Top 15 Spider-Man Stories. [Archive] - Comic Book Resources Forums

Mister Mets

07-15-2005, 01:15 PM

In honor of my thousandth post, I'm going to do something I've wanted to do for a long time, and post an in-depth analysis of my 15 favorite Spider-Man stories. The only criteria for the stories is that they have to be about Spider-Man (which is why Marvels, and Earth X are exempt) and in my opinion, better than all the rest. Some of the stories are the most famous in Spider-Man history, and there may be a few you've never heard of. I actually wanted to do a Top 50 list, but I kept changing my mind too often (something I didn't do with the Top 15, and 15's a really appropriate number.)

Feel free to agree, disagree, post your own lists, criticize me for wasting your time, etc.

15. What If Volume 2 # 89 "Arachnomorphosis"
http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/3864/400/3864_4_088.jpg
Credits:
Ben Raab (Script), Ariel Olivetti (Pencils), Agostin Comoto (Inks), Marie Javins (Color); Malibu (Enhancement) (Colors), Richard Starkings; Comicraft (Letters).

This is sure to be the most obscure story on my list. It's basically the story of Spider-Man retold as a really dark horror tale. Peter, and Gwen got married, but Gwen died in childbirth. The spider bite has affected Peter in a very different way, and a half-man, half-spider monster wanders around his house sometimes. The dog's gone missing. Peter's son Ben doesn't like him very much, or anyone else in the world, except for Sara Joy Watson, a girl who's never seen Ben without his hat. Ben's also mutating into something, so Peter makes arrangements to send him to the Xavier School for Gifted Mutants. and Ben makes the mistake of running away. Peter also has a few days left to live, and has only one chance to save himself, but he may have to give it up. And in case you didn't realize it from the plot, it doesn't end very well for the Parkers.
This is just a really dark affecting twist on the character that I would recommend to anyone. I'm sure it's available in dollar bins all over the country, and I really recommend it to anyone who finds a copy.

Dark Soul # 7

07-15-2005, 01:18 PM

Intressting start to the list.
I always love these kinds of things.

Mister Mets

07-15-2005, 02:03 PM

14. Spider-Man & Human Torch #1-5

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/HumanToch.jpg

Credits:
Dan Slott (Script), Ty Templeton (Pencils), Nelson (Inks), F. Serrano (Colors), Dave Lanphear (Letters).

For those of you unfamiliar with this storyline, it's basically a series of four untold Spider-Man & Human Torch team-ups, and a fifth one set in the present (well, now the post New Avengers, pre-Civil War period). The first issue is set in the Lee-Ditko days, and has the Human Torch hire Peter Parker as a photographer for the publicity. To get the publicity, the Human Torch decides to tackle Doctor Doom himself, and Spider-Man has to save him, in a way that's going to make J. Jonah Jameson very happy. The second issue is set in the Lee-Romita days, as Spider-Man and the The Human Torch decide to swap jobs for a day. Spider-Man goes on a mission into the negative zone with the F4 and makes a big mistake, while the Human Torch helps Captain Stacy fight one of Spider-Man's enemies, who has become a drug dealer. The third issue has Peter Parker become an intern for the Fantastic Four and chaos ensues, as the other intern's revealed to be a spy working for the Red Ghost. The fourth issue has the Black Cat seduce the Human Torch to get his help into breaking into the Wakandian embassy. Spider-Man of course tries to stop her, and encounters one of the premier superheroes of the Marvel Universe. The fifth issue's set in the current day, as the Human Torch visits Spider-Man's school. All I can say is that it should have had more of a lasting impact on the Marvel Universe, and that this entire mini series (and especially the fifth issue) was one of the most enjoyable comic books that I've ever read.

There's so many great moments that make this story worth picking up, including a spot-on parody of the Hostess Cupcakes ads of the seventies, Paste Pot Pete's decision to change his name, the Human Torch helping police get a confession from a drug dealer (makes me laugh just thinking about how he did it), and a final dinner party which changes the status quo forever in a really good way. I especially love Peter Parker telling Franklin Richards that he has it on the best authority that Uncle Bens are great, and Ben looking at Franklin wearing his Spider-Man shirt, and saying "You're going to like this guy."

And in case you argue that this is really a collection of five stories rather than one, I'll argue that these are five insanely fun stories, and the stories all serve to establish Peter Parker's relationship with the Human Torch, and the Fantastic Four, crucial for the final sequence. What's also amazing that the individual untold tales are better than the average comics from the period they're set in.

This story was reprinted as an eight dollar digest. And despite low sales on the storyline, Dan Slott ended up as one of the Amazing Spider-Man writers. I hope to see him write a few stories that'll knock this one off the list.

Dark Soul # 7

07-15-2005, 02:19 PM

I agree with you.
Even if it´s a brand new story Spider-man/Human Torch earns a place on the supreme wall of fame of Spider-man stories.

Mister Mets

07-15-2005, 08:32 PM

13. Disaster "Amazing Spider-Man Volume 1 #53-59"
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Disaster1.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Disaster2.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Disaster3.jpg

Credits:
Stan Lee (Script), John Romita (Pencils), Mike Esposito (Inks), ? (Colors), Sam Rosen (Letters).

The story's been reprinted in....
Marvel Tales #41-47, Essential Spider-Man Volume 3, Marvel Masterworks- Spider-Man Volume 6, The 40 years of Amazing Spider-Man CD Rom

For a little while, I was convinced that this was the best Spider-Man story I've ever read, and it's only fallen a little bit in my esteem. The story begins with a decent Spider-Man VS. Doctor Octopus battle which doesn't become truly great until Doctor Octopus finds a spider tracer, and sets a nice and suitably nasty trap for Spidey. The next issue ups the ante as Doctor Octopus meets an old friend- May Parker, and agrees to be a boarder at her house. Peter finds him, but I love the sincerity with which Otto comforts May, and threatens Peter. They fight of course, but May has a heart attack, and the wall gets destroyed, and in the next issue Peter worries whether or not insurance will pay for it. In later issues, Ock steals a weapon called the Ultimate Nullifier from Stark International, a device which can stop any machine, and I just love how he gloats, and hopes that Iron Man tries to stop him. It's no surprise that it's used on Spider-Man of course and robs him of his memory, which Doctor Octopus uses to convince Spider-Man that he's a villain (it's a nice ironic moment when an editorial by J. Jonah Jameson helps.)

Doctor Octopus is beaten, but not by Spider-Man, and I just love how the hero does not regain his memory by the story's end. Meanwhile Peter's friends think Spider-Man kidnapped him, and J. Jonah Jameson convinces one of the Marvel Universe's greatest superheroes to attack Spider-Man (a decision he'll come to regret.) When that plan goes to hell, he teams up with a now psychotic Spencer Smythe, who has built a new Spider Slayer, a powerful robot that Spider-Man must outsmart. And even when Peter regains his memories, he has to explain to friends, and families just where he was. And I haven't even mentioned the exceptional art by John Romita Jr (though the covers should make that abundantly clear.)
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Disaster4.jpg

This is one of the definitive Spider-Man stories.

Mister Mets

07-15-2005, 09:09 PM

12. Learning Curve (Ultimate Spider-Man #8-13)

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/90722352131.9.GIF
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/90722352131.13.GIF

Credits: Editor: Ralph Macchio, Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, Pencils: Mark Bagley, Inker: Art Thibert

Reprinted in...Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 2- Learning Curve, Ultimate Spider-Man Hardcover Volume One, Ultimate Spider-Man Barnes & Noble Hardcover (the preferred reprint given it's great value)

The storyline begins with a perfectly quick battle between Spider-Man, and the Shocker (the first of many), before Peter overhears that the Daily Bugle's offering quick cash for a picture of Spider-Man. He sells it of course, but only gets 50 bucks. However, he impresses Jonah with his computer skills, and is offered a part-time job as a web designer. A nightmare about Uncle Ben's killer leads him to google the man, who he discovers has connections to the Kingpin of Crime. He begins to question why no one's ever brought down the Kingpin, and this is just the first issue.
Next issue he ambushes the Enforcers, associates of the Kingpin, has to use his lunch money to buy a copy of the Bugle, and learns what his spider-sense is.
In the tenth issue (which I still believe to be the best of the series), he gets his ass kicked bad, the Kingpin orders "Elektra" to kill him, he has to break off a date with Mary Jane Watson, a dead man in a Spider-Man mask is found in the East River, and comes up with a thoroughly modern way of beating the Kingpin.
Later issues have Spider-Man doing his best to defeat the Kingpin, including the funniest scene in Ultimate Marvel history, when he decides to read a list of fat jokes to the Kingpin. There's lots of fighting with the Enforcers, and Electro, and Peter comes to a decision that changes the direction of the series.
The thirteenth issue is probably the best regarded of the series, and simply focuses on a realistic conversation between two people, with annoying interruptions by another. It's simply the perfect epilogue, and forever solidifies Mark Bagley as one of the great Spider-Man artists.

There are a lot of things I love about the story, including how it does things that could only be done in the Ultimate Universe, such as a few clever "in-jokes," and the use of computers, and DVDs in the story. The Ultimate Spider-Man books are also very accessible, and the perfect introduction to Spider-Man (my brothers, and room-mate ask to read them once the stories are complete.) Bendis, and Bagley hasn't managed to top this story in Ultimate Spider-Man (although they came close with Public Enemy), but I'll continue to buy the book, as long as he keeps trying.

Other Critics....
Randy Lander of the Fourth Rail gives the Learning Curve TPB a 10/10
http://www.thefourthrail.com/reviews/snapjudgments/121701/ultimatespidermantp2.shtml

The editor of Spiderfan.org gives Issue 9 a 3.5/5, and says the novelty's starting to wear off. The only issue in the story to earn a 5/5 was Issue 13.
http://www.spiderfan.org/comics/reviews/spiderman_ultimate/009.html

Wizard declared the first Ultimate Spider-Man Hardcover, which reprinted the first thirteen issue of Ultimate Spider-Man the fifth best TPB ever, and incidentally the best ranked Marvel TPB behind Sandman: Season of Mists, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Watchmen, and Maus (Wizard #131)

Mister Mets

07-15-2005, 09:36 PM

11. The Death of Jean Dewolfe (Peter Parker the Spectacular Spider-Man #107-110)

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Sin-Eater.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Sin-Eater2.jpg

Credits....
Peter David (Script), Rich Buckler (Pencils), Brett Breeding, Joe Rubinstein, Kyle Baker, Pat Redding (Inks), George Roussos (Colors), Phil Felix (Letters).

Reprinted in...
An out of print Death of Jean Dewolfe Trade Paperback, Wizard's Best of Spider-Man hardcover (along with 2 other stories which make my Top 15 list)

This is one of the few Spider-Man stories everyone agrees is great. It made Spiderfan.org's Top 10 list a few years back (#4 I believe). It was #6 in Wizard's Top Ten Spider-Man stories list a few years back. There's another commentraty on it on Madgoblin's site http://www.spideykicksbutt.com/top10Spideystories.html But DON'T READ it unless you've read the story (there's a major spoiler).

Peter David had only been writing comic books for a few months when he penned this classic, which is great for a lot of reasons. Jean De Wolfe at the time a popular supporting cast member (although I suspect she's now mostly known for her death), and dies four pages into the story, a twist on the traditional comic book death. The killer isn't really a supervillain, but an ordinary psycho with a shotgun. Daredevil becomes involved when the killer targets one of his friends, and this story really demonstrates the differences between him and Spider-Man. Things go badly with Spider-Man, as a bystander is killed in the battle by a shotgun blast Spider-Man dodges.

As a murder mystery in comics, it's second only to Watchmen. There are plenty of twists, including Peter Parker VS a crazed gunman in the Daily Bugle. There are great scenes with J. Jonah Jameson, including his win over a black preacher who is surprised to find a white man knowledgeable about the civil rights movement, and reaction to the chaos at the Bugle. There's a great new character in sympathetic cop Stan Carter, who decides to help Spider-Man against his better judgment. There's an excellent subplot involving Ernie Popchik, a World War 2 veteran who takes drastic action after being mugged. There are some awesome interrogation scenes featuring a pissed off Spider-Man. And in addition to clever writing by Peter David, and capable art by Rich Buckler, there's this great exchange.
Cop: By the way, did you hear about Jean Dewolfe?
Spider-Man: Yea, that joke about Jean and the Miami Dolphins? Yeah, I...
Cop: She's dead. Someone blew her away.

And it all ends in one of the most violent battles of Spider-Man's career. Against Daredevil. I'm slightly regretting not ranking it higher right now.

Warning: Amazing Spider-Man #300, and Spectacular Spider-Man #134-136 (the follow-up to this story), spoil the big twist, so I highly recommend reading this story before either of those stories.

Mister Mets

07-15-2005, 10:50 PM

10. "One Small Break" Peter Parker Spider-Man #30-32

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/OneSmallBreak.gif
Credits: Cover by Humberto Ramos; Script by Paul Jenkins/ Pencils by Mark Buckingham/ Inks by Wayne Faucher

Reprinted in: One Small Break, along with two other great Jenkins-Buckingham tales (and one story that's merely good.)

This was originally supposed to be a Spider-Man VS. Superskrull story to give Mark Buckingham the opportunity to draw all the major characters. Instead it introduced Fusion- a man who truly hates Spider-Man, and seems to have the powers of every Marvel hero (and of course Mark Buckingham had the opportunities to draw said heroes.) His reason for hating Spider-Man is a lot more sensible than Venom's, and something Jonah's warned against since Amazing Spider-Man Issue 1, which sadly does sometimes happen. Of course he loses the reader's sympathy rather quickly by gaining a three-figure body count. He gives Spider-Man a truly vicious beating, giving new meaning to the words "One Small Break." The last issue features the story's great moment as a completely shattered Spider-Man realizes Fusion's secret.

Other great moments include Jonah realizing he can't publicize Fusion's vendetta against Spider-Man since all the other media sources are doing that, and Peter Parker being comforted by Flash Thompson, in a scene that is perfectly in character.

Fusion reappeared in Peter Parker Spider-Man #39-41, also a solid Doctor Octopus story. I'm not sure if anyone's ever going to use him again, but I really hope so.

Other critics....
Jeff English of spiderfan.org gives every issue 5 stars.
http://www.spiderfan.org/comics/title/spiderman_v2-2.html

Madgoblin's review of the story in his 2001 year in review is summed up with the words "Fusion Fizzles"
http://www.spideykicksbutt.com/YearinReview/Spiderman2001.html

Dark Soul # 7

07-16-2005, 01:56 AM

So far so good.
Don´t agree with everything but it´s your list.

Mister Mets

07-16-2005, 08:13 AM

9. Spider-Man VS. Wolverine
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Wolverine.jpg
Writer- James Owsley (now better known as "Priest"), Penciller- Mark Bright, Inker- Al Williamson

One excellent detail which adds to this story's appeal is a small a scene in which Peter's reminiscing about the spider that bit him, and says that for all he knew the professor who shook his hand at the radiation exhibit was the source of his powers. And that's nowhere near the best moment in this dark story.

This story is about Peter Parker getting involved in something that's out of his league, on a mission to Berlin. It features a perfectly shell-shocked Spider-Man several times, as things just keep getting worse. Some of the great scenes involve dead grocery store owners, snipers & homeless men who see Spider-Man unmasked in Times Square, the discovery of a murdered friend, the search for a trigger-crazy suicidal friend of Logan's, lots of berserker rages, and a really violent battle with Wolverine, in which Wolverine demonstrates that the only way Spider-Man could win the fight is to kill him.
Other great moments include Peter really damaging his relationship with Mary Jane, his search for a black bodysuit in Germany (when he needs a costume), and a mistake that really traumatizes him. Pity it's referenced so rarely.

Other Critics....
Wizard listed this the tenth best Spider-Man story ever in their first Spider-Man magazine, and the 4th best Wolverine story in a ranking of those in Wizard #X.
Spiderfan.org gives it a 4.5/5 (meaning they think the 5 star books are better) http://www.spiderfan.org/comics/reviews/spiderman_one_shots/wolverine.html

Mister Mets

07-16-2005, 08:42 AM

8. Down Among the Dead Men (Marvel Knights Spider-Man #1-12)

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/MarvelKnights.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/MarvelKnights2.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/MarvelKnights3.jpg

The story is reprinted in three TPB's (Down Amongst the Dead Men, Venomous, and The Last Stand) and an excellent hardcover (which is the best place to get the story.)

Credits:
Mark Millar (Script), Terry Dodson (Pencils Issues 1-4, 5-7, 9-12), Rachel Dodson (Inks Issues 1-4, 5-7, 9-12), Frank Cho (Issues 5, and 8), Avalon's Ian Hannin (Colors), Virtual Calligraphy's Cory Petit (Letters).

The idea of the Marvel Knights Spider-Man book is brilliantly simple. Give A-list creators twelve issues to do their take on Spider-Man, and repeat. The first time around Marvel produced a masterpiece.

The story begins "in medias res" of a very vicious Spider-Man and Green Goblin battle. Soon after that, someone vandalizes Ben Parker's grave, a great way of earning Spider-Man's attention, and a villain calls Peter Parker to announce that he has Aunt May. Peter takes a great risk with his identity that some have criticized (even though he did the same thing in Amazing Spider-Man Volume 1 #17).
The second issue's widely considered the worst of the lot, although I feel it perfectly shows a confused Peter Parker, who doesn't know what to do. And his quick fuse with the Avengers is very reminiscent of one of his first encounters with the team in Amazing Spider-Man Annual 3.
The third issue has a very vicious battle with Electro, and the fourth issue has a great sequence in which the Vulture attacks a hospitalized drugged out of his mind on painkillers Spider-Man, while still being presented in a sympathetic light.
Meanwhile there's a five million dollar reward on Spider-Man's identity, and a lot of people are getting killed for it.
Midway through the story Peter makes a very disturbing discovery, which makes him want to quit being Spider-Man. Meanwhile Eddie Brock auctions the Venom symbiote, resulting in a lot of chaos as the new Venom attacks Peter's high school reunion. And Peter makes a decision which effectively ends his rivalry with J. Jonah Jameson.
"The Last Stand" finale reveals who was behind Aunt May's abduction, and why. It's not really a surprise, but it's perfectly in character for the main villain. The storyline also includes Mary Jane's strongest moments, Spider-Man's best battle with Venom (in the eleventh issue, it's as perfect as battles go), one of Spider-Man's oldest enemies joining the a-list, the Sinister Twelve, Spider-Man knowing he'll die fighting them, but deciding he can still make a difference, a perfect solution to that threat, and Spider-Man's greatest enemy doing some very nasty things.
Oh, and there's a drugged Doctor Octopus.
This is pretty much the single definitive Spider-Man story.

Other Critics....

Randy Lander of the Fourth Rail.com gives the second issue a 2/10
http://www.thefourthrail.com/reviews/snapjudgments/051004/marvelknightsspiderman2.shtml
There's an in-depth review of the story at Madgoblin's site, in which he says the ending doesn't deliver everything it promised.
http://www.spideykicksbutt.com/YearinReview/SpidermanShush.html
There's a wicked parody available at http://mysite.verizon.net/fanboyprime/spider/
There's a few reviews of Issue 9 (including a very negative one) at
http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/reviews/110288971322210.htm
Stan Lee said some nice things about it in the introduction to the hardcover, comparing it to a well-made Spider-Man movie, and promises that readers will say it's "One of the all-time best books I've ever read."

Artemis1

07-16-2005, 04:00 PM

Though I disagree with #8 alot, it's good that you are showing your opinions.

Mister Mets

07-16-2005, 06:31 PM

7. Spider-Man 2

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Spider-Man2.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Train.jpg

Director: Sam Raimi
Credited Writers: Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, Michael Chabon, and Alvin Sargent

Actors: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Alfred Molina,
Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons

This was a perfect continuation of the first Spider-Man movie, and may have more great moments than any of the other stories (although to be fair it's going to take a larger chunk of your time to watch this than to read Kraven's Last Hunt.) Tobey Maguire's performance as Peter Parker, and Spider-Man is excellent. Alfred Molina's Doctor Octopus is a compelling villain, and his battles with Spider-Man have only been topped once in the comics (more on that later). Harry Osborn's story has never been handled better, and left you disappointed that it was going to be another three years until the sequel (and that left you disappointed for other reasons). Rosemary Harris delivers an extraordinary performance as Aunt May, especially when Peter tells her of his connection to Uncle Ben's death. JK Simmons is again excellent as J. Jonah Jameson. My crush on Kirsten Dunst continues, and Peter's infatuation with Mary Jane came to it's perfect conclusion. There are a lot of great Parker luck moments like his landlord taking his twenty bucks, his ineffective search for hors d'oeuvres and his meeting with Bruce Campbell. The subplot with him losing his powers was lifted directly from Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1, but worked superbly. Given another five minutes, I'd come up with a lot of other great things about this movie.

I left the first Spider-Man movie wondering how I would have done that movie. I left Spider-Man 2 thinking about what I'd do for Spider-Man 3, because I couldn't top the sequel.

Other Critics...
Ebert's 4 star Spider-Man 2 review
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040629/REVIEWS/406300301/1023
His Top Ten of the Year lists (including Spider-Man 2)
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041215/COMMENTARY/41215001/1023
It got an Academy Award for Best Special Effects
The Rotten tomatoes site (93% good reviews, 7% bad reviews)
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spiderman_2/
John Byrne gives the movie a bad review on his forum.
http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6184&KW=Spider%2DMan

Dark Soul # 7

07-17-2005, 02:47 AM

You lost me with Spider-man vs. Wolverine but brougth me back with MK:SM.

cosmicspidey

07-17-2005, 02:59 AM

Millar's MK Spider-Man run would definitely not make it anywhere near my top 15. And the word Ultimate wouldn't appear in my top 100. Other than that, I think it's a pretty good list so far.

Uncensored

07-17-2005, 10:29 AM

I agree largely with #8.

Mister Mets

07-17-2005, 05:15 PM

Finally getting responses from more than 2 people, so that's nice. :)
I have a feeling there's going to be very little controversy on the next story (except for the question of what could've been better.)

6. Web of Spider-Man #31-32, Amazing Spider-Man #293-294, Peter Parker the Spectacular Spider-Man #131-132 "Kraven's Last Hunt"

http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/3059/400/3059_4_0031.jpg
http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/1570/400/1570_4_00293.jpg

Credits:
J.M. DeMatteis (Script), Mike Zeck (Pencils), Bob McLeod (Inks), Janet Jackson (Colors), Rick Parker (Letters).

Note- These Stories are all reprinted in the Fearful Symmetry: Kraven's Last Hunt Trade Paperback, and Marvel's first Premiere Classics Edition hardcover (which is probably the best way to get it.)

There are a lot of reasons that this story's compelling.
It begins with Peter coming to terms with his own mortality in the aftermath of the death of a stoolie. Kraven the Hunter then beats him in almost the worst way possible, buries him, and impersonates him.
Kraven goes on to prove that he can be stronger than Spider-Man, going so far as to go into the sewers, and attack Vermin, an obscure character from Dematteis's Marvel Team Up run, who Spider-Man was only able to defeat with the help of Captain America. As a huge fan of the Lizard, I'm honestly disappointed that the Lizard's never had a story this good (although if it's ever adapted into the movies, I would like it if the Lizard had Vermin's role.)
Mary Jane has possibly her strongest moments, as a newlywed searching for her missing husband, and having absolutely no one to turn to.
Spider-Man of course survives the story, and it's what he does afterwards that's so memorable. This story perfectly shows Spider-Man at his angriest, most traumatized, and still willing to do what is right.
And I'm not sure if any Spider-Man villain's ever had a story as compelling as Kraven does here. If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go read it again now.

Other Critics: (Don't check out the links unless you know how the story ends. A lot of them spoil it.)
50% of you guys voted that this was one of the best Spider-Man stories ever. Another 36% said it was only an excellent Spider-Man story.
http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=67835
It got the most votes in my Best Spider-Man story poll.
http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=64799
Spiderfan.org voted it the third best Spider-Man story ever.
Wizard Magazine has said on separate occasions that Spider-Man VS. Wolverine was a dark Spider-Man story done right, and Kraven's Last Hunt was indicative (in a bad way) of the grim n' gritty comics on the 80's, and 90's.
Kerry Wilkinson of spiderfan.org gives it a 3/5
http://www.spiderfan.org/comics/reviews/spiderman_web/031.alt.html
Henrique Ferriera of the same website gave the book a 5/5.
http://www.spiderfan.org/comics/reviews/spiderman_web/031.html
There's a final positive review at the Ninth Art website
http://www.ninthart.com/display.php?article=135

Mister Mets

07-17-2005, 05:16 PM

I just had to add the rest of Mike Zeck's covers for the storyline. As impressive as the interiors they are.

http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/2359/400/2359_4_0131.jpg
http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/3059/400/3059_4_0032.jpg
http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/1570/400/1570_4_00294.jpg
http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/2359/400/2359_4_0132.jpg

Just reread the issues, and some things that I really liked.

From Issue 1...
Spider-Man noting that his enemies may be afraid to humanize him.
Kraven engulfred by spiders.
Spider-Man's panic when Kraven takes out his rifle.

Issue 2....
The new Spider-MAn unmasked.
MJ VS. the rat
Vermin's cowardice
MJ's reaction to "Spider-MAn" saving her.

Issue 3.....
"This one ain't going to any hospital, lieutenant."
What Vermin does to the cops.
MJ's brief suspicious visit to Joe Robertson
"Spider-Man" emerging in the sewers.
The vicious fight.
Final parallel.

Issue 4.....
The cameo by Ned Leeds (strangely this story doesn't refer to his being the Hobgoblin at all, which would make it slightly better for modern readers.)
The Kraven's face panels.
"He's weak. He can hardly." "Uh. Oh."
Spider-Man's faint voice, getting better with the final "I'm Going."

Issue 5....
Spider-MAn crawling on the walls (he's never seemed more spidery)
Happy Kraven
The torch in Vermin's cage
The ending.

Issue 6............
Spider-Man recalling being buried.
The sludge, and rats.
Spider-Man overhearing Vermin's fears.
Vermin going out into the daylight.
Spider-Man wondering how cops could know Kraven framed him?

Artemis1

07-18-2005, 08:07 AM

I saw #6 coming.

Dark Soul # 7

07-18-2005, 08:48 AM

I saw #6 coming.
I think every Spider-man fan can see some stories coming on these kinds of lists. Kravens last hunt is one of them.

cosmicspidey

07-18-2005, 03:03 PM

meethraa

07-18-2005, 03:57 PM

Great list so far.

And this

his search for a black bodysuit in Germany
was one of the most memorable moments in my comic-reading life. For some reason the suit thing with his name in German really struck a cord (seeing as I read translated comics throughout my whole childhood).

Mister Mets

07-18-2005, 06:32 PM

I've never read Kraven's Last Hunt, unfortunately. I've got like all but one of the single issues, but I don't want to get into it unless I can read the whole thing. I am going to make a Kraven as Spider-Man custom Marvel Legend based soley on the reputation of the story, though.

I think you should be able to enjoy the story even if you're missing one of the chapters. I don't even remember the order I bought, and read all the back issues in, and it still holds up really well. (Although it is a far better read when you have the entire story.) I really recommend looking through the back issue bins for the one remaining issue.

Mister Mets

07-18-2005, 06:33 PM

Man, am I glad this didn't get deleted.

I saw #6 coming.

It's a really good story. And I doubt people are going to be surprised by my next five choices.

Mister Mets

07-18-2005, 06:48 PM

5. Spider-Man
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/AmazingFantasy15.jpg

Credits:
Stan Lee (Script), Steve Ditko (Pencils), Steve Ditko (Inks)

If you see lists of the best (and I'm talking about best, not the most influential) X-Men stories ever, X-Men #1 is usually not mentioned. Likewise Detective Comics #27 usually doesn't appear in lists of the best Batman stories. But, if you see lists of the best Spider-Man stories ever, this one is usually somewhere near the top. And it's not because the other Spider-Man stories are worse than the other X-Men, or Batman stories.
If this issue was the only Spider-Man story ever published (which it could have been, if fans weren't so immediately taken by the character) and I had a chance to read it somehow, Spider-Man would remain one of my favorite characters (if not my favorite comic book character.) It was groundbreaking to be sure (I don't think there were any superheroes who used their powers for selfish reasons before) but that's not why it holds up today.

It's a damn shame that the story's become so famous that everyone who reads it probably knows how the story ends. But there are other great moments that make me love the tale.
What better way is there to show how weak Peter Parker is by having his elderly uncle say to Aunt May "I can hardly outwrestle him now?"
Doesn't it make sense that someone with Spider-Man's powers would become a media sensation?
Don't you love the scene with the little boy who sees a man crawling on the side of a building?
Has there been a better reason for someone to become a superhero?

Maybe the only thing more impressive than this story was the fact that Lee and Ditko have since managed to top it, and that another creative team was able to craft a better Spider-Man story in eleven pages.

Other Critics:
Spiderfan.org voted this the second best Spider-Man story ever.
Wizard voted this the fourth best Spider-Man comic book in their Spider-Man Magazine. In Issue 105 they voted this the ninth best comic book ever (the only Silver Age comic book to get that nomination.) In Issue 131 the first Ultimate Spider-Man Hardcover, which also reprinted this story was voted the fifth best trade paperback ever.
The Comics Journal voted Lee & Ditko's run on Spider-Man the 35th best comic book ever. http://www.marsimport.com/listtcj.php
This was voted the best Marvel comic ever in the 100 Greatest Marvels poll a few years back, and is available as a reprint being #1.

Artemis1

07-18-2005, 07:55 PM

5. Spider-Man

http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/1514/400/1514_4_15.jpg

Credits:
Stan Lee (Script), Steve Ditko (Pencils), Steve Ditko (Inks)

If you've never read this story, you can read it for free on MArvel's website. http://www.marvel.com/dotcomics/index.htm

If you see lists of the best X-Men stories ever, X-Men #1 is usually not mentioned. If you see lists of the best Batman stories ever, Detective Comics #27 is usually not mentioned. (Note- I'm talking about best, and not influential). If you see lists of the best Spider-Man stories ever, this one is usually somewhere near the top. And it's not because the other Spider-Man stories are worse than the other X-Men, or Batman stories.
If this issue was the only Spider-Man story ever published (which it could have been, if fans weren't so taken by the character) and I had a chance to read it somehow, Spider-Man would remain one of my favorite characters (if not my favorite comic book character.) It was groundbreaking to be sure (I don't think there were any superheroes who used their powers for selfish reasons before) but that's not why it holds up today.

It's a damn shame that the story's become so famous that everyone who reads it probably knows how the story ends. But there are other great moments that make me love the tale.
What better way is there to show how weak Peter Parker is by having his elderly uncle say to his Aunt May "I can hardly outwrestle him now?"
Doesn't it make sense that someone with Spider-Man's powers would become a media sensation?
Don't you love the scene with the little boy who sees a man crawling on the side of a building?
Has there been a better reason for someone to become a superhero?

Maybe the only thing more impressive than this story was the fact that Lee, and Kirby have managed to top it, and that another creative team was able to ctaft a better Spider-Man story in eleven pages.

Other Critics:
Spiderfan.org voted this the second best Spider-Man story ever.
Wizard voted this the fourth best Spider-Man comic book in their Spider-Man Magazine. In Issue 105 they voted this the ninth best comic book ever (the only Silver Age comic book to get that nomination.) In Issue 131 the first Ultimate Spider-Man Hardcover, which also reprinted this story was voted the fifth best trade paperback ever.
The Comics Journal voted Lee & Ditko's run on Spider-Man the 35th best comic book ever.http://www.marsimport.com/listtcj.php
This was voted the best Marvel comic ever in the 100 Greatest Marvels poll a few years back, and is available as a reprint being #1.

YES! I knew this one was coming.

Mister Mets

07-18-2005, 10:23 PM

4. Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaut Amazing Spider-Man #229-230
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Juggernaut.jpg

Credits:
Roger Stern (Script), John Romita Jr. (Pencils), Jim Mooney (Inks), Glynis Wein (Colors), Joe Rosen (Letters).

This story has been collected in the Out of Print "Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaut" TPB, Marvel Visionaries: John Romita Jr, Spider-Man Megazine Issue 3 (you should be able to find this one cheap, and it also reprints a Lee-Ditko tale, and an early Marvel Team Up issue), and Wizard's Spider-Man Masterpieces Hardcover (which reprints two more of the stories on this list). Hopefully Marvel's Roger Stern Visionaries series of TPBs will sell enough for Marvel to collect his Amazing Spider-Man run.

One of the ways Roger Stern shook up Spider-Man was by having Spider-Man fight other hero's rogues, and that never worked as well as in this one story. If you've never read the story, you would imagine that it was a very one-sided battle, and you'd be pretty much right. This is two issues of Spider-Man doing whatever he can to hurt the Juggernaut, and for the most part failing. It's also the best Spider-Man battle ever done, and I notice echoes of it everywhere from Spider-Man's first battle with Morlun (Amazing Spider-Man Volume 2 #32-33) to a battle between the Flash, and Gorilla Grodd (Flash #193-194)
The story's simple. The crippled psychic Madame Web has a dream in which a gargantuan monster emerges from the water, so she calls Peter Parker for help. And I just love Peter's reaction to it all, such as his fears that he's fighting Namor, or making a little joke that a supervillain's found out who he is, and is calling his home, and then picking up the phone, and hearing "Spider-Man." The eventual battle will prove Spider-Man's determination, and refusal to surrender, right until the end. And a lot of things get destroyed, from a construction site to a gas tanker to a few doors.

Other Critics:
Wizard has considered it the best Spider-Man story ever in their Spider-Man magazine, the seventh best comic book ever in Wizard #105, and the 27th best Trade Paperback ever (for the Out Of Print Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaut trade.)
I haven't really seen it on other best of lists, though.

Incidentally, if this is one of your favorite stories ever, I would recommend you read Daredevil Volume 1 #7, reprinted in the Marvel Visionaries: Stan Lee Hardcover. I'd also recommend Amazing Spider-Man #231-232, which do play off on the aftermath of this battle.
Those interested in Madame Web's fate would do well to read Amazing Spider-Man #238 (or is it 239?- one of the parts of the first Hobgoblin story.)

Babylon23

07-18-2005, 10:30 PM

I love seeing these lists.
I gotta say, I wouldn't have included 7-11 on my personal list, with the exception of the Death of Jean DeWolff. Can't argue with 4-6, though. Kraven's Last Hunt and the Juggernaut story are my two favourite Spidey stories of all time.

Dark Soul # 7

07-19-2005, 01:58 AM

So far the greatest list I´ve seen on this board.
Hear Hear.
I can´t wait for your nummber one choice.

Artemis1

07-19-2005, 05:59 AM

I have only read #5, #8, #12, and watched #7.

Artemis1

07-19-2005, 06:02 AM

So far the greatest list I´ve seen on this board.
Hear Hear.
I can´t wait for your nummber one choice.

It'lle probably be like ASM number 121-122.

Mister Mets

07-19-2005, 08:03 AM

3. If This Be My Destiny Amazing Spider-MAn #31-33

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/ManonaRampage.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/FinalChapter.jpg

This story is available in Essential Spider-Man Volume 2, Marvel Masterworks Amazing Spider-Man Volume 4, the 40 Years of Amazing Spider-Man CD Rom, the Marvel Visionaries: Steve Ditko hardcover and the recent omnibus collection of Lee/ Ditko's Amazing Spider-Man run. Issue 33 was reprinted in the out of print Very Best of Spider-Man trade paperback, and The 100 Greatest Marvels of All Time #17-14.

The story is best known for a single sequence in the third issue, which is deservedly one of the most famous in comics (and deservedly so), but there are a lot of other great things about this story.
The highlights of the first chapter include Peter's college orientation, (shown perfectly in less than a page, including his meeting with Flash Thompson), his panic when he discovers Aunt May's sick, Peter repeatedly ignoring Gwen Stacy (an attractive girl who is interested in him) and people who would want to be friends, all because of his mind is preoccupied with the health of the most important person in his life (an excellent example of the Parker luck in action), Spider-Man searching for crime so he can take pictures for the Daily Bugle and finding nothing, Spider-Man using his scientific expertise against new enemies, a mysterious master villain, and a tragic cliffhanger.

The highlights of the second issue include Peter realizing how he's responsible for Aunt May's illness, pawning everything of value, getting angry while at the Daily Bugle (and probably jeopardizing his romantic relationship with Betty Brant), the return of Curt Connors (I knew there was some way to add a Lizard story to the list), the failure of a plan to save the sickly Aunt May, a really angry Spider-Man looking for information (see the cover for an example), a brief but excellent battle with one of his greatest foes, and a great cliffhanger. I'll admit when I first read this story I was disappointed by Spider-Man's battle with the enemy of the piece, mainly because I read on a trading card that it was the villain's greatest battle, but I now doubt there would have been a better way to tell the story.

The highlights of the third issue include an endlessly copied scene with Spider-Man under a weight the size of a locomotive (the most famous scene in perhaps all of Spider-Man), further problems for him, the realization he has more thugs to fight, resting while taking a beating, not realizing he's won, being unable to do anyhing but wait for good or bad news on Aunt May (although I'm pretty sure everyone here knows how that's going to end), realizing why he can't be with his girlfriend, Peter finally standing up to Jonah, and a beautiful final sequence.

This is Stan Lee, and Steve Ditko's masterpiece on the title. It may be the single most important story to read if you want to understand the character of Spider-Man. And it's pretty damn good too.

Other Critics....
Wizard's Spider-Man special declared this the tenth best Spider-Man story.
Wizard #105 declared the opening of Issue 33 Spider-Man's defining moment.
Stan Lee declared Amazing Spider-Man #33 one of his five favorite comic books ever. (If I'm not mistaken the other four stories were The Kid Who Collected Spider-Man, an issue of Thor where Thor lectures to hippies, a Daredevil story where Daredevil helps a blinded black cop, and Watchmen.)
Fans voted Amazing Spider-Man #31 the 78th best Marvel comic book of all time in a 2001 poll. Amazing Spider-Man #33 was the 15th greatest Marvel comic book of all time, topping favorites such as the Days of Future Past, Elektra VS. Bullseye, and the first appearances of Silver Surfer, Wolverine, and the Avengers.
The Comics Journal voted Lee & Ditko's run on Spider-Man the 35th best comic book ever.http://www.marsimport.com/listtcj.php
Spiderfan.org declared it one of the ten best Spider-Man stories ever.

Mister Mets

07-19-2005, 08:08 AM

I have only read #5, #8, #12, and watched #7.

I really recommend going to a comic book store, or online retailer, and picking up or ordering any, or all of the following.

A trade paperback of Kraven's last hunt.
WIzard's Spider-Man Masterpieces Hardcover (or whatever it's called- It has three of the stories on my list, including two I now know you haven't read.)
Either the first 3 Essential Spider-Man trade paperbacks, or the 40 Years of Amazing Spider-MAn CD Rom collection.
The trade paperback "One Small Break."
The upcoming eight dollar digest of Spider-Man/ Human Torch.

As a Spider-Man fan, you're going to enjoy yourself.

Artemis1

07-19-2005, 08:26 AM

I really recommend going to a comic book store, or online retailer, and picking up or ordering any, or all of the following.

A trade paperback of Kraven's last hunt.
WIzard's Spider-Man Masterpieces Hardcover (or whatever it's called- It has three of the stories on my list, including two I now know you haven't read.)
Either the first 3 Essential Spider-Man trade paperbacks, or the 40 Years of Amazing Spider-MAn CD Rom collection.
The trade paperback "One Small Break."
The upcoming eight dollar digest of Spider-Man/ Human Torch.

As a Spider-Man fan, you're going to enjoy yourself.

1. There is no comic store in my town.
2. I can't find any trades of those stories anywhere.

Artemis1

07-19-2005, 08:36 AM

I might know the last two.

Donald M.

07-19-2005, 08:38 AM

I might know the last two.

I have my guesses as well.

If one of them is Maximum Carnage, I disown this list. ;)

Nah, it's Cyberman's list, Cyberman's opinion, but I think the story was overlong and as pointless as Carnage himself.

Mister Mets

07-19-2005, 10:13 AM

I have my guesses as well.

If one of them is Maximum Carnage, I disown this list. ;)

Nah, it's Cyberman's list, Cyberman's opinion, but I think the story was overlong and as pointless as Carnage himself.

It's not going to be Maximum Carnage.

I might know the last two.

I wouldn't be surprised.

1. There is no comic store in my town.
2. I can't find any trades of those stories anywhere.

There's a 50% off sale at this on-line retailer. I've never used it, so I can't say anything about quality.
http://www.visioncomix.com/Marvel/Spider-Man_Titles/Spider-Fan_Sale.html

I've heard great things about this online store, and it has plenty of Spider-MAn trades for 35% off.
http://www.dcbservice.com/

The first four Amazing Spider-MAn trades are avilable at the Barnes & Noble website.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=Spider%2DMan&userid=ZU4kmiqBbo&cds2Pid=946

Most of the other trades can be found on Amazon.com, and http://www.midtowncomics.com/ Amazon's trustworthy, because they're so well known, and while I've never used Midtown's online service, the store itself is pretty damn good.

DeadpoolJR

07-19-2005, 10:29 AM

GREAT LIST SO FAR! Where is 1 and 2....I have to know if my predictions are right. :D

Mister Mets

07-19-2005, 10:29 AM

2. The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man (Amazing Spider-Man #248)

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Collects.jpg

Cover Credits: John Romita Jr. (Pencils) Terry Austin (Inks)
Credits: Roger Stern (Script), Ron Frenz (Pencils), Terry Austin (Inks), Christie Scheele (Colors), Joe Rosen (Letters).

If you know anything about Spider-Man, this story's appearance on the list shouldn't surprise you. Writer Roger Stern woke up one day with the idea of this story in his head, and actually thought he was just remembering a Silver Age Spider-Man story. He didn't know where the story would be published, and figured it would just be a back-up story in an annual somewhere, until Assistant Editor's month came, and writers were told to be experimental. Thus Roger Stern wrote two Spider-Man stories showcasing different sides of Spider-Man. "He Strike Like a Thunderball" is a decent action story. But "The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man" is one of the most touching, and enjoyable comic books ever written. It is the one comic book more than any other that you can give to anyone, and have them enjoy it.

It's the simple story of a hero visiting a fan (of which more than a handful have been written afterwards, many of them good) but there are real flashes of genius here. I love Spider-Man recounting the death of his Uncle Ben, and getting choked up, and the fan comforting him. I love the kid's collection of Spider-Man artifacts, especially his album full of Jonah's retractions. And then there's the scene where the kid wants to know where Spider-Man is, and the final page (don't want to spoil it here, although the ending's famous enough that you may have heard of it, even if you've never read it.)

One of the best things Sony could do in the next Spider-Man movie is open it with a ten minute adaptation of this story. There's simply no better way to introduce new audiences to the character of Spider-Man, and perhaps increase Maguire's chances of getting an Oscar nod. The only problem would be that the rest of the movie may not hold up to that sequence.

Other Critics...
It was number 5 on spiderfan.org's list of Top 10 Spider-Man stories ever.
It was number 5 on Wizard's Top Ten Spider-Man comics list, and Number 28 on their list of 40 best comic books ever.
It's been reprinted in the out of print Very Best of Spider-Man, and Wizard's Spider-Man Masterpiece Edition hardcover.

Artemis1

07-19-2005, 11:39 AM

I predicted wrong. Now come on! Let's see number one! I hope I'm right.

Dark Soul # 7

07-19-2005, 11:45 AM

One of the best things Sony could do in the next Spdier-Man movie is open it with a ten minute adaptation of this story. There's simply no better way to introduce new audiences to the character of Spider-Man, and guarantee Tobey Maguire an oscar nod. The only problem would be that the rest of the movie may not hold up to that sequence.

I think it would be better if they did a sequence like this in the end of the movie. The second to final scene would be perfect.

Nightcrawler

07-19-2005, 01:28 PM

I saw that one coming. Here's guessing AMS 121-122 for #1.

Mister Mets

07-19-2005, 01:30 PM

I think it would be better if they did a sequence like this in the end of the movie. The second to final scene would be perfect.

I like how it could be used to introduce Spider-Man to people who haven't seen the first two movies. I'm not sure how much audiences would like hearing Spider-Man repeat things that they've heard before.

Unless the entire movie is Spider-Man talking to the kid, and recapping some stuff that happened to him.

I predicted wrong. Now come on! Let's see number one! I hope I'm right.

What did you think was Number 2?

Artemis1

07-19-2005, 01:35 PM

I like how it could be used to introduce Spider-Man to people who haven't seen the first two movies. I'm not sure how much audiences would like hearing Spider-MAn repeat things that they've heard before.

Unless the entire movie is Spider-Man talking to the movie.

What did you think was Number 2?

Either ASM #39-40, Spectacular Spiderman #300, ASM #11-12, or Spectacular Spiderman #196.

Mister Mets

07-19-2005, 01:41 PM

1. Where Commeth the Commuter Amazing Spider-Man #267

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Commuter.jpg?t=1192230443

Just Kidding. Although it's actually a pretty damn good story.

My real number 1 is......

Nightcrawler

07-19-2005, 01:43 PM

Whoa. You startled me there.

Artemis1

07-19-2005, 01:44 PM

1. Where Commeth the Commuter Amazing Spider-Man #267

http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/1570/400/1570_4_00267.jpg

Just Kidding. Although it's actually a pretty damn good story. My real number 1 is......

Few. OK, I thought you were nuts for a second.

Mister Mets

07-19-2005, 02:02 PM

1. The Night Gwen Stacy.... Amazing Spider-Man #121-122

If you don't know what happenes in this story, I recommend you go to a local store, and look for either the 40 Years of Spider-Man TPB, or The Essential Spider-Man Volume 6. Don't look at the titles of any of the Spider-Man trades. Carefully, begin reading at Issue 121. Come back here to tell us what you thought.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/TurningPoint-1.jpg

And here's Alex Ross's excellent cover for the last issue of Marvels, which tells this story in the perspective of another witness.
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa116/Cyberman1985/Marvels4.jpg

Credits:
Gerry Conway (Script), Gil Kane (Pencils), John Romita, Tony Mortellaro (Inks), David Hunt (Colors), Artie Simek (Letters).

This story has been reprinted in Spider-Man VS. Green Goblin (out of print, but my favorite Spider-Man trade), the Death of Gwen Stacy trade paperback, the Death of the Stacys Premiere Edition hardcover, Essential Spider-Man Volume 6, the 40 Years of Spider-Man CD Rom, and various issues of Marvel Tales.

I doubt anyone's surprised by this story's presence on my list, or even appearing as Number 1. It's simply one of the best comic book stories ever, and I think it's slightly unfair that with this one story twenty year old Gerry Conway wrote something better than anything a lot of great writers (Stan Lee, Neil Gaiman, Garth Ennis, Warren Ellis, etc) had ever written in their lifetimes (in my opinion of course.)

The story begins quickly with Spider-Man coming home from Canada, and finding out that Harry has OD'd on LSD (A light comedic story this ain't). Peter tries to visit Harry, but Norman orders him, Gwen, and MJ out. Meanwhile everything's crumbling around Norman's life, and Peter realizes he has the flu, and Jonah kicks him out when he returns with pictures of the Hulk, in a really funny scene. Norman snaps, and remembers that he's the Green Goblin, while Spider-Man's so sick that he enters his house through the window, even though he knows Gwen's probably inside. What he finds sends him on a desperate search as his spider sense leads him to the Brooklyn Bridge. This is the Psycho of comic books, in that I don't think there's ever been anything more thrilling in the medium, even if you know how everything's going to end. Spider-Man has his best battles against the Green Goblin in both chapters of this issue, (although they may just be elevated by the quality of the rest of the issue.) There's so many brilliant scenes, like Gwen wondering what's wrong in Harry's life, while the Green Goblin's at the window, and of course, perhaps the most famous death in comic books. And there's still a controversy over what was responsible for the death, all because of a single sound effect that Gerry Conway didn't even realize that he left into the scipt.

And of course there's still the second issue, which more than maintains the quality of the first. You get to see a traumatized, pissed off Spider-Man getting shot at by a cop, while his partner yells "Shoot to Wound, blast it! Shoot to wound!," a really angry and inhuman looking Peter Parker (ably drawn by Gil Kane), Peter choosing between revenge and helping a friend (he doesn't pick the friend), Spider-Man VS. J. Jonah Jameson, an excellent battle between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin, the best death scene of any villain, the set up to Harry Osborn becoming the second Green Goblin, and the set up to Peter's relationship to Mary Jane.

It's weird just how good this story is. I knew about what happened in it before I read it, but there's so much to appreciate. Even after thirty years, this story has remained timeless by not mentioning outdated science, or other stories (the preceding, and following stories had a subplot with Aunt May living in Doctor Octopus's house, which didn't have the best payoff, but that's mercifully ignored here). I don't know if it's even possible to write a Spider-Man story, although I hope the writers of the future try.

Other Critics...
This was spiderfan.org's favorite Spider-Man story.
Wizard's Spider-Man magazine declared this the second best Spider-Man story ever.
Mark Millar was introduced to Spider-Mn at the age off six by this story, and has been traumatized ever since.
Madgoblin's website explains why this isn't one of his ten favorite Spider-Man stories ever.
http://www.spideykicksbutt.com/Top10s/top10Spideystories.html
On a John Byrne forum poll on the worst Spider-Man story ever two people voted this the worst.
In the greatest Marvel comics poll, Amazing Spider-Man #121 was voted the sixth best Marvel comic ever while Issue 122 was voted the second-best.

And if anyone's interested out of the thousands of comic books I've read, I believe only the following five are better than this story.
Watchmen
Batman- The Dark Knight Returns
Daredevil- Born Again
X-Men- Days of Future Past
Ultimates 2

Artemis1

07-19-2005, 02:25 PM

That was obvious. Too bad I never read it.

DeadpoolJR

07-19-2005, 08:51 PM

Hey Cyberman can you PM me and tell me what happens.

antithesis09

07-19-2005, 09:21 PM

when i saw the commuter, i couldn't stop laughing. =D

thanks for the list, enjoyed it a lot!

Those of you who are finding it difficult to pick up trades, check ebay or half.com. Some good deals from time to time.

Mister Mets

07-21-2005, 10:22 AM

I decided to celebrate my 1000th post at the bendisboards by posting a listing of my 100 favorite comic books (although I don't go into any detail with them.)

Here's the thread if anyone's interested.
http://www.606studios.com/bendisboard/showthread.php?p=536386#post536386

Rob H

07-26-2005, 07:04 AM

Now I know where to go if I need a Spidey fix. I've only read a few of the mentioned arcs.

Lobo

07-26-2005, 05:24 PM

I read #13, #08 (not completely), #06, #05, #04, #03, #02, #01 (Death of Gwen) and watched #07. They are really good stories.

And one of my favorite arcs, that doesn't consist in its list, is Amazing Spider-Man #50 - #52 --> Spider-Man No More, First Kingpin and First Robbie!

Lobo

07-26-2005, 09:03 PM

Mister Mets

07-27-2005, 09:02 AM

FlameOn4

11-17-2005, 03:06 PM

I've read/watched 13, 12, 8, 7, 5, 3, and 1!!!
this list is really great, and i love every one of these stories. although spider-man 2 was a little surprise for me. i didn't think it would make it onto the list.

d newton

11-18-2005, 06:43 AM

One question about your list, Cyberman:
47. New X-Men #114-126: “E is For Extinction” and other stories a. Creators- Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, Lennil Francis Yu, Ethan Van Scrier, Igor Kordey.
This definitely wouldn't have made my top 100 comics of all time. Now if it was 150th, I'd be pleased.

Mister Mets

11-20-2005, 03:21 PM

Either ASM #39-40, Spectacular Spiderman #300, ASM #11-12, or Spectacular Spiderman #196.

This is months late, but I'm curious about Spectacular Spider-Man #196, and 300. Do you mean JM Dematteis's second Harry Osborn arc and/ or the first Venom story? The one thing I did wrong with this list looking back was choosind the What If? issue over Spectacular #178-190, 200, and Amazing Spider-Man #300 is one of my 35 or so favorite stories, but I just felt there were many better ones, especially since Mark Millar wrote a new best Venom story in his Marvel Knights run. I'm aware that ASM #39-40 is held in great esteem (another of my Top 25 or so) but I thought there were better Lee-Romita/ Green Goblin 1 arcs. ASM 11-12 was pretty good, but I was unaware that it made any best of lists.

One question about your list, Cyberman:

This definitely wouldn't have made my top 100 comics of all time. Now if it was 150th, I'd be pleased.

I'll disagree with you as I enjoyed Morrison's run on the title immensely, although you may have read more comic books than me.

Mister Mets

07-08-2006, 01:20 PM

Bump, because I'm vaguely disappointed that in the year since I've done this list, I haven't had anything to add to it.

mrc1214

07-08-2006, 01:23 PM

I missed this before good list.

psmoore

07-08-2006, 06:08 PM

I love lists like this too. I would have never read most of those if not for the 40 Years Of ASM. I've read through them once and just started again with #1 after seeing the Spiderman 3 Trailer at Superman Returns.

I do remember really liking your #2 choice - The Kid Who Collects Spiderman. Great story.

Micro

07-08-2006, 07:22 PM

Interesting list, a lot of stuff I didn't expect. However it would have been nice to see "Spider-man No More" from Amazing Spider-Man #50.
http://www.samruby.com/AmazingSpider-ManB/Large/AmazingSpider-Man050.jpg

Nesteaman

07-09-2006, 03:16 PM

first Morlun arch in Amazing Spidey

:)

Leebenhouse

07-09-2006, 06:14 PM

I really enjoyed the issue vs Firelord. Nothing beats spidey almost going over the line.

mrc1214

07-09-2006, 06:40 PM

I really enjoyed the issue vs Firelord. Nothing beats spidey almost going over the line.

I enjoy that issue very much as well. I did not see that coming at the end.

Polyphonic Floyd

07-09-2006, 09:03 PM

This has got to be the most fantastic thread ever for a Spidey-holic like I am. I might have listed the final Spider-Man Blue issue. It had an amazingly touching ending.

BeastieRunner

07-09-2006, 10:02 PM

The rebirth of this thread as inspired me to post my Top 15. So here goes nothing . . .
Number 15“Spider-man” Amazing Fantasy #15 August 1962

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9555/af155jb.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Stan Lee
Writer: Stan Lee
Pencils: Steve Ditko
Inks: Steve Ditko

Very few heroes have their first appearance as one of their best stories, but this is obviously one of those rare exceptions. It’s one of the best origins of any hero to date couple with the fact of having one of the greatest reasons to be a hero. A must read for any superhero fan.

Favorite Moment: The panel when Spidey finds out Uncle Ben’s killer is the same robber from earlier.

BeastieRunner

07-09-2006, 10:40 PM

Number 14 “The Return of the Hobgoblin!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #259-261 December 1984 - Feburary 1985

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/2151/asmhobs4cq.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Many people love all of Spidey’s goblins while some do not. I happen to be one of the people who like all his different goblin foes. This happens to one of the best and my favorite Hobgoblin stories and it also contains the death of the . . . Sin Eater!!! Can’t ask for too much more either because MJ's past is revealed and the symbiote escapes. So much fun in these three issues.

Editor: Danny Fingeroth
Writer: Tom DeFalco
Pencils: Ron Frenz
Inkers: Josef Rubinstein, Brett Breeding (on #260)

Favorite moment: In the Women’s bathroom fight of #260, Spidey webs a pumpkin bomb to Hobgoblins hand and he puts it out in the toilet :)

mrc1214

07-10-2006, 06:31 AM

I agree with both so far. Your number 14 AMZ 259-261 were some of the 1st comics that were given to me when i was 5 although i didnt read them at the time.

BeastieRunner

07-10-2006, 12:03 PM

Number 13
“The Sinister Six!” Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 Annual #1 1964

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/6386/amazingspidermanannual010kx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Stan Lee
Writer: Stan Lee
Pencils: Steve Ditko
Inker: Steve Ditko

A forty plus page story featuring six of Spidey's top antagonists. There are guest-stars aplenty including Thor, Dr. Strange, and the Human Torch. We have Spidey losing his powers. Additionally, there are full-page fight scenes of Spidey with each of his six enemies. This issue also contained the first time Doc Ock summoned his tentacles telepathically and he also met Aunt May, while acting charming and sauve. This is one of the best Spider-man stories of all time.

Favorite moment: JJ talking to a spider.

BeastieRunner

07-10-2006, 12:22 PM

Number 12 “Venom” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #300 May 1988

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8560/asmvenom2yj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Jim Salicrup
Writer: David Michelinie
Pencils: Todd McFarlane
Inker: Todd McFarlane

Todd McFarlane and David Michelinie create a creepy Venom and an extremely daunting foe for Spidey in this great story. Not to mention Spidey uses his intellect to subdue Venom when he figured out he couldn’t best him in combat.

Favorite Moment: “Welcome to my neighborhood Spider-man! Won’t you be my… could you be my… ...neighbor?”

mrc1214

07-10-2006, 04:35 PM

I havent read Annual 1 but 300 is very good. You should have started another thread with your 15 so more people would see.

NCcomicJ

07-10-2006, 05:41 PM

can I submit Kurt Busiek's entire "Untold Tales Of Spiderman" run

nuclearman

07-10-2006, 06:31 PM

I really enjoyed the issue vs Firelord. Nothing beats spidey almost going over the line.

Agree. The Firelord storyline was awesome... would be in my top 5 for sure.

Must congratulate Cyberman on an awesome list... very funny putting here commeth the commuter at number 2... fell for it...wasn't a bad tale but not in the class of others mentioned.

well done Cyberman...http://legrenieranini.free.fr/emoticon/clap.gif

Beasties' list so far is impressive too!

Mister Mets

07-10-2006, 09:38 PM

BeastieRunner, I'm impressed with your list. So far, it's all good stuff.
Keep it coming.

This has got to be the most fantastic thread ever for a Spidey-holic like I am. I might have listed the final Spider-Man Blue issue. It had an amazingly touching ending.

Blue was an excellent mini series, and would make my Top 50. I have a slight preference for some of the stories which inspired it, but not all of them (it managed to top the Lee/ Romita Lizard story it adapted, a big deal to me as a huge Lizard fan.)

Glad you enjoyed my list.

can I submit Kurt Busiek's entire "Untold Tales Of Spiderman" run

Nope, but you can select any individual story from that run. Or a dozen of your favorites.

And you can start your own thread on your favorite Spider-Man creative runs.

BeastieRunner

07-11-2006, 12:34 AM

Number 11 “Ultimate Vemon Origin” Ultimate Spider-man #33-38 February – May 2003

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/4683/usmv8zd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Ralph Macchio
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Mark Bagley
Inker: Art Thibert

This is my personal favorite Ultimate Spider-man story merely because of its great introduction and handling of Venom. The best incarnation of Venom is in the pages of Ultimate Spider-man: he’s evil, intelligent, a viable threat, and crazy. He’s better than the 616 Venom and I want more Ultimate Venom because of it.

Favorite Moment: This is tough but the first full shot of Eddie as Venom. That was pretty freaking sweet.

BeastieRunner

07-11-2006, 12:48 AM

Number 10“Doc Ock Wins!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #53-59 October 1967—April 1968

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/1954/amazingspiderman0537vo.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Stan Lee
Writer: Stan Lee
Pencils: John Romita, Sr., Don Heck (on #57-59)
Inker: Mickey Demeo

This is not a cop out but exactly how I feel:

For a little while, I was convinced that this was the best Spider-Man story I've ever read, and it's only fallen a little bit in my esteem. The story begins with a decent Spider-MAn VS. Doctor Octopus battle which doesn't become truly great until Doctor Octopus finds a spider tracer, and sets a really nice trap for Spidey. The next issue ups the ante as Doctor Octopus meets an old friend May Parker, and agrees to be a boarder at her house. Peter of course finds him, but I love the sincerity with which Otto comforts May, and threatens Peter. They fight of course, but May has a heart attack, and the wall gets destroyed, and in the next issue Peter worries whether or not insurance will pay for it. In later issues, Ock steals a weapon called the Ultimate Nullifier from Stark International, a devide which can stop any machine, and I just love how he gloats, and hopes that Iron Man tries to stop him. It's used on Spidey of course, and robs him of his memory, which Doctor Octopus uses to convince Spider-Man that he's a villain (an editorial by J. Jonah Jameson helps of course.) Doctor Octopus is beaten, but not by Spider-Man, and I just love how he doesn't regain his memory by the story's end. Meanwhile Peter's friends think Spider-Man kidnapped him, and J. Jonah Jameson convinces one of the Marvel Universe's greatest superheroes to attack Spider-Man (a decision he'll come to regret.) When that plan goes to hell, he teams up with a now psychotic Spencer Smythe who has built a new Spider Slayer, a powerful robot that Spider-Man must outsmart. And even when Peter regains his memories, he has to explain to friends, and families just where he was. And I haven't even mentioned the exceptional art by Jon Romita Jr.

This is one of the defintive Spider-Man stories.
Favorite Moment: "All I know is I'm someone called Spider-Man! Someone with no yesterdays and with no tomorrow!"

becominAfanAgain

07-11-2006, 02:40 AM

Sophisticated_Gamer

07-11-2006, 04:18 AM

Mister Mets

07-11-2006, 11:45 AM

Amazing Spider-Man Annual 20

I like this story, I don't know if too many people have read it. It's one of the Annual's that I though was pretty good. This book shows Spidey emotion getting the best of him, go figures. But I think it's a nice book to have in your collection.

Story by Fred Schiller, script by Ken McDonald, pencils by Mark Beachum, inks by Bob Wiacek

I'll have to hunt this issue down. I've never heard of it before.

What exactly is this issue about....cause i couldn't find it on the marvels web cite....

My link was an year old, and the comic is no longer on Marvel's website. It's an excellent 11 page story which introduces Spider-Man, tells his origin, and should be reprinted in 5th Grade English textbooks (just as an example of an excellent great short comic book story.)

It's been reprinted dozen of times, including in the Ultimate Spider-Man Hardcover, Essential Spider-Man Volume 1, Marvel Masterworks: Spider-Man Volume 1, the 40 Years of Spider-Man CD-Rom, a Marvel Masterpieces $3 reprint a few years back, several issues of Marvel Tales, and the most recent single version of it was the "100 Greatest Marvel Comics of All Time" thing. It was #1.

BeastieRunner

07-11-2006, 12:06 PM

Number 9“The Man Called Electro!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #9 February 1964

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/957/amazingspiderman0099uy.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Stan Lee
Writer: Stan Lee
Pencils: Steve Ditko
Inker: Steve Ditko

Electro is one of my favorite Spider-man rouges and his origin story is one of his best tales. This piece has a lot of the now classic web-slinger’s touches: Aunt May needing an emergency operation, Jameson publishing a paper declaring Spidey is really the villain, burglars surrendering even though the web head doesn’t notice that they are there, and the infamous rain scenes. Furthermore, how can you oppose a melee in which Spider-Man defeats his enemy by using rubber gloves, some ball bearings, and a hose? Classic Spider-man intellect right there.

Favorite Moment: The criminals that surrender when Spider-man doesn't even notice them.

BeastieRunner

07-11-2006, 12:16 PM

Number 8“Learning Curve” Ultimate Spider-Man #8-13 June – November 2001

http://img346.imageshack.us/img346/7271/usmlc0xp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Ralph Macchio
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Mark Bagley
Inker: Art Thibert

I realize earlier that I stated that the Ultimate Venom arc was the best Ultimate Spider-man story thus far, but this story is ranked higher in my mind because I feel it is the arc that really launched Ultimate Spider-man into a massive juggernaught of a comic. The banter is great and Peter really uses his smarts and his new found skills to beat the Kingpin. Not to mention he tells MJ who he really is and Ultimate Electro is in the story.

Favorite Moment: It’s a tie between “Find this Carson Daly person and destroy him.” and the note card insult scene.

nuclearman

07-11-2006, 10:39 PM

Amazing Spider-Man Annual 20

27716

I like this story, I don't know if too many people have read it. It's one of the Annual's that I though was pretty good. This book shows Spidey emotion getting the best of him, go figures. But I think it's a nice book to have in your collection.

Story by Fred Schiller, script by Ken McDonald, pencils by Mark Beachum, inks by Bob Wiacek

Very interesting choice. I remember reading it a bit vague on a lot of the details... I remember a future Iron Man.. or was that a future Spidey... if you have some time fill me in... otherwise I'll have to get it out from storage.

becominAfanAgain

07-11-2006, 10:39 PM

What exactly is this issue about....cause i couldn't find it on the marvels web cite....

Are you joking or serious? :confused: That is only the first ever printing of Spider-man in his own book. The start of it all.

Annual 20 : I'm not one who tell the whole story. But I'll give a short teaser.
It was a future Ironman who came back in time. In doing so he ended up bumping into spidey and that when the sparks fly.

nuclearman

07-11-2006, 10:52 PM

“The Man Called Electro!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #9 [I]February 1964

Yes!! Great choice. Electro treated the way he should be as a great supervillain.

reminded me of
Spectacular Spiderman 134-136

Is another storyline which I think is fantastic. The Sineater is let out of jail and electro figures out he can control the static electricity that enables Spidey to cling to walls. He becomes so cocky. Brilliantly written storyline... not crazy about Sal's artwork...loved him on Thor not Spider-Man for some reason ...but A+++ for the story.

http://www.samruby.com/SpectacularC/Large/Spec135.JPG

In my top 15.

BeastieRunner

07-11-2006, 11:13 PM

Yes!! Great choice. Electro treated the way he should be as a great supervillain.

reminded me of
Spectacular Spiderman 134-136

Is another storyline which I think is fantastic. The Sineater is let out of jail and electro figures out he can control the static electricity that enables Spidey to cling to walls. He becomes so cocky. Brilliantly written storyline... not crazy about Sal's artwork...loved him on Thor not Spider-Man for some reason ...but A+++ for the story.

http://www.samruby.com/SpectacularC/Large/Spec135.JPG

In my top 15.
Funny you should mention that . . .

Number 7“Return of the Sin-Eater” Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 1 #134-136 January – March 1988

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/4113/asmsin9yp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Jim Salicrup
Writer: Peter David
Pencils: Sal Buscema
Inker: Vince Colletta, Sal Buscema (on #135-136)

This is the best Electro story ever, not to mention the death of the Sin-Eater. Spidey's fear and insecurities almost get the best of him throughout all three issues and that makes it so enjoyable. Stan Carter becomes increasingly righteous and regrets his past choices is a stunning contrast to the Sin-Eater's cold, calculating cruelty. Even after the death of Jean DeWolff, it made me feel deeply sorry for him in the end. Electro was brilliant and the way he should be handled in this work. His haughtiness, overconfidence, and cockiness were supremely written by Peter David, much like his whole run on Spectacular.

Favorite Moment: The nightmares Peter has about killing Carter, Electro, the Sin-Eater, or getting killed by Electro.

BeastieRunner

07-11-2006, 11:25 PM

Number 6“Kraven's Last Hunt” Web of Spider-man #31-32, Amazing Spider-man #293-294, Spectacular Spider-man #131-132 October – November 1987

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/5759/klh2jr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Jim Salicrup
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Pencils: Mike Zeck
Inker: Bob McLeod

What can I say that has already not been said? Whether you like Kraven or not, you must read this book if you want to know about Spider-man. That’s it: plain and simple.

Favorite Moment: Kraven’s suicide.

nuclearman

07-12-2006, 12:15 AM

Funny you should mention that . . .

Number 7“Return of the Sin-Eater” Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 1 #134-136[I] January – March 1988

WOW

Talk about a pre-emptive strike!!:D

BeastieRunner

07-12-2006, 01:18 PM

Number 5“Blue” Spider-man: Blue #1-6 July – December 2002

http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/6356/blue4tk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Bronwyn Taggart
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Pencils: Tim Sale
Inker: Tim Sale

Apart from the very few continuity errors, this one of the most touching Spider-man narratives. It is heartache-filled remembrance to Pete’s first love, Gwen Stacy. It is told largely in flashback form as Peter records the tale on a series cassette tapes. From the rose Spidey leaves on the bridge in the beginning to the tender ending with MJ and what Peter says, this is definitely a modern classic Spider-man legend.

Favorite Moment: The last 3 pages of part 6.

BeastieRunner

07-12-2006, 01:59 PM

Number 4“Beware The Path Of The Monster!” Giant-Size Spider-Man #5 July 1975

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/2649/0056vj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Len Wein
Writers: Gerry Conway, Stan Lee
Pencils: Ross Andru, Steve Ditko
Inkers: Mike Esposito, Steve Ditko

This is the best team-up Spider-man has ever done plus, it also as one of his greatest classic villains. It also reprints the Beetle’s first story who happens to be a great classic villain nobody seems to use right anymore (just like, well, all the classic villains these days). This comic also beautifully ties it down with the 10 plus years of history before it (making it friendly and light while down right fantastic) and is not a mess like most modern day stories. Man-Thing. Lizard. Mind control. Escapes. Full page battles! Martha Conners with a big. . . hose! What more could you want?

Favorite Moment: The idea of Man-Thing and Spider-man teaming up was just tremendous.

mrc1214

07-12-2006, 02:53 PM

I like the list so far. Its giving me more Spidey stuff to look for. Ive never read Giant Size 5 .

Mister Mets

07-12-2006, 03:29 PM

Number 4“Beware The Path Of The Monster!” Giant-Size Spider-Man #5 [I]July 1975

This the best team-up Spider-man has ever done plus, it also as one of his greatest classic villains. It also reprints the Beetle’s first story who happens to be a great classic villain nobody seems to use right anymore (just like, well, all the classic villains these days). This comic also beautifully ties it down with the 10 plus years of history before it (making it friendly and light while down right fantastic) and is not a mess like most modern day stories. Man-Thing. Lizard. Mind control. Escapes. Full page battles! Martha Conners with a big. . . hose! What more could you want?

Favorite Moment: The idea of Man-Thing and Spider-man teaming up was just tremendous.

This is why I love these types of lists. An apparantly excellent Lizard story I hadn't read before.

Number 5“Blue” Spider-man: Blue #1-6 [I]July – December 2002

Apart from the very few continuity errors, this one of the most touching Spider-man narratives. It is heartache-filled remembrance to Pete’s first love, Gwen Stacy. It is told largely in flashback form as Peter records the tale on a series cassette tapes. From the rose Spidey leaves on the bridge in the beginning to the tender ending with MJ and what Peter says, this is definitely a modern classic Spider-man legend.

Favorite Moment: The last 3 pages of part 6.

I just reread Spider-Man: Blue today. Took me all of twenty minutes, but it was still an excellent read. Loeb got to the essence of the characters fast, and I loved Spidey's wisecracks. It gets better every time i read it, and may just contain Tim Sale's best art ever. I wouldn't rank it so high, but if I read it enough times, I may just change my mind.

I don't know if you've read them before but I highly recommend to anyone who loves Spider-Man Blue, the following:
Daredevil: Yellow- Has a similar plot, with Daredevil recalling his first days/ the beginning of his romance with Karen Page.
Superman: Man For All Seasons- Simply Loeb/ Sale's best work. Superman has a crisis of conscience following a bad defeat at the hands of Lex Luthor. Great Year One tale.
Solo #1- 48 pages of Tim Sale goodness, including a Batman/ Catwoman tale by Darwyn Cooke, a Smallville Clark Kent tale by Jeph Loeb, an excellent Supergirl tale by Dark Horse editor by Diana Schwartz, a crime story by Brian Azarello, and more good stuff.

BeastieRunner

07-12-2006, 03:45 PM

I like the list so far. Its giving me more Spidey stuff to look for. Ive never read Giant Size 5 .

All the Giant Size Spider-man's are pretty good. Hell, pretty much every 1970s Spider-man comic is golden. 1970s was a good era to be a Spider-man fan.

Daredevil: Yellow- Has a similar plot, with Daredevil recalling his first days/ the beginning of his romance with Karen Page.
Superman: Man For All Seasons- Simply Loeb/ Sale's best work. Superman has a crisis of conscience following a bad defeat at the hands of Lex Luthor. Great Year One tale.
Solo #1- 48 pages of Tim Sale goodness, including a Batman/ Catwoman tale by Darwyn Cooke, a Smallville Clark Kent tale by Jeph Loeb, an excellent Supergirl tale by Dark Horse editor by Diana Schwartz, a crime story by Brian Azarello, and more good stuff.

I've read Yellow and Man for all Seasons. I liked Seasons and didn't care too much for Yellow. Daredevil isn't exactly one of my favorites but issues #1-10 were pretty good. Plus, I enjoyed how they got rid of his yellow costume (Spider-man: "What are you blind?" Classic.). I have never read Solo or even heard of it so I better go and check it out. Thanks cyberman!:D

mrc1214

07-12-2006, 03:48 PM

All the Giant Size Spider-man's are pretty good. Hell, pretty much every 1970s Spider-man comic is golden. 1970s was a good era to be a Spider-man fan.

Ill have to look for these can they be found for a reasonable price for the Giant Size books?? And any particluar run of the 70s i should pick up?? I own mostly 80s-current Spiderman stuff.

Sophisticated_Gamer

07-12-2006, 03:51 PM

http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/1514/400/1514_4_15.jpg

so can please someone tell me what happens in that issue

BeastieRunner

07-12-2006, 03:57 PM

Ill have to look for these can they be found for a reasonable price for the Giant Size books?? And any particluar run of the 70s i should pick up?? I own mostly 80s-current Spiderman stuff.

There were only six I think and I think they're at least $20.00 now. I know #1 and #5's price because I own them in near mint ($45.00 & $20.00 respectively.) Here's a rundown:

#1 -- Awesome Spider-man and Dracula tale with Strange Tales Annual #2 reprint in it.
#2 -- Shang Chi story with an ASM Annual reprinted in it.
#3 -- Doc Savage and ASM #16 reprinted.
#4 -- Great Punisher story with ASM Annual #2 reprinted in it.
#5 -- Already mention Lizard story with Man-Thing and Beetle reprint.
#6 & on -- Don't know anything about them! :confused:

They were printed in the 70s to appease both young and new fans, to keep both interested. I wish they'd do that now but since Ultimate Spider-man came out, I don't think it will ever happen again.

BeastieRunner

07-12-2006, 04:00 PM

so can please someone tell me what happens in that issue

It's his origin story. Gets bit by a spider and so on. That help?

Sophisticated_Gamer

07-12-2006, 04:59 PM

oo ok i see

becominAfanAgain

07-12-2006, 10:04 PM

oo ok i see

Are you an Ultimate Spidey Fan?

nuclearman

07-13-2006, 11:04 PM

Keep em coming Beastie looking forward to your final three...

I'll start mine..

15 Web of SpiderMan 27

http://www.samruby.com/WebA/Large/Web027.JPG

Written by Dwight Zimmerman, Spiderman investigates several beheadings. He comes up against a very resourceful hitman who looks like a biker and carries an axe to behead his victims. Dave Simons art is great.

14 Avengers 236-237

http://www.samruby.com/OtherTitles/Avengers/Avengers236.gif

Spidey tries out with the Avengers. First against the lava men and then against a super villain group featuring, the Rhino etc. Great story that ends with Spidey copping a slap in the face from the Avengers solicitor or agent or whatever he was… Spidey walks out saying something like…you let an alien (pointing to Starfox) who you hardly even know into the team but you won't let a citizen of your own country be a member. Wait until my congressman hears about this. Starfox thinks "whats a congressman?"

13 Web of SpiderMan 1-3

http://www.samruby.com/WebA/Large/Web003.JPG

Spidey goes up against a new gang who have stolen the Vulture's technology and are using it. Spidey has blackouts, is fighting his own symbiotic costume, he and Aunt May are fighting and he buys May a hat for her birthday while battling the Vulturions (I think their name was) and the escaped vulture … Spidey is chasing after his Aunt's hat which becomes caught up in the battle. I think the Kingpin has May's hat analysed and returns it to Spiderman. In the interim he goes to the belltower to escape his costume.. his costume pulls him out of harms way leaving Peter to ponder why it saved him.

BeastieRunner

07-13-2006, 11:11 PM

Number 3“Down Among the Dead Men” Marvel Knight’s Spider-man #1-4 June – September 2004

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7228/0040td.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Axel Alonso
Writer: Mark Millar
Penciler: Terry Dodson
Inker: Rachel Dodson

It has been years since I read a story that mattered and took the care to make the classic Spider foes interesting, dangerous, and fun. This story and this whole run by Mark Millar has down just that and it was a great ride. It felt like reading old Amazing Spider-man when you never knew what classic adventure was going to happen next. Another rare modern classic.

Favorite Moment: Electro coming out of the closet.

Just kidding, it’s actually the whole Vulture vs. Spider-man & Black Cat fight.

BeastieRunner

07-13-2006, 11:18 PM

Number 2“Death of Gwen Stacy and Norman Osborn” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #121-122 June – July 1973

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/465/asmgwen8vs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Roy Thomas
Writer: Gerry Conway
Pencils: Gil Kane
Inkers: John Romita, Tony Mortellaro

Classic tale of one of the key moments to define who Spider-man is. If you haven’t read it or know, you better.

Favorite Moment: *SNAP!*

BeastieRunner

07-13-2006, 11:30 PM

And any particluar run of the 70s i should pick up??

Here's 5, but not really runs per se . . .

Amazing Spider-man #80 -110
Amazing Spider-man #113 - #142
Marvel Team-Up #1-17
Spectacular Spider-man #1-25 (you have to deal with the Hypno Hustler but it's only one issue)
Giant Sized Spider-man #1-5

I would just get everything but that's me. I loved the 1970s and even most of the 80s Spider-man.

mrc1214

07-14-2006, 07:52 AM

Thanks for the info BeastieRunner. Im looking foward to #1. I like your list to nuclearman. Bost very good lists so far.

ComicBookGuyAndy

07-14-2006, 02:24 PM

A giant-sized Spidey that often gets overlooked due to its odd title. Figured I would give it a plug as it is rather good.

BeastieRunner

07-15-2006, 01:39 PM

NUMBER 1“Spider-man No More!” Amazing Spider-man Vol.1 #50 July 1967

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/2007/asmnomorehc6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Editor: Stan Lee
Writer: Stan Lee
Pencils: John Romita, Sr.
Inker: Mickey Demeo

I love this story to death. It's all about why Pete can't quit. He ends up quiting because he stops a heist and everyone (victims and robbers alike) are terrified of him. Peter gets depressed and doesn't even go on a date with Gwen. Additionally, Aunt May is sick and he can't make the grade at school. He chucks his costume into a garbage bin after he reads that the Bugle has put a reward out on him. The Kingpin makes his debut since there's no more Spidey to stop him now. Parker eventually comes back around after foiling a robbery in his street clothes and gets his costume back that Jameson had as a trophy.

Favorite Moment: Breaking into the Daily Bugle.

Here's the rundown of the list:

“Spider-man No More!” Amazing Spider-man Vol.1 #50 July 1967
“Death of Gwen Stacy and Norman Osborn” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #121-122 June – July 1973
“Down Among the Dead Men” Marvel Knight’s Spider-man #1-4 June – September 2004
“Beware The Path Of The Monster!” Giant-Size Spider-Man #5 July 1975
“Blue” Spider-man: Blue #1-6 July – December 2002
“Kraven's Last Hunt” Web of Spider-man #31-32, Amazing Spider-man #293-294, Spectacular Spider-man #131-132 October – November 1987
“Return of the Sin-Eater” Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 1 #134-136 January – March 1988
“Learning Curve” Ultimate Spider-Man #8-13 June – November 2001
“The Man Called Electro!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #9 February 1964
“Doc Ock Wins!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #53-59 October 1967—April 1968
“Ultimate Vemon Origin” Ultimate Spider-man #33-38 February – May 2003
“Venom” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #300 May 1988
“The Sinister Six!” Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 Annual #1 1964
“The Return of the Hobgoblin!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #259-261 December 1984, January & Feburary 1985
“Spider-man” Amazing Fantasy #15 August 1962

Mister Mets

07-15-2006, 07:12 PM

Here's the rundown of the list:

“Spider-man No More!” Amazing Spider-man Vol.1 #50 July 1967
“Death of Gwen Stacy and Norman Osborn” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #121-122 June – July 1973
“Down Among the Dead Men” Marvel Knight’s Spider-man #1-4 June – September 2004
“Beware The Path Of The Monster!” Giant-Size Spider-Man #5 July 1975
“Blue” Spider-man: Blue #1-6 July – December 2002
“Kraven's Last Hunt” Web of Spider-man #31-32, Amazing Spider-man #293-294, Spectacular Spider-man #131-132 October – November 1987
“Return of the Sin-Eater” Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 1 #134-136 January – March 1988
“Learning Curve” Ultimate Spider-Man #8-13 June – November 2001
“The Man Called Electro!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #9 February 1964
“Doc Ock Wins!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #53-59 October 1967—April 1968
“Ultimate Vemon Origin” Ultimate Spider-man #33-38 February – May 2003
“Venom” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #300 May 1988
“The Sinister Six!” Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 Annual #1 1964
“The Return of the Hobgoblin!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #259-261 December 1984, January & Feburary 1985
“Spider-man” Amazing Fantasy #15 August 1962

It's a list of solid material, including a few of the choices I had, and the rest are mostly stories that would be on my Top 50 "The Sinister Six" "Return of the Sin-Eater" "Venom" "Blue" "Spider-Man No More." The only story I've never read was the Giant-Sized Man Thing VS Lizard tale, and that's one I've gotta pick.

My one criticism is that 2 of your Top 3 tales strike me as being the beginnings of bigger arcs, especially "Down Amongst the Dead Men."

Interesting that two of the stories on your list introduce Venom. :D

nuclearman

07-16-2006, 06:26 PM

Here's the rundown of the list:

“Spider-man No More!” Amazing Spider-man Vol.1 #50 July 1967
“Death of Gwen Stacy and Norman Osborn” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #121-122 June – July 1973
“Down Among the Dead Men” Marvel Knight’s Spider-man #1-4 June – September 2004
“Beware The Path Of The Monster!” Giant-Size Spider-Man #5 July 1975
“Blue” Spider-man: Blue #1-6 July – December 2002
“Kraven's Last Hunt” Web of Spider-man #31-32, Amazing Spider-man #293-294, Spectacular Spider-man #131-132 October – November 1987
“Return of the Sin-Eater” Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 1 #134-136 January – March 1988
“Learning Curve” Ultimate Spider-Man #8-13 June – November 2001
“The Man Called Electro!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #9 February 1964
“Doc Ock Wins!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #53-59 October 1967—April 1968
“Ultimate Vemon Origin” Ultimate Spider-man #33-38 February – May 2003
“Venom” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #300 May 1988
“The Sinister Six!” Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 Annual #1 1964
“The Return of the Hobgoblin!” Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 #259-261 December 1984, January & Feburary 1985
“Spider-man” Amazing Fantasy #15 August 1962

...brilliant list Beastie.. seems you like the classic villains and a bit of Venom thrown in.. great stuff!:D :D

nuclearman

07-16-2006, 06:55 PM

12. Spectacular Spider-Man 134-136

For all the reasons mentioned by Beastie. Not crazy on Buscema for Spidey. Really liked him on his Thor run, but you can't beat a story like this one. Electro confronting Spidey on national TV, Spidey losing his nerve, Sineater battling his inner demons, MJ suggesting to Peter that he should make like Rocky in Rocky IV. Has the lot.

http://www.samruby.com/SpectacularC/Large/Spec136.JPG

11. Amazing Spider-Man 225
Spiderman takes on the Foolkiller. This is one that I re-read recently as I got a cheap stash of comics that had the limited series from the early nineties of the Foolkiller. I really like this nut and I loved this issue where he turns his victims to ash, really had Spidey on the hop. Written by Roger Stern and artwork by the great John Romita Jr. (not Jr Jr whose work I can take or leave.)

http://www.thecomicshop.com.au/covers/comics/a/amazingspiderman-225-marvel-poor.jpg

10. Thor 51 (vol2)

The fabled city of Asgard appears above New York. Spidey goes to investigate. I just loved the idea of Spidey web-swinging through Asgard. Loved this book and the whole Dan Jurgens Thor run, art by Tom Raney, story, and the cover is awesome!!...all A+++.

http://www.samruby.com/OtherTitles/Thor/Thor2V51.gif

Lucalias

07-17-2006, 07:11 AM

nuclearman, please continue :)

nuclearman

07-17-2006, 10:43 PM

nuclearman, please continue :)

Ok!!!:D

9. Spectacular Spider-Man 93-96

http://www.samruby.com/SpectacularB/Spectacular094_small.JPG

Written and drawn by Al Milgrom. The return of Silvermane. Silvermane, who was killed by Dagger, is brought back to life by the Answer and the Kingpin. They lose control of him and he becomes an unstoppable force hell bent on destroying Dagger and we see what Cloak can become without Daggers light. Great action and Spidey gets pummeled by a cyborg that is an old mafia boss… didn’t see that coming…Brilliant art and storytelling.

nuclearman

07-17-2006, 10:45 PM

8. Web of Spider-Man Annual 1

http://www.spider-man.info/WebA/Large/WebA01.JPG

Written by Ann Nocenti, who adds a womans touch to Spidey. A simple story brilliantly told, about a teenager who is handicapped and has a special ability to construct gadgets. He uses this ability to build himself a simple exoskeleton to enable him to walk. He has a relationship behind a door with a teenage girl who he won't let see him because of his handicap. My memory is a little vague on details as I haven't read it for awhile but I believe his heavy artillery exoskeleton falls into the wrong hands and Spidey saves the day. Artwork by Tony Salmons is great particularly the cover, which was a Charles Vess. I really love this story will have to go and re-read.

nuclearman

07-17-2006, 10:50 PM

7. Amazing Spider-Man Annual 18

http://www.universomarvel.com/fichpor/portadas/asa18.jpg

Written by Stan Lee. This story is written by an older Peter Parker looking back on the wedding of JJJ. Great read and brings back one of my fav villians, the Scorpion, who is still looking for revenge on Spidey and JJJ. Well written and shows the characters as emotional ...makes you feel for all the characters even JJJ and the Scorpion. Artwork.. Ron Frenz.. need I say more?.. sensational and the cover describes the story… I love it when covers used to do that. Plot work from De Falco.

nuclearman

07-19-2006, 12:17 AM

6. Amazing Spider-Man 39-40

http://www.samruby.com/AmazingSpider-ManB/Large/AmazingSpider-Man039.jpg

Written by none other than Stan Lee and artwork by the great John Romita…The Green Goblin finds out who Spider-Man is, confronts him at Aunt May's captures Peter and parades him maskless above the city of New York. GG reveals himself as Norman Osborne and a battle ensues where Norman loses his memory. One of the first major… maybe the very first…shock..wow.. issues. First the reader is horrified to see Spidey unmasked and helpless before an arch nemesis…. and then we find that the arch nemesis is none other than Peter’s friends father.

Lucalias

07-19-2006, 01:46 AM

I loved nr 6! But weren't there 3 stories ?

Mister Mets

07-19-2006, 09:37 AM

I loved nr 6! But weren't there 3 stories ?

No, it was a two parter.

I've read it myself many times.

nuclearman

07-19-2006, 05:10 PM

5. Web of Spider-Man 13

http://www.samruby.com/WebA/Large/Web013.JPG

Brilliant artwork by Mike Harris… really great stuff… and a magnificent story by Peter David. Spidey stops a truck from plowing into a pedestrian. It hits the pedestrian but not at the speed at which it would have. Spidey gets angry at the gawkers telling them they should call an ambulance. JJJ writes an article saying Spidey deliberately plowed the car into the pedestrian. Spidey confronts JJJ in his office threatening him. Get to see Spidey right on the edge ... very close to splattering JJ's head against the office wall.

Turns out the pedestrian was a thief and the reason he got hit was he was spooked by Spidey thinking he was going to apprehend him. Has some good humor in it too, where JJJ enlists Peter to take a photo with him and the victim and Peter takes the photo so you don’t see JJ’s head.

Mister Mets

07-19-2006, 07:01 PM

A Peter David written Spider-Man/ J Jonah Jameson confrontation I've never heard of making it onto someone's Top 5 Spider-Man stories.

I've gotta go to back issue bins.

nuclearman

07-19-2006, 10:28 PM

A Peter David written Spider-Man/ J Jonah Jameson confrontation I've never heard of making it onto someone's Top 5 Spider-Man stories.

I've gotta go to back issue bins.

May not be your cup of tea/coffee/coke Cybey but I really love that story!!

nuclearman

07-19-2006, 10:34 PM

4. Amazing Spider-Man 5

http://www.samruby.com/AmazingSpider-ManA/Large/AmazingSpider-Man005.jpg

Written by Stan “the man” Lee …Spidey takes on Doctor Doom for the first time....IT HAD TO HAPPEN!!... Flash Thompson puts on the Spidey costume to scare "puny Parker". He gets captured by Dr.Doom who wishes to study Spidey. Case of mistaken identity with classic artwork from Steve Ditko. Spiderman saves Flash Thompson in typical Spidey style.... great Doom v Spidey battle where Doom realizes he has underestimated the webspinner. Fantastic comic… Stan Lee at his best!

Mister Mets

07-20-2006, 07:38 AM

May not be your cup of tea/coffee/coke Cybey but I really love that story!!

J. Jonah Jameson's my favorite supporting character in comics.
Peter David's one of my favorite Spider-Man writers (for his best work.)
Peter David has a great take on J Jonah Jameson.

It's probably my cup of tea.

nuclearman

07-20-2006, 08:05 PM

J. Jonah Jameson's my favorite supporting character in comics.
Peter David's one of my favorite Spider-Man writers (for his best work.)
Peter David has a great take on J Jonah Jameson.

It's probably my cup of tea.

Fantastic!!:D :D

Let me know what you think of Web#13.

.....

3. Amazing SpiderMan 269-270

http://samruby.com/AmazingSpider-ManK/AmazingSpider-Man269_small.jpg

Writer Tom DeFalco and artwork by Ron Frenz…Spiderman v Firelord - Spiderman uses every ounce of his resolve to defeat a former herald of Galactus. I love the fact that Spidey is at the end, both mentally and physically, and he has a choice to fight or just give up and he chooses to fight and knocks the living spit out of Firelord.

nuclearman

07-23-2006, 08:55 PM

2. Marvel Team Up 123

http://www.samruby.com/MtuC/Large/MarvelTeam-Up123.jpg

I guess I love this issue because it was my very first comic. Spiderman & Daredevil Team up to battle Solar... bit of a Z-Grader but hey he's bad in this, well written in.. It has action, good storyline, I love the fact that Spidey is severely injured and still manages to beat him. DD has to leave the main battle to save a kid from a former maffia boss who takes him hostage. DD makes the mob boss relent and make him realize that at the end of his life all he has to show for it are the rivers of blood that he has on his hands .. and that all the wrongs he has committed have given him a one way ticket to hell... Great to see this mafia boss slowly lose his mind and DD’s appearance is great. This story really gives us insight into how these two different heroes get things done.

Written by Dematteis, who along with Stan Lee, are my two favorite Spidey writers and art by the very underated Kerry Gammill.