Sandman is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe, traditionally an adversary of Spider-Man. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #4 (Sept. 1963). His body has been changed into sand, which he can control completely. He may absorb nearby sand and reconstitute it into his body, as well.
Sandman had frequently been cited as one of creator Stan Lee's favorite supervillains.[citation needed] He will appear in the 2007 film Spider-Man 3, played by Thomas Haden Church.