Since his first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962), Spider-Man has become one of the most popular Marvel comic book characters. Fans enjoy the fact that, unlike many superheroes, Peter Parker ages with his readers – he graduated high school, attended college, and married his girlfriend Mary Jane Watson in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 (1987).

So it was inevitable that writers proposed that Spider-Man become a father and raise children of his own. In Spectacular Spider-Man #220 (1995), this possibility was explored when Mary Jane announced she was pregnant. Unfortunately, Marvel Comics decided Spider-Man wasn’t ready for parenthood, and the pregnancy ended in a stillbirth.

What If --? #105

In 1998, however, Marvel comic book creator Tom DeFalco wrote a superhero story exploring what could have happened if Peter’s daughter had not only lived but also inherited his spider-powers. Along with comic book artist and fellow superhero creator Ron Frenz, DeFalco introduced Spider-Girl in the Marvel comic What If –?, which told stories of alternate universes where history unfolded differently.