In 1962, Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko captured lightning in a bottle when they unleashed Spider-Man in the pages of Amazing Fantasy #15. The origin story could have been Spider-Man’s one and only appearance. However, the fan response to Spider-Man was so positive that he was quickly given his own comic book series that endures to this day. Subsequently, Spider-Man has become one of the most iconic superheroes of all-time, on the same level as Batman or Superman.
Over the years, Marvel has updated certain aspects of Spidey’s origin story. Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mark Bagley modernized the webslinger’s early days in Ultimate Spider-Man. But the core elements of his past are almost always intact. During a science field trip, a high school student named Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider. Almost overnight, he gained the enhanced strength and agility of a spider, as well as his seemingly supernatural “spider-sense.”
Regardless of genre conventions, Spider-Man didn’t instantly put on a costume and fight crime. Peter wasn’t born a hero, he was forged by tragedy. His first instinct was to cash in on his newfound powers for fame and fortune. In a moment of profound arrogance and anger, Peter refused to stop a fleeing thief. That came back to haunt Peter when the same man later murdered his beloved Uncle Ben.
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Faced with the enormity of his loss, Peter realized that “with great power, there must also come great responsibility.” Those are the words that Peter lives by, as he continues to protect the innocent as the Amazing Spider-Man. And thus, a legend was born.
Throughout his five decades in comics, Spider-Man has had one of the best ever superhero costumes. Although even Spider-Man has had a few outfit changes, the classic look has largely been retained. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a look back at some of the most memorable Spider-Man costumes to see his evolution in action.
Origins and Evolutions: Spider-Man
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In the Beginning
Jack Kirby actually drew the first ever Spider-Man cover on Amazing Fantasy #15. But it was Steve Ditko who defined the early look of Marvel's iconic hero.
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The Romita Era
After Ditko left Amazing Spider-Man, John Romita, Sr. came on the book and made it his own. Romita's take on Spider-Man defined the character for decades.
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The Black Costume
After keeping the same costume for over two decades, it was time for a change in the '80s! Spidey picked up his cool Black Costume during Secret Wars. But this alien costume turned out to be alive.
Even after separating from the symbiote, Spidey kept the Black Costume look until Venom came along. In that way, the legacy of this costume continues to this day.
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Welcome to the '90s
Todd McFarlane's take on Spider-Man revitalized Peter Parker's world in the '90s.
McFarlane went on to launch the best-selling Spider-Man #1 before co-founding Image Comics. But McFarlane's influence lasted for years afterwards.
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Spider-Man 2099
Long before the Spider-Verse came along, Marvel introduced the Spider-Man of the future: Miguel O'Hara.
Spider-Man 2099 has outlasted the other Marvel 2099 heroes. He also had a cameo in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse animated movie.
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Spider Armor
In Web of Spider-Man #100, Peter went into battle with a special suit of Spider-Armor. It didn't last long, but it's been immortalized as toys and in video games.
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Scarlet Spider
This is not Spider-Man. It's his clone, Ben Reilly. Trust us, it would take too long to explain. But when Ben went into action, he had his own identity as the Scarlet Spider.
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The Sensational Spider-Man
Ben and Peter were tricked into believing that Ben was the one true Spider-Man. So, Ben took over the role of Spider-Man and had his own take on the classic costume.
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Ultimate Spider-Man
Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mark Bagley re-envisioned Spidey for a new generation in Ultimate Spider-Man. This alternate timeline Spider-Man was once again a teenage hero.
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Iron Spider
When Spider-Man finally joined the Avengers, Tony Stark took him under his wing and created a new costume for him. The result was the Iron Spider armor, a significantly upgraded outfit.
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Future Foundation
After the apparent death of Human Torch, the Fantastic Four rebranded themselves as the Future Foundation. Torch's best friend, Spider-Man, was invited to join the team in his place.
Spidey also took on a custom FF costume during his time with the team.
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Miles Morales
In the Ultimate Marvel universe, young Peter Parker died. But Miles Morales was inspired by Peter's life, and he became the new Spider-Man.
Miles proved to be so popular that he now co-exists with Peter in the main Marvel Universe.
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Spider Armor Mark III
During the "Ends of the Earth" storyline, Spidey came up with armor designed to fight every member of the Sinister Six.
It's a little bulky compared to Spidey's other costumes, but it got the job done.
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The Superior Spider-Man
After "Ends of the Earth," Doctor Octopus got his revenge by stealing Peter Parker's body. However, Doc Ock was inspired to become a hero by Peter's example.
As the Superior Spider-Man, Doc Ock created his own upgrades for Spidey. But he lacked the true heart of a hero.
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All-New Spider-Man
After reclaiming his body from Doc Ock, Peter found himself as the head of his own company. He subsequently became a tech mogul who hired Spider-Man to be his bodyguard as a cover.
Spidey also upgraded his own costume this time. But with less brutal options than the Superior Spider-Man
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Back to Basics
In the current Amazing Spider-Man series, Spidey has returned to his traditional costume.
But if the past is any indication, Spider-Man will eventually have new costumes in the future!
