Operation Ivy frontman Jesse Michaels has confirmed long-standing speculation that the ska-punk band's iconic "jumping man" logo was likely inspired by a Spider-Man comic cover. The image, first seen on the California band's 1988 Hectic E.P. before appearing in silhouette form on later releases, has fuelled fan debate for years, and Michaels' comments finally offer some clarity on its origins.

Posting on Instagram on Sunday, Michaels said the figure was probably referenced from the cover of a December 1987 issue of Marvel Tales, noting he owned a book called "How To Draw Marvel Comics" at the time. He admitted he could not recall the exact details of the design process, explaining he was 17 years old and often "high or otherwise dissociated" when the artwork was created.