Despite the less-than-stellar reception of *Amazing Spider-Man*, the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man comics aren't entirely down in the dumps. In fact, there are several Spider-Man novelizations worth recommending, offering a diverse range of stories: horror and psychological thrillers, buddy-cop adventures, children's tales, and even explorations of Spider-Man's end and new beginnings. Prepare for a fresh take on the web-slinger!
We'll explore three distinct iterations: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Let's dive in and see which Insomniac game vibes resonate with each.
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Spine-Tingling Spider-Man
Writer: Saladin Ahmed Artist: Juan Ferreira
Though initially released digitally in 2023 and concluding in 2024, Spine-Tingling Spider-Man is too good to ignore. Beginning as a digital comic, it was later reprinted as a one-shot (#0) followed by a four-issue limited series. This comic brilliantly utilizes a tried-and-true formula: a talented artist immersing the hero in a psychedelic descent into madness. Ferreira's expressive art style is incredibly impactful, even without dialogue. Ahmed's script is strong, effectively conveying Peter's anxiety without overshadowing Ferreira's breathtaking artwork. The antagonist, Paul, uses song to steal dreams, forcing Spider-Man to fight off sleep while battling unsettling visions. The result? A captivating blend reminiscent of Spider-Man meeting Junji Ito—a 100-page art book of nightmares.
The limited series pushes the artistic boundaries even further, plunging Spidey into a truly directed nightmare reminiscent of "Beau Is Afraid," a relentless barrage of night terrors. From the fear of being unrecognized to the harassment of a creepy conductor, it's a visceral experience.
Ferreira masterfully employs a "simple vs. detailed" approach, drawing inspiration from mangaka and Junji Ito. Monstrous faces are hyper-detailed, drawing the eye, while a simplified, terrified Peter allows for easy identification and empathy.
Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis Artist: Michael Sta. Maria
Uncover the shocking secrets of the Proto-Goblin—the Goblin before Norman Osborn! Explore his connection to the Osborn family and young Peter's early struggles with responsibility.
This flashback series taps into Marvel's nostalgia for the 80s and 90s, utilizing a familiar formula: revisiting a character's past with the original writer, crafting a "lost" story from that era. While the quality of flashback comics has varied, Shadow of the Green Goblin stands out. DeMatteis, known for his legendary run on Spectacular Spider-Man (including Kraven's Last Hunt), delivers a dark, psychologically driven narrative—a Spider-Man story as Dostoevsky might write it.
The comic delves into Harry Osborn's trauma, prefiguring his Goblin transformation and tragic fate. DeMatteis explores the origins of evil, introducing the Proto-Goblin—a relatively obscure character from a 90s Spider-Man #-1 issue. This prequel showcases the slow descent into darkness, focusing on the Osborn family's internal struggles rather than solely on the Goblin serum. Despite the reduced interest in flashback comics, Shadow of the Green Goblin is a gem, a melancholic masterpiece that complements Spectacular Spider-Man.
Spider-Man: Reign 2
Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews
Wilson Fisk rules a New York City sealed within 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 idyllic existence. Together, they journey back in time to avert disaster.
This installment isn't strictly a sequel; it's more of a remake, starting anew. Andrews' style evokes Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again, while the overall tone mirrors Iron Fist: The Living Weapon.
Andrews' signature style is evident: a frail protagonist facing brutal foes, a significant young female character, graphic violence, and unrestrained hatred. Reign 2 features time travel, Goblin children, and a cybernetic Kingpin, pushing the boundaries of absurdity. The extreme violence and emotional turmoil create a unique experience, comparable to Hickman's Ultimates Spider-Man, offering a catastrophic vision of Peter overwhelmed by his responsibilities. Ultimately, however, it allows Peter a final chance at redemption.
