Amazing Fantasy (1962) #15 Explained

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Amazing Fantasy #15: Spider-Man! (1962)

Cover copyright Marvel.com

Overview:

Amazing Fantasy #15, published in August 1962, is a comic book written by Stan Lee, with artwork by Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby. This issue introduces Spider-Man, following the story of Peter Parker as he gains superpowers and learns the important lesson that "with great power comes great responsibility."

Plot Summary:

The story begins with Peter Parker, a socially awkward high school student who excels academically but is frequently bullied by his peers. He lives with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben, who provide him with a loving home. One day, during a science demonstration on radioactivity, Peter is bitten by a radioactive spider. Initially shaken by the incident, Peter quickly discovers that the bite has granted him extraordinary powers, including superhuman strength, agility, and the ability to cling to walls.

Excited by his newfound abilities, Peter initially decides to use them for personal gain. He creates a masked costume and enters a wrestling match, easily defeating his opponent and earning prize money. Thrilled by his success, Peter's confidence grows, but his attitude becomes self-centered. After one of his performances, he has the opportunity to stop a fleeing thief but chooses not to, dismissing it as "not his problem."

Tragedy strikes when Peter returns home to discover that his Uncle Ben has been murdered by a burglar. Devastated, Peter tracks down the criminal, only to realize it is the same thief he had allowed to escape earlier. Overcome with guilt and remorse, Peter captures the burglar, but the damage is done—his Uncle Ben is gone.

In the aftermath, Peter learns a painful but invaluable lesson: "With great power, there must also come great responsibility." This revelation marks the birth of Spider-Man, as Peter vows to use his powers to fight crime and protect the innocent, forever haunted by the knowledge that he could have prevented his uncle's death.

This origin story establishes the core of Spider-Man's character—his struggles with guilt, responsibility, and the desire to do good despite his personal hardships.

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