10 Best Spider-Man Comics Of All Time, Ranked

Ever since his debut in “Amazing Fantasy” #15 back in 1962, Spider-Man has become one of the most beloved comic book characters globally. This web-slinger quickly became a hit, earning Marvel Comics the title of his unofficial mascot and appearing more times than any other superhero they’ve published. Over the years, multiple iterations of Spider-Man have emerged, but it’s Peter Parker from Earth-616 – the main Marvel universe continuity – who has been the central figure in this discussion.

For over six decades, Spider-Man has captivated readers with his extraordinary abilities that set him apart, initially when he was first introduced. Exploring Peter Parker’s life and escapades has been a favorite pastime for many. With countless comics available, it’s nearly impossible to single out the greatest Spider-Man comics ever. However, while preferences differ throughout the fanbase, there are several standout issues from Spider-Man’s comic book history that consistently rise above the rest.

This discussion focuses on the significant events that shaped Spidey’s storyline, introducing people he encountered and those he sadly lost. These stories had a profound impact. Given this, it’s not too challenging to compile a list of the top 10 comics starring our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. These ten books showcase some of the finest Spider-Man tales, pivotal moments in his life and comic book history, as well as their initial sales performance and potential future value as collectibles. Essentially, these are the ten greatest Spider-Man comics ever published.

10. The Sensational Spider-Man Vol. 2 Annual #1

In “The Sensational Spider-Man” Volume 2 Annual #1, you’ll find the quintessential narrative exploring Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson’s romantic journey. MJ made quite an impression when she entered the scene in “The Amazing Spider-Man” #25 back in 1965 with the iconic line, “You just hit the jackpot, tiger!” Their relationship didn’t start immediately, but they eventually found each other. However, some complications occurred along the way, but before Marvel decided to part them, they had a heartwarming tale together.

In the single storyline of the book titled “To Have and to Hold,” penned by Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca, MJ undergoes questioning from SHIELD, who are pursuing Peter following his self-revelation during the “Civil War” narrative. To buy time, MJ reminisces about some of her most memorable moments with Peter, while elsewhere, Peter does the same, reflecting on their relationship and the affection they hold for each other. Through these recollections, we learn the essence of their bond and the depth of their love.

In this tale, both characters experience immense sorrow yet manage to maintain each other through their kindness, making the narrative deeply emotional. This comic book serves to illustrate the strong bond between Peter and Mary Jane, particularly in light of Spider-Man’s world being dramatically altered following “Civil War.” While it may not hold significant monetary value, this issue is priceless for its compelling storyline. “To Have and to Hold” is a must-read for Peter and MJ enthusiasts and stands as one of the finest Spider-Man stories written in the 21st century.

9. The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #248

In his personal comic series, Spider-Man frequently develops storylines that span numerous issues. It’s quite uncommon to find a single-issue storyline that not only excels creatively but also endures as a significant Spiderman tale from a critical standpoint. The one-shot story “The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man!,” penned by Roger Stern and illustrated by Ron Frenz in “The Amazing Spider-Man” #248, is an example of such a timeless narrative. This story delves into the essence of Peter Parker’s character.

In this comic issue, the secondary plot is about “The Boy Obsessed with Spider-Man,” which spans the last 11 pages. Here we meet Timothy Harrison, a nine-year-old enthusiast of everyone’s favorite web-slinger. He has an extensive collection dedicated to Spider-Man. The local newspaper features him as a notable fan, and to his delight, Spider-Man swings by for a visit with his top admirer. Tim proudly displays his scrapbook filled with Spider-Man memorabilia, and Spidey demonstrates how his web-shooters function. He shares his origin story, and they exchange tales about their lives.

In time, Spidey prepares to depart, but Tim queries whether he’d remove his mask and unveil his identity. Remarkably, he complies, disclosing himself as Peter Parker, a photographer from the Daily Bugle. Tim vows confidentiality and embraces Spider-Man. As Spidey soars off, it’s disclosed that Tim is a patient at a cancer clinic with only a few weeks left to live. This bombshell creates a profound impact, showcasing the genuine nature of Peter, making for one of the most moving Spider-Man tales ever narrated.

8. The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #90

Loss has a significant impact on what makes Peter Parker, Spider-Man. Regrettably, Uncle Ben isn’t the only person who dies in Peter’s life. As a child, he becomes an orphan, and later loses friends, loved ones, and others after assuming the role of a superhero. Three critical, mostly permanent deaths occur in Peter’s life, and the second canonical one is depicted in “The Amazing Spider-Man” #90’s storyline “And Death Shall Come!” by Stan Lee and Gil Kane.

The narrative commences with Spider-Man engaging in a battle against Doctor Octopus, resulting in a standoff. Subsequently, Peter Parker switches to his everyday clothing, encountering Captain George Stacy, Gwen’s father. As he ponders whether the seasoned police captain has discovered his secret identity, Peter concludes that he poses no immediate danger. This realization arises following an incident where he faints after the fight and regains consciousness at the Stacy household.

Afterward, Peter devises a revised web strategy aimed at defeating Doctor Octopus. In search of his adversary, they clash violently, leading to a commotion that sends rubble cascading onto the street below. Just as it’s about to strike a child, Captain Stacy bravely shoves the boy out of harm’s way, sacrificing himself in the process. Struck by his noble act, Spider-Man remains with him until his final breath. It was then that Captain Stacy disclosed his knowledge of Peter’s secret identity, entrusting him to care for his daughter. This poignant moment significantly influences Peter’s life and sets a powerful precedent for the hero he eventually evolves into.

7. The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #300

By 1988, when issue #300 of “The Amazing Spider-Man” was published, Spider-Man’s roster of villains had grown substantially. Despite the fact that many of his best adversaries were already thriving independently, David Michelinie, Mike Zeck, and Todd McFarlane decided to introduce a new antagonist in a tale called “Venom.” Venom had made a brief appearance in issue #299 as a cameo, but it was in issue #300 where he truly made his debut, making the comic quite collectible and valuable for a contemporary issue.

In a subtle yet terrifying manner, Venom emerges as one of Spider-Man’s formidable foes by tormenting Mary Jane. The reason behind Venom’s destructive power and menace lies in his unique connection to Peter Parker, as he is essentially an offshoot of him.

In “Web of Spider-Man” #1 (1984), Peter discards his alien symbiote suit, which despises this action and seeks out Eddie Brock, another individual with a deep-seated animosity towards Peter. The symbiote fuses with Eddie, giving birth to Venom. Although the character later evolves into an anti-hero, initially, he is undeniably malevolent.

In essence, Venom possesses powers akin to Spider-Man’s, stemming from Peter Parker’s time with the symbiote. This revelation sheds light on Venom’s true identity, as he exploits his intimate knowledge of Peter’s life to torment him relentlessly. Venom stands out as an exceptional adversary and a captivating villain, particularly in this highly anticipated and significant issue. The character’s development took some time, but once established, he quickly rose to become one of Spider-Man’s most formidable enemies.

6. The Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 1 #200

Marvel usually pulls out all the stops for milestone issues like the 200th edition of “The Spectacular Spider-Man”, and this one was no exception, offering a larger-than-usual comic book. The storyline “Best of Enemies” by J.M. DeMatteis and Sal Buscema starts with Spider-Man’s adversary, the Green Goblin (Harry Osborn), abducting Mary Jane and flying her to a bridge where his father, Norman, had once killed Gwen Stacy. Mary Jane believes Harry intends to kill her, but he removes his mask and expresses emotional turmoil over his father’s death and what he perceives as Spider-Man’s role in it. They eventually return to the Parkers’ apartment, where Peter reacts angrily towards Harry.

Harry departs while the Parkers deliberate their upcoming plans. Later on, Harry repeats his assurance that he won’t hurt MJ as she attempts to persuade him. Spider-Man makes similar efforts, but whenever they speak with Harry, he dismisses any arguments that oppose his beliefs, deeming them unworthy. As the Goblin formula takes a toll on him, he refuses to acknowledge this fact, asserting it’s flawless.

In the end, Gobby and Spidey get into a fight on a rooftop, leading to Gobby wounding Spider-Man by stabbing him in the hand and poisoning him. Desiring their mutual destruction, Goblin then plans to detonate the building. MJ begs him to spare her husband and Harry’s son, and he agrees immediately. In a final act of redemption, Harry manages to save his adversary before succumbing to the potion himself. As Peter grapples with grief, it leaves an indelible mark on his life. However, much like other comic book characters, Harry eventually makes a comeback.

5. The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #1

In June 1962, Spider-Man made his initial appearance in a collection of stories, and it wasn’t long before he got his own comic book. Given the massive popularity of Spidey from the get-go, Marvel Comics introduced “The Amazing Spider-Man” in its inaugural issue in December 1962. This first book contained two tales (penned by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko), one of which marked Spider-Man’s public debut as he rescued John Jameson from imminent peril, thus unwittingly provoking the wrath of his father, J. Jonah Jameson, who would later unknowingly employ Peter as a freelance photographer.

Another tale holds a bit more intrigue because it explores Spider-Man’s mental process as he faces off against his initial nemesis, The Chameleon. Being a fresh superhero in the Marvel Universe and possibly overestimating himself due to his youth and lack of experience, Spidey opts to become part of the Fantastic Four. However, gaining entry isn’t straightforward; they already have ‘4’ emblems on their uniforms, after all.

Even so, Spidey secretly enters the Baxter Building intending to demonstrate his skills to the Fantastic Four, but things don’t go as anticipated. He gets caught and must battle them before explaining his presence, all while discovering that the FF operates without profit. This is regrettable because throughout much of his past, Peter Parker, Spider-Man, has been in dire need of funds. One of Marvel Comics’ seminal issues, this book is one of Spider-Man’s most sought-after and, without a doubt, highly valuable publications.

4. The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #33

In many exceptional Spider-Man tales, we find Peter Parker grappling with personal hardships, which makes him an intriguing figure. Like most individuals, he deals with everyday challenges such as maintaining relationships and meeting financial obligations. Although his problems are more substantial – like fighting crime – he generally prevails. However, in “The Amazing Spider-Man” issue 32, Spidey finds himself trapped beneath a colossal debris pile weighing several tons.

In “The Amazing Spider-Man” issue 33, titled “The Final Chapter,” the suspense unfolds! Although the entire tale by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko is a must-read, it’s the initial five pages that set this Spider-Man story apart as exceptional. The narrative commences with Spider-Man pinned under a machine, unable to lift it off himself. This appears to be the end for Spider-Man, and he acknowledges it, yet perseveres against all the odds in an attempt to free himself. Recognizing that he’ll disappoint Aunt May after having failed Uncle Ben already, he finds the strength to carry on.

In this episode, Spider-Man miraculously digs himself out from under the rubble and faces a life-threatening attack by thugs attempting to drown him shortly afterward. What makes this comic stand out is Spider-Man’s unwavering resilience and grit – traits that reflect Peter Parker’s character. Against all odds, he refuses to succumb to failure even in his fatigue, pushing through an impossible situation driven by his compassion for others.

3. The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #50

Delving into countless tales of Spider-Man, you’ll discover he’s been instrumental in bringing characters like the Punisher and Morbius, the Living Vampire, to life, not to mention a horde of villains. While most of his foes tend to focus on him, one has expanded his reach to become a persistent problem for every street-level superhero: Wilson Fisk, aka the Kingpin, who made his debut in “The Amazing Spider-Man” #50 in a story penned by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr. titled “Spider-Man No More!”.

This book stands out not just for introducing Wilson Fisk, but also for presenting a significant storyline where Peter Parker decides to retire his Spider-Man suit. The narrative unfolds with Spider-Man observing how J. Jonah Jameson’s defamation campaign is affecting public opinion towards him. Simultaneously, Aunt May’s health deteriorates, a recurring theme in early issues, and the academic performance of Peter suffers due to his superhero duties.

In due course, Peter removes his suit and discards it in an alley, departing from the scene. As crime escalates dramatically across the city without Spider-Man present, Peter recalls Uncle Ben’s wisdom. Realizing the significance of his role as Spider-Man, he retrieves his suit from Jonah’s office, resuming his vigilante persona once more. This tale was woven into the film “Spider-Man 2,” though the specifics were altered. The comic is considered invaluable for its relevance and striking artwork by Romita.

2. The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #121

Among the losses that deeply affect Peter Parker, the character from Spider-Man comics, are the deaths of Uncle Ben, Captain George Stacy, and ultimately, Gwen Stacy, whose demise is portrayed in “The Amazing Spider-Man” issue #121. This particular storyline, written by Gerry Conway and illustrated by Gil Kane, stands out as exceptionally influential, titled “The Night Gwen Stacy Died.” These comics are known for their profound impact. Although Peter manages to come to terms with the deaths of Ben and Captain Stacy, the loss of his beloved girlfriend, Gwen, at the hands of the Green Goblin, is a wound that he never fully heals from.

In the comic book, Norman Osborn abducts Gwen and transports her to the George Washington Bridge, where Spider-Man locates them in a tense standoff. A brutal battle ensues as Spider-Man tirelessly endeavors to shield Gwen from plummeting off the bridge. Despite his best efforts, the Green Goblin manages to knock Gwen off the edge, and Spider-Man swiftly fires a web that grabs her ankle. However, the abrupt halt of the fall tragically snaps Gwen’s neck, resulting in her immediate demise.

This unexpected incident significantly alters Peter and transforms him into a more composed, less hasty hero who is cautious about engaging in conflicts. Despite the passage of years, Peter continues to harbor remorse over Gwen, which has not diminished over time. The narrative was initially reimagined featuring Mary Jane in Sam Raimi’s first “Spider-Man” movie, and later revised with Gwen in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.”

1. Amazing Fantasy Vol. 1 #15

Discussing the greatest Spider-Man comic books wouldn’t be complete without mentioning his debut, a pivotal milestone in his history. The comic book “Amazing Fantasy” was about to end its run, so Stan Lee and Steve Ditko collaborated on creating the character for the final cover and story (renaming it just “Amazing”). This story, which consists of only 11 pages, might be the most impactful 11 pages Marvel has ever published. Titled “Spider-Man!”, this short tale narrates the origin of our hero, starting with awkward Peter Parker getting bitten by a radioactive spider.

As I staggered out of the building, dazed yet exhilarated, I instinctively dodged a screeching car without even thinking about it. Suddenly, I found myself clinging to a nearby wall, propelled upward by some unknown force. This wasn’t just a lucky break; it was something more, and I could feel it pulsating within me.

In a rush, I covered myself with an inconspicuous cloak, transforming into someone else entirely. With newfound confidence, I stepped into the wrestling ring, aiming to rake in some cash. But as I honed my powers, I made a grave mistake – one that would haunt me for years to come.

In my overconfidence, I let a thief slip through my fingers, convinced that fighting crime wasn’t my mission and that I was only out for myself. Little did I know then, but I had just become Spider-Man – a hero with a lesson to learn: With great power comes great responsibility.

This choice irrevocably alters his future: The man he failed to capture ends up murdering his uncle, a truth that spurs him into assuming the Spider-Man identity and using his newfound powers to safeguard the vulnerable, as he believes “mighty power should be accompanied by great accountability.” The seminal comic “Amazing Fantasy” #15 is not only cherished as the finest Spidey tale but also the most precious, with one copy fetching a staggering $3.6 million in 2021.

2025-04-30 21:32