The magic of Spider-Man: Spider-Man spreads happiness in Saguenay

Make no mistake, Spider-Man does exist. The spider-man even resides in Saguenay, where he has been spreading magic through spontaneous appearances all over the city for three years now, to the great delight of young and old alike.

The masked man, who wants his identity to remain unknown to the public, has been passionate about superheroes and the fantasy world since a young age.

“This passion has only increased over time. At one point I was reading a comic where I saw Spider-Man running. Running 12km a day myself, I thought “Why not?” That’s where I ordered my first costume,” explains the man nicknamed “Spider-Man Saguenay.”

However, his daily life was completely turned upside down when he put on his disguise for the first time to go for his usual jog.

“It was instantaneous. People stopped me, honked at me and came over to talk to me to take pictures. That’s when I realized what was happening. So I adapted and I’ve been doing this every week for three years now,” he adds.

A busy schedule

If it was initially just a way to combine business with pleasure, playing Spider-Man has practically become a second job for someone who already has a full-time job.

“On average I do between 7 to 10 missions per weekend, plus a few appearances during the week, but it’s like an endorphin. It’s hard to describe, but if I manage to make even one person smile during my day, I’ll be happy,” he admits.

These missions, as he likes to call them, are in fact public appearances at children’s parties and other various events.

The Journal also accompanied him on a mission to a daycare in Jonquière. Upon his arrival, it didn’t take long before we saw the children’s eyes sparkle, visibly happy to have the chance to meet a superhero.

“There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a child marvel like that and it is precisely for this reason that I put on the costume. Adults also have their role to play because without them, there is no magic,” he explains.

A privilege

The one who spends several hours a week collecting smiles in the four corners of Saguenay also emphasizes that he had no idea that it would take on such magnitude.

However, he says he does not regret anything, because his project allowed him to meet people who deeply touched him.

“I had the chance to support two children through illness and it had a big impact on me. If for just a few minutes I allowed these children to forget their illness and maintain hope, I accomplished my mission,” he says with emotion.

“It’s truly a privilege to be able to experience moments like that and deep down, that’s what being a real superhero is,” concluded the masked man.