Join me today as I run through the very tangled web of the video game history of Webhead himself, the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man! These videos are always a labor of love, but this one in particular I’m really happy with. I’ve loved Spider-Man since I was a kid, and his history with video games is legitimately massive, having been there since 1982 on the Atari 2600.

Spider-Man, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, swung into the Marvel Universe in 1962, making his debut in “Amazing Fantasy” #15. Peter Parker, an awkward high school student, gained his incredible arachnid-like abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. This transformation marked the birth of one of Marvel’s most beloved and enduring superheroes. What set Spider-Man apart was his relatability—readers connected with Peter Parker’s everyday struggles, from dealing with school pressures to navigating relationships, all while shouldering the responsibility of being a masked crime-fighter.

Throughout the decades, Spider-Man evolved into an icon of Marvel Comics, captivating audiences through his enduring moral code and endearing wit. His rogues’ gallery, featuring formidable foes like the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, and Venom, became as integral to his story as his unwavering commitment to justice. Over time, the character matured, transitioning from a teenage superhero to a responsible adult grappling with the challenges of adulthood while continuing to protect New York City. Spider-Man’s popularity expanded beyond comic books, spanning various media—from animated series and blockbuster films to video games—solidifying his status as a cultural phenomenon that resonates across generations.