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

Dive into the surprisingly robust world of recent Spider-Man comics! Despite the mixed reception of Amazing Spider-Man, several novelizations offer compelling narratives. From horror and psychological thrillers to buddy-cop adventures and even a fresh take on Spidey's origin, there's something for every fan. We'll explore three distinct styles: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Let's see which resonates most with an Insomniac Games title.

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

Spanning 2023 and 2024, this initially digital-only comic (later reprinted) delivers a psychedelic descent into madness. Ferreira's expressive art style, even without dialogue, conveys Peter's anxiety perfectly. Ahmed's script complements Ferreira's visuals, focusing on the unsettling visions that plague Spider-Man, culminating in a Junji Ito-esque nightmare.

The limited series expands on this, plunging Spidey into a directed nightmare reminiscent of "Beau Is Afraid." Ferreira masterfully employs a "simple vs. detailed" approach, highlighting monstrous faces against a backdrop of a simple, terrified Peter.

Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin

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

Uncover the shocking origins of the Proto-Goblin, predating Norman Osborn! This flashback series delves into young Peter's early struggles and the unsettling beginnings of the Green Goblin's reign of terror.

This isn't just nostalgia; it's a masterclass in psychological drama from DeMatteis, exploring the deep-seated trauma of Harry Osborn and the insidious roots of Norman's evil.

The Proto-Goblin, a relatively obscure character, is expertly woven into the narrative, showcasing DeMatteis's ability to craft a compelling story within the established continuity. The focus shifts from superheroics to the human drama, highlighting the gradual descent into darkness of the Osborn family.

Spider-Man: Reign 2

Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews

This isn't so much a sequel as a reimagining. Andrews restarts the story, depicting a broken, guilt-ridden Peter in a dystopian New York City. The narrative, often compared to Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again, features time travel, grotesque villains, and brutal violence.

Andrews' signature style, evident in Iron Fist: The Living Weapon, is on full display: raw emotion, intense action, and unflinching depictions of violence. This is a bleak, uncompromising vision of Spider-Man pushed to his absolute limit, culminating in a cathartic release.