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

[Mister Mets]

What TPB's would you guys recommend to get for the current Amazing Spider-man? I have started with the most recent .1 issue but want to get some more back story. Thanks.

The Big Time Volume One collects the first four issues of the current period. That would be the big place to start.

[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.

[oldschool]

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.

Totally agreed except I think hangmanjury is referring to ASM 655 in his last sentence; that is the highly acclaimed Slott/Martin issue. 654 is great also---heck, you should just get a complete run of #648 right up to to present if you can, but #655 is a modern classic!

[Ace Grayson]

I agree with Hangman. No point in going far back, just start somewhere close so you can get a good grip on things.

[Xenon]

648 is the beginning of Big Time, so that seems to be the best place to start in recent history. I started at #1, but also at 648 with the first Big Time Trade.

[SamSpade]

I would go back to the beginning of Brand New Day. It's not really required reading but at the same time, lots of good stuff in there. New Ways to Die. the lead up issues to #600 a really good with Mark Waid. #600 has the last team up with Johnny Storm and Spidey, The gauntlet storyline was really well done, especially the Mysterio, Electro, and Rhino stories.

Big Time is a good jump on point but there's tons of quality stuff all through out BND despite what some of the hardliners say.

[Dexter Fletcher]

I'd recommend starting just with NWTD and then jumping straight into BT as Slott is easily the best thing about the whole thing (well, used to be, I can't stand his run on ASM)

[CromagnonMan]

i started at the beginning of Brand New Day, and ive re-read again from the beginning since, its a great ride

[oldschool]

i started at the beginning of Brand New Day, and ive re-read again from the beginning since, its a great ride

Yeah, I would recommend just reading all of BND/Big Time as, except for a handful of issues, nothing there really dips below a "B" but that is a lot of issues (120+). For the sake of economy, just start with #648 (start of Big Time) as recommended and, if you like it, then you can go back and pick up most of the BND era in TPB form---good luck----it's great stuff!!

[DeadX]

Cheers guys, think I may start with 648 as that doesn't seem too far back :)

I have read NWTD and #600, but I kind of lost track after that Kraven arc, wasn't too fussed on it in all honesty.