Ned Leeds

Ned Leeds first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #18 in 1964, created by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr. He was introduced as a reporter for the Daily Bugle, where he quickly became a close confidant of Peter Parker.

Throughout the comics, Ned is characterized by his earnest, sometimes bumbling, personality and his unwavering dedication to his friends. He often serves as the voice of reason, providing comic relief while also offering emotional support to Peter during his struggles with his double life.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ned is reimagined as a high school student and Peter's best friend, played by Jacob Batalon. His role expands to include tech-savvy assistance and occasional involvement in superhero antics, most notably when he discovers Peter's secret identity.

Later storylines in both the comics and the MCU explore Ned's growth; in the comics he eventually takes on the mantle of the Hobgoblin, while in the films he becomes a supporting character in the Spider‑Man franchise, often aiding Peter with his investigations and personal dilemmas.