Despite the negativity surrounding Amazing Spider-Man, Friendly Neighborhood comics aren't hitting rock bottom. Here are several standout Spider-Man novels worth exploring—from horror and psychological drama to buddy-movie adventures and children's tales, covering Spidey's endings and new beginnings with fresh twists.
Three Distinct Iterations
The stories unfold across three unique visions: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Each resonates differently—which version aligns with Insomniac's 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 Ferriera
Originally released digitally in 2023 before concluding in print by 2024, this psychedelic horror tale brings nightmares to life. Juan Ferriera’s surreal artwork elevates Saladin Ahmed’s script, plunging Peter Parker into a haunting mental battle against Zero-One-Shot's dream-stealing antagonist.
The limited series intensifies Peter’s fear-driven hallucinations—from unrecognized faces to oppressive conductors—mirroring films like Beau Is Afraid. Ferriera’s stylistic contrast between grotesque horrors and Peter’s expressive simplicity makes this Spider-Man’s answer to Junji Ito.
Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Artist: Michael Sta. Maria
Before Norman Osborn, another Goblin lurked—Proto-Goblin. DeMatteis revisits forgotten '90s lore with psychological depth, framing Peter’s early days amid Norman’s descent into madness. Far from superheroics, this character-driven drama unfolds between classic issues.
Unlike disposable nostalgia bait, this tragic backstory builds toward Spider-Man’s most harrowing arc (Spectacular Spider-Man’s Harry Osborn finale). Sta. Maria’s moody visuals amplify DeMatteis' Dostoevskian tension—where Norman’s demons spread before Green Goblin ever suited up.
Spider-Man: Reign 2
Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews
New York’s electric dome imprisons citizens under Wilson Fisk while Peter Parker relives lost years digitally—until thief Kitty Cat disrupts his digital paradise. More remake than sequel, Andrews’ carnage-filled dystopia echoes Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again.
Absurdity defines Reign 2: cybernetic Kingpin, bearded Goblins, even Venom’s grotesque evolution. Yet beneath outrageous violence lies heartfelt regret—Peter’s final chance to amend failures.
