29

In both 2002's Spider-man and 2012's The Amazing Spider-man Peter Parker somehow ends up in a wrestling ring. Is this based on a storyline in any of the Spider-man comics?

2
  • 12
    I thought it was an artifact. Spider-man and the Ring of Wrestling. Adds + 2 to melee and +1 to dodge.
    – Zikato
    Jul 21, 2015 at 8:58
  • 2
    @Zikato Spiderman's ring of wrestling (DnD ver.): gives +8 to grapple checks, allows you to ignore the reach of the opponent Jul 21, 2015 at 14:30

2 Answers 2

50

Indeed, this goes all the way back to 1962 and the the first-ever Spider-man story, Amazing Fantasy 15. From comicbookresources.com:

Peter decides to test out his newfound powers by taking part in an amateur wrestling competition, donning a mask just in case he loses. Peter quickly beats pro wrestler Crusher Hogan and wins the competition prize money. A TV producer (later said to be a TV agent named Max Schiffman) witnesses the event and convinces Peter to perform on late night TV. He suggests Peter keep the "mask angle" since a secret identity is "great showmanship."

[...]

Minutes after his television debut as the "Amazing" Spider-Man, the web-spinner sees and ignores a thief that runs past him and escapes the building. When a security guard asks why Spidey didn't trip or grab the guy, the teenager displays newfound arrogance by proclaiming that he is no longer concerned with anyone but himself. Catching criminals isn't what he's paid to do.

[...]

For days (or weeks), Spider-Man continues to impress studio audiences and play to packed rooms. But one night, Peter finds police at the Parker home. They explain his Uncle Ben surprised a burglar who then shot and killed him. The burglar got away but police have cornered him at the old Acme warehouse at the waterfront. Enraged, Peter dons his Spider-Man outfit and confronts the burglar directly. After knocking the killer out, Peter sees his face and realizes in horror that it's the same thief from the studio. Guilt-ridden that he could have prevented his uncle's death if he hadn't been selfish, Peter realizes that "with great power there must also come -- great responsibility."

The movie adaptations tend to leave out the middle section, where he becomes a TV personality, likely in the interests of time. I've included scans of a handful of pages below (note that I did omit some of the in-between pages).

enter image description here

enter image description here

enter image description here

9
  • 2
    You're officially the Fastest Gun In The West. :)
    – Wad Cheber
    Jul 21, 2015 at 2:00
  • The webbing under his arms reminds me of a flying squirrel. I'm glad they cut that part of the costume.
    – Ixrec
    Jul 21, 2015 at 2:00
  • 1
    @Ixrec the panel that shows the webbing under his arms just might inspire another question. Jul 21, 2015 at 2:07
  • 1
    I miss the webbing under the arms
    – Nacht
    Jul 21, 2015 at 5:06
  • Holy macaroni. That's so completely different from the movie version I almost feel tempted to read the original comic.
    – Maurycy
    Jul 21, 2015 at 6:21
19

Jason Baker just beat me to the punch, but since I already got all the pictures ready, I'll add them here to supplement Jason's answer.

In the comics, as in the movies, one of the first things Peter Parker does after acquiring his superpowers is to wrestle "Crusher Hogan" for a cash prize. This takes place in Amazing Fantasy #15.

enter image description here enter image description here enter image description here

5
  • 2
    Aaaaaaaand he beat me to the punch again with the pictures. Dammit.
    – Wad Cheber
    Jul 21, 2015 at 1:58
  • 3
    I guess this would be a pity upvote, but surely the slower gun deserves at least 20 fake internet points.
    – Ixrec
    Jul 21, 2015 at 2:02
  • 1
    @WadCheber I'll definitely give you a +1 on this but since Jason beat you to it he will get the accept. Jul 21, 2015 at 2:11
  • @Whovian4Life - That's fine. He beat me fair and square.
    – Wad Cheber
    Jul 21, 2015 at 4:25
  • 1
    This is why it's generally a good idea to go ahead and submit your answer, and then go back and edit in the visual aids or further elaboration.
    – trlkly
    Jul 21, 2015 at 20:52

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.