(CNN)It was a story that moved Stan Lee, the creator of many of the best-known superheroes in history, into action: a Spider-Man-loving boy with autism named Jamel Hunter. 

According to the New York Times, a December Times article about the child, who reportedly didn't say a word until he was in preschool, caught the eye of one of Lee's neighbors, jazz musician Corky Hale. 

That would be the same Stan Lee who co-created Spider-Man (as well as Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, the X-Men and so many other Marvel characters). 

The Times story described how 8-year-old Jamel, who loves Spider-Man, had a birthday party at an East Harlem community center. The place was full of Spidey images. His struggling mother put everything she had into the party. 

Upon hearing the tale at his home in California, Lee decided to pitch in. 

"After hearing of the boy's situation, how could I not?" he told CNN. 

Lee decided to draw a sketch of Spider-Man for Hunter. Lee, it should be noted, isn't an artist; Spidey was first drawn by Steve Ditko. But he can do the character in a pinch. 

New York Times writer Michael Wilson delivered the drawing to Jamel, with Lee's signature in the corner. 

"(Spider-Man) is a teenager, not an adult so (young people) can relate to him," Lee explained. 

"He has many of the problems they themselves have, such as not enough money." 

Lee's act of generosity captured the hearts of many on social media this past weekend. 

CNN's attempts to reach Jamel's family were unsuccessful. 
Who has autism?
How old is he?
What superhero does he like?
Who created the comic for that character?
What others did he create?
Did he first draw Spiderman?
Who did?
How long did it take Jamel to talk?
Who noticed?
What does he do for a living?
How did he know the comic creator?
What type of party did Jamel have?
In what neighborhood did it take place?
What present was Jamel presented?
Who delivered it?
What is his profession?
For which famous paper?
Whose signature was featured?
Why does Lee think young people enjoy Spiderman?
What problems might readers and Spiderman share?
Was Jamel's mother struggling with finances?
Jamel Hunter
Jamel Hunter
8-year-old
 8-year-old 
Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Stan Lee
Stan Lee
Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, the X-Men
Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, the X-Men
Spider-Man for Hunte
Spider-Man for Hunte
Steve Ditko
 Steve Ditko
until he was in preschool
until he was in preschool
Corky Hale
Corky Hale
jazz musician
jazz musician
his neighbor
neighbor
birthday party
birthday party
East Harlem
East Harlem
Spidey images
Spidey images
Michael Wilson
Michael Wilson
writer
writer
New York Times
New York Times
Lee
Lee
(Spider-Man) is a teenager
(Spider-Man) is a teenager
not having enough money
not enough money
yes
His struggling mother