by Ian W.

Created on: July 04, 2007

Looking at Spiderman and Superman next to each other, it is easy to see their similarities, and it is natural to question which one is the superior superhero. Both are heroes, both have powers beyond any normal human being, and both know the value and importance of using that power responsibly. In order to answer the question of which is the superior superhero we must examine each hero, paying attention to what makes them a hero-what drives them-and what their abilities are.

Spiderman is no stranger to tragedy. His parents died when he was young so he went to live with his unlce Ben and his aunt May. Shortly after Spiderman got his powers he chose not to stop a thief, a decision that would haunt him for the rest of his days; the thief killed uncle Ben. With Ben's death, Spiderman learns the value of using his powers responsibly and to help those in need. He feels that if he had made the right decision, his uncle would still be alive. Another tragedy in Spiderman's life is the death of his girlfriend Gwen Stacy at the hands of the Green Goblin-Spidey's arch nemesis. Again Spiderman blames himself, thinking that Gwen only died because the Goblin knew she was dating Spiderman. Despite all of this tragedy, though, Spiderman keeps up the good fight. He goes out every day and fights crime, often taking a beating in the process-it's no secret that Spiderman is not the world's best martial artist-, not because he has to, but because he chooses to. He knows there is evil in the world, and he also knows that he can do something to bring a little good to the world. Spiderman is a noble superhero.

His abilities include climbing walls, super strength, spider-senses, fast reflexes, high endurance for pain, and homemade webbing that he uses to swing through the city and nab bad guys. Also, he talks a lot, ofter causing frustration and annoyance in his opponents. All of these are impressive abilities, and they serve Spiderman well in his daily encounters with thugs and villains like the Vulture and Kraven the Hunter, but Spiderman is not save the world material. Don't get me wrong, if Spiderman had the ability to save the world from being destroyed, or conquered, or whatever, he would. The fact of the matter, though, is he does not have that kind of power.

The story of Superman shares similarities to Spiderman's, but it really is a different story altogether. Superman is the single survivor of his homeworld, the planet Krypton. Krypton's sun exploded, destroying the galaxy, but

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