When it comes to superheroes, we are fortunately spoiled for choice, and in this day and age, there is pretty much a hero for everyone. As we grow up, our heroes change and some of us even stray over to the Dark Side, choosing instead to pledge our allegiance to the villains of our favourite stories. But for the most part, we as kids tend to focus on our heroes first. And one particular hero stands out amongst all the rest: Spider-Man.

But what is it about Spider-man that kids are drawn to? What is it about this particular character that they relate to the most? Why, out of all the superheroes ever created, across multiple publishing houses, does Peter Parker's Spider-Man connect with so many people? Well, it all comes down to that relatability.

To best understand Spider-Man, we must first take a look at a few other Heroes.

Let's take a look at a character like Superman. Superman is a fantastic character. He is strong, fast, and has a good moral compass. He is the perfect role model for young adolescent kids to look up to, But Superman's powers are a birthright. They are who he is. He was born with them.This type of hero (like Superman) is often referred to as "The Chosen One" and includes the likes of Harry Potter and Luke Skywalker, to name but a few. Can kids relate to this? No. Not Really.

Sure, they can relate to his actions and his choices as the stories unfold. But that initial concept, that show of strength and power, is not something kids are used to having. There is a disconnect there between them as the reader and the character.

Then we have a character like Batman. A character very different from the likes of Superman.

Bruce Wayne wasn't a "chosen one". Instead, Bruce is a man who, in childhood, had something truly horrific happen to him. Something hopefully many kids never have happen to them: suffering the loss of their parents.

I'm sure we all have a vivid memory locked away somewhere in the depths of our minds of a time when we thought we had lost a parent, even for a moment within a busy environment.

Whether at a shopping mall or grocery store, I'm sure we have all felt that rush of panic sweep over us after losing sight of our grown-up. A small child lost within a grown-up world. And hopefully, this feeling of loss was instantly squashed the moment they found you and reassured you of your safety with a loving hug.

But again, Batman is different.

Right from birth, it is our parents who we rely on to protect us from the dangers of the world. To suddenly lose them whilst still so young is a terrifying thought to a child.

But despite this tragedy, Bruce has a bonus most of us do not.Bruce is a millionaire with gadgets and cars! (Items that all kids and most adults love!)Now to be fair, money isn’t everything. This doesn’t make Bruce a hero, but it certainly helps. No. Unlike Superman's Clark Kent, Batman's Bruce Wayne has to work for it when it comes to being a hero. He has to train his body and educate his mind in order to make himself who he is. To make himself Batman.

Spider-Man is very different from both Superman and Batman.

Peter Parker was thrust into the world of heroism, not through birthright or vigorous training and wealth but instead through a simple spider bite.

Peter (for the most part) was a young, carefree lad. Now, granted, yes he too did indeed suffer the loss of his parents, much like Bruce Wayne, but he wasn't left any form of wealth. Instead, he found the love and guidance that made him who he is from his Aunt and Uncle, who helped him move past his parent's grizzly demise and become a kind-hearted and stable youth.

Anyone can wear the Mask!

Superman flies around with his face on show and Batman has a cowl that only covers half his face. This means that both characters are easily identified as being white males. Spider-Man, however, is completely covered. From head to toe, he has zero skin on show and so can truly be anyone. Sure, we readers all know Peter's ethnic background and gender, but at face value, Spider-Man really could be anyone!Stereotypically growing up, girls have gymnastics & dance while boys have climbing & swinging. This gives both genders a solid connection to this particular hero. Add to this a small dose of aggressive play and you have all you need to best connect to the character.

But even all this isn't what makes Peter Parker's Spider-Man the most relatable Hero!

Yes, Spider-Man is a fictional kid that most real children can relate to... But the MOST RELATABLE THING that the children who read his stories all connect with, is that Peter gained his powers and abilities via an ACCIDENT!Think about it. As kids, we have accidents all the time. It's how we learn. Whether it be a trip or fall (or, heaven forbid, something more serious!) We have all been there! And so can relate to a character like Peter Parker and see just how easily something like this can occur.Kids who read Spider-Man comics or watch Spider-Man films relate to accidents the most because when we are young they tend to happen to us most often. And so this allows the reader to imagine what becoming Spider-Man would actually be like. It paints the dream that it could happen to anyone! That it can happen to THEM!

We all love to think of ourselves as Superman or Wonder Woman. But the truth is, we would all be Spider-Man. A young kid, fumbling through it all but with a heart of gold and a desire to do the right thing.

That is why Spider-Man is one of the greats and will continue to stand the test of time.

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