Hulk Superman Spiderman Games

Spiderman first appeared in Marvel Comics Amazing Fantasy issue 15, which was released in August 1962. The Amazing Fantasy series was on its way out; this would be its last issue. Way back then, the comic sold for 12 cents. Today, well-preserved originals bring $5, 000 or more. Not a bad return on investment for the forward-thinking collector.

Spiderman is one of the most popular super-heroes of all time, and his is likely the most recognizable name in the Marvel Universe. He is the hero of books, movies, video games, lunchboxes, t-shirts, and on and on. But where did he come from, and was there really a radioactive spider involved?

Origin Story A: From the Mind of Legend Stan Lee . Among Others

His is the mind behind such entertainment staples as the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk (or just "the Hulk" now, it seems; perhaps his super-strength and rage issues are more credible after 50 years of world-wide exposure), Iron Man, Thor, Daredevil, the X-Men, and, of course, Spiderman. There can be no doubt that Stan Lee is a creative Juggernaut (X-Men reference).

But he has not been working alone. With regard to Spiderman especially, the creative process was a team effort. Indeed, he has been quoted crediting at least one of his collaborators, Steve Ditko, for significant contribution to Spiderman's development: "If Steve wants to be called co-creator, " said Stan Lee during a 2007 interview, "I think he deserves [it)."

The other mind behind Spiderman was Jack Kirby, who has gone largely unrecognized as a creator, but who has been credited with such developments as the suit, mask, and web-shooters. So Spiderman's development was a team effort, but most agree the original idea was Lee's. He was trying to come up with a superhero for teenagers and was inspired to create Spiderman when he saw a spider crawling up a nearby wall.