Every time a Spider-Man movie comes out, droves of people are always quick to post Tweets or status updates that say "Spiderman was AWESOME!" To which I want to reply, "Dude, if it it was so awesome, why don't you learn how to spell it right? It's Spider - hyphen - Man." This has been happening since Spider-Man's comic came out, I guess, but due to social media and 2002's Spider-Man movie, it has become way too prominent and I get pissy about it on Facebook every single time.
I think it's high time that stops. To avoid confusion on how to spell superhero names, I've written up a quick little guide right here on GeekOut.ph.
If you're thinking "why should I care if I misspell Spider-Man again? PFT." Well, first of all, FUCK YOU. Second, words, when used and spelled correctly, have a certain power to them. How would you like it if someone misspelled your name? And lastly, you won't look any more ignorant than you already do by questioning the importance of proper spelling.
1. Hyphenated Characters
Spider-Man
Let's start with the most misspelled one - Spider-Man. Here are the rules - S and M are capitalized, and in between the words "spider" and "man," there is a hyphen. That's really all you have to remember. It isn't rocket science.
Why is Spider-Man spelled the way it's spelled? Stan Lee claims that he put the hyphen in so people wouldn't confuse him with another popular character named Superman, which obviously isn't hyphenated. This was probably a decision they made after Spidey's debut because in Amazing Fantasy #15, which came out in 1962, the word was spelled Spider Man and Spiderman. In Amazing Spider-Man #1, which came out in 1963, it was spelled as Spider-Man.
In the re-released edition of Amazing Fantasy #15, all mentions of "Spider Man" and "Spiderman" were corrected. Even that frame with eyeball-like dots was fixed.
Ant-Man
Ant-Man, whichever version it may be, whoever may be under that helmet, is always spelled like "Spider-Man," with a hyphen.
Why? Well, I have no clue, actually. It just is the way it is. I'm guessing they're just patterning it off Spidey. This has been the norm since Tales to Astonish #27.
Spider-Woman
Essentially, a female version of Spider-Man's name so the same rules should apply.
Giant-Man
This is one of those weird ones because the debut spelled it out as "Giant Man" with a space. It is more commonly spelled with a hyphen now, even though that character name isn't really active.
Star-Lord
Due to the success of Guardians of the Galaxy in the box office, I'm sure we'll be seeing people talk about Peter Quill and "Rocket the Raccoo." So before that happens, let's just get it out of the way that Star-Lord is spelled like Spider-Man - with a hyphen and with the L in "lord" capitalized.
Also, it's Rocket Raccoon. There is no "the."
2. Two Words
Iron Man
Probably the most popular hero whose name is spelled with two words. It has been the case ever since Tales of Suspense #39, which came out in 1963.
Moon Knight
Okay, while this is not a traditional superhero name, a lot of people have been getting this wrong anyway. It's two words - Moon + Knight.
Invisible Woman, Wonder Woman
Two words for Susan Storm and Diana Prince, as well.
Human Torch
Squirrel Girl
Black Panther, Black Widow, Green Lantern, Green Arrow
Normally, names with colors are spelled with two words.
3. One Worders
Superman
The original superhero gets the most generic name and it is spelled by combining the word "super" and "man." That's been the case since Action Comics #1. This is how people mistakenly spell Spider-Man, because people.
Curiously, most DC characters follow the same format.
Batman
Same goes for Batman, see?
Aquaman, Hawkman, Firestorm, Deadshot, Deathstroke
Some Marvel characters have two word combinations, too.
Daredevil, Taskmaster, Hawkeye, Nightcrawler, Deadpool
If you find yourself wondering how to spell a character's name, just refer to this quick guide. Or, you know, you could Google it. Seriously, spending a couple seconds for the sake of accuracy will make you look that much smarter.