Which comics to read in the interim until Spider-Man 2 comes out on PC

Dive into the surprisingly vibrant world of recent Spider-Man comics! Despite the mixed reception of Amazing Spider-Man, several novelizations offer compelling reads. From horror and psychological thrillers to buddy-cop adventures and even a reimagining of Spidey's origin, there's something for everyone. We'll explore three distinct styles: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Which Insomniac game vibes do these evoke?

Table of Contents

• Spine-Tingling Spider-Man
• Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin
• Spider-Man: Reign 2

Spine-Tingling Spider-Man

Writer: Saladin Ahmed Artist: Juan Ferreira

Spanning 2023-2024, this initially digital-only comic (now in print) is a must-read. The concept is simple yet effective: a psychedelic descent into madness, beautifully rendered by Ferreira. His expressive art is incredibly impactful, even without relying heavily on dialogue. Ahmed's script complements Ferreira's work perfectly, capturing Peter's anxiety effectively. The story features Paul (the antagonist from the one-shot), who uses song to steal dreams, forcing Spider-Man to fight off sleep while battling unsettling visions. The result is a visually stunning, Junji Ito-esque experience.

The limited series expands on this visual inventiveness, plunging Spidey into a directed nightmare reminiscent of "Beau Is Afraid." Ferreira masterfully employs a "simple vs. detailed" approach, common in manga, highlighting monstrous figures while keeping Peter relatively simple, allowing readers to empathize with his terror.

Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin

Writer: J.M. DeMatteis Artist: Michael Sta. Maria

This flashback series reveals a shocking secret: the first Goblin wasn't Norman Osborn! We delve into the origins of the Proto-Goblin, his connection to the Osborn family, and young Peter's role in it all.

This is a classic DeMatteis story, showcasing his mastery of dark, psychological drama. It's a prequel to the Harry Osborn storyline in Spectacular Spider-Man, exploring the roots of the Osborn family's descent into darkness. The Proto-Goblin, an obscure character from the 90s, is brilliantly reimagined.

The focus isn't solely on superheroics; the comic explores the characters' humanity, showing Peter vulnerable and entangled in the web of events leading to the rise of the Green Goblin. DeMatteis masterfully depicts the gradual descent into evil, highlighting Norman's inner demons. This unjustly overlooked limited series is a gem for fans of DeMatteis' work.

Spider-Man: Reign 2

Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews

This isn't a traditional sequel; it's more of a reimagining. Andrews restarts the story, offering a fresh perspective on the dystopian world of Spider-Man: Reign. A broken, aging Peter Parker finds himself in a digital dream, only to have it shattered by Kitty Pryde. Together, they journey back in time to prevent disaster.

Andrews' signature style is on full display, with brutal violence and unflinching depictions of trauma. The comic features time travel, a unique take on Miles Morales, and a cybernetic Kingpin. The story is over-the-top, yet emotionally resonant, exploring Peter's overwhelming burden and his eventual acceptance of the past.