It was in August 1962 that Amazing Fantasy #15 hit the shelves with the first appearance of Spider-Man.

In turn, that makes this year the 50th anniversary of the character, and what a way to become 50. Have comics burning up the sales charts, a much anticipated new film, and you’re getting a teen sidekick.

Wait. What? Hold on a second.

Yeah. A teen sidekick.  Coming in August’s Amazing Spider-Man #692, a new character, Alpha (aka Andy McGwire - get it?), will be joining Spider-Man as his spiky haired, blonde partner in crime fighting.  Apparently Peter Parker, and a new scientific breakthrough called “Parker Particles”, are responsible for Andrew’s power’s coming to life, and in turn, the Webswinger decides to take him under his wing.

I could rant and rave here about how a few years ago, they undid Spider-Man’s marriage because it “aged the character”, and now he’s going to be responsible for a spunky teen, but I’ll wait and see how the comic actually plays out.

Amazing Spider-Man #692, written by Dan Slott and drawn by Humberto Ramos, will hit shelves in August.

Is this where I mention how vividly I remember collecting the 30th Anniversary Spider-Man issues as a kid? Man, I’m getting old.

Source: Comic Book Resources.