Marvel Team-Up #100: The Reason Is Karma
Probably one of the most overlooked Marvel stories and the greatest Spider-Man team-up. It involves mutants and mind control and introduces some new characters. It’s classic Frank Miller and on par with Daredevil: Born Again.
The Amazing Spider-Man #229 & 230: Nothing Can Stop The Juggernaut
Spidey is trying desperately to take down Juggernaut but is continually defeated. But Spider-Man, facing great adversity, never gives up and shows us why he’s the best superhero.
Amazing Fantasy #15: Introducing Spider-Man
You can’t know and read Spider-Man with out reading the story that started it all. Spidey’s origin is as ingrained in our memories as Batman and Superman. The original tale by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko changed superhero comics forever. Conceived of as a story no one would read in a soon-to-be cancelled tittle, it instead cemented MARVEL as a comic book powerhouse and introduced Spider-Man to the world who embraced him.
Spidey is trying desperately to take down Juggernaut but is continually defeated. But Spider-Man, facing great adversity, never gives up and shows us why he’s the best superhero.
Amazing Fantasy #15: Introducing Spider-Man
You can’t know and read Spider-Man with out reading the story that started it all. Spidey’s origin is as ingrained in our memories as Batman and Superman. The original tale by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko changed superhero comics forever. Conceived of as a story no one would read in a soon-to-be cancelled tittle, it instead cemented MARVEL as a comic book powerhouse and introduced Spider-Man to the world who embraced him.
The Amazing Spider-Man #248: The Kid Who Collected Spider-Man
This is one of those emotional Spider-Man stories. Spider-Man visits Tim Harrison, a boy dying of Lukiemia, because his wish was to meet Spidey in person. Tim asks Spider-Man to reveal his identity.
The Amazing Spider-Man #31-33: If This Be My Destiny!
This is the classic Lee and Ditko (Mostly Ditko) Silver Age Spider-Man story. These issues are particularly timely in the wake of ASM #700 and SSM #1. Doc Ock was seen as Spidey’s quintessential enemy and these issues cemented that fact. He pushes Spider-Man to his limits and, in turn, gives us that iconic 5 page spread of Spidey lifting that machine off his body before he drowns. It’s the ultimate feel-good Spidey story.
The Amazing Spider-Man #300, 315-317: Venom
‘Nuff said right? Eddie Brock get’s the discarded Symbiote Suit from Peter and get’s all the powers of Spider-Man. He can even get close to Spidey without tripping his Spider-Sense. Fortunately Peter has the brain of a scientist and uses it to defeat Venom. These issues also launched McFarlane into super stardom.
The Amazing Spider-Man #221 & 222: The Death Of Gwen Stacey
Also, the death of Norman Osborn/Green Goblin. The “damsel in distress” plot was used often in comics but here there was no happy ending. At the time Gwen’s death was out right shocking and still remains one of the few deaths in comics that’s never been reversed. Certainly one of the most iconic moments in comic history.
This is one of those emotional Spider-Man stories. Spider-Man visits Tim Harrison, a boy dying of Lukiemia, because his wish was to meet Spidey in person. Tim asks Spider-Man to reveal his identity.
The Amazing Spider-Man #31-33: If This Be My Destiny!
This is the classic Lee and Ditko (Mostly Ditko) Silver Age Spider-Man story. These issues are particularly timely in the wake of ASM #700 and SSM #1. Doc Ock was seen as Spidey’s quintessential enemy and these issues cemented that fact. He pushes Spider-Man to his limits and, in turn, gives us that iconic 5 page spread of Spidey lifting that machine off his body before he drowns. It’s the ultimate feel-good Spidey story.
The Amazing Spider-Man #300, 315-317: Venom
‘Nuff said right? Eddie Brock get’s the discarded Symbiote Suit from Peter and get’s all the powers of Spider-Man. He can even get close to Spidey without tripping his Spider-Sense. Fortunately Peter has the brain of a scientist and uses it to defeat Venom. These issues also launched McFarlane into super stardom.
The Amazing Spider-Man #221 & 222: The Death Of Gwen Stacey
Also, the death of Norman Osborn/Green Goblin. The “damsel in distress” plot was used often in comics but here there was no happy ending. At the time Gwen’s death was out right shocking and still remains one of the few deaths in comics that’s never been reversed. Certainly one of the most iconic moments in comic history.
That’s it, my most essential Spider-Man stories. I didn’t include any current ones because, as I said, I prefer the older stuff. Let’s face it, the older stuff is usually the best.
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