Spider-Manis probably the superhero with the largest library at Marvel. In addition to being among the first superheroes in Marvel lore,Spider-Man happens to be their most popular. This can have its pros and cons for both die-hard fans and newcomers looking to integrate themselves into his most essential comic book stories.
While those who love Spider-Man will never run out of material to read,new readers just don’t know where to start when he has 63 years' worth of comics to choose from.There’s always an option to simply seek outSpider-Man’s best comics, but if new readers want a meat-and-potatoes guide to introducing themselves to the famous wall-crawler, here are some good entry points.
10The OriginalUltimate Spider-Man(2000-2009)
Written by Brian Michael Bendis with Art by Mark Bagley (Stuart Immonen from #113-133)
When originally conceived, the Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610) served as a refreshing break from Earth-616’s main continuity, allowing Marvel to experiment with classic heroes without disrupting the canon. The Spider-Man character, his supporting players, and rogues were in desperate need of such a revamp.The reboot allowed Marvel to pay respect to Spider-Man and his origins whilst updating both for modern times.
The first volume makes for an excellent start for new readers, but I assure you, they will want to read more.Vol. 1 gives audiences a slower burn into his origin story that adds more meaningto his connection with Uncle Ben. In the process, it allows readers to fall in love with and dread a character who’s inevitably doomed despite being all-too familiar with his upcoming fate.
9The Night Gwen Stacy Died Changed Spider-Man for the Better (& Worse)
The Amazing Spider-Man#121-122 Written by Gerry Conway with Art by Gil Kane
While the story is merely a two-parter, there’s a reason why it tends to be included in graphic novel collections so often as essential reading.Few story arcs have come to define Spider-Man more than"The Night Gwen Stacy Died.“Failing to save Gwen Stacy would become Spider-Man’s prime motivating factor as a hero.
To better understand why Spider-Man is the hero he is, this story is a must-read.
He still keeps Gwen Stacy’s death at the forefront of his mind at all times, inspiring him to work harder as a superhero and convincing him that he can never stop being Spider-Man. To better understand the hero he is, this story is a must-read. As much as fans thinkrevisiting Gwen Stacy isa constant cliché, her memory remains an undeniably driving force in Peter’slife.
8Back in BlackUnleashes Spider-Man’s Dark Side, Leading To"One More Day”
The Amazing Spider-Man#539–543, Written by J. Michael Straczynski with Art by Ron Garney
Readers get two storylines for the price of one with this one, with an extra bonus if readers start withCivil Waras a third.This arc begins following Peter Parker’s unveiling of his secret identity to the world,leading to the Kingpin putting out a hit on him, which results in a stray bullet nearly claiming Aunt May’s life.
Driven by rage and revenge, he regains his black suit to dish out punishment,showing readers that he doesn’t need to be consumed by a Symbiote to lose his moral compass. In addition, the story concludes with the universe being reset after"One More Day.““One More Day” hasa bad reputation, but to understand why fans dislike it, it’s still wortha read.
7Brand New DayGives Spider-Man The Fresh Start He Needs
The Amazing Spider-Man#546 to #564, Several Writers and Artists, Including Dan Slott, Bob Gale, Marc Guggenheim, Zeb Wells, Steve McNiven, etc.
With Spider-Man’s marriage erased from Marvel history and the world altered as a result, Marvel was ready to give Spider-Man a true fresh start, or a"Brand New Day,“instead.The arc wasn’t just to provide Spider-Man with a fresh start, but one for fans new and old who could dive into this run at any point. While comic fans can dread reboots, this is one of the more welcome additions to Spidey’s lore.
Several moments helped engineer a new beginningfor the character and his world, introducing ideas, characters, and recurring themes that remain prevalent today. The staying power and lasting impression of a run that was merely supposed to restart the character’s legacy actually added to it.It’s truly a perfect new entry for all Spider-Man fans.
6The Superior Spider-ManCompletely Redefines the Marvel Icon
Written by Dan Slott with Art by Ryan Stegman, Humberto Ramos, and Giuseppe Camuncoli
When Doc Ock infiltrated Peter Parker’s body and mind for the better part of a year and a half, no one expected it to turn intoone of the most emotionally resonant Spider-Man storiesin recent memory. Otto Octavius' words, uttered by Spider-Man’s mouth, quite literally gave a new voice to Spider-Man that felt more refreshing than any reboot could.
It’s astonishing to think thatMarvel considered killing the storylinein its earliest stages, but thankfully, the company and readers allowed Otto’s redemption story to play out in real time. Even better, post-storyline, there were compelling ramifications of Otto meddling in Peter’s life, withParker Industries presenting an intriguing new status quo of its own.
5The Spider-Verse(2014) Started The Spider-Family’s Multiverse Saga
Featured in Several Series Led By Dan Slott’s Writing and Art by Olivier Coipel and Giuseppe Camuncoli
Stories concerning the multiverse are all the rage at Marvel, both onscreen and on-panel, particularly for the Spider-Man character. 2014’sSpider-Verseis partially to blame, but that doesn’t make it any less of a welcome addition to the canon. It’s not only beloved as a multiversal event, but one thatfirmly establishes Spider-Man’s Spider-Family as an important aspect of Peter’s life.
Not only that, butit introduces new elements and fixtures into the franchise’s lore, including Spider-Totems.The critical acclaim led toSpider-Versehaving several spinoffs and sequels in the comic world, as well as adaptations for the big and small screens.The event helpedaddress a problem shared by Marvel and DC Comics,while leaving a lastingimpression on long-time fans.
4Spider-Man: Blueis a Great Flashback to Spidey’s Earliest Adventures
Six Issue Miniseries Written by Jeph Loeb with Art by Tim Sale
During the mid-2000s, Marvel initiated a project in which theychronicled the earliest years of classic characters in new, color-themed stories.Hulk: GrayandDaredevil: Yellowwere additional examples, but the one that has seemed to withstand the test of time as the best of the lot isSpider-Man: Blue.
For readers looking for an"older"story with a modern sense of the character,Blueis the way to go. It maintains the foresight for Spider-Man’s journey to come, thus carrying the themes and ideas that would become most important to the character, which couldn’t have been possible decades ago at his inception, as writers were still finding their groove for Spider-Man and his stories.
3Kraven’s Last Huntis Spider-Man’s Darkest Story
Written by J. M. DeMatteis with Art by Mike Zeck, Featured BetweenWeb of Spider-Man#31–32,The Amazing Spider-Man#293–294, andPeter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man#131–132
“Kraven’s Last Hunt"remains one of Spider-Man’s most celebrated storylines,and Spidey isn’t even the main character. The story focuses on Kraven the Hunter, who, in a deep depression and at a crossroads in his life, crafts an elaborate plot to, in his eyes, earn the right to die. By the standards of Spider-Man stories at the time, this arc is surprisingly dark.
J.M. DeMatteis originally conceived this story as one starring The Joker and Batman. When DC Comics rejected his pitch, he adapted his concept for Marvel, swapping the Joker for Kraven and Batman for Spider-Man.
Compared to other stories featuring Spidey, the dark contrasts help"Kraven’s Last Hunt"stand out as one ofSpider-Man’s most cinematic comic tales.The complexity treats its readers with maturity,while the unfolding action grips them tightly on every page. Marvel continues to revisit the story for spiritual sequels, but nothing beats the original.
2Spider-Man: Life StoryCompletes Peter’s Journey from Beginning to End
Six Issue Miniseries Written by Chip Zdarsky with Art by Mark Bagley
Similar toSpider-Man: Blue,Life Storyreflects on Spidey’s past with a present-day understanding of his future.The difference here is that, rather than just pinpointing one moment in time for Spider-Man,Life Storyattempts to contextualize the character’s entire history within a single, cohesive lifespan, all within his own canon.
Readers watch Spider-Man age from boy to elderly man as every major canon event is squeezed into his life.It’s an ambitious attempt that pays off by recapping the character’s journey into one complete anthology.Filled with shocking moments,Spider-Man: Life Storyis nostalgic, heartwarming, and perfect for readers who identify with being a completionist.
1The NewUltimate Spider-Man, Vol. 1(2023 - Present)
Written by Jonathan Hickman with Art by Marco Checchetto
More recently, the Ultimate Universe received a revamp of its own, this time chronicling the exploits of Earth-6160, wherePeter Parker is a fully-grown adult married to Mary-Jane Watson with kids before he receives his powers. For a character known for being a teenage hero navigating through life, it’s a bold choice that fans have loved every step of the way.
Similar to the original Ultimate Universe, this provides a happy alternative for readers who tire of seeing Peter as the same old single, 20-something-year-old down on his luck in Earth-616.Marvel continues to ignore its fans’complaints on the matter, but those same fans look forward toUltimate Spider-Manevery month for that reason.Spider-Manfeels fresh while being old.
