Which comics to read in the interim until Spider-Man 2 comes out on PC

Dive into the captivating world of Spider-Man novelizations! Despite the mixed reception of Amazing Spider-Man, the Friendly Neighborhood hero's literary adventures offer a diverse range of compelling narratives. From chilling horror and psychological thrillers to lighthearted buddy-cop stories and children's adventures, there's a Spidey tale for every reader. This review explores three distinct iterations: Web of Past, Web of Dreams, and Web of Absurd. Let's examine which Insomniac game vibes resonate with each.

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

Spanning 2023-2024, this initially digital-only comic (later reprinted) delivers a psychedelic descent into madness. Ferreira's expressive art style takes center stage, conveying Peter's anxiety even without dialogue. Ahmed's script provides a solid foundation, but Ferreira's visuals are the true star of this nightmare. The antagonist, Paul, uses song to steal dreams, forcing Spider-Man to fight off sleep while battling unsettling visions. The result? A captivating blend of Spider-Man and the artistic style of Junji Ito.

The limited series elevates the artistry further, plunging Spidey into a directed nightmare reminiscent of "Beau Is Afraid." Ferreira masterfully employs a "simple vs. detailed" approach, similar to mangaka and Junji Ito, focusing on grotesque monsters while keeping Peter's design simple for relatability.

Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin

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

Uncover the shocking origins of the Proto-Goblin, predating Norman Osborn! This flashback series delves into young Peter's early struggles with responsibility and the shadowy beginnings of the Green Goblin's reign. DeMatteis, known for his work on Spectacular Spider-Man, delivers a dark, psychologically driven narrative.

The story explores the deep-seated trauma of Harry Osborn and the insidious influence of Norman's evil, showcasing how the family's descent into darkness predates the Goblin serum. While the Proto-Goblin is obscure, DeMatteis crafts a compelling prequel that enhances the Spectacular Spider-Man saga. This often-overlooked gem shouldn't be missed.

Spider-Man: Reign 2

Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews

More of a remake than a sequel, Reign 2 reimagines the dystopian world of the first Reign. A broken, aged Peter Parker finds himself in a digital dream, only to have it shattered by a young thief. The story unfolds with time travel, bizarre characters (including Goblin-esque children and a cybernetic Kingpin), and extreme violence.

Andrews' signature style, reminiscent of Iron Fist: The Living Weapon, is on full display. The graphic violence and emotional intensity are unparalleled in Spider-Man comics. While not for the faint of heart, Reign 2 offers a brutal yet cathartic conclusion to Peter's journey.