcomed Spider-Man in 2002 with Spider-Man, directed by Sam Raimi, and became 2002's third-highest grossing film. Spider-Man 2 was released in 2004, and Spider-Man 3 in 2007 which stand as the most successful film in the series.
"The Amazing Spider-Man," directed by Marc Webb, is due for release in theaters on July 3, and is pretty much meant to be a reboot of the comic book series. Numerous people are in high anticipation of this upcoming movie and expect it to fully capture the story of Spider-Man from the very beginning. So, although the unproduced Spider-Man 4 was originally meant to continue where the third installment left off, due to disagreements between Sony and Rami which caused him to leave the project, Sony was ultimately forced to cancel the film.
Spider-Man is hands down a comic book success story, yet his long-lasting lesson still stands: "With great power there must also come great responsibility."
Check out the clips for the 1977 TV series, The Amazing Spider-Man and the upcoming 2012 movie, The Amazing Spider-Man, below: