10 Best Things That Happened in Spider-Man Comics

Spider-Man is Marvel’s most beloved hero, known for bringing the unique Marvel approach to character creation-making them relatable and similar to readers-to fruition. Over the years, Spider-Man has graced the pages of countless comics, offering fans some of the best stories ever told in this medium, featuring the Web-Slinger. Spider-Man has deeply permeated pop culture, with Marvel capitalizing on his versatility and popularity. In various modern media forms, Spider-Man can be found, but comics have always been his primary domain, where his stories originated and adaptations would later develop.

In recent times, there’s a diverse range of opinions among comic enthusiasts regarding the Spider-Man series. Today, though, we’re focusing on the positives. Throughout the years, countless remarkable events have unfolded within the Spider-Man universe, but here are the top ten stories, concepts, and creative runs that significantly contributed to shaping Spider-Man into the beloved character he is today.

10) Spider-Man as an Avenger

For a long time, Spider-Man played a significant role in the Marvel Universe, but he wasn’t actually an Avenger. He was a backup member and fought alongside them on numerous occasions throughout the years, but he never officially joined their main team. However, everything shifted with the introduction of New Avengers, as Spider-Man finally earned his place among the ranks. This development perfectly suited Spider-Man, allowing him to progress from a struggling hero to one of the most revered superheroes in the community. Furthermore, this change led to remarkable storylines like Civil War and its subsequent events. I highly recommend checking out the tie-in issues of The Amazing Spider-Man and “Back in Black”; they’re truly outstanding.

9) J. Michael Straczynski Taking Over as The Amazing Spider-Man Writer

During the ’90s, Spider-Man fans experienced a prolonged period of disappointment. The Clone Saga initially showed promise but extended for an excessive duration, causing Marvel’s Spider-Man comics to spiral downward. Matters worsened when John Byrne was given creative control over the character. However, things began to change for the better when Joe Quesada became Editor in Chief at Marvel.

Quesada successfully persuaded J. Michael Straczynski, renowned creator of Babylon 5 and Rising Stars, to take on The Amazing Spider-Man. This new creative direction reignited fan enthusiasm for the series. Straczynski’s work on the character was nothing short of exceptional, drawing fans back to The Amazing Spider-Man after years of neglect. His run is often hailed as the finest Spider-Man storyline of the 21st century, outshining the issues that came before it.

8) The Spider-Verse

The Spider-Verse, launched in 2014 during Dan Slott’s eight-year tenure on The Amazing Spider-Man, is now a renowned part of the Spider-Man mythology. This epic story pitted the universe’s Spider-characters (both male and female) against the Inheritors, energy vampires who drained the multiverse’s Spider-People. Originating from Morlun, a villain created by J. Michael Straczynski, this concept of multiple Spider-realities divided fans, but its appeal is undeniable. Highlights include the introduction of remarkable new Spider-Man characters like Spider-Gwen, Spider-Punk, the Indian Spider-Man, and many others. Furthermore, it set the stage for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, a film that has secured its place among the best superhero animated films.

7) The Spectacular Spider-Man by J.M. DeMatteis and Sal Buscema

J.M. DeMatteis, a renowned comics veteran, particularly shined in his work on Spider-Man, crafting what I consider to be the finest Spider-Man story – “Kraven’s Last Hunt”. DeMatteis demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the character. In 1991, he reunited with Marvel artist Sal Buscema for issues #178 to #203 of The Spectacular Spider-Man. The result was an outstanding Spider-Man series that managed to blend classic Spidey charm with a contemporary feel. Although it lacked the flashiness of The Amazing Spider-Man, it was no less remarkable. This era is notable for the transformation of Harry Osborn into the Green Goblin, offering readers a rich tapestry of stories as Peter grappled with his longtime friend turned adversary. Issue #200 of The Spectacular Spider-Man stands out as one of the best single issues of Spider-Man from the last four decades. This run showcased the potential for creative exploration in Spider-Man stories.

6) The Return of Norman Osborn

The Clone Saga, although causing chaos for Spider-Man, had its merits. Initially, the beginning stages were quite intriguing, as sales remained high, and Marvel seemed to have been driven by avarice. This prolonged storyline took years to conclude, but it ultimately offered readers something significant: the revival of Norman Osborn. In “The Amazing Spider-Man” #122, Norman perished, leaving a void that necessitated the introduction of new arch-nemeses such as Hobgoblin. Harry Osborn returned as the Green Goblin in the early ’90s but did not last long as a formidable foe. The ingenious decision to resurrect Norman as a key player in the Clone Saga was captivating, and it could have generated more reader satisfaction if implemented a few years earlier. By reinstating Norman, Spider-Man regained his most formidable adversary, and Marvel restored one of its most iconic villains.

Norman’s return paved the way for his compelling narrative in “Civil War” (featured in “Civil War: Frontline”) and culminated in “Siege.” This moment deserves more recognition than it receives, and the climactic battle of the Clone Saga in “Spider-Man” #75 is intense.

5) The Original Ultimate Spider-Man

In the year 2000, Spider-Man enthusiasts were going through a challenging phase. The movies “Peter Parker: Spider-Man” and “The Amazing Spider-Man” didn’t quite meet expectations, but things were about to look up with the introduction of “Ultimate Spider-Man” (Vol. 1). This reboot of Spider-Man provided a fresh start for Peter Parker’s story, which resonated strongly with fans. The writing was handled by Brian Michael Bendis, who proved to be an excellent fit for Spider-Man, and the art was done by Mark Bagley, considered by many as the superior artist compared to McFarlane and Larsen.

The original Ultimate Universe aimed to modernize the traditional Marvel Universe, and Bendis and Bagley excelled in this endeavor. Although not every aspect was perfect, it offered a refreshing break from the mainline Peter Parker series. “Ultimate Spider-Man” was a highly acclaimed title throughout its run, even as other Ultimate series struggled. Eventually, the Ultimate Spider-Man storyline would give birth to one of the most significant Spider-man characters ever – Miles Morales. “Ultimate Spider-Man” is often hailed as a legendary comic series; it emerged during Marvel’s efforts to revitalize Spider-Man and was cherished by many fans as the highlight of that era.

4) The Symbiote Costume and Its Consequences

In the Marvel Universe, symbiotes play a significant role, originating from the Spiderman comic series. Their story began during the “Secret Wars,” a time when Spiderman needed a new suit. He was provided with a black one from a machine, marking the commencement of the symbiote saga. The suit attempted to bond with Peter Parker, who eventually discarded it in a church. Later, Eddie Brock found this symbiote, giving birth to the iconic character Venom. In the ’90s, Venom became one of Marvel’s most beloved characters. Since their introduction, symbiotes have been a memorable element in Spiderman comics, and Marvel has produced numerous popular event books centered around them.

3) The new Ultimate Spider-Man

The Amazing Spider-Man” has been a controversial yet popular comic over time due to Marvel’s continued focus on portraying Peter Parker as lonely and impoverished, even destroying his marriage with Mary Jane Watson. However, many fans found solace in 2023 with the release of “Ultimate Spider-Man” (Vol. 2), which is part of Marvel’s new Ultimate Universe, diverging significantly from the primary Marvel Universe. This fresh take on Spider-Man showcases an older Peter Parker who had always remained a civilian, married to Mary Jane Watson, and together they had two children. However, their peaceful life would be disrupted when Peter was offered the chance to become Spider-Man. “Ultimate Spider-Man” (Vol. 2) quickly gained favor among fans, with its popularity growing as the issues progressed. While some readers criticized the book’s title, arguing that it should instead be called “Ultimate Green Goblin” due to the significant roles played by Harry and Gwen Stacy, most agree that it remains an excellent read, featuring one of the strongest supporting casts in current comics. Sadly, “Ultimate Spider-Man” (Vol. 2) is set to conclude with issue #24, leaving many fans disappointed.

2) The Death of Gwen Stacy

In the comics of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ during the Silver Age and Bronze Age, Gwen Stacy served as Peter Parker’s first love. She was a dynamic character, though far from the perfect, angelic portrayals of her in more recent times. To truly understand Gwen’s nature, I would recommend reading ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ #400 back-up story titled “I remember Gwen,” which provides an unvarnished look at her personality.

Gwen had a significant impact on Peter’s life, but their relationship in the comic often presented Gwen as a somewhat controlling girlfriend, posing challenges not only to Peter personally but also to his Spider-Man career. Her character was a hindrance more than just an obstacle in the narrative.

Gwen’s death marked a significant turning point in Spider-Man’s history, emphasizing that he must always remain vigilant. It paved the way for a much healthier relationship with Mary Jane Watson.

1) The Marriage Between Peter Parker and Mary Jane

Peter Parker’s union with Mary Jane Watson significantly shaped his character development, serving as an integral aspect of the evolution of Spider-Man. The transformation of this web-slinging hero was profound, stemming from both personal growth and life changes. His marriage to Mary Jane symbolized this maturation, marking a significant milestone in the narrative history of the character. It resonated deeply with readers, earning a place among the most cherished aspects of the Spider-Man saga. Adored for her unwavering support, understanding, and occasional sternness, Mary Jane was the ideal partner for Spider-Man, enabling him to balance his dual life effectively. For many Spider-Man enthusiasts of the 2000s, this marriage formed a cornerstone of their Spider-Man fandom, garnering widespread affection as an essential component of the Spider-Man journey. Regrettably, the editorial team at Marvel Comics during that era deemed it undesirable, leading to the criticized storyline “One More Day.” Nevertheless, the marriage catapulted the Spider-Man comics to new heights and remains a highlight in their illustrious history.

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2025-08-24 18:20