What creators have done the most (good) for Spider-Man?

[Mister Mets]

Who do you guys think are the best creators (for their Spider-Man work alone) in terms of what they've done for the character?

My first guesses. (There's probably more.)

Stan Lee- Defined the character, supporting cast, and villains.

Steve Ditko- Designed most of the villains, and cast.

Jon Romita Sr- He drew Peter Parker the way most people now remember Peter Parker.

Roger Stern- Gave the Vulture an origin. Created the Hobgoblin. Wrote the Kid Who Colelcted Spider-Man. Cleared up misunderstanding involving Black Cat's sanity. Pit Spider-Man against the villains of other heroes to great effect (see Amazing Spider-Man #229-232). Brought back Mary Jane after an years long absence.

Tood Mcfarlane- Considered by many the defining Spider-Man artist. Also designed Venom, and drew great versions of a lot of Spider-Man characters. Updated Mary Jane's appearance.

Brian Michael Bendis- Got many new readers with Ultimate Spider-Man. Had Spider-Man join the New Avengers.

[The Shadow]

I would add JMS to the list. Sure some people don't like Sins Past (and that's their choice) JMS hasn't relied on the same tired old villains, has created some new ones and done different stuff with Spidey. His 9/11 issue was awesome too!

If you include Bendis I would also add Bagley because for a new generation of Spidey readers he is THE Spidey artist with his incredible run on Ultimate!

Peter David also with some awesome stories culminating in the Death of Jean De Wolfe

[Artemis1]

1. Stan Lee-Made him the sympathetic wise cracking nerd we know him to be today.

2. Steve Ditko-Designed some of the most important and popular characters in the Spiderman franchise.

3. John Romita Sr-He drew almost half of what we know of the world of Spiderman.

4. Gerry Conway-Shaped part of the world of Spiderman and made one of Spiderman's most successful comics ever.

5. Roger Stern-Gave Spiderman a cool look on things. He also made some of Spiderman's greatest enemies period.

[Mister Mets]

1. Stan Lee-Made him the sympathetic wise cracking nerd we know him to be today.

2. Steve Ditko-Designed some of the most important and popular characters in the Spiderman franchise.

3. John Romita Sr-He drew almost half of what we know of the world of Spiderman.

4. Gerry Conway-Shaped part of the world of Spiderman and made one of Spiderman's most successful comics ever.

5. Roger Stern-Gave Spiderman a cool look on things. He also made some of Spiderman's greatest enemies period.

Gerry Conway did write the best Spider-Man story ever, and introduced Punisher, the Harry Osborn Green Goblin, Tarantula, and Tombstone, but I don't know if I'd add him to the list. He did write a few clunkers, including the story where Doctor Octopus tried to get married to Aunt May (and this was the pay off to an epic subplot). He also introduced Jackal, the Gwen Stacy clone, and the Spider clone. This was in a decent story (although not by any means exceptional) but it has done a lot of harm to Spider-Man.

I would add JMS to the list. Sure some people don't like Sins Past (and that's their choice) JMS hasn't relied on the same tired old villains, has created some new ones and done different stuff with Spidey. His 9/11 issue was awesome too!

If you include Bendis I would also add Bagley because for a new generation of Spidey readers he is THE Spidey artist with his incredible run on Ultimate!

Peter David also with some awesome stories culminating in the Death of Jean De Wolfe

I've gotta agree with Peter David. He wrote the excellent Sin-Eater stories, and pretty much defined the funny Spider-Man story.

I don't know about JMS. I've enjoyed many of his stories, liked Morlun, Aunt May discovering Peter's secret identity, the return of Mary Jane, Exekiel, and Peter moving in with the Avengers. However, his September 11 issue was very hastily written, and could be construed as Spider-Man blaming America for September 11. And Sins Past while great in execution had an unforgiveable lack of homework on the title character.

Yea, Bagley probably deserves to be on the list, for drawing a consistent 79 issues, and counting.
* Edit- For proving the longevity of the Ultimate books with his record-breaking run.

[jam1]

Imo JMS writes the best Peter Parker ever, it's always spot on. His Aunt May and Mary Jane are damn good too. He's really great with characterizations. I also think he almost single-handedly rescued Spider-Man from suckiness when he started on ASM, the totem storyline was a breath of new life for the Spidey mythos.

DeMatteis (Kraven's Last Hunt etc), PAD (Sin-Eater) and Stern (Hobgoblin) and Conway (Gwen's death) have also contributed greatly.

Then there's of course Stan Lee.

[Charagon]

J.M. DeMatteis and Tom DeFalco need to be on this list.

[aeastwic]

J.M. DeMatteis and Tom DeFalco need to be on this list.

I think everyone mentioned so far should be on the list. And it's great to have DeFalco writing Spider-Girl (old school) and Peter David writing a new monthly (funny school).

I think Paul Jenkins should be on the list. He's written some stuff that a lot of people don't like, but he really gets the characters. His stuff is good (with the exception of Disassembled which blew goats)

I think JMS has been great. He also gets the characters and has introduced some new villians and his storytelling is great. I didn;t like Sins Past but his Spider Totem stuff was good and he left it open enough so that if you don't like it, you can ignore it. He began writing it when ASM was at a low and has improved it a lot.

Gerry Conway gave us the original clone saga, which was the good one. You can't lay the 90's tragedy on his doorstep.

[hangmanjury]

In addition to Stan, Steve, and John Sr., I'd add two later creators: Roger Stern on the writing end, and Todd McFarlane on the artistic end.

Yes, Todd is controversial, but one cannot deny Todd's innovations for Spider-Man, including the big eyes, the spaghetti webbing, and the altogether more Spider-like look.

[cosmicspidey]

Paul Jenkins, Robert Kirkman and Dan Slott have done a lot for the character in the past year or more (the more being Jenkins' run). They made Spidey fun again. Not just in a sense of good stories, but they brought the humor back into it, and the heart-warming feeling you used to get while reading an issue of Spider-Man which we haven't seen for a long, long time.

[The Shadow]

Paul Jenkins should be on the list. He's written some stuff that a lot of people don't like, but he really gets the characters. His stuff is good
I think Paul gets Peter Parker... but I don't think he knew how to write SPIDER-MAN. I found his stuff to be interesting when dealing with Peter... but found the superheroic stuff rushed. It gave me the feeling that it was more of an intrusion in the PETER story... like Spidey HAD to make a cameo almost.

His last issue on Spectacular is what I mean... it was a good story... but I want to read SPIDER-MAN... not Peter talking to his phantom uncle... again.

[Headhunter]

In the last 10 years, Bendis and Straczynski have to get major props as writers.

Artistically, I've been very impressed with Mark Bagley; to consistently put out great art while under a tremendously pressing schedule is rare. He's also one of the very few mainstream comic artists to draw young people as...well, young. In a world where almost every teenager has the creepy Beverly Hills 90210 pseudo-youth to them, Bagley's pencils are a treat.

[olympichero62]

. Stan Lee and Steve Ditko for even creating Spider-man

. Mark Bagley's Amazing Spider-man is just phnomonal.

. Paul Jenkins, Dan Slott and Robert Kirkman for making Spider-man a fun comic. Something I think that the comicbook world is desperately lacking in as of late (Nods to cosmicspidey)

. JMS for hitting the character dead on the head and including MJ and Aunt May age driving forces for Peter Parker to do what he does.

. Bendis for making Spidey a fullfledged memeber of the Avengers (something I have been waiting for my entire life)

Sorry if I missed anyone, I'm sure all writers and artists put their heart ans soul into trying to please the fans and make good stories.

[Mister Mets]

In addition to Stan, Steve, and John Sr., I'd add two later creators: Roger Stern on the writing end, and Todd McFarlane on the artistic end.

Yes, Todd is controversial, but one cannot deny Todd's innovations for Spider-Man, including the big eyes, the spaghetti webbing, and the altogether more Spider-like look.

You have five of the six guys I chose so I've gotta agree with you.

J.M. DeMatteis and Tom DeFalco need to be on this list.

Both writers have written some of the best stories for the character, but I can't help but think that Tom Defalco's run on Amazing was a step down from Roger Stern. He should definitely be credited with Spidergirl, which has brought the Spider-Man stories to a new audience, although I dropped the book about an year ago, so the later issues haven't done that much for me.
JM Dematteis wrote the excellent Kraven's Last Hunt, and the Harry becoming the Green Goblin again epic, along with a lot of other great issues. He also wrote the issues killing off three Lee- Ditko creations, and was heavily involved in the clone saga, and the Peter Parker no more story.

Note- The question isn't who are the best Spider-Man creators, but who have done the most good for the character (although they're often the same.)

I think everyone mentioned so far should be on the list. And it's great to have DeFalco writing Spider-Girl (old school) and Peter David writing a new monthly (funny school).

I think Paul Jenkins should be on the list. He's written some stuff that a lot of people don't like, but he really gets the characters. His stuff is good (with the exception of Disassembled which blew goats)

I think JMS has been great. He also gets the characters and has introduced some new villians and his storytelling is great. I didn;t like Sins Past but his Spider Totem stuff was good and he left it open enough so that if you don't like it, you can ignore it. He began writing it when ASM was at a low and has improved it a lot.

Gerry Conway gave us the original clone saga, which was the good one. You can't lay the 90's tragedy on his doorstep.

Paul Jenkins is another guy who's written some of my favorite Spider-Man stories, and a few more really good ones. He's done more than any writer to establish Peter's relationship to Uncle Ben, writes a damn good Peter Parker, writes a creepy as hell Norman Osborn/ Green Goblin, wrote some of the best Aunt May stories, and created one of the best villains since Venom in Fusion. However he has written some clunkers (his Lizard story, the last chapter of his disassembled arc, the spidersense story, etc.) I'd say his legacy's a bit uncertain, and depends heavily on how other writers use his creations, and the ideas he's established. That said "One Small Break" is one of the best Spider-Man trade paperbacks.

And I admit Gerry Conway can't really be blamed for the Clone Saga, any more than Stan Lee (who created Miles Warren.)

[The Shadow]

Wow, I'm really surprised at how much everyone liked Paul Jenkins's Spidey! I dunno.. I just found it boring and talkative and that Spidey was more an intrusion. I'll have to go back and re-read the run... maybe I missed something!

[Dark Soul # 7]

Paul Jenkins, Robert Kirkman and Dan Slott have done a lot for the character in the past year or more (the more being Jenkins' run). They made Spidey fun again. Not just in a sense of good stories, but they brought the humor back into it, and the heart-warming feeling you used to get while reading an issue of Spider-Man which we haven't seen for a long, long time.
Hell yeah.
I´d also like to add Tony Bedard to the list for his excellent portrayal of Spidey in Spider-man: Breakout and Kurt Buisek for his Amazing Fantasy #16-18 and Untold tales of Spider-man.

[SleepWalker]

Paul Jenkins, Robert Kirkman and Dan Slott have done a lot for the character in the past year or more (the more being Jenkins' run). They made Spidey fun again. Not just in a sense of good stories, but they brought the humor back into it, and the heart-warming feeling you used to get while reading an issue of Spider-Man which we haven't seen for a long, long time.

I think Kirkman's characterization of Spidey is the best I've read in years. So it only stands that I think that Kirkman's doing the best for Spider-Man at the moment by taking him back to his more fun roots.

Otherwise I'd agree with all of the writers and artists already mentioned. I'm split over whether to add JMS to my list because he brought me back to Spidey, but then sent me running away at full speed from all Spider-Man titles (after Jenkins left, that is).

[Faust451]

Stan
Steve
John and John Jr.
David M.
Roger S.
Mark B.
Todd M.

[Doesitmatter]

I'm constantly amazed by how good Roger Stern's run was.

[Bearpod91]

Well even though I dont have alot of different writers for spidey comics I have to say Bendis is a great writer on making spidey great in New Avengers. And I like his Ult. Spidey too...but Stan "the man" Lee still did the goods for the true spider-man we kno.

[Petertime]

I think Kurt Busiek did a great job in Untold tales, at a time (Clone saga) when people were losing interest in the character (or at least the comics)

I also think David Micheline did a lot for Spidey, because he used a lot of the classic villians really, really well but still constantly tried out new characters. Some were obviously better then others, but from a creative point he was adding to the pile he was taking from. And, as much as I like a lot of the current writers, I am not seeing nearly the amount of new characters.

Finally, even though he didn't write all that many, Erik Larsen tried to define some aspects of Peter Parker no one had really touched on. Everything from what kind of music he likes to how he tried to deal with the possibility of being a father.

The stuff I think is best, is the stuff that is entertaining and leaves something for the next writer to use.

[Dial Tone]

David Michelinie definitely isn't getting enough love here. He wrote the character for about 100 issues, and kept it amazingly popular throughout. He married Peter and Mary Jane, created Venom and Carnage, used all of the classics to great effect, and after he left, the clone saga took over.

He did much for the character.

[Gingold]

Stan, Steve, and Jazzy Johnny are the obvious no-brainer choices.

Other great Spider-writers- Conway, Stern, DeMatteis and Micheline

Artists- JR Jr and Todd McFarlane

Gotta put Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire on the list too.

[jam1]

David Michelinie definitely isn't getting enough love here. He wrote the character for about 100 issues, and kept it amazingly popular throughout. He married Peter and Mary Jane, created Venom and Carnage, used all of the classics to great effect, and after he left, the clone saga took over.

He did much for the character.

It was Stan Lee and Jim Shooter's decision to marry Peter and MJ.

[Dial Tone]

It was Stan Lee and Jim Shooter's decision to marry Peter and MJ.

And David Michelinie wrote it and nurtured the relationship.

[jam1]

Sure, he wrote the relationship but I think he turned MJ into a rather one-dimensional character.

[Dial Tone]

Sure, he wrote the relationship but I think he turned MJ into a rather one-dimensional character.

I definitely disagree, as I haven't felt the Peter/MJ relationship has been as well developed since. JMS is finally doing some stuff, but she's just been window dressing for years, when she wasn't elbowed out of the picture a few years back.

[Stephane Garrelie]

Stan Lee, Steve Dikto, John Romita.
Roger Stern, John Romita Jr
David Michelinie.
JM De Mateis and Mick Zeck with "Kraven's Last Hunt". (But De Mateis did many weak or even crappy stories at some other times too. "K's LH" is the only reason why I name him.)

[Lobo]

Stan Lee and Steve Ditko (Obviously).

John Romita Sr. - Spider-Man's best artist of all times.

Gerry Conway - Stan's successor.

[Mister Mets]

Bump, because I think it was a good question, and I'd like to see responses by more recent members.

[Rere]

WRITERS

Stan Lee - For starting all. Can't thank this guy enough. Really.

Gerry Conway - Gave us Harry as the Green Goblin, the Punisher, Jackal, the 1st Clone War and had the guts to kill Gwen Stacy.

Roger Stern - "The Kid Who Collected Spider-Man". 'Nuff said.

Tom DeFalco - For being the man behind the symbiote. Plus he was the 1st writer to give some interesting background to MJ and why Peter would be attracted to her. (Aside the obvious reason!)

David Michelinie - For creating Venom. I just had way too much fun reading his comics.

I'd also say that Dan Slott has a lot of potential. I'm very curious to what he can come up with.


ARTISTS

Steve Ditko - For his famous quirky style. Just classic.

Romita Sr. - For being the most iconic of all Spider-Man artists.

Ross Andru - Loved his Spidey. Really dynamic. And I also loved how he portrayed NY. I think he is really underappreciated these days.

Mark Bagley - Because even if I didn’t liked his style (which I do) he would have earned to be in this list just in recognition to his penciller services for Spidey. This guy was once described as a "smooth-flowing, fast-producing comic book art machine" and I couldn’t agree more with it.

Romita Jr. - Definitely "Spidey Penciller Extraordinaire".

And finally -

Paul Ryan!
Ok. No, not really. It’s just that I get sentimental at the fact that he was the ASM Annual 21 penciller. :p

[stillanerd]

I think that if we're talking about creators that have done the most good for Spider-Man, you obviously have to include Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, and John Romita since they created the character, so it's pretty much a given. Gerry Conway definitely should be included on the basis of the "Night Gwen Stacy Died" alone, since that was one of the most defining moments in Spider-Man's history, if not comics in general.

Roger Stern is, without question, one the best writers Spider-Man has ever had and did much to help define the character, his supporting cast, and his villians, giving us some classic stories in the process. Tom DeFalco also deserves credit as well.

Todd McFarlane really only benefited Spidey artistically moreso than he did writing about him. He brought back some of that quirkiness and creppy quality Steve Ditko had. John Romita, Jr. also has a unique style to Spidey as well, which is sort of a mix of his fathers and is deceptively simple. And lets not forget Mark Bagley, shall we?

Brain Michael Bendis does deserve some credit for Ultimate Spider-Man, but it's really more of an alternative version of the character rather that, at worst, tries to out-do the original. JMS certainly has given some great character depth when in comes to Peter, Mary Jane, and Aunt May, but his contributions to anything involving the characters past--the mystical totem aspects, Gwen Stacy, etc.--are going to be seen more as a curious, and in some cases downright unnecessary, sidestep. J.M. DeMatteis will be remembered for his well-praised masterpiece "Kraven's Last Hunt" as he should be. Unfortunately, he helped to contribute to a darkening of Spider-Man that took a whimsical character into the "dark and gritty" fad which I believe set the groundwork that led to so many of the comics problems in the past decade or so.

[Noronha]

Every time i read Stern´s run i get more and more impressed,his characterization of Peter,his Hobgoblin,the black cat everything just rocks together with John Romita Jr´s art to me is the best ever Spidey period!Oh and he created the best ever title in a story:
"Where The @$%# Is Nose Noston",i just love this title lol
Then comes PAD for writting the best ever spidey story,Death of Jean DeWolff!And everytime he writtes spidey he simply gets it!
Tom De Falco-Loved his run,his subplots,his MJ
JMS-For resurrecting Amazing Spider-Man and his characterization of MJ and May
BMB because ultimate spider man is simply brilliant

[Roger Stern]

Every time i read Stern´s run i get more and more impressed,his characterization of Peter,his Hobgoblin,the black cat everything just rocks together with John Romita Jr´s art to me is the best ever Spidey period!Oh and he created the best ever title in a story:
"Where The @$%# Is Nose Norton",i just love this title lol


Thanks. (That was one of my favorite titles.)

And thanks to all of you for including me in such good company.

-- Uncle Rog http://www.imwan.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_spidey.gif

[stillanerd]

Thanks. (That was one of my favorite titles.)

And thanks to all of you for including me in such good company.

-- Uncle Rog http://www.imwan.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_spidey.gif

I wish I had a more clever response but just the fact you showed up has pretty much limited my response to...

You're welcome and thanks for some GREAT work.

EDIT: Well I also wanted to say that, besides "Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaut" I also liked the "Viewpoints" story were we had the daydreams of the Black Cat, Mary Jane, J. Jonah Jameson, and Spider-Man. "Spider-Man? You're Cary Grant!?!" Classic.

[a-spidey]

i would say DeMatteis & Bagley and Bendis & DeMatteis did a great Job.

JR JR was also always good at spidey books

[Mister Mets]

I think that if we're talking about creators that have done the most good for Spider-Man, you obviously have to include Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, and John Romita since they created the character, so it's pretty much a given. Gerry Conway definitely should be included on the basis of the "Night Gwen Stacy Died" alone, since that was one of the most defining moments in Spider-Man's history, if not comics in general.

Roger Stern is, without question, one the best writers Spider-Man has ever had and did much to help define the character, his supporting cast, and his villians, giving us some classic stories in the process. Tom DeFalco also deserves credit as well.

Todd McFarlane really only benefited Spidey artistically moreso than he did writing about him. He brought back some of that quirkiness and creppy quality Steve Ditko had. John Romita, Jr. also has a unique style to Spidey as well, which is sort of a mix of his fathers and is deceptively simple. And lets not forget Mark Bagley, shall we?

Brain Michael Bendis does deserve some credit for Ultimate Spider-Man, but it's really more of an alternative version of the character rather that, at worst, tries to out-do the original. JMS certainly has given some great character depth when in comes to Peter, Mary Jane, and Aunt May, but his contributions to anything involving the characters past--the mystical totem aspects, Gwen Stacy, etc.--are going to be seen more as a curious, and in some cases downright unnecessary, sidestep. J.M. DeMatteis will be remembered for his well-praised masterpiece "Kraven's Last Hunt" as he should be. Unfortunately, he helped to contribute to a darkening of Spider-Man that took a whimsical character into the "dark and gritty" fad which I believe set the groundwork that led to so many of the comics problems in the past decade or so.
It's always odd to blame writers for the developments of weaker writers, although it is valid on this type of thread. In Dematteis's defense, Spider-Man has sometimes been pretty dark (see Amazing Fantasy #15) and he has written/ plotted some funny Spider-Man stories.
http://www.spiderfan.org/comics/images/spiderman_spectacular/185.jpg

Thanks. (That was one of my favorite titles.)

And thanks to all of you for including me in such good company.

-- Uncle Rog http://www.imwan.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_spidey.gif
The big debate about Roger Stern's Spider-Man is whether he's the best Spider-Man writer ever, or just the best since Stan Lee. I'd argue that he's only second-best, but I could understand why some would want to put him higher.

[hangmanjury]

I confess to not really getting what's so good about JRJR's art.

I think his earlier stuff was much better than his 90s/recent stuff, which just looks sketchy and crude.

[Mikl C]

DeFalco wrote my favourite Spiderman ever. and he created Delilah which makes him the greatest EVER.

[Mister Mets]

Bumping this thread once more, as I did bump its companion "What creators have done the most harm to Spider-Man?" thread.

Some additions to my original list.

Mark Bagley- Solid 90s artist. But his best work was on Ultimate Spider-Man, where he sold the focus on Peter Parker's high school days. His record-breaking run on the title also helped create a sense of permanence to a series that wasn't expected to last five years.

John Romita Jr- One of the best Spider-Man artists ever. Made Roger Stern and JMS's Amazing Spider-Man runs even better. Made Mackie bearable, while defining the hero's street-level possibilities.

Sam Raimi- Focusing the movies on Peter Parker and Mary Jane's relationship broke box office records, and gave Spider-Man a new level of exposure, even if the third movie was flawed.

Joe Quesada- For Ultimate Spider-Man, JMS's Amazing Spider-Man and Brand New Day.

[AbdulAziz]

*Stan Lee & Steve Ditko are definitely on the top of the list
*John Romita sr
*Gerry Conway & Gil Kane
*Marv Wolfman (you can't say no, most of the Spider-Man fans loves his creation the 'Black Cat', he also cleared Spider-Man out of his charges)
*Roger Stern & John Romiita jr
*Tom Defalco, Ron Frenz (even way before making Spider-Girl, I know Pat Oliffe was the first to draw her)
*David Michelinie & Todd McFarlane (creators of the popular Venom/Eddie Brock)
*J.M Dematties & Mike Zeck (Death of Kraven, Dematties did many significant works as well)
*Howard Mackie (Boring Stories, but he restored the Green Goblin and proved Peter is not the clone)
*JMS, JRjr, Paul Jenkins & Mark Buckengham saved the Spider-Man titles from dropping hard
*Joe Quesada: Helped keep Spider-Man a Marvel superhero
*Kurt Bussiek & Pat Oliffie: Untold Tales of Spider-Man
*Peter David
*B.M.B: Ultimate Spider-Man
*Greg Weismann: SSM animated
*Marvel studios: they introduced me to Spider-Man and made me love the character because of Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends

[spiderman_rj]

Who do you guys think are the best creators (for their Spider-Man work alone) in terms of what they've done for the character?

My first guesses. (There's probably more.)

Stan Lee- Defined the character, supporting cast, and villains.

Steve Ditko- Designed most of the villains, and cast.

Jon Romita Sr- He drew Peter Parker the way most people now remember Peter Parker.

Roger Stern- Gave the Vulture an origin. Created the Hobgoblin. Wrote the Kid Who Colelcted Spider-Man. Cleared up misunderstanding involving Black Cat's sanity. Pit Spider-Man against the villains of other heroes to great effect (see Amazing Spider-Man #229-232). Brought back Mary Jane after an years long absence.

Tood Mcfarlane- Considered by many the defining Spider-Man artist. Also designed Venom, and drew great versions of a lot of Spider-Man characters. Updated Mary Jane's appearance.

Brian Michael Bendis- Got many new readers with Ultimate Spider-Man. Had Spider-Man join the New Avengers.

To that i add J.M Dematteis and Mark Bagley the dinamic duo.

[Venom]

Mark Bagley- Solid 90s artist. But his best work was on Ultimate Spider-Man, where he sold the focus on Peter Parker's high school days. His record-breaking run on the title also helped create a sense of permanence to a series that wasn't expected to last five years.

I preferred Bagley's art on his 90s Amazing Spider-Man run. He's still my favourite Spidey artist though.

[hangmanjury]

I preferred Bagley's art on his 90s Amazing Spider-Man run. He's still my favourite Spidey artist though.
I agree. I think he was a much denser storyteller then, although I understand most of the decompression comes with working with Bendis.

[Venom]

I agree. I think he was a much denser storyteller then, although I understand most of the decompression comes with working with Bendis.

As much as I love Bendis, he is the most decompressed writer out there at the moment.

[AbdulAziz]

Mark Bagley- Solid 90s artist. But his best work was on Ultimate Spider-Man, where he sold the focus on Peter Parker's high school days. His record-breaking run on the title also helped create a sense of permanence to a series that wasn't expected to last five years.

I preferred Bagley's art on his 90s Amazing Spider-Man run. He's still my favourite Spidey artist though.No way: He made Mary Jane look old in the 90s, in the Ultimate she looks young and pretty like she must always be

[hangmanjury]

No way: He made Mary Jane look old in the 90s, in the Ultimate she looks young and pretty like she must always be
He made Mary Jane look like she was in her 20s and a supermodel.

Which is exactly what she was in that continuity.

In Ultimate, she looks young.

Which she is in that continuity.

[Venom]

No way: He made Mary Jane look old in the 90s, in the Ultimate she looks young and pretty like she must always be

She looked ravishing, gorgeous, beautiful and youthful. If a woman in her 20s is considered old, then I must be becoming an old fart as I'm 21 in a few months.

[The Shadow]

Sam Raimi

Joe Quesada

Raimi is an interesting choice and one I didn't consider.

Agree with Quesada as BND and beyond has been worth it and very enjoyable.

[yadadaimhollaing]

while i havent read nearly enough spiderman to be able to judge some of the people mentioned in this thread im going to go with those i have read.

for writers
stan lee
gerry conway
roger stern
tom defalco

artists
steve ditko
john romita
ross andru
gil kane
john romita jr

my personal favorite writer may just well be roger stern. i just recently read his run and it was just great. stan lees run was awesome and he introduced most of the classic villains but i just enjoyed the kid who collects spiderman, hobgoblin, spiderman vs juggernaught so much. if i had to choose who was more important though id have to go with stan lee due to his longer time period.
tom defalco gets credit for being a part of sterns end on amazing spiderman as well as his run. introducing the symbiote having a mind of its own and wanting to be with peter is important to the whole basis of venom.

ill add more later

[ZT4]

He made Mary Jane look like she was in her 20s and a supermodel.

Bagely's MJ looked closer to a 27-28 year old mother-to-be than anything in the early or middle portions. Not to mention MJ looked like a healthy "supermodel/Mother-To-Be" under him than the anorexic, dated Romita Snr look adapted for her once the 1999 reboot occured. She looked like a regular person

I always thought Bagely captured precisly what age Peter and MJ ought to have been in the 1990s (very late twenties, early thirties), and for my money, that look was sort of aped and maintained by Frenz and Romita Jr prior to the reboot also, and is maintained in Spider-Girl. It's not always accurate though, I still see the proportional and weight issues under one artist get excessively schizophrensic.