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

Dive into the captivating world of Spider-Man novelizations, a refreshing take on the familiar web-slinger. Despite the less-than-stellar reputation of Amazing Spider-Man, these stories offer a compelling alternative. From chilling horror and psychological thrillers to lighthearted adventures and poignant reflections on Spidey's journey, there's something for every fan.

We'll explore three distinct iterations: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Let's examine which resonates most with an Insomniac game.

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 and 2024, this initially digital-only comic (later reprinted) delivers a psychedelic descent into madness. Ferreira's expressive art style takes center stage, conveying emotion even without dialogue. Ahmed's script effectively portrays Peter's anxiety, complementing Ferreira's nightmarish visuals. The antagonist, Paul, manipulates dreams, forcing Spider-Man to fight off sleep while battling unsettling visions. The result is a captivating blend of Spider-Man and the artistic style of Junji Ito.

The limited series expands on this, plunging Spidey into a directed nightmare reminiscent of "Beau Is Afraid." Ferreira masterfully employs a "simple vs. detailed" approach, highlighting monstrous figures against a backdrop of a simple, terrified Peter.

Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin

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

Unveiling the origins of the Proto-Goblin, this flashback series delves into the early days of Spider-Man and the Osborn family. DeMatteis' signature dark, psychological storytelling shines, exploring the deep-seated trauma that fuels Harry Osborn's descent into villainy. This prequel offers a compelling look at the roots of evil, showcasing DeMatteis' mastery of character development.

The story focuses on the human element, showcasing the characters beyond their superhero identities. The looming presence of the Green Goblin serves as a constant reminder of the impending doom, highlighting how evil gradually consumes the Osborn family.

Spider-Man: Reign 2

Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews

More of a reboot than a sequel, Reign 2 depicts a dystopian New York ruled by Kingpin, protected by an electric dome to keep out zombies. An aged, broken Peter Parker finds himself in a digital dream, only to have it shattered by a young thief. The story involves time travel and features a brutal, violent style reminiscent of Andrews' other work, Iron Fist: The Living Weapon.

Andrews' signature graphic violence is on full display, showcasing Spider-Man's most severe injuries yet. The story explores Peter's overwhelming burden as a superhero and his ultimate acceptance of the past.