Who Is the Human Fly?

The Human Fly is a Marvel Comics character introduced in 1977, billed as 'the wildest super-hero ever — because he's real!' He was based on a real-life stuntman (whose true identity was kept secret) who survived a horrific car accident and underwent extensive reconstructive surgery before becoming a daredevil performer. Marvel gave him his own series, 'The Human Fly,' written by Bill Mantlo, which ran for 19 issues from 1977 to 1979. The book had a fun, grounded tone and even featured guest appearances by Spider-Man and Ghost Rider. Separately, there is also a minor DC villain called the Human Fly — a low-level Spider-Man-style foe who appeared in a handful of Marvel books as well — but the headlining Human Fly of his own series remains the most notable use of the name.