Spider-Man Has New Superstrength Level, According to Superman

The Marvel Universe should be grateful that Spider-Man is a friendly neighborhood hero. After all, if Peter Parker had been swayed towards the dark side, there would be little hope for New York City (if not the world). Spider-Man began his journey 60 years ago as a young man looking to do good in the world, and his run-in with a radioactive spider made that mission possible. For decades, fans have watched as Peter’s powers came into their own, and now Marvel has given those readers an exciting update on the hero’s seriously incredible strength.

After all, it would put things lightly to say Peter Parker is strong. The kid may not have the buff physique of Thor or the Hulk, but you wouldn’t know it seeing some of his feats. From holding broken bridges together and keeping subway trains on their tracks, Peter has shown incredible strength during his years as a hero. Many fans have asked Marvel about this incredible power as Peter’s superhuman strength continues to be a point of speculation amongst readers. Now, Superman has weighed in on the debate, and he’s settled the score.

In the second issue of Spider-Man / Superman, the truth about Peter Parker’s strength comes to light courtesy of Clark Kent. The pair is united outside the Daily Planet when a threat comes in their direction, forcing the new friends to don their hero costumes. During the exchange, Superman takes a look at Spider-Man using his x-ray vision, and he confirms the Marvel hero is way stronger than his bone density should allow. Physically, Peter is stronger than his body should be capable of, but when has biology ever stopped Queen’s top hero?

Why In The World Is Spider-Man So Strong?

Thanks to Superman’s (rather invasive) x-ray vision, Marvel fans now know Spider-Man is stronger than he should be. Even after being bitten by a radioactive spider and having his physiology changed, his bones don’t lie. Superman makes it clear that Peter’s bone density isn’t enough to warrant his feats of strength, giving fans more ammunition to theorize about the Marvel hero.

There is no explanation for why Spider-Man’s strength and density don’t match, sadly. For decades, we’ve known that Peter’s strength comes from his mutation, but that is about it. Any physiological or anatomical reasons why have long escaped readers. The simple truth is that spiders are strong, and after being bitten by one, Peter is now as well. In nature, spiders often lift objects many times their own weight, so that ability scales proportionately for Peter. But given Superman’s new analysis, there is likely more to this mutation than meets the eye.

If Peter’s bone density is not behind his enhanced strength, then what is to thank? It could very well be because of Peter’s tendons. This tissue acts as the bridge between bone and muscle, giving humans the ability to move as they generate force. In medical settings, scientists have discovered that spider silk often acts like super-strong tendons at a molecular level, making them a promising candidate for regenerative medicine. If the secret to Peter’s strength lies in his tendons, then that would explain why the hero is so strong. And, of course, it explains why Superman didn’t catch anything during his impromptu x-ray.

There is still much about Spider-Man’s physiology that Marvel hasn’t answered, but this new update at least clarifies that fans are right about the hero. Peter Parker has no business being as strong as he is, leaving readers with far more questions than answers. Maybe one day we’ll get a thorough medical report on the hero, but for now, it seems Peter is busy saving the world with Superman at his side.

First Appearance

Amazing Fantasy

Alias

Peter Parker, Ben Reilly, Otto Octavius, Yu Komori, Kaine Parker, Pavitr Prabhakar, William Braddock, Miles Morales, Kurt Wagner

Alliance

Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Secret Defenders, Future Foundation, Heroes for Hire, Mighty Avengers, New Avengers, Web-Warriors