10 ISSUES FOR NEW SPIDER-MAN READERS
If you’ve never explored Spidey’s books before, finding a place to start can be overwhelming—but 'Spider-Man for Dummies' author Eric Grundhauser has some suggestions to get you started. Whether you're looking for action, laughs, romance, or a little of everything, these issues will show you why Spider-Man is one of the greatest super heroes in history.
Spider-Man for Dummies
In Amazing Fantasy (1962) #15
Why not start at the beginning? If you want to see where Spider-Man came from, there’s no better place to start than the short story in AMAZING FANTASY (1962) #15 that started it all.
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #50
Arguably the first truly great Spider-Man story, the iconic THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #50 explores the relationship between Peter Parker and his heroic alter ego. It’s the first time Peter tried to quit being Spider-Man, and it remains the best argument for why that’s impossible. If you want to understand what makes Spider-Man tick, there’s no better place to start.
In Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man (2017) #310
Okay, PETER PARKER: THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN (2017) #310 is the concluding issue of writer Chip Zdarsky’s terrific run on the series, but it also makes a great place for new readers to start. We get to learn about a handful of Spider-Man’s escapades from the everyday New Yorkers who were touched by his heroics. It’s emotional, surprising, and provides a snapshot of the many sides of Spider-Man.
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #267
Two elements that make Spider-Man one-of-a-kind are his humor and his NYC roots, and this issue from 1985 bursts with both. The antics ensue when Spidey heads to Jersey in pursuit of a thief. If you're looking to find out why Spider-Man has a reputation for laughs, start here.
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #300
In some ways, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #300 marks the birth of modern Spider-Man stories. Not only does this issue feature the first appearance of Venom, who will help define the wall-crawler for decades to come, but it also marks the birth of a bendier, more acrobatic art style. Spidey would never be the same.
In Ultimate Spider-Man (2000) #1
The original Ultimate Universe might be gone, but the issue that started it all is still a pure distillation of what makes Spider-Man a classic hero. Released in 2000 as a fresh new take on the Web-Head, ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN (2000) remixed the hero's origin and reestablished the hero for the digital age.
In Spider-Man's Tangled Web (2001) #11
Romance has always been a major part of Peter Parker's world. This special Valentine's Day story from 2002 may not feature the likes of Mary Jane or Gwen Stacy, but this charming tale finds Peter juggling multiple dates and his responsibilities as Spider-Man, perfectly encapsulating what makes his amorous fumblings so endearing.
In Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #546
On the heels of one of the most talked-about comic stories in history, this 2008 issue is the beginning of the "Brand New Day" initiative that gave Spider-Man's world a soft reset. This issue sees the return of Peter Parker as the awkward single guy, his best friend Harry Osborn, and many other classic elements of the Spider-Man mythos that had been lost over the years—with one notable exception.
In Superior Spider-Man (2013) #1
This story shocked readers and changed Spider-Man forever when Doc Ock took over Peter Parker's life. This first issue introduces a brutal new version of the web-slinger like none other. For those looking for an action-packed and surprising way to get into Spider-Man, this is a superior place to start.
In The Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #6
The 900th(!) issue of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN from 2022 has it all: Peter’s friends and family celebrating his birthday! The Sinister Six in peril! Robotic arms falling in love with Spider-Man! In one issue, you can find all the comedy, heart, and action that make Spider-Man such a classic character.