For decades, Spider-Man has been a hugely popular hero for Marvel Comics. Unlike DC, which often featured incredibly powerful, almost god-like characters, Marvel aimed for heroes people could connect with. Spider-Man was the perfect example – a teenage outsider and frequent target of bullies who gained superpowers and used them to help others, guided by the important lessons his Uncle Ben taught him about responsibility. Though Peter Parker is now an adult and widely respected, he still carries the weight of past hardships, allowing him to cope with lingering trauma.
With over sixty years of Spider-Man comics, it can be tough for new fans to know where to start. Here are five issues that highlight what makes the character so great and quickly bring you up to speed on his history.
5) Amazing Fantasy #15
If you’re new to Spider-Man, there are a lot of great classic comics to explore, but the best place to start is the very beginning. Amazing Fantasy #15, released in 1962, was Spider-Man’s debut in Marvel Comics, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. It first introduced Peter Parker as a typical high school student who was often picked on.
After being bitten by a radioactive spider and gaining superpowers, Peter became arrogant and focused on fame. He made a critical mistake – letting a criminal get away – which tragically resulted in the death of his Uncle Ben. This event was a turning point, shaping Spider-Man’s commitment to heroism, his strong moral code, and the lasting impact of his past trauma.
4) The Death of Jean DeWolff
A recurring tragedy in Spider-Man’s life is the loss of people he cares about. It started with his Uncle Ben, whose death occurred because Spider-Man didn’t stop a criminal. He then failed to save Gwen Stacy from the Green Goblin, and later, Gwen’s father fell victim to Doctor Octopus. Even the death of his close friend, Harry Osborn, weighed heavily on Peter Parker, who felt responsible. If you’re looking for a powerful example of this theme, a great story to read is The Death of Jean DeWolff.
As a longtime comics reader, I always appreciated the dynamic between Spider-Man and Captain DeWolff – she was one of the few cops who actually trusted him, and they made a great team. This particular story is a real whodunnit; someone murders DeWolff, and Spidey has to solve the case, uncovering the killer’s motives and then deciding how to handle it. Honestly, looking back at all the ‘Spider-Man death plot’ storylines in Marvel, this one stands out as the strongest, purely based on the quality of the narrative.
3) Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 Back To Basics
If you’re new to Spider-Man comics, starting with a more recent series is a great way to jump in and follow what’s happening now. We recommend Spider-Man: Back to Basics by Nick Spencer and Ryan Ottley. It’s perfect for new readers because it reintroduces classic villains and focuses on Spider-Man’s relationships with his family and friends.
This storyline originally aimed to refresh Spider-Man after a lengthy run by writer Dan Slott and essentially restart the series. It’s considered the current official starting point for new readers who want to catch up to the present day.
2) Brand New Day
Fans often group Spider-Man: Brand New Day with Spider-Man: One More Day when talking about the worst Marvel storylines, but that comparison isn’t entirely accurate. One More Day was particularly criticized because it involved Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson sacrificing their marriage in a deal with the devil, Mephisto, to save Aunt May. This also happened while Spider-Man was already struggling with the events of Civil War, leading to a downward spiral.
Despite some initial concerns, Dan Slott’s work on Amazing Spider-Man was strong. He skillfully navigated the direction he was given, even with changes like removing the Mary Jane storyline. Slott delivered several enjoyable adventures, including the introduction of the memorable Superior Spider-Man, before passing the reins to Nick Spencer.
1) Spider-Man: Life Story
As a huge movie and comic book fan, if you’re looking for a really great Spider-Man story that also gives you a fresh look at his past, I can’t recommend Spider-Man: Life Story enough. It’s similar to the equally amazing Fantastic Four: Life Story in that it imagines a Marvel Universe where things don’t reset after every few years. These characters actually age and experience life as it passes, which makes for a really compelling and different take on these classic heroes.
Spider-Man’s origin story remains true to the classic comics – he still gains his powers in the 1960s. While some details are different, the core idea is that Peter Parker ages throughout the series. The story revisits iconic events like the Clone Wars, Secret Wars, and Civil War, but with the added element of the heroes growing older. This offers a fresh look at these key moments, culminating in a future where Peter Parker is in his 70s and the last of his era’s heroes.
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2025-11-06 23:13