Spider-Man first appeared in 1962, and has since become Marvel's flagship character. Former editor-in-chief and long-time Spider-Man writer DeFalco breaks down the history of the wall-crawler from his earliest days to his modern alternate revisions.Presented here is Spidey's origin, the many trials of his troubled youth, a comprehensive rouge's gallery, and all of the critical events that guided his development from youth to man over an adventurous and emotional life. This guide also explains his amazing abilities, describes his costumes and gadgets in detail, takes an in-depth view at his romantic life, and even sheds light on the various Spider-Girls that have spun-off from the web-slinger's own comics.Filled with classic panel reprints as well as art by modern comic greats, you'll see all of the best Spider-Man art, in full-color, leaping from each page. Included here are more than 600 illustrations and panel reprints by Todd MacFarlane, Steve Ditko, John Buscema and more, including specially commissioned work never seen in another volume.