Spider-Man 2 Coming to PC: Comic Bridge Reads

Despite the negativity surrounding Amazing Spider-Man, the Friendly Neighborhood comics aren't entirely at their lowest point. Here are several Spider-Man novel adaptations worth recommending, offering horror, psychological drama, buddy-movie adventures, children's stories, and even the end and a new beginning for Spidey. These fall into three categories: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Let's explore which resonates with an Insomniac game.

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

Published mostly in 2023, concluding in 2024, this is a standout. Initially a digital comic, it was reprinted as a print one-shot (#0) followed by a four-issue limited series. The concept is simple yet effective: a talented artist immerses the hero in a psychedelic descent into madness. Ferreira's expressive art is easily understood, even without dialogue, surpassing the script in impact. Ahmed's writing, while strong, is secondary to Ferreira's visuals.

The story effectively conveys Peter's anxiety. The main antagonist from the one-shot, Paul, uses song to steal dreams, forcing Spider-Man to fight sleep despite unsettling visions. The result is a visual feast reminiscent of a Junji Ito collaboration.

The limited series pushes the artistic boundaries further, placing Spidey in a directed nightmare akin to "Beau Is Afraid," a series of escalating terrors. From the fear of being unrecognized to being harassed by a creepy conductor, the visuals are striking.

Ferreira masterfully employs a "simple vs. detailed" approach, similar to many mangaka and Junji Ito's work. Monsters are meticulously rendered, drawing the eye, while Peter remains relatively simple, allowing for easy identification and empathy.

Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin

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

This story reveals a shocking secret: the first Goblin wasn't Norman Osborn! It explores the Proto-Goblin and his connection to the Osborn family, and young Peter's role in the unfolding events.

This is a flashback series, a trend Marvel employed heavily, revisiting past events. The formula is straightforward: take a past period, bring back the original writer, and create a "lost" story. This one stands out as a high-quality example.

"Shadow of the Green Goblin" showcases DeMatteis' skill, reminding us of his legendary work on Spectacular Spider-Man. It's a dark, psychological drama, a Spider-Man story written with the intensity of Dostoyevsky.

The Proto-Goblin is a relatively obscure character, easily mistaken for a DeMatteis creation. The comic effectively fills the gaps between classic issues, allowing the characters to shed their superhero personas and become relatable individuals. The looming presence of the Green Goblin is ever-present, even before Norman fully embraces his villainous identity. The story masterfully depicts the family's descent into darkness, driven by Norman's inner demons.

Spider-Man: Reign 2

Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews

New York City is under Kingpin's rule, protected by an electric dome to keep out zombies. An aged Peter Parker, killed by his radioactive sperm, finds himself in a digital dream, only to have it shattered by Kitty Pryde. To prevent disaster, they journey back in time.

This isn't a true sequel but more of a remake. Andrews starts from scratch, so familiarity with the first Reign isn't necessary. It's a gritty, violent story, often compared to The Dark Knight Strikes Again. I see parallels with Andrews' Iron Fist: The Living Weapon.

Andrews' signature style is evident: brutal violence, a strong female character, graphic depictions of death and trauma, and intense hatred in the battles.

The comic features time travel, young Goblins, a cybernetic Kingpin, and a shocking Venom storyline. Andrews excels in portraying extreme violence, showcasing Spider-Man's most severe injuries. It's a catastrophic version of Spider-Man, overwhelmed by his responsibilities, but ultimately finding release.