Best Comics to Read Before Spider-Man 2 PC Launch

Despite the controversy surrounding Amazing Spider-Man comics, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man stories haven't hit rock bottom. Here are several noteworthy Spider-Man novelizations worth your attention. From psychological horror to buddy adventures, from Spidey's end to new beginnings – experience fresh twists on the web-slinger's tales.

We'll explore three distinct versions: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Discover which iteration aligns with Insomniac's acclaimed game universe.

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

Originally released digitally in 2023 before concluding in print during 2024, this series remains a standout. What began as a digital exclusive became a print one-shot (#0), followed by a four-issue limited series.

The concept brilliantly pairs a dynamic artist with the hero's descent into psychological horror. Ferreira's visual storytelling shines even without dialogue, while Ahmed crafts a script that perfectly captures Peter Parker's anxiety without overshadowing the artwork.

The story follows Spider-Man battling Zero-One-Shot (a.k.a. "the other Paul"), an antagonist stealing dreams through music. Peter struggles against sleep-inducing visions in what evolves into a Junji Ito-inspired nightmare. The limited series amplifies this concept, presenting increasingly inventive dreamscapes mirroring real-world fears – from social alienation to mundane anxieties.

The manga-inspired approach balances simplicity and detail: monstrous entities receive intricate rendering while Peter remains simply drawn for reader identification. Ferreira masters this technique, crafting grotesque horrors contrasted against our vulnerable hero.

Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin

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

Did you know Norman Osborn wasn't the first Goblin? This series explores shocking Proto-Goblin origins and their connection to the Osborns, featuring young Peter Parker still learning about responsibility.

Marvel's recent nostalgia trend revisits classic eras through "lost stories" set between established continuity. While initially overdone, gems emerge – like this psychological thriller from DeMatteis, renowned for classics like Kraven's Last Hunt and his Spectacular Spider-Man run.

The narrative examines Harry Osborn's trauma while introducing Nels van Adder – the actual first test subject for Osborn's Goblin formula (originally appearing in 1990s issues). Surprisingly, superhero action takes a backseat to character drama, with Peter almost functioning as a supporting player in the Osborn tragedy.

DeMatteis crafts an unsettling prelude showing how Norman's darkness infected his family long before wearing the Goblin costume. This overlooked masterpiece enriches the classic Spectacular Spider-Man run, offering must-read context for Harry's eventual downfall.

Spider-Man: Reign 2

Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews

In this dystopian sequel (or reboot), a Wilson Fisk-ruled New York exists under an electronic dome. Elderly Peter Parker relives memories of Mary Jane in a digital afterlife until feline thief Kitty Cat disrupts the illusion, prompting a time-travel mission to prevent catastrophe.

Andrewes reinvents rather than continues the original Reign's Dark Knight Returns-inspired premise. Expect absurdist elements including zombie outbreaks, Goblinized Miles Morales, and even Venom-possessed spoilers. The relentless brutality makes this possibly Spidey's most violent outing - imagine if Ultimate Spider-Man's Peter had failed to overcome his burdens.

The graphic novel revels in its outrageousness while delivering surprisingly poignant moments. Andrews' signature themes from Iron Fist: The Living Weapon reappear – bloody fistfights, mother-child tragedies, and brutal catharsis. Ultimately, it's about Peter finding closure with his past... in the most over-the-top manner imaginable.