Top 10 Best Facts About The Writer Stan Lee and Artist Steve Ditko Created Marvel Universe Superhero Spider-Man

Spider-Man is one of the most iconic and beloved superheroes in the Marvel Universe. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, the web-slinging superhero seen in this officially licensed SPIDERMAN PIN first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962. Since then, Spider-Man has become one of the most recognizable and popular superheroes in the world, with countless comic book appearances, TV shows, movies, and merchandise.

As a superhero, Spider-Man has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. But despite his popularity, there are still many fascinating facts and secrets about Spider-Man that even the most dedicated fans may not know. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 Spider-Man facts that every true fan should know.


  • Spider-Man Wasn't Marvel's First Choice for a New Superhero

  • Believe it or not, when Marvel was looking to create a new superhero in the early 1960s, Spider-Man wasn't their first choice. In fact, the character was initially rejected by the publisher. However, after some convincing from artist Steve Ditko and editor-in-chief Stan Lee, Spider-Man eventually made his debut in Amazing Fantasy #15. The issue was an instant success, and Spider-Man went on to become one of Marvel's most popular characters.


  • Spider-Man's Costume Was Inspired by a Fly

  • When creating Spider-Man's iconic red and blue costume, artist Steve Ditko was inspired by the appearance of a common housefly. Specifically, Ditko was drawn to the fly's large eyes and thin, curved body, which he incorporated into Spider-Man's design. The result was a unique and instantly recognizable superhero costume that has become a pop culture icon.


  • Spider-Man's Web-Slinging Abilities Were Originally Explained as a Gadget

  • In the early days of Spider-Man's comic book appearances, his ability to swing from building to building using his webs was explained as a gadget he invented himself. However, in later years, it was retconned to be a biological ability that he gained after being bitten by a radioactive spider. This change has become an integral part of Spider-Man's origin story and has been featured in various media adaptations.


  • Spider-Man Was the First Teenage Superhero

  • When Spider-Man was created in the 1960s, he was a groundbreaking character in many ways. One of his most significant achievements was being the first teenage superhero. Prior to Spider-Man's debut, most superheroes were adults, often with military or law enforcement backgrounds. Spider-Man's youth and relatability to younger readers helped him stand out and gain a massive following among teenagers and young adults.


  • Spider-Man Has Had Several Different Costumes Over the Years

  • While Spider-Man's red and blue costume is his most iconic look, he has actually had several different outfits over the years. Some of his most notable costumes include the black symbiote suit (which later became Venom), the armored "Spider-Armor," and the black and red costume introduced in the 2010s. Each of these costumes has its own unique design and history, and fans continue to debate which one is the best.


  • Spider-Man Has Fought Some of the Toughest Villains in the Marvel Universe

  • Spider-Man may be a friendly neighborhood superhero, but that doesn't mean he hasn't faced some of the toughest villains in the Marvel Universe. Over the years, Spider-Man has battled the likes of Venom, the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, the Lizard, and many others. Each of these villains has challenged Spider-Man both physically and emotionally, making for some of the most memorable stories in the character's history.


  • Spider-Man's web-slinging abilities are not biological

  • One of Spider-Man's most iconic abilities is his ability to swing through the city using webs that he shoots from his wrists. However, many fans might not realize that this ability is not actually part of Spider-Man's biology. In the original comics, Spider-Man created a device that allowed him to shoot webs, which he used until the mid-90s.


    In the late 90s, Marvel Comics decided to give Spider-Man organic web-shooters as part of a storyline. This change was later adapted into the Spider-Man movies, but it's important to note that it was not part of Spider-Man's original character design.


  • Spider-Man has appeared in more comic book issues than any other Marvel character

  • Spider-Man is one of Marvel's most popular characters, and he has appeared in more comic book issues than any other Marvel character. As of 2021, Spider-Man has appeared in over 5,000 comic book issues, which is more than any other Marvel character.


    This is a testament to Spider-Man's enduring popularity and the impact he has had on the comic book industry. Spider-Man has also appeared in countless movies, TV shows, video games, and other media, cementing his place as one of the most beloved superheroes of all time.


  • Spider-Man was not the first superhero to use webs

  • While Spider-Man is often associated with his web-slinging abilities, he was not the first superhero to use webs. That honor goes to the superhero known as The Black Spider, who first appeared in 1958 in the comic book series "Crack Western."


  • Spider-Man has a spider-sense that warns him of danger

  • One of Spider-Man's most iconic abilities is his spider-sense, which allows him to sense danger before it happens. This ability is often depicted as a tingling sensation on the back of his neck, and it has saved him from countless dangers over the years.


    In conclusion, Spider-Man is a beloved character with a rich history and many interesting facts and secrets. From his non-biological web-slinging abilities to his status as the first teenage superhero, there is always something new to learn about Spider-Man. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the character, Spider-Man's enduring popularity is a testament to his incredible impact on the world of comics and beyond. Now you can show off your love for this amazing superhero by wearing this officially licensed SPIDERMAN PIN!

    Back to blog