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The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1 (Mar. 1963):
“Spider-Man Vs. the Chameleon”
by Stan Lee, Steve Ditko

The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1

Title: “Spider-Man Vs. the Chameleon”

Medium: comic

Cover date: Mar. 1963

Publisher: Marvel
Written by: Stan Lee
Art by: Steve Ditko

Keywords: greed, pride, profit, non-profit, Communism, supernatural, potential


2 characters in this story:

Character
(Click links for info about character
and his/her religious practice, affiliation, etc.)
Religious
Affiliation
Team(s)
[Notes]
Pub. #
app.
Spider-Man Spider-Man (Peter Parker)
(lead character)
hero scientist
CBR Scale: I Protestant
Secret Defenders; Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends...  Marvel 10,664
Chameleon (Dmitri Smerdyakov) villain
CBR Scale: S Communist
HYDRA; Maggia...  Marvel 144

HIGHLIGHTS: Peter Parker continues trying to earn money using his super powers and his Spider-Man identity. He breaks into the headquarters of the Fantastic Four and battles them as a way of impressing so they'll add him to their team. But when Spider-Man learns they are a non-profit organization he leaves immediately.

Another man trying to make a profit is the mysterious Chameleon, arguably the first "costumed super-villain" faced by Spider-Man. The Chameleon steals top-secret U.S. military missile defense plans, intending to sell the plans to Communist countries. The Chameleon attracts Spider-Man using the web-slinger's "supernatural" spider sense, and sets Spider-Man up to take the blame for the crime. Is the Chameleon himself a Communist? At this point, it seems more like he is an American traitor, simply driven by greed rather than ideology.

Spider-Man thwarts the Chameleon in the end, but not before turning bitter again about how quick people are to assume he is a criminal. Even the Fantastic Four end up wondering whether Spider-Man will use his powers for good or evil.

There is little overtly religious content in this story, but we cover this story here in considerably more detail than we might otherwise do because of its historical significance as the first issue of The Amazing Spider-Man.

The second story published in Amazing Spider-Man #1 is the actual cover story, depicting the first meeting betwee Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four. Although Spider-Man mentioned the Fantastic Four and Ant Man (the alter ego of Hank Pym) by name in the first story in this issue, this second story is the first time Spider-Man meets anybody from the rest of the Marvel Universe.

BELOW: All 10 pages of Amazing Spider-Man #1 (story 2):

All 10 pages of Amazing Spider-Man #1 (story 2)

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1 (Mar. 1963). Written by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko.

In the first story in this issue, Peter Parker desperately looked for ways to earn money after the death of Uncle Ben, the only bread-winner in their family. This second story continues exploring this theme. Spider-Man behaves as a hero and thwarts a bad guy - the Chameleon. But Peter Parker's principle concern throughout this story is making money. In fact, it is Peter Parker's desire for money that leads him into the Chameleon's trap.

Peter Parker/Spider-Man seems surprisingly interested in money for a traditional comic book super-hero. At the time this story was published, Spider-Man's money troubles constituted a novel an interesting twist on the classic super hero genre. But is Spider-Man greedy? He doesn't seem to be. He is simply relatively poor and economically desperate. He doesn't want to see his Aunt May suffer in order to provide for him.

It is true that in this story and many other stories from this time period, Peter Parker is shown thinking about how to earn money more than he thinks about science or about "power and responsibility" or even about being a hero. But despite his desire to earn money, Spider-Man does not yield to the temptation to turn to crime and he does not act dishonorably or do things that hurt others as he goes about trying to earn money.

Peter Parker's motivations thus seem realistically human. He wants to make money. He wants to be comfortable. He wants to provide for himself and his family. He wants people to like him. But he also wants to do the right thing, and he does so. This desire to "do the right thing" is indeed a very "human" desire, but it is also something that very greedy or materialistic people can be quick to forget.

Spider-Man is not portrayed as an "angel" or a perfect human being, but his actions remain that of a hero and an honorable person, even if we can see that his thoughts are often self-centered.

BELOW: Profit motive: Spider-Man wants to join the Fantastic Four - in order to make money!

Profit motive: Spider-Man wants to join the Fantastic Four - in order to make money!

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1 (Mar. 1963), pg. 2, panels 1-2. Written by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko.

Narration: We know him as Peter Parker . . . but the world knows him only as Spider-Man!

Peter Parker: [In his bedroom, looking at the cover of a book or magazine titled "Fantastic Four"] Say! Why didn't I think of it before? There's the way I can make some money -- by joining the Fantastic Four! They'll probably jump at the chance to have a teenager with super powers working for them! It'll be a natural!

On page 2, panels 1 and 2, note how Spider-Man decides to join the world's most famous super-hero team, the Fantastic Four, as a way to earn money. Peter Parker's interest here is primarily in profit, not using his powers to help others.

Note also how cocky young Spider-Man is. He seems certain that the Fantastic Four will invite him to join them once they see a demonstration of his powers. Throughout his encounter with the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man exhibits a surprising level of confidence, which could easily be considered unjustified "pride."

Spider-Man's pride could use some tempering, but his confidence may not be entirely misplaced. He is indeed successful in breaking into the Fantastic Four's high-tech headquarters. And when he engages them in battle, Spider-Man is able to hold his own against these older, more experienced heroes for a considerable time. The Fantastic Four realized that Spider-Man was young and headstrong and not a real threat, and they didn't put their entire effort into battling they youth. Nevertheless, they did recognize that he had impressive power and skill and they agreed the neophyte hero had considerable potential. The last page of this story shows the Fantastic Four speaking about Spider-Man, considerably impressed that he was "so powerful" and "so blamed strong." Reed Richards and Susan Storm both wonder if they'll have to worry about Spider-Man as a serious threat in the future if he turns to crime.

BELOW: Spider-Man decides he doesn't want to jon the Fantastic Four after all -- after learning the job doesn't pay anything!

Spider-Man decides he doesn't want to jon the Fantastic Four after all -- after learning the job doesn't pay anything!

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1 (Mar. 1963), pg. 4, panels 4-9. Written by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko.

Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic: Okay --- that's it! No more fun and games, fella! Someone might get hurt! Now, suppose you tell us what you're here for!

Spider-Man: It's about time someone asked me! I came up here to join up with you! I wanna be a member of the Fantastic Four! So I thought I'd give you a demonstration of what I can do! So now, let's get down to business . . . How much does the job pay? I figure I'm worth your top salary!

Ben Grimm / The Thing: I knew it! That kook has rocks in his head!

Susan Storm / Invisible Girl: Afraid you made a mistake, Spider-Man! We're a non-profit organization!

Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic: We pay no salaries or bonuses! Any profit we make goes into scientific research!

Johnny Storm / Human Torch: You came to the wrong place, pal! This isn't General Motors!

Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic: We just keep enough money to pay our expenses! Every other cent goes into developing the most effective super-crime-fighting apparatus we can create!

Johnny Storm / Human Torch: Besides, aren't you wanted by the police? This isn't "Outlaws Anonymous"!

Spider-Man: [Exiting through a window] I might have known! You're just like all the rest! Ready to believe the worst of anyone! Okay, keep me out of your group! Who needs you? I'll make you guys look like pikers!

unseen member of Fantastic Four: Wait! Come back!

After Reed Richards, the leader of the Fantastic Four, puts an end to Spider-Man's unprovoked tussle with the team, Spider-Man finally tells whem why he has come: to join their team. Note how cocky Spider-Man is here. He seems certain that they will want him to join. He even wastes no time asking about the pay, telling them: "I figure I'm worth your top salary!"

Peter Parker's principle desire here is undeniably money. When the Fantastic Four explain that their organization doesn't pay anything, but is devoted to crime fighting and scientific research, Spider-Man leaves immediately. Reed Richards, one of the world's preeminent scientists, plainly explains: "Any profit we make goes into scientific research!" Yet this doesn't motivate Spider-Man at all. He just wants the big bucks.

Uncle Ben may have dreamed of being a scientist and Peter Parker's school friends look on Peter Parker as a dedicated science geek. But Peter Parker himself definitely has many things on his mind other than science.

BELOW: The criminal Chameleon is introduced:

The criminal Chameleon is introduced

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1 (Mar. 1963), pg. 5, panels 2-4. Written by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko.

Page 5 shows the Chameleon for the very first time (aside from this story's splash page). The Chameleon is so mysterious that we never see him without a mask or learn his real name in this story. In fact, we learn very little about him, aside from the fact that he has great skill at disguising himself and he has technical know-how sufficient to create a device that communicates to Spider-Man via his spider sense.

When the Chameleon is first introduced, we see him disguising himself as "Professor Newton," a physicist who works at a "defense installation at the edge of town." "Professor Newton" was probably named after Isaac Newton, regarded by many historians as the most important scientist who ever lived. Newton was a devout Christian who rejected the Trinitarianism (i.e. Athanasianism) taught by the established church of his day and firmly believed in Biblical Arianism, but Stan Lee was probably unaware of this when he chose the name. Professor Newton is only seen in a few panels. The only purpose of this minor character is to demonstrate how the Chameleon can make himself look like anybody.

The Chameleon could arguably be identified as the first "super-villain" that Spider-Man faced. Up until this point, Spider-Man has fought common burglars and other criminals, he has used his powers to save an astronaut in an out-of-control landing capsule, and he has engaged the super-heroic Fantastic Four in a good-natured brawl. But he had never really battled any super-powered villains before the Chameleon. On the other hand, the Chameleon does not genuinely possess any super-powers. He is simply a normal human who has trained himself to be a master of disguise. The Chameleon is so skilled and well-prepared with his "disguise vest" that he can quickly assume any guise. So whether or not one considers Chameleon a "super-villain" depends on one's definition. But it is clear that this formidible foe is more akin to the likes of Doctor Octopus and the Green Goblin than he is to the nameless common street thugs that Spider-Man dispatches with ease. The Chameleon, with his clever plan, his wits and his skill at disguise, really presented a challenge for Spider-Man.

BELOW: The Chameleon plans to sell secret U.S. missile defense plans to "Iron Curtain countries":

The Chameleon plans to sell secret U.S. missile defense plans to Iron Curtain countries

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1 (Mar. 1963), pg. 5, panel 5 and 9. Written by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko.

As noted before, little is revealed about the Chameleon in this story. The character is intentionally written to be mysterious. The drawings are carefully "staged" so that we never see his true face. The most we can see is a mask that he always wears underneath his other masks. The mask resembles the head of a department store mannequin wearing goggles. It is as if the Chameleon has made himself into a living tabula rasa, able to assume any identity.

On page 5, panel 5 we read of the Chameleon's plans to sell secrets to Communist countries. A few panels later (page 5, panel 9) we read exactly what kind of government secret the Chameleon is stealing: missile defense plans. We also see the Chameleon hatch a nefarious plan to use Spider-Man as a "fall guy" (meaning the Chameleon will frame the wall-crawler for his crime).

Chameleon: The Iron Curtain countries will pay a fortune for these plans! Hmm . . . a T.V. news bulletin . . .

TV news broadcaster: The entire city is wondering why Spider-Man visited the Fantastic Four today! "No comment" says the FF!

Chameleon: Spider-Man will make a perfect fall guy -- for me! When I steal the second half of these missile defense plans, I'll have him put the police off my trail!

So is the Chameleon a Communist? At this point, it doesn't seem like it. Note how he simply wants to sell the secret plans to the "Iron Curtain" countries. The term "Iron Curtain" is a pejorative one used to describe Soviet bloc Communist countries. A true Communist would probably not think of Communist countries in this way. Also, the Chameleon is clearly not an agent of any Communist country, or he would be doing his job as a spy, not trying to make money as a freelance operative.

This story provides no real clue about the Chameleon's religion. His plan to sell secret U.S. defense plans to Communist countries stems from greed and not from ideology. The Chameleon doesn't seem at all like a devout Communist. He doesn't even seem like any kind of Communist. He is clearly engaged in capitalism when he tries to steal something from the U.S. in order to sell it to Communists. The Chameleon is a thief willing to sell U.S. military secrets to the enemies of the United States, so if he is American (as seems most likely from this story), he is also a traitor. In fact, when police try to apprehend the person they think is the Chameleon (but it is really Spider-Man), they call him just that: a traitor. On the other hand, to his credit, we see the Chameleon tying up the people he impersonates rather than killing them. He is a criminal willing to sell out the U.S., but he doesn't seem particularly bloodthirsty. One could make the argument that the missile defense secrets the Chameleon tried to sell to the Communists could have endangered the lives of countless American citizens. On the other hand, one could also argue that the Chameleon was simply engaging in "spycraft," and that there is nothing inherently immoral about helping one nation obtain military secrets about another nation. After all, does not the U.S. employ its own spies and buy secrets from freelance agents as well? Do we not consider operatives who work for our side decent, moral people? Perhaps the Chameleon is not an American, but is, rather, a European or South African or something. He may feel he has no personal or patriotic stake in the conflict between the "Iron Block countries" and the United States.

We are not privy to details about the Chameleon's upbringing, background, motivations other than money, his theological beliefs, etc. Based ly on his actions in this story, the best assessment of the Chameleon's religious affilation that could be made would be to say that he is manifestly "non-religious."

BELOW: The Chameleon uses Spider-Man's spider senses and his desire for money to lure him into a trap:

The Chameleon uses Spider-Man's spider senses and his desire for money to lure him into a trap

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1 (Mar. 1963), pg. 6, panels 1-4. Written by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko.

Page 6 features a scene that may seem unusual to contemporary Spider-Man readers in a couple of ways. First of all, the Chameleon is able to build a device that communicates to Spider-Man through his spider sense. This represents an expanded view of Spider-Man's spider sense than eventually became the norm for the character. This same aspect of Spider-Man's spider sense was also used a few issues later (Amazing Spider-Man #5) by Doctor Doom.

The other point that may strike later fans of Spider-Man as unusual is, once again, Spider-Man's desire to make money. He just can't pass up the "chance for profit"! Whether one regards this as "greed" or simply economic desperation, this leads Spider-Man right into the Chameleon's trap.

Text from Page 6:

Chameleon: [thinking, while assembling a device] Spider-Man has the powers and instincts of a spider! So I will send him a message that only his spider senses will be able to pick up!

Chameleon: [broadcasting a signal on Spider-Man's spider sense wavelength] Calling Spider-Man! Meet me on the roof of Lark Building at ten tonight! It will be very profitable for you!

Narration: And miles away, at a neighborhood museum, where Peter Parker is studying the spider exhibit . . .

Peter Parker: [thinking while looking at a spider exhibit] Someone is trying to contact Spider-Man! I can sense the frequency waves! Who--? [now wearing his Spider-Man costume, swinging way from the museum] Well, no matter who it is, I can't afford to pass up a chance for profit! I'll just leave my clothes up here and then . . .

Here Spider-Man is clearly motivated by the possibility of financial profit. A typical super-villain trap might have used a civilian in peril or a fabricated disaster to lure a hero. The Chameleon makes no pretense of anything like that, and simply appeals to Spider-Man's greed. Why? Has the Chameleon read and believed J. Jonah Jameson's editorials that denounce Spider-Man and claim the hero is simply trying to gain fame and fortune? Have Spider-Man's own actions (including his earlier paid TV appearances and performances) been the principle impression left in the mind of the public? Or is the Chameleon simply so motivated by money himself that he thinks most other people -- even Spider-Man -- think and act like he does? The answer is likely a combination of all of these.

The Chameleon is obviously a very intelligent man. The truth of the matter is, based on available news accounts and Spider-Man's own recent status as nothing but an entertainer, it would be reasonable to assume that Spider-man could easily be motivated by money. The Chameleon has no way of knowing about the tragic murder of Spider-Man's uncle and the hero's subsequent conversion to the belief that "with great power comes great responsiblity." The Chameleon believes that Spider-Man can be lured into a trap with money, and he is right!

The truth is, Spider-Man would have responded innocent lives were in danger. But how is Chameleon to know this for sure? The best known rescue that Spider-Man had engaged in to date was his rescue of astronaut John Jameson, but J. Jonah Jameson widely circulated the theory that Spider-Man had been behind the landing capsule's malfunction in the first place. The Chameleon, a greedy criminal who probably has little real understanding of charity and self-sacrifice, doubtless believes J. Jonah Jameson's account of those events.

The panels at the top of page 6 do give us a glimpse of another interest that Peter Parker has: science. In panel 3 we see him in a museum, learning more about spiders. So this aspect of the character is not completely absent in this story, it simply takes a back seat to his desire for money. When Peter receives the message from the Chameleon about a "profitable" meeting at the Lark Building, Spider-Man instantly leaves the museum, all thoughts of scientific learning instantly submerged beneath his ill-advised money quest.

Even before receiving the Chameleon's message, Peter Parker's scientific research was probably not entirely being done out of a pure love of science. He was, after all, learning more about spiders. Was he doing so simply because he finds spiders fascinating? He never had much interest in spiders before being bitten by a radioactive one. Or is Peter Parker learning more about Spiders in order to make himself a better, more effective Spider-Man, a pursuit whose end goal might be becoming a more effective hero, or becoming a more profitable entertainer, or both.

Just what is the Chameleon's trap for Spider-Man? Disguised as Spider-Man, the Chameleon stole the second part of top-secret military defense plans. The Chameleon timed his theft just right. Immediately after the Chameleon leaves the building, Spider-Man arrives there, having come seeking the "profit" that the Chameleon promised in his spider sense message. The guards who were chasing the Chamelon (disguised as Spider-Man) thus see the real Spider-Man landing on the roof, and think he is the thief.

Spider-Man's spider senses show all kinds of utility in this issue. Although modern readers may think of his spider sense as being something that simply warns Spider-Man of danger, in these earlier issues the hero is able to use his special senses to do all sorts of thinks.

BELOW: Spider-Man uses his spider senses to "tune in" on an escaping villain:

Spider-Man uses his spider senses to tune in on an escaping villain

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1 (Mar. 1963), pg. 7, panels 7-9. Written by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko.

Text from Page 7, Panels 7-9:

Spider-Man: [thinking] What a fool I was! The message was a trick to pin a crime on me! And I fell for it! But who could have--? Wait! That helicopter! The pilot is the one the police really want! If he hasn't flown too far, I can use my spider's senses to "tune in" on the ship . . . get its location! Got im! He's out towards the waterfront! I've got to stop him!

On page 7, panel 9 Spider-Man uses his spider sense to "tune in" on the escaping Chameleon, enabling him to follow the criminal.

The Chameleon flees the scene in a helicopter, which he plans to use to rendezvous with a Soviet submarine. Spider-Man uses his webs as a slingshot to rapidly make his way to the harbor. He then uses a motorboat moored there to chase after the Chameleon's helicopter. Before the Chameleon can deliver plans to the Soviets in the sub, Spider-Man uses his webs to seal the hatch of the submarine shut. Unable to open the hatch, the Soviets on the submarine submerge and flee. Spider-Man then uses his webs to get to the helicopter, where he apprehends the Chameleon.

BELOW: Spider-Man stops a "Red sub" carrying Communists from receiving secret military plans stolen by the Chameleon:

Spider-Man stops a Red sub carrying Communists from receiving secret military plans stolen by the Chameleon

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1 (Mar. 1963), pg. 8, panels 6-7. Written by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko.

On page 8, panel 5, note how Spider-Man refers to the submarine as a "Red sub." The submarine is not literally colored red. "Red" here refers to the Communist ideology. "Red" was a common epithet used by Americans during the 1960s to refer to anything Communist (or potentially Communist). This usage of the word is less common today, particularly with the fall of the Soviet Union and the general defeat of Communist on the world scale, but the meaning is still recognizable.

In panel 6 on page 8 we can more clearly see the hammer and sickle symbol on the submarine. This was a symbol not just of the Soviet Union but of the Communist Party and Communists in general. In a very real sense (particularly sociologically), the hammer and sickle is a religious symbol as well as a political symbol. Marxist-Leninist Communism was avowedly atheistic in its doctrine, but what began for some people as simply a political philosophy generally became a religion more fervent and forceful than any of the more traditionally recognized religions it sought to replace. Communists were common comic book enemies in the 1960s and remained so for decades afterward.

On page 9, Spider-Man turns the Chameleon over to the police, but the clever criminal uses a smoke pellet to escape from both Spider-Man and the police. Fortunately, the Chameleon does not remain free. As the narration tells us, "the Chameleon has reckoned without Spider-Man's supernatural spider's instincts." What is meant by this is that the Chameleon has not reckoned with (or has not taken into account) Spider-Man's spider senses.

BELOW: Spider-Man uses his supernatural spider senses:

Spider-Man uses his supernatural spider senses

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1 (Mar. 1963), pg. 9, panel 6. Written by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko.

The description of Spider-Man's spider senses as "supernatural" is interesting. Is this a casual choice of words, simply meant to be colorful or alliterative? Or does this statement mean what it says, that Spider-Man's senses are indeed "supernatural"?

Later stories clarified the parameters of Spider-Man's spider senses. His powers were portrayed as being scientific in origin, and scientifically-based in their operation. Yet, if one really thinks about it, Spider-Man's spider senses do seem super-natural. They literally offer him limited precognitive abilities, and they seem to work based on a super-knowledge that takes into account potential future harm as well as the intent of enemies. One would be hard-pressed to explain his powers in scientific terms. His powers seem more like a souped up version of the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost, to use older translations), as described in Scripture and the teachings of many churches and religious groups.

We point these facts out not because we think that Spider-Man's spider senses are based on the Holy Spirit. They are not. This was never Stan Lee's intent. But it is interesting that this power acts more like a magical power or an oft-described religious phenomenon than any known scientific phenomenon.

The fact that Spider-Man's spider senses are described here as "supernatural" is just one of many places where this power is described as possibly being something that has supernatural, magical or divine origins. J. Michael Straczynski's later run as writer on Amazing Spider-Man in the 2000s was notable for revisiting this theme. Another early example of Spider-Man's spider sense being described in this way was in Amazing Spider-Man #5 (page 13, panel 1), in which Spider-Man was able to track down Doctor Doom because his spider sense could "feel the hostile emanations" that surrounded the villain.

BELOW: Spider-Man sobs bitterly after once again being mistaken for a bad guy:

Spider-Man sobs bitterly after once again being mistaken for a bad guy

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1 (Mar. 1963), pg. 10, panels 5-7. Written by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko.

Page 9, panels 6-9 and Page 10 Complete Text:

Narration: But again The Chameleon has reckoned without Spider-Man's supernatural spider's instincts . . .

Spider-Man: [thinking] That tingle I feel! My quarry is close -- within striking distance!

[The Chameleon, disguised as a police officer, sees Spider-Man looking for him and sensing him. The Chameleon reaches for a fuse switch.]

Chamelon: [thinking] He's wise to me1 If I can just pull this fuse--

Spider-Man: [thinking] One of these cops must be a phony!

[The room is plunged into complete darkness.]

Spider-Man: [thinking] He's doused the lights! But that won't stop me! I can still sense him in the dark! I'll just shoot my web over--oh, no! I'm all out of the special fluid! [Spider-Man jumps onto a wall so he can rapidly cross the room to where the disguised Chameleon is.] I've got to reach that exit before he does! This is the fastest way! That figure-- Leaving the others-- It's him!

[Spider-Man jumps to the ground and grabs the disguised Chameleon by the wrists as the lights go back on.]

Narration: But, as the lights go on again, The Chameleon resorts to one, last, desperate ruse . . .

Chameleon: Help! Grab him! It's The Chameleon, disguised as Spider-Man again!

Spider-Man: Wha--?

police officer: Oh, no, you don't! You're not gonna fool us that way a second time!

Spider-Man: Wait! . . . He's lying! I am Spider-Man!

Chamelon: [thinking] It worked! Now to slip away!

[Spider-Man rips the front off of the Chameleon's police officer uniform disguise as real police officer's grab him (Spider-Man) from behind. Angry, he jumps out the window and swings runs away.]

Narration: In a fit of white-hot fury, the powerful Spider-Man wrenches free of the startled officers' grasp, and . . .

police officer: Look at him go up that wall! He was the real Spider-Man!

Spider-Man: [thinking] Every time I try to help, I get into worse trouble! Well, they can catch that spy themselves now!

Narration: And within minutes, catch him they do . . .

police officer: Here he is, Captain! I spotted him by his torn uniform -- I could see his other disguise beneath it!

Chameleon: Blast it! I must have ripped it in my scuffle with Spider-Man!

Narration: And, as The Chameleon is led away, a lone figure loses himself in the shadows of the silent night . . .

Spider-Man: [thinking] Nothing turns out right . . . - Sob - I wish I had never gotten my super powers!

Narration: Later, as the late editions come out, four famous figures ponder the case of the Amazing Spider-Man!

Susan Storm / Invisible Girl: Reed, he's so powerfu, and so confused! What if Spider-Man ever turns his super powers against the law?

Ben Grimm / The Thing: Yeah! If a teen-ager can be so blamed strong, how strong'll he be when he gets older?

Johnny Storm / Human Torch: Aw, we won't ever haft worry about him!

Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic: Won't we, Johnny? I wonder . . .

Narration: And the whole world will have to wonder -- until our next great issue! Don't miss it!!

On page 10 we see that Spider-Man is once again bitter about people mistaking his intentions and thinking that he is a bad guy. When police officers think that he is the Chameleon, Spider-Man's anger is described as "white-hot fury." Spider-Man even leaves the scene before the Chameleon has been re-captured, feeling that it is unfair that every time he tries to help he gets into worse trouble, so the officers can just catch the Chameleon themselves!

What if the Chameleon had been able to evade the officers and had hurt somebody in doing so? It seems like this would have been Spider-Man's fault. Apparently Spider-Man didn't consider this.

Rather, seeming very much like a real teenager, he thinks that "nothing turns out right" for him and he wishes he had never gotten his super powers. It is understandable that he is upset when people mistake his good intentions. But the police officers' mistaking him for the Chameleon was understandable. The Chameleon was, after all, a master of disguise who had looked just like Spider-Man. How were the police to know which was the real Spider-Man?

Uncle Ben's death may have taught Spider-Man that "with great power comes great responsibility," but this is a lesson that has not yet fully sunk in to Peter Parker's teenaged brain. He still acts in clearly irresponsible ways. He doesn't stop to think that his various "troubles" today were caused partly because of his own greed and carelessness in walking into the Chameleon's trap.

BELOW: The Fantastic Four worry about what Spider-Man would be like if he ever becomes a villain:

The Fantastic Four worry about what Spider-Man would be like if he ever becomes a villain

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #1 (Mar. 1963), pg. 10, panels 8-9. Written by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko.

Even the Fantastic Four are worried about Spider-Man's actions and what path his soul might take. After the newspaper publicizes Spider-Man's involvement in the Chameleon case, Susan Storm (the "Invisible Girl") observes that Spider-Man is "so powerful, and so confused." She wonders what will happen if Spider-Man ever turns against the law. Clearly she doesn't have complete faith that Spider-Man will stay on the side of the angels. Ben Grimm ("the Thing") agrees with Sue, and worries about how strong Spider-Man will get when he is a full-grown adult. Reed Richards also wonders if his team of heroes will have to worry about a criminal Spider-Man in the future.

Could Spider-Man turn to the dark side and grow in power to become a threatening villain? The last panel of this Amazing Spider-Man tells readers: "the whole world will have to wonder -- until our next great issue! Don't miss it!!"

All of this idle speculation about the possible future behavior of Spider-Man may seem inexplicable to modern readers who have known about Spider-Man's continued goodness and heroism for 45 years. But remember that this was only the second Spider-Man comic ever published, and the web-slinger's motives and behavior were far from pure and perfect in these issues. By the end of Amazing Spider-Man #1, Spider-Man might just become a real "menace" or even a villain, as far as readers could know.