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In 1962 Amazing Fantasy #15 changed the geek world forever. The book, kind of like the Citizen Kane of the comic universe, introduced a nerdy Peter Parker and his wisecracking alter ego Spider-Man.

Never before had a hero expressed so many doubts or embodied such difficult characteristics as low self esteem and lack of confidence. Peter Parker was a bullied, haggard youth, an individual who struggled mightily with day-to-day pressures. He had money woes, an elderly aunt to mind, and the burden of overwhelming guilt, a result of an indifferent act which resulted in the death of his uncle.

The great Stan Lee created Spider-Man and knew the foibles of his character meant his longevity was surely at risk. I recently uncovered an essay Lee wrote on his most famous creation, and he outlined the challenges he faced in bringing Spider-Man to life;

1) He was told people hated Spiders and would never warm up to a Spider-Man!

2) A teenager could never be a super hero, they should only be sidekicks.

3) A hero can’t have so many problems - it was unheroic.

4) Parker was not big enough, strong enough or good looking enough to be a hero.

5) His dependent relationship with Aunt May undermined any or all sense of machismo.

Lee lucked out when he was informed the Amazing Fantasy title was to be discontinued. He knew this was his chance to sneak in a Spider-Man story as no one would be overly worried about a mag that was going to be discontinued anyway.

And, of course, Amazing Fantasy #15 proved a sensation, the top selling comic of the year as readers flocked to the shy vulnerable Peter Parker. He was given his own title almost immediately and developed into a cultural icon.