History of Spider-Man in Timeline

Spider-Man is a popular and commercially successful superhero created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, first appearing in Amazing Fantasy #15. He is a prominent figure in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Spider-Man's widespread appeal has led to his inclusion in various forms of media, including television shows, films, video games, novels, and plays.

June 5, 1962: Amazing Fantasy #15 on Sale

On June 5, 1962, Amazing Fantasy #15, featuring the first appearance of Spider-Man, went on sale with a cover date of August 1962.

August 1962: Cover Date of Amazing Fantasy #15

Amazing Fantasy #15, featuring the first appearance of Spider-Man, had a cover date of August 1962, though it went on sale earlier.

August 1962: First Appearance of Spider-Man

In August 1962, Spider-Man, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, made his first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15, marking his debut in the Silver Age of Comic Books.

1962: Stan Lee conceives a New Superhero

In 1962, following the success of the Fantastic Four, Marvel Comics editor Stan Lee created Spider-Man due to a surge in teenage demand for comic books and the desire to create a relatable character.

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1962: Radioactive Spider Bite and Origin of Spider-Man

In August 1962, as depicted in Amazing Fantasy #15, Midtown High School student Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider at a science exhibit. This event gives him the agility, proportionate strength, and wall-crawling abilities of an arachnid. He develops web-shooters and becomes the television star Spider-Man. After refusing to stop a thief, the same criminal kills his Uncle Ben, leading Peter to learn the lesson, 'With great power there must also come—great responsibility!'

March 1963: First Issue of The Amazing Spider-Man

In March 1963, the first issue of The Amazing Spider-Man is released. Peter Parker struggles to balance his personal life with his superhero duties. He faces challenges like paying rent for Aunt May and dealing with Flash Thompson's taunts. J. Jonah Jameson begins his smear campaign against Spider-Man, while Peter starts working as a freelance photographer for the Daily Bugle, unaware that Spider-Man is Peter Parker.

March 1963: The Amazing Spider-Man #1

In March 1963, the solo ongoing series The Amazing Spider-Man began with issue #1, quickly becoming Marvel's top-selling series.

1964: The Amazing Spider-Man Annuals

In 1964, The Amazing Spider-Man series released its first summer Annuals, expanding beyond the regular issues.

1965: Analysis of Spider-Man's Character by Sally Kempton

In 1965, Sally Kempton for the Village Voice analyzes Spider-Man as having a terrible identity problem, inferiority complex, fear of women, and various psychological issues, characterizing him as a 'functioning neurotic'.

1965: Spider-Man Ranked as Revolutionary Icon

In 1965, an Esquire poll of college campuses found that students ranked Spider-Man, along with the Hulk, Bob Dylan, and Che Guevara, as their favorite revolutionary icons.

1965: Ditko Describes Contributions

In a 1965 mail interview, Steve Ditko detailed his contributions to Spider-Man, including the costume design, web gimmick, and spider signal.

July 1966: Ditko Departs The Amazing Spider-Man

In July 1966, Steve Ditko departed from The Amazing Spider-Man after issue #38, and John Romita Sr. replaced him as penciller.

1968: The Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine

In 1968, John Romita Sr. drew extra-length stories for the comics magazine The Spectacular Spider-Man, a proto-graphic novel designed for older readers. The first Spider-Man spin-off publication.

1968: Student Demonstrations at Empire State University

In 1968, Peter Parker finds himself amid student unrest at Empire State University, mirroring actual militant student demonstrations at Columbia University. He struggles to balance his sympathy for the students with his obligation to combat lawlessness as Spider-Man.

November 1970: Death of Captain George Stacy

In November 1970, issue #90 of The Amazing Spider-Man depicts the accidental death of Gwen Stacy's father, New York City Police detective Captain George Stacy, during a battle between Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus.

1970: Nixon Administration Requests Anti-Drug Message

In 1970, the Nixon administration's Department of Health, Education, and Welfare requested Stan Lee to publish an anti-drug message in one of Marvel's top-selling titles.

July 1971: Drug Use Story Arc in The Amazing Spider-Man

In July 1971, The Amazing Spider-Man issues #96–98 featured a story arc depicting the negative effects of drug use, leading to revisions in the Comics Code Authority.

1971: Kirby Notes Ditko's Influence

In a 1971 interview, Jack Kirby noted that it was Steve Ditko who "got Spider-Man to roll, and the thing caught on because of what he did".

1972: Marvel Team-Up Series Begins

In 1972, Marvel Team-Up, a second monthly ongoing series starring Spider-Man paired with other superheroes and supervillains, was launched.

June 1973: Death of Gwen Stacy

In June 1973, Gwen Stacy dies during Spider-Man's rescue attempt after being thrown from a bridge by the Green Goblin, as depicted in issue #121. Spider-Man swears revenge, and in the following issue, he defeats the Green Goblin, who accidentally kills himself in the battle.

1974: Danny Seagren Portrays Spider-Man

In 1974, Danny Seagren began portraying Spider-Man in live-action in Spidey Super Stories, a recurring skit on The Electric Company.

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1976: Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man Series Begins

In 1976, Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man, Spider-Man's second solo series, began running parallel to the main series, The Amazing Spider-Man.

1977: Danny Seagren's Last Appearance as Spider-Man

In 1977, Danny Seagren made his last appearance as Spider-Man in Spidey Super Stories on The Electric Company.

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July 1978: Peter Proposes to Mary Jane

In July 1978, Peter Parker proposes to Mary Jane in issue #182, but she turns him down in the following issue.

July 1979: Meeting Black Cat

In July 1979, Peter Parker meets Felicia Hardy, also known as the Black Cat, in issue #194 of The Amazing Spider-Man.

1984: Introduction of the Black Costume

In 1984, Spider-Man begins wearing a black costume with a white spider design, which originated in the Secret Wars miniseries. The change is met with controversy among comic fans.

1985: Web of Spider-Man Series Launches

In 1985, Web of Spider-Man launched as a third series featuring Spider-Man, replacing Marvel Team-Up.

1986: Lee Describes Arguments for Spider-Man Approval

In a 1986 interview, Stan Lee detailed the arguments he used to convince Marvel publisher Martin Goodman to approve the creation and publication of Spider-Man.

June 5, 1987: Spider-Man Wedding at Shea Stadium

On June 5, 1987, a real-life mock wedding is held at Shea Stadium, with Stan Lee officiating, to promote the wedding of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21.

July 1987: Peter Proposes to Mary Jane

In July 1987, Peter Parker proposes to Mary Jane in The Amazing Spider-Man #290, and she accepts two issues later.

1988: Peter Returns to Graduate Studies

In December 1988, Peter Parker returns to his Empire State University graduate studies in biochemistry in The Amazing Spider-Man #310.

1988: Stanton Recalls Contribution

In a 1988 interview with Theakston, Eric Stanton recalled that although his contribution to Spider-Man was "almost nil", he and Ditko worked on storyboards together and he added a few ideas. Stanton recalls adding the business about the webs coming out of his hands.

1989: Spider-Man's Superhuman Recuperative Abilities

In the aftermath of the 1989 'Acts of Vengeance' storyline, Spider-Man's superhuman recuperative abilities are highlighted, allowing him to quickly recover from exhaustion after defeating the Tri-Sentinel.

1990: "Adjectiveless" Spider-Man Series Debuts

In 1990, the "adjectiveless" Spider-Man series, written and drawn by Todd McFarlane, debuted with multiple covers and sold over three million copies.

1990: Simon Disputes Kirby's Account

In his 1990 autobiography, Joe Simon disputed Jack Kirby's account of the origin of Spider-Man, asserting that Black Magic was not a factor and that Simon devised the name "Spider-Man".

April 1995: Aunt May's Apparent Death

In April 1995, Aunt May apparently dies in The Amazing Spider-Man #400.

1995: Mary Jane Announces Pregnancy

In January 1995, Mary Jane announces she is pregnant with Peter's baby in The Spectacular Spider-Man #220.

1996: The Sensational Spider-Man Series Created

In 1996, The Sensational Spider-Man was created to replace Web of Spider-Man.

1996: Death of Ben Reilly

In December 1996, Ben Reilly is killed while saving Peter in Peter Parker: Spider-Man #75, and his body crumbles into dust, confirming he was the clone.

1998: Spider-Man: Chapter One Series

In 1998, John Byrne revamped Spider-Man's origin in the 13-issue limited series Spider-Man: Chapter One. The Amazing Spider-Man series ended with issue #441 in November 1998.

1998: Parker Learns Aunt May Was Kidnapped

In November 1998, in issue #97 of Peter Parker: Spider-Man, Parker learns that Norman Osborn kidnapped Aunt May and her apparent death in The Amazing Spider-Man #400 had been a hoax.

1999: The Amazing Spider-Man Volume 2 Begins

In January 1999, The Amazing Spider-Man started with volume 2, #1, following the conclusion of the original series in November 1998.

2000: Mary Jane's Apparent Death

In January 2000, in The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 2) #13 (#454), Mary Jane is apparently killed in an airplane explosion.

April 2001: Mary Jane Revealed to be Alive

In April 2001, Mary Jane is revealed to be alive in The Amazing Spider-Man volume 2, issue #28 (#469), but she and Peter are completely separated in the following issue.

June 2001: Straczynski Begins Writing The Amazing Spider-Man

In June 2001, J. Michael Straczynski begins writing The Amazing Spider-Man, starting with volume 2, #30 (#471).

2002: Aunt May Discovers Peter is Spider-Man

In January 2002, Aunt May discovers that her nephew Peter Parker is Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man vol. 2, #37 (#478).

2002: Depiction of Spider-Man's Wall-Clinging Ability in Film

In the 2002 Spider-Man film, Spider-Man's wall-clinging ability is depicted as being facilitated by tiny clinging cilia on his hands and feet, similar to a real spider's feet.

April 2003: Peter and Mary Jane Reconcile

In April 2003, Peter and Mary Jane reconcile in The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 2) #50 (#491).

2003: Original Numbering Reintroduced for The Amazing Spider-Man

In 2003, Marvel reintroduced the original numbering for The Amazing Spider-Man, and what would have been volume 2, #59, became issue #500 in December 2003.

2004: Peter Learns of Gwen Stacy's Children

In November 2004, in The Amazing Spider-Man #512, Peter learns that his late girlfriend Gwen Stacy had two children with Norman Osborn.

2005: Peter Undergoes Transformation in "The Other" Story Arc

In 2005, Peter Parker undergoes a transformation that evolves his powers in the 12-part story arc "The Other".

June 2006: Spider-Man Publicly Reveals His Identity

In June 2006, in Civil War #2, Spider-Man reveals his true identity publicly due to the U.S. government's Superhuman Registration Act.

2006: Aunt May Wounded and Enters Coma

In December 2006, in issue #537, Aunt May is critically wounded by Wilson Fisk's sniper and enters a coma.

2007: David Michelinie reflects on Spider-Man's marriage

In 2007, David Michelinie, who scripted the wedding of Spider-Man and Mary Jane, reflects that he didn't believe they should have gotten married. He had planned another version, one that wasn't used.

2007: Cancellation of Spin-Off Series

In December 2007 when the main series The Amazing Spider-Man reached issue #545, Marvel dropped its spin-off ongoing series.

January 2008: The Amazing Spider-Man Published Three Times Monthly

In January 2008, The Amazing Spider-Man began being published three times monthly, starting with issues #546–548.

June 2008: J. Jonah Jameson Becomes Mayor of New York City

In June 2008, J. Jonah Jameson becomes the Mayor of New York City in issue #591.

2008: Spider-Man's Identity is Secret Again After Pact With Mephisto

In January 2008, after Aunt May is critically wounded, Peter makes a pact with Mephisto, resulting in the erasure of his marriage to Mary Jane and the restoration of his secret identity in issue #545. This storyline is known as "One More Day".

2009: J. Jonah Jameson Sr. Marries May Parker

In September 2009, J. Jonah Jameson Sr., Jonah's estranged father, marries May Parker in issue #600.

November 2010: Increased Page Count and Twice-Monthly Publication

In November 2010, The Amazing Spider-Man expanded from 22 pages to 30 pages per issue and began being published twice a month with issues #648–649.

2010: Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark on Broadway

In 2010, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, a Broadway musical featuring Reeve Carney as Spider-Man, originally premiered.

2010: Lee Explains Cover Art Decision

In 2010, Stan Lee explained that he had Jack Kirby sketch a cover for Amazing Fantasy #15 because he had confidence in Kirby's cover art, even though the interior artwork was by Steve Ditko.

December 2012: The Superior Spider-Man Replaces The Amazing Spider-Man

In December 2012, The Amazing Spider-Man temporarily ended with issue #700 and was replaced by The Superior Spider-Man, featuring Doctor Octopus as the new Spider-Man.

2012: Doctor Octopus Takes Over

In 2012, Doctor Octopus took on the identity of Spider-Man following a body swap plot where Peter Parker seemingly died.

April 2014: Return of Peter Parker

In April 2014, Peter Parker returned as Spider-Man in a newly relaunched The Amazing Spider-Man #1, following the Superior Spider-Man storyline.

2014: Peter Parker's Return

In 2014, Peter Parker returned as Spider-Man, concluding the story arc where Doctor Octopus had taken over his body.

2015: Relaunch as Part of All-New, All-Different Marvel

In 2015, following the Secret Wars crossover event, The Amazing Spider-Man was relaunched as part of the "All-New, All-Different Marvel" event, focusing on Peter Parker running Parker Industries.

2099: Spider-Army Finds Alternate Otto Octavius

During a mission to gather more recruits in 2099, the Spider-Army stumbled upon another party of spider-people led by an alternate version of Otto Octavius. Together, they neutralize the Inheritors.