Thanks to video games, films, and various animated series, Spider-Man has gained popularity with comic fans and non-comic fans alike. Spidey has had decades worth of stories published, and it isn’t easy for any reader to figure out which ones are worth their time. Here are 5 excellent Spider-Man stories that are accessible, a terrific read, and make a great introduction to Spidey comics.
5. The Death of Jean DeWolff
Often named as one of the best Spider-Man stories of all the time, The Death of Jean DeWolff is a mystery tale that explores how Spider-Man would react if he was pushed to his limits. This story is a great Spider-Man character piece, but it also serves as an excellent introduction to Daredevil. Matt Murdock plays a significant role in the story and the differences between him and Spider-Man are a major source of conflict in the tale. Readers completely unfamiliar with the character of Jean DeWolff are given the background necessary for her death to have emotional punch, and the ultimate reveal of the culprit remains a satisfying one. This was one of the first stories ever written by Peter David, who has written episodes of Young Justice, and provided the script for the Spider-Man: Edge of Time game.
4. Spider-Man: Blue
While Gwen Stacy famously met her demise in the tale The Night Gwen Stacy Died, new readers can best understand its emotional significance by reading Spider-Man: Blue. Created by the Eisner Award-winning team of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, Spider-Man: Blue follows Peter Parker as he recounts his relationship with Gwen and how losing her has changed his life. This isn’t an action-packed tale, but a heartfelt piece that commemorates what could have been. The art is especially beautiful, and has a distinct style that may appeal to those who don’t usually enjoy comic book art.
As an added benefit to new readers, the story also recaps some important Spider-Man storylines and gives a solid introduction to many of Spidey’s major villains. This is an especially great read for anyone who’d like to know more about the Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy relationship before The Amazing Spider-Man is released in 2012.
3. Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 2: Learning Curve
Set in Marvel’s “Ultimate Universe”, Learning Curve showcases a young and inexperienced Spider-Man as he goes up against Kingpin for the first time. This story doesn’t just focus on what makes Spider-Man great, but what makes Peter Parker great as well, as he needs to rely on both his powers and his intelligence. This is a great read for anyone looking for a superpowered David and Goliath story, and contains some of the funniest pages in Ultimate Spider-Man history. While there’s plenty of action, there are some very nice character moments as well. This is the story that really starts to build on the romantic tension between Peter and Mary Jane, and showcases Aunt May at her most hilarious. Ultimate Spider-Man is the creation of Brian Michael Bendis, one of Marvel’s most popular writers. Learning Curve is the perfect story for anyone who’d like to read about a young Spidey without a rehash of his origin story.
2. Kraven’s Last Hunt
One of the darkest and creepiest Spider-Man tales of all time, Kraven’s Last Hunt forces Peter Parker and his loved ones to confront his mortality in the most frightening of ways. As far as Spider-Man villains go, Kraven is not a particularly well known one, but this story will convince you that he should be. Kraven’s Last Hunt is a terrific horror story and one of the most compelling character pieces a Spidey villain has ever had. While there are several moments on the graphic side, this story is mostly unsettling on a psychological level.
The final issue in particular is brilliantly executed and the art does a great job of making the reader feel what Spider-Man is going through. This was written by J.M. DeMatteis, one of my all-time favorite Spider-Man writers, and should be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone who’s prepared for the nightmares that this comic may give them.
1. If This Be My Destiny…!
Collected in Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 4, If This Be My Destiny…! is the definitive Spider-Man tale and was a major source of inspiration for Spider-Man 2. From its iconic train scene to the comic’s amazing final sequence, If This Be My Destiny… is the perfect window into the struggles of Peter Parker and the essence of Spider-Man as a character. You get to see his romantic missteps and failures, his tumultuous relationship with J. Jonah Jameson, and plenty of examples of the infamous “Parker luck”. There are also some terrific action scenes. Many of Spider-Man’s supporting cast members play a role in this story, and it’s the perfect way for a few reader to familiarize themselves with lesser known characters.
Stan Lee himself named this as one of his 5 favorite comic stories of all time, and it’s among the best work both he and artist Steve Ditko have ever done. It’s a must read for anyone who’d like to get into Spider-Man, and just a great comic in general.