May Parker

First Appearance - Amazing Fantasy #15

by Steve Ditko, 1962

Aunt May was introduced in Amazing Fantasy #15. Raising her nephew Peter, she thought the sun rose and set upon the teen. She was already ready with the wheatcakes for breakfast in the morning, a sweater to keep Peter warm during the day, and presents to encourage Peter's interest in science.

After Ben's death at the hands of the Burglar, Aunt May was forced to raise Peter alone with increasing financial woes. She was forced to raise cash using whatever means she could including pawning much her jewelry.

The negative press surrounding Spider-Man's first public appearance turned Aunt May against the wall-crawler from the beginning. Any opinion expressed by her regarding Spider-Man usually included adjectives such as "awful", "horrible", and "menace". For years, May would remain oblivious to her nephew's abilities. She always considered him a frail, sickly teen, and insisted that he get plenty of sleep, plenty to eat, and dress warmly to prevent chills.