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

Dive into the captivating world of Spider-Man novelizations! Despite the mixed reception of Amazing Spider-Man, several compelling Spidey stories deserve attention. From chilling horror and psychological dramas to lighthearted adventures and epic reboots, there's something for every fan. We'll explore three distinct styles: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Let's see which Insomniac game vibes align with each.

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-then-print comic is a must-read. The core concept – a psychedelic descent into madness – is brilliantly executed. Ferreira's expressive art shines, conveying emotion even without dialogue, overshadowing even Ahmed's strong script. The story follows Spider-Man's struggle against Paul, a villain who steals dreams through song, resulting in a nightmarish visual feast reminiscent of Junji Ito's work.

The limited series elevates the visuals further, plunging Spidey into a directed nightmare akin to "Beau Is Afraid," showcasing a range of anxieties, from social awkwardness to encounters with menacing figures.

Ferreira masterfully employs a "simple vs. detailed" approach, highlighting monstrous figures against a backdrop of a simple, vulnerable Peter Parker, maximizing impact.

Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin

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

Uncover the shocking origins of the Proto-Goblin, predating Norman Osborn! This flashback series, a masterful piece of storytelling by DeMatteis, delves into the psychological trauma of Harry Osborn and the roots of the Green Goblin's evil. It's a dark, dramatic exploration of family dynamics and the slow descent into darkness, showcasing DeMatteis's signature blend of superheroics and psychological depth.

The story introduces Nels van Adder, the unfortunate subject of Norman Osborn's early Goblin serum experiments. The focus shifts from typical superhero action to the human drama, highlighting the characters' vulnerabilities and the insidious growth of evil within the Osborn family. A hidden gem among flashback comics, this is a must-read for any DeMatteis fan.

Spider-Man: Reign 2

Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews

More of a reboot than a sequel, Reign 2 finds a battered, blame-ridden Peter Parker in a dystopian New York, encased within a dome to keep out zombies. After his death, he's transported to a digital dream with Mary Jane, only to have it shattered by Kitty Cat. This leads to a time-traveling adventure.

Andrews' signature style, reminiscent of his work on Iron Fist: The Living Weapon, is on full display: brutal violence, a strong female character, and unflinching depictions of trauma. The story is over-the-top, featuring time travel, bizarre villains, and a shocking Venom twist.

While not for the faint of heart, Reign 2 offers a unique, violent, and emotionally charged Spider-Man experience, a chaotic but ultimately cathartic journey for Peter Parker.