7 Times Spider-Man Proved He’s the Most Relatable Hero in Comics

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It’s hard to deny that if there’s a superhero who genuinely embodies the most human character in comic books, it’s Marvel’s Spider-Man. Right from the start, Peter Parker was created as an ordinary hero, dealing with challenges similar to those faced by everyday people. Granted, he soars above New York City under his Spider-Man persona, but beneath the mask lies a young man grappling with school, work, and relationships while simultaneously trying to protect New York City from villains. What makes Spider-Man captivating isn’t only his superpowers, but his vulnerability, emotional turmoil, and unwavering determination, even when life sets him back.

He may not be perfect, but that’s what makes him the most relatable superhero in Marvel Comics. Let’s take a look at seven memorable comic book scenes where Spider-Man showed he’s more than just a superhero–he’s a human being with flaws and all.

7) He Was Bullied in School

It’s well-known that being bullied at school is miserable, and many individuals have encountered this unpleasant situation at some point in their lives. This includes Peter Parker, as his character’s backstory often involves him being bullied at school, making him a relatable figure due to his awkwardness and academic prowess, traits that unfortunately are not uncommon among teenagers and make him an easy target for ridicule in the school halls. It seems even superheroes can be victims of bullying, which underscores the fact that Peter Parker shares some universal struggles with us ordinary folks.

6) He’s Struggled to Pay Rent

Peter Parker isn’t like Tony Stark; he wasn’t born into affluence and doesn’t have the funds to casually invest in high-tech costumes or lavish gadgets. Instead, Peter’s just managing to get by financially while living in one of the world’s priciest cities. Balancing work, rent payments, and superhero duties is a struggle he faces daily. Many people find it hard enough to cover basic expenses like food these days, let alone housing costs, but Peter’s situation isn’t much different. Of course, he does have the unique advantage of being Spider-Man, yet his financial struggles resonate with us ordinary folks. It’s a bit surprising to think that one of the most iconic and beloved heroes is grappling with the same economic difficulties as we are, but there’s something reassuring about it.

5) He Has Romantic Troubles

Love, an enigmatic blend of pain and pleasure, even for a hero like Spider-Man, isn’t exempt. In “The Amazing Spider-Man”, Peter distanced himself from Mary Jane, fearful she might get harmed due to his presence. Though his apprehensions stem from his life as Spider-Man, they echo the feelings of many. People often find themselves pushing away those they cherish, not solely for personal gain, but to shield them. Be it a fear of commitment or concern for another’s welfare, the trials of love strike a chord with numerous individuals.

4) He Gets Fired

In the series “Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man”, it’s not Spider-Man who hasn’t been fired; rather, it’s Peter Parker, the New York-based hero, who finds himself let go from his tech job due to his double life as a superhero. Despite being good at his job, being Spider-Man often disrupts his ability to attend work regularly, leading to his termination. Adding to his woes, he lives hand-to-mouth and needs the income, making job stability all the more crucial. Unlike some privileged characters like Tony Stark, Peter’s employment struggles resonate with many people.

3) He Has Impostor Syndrome

Imposter syndrome can be a real struggle, and it’s not just ordinary people who feel this way – even characters like Spider-Man have faced it. For instance, in “The Amazing Spider-Man,” Peter Parker starts to question his worthiness of success after launching his own business, doubting whether he truly deserves it. Given his humble origins and low self-esteem, these feelings make sense for him. That’s why Peter Parker has always been a character that many can relate to, and this continues even as he continues to thrive in life, showcasing the depth of his relatability, even when things are going well for him.

2) He Calls it Quits

The phenomenon of burnout is undeniably genuine, and Spider-Man has experienced it personally. In the comic book series The Amazing Spider-Man, Peter Parker discards his superhero attire, resulting in the famous “Spider-Man No More!” scene. It’s uncommon for a superhero to throw in the towel, but when it comes to Peter Parker, it makes perfect sense. Being Spider-Man entails continually sacrificing personal time with loved ones, routine, and any semblance of normalcy. He is always on duty, ready to be summoned at a moment’s notice to safeguard New York City. Consequently, it’s not shocking that, under such intense pressure, Peter might choose to step away. Frankly, we could all sympathize with the urge to do the same.

1) Having to do it All

Striving for abundance – wealth, affection, and contentment – is a shared aspiration. Just like Spider-Man, this yearning is something he grapples with too, as his comics often depict his struggle to juggle being Peter Parker and Spider-Man. The real challenge, however, lies in the complexities that arise when trying to handle everything simultaneously. With so many responsibilities on his plate, Peter’s life is consistently stressful. This overwhelming reality is a daily struggle for many people. It’s surprisingly reassuring, then, to realize that even a superhero like Spider-Man battles with the same overwhelming juggling act we face daily.

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2025-07-23 19:12