Despite the negative discourse surrounding Amazing Spider-Man, Friendly Neighborhood comics aren't necessarily at their lowest point. Here we highlight several standout Spider-Man narratives worth your attention. From psychological horror to buddy-cop dynamics, from child-friendly adventures to existential rebirth - welcome to a fresh take on Spider-stories.
We'll explore three distinctive variations: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Which iteration aligns most closely with Insomniac's acclaimed game adaptation?
Table of Contents
- Spine-Tingling Spider-Man
- Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin
- Spider-Man: Reign 2
Spine-Tingling Spider-Man
Writer: Saladin Ahmed
Artist: Juan Ferreira
Originally serialized in 2023 with a conclusion in 2024, this psychological horror story deserves recognition. Beginning as a digital exclusive before transitioning to print, the narrative follows Spider-Man battling sleep deprivation-induced hallucinations while confronting a villain who steals dreams through music.
Ferreira's artwork shines, delivering a Junji Ito-esque visual experience where grotesque nightmares contrast with Peter Parker's simplified form. The limited series escalates the surrealism, placing our hero in increasingly bizarre scenarios resembling Ari Aster's "Beau Is Afraid."
Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Artist: Michael Sta. Maria
This period piece explores the little-known Proto-Goblin, Norman Osborn's failed test subject, through the lens of young Peter Parker. DeMatteis crafts a psychological thriller that predates but foreshadows the Osborn family tragedy, maintaining his reputation for deep character studies.
The story emphasizes civilian drama over superheroics, with Norman's descent into madness forming the narrative backbone. Sta. Maria's artwork effectively captures the creeping dread permeating every interaction.
Spider-Man: Reign 2
Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews
This surreal sequel/reboot presents a dystopian New York ruled by Kingpin, featuring time travel, cybernetic enhancements, and shockingly brutal violence. An elderly Peter, haunted by radioactive consequences, finds redemption through a feline-themed sidekick.
Andrews' signature grotesque style shines through exaggerated character designs and over-the-top action sequences. While tonally inconsistent with mainstream Spider-Man, it offers a fascinating "what-if" scenario of a hero consumed by failure.
