Dear Spider-Man,

It goes without saying that when Stan Lee wrote your comic books in the 60s, he created something spectacularly special. As a kid in the '00s, I was quick to jump on the Spider-Man bandwagon, never to get off. Ever since then, many superheroes and supervillains have graced the big screen but you remain my favourite of all time. 

I love your relentless effort to do the right thing in a world where people are driven by greed and fear. In addition to your super strength, inimitable agility, and other arachnid abilities, emitting webs is another superpower that puts you in the saddle with Captain America and Hulk. 

Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man trilogy fashioned an era that epitomises superhero movies.

You represent every other young person who is just trying to transform their shabby circumstances into a magical realm of unrestrained possibilities. Despite all these superpowers, your life is never short of regrets, betrayals, tragedies, and missed opportunities. Although I do wonder how even after swinging from skyscrapers and being stabbed, you're still plagued with back pain. Your fights with Goblins, Lizards and other bizarre nemeses might not ring very true to everyone's lives. But above all, you're a hero fueled by conscience and kindness which makes you a universally lovable character. Beneath the mask, it can be a person of any gender, race and class. 

Sam Raimi's 2000 Spider-Man trilogy starring Tobey Maguire fashioned an era that epitomises superhero movies. Call me biased but Maguire nailed your style and temperament as Peter Parker as well as your alter ego. Growing up, I used to be as terrified of spiders as Ron Weasley but watching those movies replaced the fear with courage and love. 

Raimi's "Spider-Man 2" is a masterpiece of monolithic measures that bubbles with enormous potency and plenty of emotions. Aside from iconic scenes and unforgettable dialogues, Alfred Molina's interpretation of Doctor Octopus has a panache that is unparalleled. The epic scene of these two rivals on a train was a masterclass of entertainment. 

Andrew Garfield served us the most charismatic, coolest and cleverest web-warrior in the Amazing Spider-Man movies. We saw him grasping at straws trying to balance the pressure of being a superhero and a regular kid in relatable situations. I vicariously lived through Uncle Ben's avuncular affection for him and the undying love he felt for Gwen Stacy.

Tom Holland was a perfect fit for the teenage underdog who saves the world at any cost. Photos: Collected

Tom Holland was yet another perfect fit for the teenage underdog who saves the world at any cost. His bambi eyes and heart of gold really make us forget that he is more than just your friendly neighbour, Peter Parker. He is a superhero. Having been in a team – The Avengers, and defeating a genocidal warlord adds a whole new dimension to Holland's Spider-Man. 

I am a massive fan of the 2008 series "The Spectacular Spider-Man". It's a well-written story and Josh Keaton's Peter Parker embodied you in a compelling way. A post-modern riff on your character, "Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse" is bold, innovative, and a much needed revamp starring Miles Morales as the titular character. This movie signified the fact that Peter Parker is everyone, and everyone is Peter Parker.

“Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse” is bold, innovative, and a much needed revamp starring Miles Morales as the titular character.

Like most of the world, I recently watched "No Way Home". I met up with old friends and experienced that collective dread and joy one feels for the characters during monumental moments, with a theatre full of people who share a love for you. Even though I had to sit for a 30-minute quiz, I still had the time of my life watching this movie.

Watching you become a totem of the superhero culture continues to be a privilege I wouldn't trade for anything in my world. I wish I could transcend the tricky terrains of the multiverse and be in the same world as you. 

With Love,

Shaniz Chowdhury