There was even a staffing magazine back in the 90s called Purple Squirrel.
The number one thing that i had but the tv show was they showed that newcomers dissolving in salt water was just a mind over matter thing.
kid bite by spider gets spider like powers.. check
mad scientist injects himself to regrow limb becomes human/lizard hybrid...makes sense
kid makes a spiderman costume...wait a second.
Now the web slinger have a smoke discharge?