There is no doubt Staunton’s web-slinger plays a crucial role in STU and Staunton’s community as a whole. But who is he? Why does he do what he does? Read more to find out the who, what, and the why.
Spidey started reading Spiderman comics during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to him wanting to help his community, just like the fictional hero. When asked why he puts on the mask, he said: “I don’t want to take the credit, I just want to spread kindness.” He puts on the mask to show that anyone can help spread joy and kindness. All he wants is for everyone to be more kind, saying “Anyone can wear the mask… Anyone can put a little kindness back into the world.” He says that he isn’t a hero, he is just there to talk to people to brighten their day as the friendly neighborhood Spiderman. He says, "If I can make it a little easier for one person, that would mean the world to me.” Even though he claims not to be, that seems pretty heroic. “When you help someone, you help everyone,” as he puts it.
It’s a bird, It’s a plane, no it's Spidey on a roof! Where does our Staunton web crawler hang out? Well, we may never know the exact answer, he enjoys the spontaneity of it all. However, he does enjoy swinging from roof to roof so don’t forget to look up. Spiderman goes on patrol whenever he feels like it, but no matter the time, downtown Staunton is the place to be. To anyone trying to reprimand his lack of schedule, he says: “No, I’ll be where I want whenever I want to… because I'm punk rock like that.” On the subject of punk rock and music in general what songs might you find on his Spotify Wrapped? When questioned, he says he listens to a lot of indie music, especially from the early 2010s.
Speaking of questions, here are some common questions our red and blue hero is asked and their answers: Is the suit hot? “No, it’s spandex ma’am” Do you accept tips? “No, action is my sweet reward.” Do you have a car? “No.” How do you get around? “Bus or webs.”
He enjoys every moment on patrol, but one in particular stood out to him. When his webtastic journey was just beginning, Spidey recalls a conversation he had with an older gentleman of Staunton. He remembers a light hearted conversation that soon turned deeper. The elder sat there and listened to a complete stranger talk about his life and his struggles.
So, what topics should you avoid when you see Spiderman out on the streets? He is open to most subjects, but prefers it when people are kind and respectful. He is also against taking money. He does this because he likes it, not for profit.“If you need a Spiderman I am there, you don't need to pay me, please do not pay me.”
Spiderman’s message overall is: “I feel like a lot of people can feel like the world has turned its back on them. [Many people think] ‘Things are awful, and it’s ok to be mean. If the world is mean to you, you should be mean back.’ That’s not a good message. Be the change you want to see, help someone, anyone. Gossip sucks, It hurts, and if you are going to do something mean, think about it. You could choose to be nice or say nothing at all.” This is why Spidey is so much more than just some guy running around in a costume, he doesn’t do it for money or for personal gain, but to share kindness and spread positivity, because in his words: “The world is cruel enough.”
Whether it be taking pictures, talking to an excited youngster, or volunteering, it is clear the impact the masked hero has made in our community. We can all learn a lot from him. Anyone can wear the mask, anyone can show some kindness without expecting merit. For Spidey, it is about doing good for the sake of doing good. We thank you, Spiderman!
Interview by Val Wehrig
Written by Liam Evans