Spelling superhero names can be confusing. Some, like Iron Man have theirs separated into two. Then there’s Spider-Man, one of the few heroes whose name is hyphenated - a matter he takes very seriously.
The Spider-Man: One More Day series is a four-part story that was published in 2007. While many Spider-fans disliked the series for breaking up Peter and his longtime love interest Mary Jane Watson, it did provide us with a scene that shows just how much Peter cares about his super-hyphen. When MJ and Peter grab a bite to eat and catch up, he regales her with the tale of how he recently had to fight a new version of the villain Hammerhead. MJ stops him, saying, “Please, no Spiderman stories.” Peter quickly corrects her; “Spider-Man,” he says. When MJ insists that is exactly what she said, Peter responds, “No, you said ‘Spiderman.’ There clearly wasn’t a hyphen included.” Interestingly, while Peter is obviously just being cheeky, the dialogue actually backs him up. MJ does in fact say “Spiderman” and omits the hyphen - how Peter was able to tell is anyone’s guess.
This moment in Spider-Man: One More Day is not the only instance of Peter being picky about his hyphen. In The Amazing Spider-Man #10 by Nick Spencer, Spidey and Captain America's shield and Tony Stark's armor. Odessa tells Black Cat, “You could’ve been a part of it. But instead you desecrate these grounds by bringing the Spiderman.” Peter quickly interjects, saying, “I’m really sorry to interrupt but, see, I can tell you’re saying it without the hyphen, and that just — it bothers me…It’s just like the tiniest pause in between the words.” Once again, Peter was right - Odessa didn't include the hyphen.
Believe it or not, Spider-Man’s relationship with his hyphen actually dates back even further. In The Amazing Spider-Man #19, published way back in 1964, Spidey takes down a group of thugs trying to rob a bank. After he webs them up for the police to apprehend, he tells them, “If anyone asks what happened to you guys, be sure to spell my name right! There’s a hyphen in it, !”
Interestingly, the real reason behind Spider-Man’s hyphen has nothing to do with Peter Parker’s preference. In 2010, the late Stan Lee wrote on Twitter, “Spidey’s official name has a hyphen — "Spider-Man.” Know why? When I first dreamed him up I didn’t want anyone confusing him with Superman!” While avoiding mix-ups with the Man of Steel may be the true origins of the super-hyphen, the fact that he has become so attached to it is very on-brand for Spider-Man.
