Spider-Man is a cult and even legendary character from Marvel. Created by Stan Lee and Stephen Ditko, the teen hero gave the Amazing Fantasy comic book series a second chance and became one of the major advantages over Marvel's competitors.
The popularity of the hero was so great that there was no need to even ask about the launch of a solo series. From 1963 to the present day, Spidey has been one of Marvel's mainstays.
Peter Parker is a brilliant young man who is passionate about and makes great strides in the field of science. He is often mocked by his peers, who call him a “bookworm.” Ironically, the hero gave most his short life education and science, and in the end suffers from this. During a science fair, he is accidentally bitten by a radioactive spider. Thus an ordinary youth becomes a superman. He gains the ability to climb walls, his sense of danger is heightened, and in addition to this, super strength, agility and speed.
Peter's parents died when he was little, so he lives in the house of his guardians - Uncle Ben and Aunt May. As soon as the spider receives power, he decides to use it for commercial purposes in order to make life easier for his only relatives. At first, circus performances, and later he is offered to take part in a battle in the ring against a professional wrestler. The hero easily copes with him, but after quarreling with the cashier (who was supposed to pay Peter money for the fight), the Spider takes a small fee and does not specifically stop the cash register robber. It is later discovered that the villain killed Uncle Ben in cold blood. The event greatly affects Peter and he decides that he will never again stand aside and allow no one to die. And his late uncle’s phrase “the greater the power, the greater the responsibility” constantly pops up in his head.
You can read about this and other adventures in the comic “Marvel Adventures. Spider-Man. Complicated story".
Another event that greatly influenced Spider-Man and the comics industry as a whole was issues 121-122 of The Amazing Spider-man (hereinafter referred to as TASP), where Peter’s girlfriend, Gwen Stacy, dies. The Green Goblin threw her off the Brooklyn Bridge, but Parker managed to catch her with his web just before she hit her head on the ground. Naturally, the hero blamed himself for everything and for a long time could not get close to anyone.
After he was able to cope with his trauma, he developed feelings for Mary Jane Watson, who was already better known to the Russian masses. In issue 290 of the ongoing, he even proposes to her, and after a couple of issues she agrees.
Another important event for Spider-Man as a hero was the “Change or Die” arc, during which he actually had to change and acquire several new abilities. And they brought him much closer to the image of a spider and a killer. The most striking acquisition was the ability to shoot webs without the help of mechanisms, which was also used in Sam Raimi’s films.
The global event “Civil War” greatly spoils Peter’s life. He sides with Tony Stark and decides to announce his true identity to the world. Subsequently, Aunt May is wounded by a sniper shot, which will change the hero’s entire life.
TASP issue 544 begins the "One More Day" arc by Jay Michael Straczynski and Joe Quesada. Peter makes a deal with the demon Mephisto so that his Aunt May will not die from her wound. The demon didn't want Parker's soul; instead, he takes away his marriage to Mary Jane, everyone's memories of Peter's true identity, and his unborn daughter. This morally serious event also led to the resurrection of several characters.
The series ends with the death of the main character, which you can read about in the comic book “The Last Wish.”
Naturally, the matter is not limited to death alone. The consciousness of Doctor Octopus (Otto Octavius) is transferred into Peter's body, and then the Ultimate Spider-Man series (6 volumes) begins, where the Doctor, as a hero, performs spider duties in his own way. In addition to the new main series, “Perfect Enemies of Spider-Man” is also being launched, which tells us about those villains whom Octavius tried to subdue. Luckily for them, the perfect enemies escaped and formed a new “sinister six”. The series is a three-volume ongoing comedy about the misadventures of super-bastards.
In the third volume of TASP, Packer returns to his body and slowly deals with what Otto managed to do (the Amazing Spider-Man series can also be purchased from us).
As already said, Spider-Man or Peter Parker is a hero for teenagers. However, in the main universe (which is numbered 616), he is always around 20-25 years old. Peter does not age, because otherwise the comic would have to be retargeted to a different age audience. According to some fans, he should now be slightly over 30. In the alternative and no longer existing “Ultimate” universe, Peter is a 16-year-old student in school.
Traits of the hero that make him similar to target audience— constant mistakes and inability to cope with all of one’s responsibilities at once. The Spider has problems everywhere: in work and in relationships, in school and in friendship. It's all because of his alter ego and the desire to protect his loved ones. It is also quite difficult for Peter to communicate with girls due to an inferiority complex and long-lived events.
The hero's first appearance occurred in the magazine Amazing Fantasy #15, and then in the solo series The Amazing Spider-man, which lasted as many as 700 issues without interruption. However, do not be alarmed if you find a mention that Spidey’s second top begins not in 2014, but much earlier in 1998. The fact is that at that time, author John Byrne released a limited series of 13 issues + zero, which is slightly rewrote the hero's biography. The numbering was reset, but after 50 numbers it came back.
Over more than half a century of its existence, Spidey has spawned many spin-offs and alternative versions of his beloved self. One of the newest ones is the spider version of Gwen Stacy. The comics with her participation are called “The Amazing Spider-Man. Spider Worlds. Edge" and "Spider-Gwen. T.0. Particularly dangerous? And the most popular interpretation was and remains the noir version of the spider. You can read about her in Spider-Man. Noir. Eyes without a face."
Amazing Fantasy #15
First appearance of Spider-Man.
The Amazing Spider-Man #1 – 38
Classic Spider-Man comics by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. All the main villains and supporting characters appear. You don't have to read everything, but we highly recommend it, especially “The Master Planner Saga” in The Amazing Spider-Man #31-33.
The Amazing Spider-Man #39-40
John Romita becomes the artist of the series and his first arc is one of the most important. Norman Osborn (Green Goblin) discovers that Peter is Spider-Man.
The Amazing Spider-Man #88-90
Death of Captain Stacy. A very powerful moment that should not be missed.
The Amazing Spider-Man #121-122
The death of Gwen Stacy, which turned the entire world of comics upside down and marked the beginning of the Bronze Age of comics. An absolute masterpiece.
The Amazing Spider-Man #136-137
Harry Osborn becomes the second Green Goblin.
The Amazing Spider-Man #194-195
First appearance of the Black Cat.
The Amazing Spider-Man #200
The end of the story of the robber who killed Uncle Ben.
The Amazing Spider-Man #229-230
“Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaut!” - one of the most famous arcs about Spider-Man, consistently present in all the tops.
The Amazing Spider-Man #238-239, 244-245, 249-251
First and best appearances Hobgoblin.
The Amazing Spider-Man #248
“The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man” is a sad little story about a boy with leukemia who meets his hero, Spider-Man.
The Amazing Spider-Man #252
First appearance of the symbiote suit that would later merge with Eddie Brock to become Venom.
The Spectacular Spider-Man #107-110
“The Death of Jean DeWolff” is a powerful story that explores the darker side of Spider-Man.
The Amazing Spider-Man #293-294, Spectacular Spider-Man #131-132 and Web of Spider-Man #31-32
“Kraven’s Last Hunt” is the best arc according to our community, which you must read.
The Spectacular Spider-Man #134-136
Sequel to “The Death of Jean DeWolff” and at the same time best story about Electro.
The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21
Wedding of Peter and Mary Jane.
The Amazing Spider-Man #300
The first appearance of Venom and the best story with him. There is no need to read anything more about him.
The Amazing Spider-Man #361-363
The first appearance of Carnage and the best story with him. There is no need to read anything more about him.
The Spectacular Spider-Man #178-184, 189, 200
A stunning story about Harry Osborn as the Green Goblin, culminating in his death. No less flows in the background interesting story about Vaermina.
The Amazing Spider-Man #400
Death of Aunt May. Although the event was later revised, it is still a very, very strong and must-read issue.
The Amazing Spider-Man Vol.2 #30 -58, 500-508, 515-524, 529-543
A long and wonderful run by Straczynski. There is a rethinking of the origin of the Spider, Civil War, Back in Black and a lot more. In general, it’s better to start Spider-Man with these comics if you don’t intend to read old comics.
Peter Parker: Spider-Man (Volume 2) #44-47
“A Death in the Family” is one of the best Green Goblin/Norman Osborn arcs.
The Amazing Spider-Man #544, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #24, The Sensational Spider-Man (vol. 2) #41 and The Amazing Spider-Man #545
One More Day. A terrible (in the worst sense of the word) arc that still needs to be read just to know what happened in the Spideyverse.
The Amazing Spider-Man #574
Flash Thompson becomes disabled during the war.
The Amazing Spider-Man #578-579
The appearance of Jay's father Jonah Jameson and one of the best Shocker arcs.
The Amazing Spider-Man #600
An important release for subsequent developments.
The Amazing Spider-Man #612-637
The Gauntlet and Grim Hunt, the return of old Spidey villains and the rebirth of Kraven.
The Amazing Spider-Man #648-700
A solid run by Dan Slott, smoothly flowing into...
The Superior Spider-Man #1-31
Otto Octavius takes over Peter Parker's body and becomes Spider-Man.
The Amazing Spider-Man Vol.3 #1
Return of Peter Parker.
The Amazing Spider-Man Vol.4 #1-…
Last on this moment reboot of the main series. Peter is the head of the TNC Parker Industries, Spider-Man has become a global superhero operating in different parts of the world.
These issues form the basis of the ongoing Spider-Man narrative that has been going on since 1962. This is not all you need to read if you are seriously interested in the character, there are more than 3,500 comics written about Peter and Marvel is not going to stop. However, it's enough to make you love it and want to read more.
Hah, it’s strange to ask this question here when you can easily find everything on the Internet.
Moreover, the answer above is copy-paste.
Excuse me, but I can do that too.
Main universe (after the events of Secret Wars)
First come the comics in which he participates completely, then those in which he participates once or is mentioned! The Second Civil War is dealt with separately.
The Amazing Spider-Man v.4 (2015 - present)
Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows (2016 - present)
Avengers #1 (2017)
The Clone Conspiracy (2016 - 2017) - limit of the new spider event
Civil War II (2016) - participation as head of Parker Ind. and Spider-Man
Civil War II: Amazing Spider-Man (2016) - limited edition in crossover
Main universe (pre-Secret Wars 2015)
Superior Spider-Man #1-33 (January 2013 - September 2014). A series of comics in which Spider-Man, after the death of Peter Parker, became his worst enemy, Doctor Octopus.
Superior Spider-Man Team Up #1-12 (July 2013 - April 2014). A comic book series in which Otto Octavius, in the body of Spider-Man, teams up with various Marvel Comics superheroes.
Superior Foes of Spider-Man #1-17 (July 2013 - November 2014). A comic book series in which the main characters are supervillains - a new composition of the Sinister Six, once founded by Doctor Octopus.
Avenging Spider-Man #1-22 (November 2011 - June 2013). A comic book series in which Spider-Man teams up with various superheroes. As of issue 15.1, Doctor Octopus takes over the role of Spider-Man.
Marvel Team-Up #1-150 (March 1972 - February 1985). A comic book series in which Spider-Man teamed up with other Marvel Comics superheroes. It was replaced by the Web of Spider-Man series in 1985.
Giant-Size Spider-Man #1-6 (July 1974 - September 1975). The size of the comic was larger than usual. Most often, a comic contained several stories, the last of which was a reprint.
The Spectacular Spider-Man #1-263 (December 1976 - November 1998). Originally titled Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man, it was renamed in 1988 starting with issue #134.
Spectacular Spider-Man vol. 2, #1-27 (September 2003 - June 2005). The series replaced Peter Parker: Spider-Man vol. 2.
Web of Spider-Man #1-129 (April 1985 - September 1995). The series replaced Marvel Team-Up and became the third main Spider-Man comic book series in production at the time.
Spider-Man #1-98 (August 1990 - November 1998). A series created in 1991 specifically for Todd McFarlane. Renamed Peter Parker: Spider-Man starting with issue #75.
Untold Tales of Spider-Man #1-25 (September 1995 - September 1997). A series that tells new stories that took place at the beginning of Spider-Man's superhero "career". Includes issue #-1 and two annuals.
The Sensational Spider-Man #0-33 (January 1996 - November 1998). The series replaced Web of Spider-Man.
Webspinners: Tales of Spider-Man #1-18 (January 1999 - June 2000). Anthology series; stories take place in Spider-Man's past, similar to Untold Tales of Spider-Man.
Spider-Man's Tangled Web #1-22 (June 2001 - March 2003). A series for which stories were made by the creators of alternative comics and employees of the Vertigo company.
Spider-Man Family #1-9 (April 2007 - June 2008). A series whose stories focused on Spider-Man's "family".
The Amazing Spider-Man #1-441 (March 1963 - November 1998), vol. 2 #1-58, #500-700 (January 1999 - December 2003, January 2004 - 2012), vol. 3 (2014 - 2015). Various writers and artists are working on the creation. Continuation after Secret Wars!
The Avengers vol. 4 #1 - ongoing (May 2010 - 2015). Written by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artists John Romita Jr. and Chris Bachalo.
The New Avengers vol. 2 #1-34 (June 2010 - 2013), vol. 3 #1-33 (2013 - 2015) Written by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Stuart Immonen. Continuation after Secret Wars!
FF #1 - ongoing (June 2011 - 2015)
The Amazing Spider-Man Digital #1 - pre-2015 (Marvel Digital Comics)
Alternate universes (before Secret Wars 2015)
Spider-Girl #0-100 (October 1998 - September 2006). Became a sequel to What If? #105 (February 1998), in which Spider-Girl made her first appearance.
Spider-Man Unlimited vol. 2, #1-5 (December 1999 - April 2000). Based on the animated series Spider-Man Unlimited.
Ultimate Spider-Man #1-133, Annual #1-3 (Ultimate Marvel; October 2000 - July 2009). The comic takes place in the Ultimate universe.
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #1-61 (Marvel Adventures; May 2005 - May 2010). Sequel to Marvel Age Spider-Man.
Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane #1-20 (February 2006 - September 2007). Sequel to the miniseries Mary Jane and Mary Jane: Homecoming.
Series that ended before Secret Wars:
Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1-15, 150-160, vol. 2 #1 - ongoing (August 2009 - 2015). Numbering changed after issue #150 and started in December 2010. Written by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artists David LaFunte and Sarah Pichelli. The action takes place in the Ultimate Marvel universe.
Spider-Man: Marvel Adventures #1 - until 2015 (Marvel Adventures; May 2010 - 2015). The authors are writer Paul Tobin and a group of various artists. The story takes place during Spider-Man's high school years.
Spider-Man 2099 (July 9, 2014 - 2015) - a comic book about Spider-Man 2099 who came to our time. In our time, he follows the Alchemax company, working there. There are many dangers awaiting him. The comic is still in print. Continuation after Secret Wars!
Spider-Verse (2014-2015) - a global crossover about all the spiders from the multiverse, which ends “a few minutes” before the Secret Wars.
Secret Wars (2015-2016)
Secret Wars #0-9 (2015-2016) - the main crossover cycle.
Age of Ultron vs. Marvel Zombies #1-5 (2015) - limited edition.
Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #1-5 (2015) - limited edition in the crossover.
Civil War #1-5 (2015) - limited edition.
Future Imperfect #1-5 (2015) - limited edition.
Secret Wars: Battleworld #1-5 (2015) - limited edition.
Spider-Verse #1-5 (2015) - limited edition.
Ultimate End #1-5 (2015) - limited edition.
Secret Wars: Secret Love #1 (2015) - one-shot.
I think it will do.
We present to your attention our guide to help beginning readers Spider-Man comics.
Story Peter Parker is perhaps one of the most famous origins in comics. Some people know her from comics, some have watched films from Sony, and some have recorded every new episode of the animated series of the 90s. The radioactive spider, Uncle Ben and Aunt May, the dependence of power on responsibility, Mary Jane Watson - all these things are close to every Spidey fan.
In our guide, we will try to create a basic list of comics that you need to read to begin your journey with Peter Parker. We will leave a lot for you to self-study, so sit back and let's find out where you should start reading comics about Spider-Man.
Essential Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 1 (1962)
Since this all started. Then, back in 1962, the Amazing Fantasy #15 comic book appeared on store shelves, where the world first met a guy named Peter Parker. During one of his scientific demonstrations, he is bitten by a radiation-exposed spider, which gives Peter amazing abilities. The tragic death of his Uncle Ben, a death that Peter himself could easily have prevented, becomes the defining moment in the birth of a new hero - the Amazing Spider-Man.
In fact, for all his friendliness and perkiness, Spider-Man remains one of Marvel's most tragic heroes with one of the saddest stories. He suffered quite a few trials and quite a few losses, which we will talk about in more detail below. Essential Amazing Spider-Man Collection, Vol. 1 includes as many as 20 issues of ongoing series by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, so you can easily find here the main stories and the first appearances of many heroes and villains you already know.
If this is my Destiny (1965)
The title of the arc says it all - "If This Is My Destiny" chronicles many of the defining moments in Spider-Man's life. The story takes place in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man #31-33, where Peter first attends university, where he meets Gwen Stacy and Harry Osborn, two characters who are destined to play a significant role in his future destiny.
In the humble opinion of the guide's author, best works Stan Lee's stories are about Spider-Man. Many moments, as in any comics from 50 years ago, may seem frivolous and perhaps even stupid to the modern reader, but give them a chance, and the authors will take you through the exciting adventures of Spider-Man that you will never forget.
Plus, this is where artist Steve Ditko really came into his own, and the page where Peter tries to free himself from a pile of rubble is a classic example visual arts comics industry.
How Green Was My Goblin/Spidey Saves the Day (1966)
The Green Goblin is perhaps one of Spider-Man's most fundamental villains. Since his first appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #14, readers have not known who is hiding under the Goblin's mask, and the authors themselves, as they later admitted, were not entirely sure what to do with the real identity of the villain.
But already in Amazing Spider-Man #39-40, Marvel decided to correct this misunderstanding by taking a bold step - showing the real face of the Goblin. It turned out to be Norman Osborn, the father of Peter's friend Harry. The Goblin tracked down the Spider and defeated him on the threshold of his own home. Dragging him to his hideout, Norman told Peter (and all the fans along with him) his origin story and revealed the reasons why he became the Green Goblin.
Spidey managed to defeat him, but as a result of their confrontation, Norman lost his memory and forgot about his villainous career, as well as who Spider-Man really is. As Peter himself later said, “Life is not a soap opera for amnesia to last forever,” so, as you can guess, their confrontation did not end there.
Spider-Man No More (1967)
The legendary story that marked the beginning of a whole series of other stories in which the main characters decided to end their superhero careers for a quieter life ordinary person. Additionally, Amazing Spider-Man #50 marks the first appearance of Wilson Fisk, known as the kingpin of the underworld.
Peter suddenly realizes that Spider-Man will always be underestimated by society. In addition, fighting crime prevents him from enjoying other moments, such as communicating with friends, studying or personal life. He decides to get rid of the Spider-Man costume and throws it into a trash can in one of the alleys of New York. This art by John Romita will become iconic for the entire comics industry.
Spider-Man No More also inspired one of the storylines in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2, so if you decide to skip this episode, you'll be committing a crime. Yes, everything is so serious.
And Death Shall Come (1970)
In issue 90 of the Amazing Spider-Man series, one of the most significant events in the Spider-Man comic book mythology took place. Let's say more, this was the first big tragedy in the hero's life since the death of Uncle Ben.
Peter has been battling Doctor Octopus for several previous issues, and issue 90 opens with Spidey falling from the roof of a building with no chance to use his web to save his life. Naturally, he finds a way out of a seemingly hopeless situation and again enters into battle with Otto. As a result of their battle, part of one of the buildings collapses and pieces of brick and concrete fly down onto unsuspecting passersby. Captain Stacy, the father of Peter's beloved Gwen, saves a little girl from the rubble, but at the same time finds himself under the rubble.
Before his death, he asks Peter to take care of Gwen, and readers (and Spider himself) learn that Captain Stacy knew about Spider-Man's real name for a long time, but did not give it away. This comic partially formed the basis of the first part of The Amazing Spider-Man, only in the film Gwen's father dies during the battle with the Lizard.
The Night Gwen Stacy Died (1973)
We have come to the most, dare we say it, important comic book in the entire 50-year history of publishing stories about Spider-Man. The events described on the pages of Amazing Spider-Man #121-122 will forever remain in the memory of the hero and all his fans. So, “the night Gwen Stacy died.”
For those who grew up on the 90s animated series and Sam Raimi films, the love story of Peter and Gwen will not say much, but it was this girl who first won the heart of the hero in the comics. In the story, Norman Osborn (remember that amnesia doesn't last forever?) remembers that he is the Green Goblin and decides to kidnap Gwen. Spider-Man goes on a quest, which leads him to the Brooklyn Bridge (keep in mind the plot of Sam Raimi's first film). The goblin throws Gwen down, Peter manages to catch her with a web, which leads to instant death due to a broken neck. A shocking twist for 70s comics!
Blinded by rage, the Spider engages the Goblin, but he is killed by his own glider. Peter realizes that he has no right to decide who dies, and he is not capable of killing. This topic will be heard for a long time in future publications, as well as memories of first love that can never be returned.
The Wedding (1987)
Gwen Stacy's death was a huge blow to Peter, but as they say, time heals. Over time, he fell in love with another girl who was already much familiar to him. more Spidey fans. Mary Jane Watson, Peter's beautiful neighbor, was able to restore our hero's faith in love again. And in 1987, in the 21st Annual issue of Amazing Spider-Man, the couple got married, and their marriage lasted in comics for more than 20 years.
The main “trick” of this story is the doubts of the main characters about such an important step in their lives. Is Mary Jane willing to give up the world of glamor and big parties for a guy who makes his living taking pictures of Spider-Man? And will Peter be able to decide to allow another girl too close to him, which could again put her life in danger? 14 years have passed since Gwen's death on the Brooklyn Bridge, but we warned that that fateful night would long echo in other stories.
Naturally, Peter and MJ overcome their fears and become husband and wife. If you want to know what happened after the wedding (no, you're not thinking about that!), then we recommend turning to Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #7, where you will learn about how the couple spent their honeymoon in the south of France.
Best of Enemies (1993)
The title of this story arc, which unfolded in the pages of Spectacular Spider-Man #200, speaks for itself - “ Best Enemies” tells how the long friendship of Harry Osborn and Peter Parker ended in the most tragic way.
The beginning of a comic may cause deja vu effect for the reader, the Green Goblin kidnaps Mary Jane and drags her to the same ill-fated Brooklyn Bridge where Gwen Stacy once died. Only this time, under the mask of the Goblin, there is Harry Osborn, divorced from reality, who took his father’s serum and decided to follow in his footsteps. His unbalanced state nearly leads to the death of his son, MJ and Peter, but ultimately Harry's life comes to an end and he dies in the arms of his best friend.
Thus, one more thing happened in the life of Spider-Man terrible event, associated with the death of people close to him. Throughout the comic, Harry claimed that he would surpass his father in everything, but at the same time he would not make his only mistake - he would not forget his family. But in fact, he was only trying to prove to himself that he was worthy of bearing the surname Osborne, and in the final pages Harry finally emerges from his father's shadow, proving that he is much more than just the son of Norman Osborn. Moreover, he is a good person.
The Conversation (2002)
One of the most important people Peter Parker has always had his Aunt May in his life. For a long time she didn't know he was Spider-Man, but in Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 2 #38 (numbering #479 from Vol. 1 can also be found) they finally had a heart-to-heart talk, and the comic received a simple and laconic name - “The Conversation”.
Aunt tells Peter over the phone that they need to talk seriously, and he, not knowing what to think, is waiting for her at home. When May finally shows up on his doorstep, Peter discovers that she knows his deepest secret. During their conversation, it turns out that they both blame themselves for the death of Ben Parker, and each has their own reasons for this. Joseph Michael Straczynski tells the stunningly compelling story of the dialogue between two people in the same room that readers have been waiting for more than 40 years. "The Conversation" adds depth to Peter and his aunt's relationship, which becomes even stronger after they both pour their hearts out to each other.
Spider-Man/Human Torch: I'm with stupidity (2005)
Let's take a moment away from all the tragedy of Spider-Man's story and turn to this absolutely wonderful story of friendship between Peter Parker and Johnny Storm, better known as the Human Torch.
In 2005, Dan Slott and Ty Templeton released an amazing mini-series about the friendship of two superheroes. Over the course of five issues, readers live the life of Spider-Man from the very first days after receiving his powers to the latest current events of that time. This is not just the story of the friendship between Spider and the Torch, but also the story of Peter Parker's entire life with all the ups and downs.
With everything serious attitude to the Spider-Man mythology, the comic treats many of its moments with a fair amount of humor. The part where Peter and Johnny raced through the streets in the new Spider-mobile made the guide's author laugh out loud. The comic takes you back to childhood and gives you the sea bright emotions. A must read.
Civil War (2006)
We recommended reading the “Civil War” event in our guides about and, since it was their confrontation that became the central events of the entire story. But there was another hero whose life was influenced no less by the Civil War - the friendly neighbor Spider-Man.
The US government, with the support of Tony Stark, introduces the Superhero Registration Act, according to which all citizens with superpowers must undergo mandatory registration and publicly reveal the secret of their identity. Tony Stark convinces Peter to be the main example for supporting the new law, after which the whole world learns Spider-Man's real name.
Throughout the event, Peter realizes that he is fighting against what he believes in and goes over to the opposite side. One problem is that everyone around him knows who he is and who his loved ones are.
To have and to hold (2007)
After the events " Civil War" SHIELD. puts Spider-Man on the wanted list and is actively hunting for him. But the confrontation between St. Petersburg and the government itself fades into the background in this narrative. First of all, here is the story of the relationship between Peter and MJ and the swan song of their love before the large-scale events of “Brand New Day”, which we will talk about later.
Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. interrogates Mary Jane to find out the location of her husband, but she stalls and instead tells him the story of their relationship. At this time, Peter does the same, telling it from the point of view of his memories.
The result is a stunning true love story and a defining tale of why MJ and Peter are meant to be. The next comic in our guide was designed to turn the world of Spider-Man upside down, and “To have and to hold” became a kind of farewell to the past, which, like many moments in the hero’s life, can never be returned back.
One More Day/Brand New Day (2008)
That “just one more day” that Marvel has been leading up to for several issues finally happened in Amazing Spider-Man #544, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #24, The Sensational Spider-Man (vol. 2) #41 and Amazing Spider-Man #545. Aunt May is mortally wounded, and the public knows Spider-Man's real name. Peter tries to get help from everyone he can think of, from Tony Stark to Doctor Doom. Everything is in vain.
Then, after a rather surreal episode where Peter meets people completely unexpected for him, Mephisto appears to him and offers to save Aunt May in exchange for marriage to Mary Jane. No, no, Mephisto does not want to enter into a legal union with MJ himself - he wants to erase the very fact of the existence of their long-term (remember that the “Wedding” story was already more than 20 years old at that time) relationship. They are given until midnight.
As you can guess, they agree to Mephisto's terms, after which, in the Spider-Man comics, " New day", where Peter and MJ once met, but their romance ended unsuccessfully and now they treat each other rather coldly. Oh yes, Harry Osborn also did not die, and Spider-Man's identity remains unknown to the whole world. This story opens a new chapter in the history of the hero and the entire Marvel universe in particular.
No one Dies (2010)
Spider-Man may be one of the most fun superheroes, but the main stories that define him as a character are tied to one rather unpleasant thing - the death of loved ones. In 2010, Dan Slott decided to explore this theme once again in the "No one Dies" story arc in the comics. Amazing Spider-Man #655-656.
J. Jonah Jameson's wife Marla died in the previous issue (Spidey also lost his Spider-Sense there), and most of the Spider-Man comic book heroes gather together for her funeral. Artist Marcos Martin tells the story of this day without a single word, which already makes this comic a must-have material for this guide. Marla's death leads to terrible nightmares for Peter, who is forced to relive all the horrors of his past, and especially to witness Gwen's death again.
But despite all the worries, at the end of the story, Spider-Man makes a promise to himself that when he is around, no one else will die. Be it his loved ones, ordinary passers-by or criminals with whom he has to fight. True, he didn’t say anything about himself...
Spider-Man Blue (2002)
An absolutely amazing, incredibly sad and emotional comic book about Spider-Man, which, in our opinion, should definitely be in the collection of a true fan. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale take the reader through Spider-Man's past, starting with meeting the charming Gwen Stacy, with whom the relationship is not immediately possible due to the beauty next door named Mary Jane Watson.
The premise for the episode is an old voice recorder, on which present-day Peter Parker records his message to Gwen Stacy on Valentine's Day, knowing that the girl will never hear him again. Together with him, we remember the early adventures of Peter Parker, his experiences and his relationships with his friends.
Honest, frank and incredibly touching, the story ends when MJ walks into the room where Peter is recording his words. She is not angry at her husband for his actions, but instead asks with understanding to say hi to Gwen. "Spider-Man Blue" is not a story about a superhero, not a comic about fighting supervillains, but a story about life and what makes us human.
Superior Spider-Man (2013)
Remember when Spider-Man promised that no one else would die as long as he was around? So he forgot to make such a promise to himself. After a long struggle, Marvel brought to an end one of its longest series - Amazing Spider-Man ended at issue 700, along with another death in the life of Peter Parker. His own.
By tricking Otto Octavius, Doctor Octopus switched bodies with Peter, and now Parker was imprisoned in the body of a dying villain, without a single chance of salvation. Dan Slott took the incredibly bold step of making Otto the new Spider-Man. Surprisingly, over the course of a year and a half of development of the ongoing events, Spider-Octavius fell in love with readers. It was a fresh take on the history of Spider-Man and his relationships with his loved ones, and a great shake-up for the entire Marvel Universe.
But as is usually the case in comics, the hero must always return, and on April 30, 2014, Marvel will once again begin Amazing Spider-Man with the first issue, with Peter Parker returning to his rightful place as the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man (technically he did it's in the last pages of Superior Spider-Man #30).
Ultimate Spider-Man (2000)
In 2000, Marvel launched a new Ultimate series authored by Brian Michael Bendis, where the author reimagined the story of Peter Parker and the main people in his life, and the origin of Spider-Man unfolded over the pages of as many as 7 issues. By comparison, in 1962, Stan Lee took only 11 pages. This was Marvel's second attempt to reboot the character's history and make it more accessible to new readers who (unlike you true believers) did not want to understand the long and sometimes confusing chain of publications from previous years.
Spider-Man became the pioneer of the new universe, and I must say he succeeded very well - his ongoing series lasted for 160 issues, and then was restarted after the death of Peter Parker. Miles Morales has become the new Spider-Man - we also advise you not to ignore his stories in Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man.
What's next?
To be honest, it was very difficult not to include in the guide many comics that were just begging to be talked about. Next, we would recommend checking out The Clone Saga, where Peter meets Gwen for the first time after her death. As you can guess, he meets a clone, but still imagine what he had to go through in this arc (Amazing Spider-Man #139-150).
Don't forget about Spider-Man's famous black suit. To get to know him, open The Amazing Spider-Man #252 and start reading. Venom appeared a little later - for this you will have to open the 299th issue of the same series. Speaking of the black suit, we can't help but mention Kraven's Last Hunt, perhaps one of the strongest stand-alone Spider-Man stories that was at one time planned for Batman.
We also recommend that you read the small but incredibly fascinating series Marvel Knights Spider-Man by Mark Millar - only 12 issues, but there are enough adventures and events for several full-fledged collections...
In general, if you started reading comics about Spider-Man, then congratulations - you have become part of a dizzying and eventful world, the heroes of which will soon become family to you. He is not just a superhero, he is not a role model, he is your friendly neighbor, he is Spider-Man. Welcome to his world.
Spider-Man is a fictional comic book superhero created by Stan Lee (Stanley Martin Lieber) and Steve Ditko (Steve) Ditko. He first appears on the pages of Amazing Fantasy magazine in #15, in August 1962. And he immediately gains the sympathy of readers, becoming one of the most popular superheroes in the Marvel universe.
In omics, Spider-Man breaks all the stereotypes of the genre. In its pages, the reader is presented with a teenage orphan, Peter Parker, living with his Uncle Ben and Aunt May. who is trying to combine ordinary life a teenager with the harsh everyday life of a superhero. The newly-made hero receives increased dexterity, a “spider-sense”, the ability to climb steep surfaces, as well as shoot webs from devices invented by him, attached to his wrist. New character breaks all ideas about superheroes of the 60s. While all the teenagers act only as helpers, he becomes a lonely hero, without an experienced mentor and rejected by most of his peers. He has to learn on his own: “With great power there must also come great responsibility.” The phrase becomes popular among readers.
In 1963, the first main series about Spider-Man was launched - " The amazing Spider Man"(English: The Amazing Spider-Man). The series continued until 2012 and ended with issue #700. Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created the first 38 comics in the series on their own, and later many famous writers and artists worked on it.
In 1966, the place of illustrator was taken by John Romita, who in 1968 launched a comic book series - "The Spectacular Spider-Man", which became the first spin-off for the main one - " The amazing Spider Man". The first issue is published in black and white on 52 pages. The second one is already coming out in color and will be the last one in this series. In December 1976, the publisher launched the first issue, Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man, which marks the second single Spider-Man comic book series, later renamed "Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man". The Spectacular Spider-Man" and becomes the second spin-off. The issue ends in 1998 with the 263rd issue.
A new series was released from the publishing line in 1972 - “Marvel Team-Up”, which became the second main joint series about the superheroes of the Marvel universe. The issue ends in 1985 at #150. Spider-Man appears in the 141st issue of these.
It was replaced by a comic book - "Web of Spider-Man", which started in 1985. Its first volume ends in 1995 with issue 129.
In 1990, the fourth monthly series, Peter Parker: Spider-Man, was published.
In November 1998, the company released the final 441st comic in the original Amazing Spider-Man series. Artist and writer John Byrne launches a 13-issue limited series, Spider-Man: Chapter One, in which he changes the biography of Peter Parker. The release ends in October 1999.
In January 1999, the original series was restarted and the second volume, “The Amazing Spider-Man,” was published. After the release of issue #59, the company returns the original numbering to the comic starting with #500.
Since 2007, Spider-Man has become a constant character in comics: "New Avengers", "The Sensational Spider-Man", "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" ( Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man), Spider-Man Family, as well as mini-series and alternative Marvel universes: Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane Man Loves Mary Jane), "Marvel Adventures Spider-Man", etc.
2011 was marked by the release of a new series - “Avenging Spider-Man”.
In January 2013, Marvel released a new comic book series, The Superior Spider-Man, which ended in September 2014 with issue 31. Following this, the company releases the third volume of "The Amazing Spider-Man", which is relaunched after the events that took place on the pages of the comic book "Secret Wars".
Read comics online Spider-Man possible on the website website.
