Over the course of the comics, Jameson has done various other jobs, most notably being the Mayor of New York City for several years before resigning. In the early comics as well as most media interpretations, he employs photojournalist Peter Parker to take pictures of Spider-Man in the hopes of catching him in the middle of wrongdoing, unaware that Peter is the superhero himself. This usually stems from his deep-seated belief in law enforcement and government agencies, and thus despises superheroes for working outside the system. Recognizable by his toothbrush moustache, flattop haircut, and ever-present cigar, he carries out a smear campaign against Spider-Man (and to a lesser extent, other superheroes such as Daredevil and the Avengers), frequently referring to him as a 'menace' and a criminal, but occasionally and reluctantly allying with him. Jameson is typically depicted as the publisher or editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle, a fictional New York City newspaper.

The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and he first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man issue #1 (March 1963). is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the superhero Spider-Man.