Spider-Man is one of the most recognizable comic book characters of all time. However, unless you grew up in Japan in the 1970s, you probably aren’t familiar with this version of your friendly neighborhood wallcrawler. Here’s your chance to witness some historical web-slinging action as Marvel has re-released the live-action Japanese Spider-Man on their website. Grab some popcorn, you will want to watch this.
Japanese fans of Spider-Man got really excited when this version of the comic book hero graced the pages of Amazing Spider-Man #12. However, if that brief disappointing glimpse of Japanese Spider-Man wasn’t enough for you, Marvel has made it possible to experience a distinctly different kind of Spider-Man in all its original full-episode glory.
As RocketNews24 has shown you before, there aren’t too many similarities between this incarnation of Spider-Man and the Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield Spider-Mans you might be used to, but one thing is the same: that iconic red and blue spidey suit. The similarities end there as Japanese “Supaidaman” doesn’t fight vultures, rhinos or goblins, neither green nor hob, but he does battle with giant aliens!
▼ Watch the trailer in all its glory.
Japanese TV historians will know that we aren’t watching some crazy Ultraman or Super Sentai (Power Rangers) spin-off. In fact, the giant robot in this show actually predates the giant robots in Super Sentai shows. That’s right, this version of Spider-Man was the first TV show of its kind to use giant robots to fight the bad guys. It paved the way for every big robot that followed.
▼ You can thank Spider-Man for Pacific Rim.
The best part of the Spider-verse storyline is that Marvel gets to dig up all these forgotten, for better or worse, versions of Spider-Man that have been gathering dust in the closet. Give each of them a couple of sweet action pages, and Spidey fans will be lining up to discover interpretations of the web-slinger they never knew about. Those looking to broaden their “spider-verse” can do so by watching the first episode of Japanese Spider-Man right here!
▼”Me…Spider-Man…really?”
Source: YouTube (Marvel Entertainment), Marvel, Reddit
Images YouTube (Marvel Entertainment)
“Emissary of Hell” Spider-Man and his giant robot appear in American comic for first time!
Oscar-winning animated film Spider-Verse sequel promises Japanese Spider-Man is “already designed”
Four bikers dressed as Spider-Man arrested in Saga City
Japan had its very own version of Spider-Man in the ’70s, and of course it included a giant robot
Osaka authorities finally arrest “Spider Man”
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Mass murder plot stopped by friend of Akihabara mass murderer
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Gundam robots and Marvel characters combine and make new art we definitely need 【Photos】
SoraNews24’s ultra-cheesy Spider-Man fan film has over 100 million views, and we have no idea why
Spider-Man: No Way Home Japanese dub voice actor is…our reporter P.K. Sanjun!
Giant robot design from Mobile Suit Gundam transformed into the manliest of man bags