Comics

Everything You Need to Know About Spider-Man in Marvel Rivals

Get to know about everyone's favorite Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man before swinging into another exciting game of Marvel Rivals.

Amazing Spider-Man #1 cover
Image: Marvel Comics
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By: William AndersonApr 4, 2025, 12:37 PM

Marvel Rivals is packed with powerful icons from the Marvel Universe, but few are as beloved, agile, or quick-witted as Spider-Man. Whether he’s swinging through skyscrapers, stopping a runaway train, or cracking jokes mid-fight, Peter Parker is the heart of Marvel.

As a hero defined by responsibility and resilience, Spider-Man brings a fast-paced, high-mobility combat style to Marvel Rivals. With his web-slinging traversal, crowd control tools, and hit-and-run melee attacks, he’s perfect for players who love speed, creativity, and outmaneuvering opponents.

This article breaks down Spider-Man’s comic book legacy, his unique powers, and how he plays in Marvel Rivals, showcasing why he’s more than just your friendly neighborhood web-slinger.

Spider-Man #1 coverImage: Marvel Comics

Who Is Spider-Man?

Spider-Man first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962), created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. He is the alter ego of Peter Parker, a high school science prodigy from Queens who was bitten by a radioactive spider and gained incredible powers.

After the tragic death of his Uncle Ben—caused by Peter’s own inaction—he learned the life-defining lesson: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Since then, he’s fought to protect New York City from threats big and small, becoming one of the most iconic superheroes of all time.

Character Lore

A Hero Defined by Struggle

Peter’s life is one of balance—juggling school, jobs, relationships, and heroism, all while living with the weight of his mistakes. Whether battling supervillains or trying to make rent, Spider-Man is a symbol of resilience, empathy, and perseverance.

He’s fought alongside the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and countless other heroes, but always returns to the streets of New York, where his story began.

A Rogues’ Gallery Like No Other

Spider-Man faces one of the most colorful and dangerous lineups of villains in comics, including:

  • Green Goblin – His deadliest enemy and a personal tragedy.
  • Doctor Octopus – A scientific rival turned supervillain.
  • Venom – A twisted reflection of Peter’s legacy.
  • Sandman, Electro, Lizard, Kraven, and Mysterio are just a few of the many foes who test both his strength and morals.
Spider-Man swings into actionImage: Marvel Comics

Spider-Man’s Powers and Abilities

Wall-Crawling and Spider Agility

Spider-Man can stick to walls, ceilings, and virtually any surface. His enhanced speed, reflexes, and agility make him one of Marvel’s most acrobatic fighters, capable of dodging bullets and flipping through danger.

Spider-Sense

This unique sixth sense alerts Peter to incoming threats, giving him precognitive awareness that helps him dodge attacks and react faster than most opponents.

Super Strength

Despite his slim build, Spider-Man has the proportional strength of a spider, allowing him to lift cars, throw enemies across rooftops, and hold back collapsing structures.

Web-Shooters

Peter designed his own web-shooters, which allow him to swing through the environment, create projectiles, immobilize enemies, pull objects or opponents toward him, and even build makeshift shields or traps in battle

Spider-Man’s Story in Marvel Rivals

After being bitten by a radioactive spider, Peter Parker became the Amazing Spider-Man—a hero driven by responsibility and his desire to protect the innocent. Now, in a world fractured by the Timestream Entanglement, Spider-Man finds himself defending two fronts: New York City, now plunged into eternal night under Dracula’s rule, and Tokyo Webworld, where he’s been called upon by the Web-Warriors to protect the mystical Web of Life and Destiny. Though tempted to join them, Peter chooses to remain in his darkened home city, believing it’s where he’s needed most.

But darkness closes in fast. While patrolling New York alongside the Human Torch, Peter encounters the legendary vampire hunter Blade, who's finally returned after weeks of radio silence. The trio fight side by side against hordes of vampires, only to come face-to-fang with Dracula himself. Despite a fierce battle, Dracula overpowers them, dragging Blade away into the shadows. Peter is left broken, barely breathing, haunted by a single thought: maybe he should have taken the portal—because now, even Spider-Man isn’t sure how to stop the night.

Ultimate Spider-Man #1 coverImage: Marvel Comics

Essential Spider-Man Comics

If you want to dive deeper into what makes Spider-Man one of the most enduring heroes in comics, here are some must-reads:

The Night Gwen Stacy Died (Amazing Spider-Man #121–122) by Gerry Conway & Gil Kane

  • This story is a tragic turning point in Peter’s life and one of the most iconic moments in comic book history.

Kraven’s Last Hunt (1987) by J.M. DeMatteis & Mike Zeck

  • This psychological thriller pushes Peter to his limits—emotionally and physically.

Ultimate Spider-Man (2000–2011) by Brian Michael Bendis & Mark Bagley

  • This is arguably the most popular modern retelling of Spider-Man’s origin, perfect for new readers and filled with heart and action.

The Amazing Spider-Man (2018–2021) by Nick Spencer

  • This more recent run explores Peter’s relationships, responsibility, and legacy—with new twists on classic villains.

Spider-Verse (2014) by Dan Slott & Olivier Coipel

  • This brings together Spider-Men (and Women) from across the multiverse in a fast-paced, high-stakes event.

Spider-Man is more than a superhero—he’s an icon of perseverance, hope, and heart. In Marvel Rivals, he brings a fluid, fast-paced playstyle that rewards smart movement, quick reflexes, and creative tactics.

Whether he’s web-zipping through combat, disabling key targets, or pulling off clutch saves, Peter Parker proves that true heroism doesn’t come from powers—it comes from the choices we make every day.

TAGGED: Marvel Comics, Marvel Rivals
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