MUST-READ SPIDER-MAN RUNS
Looking to THWIP into a new series? Add any of the below to your pull list. From notable creative teams, to the introduction of Miles Morales: Spider-Man, here’s some Wall-Crawling tales we think you’ll love.
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First Appearance
In Amazing Fantasy (1962) #15
Start at the beginning. Co-creators Stan Lee and Steve Ditko introduce the Amazing Spider-Man… a brainy teen wallflower named Peter Parker. Continue with AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963).
Spider-Man by J.J. and Henry Abrams
In Spider-Man (2019) #1
Acclaimed film director J.J. Abrams co-writes this sensational, and devastating, run with his son, Henry Abrams. A trauma from Peter Parker’s past makes him a broken man in the present. Artist Sara Pichelli gorgeously illustrates this family drama.
Perfect Intro
In Ultimate Spider-Man (2000) #1
A modern reboot that we’ll always tout as the best jumping on point for new readers. Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mark Bagley are a dream team in this series that will stick with you like Peter sticks to walls.
Back to Basics
In The Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #1
A new roommate, new love interests—and a new villain! Spider-Man is stripped back to the basics after voluntarily destroying his global mega-corporation. (See: SECRET EMPIRE.)
Meet Miles Morales
In Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (2011) #1
Although he first appeared in ULTIMATE FALLOUT (2011) #4, Miles becomes a fully-fledged Spider-Man in this origin. Spidey-sense + invisibility? This Brooklyn teen has much to learn about responsibility, but it’s a treat to watch him grow.
When Peter Met Miles
In Spider-Men (2012) #1
Worlds collide when Earth-616’s Friendly Neighborhood Wall-Crawler meets his younger, Ultimate Universe counterpart. Mysterio, one of Peter Parker’s oldest foes, is caught red-handed with a device that spells disaster.
“The Night Gwen Stacy Died”
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #121
Hands down, a watershed moment. After coming out of psychosis-induced amnesia, the Green Goblin robs Peter of the woman he loves. Writer Gerry Conway and artist Gil Kane astound. Read through issue #122.
“Kraven’s Last Hunt”
In Web of Spider-Man (1985) #31
A verified classic. Sergei Kravinoff, AKA Kraven the Hunter, tailspins into an obsession with adding the “Spider” to his gallery of fallen game. Try the Reading List!
“If This Be My Destiny”
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #31
Credited as some of Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko’s finest work, this three-issue arc pits Peter against his most dangerous foe—self-doubt. Read through issue #33.
“Birth of Venom”
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #298
Spider-Man meets disgraced journalist Eddie Brock, the antihero who will become host to the Venom symbiote! Read through issue #300.
Dan Slott’s Amazing Run
In Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #546
Start with Reading List “Dan Slott’s Spider-Man: Part 1” for the writer’s monumental tenure. From SPIDER-ISLAND to SPIDER-VERSE, Slott introduced some fan-favorites, (see: Silk and Superior Spider-Man), and even mind-swapped Peter Parker and Doc Ock (2013’s SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN).
Enter the SPIDER-VERSE
In The Amazing Spider-Man (2014) #9
Try the complete SPIDER-VERSE event! Morlun, and his animal totem-hunting Inheritors, target every Spider-man, woman, child, and pig in this multiverse-tripping event. Follow up with Reading List “Spider-Geddon: The Complete Event.”
Spider-Gwen: Earth-65
In Spider-Gwen (2015) #1
Spinning out of SPIDER-VERSE! On a parallel Earth, Peter Parker’s first love Gwen Stacy is bitten by a radioactive spider. Between band practice with “The Mary Janes,” high school and crimefighting, see how Earth-65’s Spider-Woman juggles it all.
“Go Down Swinging”
In The Amazing Spider-Man (2015) #797
Get tissues at the ready as you read through issue #801. Dan Slott wraps up his ten year run with a story a decade in the making. The Green Goblin is back, and he has a plan that’ll make all his past plans look like child’s play.
Spider-Man: Civil War
In Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #532
Read through issue #538! While in support of Tony Stark’s Super Hero Registration Act, Peter makes a pivotal decision that threatens the entire future of the Super Hero community.
Spectacular Spider-Man
In Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man (1976) #1
An MU favorite, you’re sure to love this classic run too. In 1976, Spidey notched his second solo series under the direction of Gerry Conway and Sal Buscema. Of course, there was no shortage of villains—including the Vulture and Morbius—or iconic guest stars, ranging from the White Tiger to the Inhumans!
“The Death of Jean DeWolff”
In Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man (1976) #107
Read through issue #110! A standout in our Creator Picks feature, this arc pushes the Wall-Crawler against the wall. A lethal predator named Sin-Eater kills one of Spider-Man’s closest friends.
Class is in Session
In Spidey (2015) #1
It's a return to the hassles of overdue homework, not knowing how to talk to girls, and a never-ending merry-go-round of madness courtesy of the best rogues' gallery in comics! Head back to high school in this run that’s adventure and hilarity in equal measure.
“Down Among the Dead”
In Marvel Knights Spider-Man (2004) #1
A hidden gem in Spider-Man’s catalogue, Mark Millar gives Spider-Man a grown-up touch as he puts enormous strain on Peter’s personal life. Black Cat cameos and a savage battle with the Vulture are highlights.