U.S. Census Bureau August 1: Spider-Man at 50

U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for August 1

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012 -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1: SPIDER-MAN AT 50

Profile America - Wednesday, August 1st. Spider-Man continues to stay near the top of the heap in the superhero game, as his latest movie opened last month, this time in 3-D. And his Broadway musical, after a costly and controversial development phase, continues its run on the Great White Way. Actually, Spidey gets around pretty well for his age. It was 50 years ago today that "Amazing Fantasy Comics" appeared with the first story about Spider-Man. Bitten by a radioactive spider, teenager Peter Parker finds he has super powers and has to deal with the responsibilities that come with them. About 40 new shows open on Broadway each year, drawing audiences of more than 12 million. You can find more facts about America's people, places and economy from the American Community Survey at http://www.census.gov.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2012, p. 385
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2012, t. 1234

Profile America is produced by the Center for New Media and Promotions of the U.S. Census Bureau.