Over the past 50 years, Spider-Man has seen his fair share of ups and downs. And while there have been a ton of incredible single issue runs in Peter Parker’s long (and occasionally cloned-filled) history, we’ve created this list to offer the very best graphic novels featuring everyone’s favorite webslinging webhead. From the death of Gwen Stacy to his first run in with the slobbery symbiote known as Venom, these books capture some of Spider-Man’s greatest storylines in a single collected volume.
But enough talk, true believers. Prepare to have your Spidey senses tingling as we TWHIP into … the 10 best Spider-Man graphic novels ever made.
10. Spider-Men
- Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
- Artist: Sara Pichelli
- Why We Picked It: This beautifully written and illustrated series bring together the best of both worlds. The story takes place after Peter Parker (aka the OG Spider-Man) crosses webs with Miles Morales (aka the Ultimate Universe Spider-Man) after a multidimensional rift courtesy of Mysterio. The two heroes must then join forces to take on the Green Goblin and try to make sense of their shared past and present. It’s a smart and action-packed graphic novel that explores the heart of what makes both Spider-Men such endearing characters.
- Collects: Spider-Men #1-5 (2012)
9. Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus Volume 1
- Writer: Stan Lee
- Artists: Jack Kirby & Steve Ditko
- Why We Picked It: Going back to where it all began, this omnibus collects the first 38 issues of the original Amazing Spider-Man series from the early 1960s (in addition to featuring a ton of bonus material). It’s a work that features some of the most iconic events in the life of Peter Parker, from being bit by a radioactive spider to his first run-ins with classic villains like the Green Goblin, Doc Ock and the Sandman. Showcasing hte classic storytelling and artwork that would go on to inspire a generation of comic book creators, it’s an iconic Spider-Man collection that truly stands the test of time. Nuff’ said.
- Collects: Amazing Fantasy #15 (1961), Amazing Spider-Man #1-38 (1963), Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1-2 (1964), Strange Tales Annual #2 (1962), Fantastic Four Annual #1 (1963)
8. The Amazing Spider-Man Volume 1: Coming Home
- Writer:J. Michael Straczynski
- Artists: John Romita Jr. & Scott Hanna
- Why We Picked It: One of the greatest Spider-Man graphic novels of all time, this unique collection blends mystery, action, horror and a surprising amount of heart (in addition to introducing a new villain in the form of the vampire Morlun). The story finds a now older (but no wiser) Peter Parker grappling with the nature of his powers and responsibilities as he looks back on the mistakes he’s made. The sharp script from powerhouse J. Michael Straczynski is perfectly complimented by the brilliant art of classic Spidey illustrator John Romita Jr. The end result is an epic collection that offers a powerful one-two punch of energy and emotion.
- Collects: Amazing Spider-Man #30-35 (2001)
7. Superior Spider-Man Volume 1: My Own Worst Enemy
- Writer: Dan Slott
- Artists: Ryan Stegman & Guiseppe Camuncoli
- Why We Picked It: What starts out as a bizarre body swapping story turns into one of the most enduring Spider-Man collections of all time thanks to a smart script and stunning artwork. The plot kick off when a dying Doctor Octopus transfer his consciousness into Peter Parker’s body. After Peter then dies, his life flashes before both his and Doc Ock’s eyes, leading to a change of heart for the longtime supervillain. The reformed Otto Octavius then vows to use his intellect and newly stolen body to serve the world as a “superior” Spider-Man. The end result is a fun and incredibly creative milestone in wallcrawler history.
- Collects: Superior Spider-Man #1-5 (2013)
6. Spider-Man: Life Story
- Writer: Chip Zdarsky
- Artist: Mark Bagley
- Why We Picked It: One of the most ambitious Spider-Man stories ever attempted, this unique arc covers 50 years of history, with each issue taking place in a different decade and Peter Parker aging normally. What follows is a recap of some of the greatest moment of Spidey history, from a teenaged Peter Parker facing down the Green Goblin in the early ’60s to an aging Spider-Man dealing with the fallout of Marvel’s Civil War. With a smart script by Chip Zdarsky and solid artwork from longtime Spider-Man illustrator Mark Bagley, it’s a graphic novel that every Marvel fan should really have in their collection.
- Collects: Spider-Man: Life Story #1-6 (2019)
5. Spider-Man: Birth of Venom
- Writers: Jim Shooter, Roger Stern, Tom DeFalco, John Byrne, Louise Simonson & David Michelinie
- Artists: Mike Zeck, Ron Frenz, Rick Leonardi & Todd McFarlane
- Why We Picked It: We had to include this particular Spider-Man graphic novel collection simply because it introduces Venom, one of the most popular Marvel villains of all-time. It also just so happens to feature artwork from some of Spider-Man’s greatest artists, including Todd McFarlane, whose legendary pencils would go on to largely define the slobbering symbiote. It’s an action packed series that features one the most iconic stories in Spider-Man history.
- Collects: Amazing Spider-Man #252-259, #300 and #315-317 (1963), Web Of Spider-Man #1 (1985), and material from Secret Wars #8, Amazing Spider-Man #298-299 (1963), Fantastic Four #274 and Amazing Spider-Man Annual #25.
4. Ultimate Spider-Man: Volume 1
- Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
- Artist: Mark Bagley
- Why We Picked It: While today Ultimate Spider-Man is perhaps best known as an attempt by Marvel to offer a fresh new take on the character back in the early 2000s, it made this list simply because it’s also one of the best comic books of all time. The story is really a contemporary take on a teenaged Peter Parker, who – like his original counterpart back in the ’60s – has to balance his personal life with his newfound powers. This single series has had a massive impact on comic books, influencing the Marvel Cinematic Universe and setting the bar for superhero storytelling.
- Collects: Ultimate Spider–Man #1-7 (2000).
3. Spider-Man: Death of Gwen Stacy
- Writer: Gerry Conway
- Artists: Gil Kane, John Romita, Tony Mortellaro
- Why We Picked It: Collecting materials originally published in 1971, this graphic novel collects one of the most iconic runs in Spider-Man history. The story follows Peter Parker’s fateful encounter in with the Green Goblin on the top of the George Washington Bridge, leading to the death of his first love, Gwen Stacy. It was a groundbreaking story arc for the time in which killing off a main character was almost unheard of, and remains a key part of the Spider-Man mythos.
- Collects: The Amazing Spider-Man #96-98 and #121-122 (1963), plus Webspinners: Tales of Spider-Man #1 (1999)
2. Kraven’s Last Hunt
- Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
- Artist: Mike Zeck
- Why We Picked It: Originally published in 1987, Kraven’s Last Hunt remains one of the greatest Spider-Man mini-series of all time, offering a level of sophistication and character depth that hadn’t really been seen in a Marvel series before then. The story follows the exploits of Sergei Kravinoff (aka Kraven) as he seeks to prove himself the greatest hunter in the world by defeating Spider-Man. In a surprising twist, Kraven succeeds in defeating and burying Spider-Man (something captured in a now iconic Spider-Man cover), only to find himself questioning his obsession. It’s not only a key milestone in Spider-Man history, but also helped pave the way for more mature storytelling in the superhero genre itself.
- Collects: Web of Spider-Man #31–32, Amazing Spider-Man #293–294 and Spectacular Spider-Man #131–132
1. Spider-Man: Blue
- Writer: Jeph Loeb
- Artist: Tim Sale
- Why We Picked It: And here we have it. Our pick for the greatest Spider-Man graphic novel of all time. A modern retelling of the Death of Gwen Stacy, this incredibly well written and illustrated collection features a series of flashbacks in which Peter Parkers remembers the tragic life and death of his first love. It’s a tale with a surprising amount of depth to it, and remains one of the most emotional and beautifully crafted Marvel superhero stories of all time.
- Collects: Spider-Man: Blue #1-6 (2002)
So there you have it! Our picks for the 10 best Spider-man graphic novels of all time. Are there any books you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
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