“The Amazing Spider-Man” comic has gone through a few different incarnations since its original launch as a monthly periodical back in 1963. Within three years Marvel introduced “Peter Parker, the Superior Spider-Man,” while the flagship series continued until 1995 before relaunching (with numbers added to each edition) in 1999, and switched back to the original numbering in 2003. About a decade later Marvel unveiled “the Superior Spider-Man” comic book series that ran until 2019. Nick Spencer and Ryan Ottley kicked off the most recent installment of series in 2018. The latest release, “The Amazing Spider-Man #62,” which was written by Spencer and illustrated by Patrick Gleason, features Spider-Man in a new icy blue costume. According to the Marvel description, the plot centers around Kingpin returning with a personal vendetta against Peter Parker and New York City will pay the price. Meanwhile, another fuse lit more than 30 issues ago reaches an explosive destination in the story.
Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Spider-Man made his comic book debut in the 1962 anthology series “Amazing Fantasy.” From the start, Peter Parker came off as the kind of super hero that you can’t help but root for, which probably has to do with his relatable backstory. Lee wanted Spider-Man to tackle issues of rejection, loneliness, and inadequacy by adding emotional layers to the Parker character. Parker is an orphaned teenager raised by his Aunt May and Uncle Ben living a seemingly mundane life in New York City until he gets bitten by a spider and transforms into the masked, web-slinging hero whose story captivates audiences young and old. In honor of the new Spider-Man comic books on the way, we put together a list of must-have comics to add to your collection of graphic novels.
“Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1: Back to Basics”
“Amazing Spiderman (1962): #15 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby”
Since we’re already doing a little time traveling through comics let’s turn the clock back to 1962’s “Amazing Spider-Man.” Written by Lee and Kirby, the plot centers around Spider-Man’s origin story and what it’s like to gain superpowers overnight. This title is a must-have for any Spider-Man fan.
“Spider-Man: Birth of Venom”
Spider-Man becomes unraveled when his costume tries to get darker, literally and figuratively speaking. Getting rid of the costume ends up being a bigger mistake when its alien entity bonds with mortal madness to form Venom. Additionally, “Spider-Man: Birth of Venom” features the first appearance of Puma and the Rose, plus a startling secret about Mary Jane Watson, the Fantastic Four, and more.
“Amazing Spider-Man: Worldwide Vol. 1”
Spidey goes global in this 2015 comic book release by Dan Slot with illustrations from Alex Ross. Parker becomes CEO of a global tech company with offices in London, Shanghai, and London in the story which features a bunch of classic allies and foes.
“Marvel Action Spider-Man: A New Beginning”
“Spider-Man: A New Beginning,” is a kid-friendly option for younger readers, but adults can also get tangled up in the adventures of Spider-Man and his friends. The 80-page book was written by Delilah Dawson and illustrated by Fico Ossio.
“Spider-Man Life Story”
In celebration of Marvel’s 80th Anniversary, Chip Zdarsky and “Spider-Man” legend Mark Bagley unite for a unique Spidey tale that delves into the entire history of Spider-Man. From the Vietnam War, to Civil War, to what might end up being a 72-year-old Spider-Man’s final mission “Spider-Man Life Story” is a journey through 57 years of groundbreaking history.
“Kraven’s Last Hunt: Deluxe Edition”
Considered to be one of the best Spider-Man comics ever, “Kraven’s Last Hunt” marks a battle between the maniacal Kraven the Hunter and the your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Kraven hunts down Spider-Man, defeats him, seemingly shoots him dead and even buries him, but Spider-Man prevails. He’s revived from the tranquilizer shot two weeks later, digs himself out of the grave, and goes head-to-head with Kraven. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
