Maybe not everyone remembers, but before No Way Home, Tom Holland's Spider-Man was heavily criticized. (Spoiler alert) The last film in his trilogy was not only acclaimed for that reason that everyone already knows, but it has also had a great acceptance by the fans by showing a Peter Parker not just being a hero who punches villains, but also by show the masked man dealing with various losses and adopting a somewhat solitary lifestyle like, for lack of a better term, sad.
In general, Spiderman isn't just a superhero; he's a symbol of human resilience.His stories have captured the imagination of generations, not only for his spider-like powers, but also for his ability to overcome adversity. Peter Parker's life is filled with challenges, both personal and superhuman, that resonate with audiences on a profound level.
The Vulnerable Hero
In the comics, Spider-Man faces a rogues' gallery, but his most significant battles are with personal tragedies. The loss of loved ones, like his Uncle Ben, and difficulties in relationships, like with Mary Jane Watson, are tests that humanize him. Specifically, they are challenges from which he rarely, if ever, emerges victorious. These moments of vulnerability are crucial because they allow readers to identify with him as more than a hero: a person.
Despite the blows life deals him, Peter Parker always gets back on his feet. Whether it's his lack of money, housing, a job suited to his abilities, the death of his family, his girlfriend, or any other everyday tragedy we can think of, the arachnid always finds the time and energy to help those in need. And, despite the fact that he has plenty of opportunities, he doesn't use his powers for personal gain or to make money (except, of course, in some of those infinite alternate realities).
This persistence is inspiring and offers a valuable lesson: no matter how powerful you are, life can be difficult, but there is always hope if you don't give up.
Spider empathy
The Spiderman animated series expands on this narrative, depicting a young man who must balance school, work, and his life as a superhero. Viewers, especially the younger ones, see in him someone who, despite difficulties, always tries to do the right thing.. Her empathy and morality are qualities that inspire and teach the importance of compassion and responsibility.
It's clear that he can falter, like any young man. A good example is when, in The Spectacular Spiderman, Aunt May is hospitalized and the hero puts aside his incorruptibility to earn some money and pay for her medical expenses. But we know that's not the end of the story. Even when things get bad, his strict sense of justice always prevails.
The danger of fixation
Unfortunately, all of the above comes with a risk. Our fixation on the character's failures and difficulties can lead us to perpetuate a cycle in which Spiderman never advances as a person..
And this isn't new. Especially in comics, there have been countless opportunities to change the paradigm of how Spider-Man confronts his villains. If he gets married and has children, a problem conveniently arises that can only be solved by making a deal with the devil (Mephisto), and the price is precisely his new family. If he gets a job as a scientist, which is what he truly loves, he's fired. Even when Otto Octavius took over his body and bequeathed him an entire company, he ended up losing it.
A repetitive narrative
Writers often fall into the trap of narrative comfort. They repeat successful formulas because they know they work.But at what cost? By keeping Spider-Man in a constant cycle of failure and redemption, we risk depriving him of real growth. The audience expects him to suffer, to struggle, but they also need to see him evolve as an individual.
To avoid repetition, Spiderman must grow. Their failures should serve as a springboard toward genuine growth.. What if, instead of facing the same difficulties over and over again, Peter Parker learned from his mistakes? What if his experiences led him to make more mature decisions and face new challenges? This doesn't mean he has to become an infallible superhero, but his evolution must be believable and meaningful.
Today, in the comics of Ultimate Spiderman We have a golden opportunity. In this universe, Peter Parker acquires his powers in middle age, married to Mary Jane, with two children, and a stable job. His first issues have been, at best, interesting, and at worst, inspiring. What motivation to do the right thing could be more endearing for a superhero than his own children?
Spiderman's redemption is possible
Redemption is a central theme in Spider-Man stories. But true redemption lies not only in overcoming physical obstacles, but in emotional healing. If Peter Parker can forgive himself for his mistakes and learn to live with his losses, he will have made progress as a person. The audience needs to see him not only as a tireless fighter, but as someone who has come to terms with himself and found peace.
Ultimately, our fixation on Spider-Man's failures can be both his blessing and his curse. If writers find a balance between constant struggle and evolution, they can keep the character's essence alive without falling into the trap of repetition. Spider-Man is more than his defeats; he's a reminder that even in the deepest darkness, there's always an opportunity for growth and advancement. As readers, we must be willing to let him escape his cycle and allow him to soar higher than ever.
Image: Youtube
Spanish
English
Portuguese