Peter Parker / Spider-Man (voiced by Josh Keaton) is the protagonist of the Spectacular Spider-Man Animated Series. Bitten on the hand by a radioactive spider during a field trip to Empire State University, Peter gained superhuman spider-powers including his speed, strength, agility, durability, stamina, reflexes, coordination and balance, the ability to cling to solid surfaces, most notable use of his "spider sense", he also design his most one of signature equipment are known as his web-shooters, so that he would use it to swing through the city and spin his webs right at his enemies. One day, Peter donned a spider costume and sought to fight crime after allowing a burglar to escape, only to have that same criminal, who was thought to have killed his Uncle Ben. He learned that "with great power there must also come great responsibility", a phrase that now drives him to act as a superhero known as Spider-Man. The series focuses on the character's struggles while leading a double life as Parker in Midtown High, maintaining a job at the Daily Bugle, and as the superhero Spider-Man, with his friendships often being damaged by his need to head off to deal with the next super-villain incident. He gets a job as a photographer at the Daily Bugle so he can support his Aunt May with financial troubles. Despite their financial troubles, the 16-year-old and his Aunt May have a great relationship. His best friends in school are mainly Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborn, and, gradually, Mary Jane Watson. Peter is an extremely bright student and became an honors student at Midtown High School. Although Peter's shyness and scholastic interest, especially in science, often made him a social outcast and he is often bullied and referred to as "Puny Parker" by his shallow, popular peers, his powers have given him confidence, and he often has to take the taunts to stop anyone from suspecting his secret. Josh Keaton stated, "I grew up reading comic books, and Spider-Man was always one of my favorites. I felt that I always identified with him. Spider-Man is awesome. I definitely was a huge Spider-Man fan growing up and still am." Before he was chosen for Spider-Man, he auditioned for the roles of Harry Osborn and Eddie Brock as well.
