Unlike other characters from Marvel's Noir line, Spider-Man Noir has become a fan favorite. Popularized by his appearances in video games like Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions, as well as Nicolas Cage's portrayal in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the character has grown beyond his initial conception. However, some fans might not know that the character's origin is filled with tragedy, possibly even more so than his 616 counterpart.
This version of the character made his debut in Spider-Man: Noir #1 (by David Hine, Fabrice Sapolsky and Carmine Giandomenico) as part of Marvel's Noir universe, which takes place during the Great Depression. The Noir line was meant to provide readers with a grounded, hard-boiled take on iconic characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man and Wolverine.
The story is set in a grim New York during the 1930s and follows Daily Bugle photographer Ben Urich as he attends a protest, led by May Parker. May is harassed and tied up by a gang of thugs who work for Norman Osborn, who in this universe, is known as The Goblin. During this assault, Urich takes a picture of the scene and uses it to blackmail Osborn. Following this event, Urich befriends a young and vengeful Peter Parker, who tells him that his uncle was killed by the Goblin during World War I. Concerned by the rage-filled Peter, Urich employs him in hopes of keeping him out of trouble.
After a few months of working together, Peter opens up to Urich about the death of his uncle. In this universe, rather than being shot, Uncle Ben was found eaten alive and completely mutilated by what the police told Peter was a dog. However, it is soon revealed that Uncle Ben's death was far more terrifying than that, he was cannibalized by the Vulture. What makes the whole situation even more disturbing is the fact that Peter's new friend was also present that night and just simply watched the murder unfold.
One fateful night, Peter mistakenly receives a tip about Osborn's criminal activity that was meant for Urich, whom the caller referred to as "The Spider". Peter goes to the location and finds a group of the Goblin's men holding the spider idol, which breaks open, and released a host of spiders. He is bitten by one of the spiders and his journey as Spider-Man begins.
Donning a mask, Peter rushes to the Goblin's lair and is shocked to find Urich there. He learns that Urich has been protecting the Goblin from the press in exchange for drugs. Peter lashes out and abandons him for shielding the monsters who he claimed he would bring down. Peter returns home where he creates a costume, donning the mantle of Spider-Man. Ultimately, Peter's purity and passion to do what's right inspired Urich to expose the Goblin to the public. Unfortunately, he was murdered before he had the chance to correct his mistakes.
Following Urich's death, the Goblin seeks to clean house, wiping all evidence of his wrongdoings. He tried killing everyone who was affiliated with Urich, including Peter. Osborn sends the Vulture to his house, where he comes across Aunt May. Luckily, Spider-Man arrives just in time, shooting the Vulture and saving his aunt. However, he does not get a positive response, Aunt May criticizes him for shooting an unarmed man, telling him that he was no better than the other villains who roam the streets. This had a huge impact on Peter, when he finally confronted Osborn and gained an opportunity to kill him, he remembers his aunt's words and spared him.
This story was met with critical success, so much so that a sequel was released the same year. Throughout the years, the character has evolved significantly. Following his death in the multiverse crossover Spider-Geddon, Spider-Man Noir was revived in his own universe, now taking on a similar dialect and appearance to his animated counterpart. The character has a renewed stance on life after being given a second chance. This gave the audience a rarely seen version of Spider-Man, one who actually grew and learned from his losses in life. Overall, Spider-Man Noir's story is one of redemption and overcoming life's many tragedies.