With Great Responsibility Comes Great Hardship

[@70Lu07]

“FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Peter, I wasn’t even thinking about super powers when i said that”

[@Cha0tixSnail2O15]

Solid JJ REFERENCE RAAAAAAAAAAAH

[@70Lu07]

@ woman

[@Ash-Winchester]

@@70Lu07 Ok, I don't know why, but YT added my original comment twice, and when I deleted the second one it erased the original.

[@Dinoman-mo7mt]

"So I've been basing my entire life on a lie?"

[@bradhorowitz2765]

Uncle Ben: Peter! You own this block?! 😂 Peter: how do you even own a block?

[@Dragon-pm3kh]

It’s so weird how Peter has so many instances where he has to face a threat by himself despite the fact that half of Marvels roster operates in New York City.

[@lolphe9928]

Like who took care of the villains before Spider Man cant yall just help in for 6 days a year

[@shnarfer]

have you been to nyc??? it’s a zoo

[@ERK_hanna]

Well half of them either are groups fighting aliens or they stick to their area strictly

[@Derp-rz1nn]

This is more a writers problem, I think the original quote still holds up in every regard. Ben was telling Peter this lesson because he has genuinely special gifts that can help the world. We saw how Peter originally used these powers for nothing more than fame, before hearing those words from Ben. Peter does hold a responsibility to use these powers to help others, as we can see there are threats that no one else can stop, like the rhino or electro. Take the example from spectacular Spider-Man lizard episode. This is a moment where Spider-Man does hurt Peter’s personal life, costing him something he truly cares about. But as Peter is contemplating giving up his powers, he remembers that Dr Connor’s son still has a dad, and that no one else could have saved him. That’s what Spider-Man does, yes it is a nice escape for Peter to express himself, but Spider-Man stands for way more than that. He inspires the people of New York, he provides comfort to those who are scared, he shows how even against the greatest odds, in the worst situation, he always gets back up. Peter may not have chosen to be this great hero if it weren’t for Ben’s famous words, he might not have saved thousands of innocent lives. The main problem arises from the fact that the writers are constantly beating down Spider-Man. We see how Peter has many struggles in life, which is relatable to the everyday person. But the problem is, writers don’t seem to understand that Peter should also have his wins, show that when he overcomes the struggles in his life he exits stronger than before, yet many writers beat him down over and over and over again, which makes the quote lose its meaning. Spider-Man is supposed to be someone relatable to look towards, someone to reflect the readers own struggles in life, yet if the reader sees that Peter just ends up worse no matter what, that makes their own struggles feel so much more hopeless. The quote shouldn’t be a cause of destruction in Peter’s life, it should be a reason he lives it. Despite all, 61 years later, he still puts on the mask to make a better difference in the world, not just as an escape, but to help those who can’t help themselves. But he doesn’t always help someone by saving them from mortal danger. Sometimes it’s as little as walking someone home, helping fix a science project, playing basketball with someone, or just listening. But the thing is, those gifts aren’t exclusive to Spider-Man, anybody can simply help another human being out. Maybe someone else is in a dark place, maybe someone else is being beaten down again and again in life, just like Spider-Man. But just like Spider-Man, you should help them, even if it’s just listening. The quote “with great power comes great responsibility” should be words that everyone lives by, they should represent a moral obligation to help everyone, because in the real world there is no Spider-Man, but there can still be heroes who represent his morals.

[@tortoisetownn]

Spider-Man isn’t one sole person. It’s a symbol of hope.

[@Derp-rz1nn]

@@tortoisetownn exactly

[@LeavanDragon]

​@tortoisetownn more stories must emphasize this as well. So many poeple share are adjacent to the spiderman mantle. Going as far back as spiderwoman, the clone saga, Anya, to the modern tines with Miles and spiderboy. Peter should be more well connected able to share his burden through a strong community and connections. But writers seem to only be fans of that when spiderverse cones up. This isn't to say the characters I mentioned shouldn't have their own comics, but Peter abd the world should reference how spiderman has gone beyond just being 1 person and instead a symbol. You'd think with popularity rivaling batman, this would've been done.

[@Americanbadashh]

*The quote “with great power comes great responsibility” should be words that everyone lives by, they should represent a moral obligation to help everyone, because in the real world there is no Spider-Man, but there can still be heroes who represent his morals.* Bolded for emphasis

[@Derp-rz1nn]

@@Americanbadashh thank you :)

[@marcusyates3044]

Uncle Ben: "Go get 'em, Pete"

[@Americanbadashh]

Peter Parker has every reason to say "fuck everything. I Quit," but even when he tries to he can't let himself give up on that life. It's often times not even past guilt that drives him back, it's that despite everything that's wrong in his life. He just cannot give up. It's like his body moves on it's own. That is what makes him such a great hero. Despite all the misery, he gets up and moves anyways. Even if the only thing he has to come home to are bills past due, and a sink full of dirty dishes.

[@redi.c.e.6046]

There’s honestly nothing I love more when heroes are being discussed than hearing brought up the idea of their bodies just move without them telling. “Top heroes have stories about them from their school days… most of their stories have one thing in common… …Their bodies moved before they had a chance to think.” -All Might

[@katejoseph6547]

@redi.c.e.6046I love that you make this reference

[@adilmyrat3210]

"Being Spider-Man is a Sacrafice" - Miguel O'Hara

[@srstriker6420]

Yeah and that doesn’t apply to Miles Morales

[@YaoiAngel00]

​@@srstriker6420 but he lost his uncle tho?

[@anti1training]

​@srstriker6420 Yes it does?

[@hclw3589]

9:23 I wouldn’t say Peter is an asshole. But he’s a human , he’s not perfect, he can fuck up, and he’s not always nice. But the point with him is that he’s trying to be a good person.

[@playerback7722]

True

[@Americanbadashh]

He was expressly created to be an asshole. That's what makes him such a great hero, he is asshole who tries to be a good person. Over and over and over again.

[@arn3107]

think he meant, Spider Man makes look Peter LOOK like an ahole

[@baligong3592]

I don't know, man. Breaking into Heroes' home, beating up other Heroes to prove you're strong, asking how much they pay, and then leaving them when you find out they do things for free is kinda an asshole behaviour. Not to mention that he once yelled at Harry for not appearing at Gwen's Funeral, despite him losing a Father as well, which made Harry overdose. Or how Peter threw hands at his wife because she thought Ben Reilly was him. The thing is, because we are seeing everything in Peter Parker's perspective, we sympathise with him, and forgive the action he does because he does more good in compensation... Doesn't change the fact that he was/is an asshole at times.

[@hclw3589]

@@baligong3592 There’s a difference between saying petter can be an asshole that just saying he’s an asshole. He’s not an asshole because he’s a human character that needs continuous efforts to live up to the standards places on himself. He’s an imperfect human that grows to be someone better over time. That fact he’s not perfect throughout his growth doesn’t mean he’s an asshole he’s just human.

[@francostevo9939]

As someone who does what he does out of guilt over something and takes bullying and assault full on without fighting back, It’s stuff like this as to why I love Spider-Man

[@UnlimitedIvory]

You dont have to take bullying my friend it'll do nothing but give those who are bullying you a greater sense of power and it'll make them contiune. If you can learn self defense and if you don't like fighting thats fine just learn grappling or blocking tequnuies. I used to get bullied a few years ago and i didn’t want to get in trouble trying to fight back until after years in elementary, to middle school, all the way to my sophomore year of highschool i blacked out and almost put someone in the hospital if my friends weren't there to stop me. The point it that it builds up and can lead to something worse. The self control is good, but don't let your kindness be mistaken as weakness to others and yourself. But regardless much love to you and i hope you overcome those who mess with you.

[@Viewtiful_Gamer]

Standing up for yourself does not make you a bad person. In fact it’s a form of self love. You deserve respect like anyone else does, don’t Demand it. Earn it.

[@francostevo9939]

@ I don’t consider myself a bad person for not fighting back. often got bullied in school and never fought back. My reasons for not fighting back was never because of being a nerd and therefore weak. I refuse to fight back for 4 reasons: 1. It won’t solve anything. 2. Even when the victim fights back justifiably you still get shit and the victimizer gets a slap on the wrist. 3. My elders will always say it is my fault. 4. I have been a martial artist since age 11 but as a teenager I never fight back against my bullies because it is a teacher’s job to maintain order in the classroom and if a fight broke out, the teacher will be blamed by their superiors. I wasn’t going to jeopardize my teacher’s jobs just because I wanted to make myself feel better. Teens may not care about the well being for their teacher’s but I do.

[@cristianrojas9684]

@@francostevo9939 Fighting back does solve things. It makes them stop because they know you'll retaliate. Plus, if the teachers actually cared, they would've done something about it. Why would you help those who don't care about you? Be good to yourself FIRST, before you are to others.

[@randomman4628]

Craziest part is still that BEN NEVER SAID THE LINE! In the original comic continuity, it's a lesson that Peter comes to for himself by his own actions, it's a self imposed doctrine for how he thinks HE should use his powers. I don't think that started being a thing till the 90's animated series

[@tommytom5757]

PRECISELY THIS!🤣 Ben never said this. It was his own realisation.

[@SalvadorDolbyvsZAWARUDO]

Uncle Ben is directly referenced as saying it in 1987 in Spider-Man vs Wolverine #1.

[@earl0000]

It has since been retconned, but yeah

[@_Kazuto_Kirigaya_]

@@SalvadorDolbyvsZAWARUDO Yeah, they kinda made it canon afterwards. But when it first came out, if I remember correctly(I maybe wrong), Ben couldn't finish his line so he never explicitly said the "responsibility" word.

[@SalvadorDolbyvsZAWARUDO]

​@@_Kazuto_Kirigaya_ Kind of. Spider-Man vs Wolverine takes place during the first volume of The Amazing Spider-Man, so even if Ben wasn't originally intended to say it, it's still canonically within the first run of the series and tied to him. Thus it retcons the unfinished sentence in to a lesson reminder and suggests that all previous instances of the phrase were because Ben said it.

[@T3aseW1thease]

Loner Spider-Man only works when he’s in high school/early college years. as Peter got older he was more open to work with other heroes and join teams like the Avengers. Heck some of his best relationships and wholsem moments are when he’s with other heroes. Like when he had a hotdog with Loki or that one time where he had a heart to heart moment with Medusa where he talked about Gwen etc

[@nicholassgobero]

That one moment Mr. Fantastic's son was blaming himself for the death of Johnny Storm and Peter comes to comfort him, absolute fire

[@T3aseW1thease]

@ agreed

[@creed8712]

You can’t call the dude who headlined marvel team up a loner

[@T3aseW1thease]

@@creed8712 literally

[@srstriker6420]

@@T3aseW1theaseyeah because this just shows that Peter Parker way is outdated

[@mandalorianhunter1]

Honestly I wouldn't say it's Ben's fault. In the original comics it was Peter or the author that said the line not Uncle Ben. People say if he didn't get his powers, his life would be better but would it? He would still be weak, living in a world full of danger be it in w universe where only Spider-Man should be or the univereses where the great Marvel heroes reside. He would still have to deal with super villains and regular crimes or the great villians like Red skull, Dr. Doom and Magneto. Heck this isn't even counting the greater cosmic threats like Galactus or Thanos. We have seen in universes like Spider-Gwen, the universe where Flash became Spider-Man and definitely the Marvel Ruin's universe where he doesn't make it or just suffers. I would say some of his life got better because of Spider-Man because he the power to protect people, connected with other heroes that allowed him to get a support group that while not consistent, helped him get through the tough times. He also inspires other heroes and the new generation of heroes.

[@thomasdeen2099]

They're saying that Peter would've taken his intelligence somewhere, without being spider-man he has no worries living a double life and as a result he should be able to have it easier with college and academics. Then use his iq to help make inventions under either Stark, Reed, or Oscorp financing him and his research. There's a universe where Peter got shot instead of Ben and that changed his classmates' perception of him. Now they saw him as a brave kid willing to take a bullet for someone instead of a weak and fearful wallflower. Then he finishes highschool, college, and works as a scientist and helps Cindy Moon/Silk by giving her tech and becoming her guy behind the chair. Then there's the new ultimate universe, where he ends up with Mary Jane, has a healthy relationship with her, has two kids, and a pretty good life albeit somewhat unsatisfactory because of how mundane it is, yet it's MILES better than what he has in the main continuity. There's also the og Flash Thompson Spider-Man where he uses an exo-suit provided by Dr. Octavius to fight and beat Flash. Having to juggle two lives, prioritizing one life over another which destroys his civilian life and often leaves him beaten to death and making lifelong enemies that torture him and his loved ones, I just don't believe it's worth it. Peter only believes it's worth it because of Ben's burden on him to be more responsible, it's always about how it's his obligation to save people because he has the power to do it, not because it was him that caused the problem to start to begin with like what happened with Ben. If he had no powers, while he would likely be collateral in a big fight or just so happened to be there in a street level supervillain's showdown, that's just a given thing considering it's the Marvel universe, but Peter himself would have NO ONE personally looking to hurt him or his loved ones. Nobody would be out there actively making him suffer except for idk, Flash Thompson. And that's a good thing.

[@windghost2]

@@thomasdeen2099 That universe where Peter took the bullet for Ben and helped Cindy out as Silk was actually 616 Peter when he was erased from the web of life in End of Spider-Verse.

[@blindtreeman8052]

The new ultimate spiderman, peter didnt become spiderman cause an alternate reed richards stopped it from happening. Hes married to mj and has 2 kids. Also ben didnt die. Being spiderman literally tied to him living a sucky life as peter parker

[@fernandothatsonofabitch]

if Peter never became Spider-Man, he'd be a genius multibillionaire we've seen it. he's one of the most intelligent people in the universe. he'd still work with guys like Reed Richards and Tony Stark.

[@playerback7722]

Life isn't fair but he made some good choices

[@HolyHadou]

I get the premise, but I'm reminded of when The One Above All showed Peter all the lives he saved being Spider-Man and dude covered a stupid number of people. Heck, even one would probably make Peter's day. I do think/wish there was some way for work/life balance or even a government fund to help compensate street level heroes for their service to help Peter slightly or just let Peter use his big brain to patent some basic inventions and get some additional income passively. Using his intelligence to help the world and line his pockets honestly.

[@MadKat197]

I found peter becoming a hero and taking responsibility as even a child relatable since i at 14 had to start taking care of my grandmother due to circumstance. It made him more relatable.

[@leopoldmaximus145]

One thing I like and found interesting about the new Ultimate Spider-Man comics that came out this year is that Uncle Ben doesn't tell Peter the line about responsibility, but it's told by his friend Harry. Since they are both currently heroes in this universe, I see this specific version of Peter feeling pressured by Harry instead of Ben to carry that responsibility and pressure which may affect him further down the run in later issues

[@Venxous]

I’ve been loving the new ultimate universe run lately between that and Absolute DC I’ve been quite happy

[@CloneScavengerVulpin8389]

Wolverine: "No matter who you are or mistakes you've made.You've got friends if you need em."

[@cha0sk1lls]

1:02 i think it’s kinda unrealistic when his life is too hard, like we go through hardships in life but we don’t suffer every single day

[@parisgrayson1513]

I actually think Spider-Man is the best thing to happen to Peter and I really love when it’s written that way. Like Peter was kinda an antisocial jerk in the Lee comics, Spider-Man made him learn and evolve his character. Also I love when it’s written to show how the good he does as Peter and Spider-Man and how that fulfills his soul. Like when he’s a teacher and he can help his students as Peter and as Spider-Man and how that makes him happy.

[@bradhorowitz2765]

I really did enjoy JMS making wore a teacher. Showed how much Peter is part of the neighborhood, and how he can use his awareness of how hard high schoolers can have it to help in ways spidey can’t. Plus he provided a good role model for science students whose intelligence won’t be admired by the school, just like he was. It isn’t the mask, it’s the man/woman underneath. And then one more day/civil war happened…

[@thekingmaker2159]

Peter by himself is pretty intelligent and it's a shame that most people think that peter cant be a hero without being spiderman.

[@dracone4370]

I think a big part of the problem is that no one ever sat Peter down and ask him what that phrase "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility" means to him as an individual and helped to read things differently with a shift in perspective or change of angle.

[@JDWalker495]

You know Pete got it bad when even the god of his verse shows up and tells him “yeah I know its been rough, but stay strong”

[@furyberserk]

With great power, comes great responsibility and little reward - the Living Tribunal

[@Dstryrr]

A vigilante chooses to burden themselves with the expectations and hardships of others, but a hero continues to do it despite the hardship and finds purpose in taking on the weight and responsibility that comes with accepting the responsibility of those hardships. Even if they know the fact that everybody else puts these expectations upon them they do it anyways because that's what a hero is

[@tamalrickolino413]

I see spider-man as a metaphor for growing up. Peter was 15 when he firts became spider-man and he was bitter and resentful against the world. Spider-man is Peter learning to become a better person and a growing up to be a good man, however his guilt leads him to obsess over that. If something goes wrong its his fault, if someone dies its on him, etc. He couldnt catch a break because he wouldnt allow himself to do so, just like growing up can be tough and full of hardships. But another aspect to his character is his supporting cast, people that allow Peter to forgive himself, to forgive spider-man.

[@Niaz_S]

Good video bro. Never thought of how unhealthy Peter’s guilt was. Fresh take.

[@keeanoagustiadi241]

This reminds me of when Harry Potter explodes in anger and frustration when speaking to Ron and Hermione venting about the times he risked his life to be a wizarding hero.

[@Hi_Just_Fred]

I think that yes Ben's words were something Peter took a different meaning to than Ben himself meant, mainly because Peter knew he had even greater powers than just his intelligence. However it's that information that lends itself to the different paths Peter could have taken. Peter not stopping the robber that lead to Uncle Ben dying is what in his mind was the kind of thing he should have used his powers to prevent, by simply doing the right thing even if he had nothing to gain, just so it made sure nobody could end up losing someone they cared about like he did. Ben's words were not meant to tell Peter he had to be a hero or stop crime, it was Ben saying Peter was gifted and he could do a lot of good but what Ben knew about Peter's gifts and what Peter thought were always going to be different. As a kid, he knows with powers he could be a hero and save people directly in situations that non powered people couldn't. If Peter never had superpowers there's a good chance he would have grown up to have a similar job as Barry Allen, using his intelligence to make sure dangerous criminals couldn't get away with commiting crimes and putting people in danger.

[@windghost2]

Peter taking on a Barry Allen role sounds amazing!

[@altakugirl1257]

Peter really needs to hear the "You are worth more than what you can give to other people. You deserve love too" speech from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power because holy hell does this boy not know what self care is

[@shreypaliwal9170]

You exactly hit the mark I also feel that after reading comics and specially current comics Peter Parker is getting addicted to Spider-man. He purposely tskes shit as Peter Parker thinking he can let loose as Spider-man.😢😢

[@whateverwhatever4476]

He's always been like that. Since his early characterization, being Spidey gives him a excuse to burn off steam

[@ArcTrooper269]

8:36 Armored Adventures & Ultimate 2024: *OH, I DON'T THINK SO*

[@Gaster_021]

To be a hero is a burden that needs maturity and intelligence to make, no matter the intentions Peter isn’t mature enough nor has the right level of intelligence (life experience) to make

[@thirdplanet4471]

This is one issue I have with superheroes. Writers have messed it up to where superheroes are akin to martyers who are never allowed to be happy, must sacrifice themselves for others and they are even punished for doing good. In my opinion, there has to be a reward of some kind (not necessarily money or fame) even just a positive impact to the self or others. It makes me appreciate the first amazing spiderman movie and first sam raimi spiderman movie because the people spiderman helped return the favor. I like this because spiderman is having a positive impact. I also appreciate the new ultimate spiderman run because eventhough Peter is still a hero he is also living his life, advance his career, get married etc

[@Celtic1020]

15:46 Yes. That is a much better point. It's not what Ben said, but Peter's guilt and self-loathing that he can't get rid of that causes him so much pain. Tldr: Peter needs therapy. And people who will actually love him. Unlike current MJ.

[@ShadmehR_23]

He needs something like ultimate mj (reboot ultimate i mean)

[@hymnsforchrist3620]

Let Spidey be happy!

[@deandredukes95]

Peter deserves better

[@seeleunit2000]

I have been saying that for years

[@srstriker6420]

@@seeleunit2000yeah the same because the Zeb Well’s run just shows how outdated Peter Parker way is, because I really think about the Batman caped crusader series where try to subvert expectations

[@nont18411]

Marvel writers: “Nope, he deserves so much much worse.”

[@stalinsoulz7872]

Peter is like the one guy running the company's data. Onxe he quit all crap breaks loose. Sure they're heroes not superheroes. But spiderman the bridge that helds for the community. He may not be put too much om avengers level threat but he represent the little guy working to keep the locals safe and protected in a way. Stan Lee made a great job on writing spiderman post WW2 were the age people where aimless. The vets.and stan lee's spiderman or peter represents the youth who were anxious and determined to step into the world. Spiderman is the representative of the youth knowing they're the big shoe's who'll fill in society. And hope no matter how hard it is. Hard work and dedication is what matters to keep a young buck moving and going.

[@cartoonglutton326]

I think Spider-Man is one of the best superheroes. I also think Spider-Man’s life is the greatest example of why not to be a superhero. Also the only responsibility he seems to value is his responsibility as Spider-Man. Whenever his responsibility as Spider-Man comes into conflict with any other responsibility, whether it be to his job, education, friends, family, and even his wife(when he had one), he will always prioritize his Spider-Man responsibilities. Also the writers need to remember that if you are going to make an extremely virtuous hero you also need to show them being rewarded for their virtue. If the only thing the hero gets for being virtuous is pain, suffering, and humiliation, that is not going to motivate kids to be virtuous. I wonder how many kids read Spider-Man, and came to the conclusion that responsibility was for idiots and losers.

[@Vampishandrew]

Another banger vid, also thank you for putting me on to Avengers: EMH, absolute cinema, didn’t think I could love the character more than I already did

[@poseidoncountsasabigfish2646]

Yeah, I think you're spot on.

[@Roronoa_Ze0]

In Marvel's Spider Man 2, there was a dialogue between Peter and May about balance. And that is what Peter is missing. Balance between him and Spider Man. Honestly, in my opinion, that's what he needs to be perfect hero. He can think about saving "people" constantly because Ben's death, his guilt, his responsibility that was took to the extreme level by him. But those "people" include him too. He needs to understand that by constantly putting a lot of pressure on his life he won't save everybody. He will burn out. He needs to balance his responsibilities of Peter and Spider.

[@willcube8770]

The OG line is something Peter says after realizing he’s the reason his uncle died but I always interpreted the “WITH GREAT POWER MUST COME GREAT RESPONSIBILITY” as he has to use his gifts with great care for others because of the road he was going down. His selfishness led to uncle Ben’s death and if he had been “responsible” taking care of the problem when it surfaced instead of turning a blind eye then it would’ve never happened in the first place. It’s a cautionary tale for Peter to never let Injustice stand if he can do something about it not a self destructive vow that he’s forced to take on. At least that’s how I always saw it.

[@rinoakirova1548]

I always read Peter's struggle as proof of his heroism. The hero is a tragic figure because, even without the specific mundane challenges that Spiderman faces, it's a role that has you dedicate your life to a cause that ultimately won't benefit you. But Peter always makes the choice to wear the suit and save people, because he can do it and that is the right thing to do.

[@kage1573]

I do see how Spider Man can be a burden on Peter's life but I don't think it's an addiction but a part of who he is because Peter has a good heart that wants to help people and Spider Man is a positive outlet to do that, it's true that he misses on opportunities as Peter Parker but he also saves hundreds more as Spiderman which goes on to inspire others which is something many heroes and even the One Above All told him which comes down to his altruism that keeps him going as Spiderman because of the impact it has on his neighborhood and if he was gone then things might turn out worse. It is true Peter lives with guilt but I think he is deciding that because he has power that can make a difference, he should use that power to help others even if it means his life becomes unraveled at times and I also think there is a balance to this because he is a genius that has a strong understanding of science which can lead him to working for a big company or creating things that can help the world.

[@Derp-rz1nn]

Exactly!!

[@Nicolas14215]

This kind of losses the point when you realize that in 616 Ben never said that to Peter before dying, it was later retcon to be something uncle Ben used to say to Peter, but like, in general, not in the tragic way it's show in the movies or cartoons, so really it's just Peter blaming himself, dealing with his trauma by being Spider-Man, kind of like Batman, no one told him anything, he just deals with it that way, and so does Peter

[@ArcTrooper269]

Babe, WAKE UP, VENXOUS COOKED ANOTHER GOURMET VIDEO 🙏

[@Guyvwer0jaeger]

From the comics the reason why Peter is so hated and distrusted is because he was constantly asking if the other heroes were paid gigs. When he originally got his power he became a showmen. He didn’t stop the mugger not because the host didn’t pay him but because he thought it was beneath him. Over time these themes have been changed in his continuity. He becomes a better man after Ben’s death because he views it as his own fault.

[@DarkestVoid]

I don’t find any of this to be a problem. Spider-Man is a martyr. He didn’t twist Uncle Ben’s words he just genuinely cares about his loved ones as well as NYC and the world as a whole. He feels he’s responsible for saving hundreds of people and skipping out on his life as Peter Parker even if that means straining those relationships.

[@falconeshield]

He doesn't NEED to. He lives in a world where the Avengers exist. He can take a break or not. It should be a choice.

[@somedudewatchintv5297]

Exactly, Ben couldn't know about his new abilities but his quote wasn't limited to personal issues. If he meant something like, "smart people should advance society" he would've said that. The quote is purposely broad because it's how he thinks everyone with any power should think and act. Being Spider-Man is a logical extension of that and not in any way a deviation. If Ben were upset with how Peter took his words it would mean he himself didn't take his words seriously.

[@anti1training]

If I were in Peter's shoes, I'd still take all the responsibility. Because without Spider-man, people suffer. Would blame myself too much if I had the ability to stop something bad from happening to someone else, and I didn't do a thing about it.

[@Ash-tu1oc]

Absolutely been living your videos, keep them up! You do such a great analysis on a human level and writing level with personal stories like Spider-Man.

[@watchmenaenae01]

This is why I idolise writers like Chip Zsardesky and Dan Slott, cause they know how to balance that kind of stuff. Admittedly, Slott made some interesting choices but it was always something new that wasn’t depressing. And Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows is incredible. And Chip himself said he would rather write the side books that get cancelled every year cause he has more freedom with those so he can write positive stories.

[@BoxOfCurryos]

The Skyrim music is a great touch

[@LokiturnedmeintoaFrog]

Thank You

[@adimiss]

This is why the marvel adventures spider-man run by paul tobin is really good. Spiderman actually seems to have a good life in that one.

[@Celtic1020]

I've been playing Skyrim recently, so for a while I thought I was just hallucinating the music.

[@StonedPeter]

Made me cry man

[@EudaemonYoutube]

His life should be hard but not just suffering. There's a lot that can be done with characters who suffer (Go watch Beserk) and they still develop and grow regardless. Spider-Man is someone who is beaten down by the normal day things, he's not cursed, even though he feels that way at times. Peter could give up and let other people do his job but that's just not the kind of person he is. It's not that Peter is trapped and suffering, it's that Peter wants to help people which means he carries the responsibility of the decisions of what he does.

[@ForgottenWorlds100]

“With great power comes great responsibility… and opportunity.” Peter Parker, CEO of Alchemax, 2099.

[@rambu3013]

"Get that bag Pete" - Unc' Ben

[@BalenVanGamer150]

I agree that him not having wins as loses is bad, i hate that idea that he has to constantly lose because of the writers thinks he needs to, Thats why i hate the more recent runs, he suffers so much for no reason but just because the writers want him to, its so bad that the only times peter gets to actually be himself or get actual wins so in other books or alternate universe, but the main peter can never have that because marvel sees him as a punching bag of money, i hate that happens to him, and it's why i detested the zeb wells run, even if i never read it, just hearing about it makes my blood boil.

[@BalenVanGamer150]

It's so bad for him, I honestly think marvel shouldn't have him, because they seem to absolutely despises him if it's the main peter because he always seems to get the worst writers that understand nothing about the character, it's so bad I at times would have rather some other company like image have him, they'll at least give him a break and a good run, compared to marvel who never seems to have any good intentions but milking hime en if it hurts him, it's so bad I barely collect any modern issues because it's going to be a terrible time for peter, and I won't have any issues that derail him, and they still think having act as a teenager is a good idea, even tho spider-verse have proven twice that even a grown-up peter could still be relatable and a great character, and they do a better job for him than marvel has ever done in 20 years, and that's saying smth because it's from Sony.

[@michaelharris7157]

2 of my ❤ dropping straight heat 🔥 back 2 back today ‼️

[@harryfleutv666]

Uncle Ben after Spider-Man dies and goes to heaven: oh wow, I didn’t know you’d take ‘great responsibility’ so literally! I didn’t mean you had to neglect your personal life for the entire city…

[@srstriker6420]

Yeah because I really that Peter should have turned in Norman Osborn in the Raimi movie because a hero is a unlicensed public servant and can’t put his personal feelings before others

[@bradhorowitz2765]

Your video reminded me of Linakra’s review of One More Day. In that video, Linkara gave a nice monologue on how Peter’s life is in the exact never ending cycle of loss, because the WRITERS can’t ever make Peter grow up. Peter is now an adult who should be able to balance his life and make smart decisions instead of saying/doing dumb things, like the time he admitted in a JMS comic arc titled “the other” that he DIDNT have life insurance in case he died. Which is absolutely insane! Peter should be able to actually make a rich career as a scientist, he and Mary Jane should be starting a family, he shouldn’t be constantly worried about”did I make rent” like he was newly college graduate. It’s not that we want Peter to get everything he wants, but it’s that we want to see Peter grow up. His whole guilt over uncle Ben? Thst feeling that constantly enables him to never grow up, to never leave this evening journey of failure? That actually was criticized by Jd Dematteis where JD thought “you know Peter is an adult, he should stop feeling guilt. But why dosnt he.” JD then decided “what if Peter’s feelings of shame and fear are more in line with his subconscious thoughts that HE caused his parents to die, and then everyone else who died in his life was his fault? It was Pete’s way to trying to understand his world that crumbled at such a young age. At the end of this story, spidey comes to terms with this long held belief and decides that he will mourn his loved ones properly. This never got picked up again, but it was a great way to finally make Peter go past his self imposed punishment.

[@Americanbadashh]

There's plenty of adults in the real world who are just like Peter in the comics, just without the powers. Not everyone "grows up" the way you seem to think they do.

[@bradhorowitz2765]

@@Americanbadashh I don’t mean they can’t act like Peter does in his quips, funny puns, and easy going nature. What I mean so for Peter to MAKE adult decisions. But Marvel can’t ever let Parker be an adult, he must make decisions only an immature teen would do. Let’s go back to the storyline I mentioned, the other. Peter specifically states in the comic he has never prepared for his death, never prepared for what would happen to aunt May and Mary Jane. He never gave serious thought to this possibility. THIS IS JAW DROPPING. Peter at that point was married, was in his twenty’s or thirty’s, had seen loved ones die sometimes because of their connection to him, lives in a world where clones/alternate versions exist, and at one point was TECHNICALLY dead. In kravens last hunt, Peter was captured and drugged up by a deranged Kraven for weeks. Kraven then impersonated Spider-Man. Mary Jane thought he was dead. The city believed Spider-Man was a murderer. You’d think Peter, being a brilliant guy, would think “what if Kraven did kill me? He could have if he truly wanted. How can I prepare for something that is possible? Mary Jane was terrified and helpless at the whole debacle.” Prior to dock ock’s control over his body, it was the first time Spider-Man was so close to death in a way that truly made it seem he actually died. When Peter was first stunned by Kraven, he thought it was the same Kraven he fought for years-a comic villain form the 60s. He actually thought Kraven would just bring him back to the latest lair for his scheme. Then..Kraven didn’t talks..and this time..he brought a gun..and he’s staring right at Peter. “Wait why does he have a gun..of no..come one Kraven using a gun hasn’t been your stYLE!” BANG!

[@BeyondTrash-xe1vs]

There's a reason the quote never came from Ben before, Spider-Man is a choice to take responsibility for his power, not an obligation to do so.

[@nielsfrederiksen6636]

Ben told peter to use his great power responsible. He never said to throw his life away, not spend his time with his wife, friends or other loved ones, nor to be miserable because of said power. I think its Peter over-compensating because of his guilt. We know Ben is proud of him, he emphasizes this point often. Like in ASM500 or in the final episode of Spider-man TAS.

[@Ripcord626]

Honestly with Pete it’s more like alcohol good rush, but bad hangover most he’s a functional alcoholic that gets blackout drunk sometimes with the black suit, meanwhile ultimate is the dad who comes home after work spends time with his kids and wife, goes to the bar after his kids go to sleep then comes home, he’s better with moderation where he’s getting his buzz but it’s not his main focus, I’d love an issue where it’s cap and wolverine or daredevil and punisher talking to him about being a hero and living his life like how you would with learning to slow down on the bottle before something goes wrong

[@JinxeBlaq]

2:34 Ngl I wouldn’t count that voice message as a “Great Responsibility” quote variation, just a heartfelt voice message. The actual great responsibility quote in those movies was uh.. Pretty bad. But if they hadn’t put that in, and this message was it’s variant, it would’ve been was a very good one lol

[@MG_Z73]

Spider-Man is at his best when being a hero isn't about him. Even though his powers don't make him any less human, for Peter, there's no sacrifice that isn't worth it as long as he can keep saving lives and inspiring people. That's essentially his life's purpose until it brings about his downfall.

[@sparking023]

I think that's a major issue some Spider-Man writers and the editorial run into. They see the character as if Peter parker and Spider-Man were at odds, when it's not about that. Both sides ARE part of who he is. What Uncle Ben said applies to Peter with and without his powers, and it also applies to us, because the core of the message is "if you can do something about it, then do it". I don't think guilt or addiction are at the core of what moves Peter into heroism. Sure, it was an ignition point, but only the guilt would consume him internally, like it does to Frank Castle, who's a broken man on a path of vengeance. It's a very fine line. And each loss sends Peter to the edge, and it's at those moments where his resilience and moral fiber shine the most. The problem we have been stuck with for years is that, as said in the video, Peter keeps being kicked back to square one, both in situation and in character, so all those great moments end up losing value, because it seems like nothing was gained, no lessons were learned. The balance between his personal and hero life is crucial to the character, but I think it's silly to conclude Peter can only succeed as Spider-Man if his personal life is in shambles. It's not realistic nor relatable, because we too sacrifice parts of our lives to do the work we ought to, but the best outcomes come from people who manage to achieve a balance. And I know that's possible, because before OMD, that was exactly how his life was going. He still had struggles and tough fights, but he still had MJ by his side and Aunt May too, a safe harbor where he could retreat to rest a bit, catch his breath, and return to the fight. Personally I would like to see an arc where Peter goes full into superhero duty, a "Peter Parker No More", if you will. In which he's being Spider-Man precisely to escape the turmoil of his civilian life, getting more distant from family and friends, and being generally more effective as a hero. But that STILL doesn't make him feel right, and inevitably he swings around. It would also help to heal the characters of the people surrounding him, because they too have been turned into a-holes for the sake of plot. Doesn't need to be a major arc, usually those interpersonal stories are on the short end, but it would help to "heal the wounds" and set him back on the right track. If that story already exists, I would love to read it.

[@johnthai6188]

i feel like spider-man is like batman. life is telling peter to not be good in the world; there will only be tragedies - if you keep on trying to do good. the problem is that peter doesn't care what the world is saying because he will be doing good no matter the cost. Peter says to life, "No, you can't break me; even if you do, I will keep on coming back because someone, anyone, needs my help." literally JJJ is calling spider-man is horrible to society, and peter's like nope idc. as much as spider-man fans want him to be like superman, i think of him as batman. both men are defiant to the world around saying stop trying to be good; that being gotham city and peter's life. for Bruce, he says to the city, "No, you can't break me; even if you do, I will keep on coming back because my city needs saving." side point, that's why i have an issue with fans saying gotham shouldn't be a hellhole because being so is meaningless to batman's mission. i'm like that's the point of batman stories tho; it's to be defiant against a city that is saying be bad.

[@Jimboh1637]

Honestly, it wasn't Uncle Ben who told Peter to make the deal with Mephisto(it was marvel editorial). Could Peter have broken out of his shell during college without becoming spiderman, possibly. Can't really say they being spiderman has ruined either of his relationships with Felicia and MJ. Spiderman was 15 years old in amazing fantasy. Felicia learns to accept the Peter Parker side of Spiderman and MJ accepts both sides of Peter. I don't think the whole issue is being Spiderman makes Peter's life hell, part of it is also being Spiderman hasn't allowed Peter to grow up and even regress(that's more down to the writers refusing to let Peter grow up and have a family, etc). And as for the Zebb Wells run(a combo of marvel editorial's mind set of keeping Peter young(when the dude is almost 30 in the comics has gone to college more times than the average person) and "relatable" plus Zebb Wells obviously letting his wife leaving him bleed into the comics like Joe Quesada did back in 2007).

[@Due-ei7ko]

15:36 Peter didn’t twist uncle Ben’s words but he took the words to the extreme (sorry if it seems like I’m just arguing semantics with what you say) in a way that that can only happen when a kid and eventually man is trying to live by such lofty ideals with superpowers. Though this isn’t to say his guilt doesn’t dip into his action as Spider-Man but his first true taste in learning about great power and great responsibility coming at the cost of Ben’s life was a kick in the ass that never stopped stinging. And is constantly reminded of whenever he wants to stop being spiderman.

[@Venxous]

Not semantics I wanted to encourage a dialogue on this and I’m glad my audience is engaging I enjoy reading yalls takes 😊

[@andreypavlov5187]

People think that being a God is easy... But the power is a burden, a crown not of gold but of thorns.

[@roastbeef4918]

Spider-Man was the poor man's superhero because he is miserable, and he is addicted to what is killing him.

[@crimsontheidiotmangodangop8039]

The fact Peter has to “sell himself” sounds so god damn wrong imo

[@SilentSnake1998]

I’ve been saying for the longest that zeb wells’ Spider-Man run is what happens when you take a Spidey comic, where Peter is down on his luck and picks himself back up, but removing the part where he actually gets up after being knocked down again and again. I feel like you put that into words a lot better than I could, and it explains why the wells run feels like some kind of parody. This cynical writing style has kinda dominated a lot of my favorite franchises, and it sucks to see whenever it happens. But I think moments like this, are why I heavily appreciate other adaptations or side books that actually respect the characters, and aren’t tied down by the editorial’s unhinged mandates.

[@trigun_dog]

Living two different lives you gotta accept that you can't have everything. It just wouldn't be professional.

[@pride_mitochondria3921]

The Skyrim music is nostalgic as hell man.

[@Celtic1020]

9:25 Peter has never been just "an asshole" even when he had the symbiote in the comics. He has a snarky sense of humor which gets on people's nerves, but most of the reason he didn't team up in the early years is that a bunch of people didn't know he was actually a hero thanks to JJJ. And he has been okay working with other heroes for longer than he wasn't at this point.

[@Americanbadashh]

Go read Stan Lee's original Spider-Man run. Peter very much was an asshole back then

[@MaddiLew]

Dude Peter was a chud in early ditko era comic. He thought he was smarter than everyone else and was sort of stuck up

[@ankuriboh]

I feel like elaborating on a few things you said. Mainly that this is a writer issue and not a “Spider-Man is destined for a life of misery” issue. The meta reason Gwen Stacy died was because the writers didn’t want Peter to get married and have kids because that would age the character too much. It also helped root the character in tragedy. Similar to Batman and other members of the Bat family like Batwoman not being able to get married. And if it’s to the point that the writers keep punishing the character, meaning the comic book universe itself keeps punishing the character, it’s a moot point to argue whether or not their crusade was right, if they create their own enemies, or if Peter misunderstood Uncle Ben’s advice. Also the lesson Peter learned was that when he let a burglar go because it didn’t seem to impact him, that burglar later killed his uncle, so he should step up as Spider-Man and stop bad people when he can even if he isn’t personally impacted because the people he stops today might hurt someone else tomorrow. It wasn’t simply “I have powers so I might as well suit up and fight all crime.” That’s more Wally West. So yes Peter’s life sucks, but he’s in a cartoonishly evil world where no one else will step up and help people (technically yes there are other people who could help, but because of the trope Superman Stays Out of Gotham, they don’t help those same people Spider-Man will help). So yes Peter’s life gets better in Spider-Man 2, but is it worth it when he ignores someone getting beaten up, a child trapped in a burning building, or Doctor Octopus’ experiment that might destroy the city? When a writer tries to make a point to write a story pointing out that being a hero makes the hero’s life suck, I tend to think it’s a problem with the writer not being able to handle the character when he isn’t at rock bottom or deviating from the status quo. Like if Spider-Man finally got married, acknowledged that Jameson’s harsh critique makes him extra careful if only to prove Jameson wrong, and Peter can get a job where he isn’t rich and famous like Bruce Wayne but a middle-class forgettable face in New York. Similar to the old newspaper comic.

[@nont18411]

Also, I find it weird that the writers love to make hero stories a torture porn for the hero, even though it’s supposed to inspire people. If being a good person will give me a perpetual misery, maybe it’s better to become the villain who can enjoy life instead.

[@kar1r1guzo0ra7]

A villain I'm writing is basically Spider-Man if he snapped

[@kelvinsantiago7061]

Black Spider from DC comics then.

[@kar1r1guzo0ra7]

@@kelvinsantiago7061 More like red hood

[@spider_fan_boi]

Honestly, what I want is a story just like the first comic… where Ben never spoke those fucking words. They were from the narrator, but it later got adapted to be Ben’s words of wisdom shared with Peter before he died, rather than something he learned for himself entirely No, Ben doesn’t need to be some Snyderverse Pa Kent who tells Peter to keep his head down or mind his business, but he can just be a guy. Not a great guy, not some upstanding citizen, but just an everyday guy who did his best for his wife and nephew, practically his own son at that point, and who only ever lead by example over words, with Peter himself choosing the words himself to culminate all that he’d learned from Ben, and his own life up until that point, after his untimely demise

[@booba-fan]

yea

[@itsjykee]

I can’t believe they did my boy Peter griffin so dirty

[@ENOURMOUSSCALE]

Ultimate Spider-Man 2024 is an example of not giving this quote get him a life better it’s just bad writing he has genuine happiness

[@marcusyates3044]

Can you please do a Miss Martian video, Venxous? She's just my favorite Young Justice character.

[@drakeknight7646]

You were not made for ease, but for greatness. You cannot walk out on your own story. Peters choices are his own. Of course the life of a noble or heroic person "sucks". It comes with the territory of being those things. Of being, self-sacrificial.

[@hadriandwyer2191]

I misread the thumbnail as "Benis Fault" and thought the video was gonna be about that

[@rayray6490]

Alternate advice from Uncle Ben: “With great power, comes great benefits”

[@thomasreed1386]

I'm getting in late on this conversation, but it's been obvious to me that Peter's life is full of self-hatred and self-abuse because that's the life his writers are living. They are required to put Peter through pain because that's what the fans and the Marvel executives, from Stan Lee on, have demanded. They have to meet the soap opera demands to make Peter suffer. Hope denied is who Peter Parker is, and after this election, hope has been denied to every American and our world in general. So get used to unhappy endings in your own lives, because that's what life is. As the critic Tony Goldmark said about Disney World, "Happiness is an illusion. At best it's a momentary distraction. It's never been a default setting."

[@seeleunit2000]

This is what I have been saying for years. Seriously, at this point Spiderman is like a less wealthy version of Batman. Honestly, I would like to see a comic where Parker gets some therapy so this aspect is addressed, though it will probably get retconned.

[@aghmedddd8837]

There is actually a comic where Spider-man would go to therapy however after he tells the therapist about his life, the therapist leaves mid-session

[@marvelrivclips]

Originally, it was Peter himself who thought about the responsibility quote tho

[@gokuvegeta1167]

I cant handel hardship not even a little

[@GuiltyGal]

Im just now realising Peter Parker and Yuji Itadori were in the same predicament

[@drackestalentorgen166]

The problem is not the lesson or peter or spiderman...its the writers thinking that if peter isnt miserable people wont like him

[@President-of-Funny]

Damn, even unc got an agenda against him 😂😂

[@Argos-xb8ek]

Peter puts himself in terrible positions.

[@ELOC555]

Spider-Man to Peter is like a drug addicting but harmful

[@ajayxerx1511]

Ecclesiastes 9 verse 4 Anyone who is among the living has hope -even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!

[@Invincible.gtg.omnifan]

Good old skyrim background music I love it

[@NASgamer6]

I feel a compromise to the dillema of if uncle ben tells peter W/GP=GR or if Peter concludes it himself can be comprimised. Uncle Ben tells Peter that with great power there must also come great responsibility, however peter restates it, adding onto the fact that with great responsibility comes great suffering. However, he has to push through it no matter what. Because new york needs him.

[@ENOURMOUSSCALE]

It also applies to invincible the show especially

[@ethinwhite3454]

Thank you so much for this video. I've always thought this but would get ridiculed for this opinion

[@KenMorrow-scotchpillgram]

It's about damn time someone put some respect on TASM Uncle Ben. Bet Aunt May IMO too.