One of the bigger news items out of the 2010 Comic-Con was Marvel’s announcement that the three year Spider-Man mega-arc, Brand New Day, will finally come to a close this October. Brand New Day significantly shifted the status quo in Spider-Man’s universe, erasing Peter Parker’s marriage and resurrecting Harry Osborn, amongst other things. But for as much controversy as it was initially met with, its new freedoms and rotating crew of writers and artists have brought along many high quality Spider-Man stories, and the end result has been a Spider-Man renaissance. With an eye toward whats next for the web slinger, I went through my collection and came up with nine great, mostly unsung, Spider-Man stories that I feel represent the characters range and history. Some of these have been reprinted, but some may require some searching for. They are all worth it.
1. Spider-Man: Threat or Menace (Amazing Spider-Man Annual #15)
Writer Dennis O’Neil’s run on Spider-man in the early 80’s is generally not as well regarded as his other works, but this 1981 story was a diamond in the rough. Featuring terrific early artwork by Frank Miller, this annual is also a turning point in the characterization of The Punisher, who begins the transition from one note guest villain to a star character of his own right.
2. Assassin Nation Plot (Amazing Spider-Man #320-325)
It seems unlikely to name any comic featuring art by Todd McFarlane as “underrated”, but this one qualifies. The story of government espionage by David Micheline successfully takes Spidey out of his element but keeps his unique humor intact. The original trade paperback is out of print, but much of the story can be found in Spider-Man Visionaries: Todd McFarlane, vol. 3. Be warned, however, that collection is missing a chapter with art by Eric Larson. It’s worth tracking down.
3. Sin-Eater Returns (Spectacular Spider-Man #134-136)
Peter David’s “The Death of Jean DeWolf” storyline is regarded as a classic, but this sequel is often ignored. It’s a great tale of how Spider-Man can let his guilt overwhelm him, and features sharp art by Marvel Comics legend Sal Buscema.
4. Amazing Fantasy (Amazing Fantasy #16-18)
In 1995, fresh of his success with Marvels, writer Kurt Busiek scripted this interesting take on the early days of Spider-Man. Filling the gap between Spider-Man’s origin and the start of his ongoing series, Amazing Fantasy looks at how Peter Parker evolved past his Uncle Ben’s death into a full fledged hero.
5. Maybe Next Year (Peter Parker: Spider-Man Vol. 2, #33)
Paul Jenkins’ Spider-Man stories from 2000-2005 we’re uniformly excellent, and this done-in-one story with art by Mark Buckingham is the best example. Peter reflects on a childhood trip to a New York Met’s game with his Uncle Ben, and the ways he learned to be a fighter long before he had super powers.
6. No One Gets Outta Here Alive! (Spider-Man #17)
While trying to rescue a young girl and her mother, Spider-Man is killed, and has to fight his way past death, literally. Faced with Thanos, the Marvel personification of the grim reaper, Spidey has to punch, scrap and argue his way back to the land of the living. Along the way, he makes the case for why his life is valid, and his work is unfinished. Writer Ann Nocenti is best known for her stellar run on Daredevil in the late ’80’s, but her take on the webslinger is not to be missed.
7. To Have and To Hold (Sensational Spider-Man Annual #1)
While fugitives on the run, the Peter and Mary Jane find their marriage tested beyond belief. Along the way writer Matt Fraction gives readers a new look at the genesis of their unlikely relationship, and why perhaps a science nerd and a model have more reason to be best friends then you might think. Published on the eve of the controversial “One More Day” storyline, this annual gives as solid an argument as I’ve read for why Peter and MJ make perfect sense with one another.
8. The Child Within (Spectacular Spider-Man #178-184)
J.M. DeMatteis’ most famous Spider-Man story is “Kraven’s Last Hunt,” but this 1991 arc is a great example of his killer work on the Spider-titles throughout the early 90’s. Harry Osborn seemed to have moved on from his evil father’s Green Goblin legacy, but a series of events turn him back down a horrible path, and into direct conflict with Spider-Man. Spidey desperately fights a losing battle for his friends redemption, and the end result is heartbreaking.
9. High Tide (Spider-Man Versus Wolverine #1)
There were a number of classic Spider-Man stories published in 1987, and this gem tends to get lost in the shuffle. While in Berlin, Peter Parker finds himself at odds with the X-Man Wolverine, and learns just how far you have to go sometimes in order to save lives, regardless of your beliefs. This one-shot also features several key Spider-Man moments that caused waves in the Spider-books, including the death of long time supporting character Ned Leeds and a major transition in Peter’s relationship with MJ. The script is by Jim Owsley with excellent art by Mark Bright.
