By Ryan Penagos
After the dark events of Civil War--and some even more harrowing upheavals in his own life--
Spider-Man has taken a decidedly dark turn. Once again donning the ebony costume that he wore in the '80s, Spider-Man is Back in Black.
But why is Spidey adorned in a costume that brings to mind visions of
Venom--his archenemy and original manifestation of the black costume--and mourning? And what is he going through while in the new duds?
While events are still unfolding, the most important place to look is at Amazing Spider-Man #538 where a sniper's bullet casts a dark cloud over Spider-Man's life. Everything else spins out from there, including the events of New Avengers, the other Spider-titles and more.
To keep track of his darker (at least in appearance) initiative, we've put together this visual guide. Every recent appearance of Spidey (as well as the classic "untold tale" from Spider-Man Family #1) wearing the black and white outfit will be found in this gallery. We'll try to keep it aligned to continuity so you can read them in the order in which they're listed here, but many issues can be read in several different places and still rock your face off.
Clarification:
We've added the Mighty Avengers #1 (Yu var.) to the Guide, but take heed: Spidey's only appearance is on the cover. So, it's on here, but if you're lookin' for a Back in Black
story therein, you won't find it.
Make sure to check back weekly as we add new issues to the guide and delve deeper into the darkness. And if you're looking for more on Spidey's dark side, check out the
Spider-Man: Back in Black Checklist, the
Spider-Man 3 movie hub and our
history of Venom feature on Marvel.com.
Added on 8/15/07: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #23
Other Visual Guides on Marvel.com:
Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter |
Annihilation |
Civil War |
Dark Tower |
Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America |
Infinity Gauntlet |
The Initiative |
Marvel Zombies |
Spider-Man: Back in Black |
World War Hulk |
X-Men: Endangered Species
)
 "Spider-Man Family #1")
 "Spider-Man Family #1 2nd printing")
 "Amazing Spider-Man #538 (Garney cvr.)")
 "Amazing Spider-Man #538 (Crain var.)")
 "Amazing Spider-Man #538 (NYCC var.)")
 "Amazing Spider-Man #539")
 "Amazing Spider-Man #539 2nd printing")
 "Amazing Spider-Man #540")
 "Amazing Spider-Man #541")
 "Amazing Spider-Man #542")
 "Civil War #7 (McNiven cvr.)")
 "Civil War #7 (Turner var.)")
 "Civil War #7 (Turner sketch var.)")
 "Mighty Avengers #1 (Yu var.)")
 "Fallen Son: Death of Cap. - Avengers (McGuinn")
 "Fallen Son: Death of Cap. - Avengers (Turner")
 "Fallen Son: Death of Cap. - Spider-Man (Finch")
 "Fallen Son: Death of Cap. - Spider-Man (Turne")
 "New Avengers #27")
 "New Avengers #27 (Yu incentive var.)")
 "New Avengers #27 (Coliseum of Comics var.)")
 "New Avengers #27 (Mighty Avengers var.)")
 "New Avengers #28")
 "New Avengers #29")
 "New Avengers #30")
 "New Avengers #31")
 "New Avengers #31 (sketch var.)")
 "New Avengers #32")
 "New Avengers #33")
 "Avengers: The Initiative #3")
 "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #17")
 "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #17 2nd prin")
 "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #18")
 "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #19")
 "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #20")
 "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #21")
 "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #22")
 "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #23")
 "Sensational Spider-Man #35")
 "Sensational Spider-Man #35 2nd printing")
 "Sensational Spider-Man #36")
 "Sensational Spider-Man #37")
 "Sensational Spider-Man #38")
 "Sensational Spider-Man #39")
 "Blade #10")
 "Spider-Man Family #2")
 "Spider-Man: Back in Black Handbook")
 "Marvel Spotlight: Back in Black")
 "New Avengers #34")
 "New Avengers #35")
 "New Avengers #36")
