Best Comics to Read Before Spider-Man 2 PC Release

Despite the mixed reception of *Amazing Spider-Man*, the world of Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man comics remains surprisingly vibrant. This exploration delves into several compelling Spider-Man novelizations, offering a diverse range of narratives: horror and psychological drama, buddy-cop adventures, children's stories, and even the end and rebirth of Spidey himself. Prepare for a fresh, twisty web of stories.

We'll examine three distinct iterations: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Let's explore which Insomniac game each iteration best reflects.

Table of Contents

Spine-Tingling Spider-Man

Writer: Saladin Ahmed Artist: Juan Ferreira

Spanning 2023 and into 2024, Spine-Tingling Spider-Man is a standout. Initially a digital comic, it gained print life as a one-shot (#0) followed by a four-issue limited series. The core concept—a psychedelic descent into madness—is brilliantly executed. Ferreira's expressive art shines, conveying emotion even without dialogue, easily surpassing the script in impact. Ahmed's writing, though strong, is secondary to Ferreira's masterful visuals. The narrative effectively portrays Peter's anxiety. Paul, the antagonist from the one-shot, uses song to steal dreams, forcing Spider-Man to fight off sleep while battling unsettling visions. The result is a captivating blend reminiscent of a Junji Ito collaboration, a 100-page art book brought to life by Ferreira.

The limited series elevates the artistry further, plunging Spidey into a directed nightmare reminiscent of "Beau Is Afraid," a series of interconnected night terrors. From the fear of being unrecognized to being harassed by a creepy conductor, the visuals are stunning.

The "simple vs. detailed" approach, a hallmark of mangaka and Junji Ito, is expertly employed. Monsters are meticulously rendered, drawing the eye, while a deliberately simplistic Peter allows for easy identification and empathy. Ferreira masters this balance, creating hypertrophied monstrous faces juxtaposed with a modest, terrified Peter.

Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin

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

This series reveals a startling secret: the first Goblin wasn't Norman Osborn! Uncover the origins of the Proto-Goblin and his connection to the Osborn family, and Peter's role in it all.

This flashback series taps into the nostalgia for 1980s and 1990s Marvel, showcasing DeMatteis' enduring skill. The formula is simple: revisit a past era, bring back the original writer, and tell a "lost" story. Shadow of the Green Goblin exemplifies this perfectly.

This comic stands out amidst a decline in flashback quality. DeMatteis proves he's still the master of Spider-Man comics, surpassing even Kraven's Last Hunt. It's a dark, psychologically driven narrative, a Spider-Man story as Dostoevsky might have written it.

The story centers on Harry Osborn's trauma and the origins of the Green Goblin. The Proto-Goblin, an obscure character from the '90s, is cleverly integrated. The focus shifts from superheroics to the characters' humanity. Peter is deeply involved in the unfolding events, and the looming presence of the Green Goblin is ever-present. Evil is not sudden; it's a gradual descent into darkness, starting long before the serum.

DeMatteis transforms an unrequested Proto-Goblin story into a gripping, melancholic tale, a powerful addition to the Spectacular Spider-Man storyline. Don't overlook this gem.

Spider-Man: Reign 2

Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews

New York City is under Kingpin's rule, sealed off by an electric dome to keep out zombies. An aged Peter Parker, killed by his radioactive sperm, finds himself in a digital dream with Mary Jane, until a young thief disrupts their peace. Together, they journey back in time.

This isn't a true sequel, but more of a remake. Andrews restarts the story, making prior knowledge of Spider-Man: Reign unnecessary. It's a bleak depiction of a broken Peter, alone and responsible for the city's downfall. But hope remains. Often compared to The Dark Knight Returns, it's more akin to a Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again fanfic. It shares similarities with Andrews' Iron Fist: The Living Weapon.

Andrews' style is evident throughout, echoing his previous work. The visceral violence, the strong female character, the graphic depictions of death and trauma, and the raw hatred in the battles all contribute to the story's intensity.

This comic is not for the faint of heart: time travel, bizarre characters, and graphic violence are all present. Kingpin is a cybernetic monstrosity, and a shocking spoiler involving Venom adds to the grim atmosphere.

Andrews' mastery of violence is on full display. This is Spider-Man at his most broken, a stark contrast to the more optimistic iterations. Similar to Hickman's Ultimates Spider-Man, it's a disaster story where Peter is overwhelmed, but ultimately finds redemption. He finally lets go of the past.