Everyone knows that Spider-Man lives his life guided by the mantra laid out in the character's very first appearance in 1962's Amazing Fantasy #15: "with great power, there must also come great responsibility" (abbreviated in the movies to simply "with great power, comes great responsibility,") But a revisit to some of the wall-crawler's earliest books reveal another inspiration that lead to Peter Parker donning his signature tights - the kid just wanted to make a few bucks.
His debut features the requisite spider bite scene and literally moments after he discovers his powers, Parker sees a sign offering $100 to anyone who can survive three minutes in a wrestling ring with Crusher Hogan (Bonesaw McGraw in the movie) and decides that's the best use of his new skills. Much like in Sam Raimi's first Spider-Man, Spidey easily passes the test, drawing the attention of a TV producer that promises him he can earn a fortune and become a star with his new abilities.
Peter agrees immediately and after leaving viewers in awe following his first TV appearance, he's swarmed by reporters offering money for interviews, photo spreads, and movie deals. The wall-crawler walks away, telling them, "See my agent, boys! I'm busy!" The rest of Spider-Man's origin story plays out with the death of his Uncle Ben at the hands of a criminal he could have previously stopped and ended with his now-iconic "great powers" quote.
The character's next appearance would be in 1963 his first solo book, The Amazing Spider-Man #1, and he's still chasing that paper. With Ben gone, he needs to try to help Aunt May pay the bills, even briefly considering using his powers in a life of crime to make ends meet, before quickly deciding he's no criminal. Still working in showbusiness, Parker runs into trouble at the bank when he can't cash his check because it's made out to Spider-Man and he has no official ID. One might think a super genius like Peter Parker could have foreseen that being an issue, but apparently not.
Finally, a new moneymaking idea dawns on Parker. He'll just join the Fantastic Four and earn a steady paycheck with them. Spider-Man breaks into the Baxter Building and a short scuffle ensues between him and the quartet of heroes. Once the dust settles, Spidey explains that it was just an exhibition of his skills and that he's there to join the team, demanding their top salary. But his plan is short-lived when it's explained to him that the team is a non-profit and that any money they earn is put toward research and development to thwart their villains.
He swings off, disheartened, and after a run-in with The Chameleon, the story ends with Peter sobbing and wishing he'd never gained his powers. Fans will know that Parker would eventually go on to capitalize on his hero status as Daily Bugle photojournalist with a knack for getting exclusive shots of The Web Swinger, but if Spider-Man's early adventures teach readers anything, it's that great powers may come with great responsibility, but not necessarily a great paycheck.