There's a logic behind the uniforms of the emergency services. Not only do they distinguish the wearer from the general public, but they imbue them with a sense of power and security.

And what could be more reassuring to an 8-year-old boy than a man in a blue-and-red jumpsuit wearing a balaclava with spiderwebs drawn on it?

A Thai firefighter reportedly underwent a Peter Parker-esque transformation on Monday when a young autistic boy on his first day at a special-ed school climbed out onto a third-floor ledge.

When the distressed child ignored entreaties for him to return to the safety of the classroom, Sonchai Yoosabai raced back to the firehouse and dug out a Spider-Man costume. Thus clad, the real-life Spidey was able to easily coax the imperiled child back into the waiting embrace of his mother and teachers. Aw. Who says superheroes don't exist?