Spelling superhero names can be confusing. Some, like Batman and Superman, spell their names as a single word, while others 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 Black Cat confront Odessa Drake, the leader of the Thieves’ Guild, over some stolen superhero property, including 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, remember!”
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.