Spider-Man has swung through the pages of comics for over six decades. The wall-crawler has spun countless tales, some by creators who understand him and others by those who missed the mark. Fortunately for Spider-Man fans, Insomniac Games falls into the former category, deeply comprehending what makes this web-slinger tick. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 marks the latest addition to Sony PlayStation’s remarkable series. After diving into the much-anticipated sequel, you’ll likely crave more of Spidey’s adventures. Whether you’re a newcomer to comics or eager to revisit some classic tales, here are five comic runs to read after Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Spider-Men (2012)
Brian Michael Bendis penned the concise 5-issue limited series Spider-Men, and Sara Pichelli brought it to life with her illustrations. The narrative unfolds as Peter and Miles find themselves intersecting across different dimensions. Initially, it was a unique opportunity for the Ultimate Universe and the primary 616 Universe to collide.
Although Insomniac Games took a distinct approach by having Miles and Peter coexist in a single dimension right from the start, Spider-Men offers an enjoyable read where you can witness their interactions that highlight their differences and similarities. The entire story unfolds neatly within the pages of Spider-Men #1 – #5.
The Symbiote & Birth of Venom (1984-1989)
This is one of those timeless Spider-Man runs that most fans have likely read, but if you haven’t, it should be on your reading list! Once again, Insomniac’s take on Venom is different, but the origin story presented here still lays a thematic foundation.
This extensive run spans multiple artists and writers delving into the origins of Peter’s symbiote suit, Eddie Brock’s transformation into Venom, and their initial confrontations. The complete run is Secret Wars #8, Amazing Spider-Man #252-259, #298-300 & #315-317, Fantastic Four #274 and Web Of Spider-Man #1. For those solely interested in the Venom bits, Amazing Spider-Man #298-#300 & #315-317 are the ones to focus on. However, I strongly recommend the stories surrounding the symbiote suit as well.
Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man (2014 – 2015)
As mentioned earlier, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 takes a different approach with Miles, but witnessing his growth in his original universe is absolutely worth your time. Written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by David Marquez, this series unfolds over 12 issues and begins with Miles displaying a newfound confidence in his abilities. He quickly has to put this confidence to the test against even more formidable threats.
I enjoy this run because it firmly establishes Miles as a hero, the values he holds dear, and what distinguishes him as his own Spider-Man. If you want to continue Miles’ adventures after this, the next step is to dive into Secret Wars (2015). This run encompasses Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #1-#12 and is a must-read for any Miles fan.
Kraven’s Last Hunt (1987)
“Kraven’s Last Hunt” frequently receives praise as one of the best, if not the greatest, Spider-Man storylines ever created. Crafted by J. M. DeMatteis and accompanied by Mike Zeck’s art, this narrative unfolds across a thrilling six-issue arc. Following an encounter with Spider-Man, Kraven takes on the web-slinger’s persona to determine if he is truly the superior individual.
To avoid giving away any more of the story, I won’t divulge further details. If you decide to only read one of these runs, make it “Kraven’s Last Hunt.” This story runs in Web of Spider-Man #31–32, The Amazing Spider-Man #293–294, and Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #131–132.
Spider-Man: Spider’s Shadow (2021)
If you’re looking for an interesting companion read alongside Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, the Spider-Man: Spider’s Shadow limited series offers a unique take on the question, “What if Peter never removed the symbiote?” Written by Chip Zdarsky with Pasqual Ferry’s art, this story is compelling and gets pretty dark.
As with many great stories, it’s best experienced with as few spoilers as possible. However, I recommend reading it after the earlier listed symbiote suit run to have the most context possible. Run is Spider-Man: Spider’s Shadow #1-#5
If you’re a fan of digital comics, you’ll find all the stories mentioned here available on Marvel Unlimited. If digital isn’t your preference, you can find collected editions of each of these storylines. It’s important to note that while these five Spider-Man comic book runs pair well with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Insomniac Games has created a distinct and unique Spidey universe.
The comics are not meant to supplement their storylines directly, and variations in the two media are expected, which is, in my opinion, a good thing. Insomniac excels in taking the core elements that make great Spider-Man stories and builds on them in their own direction. This blend of familiarity and innovation is what makes their games so engaging and refreshing for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Spider-Man universe.
