Point / Counter Point: Spider-Man – Hero or Douchebag

Last week on Kneel Before Pod!, I posed a challenge to Carl. We'd decided to finally get to the heart of our feelings for Spider-Man, and to debate our points on the show. To go along with this aural debate, I said "Why not write something up for the ol' bliggity-blog?" Carl was in favor, because he's always in favor of me putting up content. To sweeten the deal, and because I thought it would be more interesting, I suggested that we take up the opposite side in our pieces; I'd be against Spider-Man, Carl in favor. Here, in all it's glory, is what we came up with. Enjoy!

Carl - President of the Spider-Man Fan Club

Over the years, comic characters have come and gone. Some have gone out of favor and others have gained a fan base. One character that has almost always been at the front of fandom is Spider-Man. But why has Spider-Man remained a fan favorite for so many years? The reason for Spider-Man's longevity is simply the fact that he is a lighthearted character that people can relate to and is generally a likable character.

For years, comic book superheroes were beyond the reader not only with their physical daring, but with their personal life and ideals as well. Rarely did you see Superman in a position where he was being bullied. You never saw Bruce Wayne fail to get the girl. By the time characters in comic books became heroes, they were typically paragons in every aspect of their lives.

Spider-Man was one of the first mainstream characters to show a less-than-perfect life beyond their origin story. Even after he gets his powers, Parker has what many people would see as a normal life. Problems with girls, his job, money and his family. His life is not charmed just because he becomes a super hero. In fact, his personal life suffers from his new found powers. In the real world, this could translate into "I got a promotion at work, but now my home life is suffering." It's a very human problem and many people have experienced it.

Not to mention Spider-Man and Peter Parker are always the victim to bullies, which is a situation that many comic book readers can relate to. Be it Flash in High School, or J. Jonah Jameson as he gets older, there is always someone working against him on a personal level. To many people, this is something they can relate to. Be it a boss, a family member or some jerk neighbor, readers can connect with a character that has people working to bring him down. It's an issue that hits close to home, especially to kids and teenagers.

Lastly, he's just a likable character. While sometimes the content does get a little bleak and dark, Spider-Man almost always keeps a positive attitude. He is well known in the Marvel Universe and by readers in the real world for his witty one liners and zingers that he directs towards villains in their confrontations. Even when he is facing what might be death, you can count on Spider-man to make a joke.

So in summary, people like Spider-Man due to his fun hi-jinks, his down to earth problems and his ability to relate to younger audiences. He has been on top for years and will no doubt continue to be an all-star in the comic book universe.

Ryan - Proponent of cigar-chomping newsmen everywhere

Let me paint a picture for you:

No one at school likes you, except for the weird rich kid that doesn't fit in either. The jocks, led by a Neanderthal nicknamed, of all things, “Flash,” treats you like his personal toilet. Your parents are dead, so the only family you have in the world is your septuagenarian aunt and uncle, who insist you eat your wheat cakes every morning. Sure, you're a smart kid, but then, what else could you have going for you with this kind of hand.

One day, a freak accident occurs, and you suddenly find yourself with the proportionate strength and speed of a spider. Not only that, but you have some kind of freaky warning bell in your head that lets you know if something bad it going to happen. Of course you are going to try and capitalize on your new found powers. Living the way you do doesn't exactly make being popular an easy task. Pro wrestling; that's the ticket.

Blah blah blah, your uncle is dead. You could have done something, but you didn't get precognition from that spider bite. Now your aunt, the only thing left to you, has no one to take care of her. I know – give up your semi-lucrative career as a popular wrestler and fight crime. For free. Because “With great power comes great responsibility.”

No, Parker, with great power comes great opportunity. As The Amazing Spider-Man, you could have had everything: money, fame, women. The world could have been your oyster. Instead, you end up fighting losers who adopt animal names for their crimes.

Take a look at Batman real quick. Same basic origin, same motive, and criminals fear him. If I were in the crime business, I wouldn't worry too much about ol' Spidey. He'll knock me around a bit, string me up on a light pole, throw out a “witty” quip, and leave me to the authorities. I figure I can bounce back from that. I honestly don't know how common criminals even take Spider-Man seriously.

Parker, in addition to being an all-around douche, also has the same problems as me. Why this is, I have no idea. Money's short? You're a superhero. Can't get the girl? You're a superhero. Your alter-ego's boss thinks you're a menace? You're a freaking superhero. See? One simple alteration in Parker's life, and everything comes up roses.

Face it, Tiger...you're a douche.

What are your thoughts on the ol' Web-Head? Everybody likes throwing in their two cents, so why don't you give us yours? Twitter, email, or voicemail, we'll take them all.