Despite the less-than-stellar reputation surrounding 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 Spidey's end and new beginnings. Prepare for a fresh, twisty web of narratives.
These stories can be categorized into three iterations: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Let's delve into each, exploring which resonates with an Insomniac game.
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Spine-Tingling Spider-Man
Writer: Saladin Ahmed
Artist: Juan Ferreira
Spanning 2023 and into 2024, Spine-Tingling Spider-Man initially debuted digitally before a print one-shot (#0) and a four-issue limited series. This comic brilliantly leverages a tried-and-true concept: immersing the hero in a psychedelic whirlwind of madness, expertly rendered by Ferreira. His expressive art shines, conveying emotion even without words, easily surpassing the already strong script by Ahmed.
The narrative effectively portrays Peter's anxiety, but Ferreira's art truly steals the show. The primary antagonist, Paul (the other Paul) from the Zero-One-Shot, uses song to steal dreams, forcing Spider-Man to fight off sleep while battling unsettling visions. The result is a captivating blend reminiscent of a Spider-Man meets Junji Ito collaboration, a 100-page masterpiece of Ferreira's artistic skill.
The limited series pushes the artistic boundaries even further, plunging Spidey into a directed nightmare akin to "Beau Is Afraid," a series of interconnected night terrors. From the fear of being unrecognized to harassment by a creepy conductor, the visuals are breathtaking.
Ferreira masterfully employs a "simple vs. detailed" approach, reminiscent of mangaka and Junji Ito's work. Monstrous faces are hyper-detailed, drawing the eye, while a simpler, terrified Peter allows for easy identification and relatability.
Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Artist: Michael Sta. Maria
Uncover the shocking secrets of the Proto-Goblin—a Goblin before Norman Osborn! Explore his connection to the Osborn family and young Peter's role in this unfolding drama.
This flashback series, a product of Marvel's nostalgia marketing, follows a familiar formula: revisiting a character's past, bringing back the original author, and crafting a "lost" story from that era. While the quality of such flashbacks has been inconsistent, Shadow of the Green Goblin stands out as an exception.
DeMatteis, renowned for his work on Spectacular Spider-Man (including the legendary Kraven's Last Hunt), delivers a dark, psychologically-driven narrative. It's a story that explores the deep trauma of Harry Osborn, foreshadowing his Goblin transformation and tragic demise. This prequel delves into the origins of evil, examining the family's descent into darkness.
The Proto-Goblin, a relatively obscure character, is masterfully woven into the narrative. DeMatteis reveals the first Goblin, created in the '90s, as Nels van Adder, an employee who became the first victim of Norman Osborn's Goblin serum.
The focus isn't solely on superheroics; the story emphasizes the characters' humanity. Peter is not the central figure; he's entangled in the web of events leading to the Green Goblin's emergence. The looming presence of evil is palpable, showcasing a gradual descent into darkness rather than a sudden transformation. This overlooked gem is a must-read, especially for fans of Spectacular Spider-Man.
Spider-Man: Reign 2
Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews
In a New York City ruled by Wilson Fisk and protected by an electric dome to keep out zombies, an aged Peter Parker, killed by his radioactive sperm, finds himself in a digital dream where he can live with Mary Jane. However, a young thief, Kitty Cat, shatters this illusion, forcing them to journey back in time to avert disaster.
This installment isn't a true sequel but more of a remake, starting anew. Andrews' style is reminiscent of Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again and his own Iron Fist: The Living Weapon.
Andrews' signature style is evident: a frail protagonist facing overwhelming odds, a young girl in a significant role, graphic violence, and unrestrained hatred. The comic embraces absurdity with time travel, Goblin children, and a cybernetic Kingpin. A spoiler involving Venom adds a layer of extreme, heartbreaking intensity.
Andrews' expertise in depicting violence is on full display, showcasing Spider-Man's most brutal injuries. The story resonates with Hickman's Ultimates Spider-Man, portraying a hero overwhelmed by his responsibilities. Ultimately, Peter finds closure and release from his past burdens.
