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

Despite the mixed reception of *Amazing Spider-Man*, the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man comics aren't quite at rock bottom. This selection showcases several compelling Spider-Man novelizations offering diverse narratives: horror and psychological drama, buddy-movie adventures, and even a reimagining of Spider-Man's origin. Explore these three distinct iterations: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd.

Let's examine which iteration resonates most with an Insomniac game.

Table of Contents

Spine-Tingling Spider-Man

Writer: Saladin Ahmed
Artist: Juan Ferreira

Initially a digital comic, Spine-Tingling Spider-Man was later released as a print one-shot (#0) followed by a four-issue limited series. Released primarily in 2023, concluding in 2024, its quality warrants attention. The comic masterfully blends a proven formula—psychedelic visuals—with Ferreira's expressive art style, creating a captivating nightmare. Ferreira's art is so powerful that it almost overshadows Ahmed's strong script, which effectively conveys Peter's anxiety. The antagonist, Paul, uses song to steal dreams, forcing Spider-Man to fight off sleep while battling unsettling visions. This results in a visual experience akin to a 100-page Junji Ito art book.

The limited series elevates the art even further, transforming the story into a directed nightmare reminiscent of "Beau Is Afraid," showcasing a series of interconnected night terrors. From the fear of being unrecognized to being harassed by a creepy conductor, the narrative is powerfully visual.

Ferreira expertly employs a "simple vs. detailed" approach, similar to mangaka and Junji Ito. Monsters are meticulously rendered, drawing the eye, while Peter's simpler depiction allows for easy identification and empathy.

Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin

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

This flashback series reveals the shocking secrets of the Proto-Goblin—a character predating Norman Osborn. The story explores the Proto-Goblin's connection to the Osborn family and young Peter's role in the unfolding events.

This comic is a prime example of a well-executed flashback, a trend that has seen a decline in quality recently. However, Shadow of the Green Goblin stands out as a high-quality addition to the Spider-Man mythos. DeMatteis's writing showcases his mastery of the character, delivering a dark, psychologically driven narrative that explores the origins of evil in the Green Goblin saga.

The Proto-Goblin, a relatively obscure character, is expertly woven into the narrative. The story focuses on the human element, showcasing the characters outside their superhero identities, emphasizing the psychological descent of the Osborn family into darkness. This is a melancholic yet compelling read that serves as a powerful prequel to DeMatteis's run on Spectacular Spider-Man.

Spider-Man: Reign 2

Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews

Spider-Man: Reign 2 isn't strictly a sequel but more of a reimagining, starting from scratch. In a dystopian New York City, ruled by Wilson Fisk and protected by an electric dome, an aged Peter Parker finds himself in a digital dream with Mary Jane, only to have this illusion shattered by Kitty Cat. The story then involves time travel.

This comic can be viewed as a dark, almost fanfic-like take on the style of Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again. Andrews' signature style, reminiscent of his work on Iron Fist: The Living Weapon, is evident in the graphic violence and unrelenting hatred depicted in the battles.

The comic features elements such as time travel, goblin-like creatures, and a cybernetic Kingpin. It's a violent and emotionally charged story, showcasing Spider-Man's most brutal injuries and his ultimate letting go of the past. The narrative shares similarities with Hickman's Ultimates Spider-Man, depicting a version of the character overwhelmed by his responsibilities.