Despite the less-than-stellar reputation of the recent Amazing Spider-Man run, the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man comics aren't entirely down in the dumps. In fact, there are several Spider-Man novelizations worth exploring, offering a diverse range of stories: horror, psychological drama, buddy-movie adventures, children's tales, and even Spidey's end and a new beginning. Prepare for a fresh web-slinging experience with a twist!
This exploration will cover three distinct iterations: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Let's delve into which iteration best aligns with an Insomniac game.
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Spine-Tingling Spider-Man
Writer: Saladin Ahmed Artist: Juan Ferreira
Though initially released digitally in 2023 and concluding in 2024, Spine-Tingling Spider-Man is too compelling to ignore. Beginning as a digital comic, it was reprinted as a one-shot (#0), followed by a four-issue limited series. The comic successfully employs a tried-and-true formula: a talented artist immersing the hero in a psychedelic descent into madness. Ferreira's expressive art, even without dialogue, is remarkably clear and engaging, easily surpassing the already strong script by Saladin Ahmed.
The narrative effectively conveys Peter's anxiety. Ferreira's art is the star of this nightmarish tale, where the primary antagonist, Paul (the other Paul), uses song to steal dreams. Spider-Man fights to stay awake, yet succumbs to unsettling visions, resulting in a captivating blend reminiscent of Spider-Man meeting Junji Ito—a 100-page Ferreira art book come to life.
The limited series showcases even more inventive artwork, placing Spidey in a directed nightmare akin to "Beau Is Afraid," showcasing a series of interconnected night terrors. From the fear of being unrecognized to harassment by a creepy conductor, the anxieties are palpable.
Ferreira masterfully employs a "simple versus detailed" approach, reminiscent of mangaka and Junji Ito's work. Monsters are meticulously rendered, drawing the eye, while a deliberately simple depiction of Peter allows for easy identification and empathy. The result is a striking contrast between hypertrophied monstrous faces and a modest, terrified Peter.
Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis Artist: Michael Sta. Maria
This comic reveals a shocking secret: the first Goblin wasn't Norman Osborn! Uncover the startling origins of the Proto-Goblin, his connection to the Osbornes, and young Peter's role in this unfolding drama.
This flashback series, part of Marvel's nostalgic revisiting of the 80s and 90s, follows a familiar formula: revisiting a character's past, bringing back the original writer, and crafting a "lost" story from that era. While the quality of such flashbacks has varied, Shadow of the Green Goblin stands out as a gem.
DeMatteis, renowned for his work on Spectacular Spider-Man and Kraven's Last Hunt, delivers a dark, psychologically driven narrative. This comic explores the deep trauma of Harry Osborn, foreshadowing his eventual Goblin transformation and tragic fate. DeMatteis delves into the origins of evil, offering a prequel of sorts.
The Proto-Goblin, an obscure character, is cleverly woven into the narrative. The comic masterfully fills the gaps between classic issues, allowing the characters to shed their superhero identities and become relatable individuals. Peter isn't the sole focus; he's entangled in the web of events leading to the Green Goblin's rise. The looming presence of evil is palpable, showcasing how Norman's descent into darkness wasn't sudden but a gradual, family-wide tragedy.
Despite being unjustly overlooked due to the decline in interest in flashback stories, Shadow of the Green Goblin is a melancholic masterpiece that complements 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 own radioactive sperm, finds himself in a digital dream with Mary Jane. However, the young thief Kitty Cat shatters this illusion, forcing them to travel back in time to prevent disaster.
This isn't simply a sequel; it's more of a remake, as Andrews restarts the narrative from the beginning. While familiar to those who experienced the first Spider-Man: Reign, this installment is a standalone experience. Often compared to Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again, it also resonates with Andrews' other work, Iron Fist: The Living Weapon.
Andrews' signature style, evident in Living Weapon, is present here: a frail protagonist facing overwhelming odds, a significant young female character, graphic depictions of violence and trauma, and unrestrained hatred in battle. The comic embraces absurdity: time travel, goblin children, Kingpin as a cybernetic monstrosity, and a shocking Venom transformation.
Andrews expertly portrays extreme violence, showcasing Spider-Man's most brutal injuries yet. The comic shares thematic similarities with Hickman's Ultimates Spider-Man, depicting a hero overwhelmed by his responsibilities. Ultimately, Peter finds redemption and closure.
