Spider-Man first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15 back in 1962, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. He’s been a constant presence in comics for over 60 years, often starring in several different titles each month, and many artists have illustrated his adventures. While designs have varied over the years, the most talented artists have consistently kept Spider-Man recognizable with subtle changes. These exceptional artists don’t just draw a great Spider-Man; they also create stunning scenes and layouts that are considered some of the best in Marvel history.
This list highlights the most talented artists who have worked on Spider-Man, from the character’s original creator to those who helped establish him as a legendary figure in Marvel Comics.
7) Todd McFarlane
Todd McFarlane significantly impacted Spider-Man comics. He started at Marvel in 1984 at age 23, contributing a short story to Coyote #11. After working for both Marvel and DC for a couple of years, he began working on The Amazing Spider-Man with issue #298. McFarlane quickly became known for his distinctive style, notably larger eyes for Spider-Man and highly detailed web designs.
Todd McFarlane rapidly gained popularity with fans, and he’s remembered for co-creating Eddie Brock and Venom, introducing the symbiotes to Marvel Comics. He stopped working on The Amazing Spider-Man after issue #328 and then took over the Spider-Man title in 1990, serving as both writer and artist. After 16 issues, he left Marvel to become a co-founder of Image Comics, where he launched his creation, Spawn.
6) Ross Andru
As a lifelong comic book fan, I always felt Ross Andru defined how Spider-Man looked for a lot of us growing up. He really shaped Peter Parker’s visual identity. But it’s not just Spidey – he’s the artist who first brought the Punisher to life on the page, which instantly makes him a legend. Seriously, the guy worked in comics for over sixty years, and his impact on Spider-Man, in particular, was huge. He’s a real cornerstone of the medium.
He began his career with brief contributions to Marvel Team-Up before spending five years working on The Amazing Spider-Man, which was Marvel’s top-selling comic at the time. He also illustrated the groundbreaking crossover event, Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man, in 1976. Overall, Andru worked on Spider-Man comics from 1972 to 1978, completing 51 issues of The Amazing Spider-Man.
5) Erik Larsen
Erik Larsen was a key founder of Image Comics, along with Todd McFarlane and Rob Liefeld. Interestingly, he later took over drawing The Amazing Spider-Man when McFarlane moved on to another project. Larsen worked on the Spider-Man comic from issue 329 to 350, having contributed to a few issues previously, and he also stepped in to replace McFarlane, starting with issue #18.
Erik Larsen significantly shaped Venom into the character fans recognize today, building upon Todd McFarlane’s initial work. After leaving Marvel, Larsen co-founded Image Comics and is most celebrated for creating Savage Dragon, a series he actually began before he ever worked for Marvel.
4) John Romita, Sr.
John Romita Sr. is a highly respected name in comic books. He took over drawing The Amazing Spider-Man with issue #39, after Steve Ditko left Marvel due to a disagreement with Stan Lee. During Romita’s time on the title, Spider-Man became Marvel’s best-selling comic, even exceeding The Fantastic Four in sales. Romita significantly shaped the character, notably co-creating the iconic look of Mary Jane Watson, a fan-favorite character.
As a lifelong Spider-Man fan, I was so saddened to hear about the passing of John Romita Sr. in 2023. He didn’t just draw Spider-Man – he defined so much of what I loved about those early issues! Beyond Spider-Man himself, he helped create iconic villains like Rhino and Shocker, and even important characters like Wilson Fisk and George Stacy. I remember being completely gripped by his art, and he was behind the scenes for one of the most famous and heartbreaking issues ever, “The Night Gwen Stacy Died.” After his time as a primary artist, he continued to shape Marvel as their art director, leaving behind an incredible legacy that will always be remembered. He was a true legend.
3) Mark Bagley
I remember when Mark Bagley first broke into Marvel back in ’83. He won their talent search, the Marvel Try-Out Book contest, and started with some smaller projects. But his big break came in ’91 when Erik Larsen moved off The Amazing Spider-Man. Bagley stepped in, and it was a fantastic fit! In fact, he even co-created one of Spider-Man’s most terrifying villains, Carnage, around that time. It really launched his career.
Bagley gained recognition for his work on the popular Venom: Lethal Protector miniseries, which is still a fan favorite. He also contributed to major storylines like Maximum Carnage and the Clone Saga. Later in his career, he collaborated with Brian Michael Bendis on Ultimate Spider-Man for an impressive 111 issues.
2) Steve Ditko
Though many artists have drawn Spider-Man, Steve Ditko is arguably the most influential. He and Stan Lee originally created the character in Amazing Fantasy #15 and then collaborated on the first 38 issues of The Amazing Spider-Man. This partnership resulted in Ditko co-creating many of Spider-Man’s most iconic characters, including Aunt May, J. Jonah Jameson, Doctor Octopus, Sandman, and Electro.
Steve Ditko was a prolific artist who helped create iconic characters like Doctor Strange, Dormammu, Eternity, Green Goblin, and Squirrel Girl, among many others. He left Marvel Comics in 1966 due to creative differences with Stan Lee, and John Romita Sr. then took over the artwork for Amazing Spider-Man. Ditko’s significant contributions to comics were recognized with inductions into both the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 1994.
1) John Romita Jr.
John Romita Jr. continued the family tradition at Marvel Comics, becoming a renowned artist like his father. His father was a key figure in Spider-Man’s history, designing the look of Mary Jane Watson and illustrating iconic storylines like the deaths of Gwen Stacy and the Green Goblin. While carrying a significant legacy, Romita Jr. ultimately exceeded even his father’s accomplishments.
Romita Jr. first contributed to Spider-Man with a short six-page story, “Chaos at the Coffee Bean,” published in The Amazing Spider-Man #78 in 1977. He then became a regular artist on the title starting with issue #208 in 1980. During his long run on The Amazing Spider-Man, which has now spanned over 44 years, he created iconic characters like Madame Web and the Hobgoblin.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
Read More
- One of Razer’s top gaming headsets — now over 40% off on Amazon
- I’ve Been Rewatching The Twilight Movies (Again), And Bella Should Have Become A Vampire Way Sooner
- BTC PREDICTION. BTC cryptocurrency
- Every Original Avenger, Ranked By Their MCU Costumes (#2 Is Actually the Best)
- Kelly Osbourne Shared Last Video With Ozzy Osbourne Days Before Death
- Resident Evil Requiem Won’t Receive New Details in Capcom’s TGS 2025 Special Program
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Transformers Officially Kick Off New Era With Anticipated Robert Kirkman Collaboration
- Monster Hunter Wilds Latest Update Causing Major Issues for Players
- How To Watch Under The Bridge And Stream Every Episode Of This Shocking True Crime Series Free From Anywhere
2025-11-13 22:20