One of the biggest influences on my childhood were the Marvel comics, specifically Spider-Man. Growing up, I was always put into a feminine box, where my parents would buy me American Girl Dolls and plush toys, when all I really wanted were comic books and action figures. My older brother was always gifted Marvel and DC comics, along with their plastic action figures. I used to sneak into his room and take the comics for myself, reading them late at night and imagining myself as a superhero. While I loved all of the heroes, I especially fell in love with Spider-Man. His powers seemed so effortless, so possible for a young girl to achieve. When the MCU introduced Spider-Man, bringing in the Spider-verse and all of its complexities, I couldn't be happier. Those comics raised me, teaching me that anyone can be a superhero.