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

Beyond the negative press surrounding Amazing Spider-Man, the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man comics aren't entirely down in the dumps. This review highlights several compelling Spider-Man novelizations, offering a diverse range of narratives: horror, psychological drama, buddy-cop adventures, children's stories, and even Spidey's ultimate demise and rebirth. We'll explore three distinct iterations: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Let's examine which resonates most 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

Spanning 2023 and 2024, this initially digital-only comic (later reprinted) is a standout. The core concept—a psychedelic descent into madness—is brilliantly executed. Ferreira's expressive art style is captivating, even without dialogue. Ahmed's script complements Ferreira's art, effectively conveying Peter's anxiety. The antagonist, Paul, uses song to steal dreams, forcing Spider-Man to fight sleep while battling unsettling visions. The result is a visually stunning, Junji Ito-esque experience.

The limited series elevates the visual storytelling. Spidey's nightmare becomes a surreal, "Beau Is Afraid"-esque journey through various fears, from anonymity to being harassed by a creepy conductor.

Ferreira masterfully employs the "simple vs. detailed" approach common in manga, focusing on grotesque monsters while keeping Peter relatively simple to foster audience identification.

Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin

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

This flashback series reveals the shocking origins of a Proto-Goblin, predating Norman Osborn. It explores young Peter's developing sense of responsibility and his entanglement in the Osborn family's dark history.

This is a classic DeMatteis tale, reminiscent of his work on Spectacular Spider-Man. It's a dark, psychologically driven narrative, exploring the deep trauma of Harry Osborn and the roots of the Green Goblin's evil.

The Proto-Goblin, a relatively obscure character, is cleverly woven into the narrative. The story focuses on the human element, showcasing the characters' vulnerabilities and the gradual descent into darkness. DeMatteis masterfully builds suspense, highlighting the insidious nature of evil within the Osborn family. This often-overlooked gem is a must-read for fans of DeMatteis' work.

Spider-Man: Reign 2

Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews

This isn't so much a sequel as a reimagining. Andrews revisits the dystopian world of the first Reign, where an aged, broken Peter Parker finds himself in a digital dream, only to have it shattered by a young thief.

Andrews' signature style is evident, reminiscent of his work on Iron Fist: The Living Weapon. The comic is characterized by graphic violence, a strong female character, and unflinching exploration of dark themes. The story features time travel, unconventional characters, and a brutally visceral depiction of Spider-Man's suffering.

While not for the faint of heart, Reign 2 is a powerful story of redemption and letting go of the past. It's a bold, uncompromising vision of Spider-Man pushed to his absolute limits.