Which comics to read in the interim until Spider-Man 2 comes out on PC

Despite the less-than-stellar reputation surrounding Amazing Spider-Man, the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man comics aren't entirely in the gutter. Here are several Spider-Man novelizations I highly recommend, offering a diverse range of stories: horror and psychological thrillers, buddy-cop adventures, children's tales, and even the end and rebirth of Spidey himself—a fresh web with a twist!

These stories fall into three distinct categories: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Let's explore each, and consider which Insomniac game each resonates with.

Table of Contents

Spine-Tingling Spider-Man

Writer: Saladin Ahmed Artist: Juan Ferreira

Though mostly released in 2023, concluding in 2024, this is too good to ignore. Initially a digital comic, Spine-Tingling Spider-Man was reprinted as a print one-shot (#0), followed by a four-issue limited series. The comic utilizes a proven formula: a talented artist immersing the hero in a psychedelic descent into madness. Ferreira's expressive art shines, conveying emotion even without words, surpassing even the strength of Ahmed's script. The story effectively portrays Peter's anxiety. The nightmare sequences, featuring Paul (the antagonist from the Zero-One-Shot), who uses song to steal dreams, are reminiscent of a Spider-Man/Junji Ito collaboration, a 100-page art book brought to life by Ferreira's incredible visuals.

The limited series elevates the art even further, placing Spidey in a directed nightmare akin to "Beau Is Afraid," a series of interconnected night terrors. From the fear of being unrecognized to harassment by a creepy conductor, the visuals are stunning.

The "simple vs. detailed" approach, common in manga and Junji Ito's work, is masterfully employed. Ferreira's hypertrophied monstrous faces contrast beautifully with a simple, terrified Peter, allowing the reader to empathize.

Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin

Writer: J.M. DeMatteis Artist: Michael Sta. Maria

Discover the shocking secrets of the Proto-Goblin—the Goblin before Norman Osborn! Uncover his connection to the Osborn family and young Peter's unwitting role in this early chapter of his life.

This flashback series taps into Marvel's past nostalgia, offering a "lost" story from Peter's earlier years. DeMatteis, known for his work on Spectacular Spider-Man and the legendary Kraven's Last Hunt, delivers a dark, psychologically driven narrative. It's a Spider-Man story written with the depth of Dostoevsky.

The story explores Harry Osborn's deep trauma and the origins of his descent into becoming the Green Goblin. The Proto-Goblin, an obscure character from the '90s, is reimagined here, showcasing the slow descent into darkness of the Osborn family. The comic expertly builds suspense, foreshadowing the Green Goblin's eventual emergence.

Spider-Man: Reign 2

Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews

New York City is ruled by Wilson Fisk, sealed off by an electric dome to keep out zombies. An aged Peter Parker, killed by his own radioactive sperm, finds himself in a digital dream where he can live with Mary Jane, until a young thief, Kitty Cat, shatters the illusion. Together, they journey back in time to prevent disaster.

This isn't simply a sequel; it's a remake of sorts. Andrews starts from scratch, so familiarity with the first Spider-Man: Reign isn't essential. A broken Peter, alone and responsible for a dystopian New York, is given one last chance at redemption. Often compared to Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again, this comic also shares similarities with Andrews' Iron Fist: The Living Weapon.

Andrews' signature style is on full display: raw violence, a frail protagonist facing overwhelming odds, and a strong female character. The comic doesn't shy away from graphic depictions of violence and tragedy. Similar in tone to Hickman's Ultimates Spider-Man, it depicts a Peter overwhelmed by his responsibilities, finally finding peace at the end.