Spider-Man was created in 1962 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. He has since become the most popular comic book character from Marvel, and one of the most recognizable characters of all-time. He has starred in thousands of comics (too many to list), so the following is a list of his most iconic and best.
The Silver Age
One of the most iconic origin stories ever told; a teenage boy gains super powers and learns the hard lesson that, with great power, there must also come great responsibility. Written by Stan Lee, and illustrated by Steve Ditko.
Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection: Great Power - Amazing Fantasy #15, The Amazing Spider-Man #1-17, The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1
Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection: Great Responsibility - The Amazing Spider-Man #18-38 + The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2
The birth of many of Spider-Man's most iconic villains, including Chameleon, Green Goblin, Scorpion, Electro, Sandman, the Vulture, and Doctor Octopus. This run also features one of the most iconic stories in comics, as the Green Goblin learns Spider-Man's true identity. Written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Steve Ditko.
Spider-Man by Stan Lee and John Romita, Sr.
Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man
Spider-Man: Death of the Stacys - The Amazing Spider-Man #88-92
After Steve Ditko left, he was replaced by John Romita, Sr. This is where Peter Parker's college years began, and iconic characters like Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborn, and Mary Jane first appeared. Many new villains were created as well, like the Rhino, the Kingpin, and the Shocker. Spider-Man grows significantly throughout this run.
The Bronze Age
Spider-Man by Gerry Conway
Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man
Spider-Man: Death of the Stacys - The Amazing Spider-Man #121-122
This is the comic book run that ended the Silver Age of comics, and ushered in the Bronze Age. With the Comics Code reformed, more mature characters, like Morbius and The Punisher were introduced. This run also featured arguably Spider-Man's most iconic biggest story- The Night Gwen Stacy Died.
Spider-Man by Marv Wolfman
Spider-Man by Marv Wolfman
This run took place deeper in the Bronze Age. As Marv Wolfman takes over writing duties, Felicia Hardy became the Black Cat, and Spider-Man had some of his fiercest battles with the Kingpin.
Spider-Man by Roger Stern
Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaut
The Origin of the Hobgoblin
The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man
Spider-Man by Tom DeFalco
The Amazing Spider-Man: The Complete Alien Costume Saga
The Amazing Spider-Man #271 - Whatever Happened to Crusher Hogan?
The Modern Age
Spider-Man by David Michelinie
Spider-Man by David Michelinie
The Amazing Spider-Man #365 - Fathers and Sins
Spider-Man by Peter David
The Death of Jean DeWolff
Back in black - Amazing Spider-Man #539-543 + Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #17-23, Annual #1
Alternate Timeline: Ultimate Spider-Man
Ultimate Spider-Man
Ultimate Spider-Man
Death of Spider-Man - Ultimate Spider-Man #156-160
This is a modern day retelling of Spider-Man's classic origin. Spider-Man will be a teenager here, and you will see modern twists to many of his classic villians. This run is a great starting point for people who want to read somthing from the beginning, who don't want to go back and read the old Silver Age stuff.
All New Ultimate Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man Ultimate Collection
Further Reading
Kraven's Last Hunt
Kraven's Last Hunt - Web of Spider-Man #31-32 + Amazing Spider-Man #293-294 + Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #131-132
Spider-Man by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
Spider-Man: Blue - Spider-Man: Blue #1-5
The return of Mary Jane
Spider-Man Died in your arms tonight
The Gauntlet
The Gauntlet
Amazing Spider-Man: Grim Hunt
Spider-Man by Dan Slott
Spider-Man: Big Time
Spider-Man: Spider-Island
Spider-Man: Ends of the Earth
Spider-Man: Dying wish
Superior Spider-Man
Spider Verse
Spider-Verse
Secret War
Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows - Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #1-5, Secret Wars: Secret Love #1
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