1. He made his Marvel debut in 1962

The web-slinging icon, who was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, first made his appearance in Marvel comics in August 1962. The comic was titled Amazing Fantasy #15 and original, mint-condition copies are worth over $1 million!

2. Spider-Man was originally going to be an insect

Stan Lee originally wanted to create a superhero based on an insect, but opted for a spider instead. And a Marvel hero was born.

3. Spider-Man is hyphenated for a reason

The reason Spider-Man is spelled with a hyphen is because Spidey creator and all-round legend Stan Lee didn't want people to get confused with Superman. So now you know.

4. He's got loads of nicknames

According to Marvel, you could call him... deep breath... Peter Benjamin Parker, Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Sensational Spider-Man, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Tiger, Spidey, Webhead, Webslinger, Wall-crawler, Little Man, (formerly) The Amazing Octo-Spidey, Bag-Man, Bookworm, Captain Universe, Dusk, Hornet, Mad Dog #336, Man-Spider, Prodigy, Puny Parker, Ricochet, Scarlet Spider, Spider-Hulk. Or just Spidey.

5. He studied physics at university

Peter Parker knows lots about physics and has a BS in Physics and a doctoral studies in Biochemistry at ESU (Empire State University), which is "incomplete". It appears being busy fighting crime had an affect on his studies.

6. He was born in New York City

Spider-man – Peter Parker to his family – was born in Forest Hills, New York, which part of the borough of Queens!

7. He's got lots of super powers

According to the Marvel website, Spider-man possesses the following abilities: superhuman strength, superhuman speed, superhuman reflexes, superhuman durability and healing. All pretty handy when fighting crime.

8. He's part of a few superhero teams

When he's not swinging through the streets of New York City, Spider-man has also been part of Fantastic Four. He appeared alongside the gang in a four-part series – Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four – which was published in the summer of 2007!

9. One President of the USA is a huge fan

When it was revealed that President Barack Obama used to be a collector of Spider-man comics, he appeared the cover of The Amazing Spider-Man No. 583!

10. He's almost 178 Beanos tall

Spider-man stands at 5'10 tall and after some quick maths, that means he's the same height as 178 comics. That's almost three year's worth of your favourite weekly dose of laughs!

11. His web lasts for an hour

Spider-man's webs dissolve after 60 minutes, which makes sense because New York would be covered in dangly pieces of superhero string.

12. And is strong enough to hold up the Hulk

Experts say that the Hulk weighs 1089 kg, so it's safe to say Spider-man's webs are made of pretty strong stuff. Imagine him helping you home with the week's food shopping. It'd be a breeze!

13. Peter's Parents Were Spies!

It’s well known that Peter Parker was bought up by Aunt May, but it’s less well known his  parents were CIA agents. What happened to them? You’ll need to read on to find out…

14. The Red Skull Ordered the Assasination of Peter Parker's Parents

The Red Skull's assassin, The Finisher sabotaged their plane, causing it to crash.

15. Peter Parker was raised by his Aunt 

May the Aunt be with you.  

16. The Spider that bit Peter Parker, struck again

The radioactive spider that bit Peter Parker also bit a student called Cindy Moon. She became the superhero known as Silk.

17. Peter Parker met MJ in a coffee shop

Peter Parker met Mary Jane at the Coffee Bean Cafe. 

18. Peter Parker studied Physics

Peter Parker studied Physics at Empire State University after graduating high school. 

19. Peter Parker isn't perfect

Peter’s not perfect. When he discovered his powers, Peter Parker's first thoughts were to use them to make money.

20. Peter Parker is the classic underdog

Even if he's supercool in the films, in the comics Peter Parker started off as an awkward high-schooler.

21. Peter's bully became his friend

Flash Thomson, the guy who made Peter’s life miserable in high-school returned to the comics to become Peter Parker's best friend at University

22. Peter didn't want to date MJ at first

In the original comics, Mary Jane Watson was a girl that Peter’s Aunt May repeatedly tried to set him up with. Peter turned down date after date until he bumped into her by chance!

23. Peter Parker has revealed his identity

Peter Parker told everybody he was Spiderman at a press conference for complicated plot reasons to do with Tony Stark.

24. Peter's been a Photographer

Peter Parker earns a living as a freelance photographer. It’s pretty easy when you can sell spiderman selfies to the Daily Bugle every day! 

25. Peter's travelled the world

Although Peter Parker rarely leaves New York in the films, in the comics he’s travelled all over the world. He’s even been to Algeria on a mission to discover the truth behind his parents’ death!

26. Peter wears red and blue pyjamas

In several comics we see Peter Parker in his pyjamas. They are blue and red.

27. Peter Parker’s been the CEO of a massive company (sort of)

Otto Octavius once took over Peter’s body and formed a huge tech company called Parker Industries.

28. And Peter's been Tony Stark's Personal Assistant

It's the second best job in the world after being Tony Stark himself!

29. Peter Parker has a real house

Peter Parker was given a real address to live in. It's 21 Ingram Street, Queens New York.

30. Peter Parker has turned into an actual spider

Peter Parker once turned into an actual spider, which isn’t half as cool as a turning into a human with spider-like powers.

31. Peter Parker has retired

Peter Parker has retired and lives in Portland, Oregon. He's an OAPeter.