3 days ago
7
Recognized by many as one of the most beloved superheroes ever created, Spider-Man has been spinning tales and captivating comic readers for over six decades. Combining such rich mythos with modern entertainment makes the excitement for the upcoming Disney+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man understandable. This animated series aims to illuminate the most formative years in Parker’s life, namely high school and his first years as Spider-Man, albeit with alternate reality twists.
During this time, Parker would have his fateful day with a spider, meet the most consequential people in his life, and gradually morph into his role as the Amazing Spider-Man. To celebrate, I have combed through the best Spider-Man reads from this foundational period, guaranteed to get your spider-sense tingling just in time for this alternate reality series from Marvel Animation.
Images via MarvelExperience the birth of a legend as Stan Lee and Steve Ditko combine their creative talents to introduce the iconic Spider-Man. Peter Parker, often referred to as Midtown High’s ‘professional wallflower,’ is a shy and non-athletic intellectual with few friends. Despite his social struggles, he possesses a keen mind and an altruistic moral compass, shaped by the loving guidance of his Uncle Ben and Aunt May.
Everything changes when Peter is bitten by a radioactive spider, granting him incredible speed, strength, and agility. However, in the beginning, Peter lacks maturity and uses his newfound abilities for personal gain. This reckless behavior leads to a tragic event—the murder of his Uncle Ben. From this devastating experience, Peter learns a crucial lesson: “With great power there must also come—great responsibility.” This powerful mantra becomes a fundamental part of Spider-Man’s character and story.
Images via MarvelAt last, Parker has navigated the challenging journey of high school and reached a significant milestone: graduation. While trying to retrieve his battle-worn costume from Doctor Smythe, the creator of the Spider-Slayer robot, Parker unexpectedly witnesses a freak accident. Here, the seedy character Raxton becomes encased in a molten canary-colored metal shell, which boosts his strength and durability. With his newfound power, Raxton eyes a life of crime, bringing him into conflict with Spider-Man.
As Parker graduates, he finds himself in familiar situations reminiscent of his high school life: being antagonized by Flash Thompson, condescended to by J. Jonah Jameson, and supported by the maternal Aunt May. Thus, with the wild and tumultuous four years of high school coming to an end, Parker reflects on all his successes and failures, marking the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another in this Spider-Man best.
Images via MarvelA must-read for fans of everyone’s favorite wall-crawler, Amazing Spider-Man #43 sees Parker’s life take a significant turn when Aunt May encourages him to meet his neighbor next door. With the iconic line, “Face it, tiger… you just hit the jackpot!” Mary Jane Watson bursts into Parker’s life as the quintessential girl next door, leaving lasting impressions that still reverberate today.
This issue also features a thrilling confrontation with one of Spider-Man’s most notable adversaries, the Rhino, who is set to appear in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. These factors power Spider-Man #43 as essential reading, designed to get readers primed on these massively impactful figures from Parker’s high school years.
Images via MarvelThis exploration of the origin of Peter Parker from Earth-1610, created by the acclaimed team of Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley, unveils the exciting beginnings of the Ultimate Spider-Man. In this alternate reality, Parker looks up to Norman Osborn, the head of Osborn Industries Inc. However, Norman’s unethical and power-hungry nature remains unchanged as he secretly attempts to replicate Parker’s incredible transformation.
The story follows Parker as he investigates his unusual physical changes and gradually discerns the implications of his newfound abilities. Meanwhile, Norman becomes obsessed with the idea that spider venom could be the key to advancing human evolution. In pursuit of this goal, he injects himself with a synthesized version of the Oz compound, which leads to unpredictable and dangerous consequences. In conclusion, this thrilling narrative introduces a terrifying new Goblin while exploring the profound effects of the fateful spider bite on Parker and those in his life.
Images via MarvelOne of the most heartfelt stories from Spider-Man’s early years is Spider-Man: Blue. This engaging narrative explores the profound impact of Parker’s high school relationships and the emotional void left by Gwen Stacy’s death. Uniquely crafted, this story features Parker’s voice as he records an old love letter to Gwen, reflecting on his feelings of sadness after the tragic events of The Amazing Spider-Man #121.
Blue provides uncanny insights into Parker’s early relationships. In particular, it highlights the awkward evolution of his relationships with Harry Osborn and Flash Thompson, the unbreakable bond he shares with Aunt May, and the monumental effects that Gwen and Mary Jane have had on his growth as both a man and a superhero.
Images via MarvelA powerful teenage witch, Nico Minoru is conceived as Peter Parker’s best friend and confidant in the upcoming series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. She first appeared in Runaways #1 as one of six teens connected to the Pride, a secret occult organization that controls criminal activities in Los Angeles on behalf of the Gibborim. After accidentally discovering their parents’ dark sacrificial ritual, Nico and the teens realize their parents are supervillains and band together to oppose them.
After absorbing the legendary Staff of One, Nico uncovers her magical blood mage heritage, positioning herself as the de facto leader of this eclectic group. As readers follow her journey, they witness her growth from an uncertain teenager to a devoted teammate and protector. The story also features a meaningful appearance by popular Rivals strategists Cloak and Dagger, adding depth and providing a captivating origin for this significant character, who will star in the upcoming Disney+ series.
Spider-Man: With Great Power…(2008)
Images via MarvelSpider-Man: With Great Power is a visually engaging series that depicts Peter Parker’s swift ascent as Spider-Man within the EWO wrestling organization and the repercussions of his newfound fame. Living two very different lives—as a high school outcast and a national wrestling star—takes a toll on Parker. To further complicate matters, EWO boss Monty Caabash views Parker as a valuable asset and strategically assigns the alluring Tiffany Lebeck as his handler to ensure he stays in line.
However, Parker’s celebrity status unravels when J. Jonah Jameson declares Spider-Man public enemy number one. As his situation worsens, Parker grapples with declining grades and a strained relationship with Uncle Ben and Aunt May. Amidst this turmoil, the emergence of supervillains and monsters heightens the danger around him, pushing Parker to a critical juncture in his life. Ultimately, Marvel Animation would do well to adapt this essential series, which offers valuable insights into Parker’s brief but significant wrestling career and his development as a superhero.
Images via MarvelThis brilliantly crafted series takes Parker back to his days of social awkwardness and overdue assignments as the creative team of Thompson and Bradshaw reimagines his earliest interactions. From his apprehension of the White Rabbit to his first confrontation with the MCU-bound Doom, Spidey captures the magic of Parker’s origins and pays homage to his roots.
In particular, the series artistically illustrates how the New York teenager evolves into his new roles as a high school student and web-slinging superhero while juggling responsibilities, including his inquisitive Aunt May, being grounded, and facing the Sinister Six. Enhanced with modern art and themes sure to whet fans’ appetites leading up to Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Spidey is a must-read series on the astounding arachnid.
Marvel Action Spider-Man (2018)
Images via MarvelDrawing inspiration from the What If…? universe, Marvel Action Spider-Man presents an alternate reality story set in Earth-18157. This version follows high school student Peter Parker as he meets his new classmates, Gwen Stacy and Miles Morales. Initially, Peter is focused on securing a Daily Bugle scholarship, which leads to an interview with Tony Stark. However, the trio must come together when their city is threatened by a pack of savage mutated dogs.
Recognizing the greater danger, Peter is excited about the idea of having teenage partners, so he decides to mentor Miles and Gwen. This collaboration allows readers to glimpse the unique perspectives of these three young Spider-Men as they face challenges like fitting in at school, dealing with pop quizzes, and confronting supervillains. Ultimately, their strong bond empowers them to overcome formidable foes, including the Lizard, his pigeon dragon, the LMD Avengers, and Black Cat, making this a standout Spider-Man adventure.
Images via MarvelAfter completing 9th grade and fully embracing his identity as a superhero, Parker is thrilled to be accepted into the prestigious Tony Stark Camp, a week-long program bringing together some of the brightest minds in technology. Parker sees this as a chance to apply his talents for the greater good, just like Spider-Man, while also aiming to impress his mentor, Tony Stark.
However, malevolent forces see the camp as a chance to enhance their technology. As Parker befriends fellow tech enthusiasts GG and Ganke, alongside the unscrupulous brothers Ethan and Lachlan, he must navigate a web of allegiances. Subsequently, an encounter with the Shocker leads to an epic showdown with the Vulture and a memorable team-up with Black Panther, T’Challa, in this thrilling comic read on Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.
Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
English (US) ·