Comic Title: Essential Spider-Man Vol. 1 TPB
Publisher: Marvel
Cover Date: 1997
On Sale Date: December 11, 1996 Direct Market Date December 11, 1996
Source: Marvel Vision, #12

Direct Market Date December 11, 1996
Source: ComicList, Heroes World : New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, December 11, 1996

Direct Market Date December 11, 1996
Source: Comic Shop News, #492

Cover Price: $12.95
Page Count: 528
Editor: Eric Fein

See Also: The Guide to Graphic Novels and Collected Editions

Title: "Spider-Man"
Pages: 11

Feature(s):
Spider-Man

Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Steve J. Ditko

Reprinted From:
Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962)

Feature Character(s)

• Spider-Man (Peter Parker; first appearance; next appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #1)

Supporting Character(s)

• May Parker (Peter's aunt; first appearance; next appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #1)
• Ben Parker (Peter's uncle; first appearance; dies in this story; no further appearances)
• Flash Thompson (first appearance; next appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #2)

Villain(s)

• An unnamed burglar (no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• Crusher Hogan (a wrestler; no further appearances)
• An unnamed television producer (no further appearances)
• Several teenagers (Sally named; no further appearances)
• Several scientists (no further appearances)
• Several police officers (no further appearances)

Comments:
Spider-Man's name is rendered Spiderman, except for the story title where it is rendered Spider-Man.

Synopsis:
Bookworm Peter Parker attends a science exhibit where a display of atomic radiation is being conducted. A spider is bathed in radiation accidentally, then it bites Peter. On his way home, the high school student discovers that the spider's bite has given him amazing powers including enhanced strength and the ability to climb walls. Determined to find a use for his abilities, he accepts a challenge from a pro wrestler Crusher Hogan to last three minutes in the ring. Peter dons a mask to conceal his identity, then bests Crusher with ease.

A television producer sees the show and offers to act as Peter's agent. Peter returns home. He uses his knowledge of science to construct wrist-mounted web-shooters that expel a sticky web that Peter can climb. He also fashions a costume for himself, taking the name Spiderman.

With the help of his agent, Spiderman begins taking the town by storm. After appears on a television program, Spiderman witnesses a chase in the hallway outside. A security guard is chasing a thief and asks for Peter's help. Spiderman refuses, and the bandit escapes.

Several days later Peter returns home from another appearance only to be informed that his uncle Ben has been murdered. Spiderman tracks down the killer who has hidden in an old warehouse. When the masked performer captured the criminal he learns that it is the same thief that he let escape days earlier. Peter realizes that had he taken action, his uncle might still be alive. Painfully, he learns that with great power comes great responsibility.