Imaginary Characters, Real Hope: A Cultural Artifact Critique of "Spider-Man" Aramis Fernandez College

Spider-Man (2002), directed by Sam Rami, was one of the first superhero movies to successfully, and accurately, depict a comic book hero that viewers can both feel inspired by and relate to. Staying true to the pages of Stan Lee’s Marvel Comic, the film’s portrayal of a classic underdog triumph resonated with those who watched the movie at the time of its release. In this cliche yet heartfelt movie, the story of Spider-Man speaks volumes to our personal struggles with insecurity, decision-making, and difficult tragedy, while also inspiring a sense of unity within the American public.

Stan Lee’s original pitch for “The Amazing Spider-Man” comic was unorthodox for its time in 1963. Americans were used to these extravagant ideas of superheroes that would accomplish completely unfathomable tasks, earning them a near godlike status (a.k.a. Superman). In contrast, Spidey was a scrawny teenage nerd who broke the mold of boldness and maturity. Peter Parker was neither bold nor mature; he was naïve and was known to commit major mistakes in the original comics, just like the rest of us. The Amazing Spider-Man’s success can be accredited to his relatability with the human condition. Sam Rami saw this quality and made sure to thoroughly...