Where do you start reading Spider-Man comics? And other recommendations.

[Mister Mets]

For obvious questions, one of the most often asked questions on this board is for recommendations for new readers.

And there are plenty of choices available.

There's some excellent material available in various reprint collections. You could find most of these stories in well-stocked bookstores or internet retailers.

There are also fantastic stories that have never been reprinted, or that were collected in volumes that have since gone out of print. These stories may require a bit more searching, but it should be well worth it.

And Marvel's making an effort to have digital comics available, either on their website or on the Ipad.

You could just start picking up the title during its next jump-on point.
* Edit- Or the most recent jump-on point (Amazing Spider-Man #648) collected as part of a hardcover.

And there's a new thread about mini-series and one-shots.

[Mister Mets]

This thread mainly exists to cut down on the number of stickies (from eight to five) and to provide links to the various recommendations threads in all the different formats.

[MillerFan]

I want to know about the current status quo. Please mention the issues from which I can get the idea about it. Also I would like to know that out of all the spiderman titles which are the great ones.

[thegravytrain]

I first started reading religiously when I first discovered Maximum Carnage! Great start

[Mister Mets]

I want to know about the current status quo. Please mention the issues from which I can get the idea about it. Also I would like to know that out of all the spiderman titles which are the great ones.

The latest issue of Amazing Spider-Man (#648) kicks off the new status quo for the title.

I'd say Amazing Spider-Man is the great title.

[Jackscifi]

Surprisingly enough One Moment in Time got me into Spiderman but for anyone who doesn't want to spend large amounts of time on the internet finding out back stories, the start of Big Time (648) or the start of Origin of the Species (642) require little background (most of which is in the comic).

[Wasp777]

Started with ASM issue #600.

[totalcomicmayhem]

I started getting into Spider-Man when Todd McFarlane was just beginning to pencil for Amazing Spider-Man. But...the Kraven storyline "Kraven's Last Hunt" Amazing Spider-Man #293-294, Web of Spider-Man #31-32, & Spectacular Spider-Man #131-132 is a great, great read. It was this cover that made me had to find out what the hell was going on...I know it ain't McFarlane, but it's still badass...

[JuX]

I started reading at Civil War. And then i went back and read some older stuff. I love Spidey.

[argon31pf]

'Amazing Spider-Man' is definitely the flagship, it's been in continuous publication since the early 60's and is looking to head directly to issue 1000 in the years ahead - but this doesn't mean you have to start with this title. If you are, I recommend the 'Brand New Day' issues 546 to 564. Try 555-557, this three-issue story arc has Wolverine and Dr. Strange and New York under a mystical blizzard. The story is solid and the art is gorgeous.

Back in the day, they also published Marvel Two-In-One which is a team-up comic. This is fun old school superhero reading which you can source from the bins.

If you're too overwhelmed with the hundreds of issues in 'Amazing', 'Spectacular Spider-Man' is a nice option. The entire first volume run tops out at 263 issues.

I hope this helps.

[tripleh11]

So I have only just decided to start reading Spider-Man comics. I want to read as many graphic novels as I can but I have no idea where I should start.

Im thinking about getting all The Amazing Spider-Man Volumes 1 through 5 to read the original stuff but then from there I don't know where to go.

Can anybody help a real noob out.

Many Thanks

[Mister Mets]

So I have only just decided to start reading Spider-Man comics. I want to read as many graphic novels as I can but I have no idea where I should start.

Im thinking about getting all The Amazing Spider-Man Volumes 1 through 5 to read the original stuff but then from there I don't know where to go.

Can anybody help a real noob out.

Many Thanks

I'm not even sure what you mean by Amazing Spider-Man Volumes 1-5.

Are you referring to the Marvel Masterworks reprints?
The Essential reprints?
Or the Ultimate collections with J. Michael Straczynski's run on the title?

The first post of the thread has a few links to relevant discussions, along with recommendations for newer readers.

[Dean MD]

I think he means the five paperback Masterworks. If so, from there I'd just get 6 in hardcover (if you can afford it) or wait for the paperback version of 6 - or for something better than Masterworks to come along.

[DeadX]

Hi guys, wanted to ask a quick question and see what you all think...

I used to follow ASM religiously but lost track around the 630-640 mark, can't remember when but it was around last year due to work commitments and what not. I want to start reading again but don't want to go as far back as above, maybe start in the late 640's/anywhere in the 50's. Is there any particular issue that starts a new arc and is a good jumping on point?

[Duy]

Hi guys, wanted to ask a quick question and see what you all think...

I used to follow ASM religiously but lost track around the 630-640 mark, can't remember when but it was around last year due to work commitments and what not. I want to start reading again but don't want to go as far back as above, maybe start in the late 640's/anywhere in the 50's. Is there any particular issue that starts a new arc and is a good jumping on point?

648 is a great jumping-on point, since that's when the current direction started. Having said that, any issue since then has been really reader-friendly!

The one issue I think you should absolutely get is 654. It's a masterpiece in comic art and design.