Peter Parker might be Spider-Man, but he’s infamous for his bad luck. Over the years, he’s lost loved ones, seen multiple relationships come to an end, and even died a few times thanks to a complex Doctor Strange-adjacent adventure. That said, plenty of good things have happened to Spider-Man as well, including moments that wound up defining the character.
All of these experiences have helped make Spider-Man the friendly neighborhood hero he is today. Good and bad, these events are critical to the Earth-616 version of Spider-Man. He’s one of Marvel’s most popular characters for a reason, and while the Parker luck might not be the best, the trajectory of his life has been more positive than negative on the whole.
Being Bitten By A Radioactive Spider Changed Peter Parker’s Life
Peter Parker is bitten by a spider in Ultimate Spider-Man #1Image via Marvel Comics
When Spider-Man was first introduced to audiences in 1962, he needed an origin story. Cold War-era fascination with nuclear radiation was high at the time, and many heroes of the time gained their powers through it. In Peter Parker’s case, he gains his powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. The bite may have been painful, but it gave Peter what he needed to become the hero he was meant to be.
There’s an argument that Peter’s life might have been easier had he never crossed paths with the spider. That said, countless stories have explored that idea, and nearly all suggest that Peter isn’t truly fulfilled without Spider-Man being a part of him. He becomes his best self by saving others and making a real difference. Despite the trauma, becoming Spider-Man and fighting villains is likely the best thing that has ever happened to him.
Discovering The Spider-Verse Breathed New Life Into Spider-Man Comics
Back in 2014, the first fully fledged Spider-Verse event took place. While the Multiverse had already appeared in various stories, the discovery of the Spider-Verse as an interconnected web of realities was comforting for Peter Parker. Spider-Man had always been surrounded by heroes, some with spider-themed identities, but this was something different.
As the Spider-Verse became a larger part of Peter’s life, he met individuals who were just like him, including some who were literally him. They shared many of the same traits and struggles, and even when their appearances, humor, or powers differed, the core principle of great responsibility remained. Spider-Man has so often been a lonely character, but here, he finally felt understood. Later, Miles Morales entered his life, along with other fantastic Spider-Man variants like Ghost-Spider, and Peter gained a support system he had never had before.
Marrying Mary Jane Made Peter Part Of A Classic Comic Book Romance
There’s a long-running debate over who the true love of Peter Parker’s life is. Some argue it’s Gwen Stacy, whose death permanently altered the course of Marvel’s comics. Others point to Felicia Hardy, a more complicated and controversial figure in Peter’s life. Still, there’s a strong case to be made for Mary Jane Watson, the model, actress, and sometimes journalist who has consistently stood by Peter, no matter what he was facing.
One of the happiest moments of his life was the day he married Mary Jane, with Spider-Man finally finding the peace he so deserved. The characters have been reunited and separated countless times, but whenever he’s with Mary Jane, he gets to feel the joy that love brings. The wedding was a major occasion for Marvel Comics and a big event for fans, who were thrilled to see the couple tie the knot in 1987. If only it had lasted!
Spider-Boy Is A Fantastic New Addition To Spider-Man Comics
Spider-Boy is a recent addition to Marvel Comics. Brought back after seemingly being erased from the Web of Life and Destiny, Bailey Briggs has gone on to star in an entertaining solo run and remains a major presence in Spider-Man–adjacent stories. His relationship with the main man himself is particularly interesting, as his presence has had a significant positive impact on Peter’s life.
At first, Spider-Man wasn’t sure if he should let this kid in, let alone support him continuing as a superhero, but Spider-Boy has reminded Spider-Man what the role is really about and shown him that trust can come from unexpected places. While the relationship is still growing, it’s clear Spider-Man has gained a deep respect for what Spider-Boy brings to the table and has realized he still has what it takes to be a good mentor, even when he doubts himself.
Spider-Man Learned To Take Responsibility
The death of Uncle Ben is a truly tragic moment in Spider-Man’s life and a turning point in his journey as a superhero. Peter was selfish before that day, but the loss opened his eyes to what he had the power to do. The famous quote about responsibility has been repeated countless times, yet it’s never lost its meaning. Uncle Ben’s death was one of the worst things to happen to Spider-Man, but accepting his responsibility was one of the best.
It’s hard to say where Peter’s life would have gone if he hadn’t come to understand the true value of what he could offer the world. Maybe he’d be a brilliant scientist, using his powers only to earn a living. But New York is a much safer place with Spider-Man in it, and that realization was what shaped him. There have been moments where that responsibility has come at a high cost, but he’s inspired so many to stand up and be better, and that keeps Peter moving forward.
Breaking Away From Iron Man Was Good For Peter Parker
The Civil War event was one of the most controversial moments in Marvel history, forcing the publication’s lead characters to pick sides. They were either in favor of the registration act, aligning with Iron Man, or opposed to it, standing with Captain America. Spider-Man initially sided with Iron Man and even revealed his secret identity to the world. It was a shocking twist, one that would go on to have a lasting and damaging effect on Peter’s life.
However, Spider-Man eventually saw the error in the choices he’d made and left Iron Man’s team, throwing everything away in the process. The decision nearly got him killed by a pair of rogue Thunderbolts, but he finally found peace with where he landed. He was able to start fresh and fight injustice in the way he was always meant to. It was a bold move, but leaving that world behind was one of the best decisions he could have made.
Spider-Man has always been adjacent to the Avengers, but it wasn’t until the mid-2000s that he truly became a mainstay on the team. Before then, he mostly operated solo, with occasional team-ups alongside other spider-related heroes or characters like Deadpool, Wolverine, and the Human Torch. Joining the Avengers network, though, proved to be a game-changer, elevating his role within the wider superhero community.
In the past, he had turned down membership, but the timing was finally right for him to seek out new allies. His tenure as an Avenger has been a turbulent one, but it’s clear he’s gained a lot from those connections. There’s always someone to call when he needs backup, and on more than one occasion, fellow Avengers have helped him navigate his personal life as he continues to balance his responsibilities behind the mask.
Black Cat Was Good For Spider-Man
There have been a few notable romances in Spider-Man’s life, but Black Cat might be one of the most complicated. Felicia represents much of what Peter stands against. After all, she’s used her abilities for personal gain, become a notorious thief, and even teamed up with villains in the past. Nonetheless, Peter has always seen the best in her and has made a real effort to help her commit to the hero life.
Just as Peter has tried to teach Black Cat something about the hero life, Felicia has had her own influence on Spider-Man’s approach to it. She’s been excellent at showing him how to ease up on himself, helping to free him from the constant weight of responsibility. She makes him a better hero by reminding him that not everything is his fault. That pressure has often taken a toll, but when he’s been at his lowest, Felicia has been there to help build him back up.
Taking On The Venom Symbiote Took Spider-Man In A New Direction
Venom has become such a crucial part of Spider-Man’s life that removing him from the timeline would leave a noticeable void. Peter’s transformation into black suit Spider-Man was a turning point that forced him to confront who he truly wanted to be as a hero. It was one of his greatest tests, and he emerged from it stronger than ever.
The relationship between Peter and Venom remains complex, especially with new hosts taking on the Symbiote and showcasing some incredible suit designs. At times, Venom has even assisted Spider-Man, now leaning more into the anti-hero role. But the Symbiote ultimately reflects the core of its host, and Peter’s ability to reject it helped him fully understand his own values. Without Venom, Spider-Man wouldn’t be the same hero he is today.