Flash Thompson facts for kids

Flash Thompson, whose real name is Eugene, is a fictional character from Marvel Comics. He first appeared in a comic book called Amazing Fantasy #15. Flash was known for being a high school football player and a bully. He often bothered Peter Parker, who secretly became the superhero Spider-Man.

Flash Thompson's Story in the Comics

Flash Thompson started out as a bully to Peter Parker. He would often insult and even beat up Peter in high school. Peter Parker later got bitten by a radioactive spider and gained amazing powers. Peter secretly used his powers to fight criminals as Spider-Man.

Flash Thompson became a big fan of Spider-Man. He thought Spider-Man was amazing! In Amazing Spider-Man #4, Peter Parker had to fight Flash Thompson and won. After that, Flash mostly just insulted Peter. He went back to bothering Peter when they both liked the same girl. Flash made sure his friends were with him so Peter couldn't fight back.

After high school, Flash and Peter Parker still didn't get along very well. However, they both became friends with Harry Osborne, who was Peter's best friend. Later, Flash left the country to fight in the Vietnam War.

When Flash came back from Vietnam, he had a very difficult time because of what he experienced. Many of Flash's friends left him because he had fought in the war. But Peter Parker stayed by his side. After this, Flash and Peter became very good friends.

Flash Thompson in Film

Flash Thompson has appeared in several Spider-Man movies. Different actors have played him, and his character has changed a bit in each film.

Spider-Man (2002)

In the 2002 movie Spider-Man, Joe Manganiello plays Flash Thompson. In this film, Flash bullies Peter Parker. He also dates Mary-Jane Watson. Mary-Jane and Harry Osborne are the only students at their high school who are kind to Peter.

After Peter gets bitten by a special super-spider, he gains powers. Flash attacks Peter near a locker. Peter fights back and easily beats Flash. Later, Uncle Ben tells Peter, "With great power, comes great responsibility." This is a very important lesson for Peter.

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Chris Zylka plays Flash Thompson in the 2012 movie The Amazing Spider-Man. In this movie, Flash plays basketball instead of football. He starts as a bully and is mean to Peter Parker. Flash is embarrassed when Peter beats him at basketball.

Flash shows a kinder side when he hears from Peter that Uncle Ben died. He is nice to Peter about it. At the end of the movie, Flash is even seen wearing a Spider-Man t-shirt. This shows he has changed and now admires Spider-Man.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

In the movie Spider-Man: Homecoming, Tony Revolori plays Flash Thompson. This version of Flash is different from the others. He never physically fights Peter Parker. Instead, he mostly bullies Peter with words and insults.

Images for kids

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  Flash Thompson as he appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15 (Aug. 1962). Art by Steve Ditko.

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  Flash Thompson as Agent Venom on the cover of Secret Avengers #23 (April 2012). Art by Arthur Adams.

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  Flash Thompson's debut as Agent Anti-Venom on Amazing Spider-Man: Venom Inc. Alpha#1 (Oct. 2017). Art by Ryan Stegman.

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  Frederick "Flash" Thompson

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  Flash Thompson in The Spectacular Spider-Man

See also

In Spanish: Flash Thompson para niños