Spider-Man debuted in issue #15 of the comic book the Amazing Fantasy in 1962. He was a groundbreaking character in the comic book community since at the time, teenage characters typically filled supporting roles (e.g. Batman’s young sidekick, Robin).
Also, Spider-Man's alter ego, Peter Parker had to face problems with finances, relationships, and othereal-life issues, which was a revolutionary concept.
As the film's director Sam Raimi said, people have "got a secret side of themselves that's beautiful and heroic. They probably feel like Peter and Spider-Man -- if only people knew who they really were."
Popular superheroes at the time, like Superman, were more godlike and sure of themselves and their morals, whereas Parker was more conflicted.
