So you've just defeated the Sinister Six, maybe done a side mission here and there, or perhaps 100% completed what most are considering the best Spider-Man game ever made (and they're right).
What now? Where do you go from here to learn more about the wisecracking wall-crawler? Besides Tom Holland's performance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we've never really seen Spider-Man portrayed so solidly like we have here.
This, my friends, is where the fun part comes in: Entering the vast world of Spider-Man presented in comics and novels. Allow me to be your guide, providing recommendations for any requests you may be wishing for.
"I just want more..."
Well, you're in luck because Marvel has 2 options for you!
Spider-Man: Hostile Takeover is the official prequel novel to the game, taking place 6 months prior. It follows Spider-Man trying to find an imposter killing people, working with a newfound friend from the police force to take down the Kingpin, while also trying to balance his life as Peter Parker and his relationship with Mary Jane. The Kingpin plotline serves as a nice build-up to the game while the rest of the novel stands surprisingly well on its own, even including Harry Osborn. Though the story isn't as grand or intense as the game's, it certainly expands on the world and characters you already know and love.
Spider-Geddon #0 is the comic debut of Insomniac's Spider-Man, taking place right after the game! This is the build-up point for the main comic event that starts October 10th, so be sure to grab a copy from your local comic shop or digitally!
"Okay, but how about a good Spider-Man comic? Perhaps one that has an ending?"
Marvel's Ultimate Spider-Man started in 2000 and ended its run in 2009. This 160-issue run started as a reimagining of Spider-Man's origins for modern times, but then became a fantastic and well-written series of its own that doesn't require any outside knowledge or reading. Just pick up the first volume and become entranced by the amount of growth every character goes through. Also, this comic is the main inspiration for the game!
"Sure, right, but I want THE Spider-Man! Photos on my desk by NOON!"
Spider-Man has been running for more than 800 issues, the first one dating back to 1962! However, this volume serves as a fantastic starting point with issue #648. After being completely down on his luck, Peter gets offered a job to work at Horizon Labs, one of the most innovative labs in the world and willing to pay big bucks! Of course, he must still maintain the responsibilities of Spider-Man, which brings its own set problems.
Honestly, Amazing Spider-Man: Big Time captures everything that makes Spider-Man great: His gallery of rogues, his moral judgements, the tragedy he faces, and, most of all, a very healthy dose of quips. However, be ready to keep on reading afterwards because it only gets better!
"That's not what I meant. I want THE Spider-Man by Stan Lee! Pictures on my desk NOW!"
The Amazing Spider-Man: Great Power collects the first 19 issues of the character's run, including his first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15 (which can be seen in the opening shot of the game)! The writing is definitely dated, back when comics were pretty corny and definitely targeted for kids. However, a lot of what makes Spider-Man great still stand well enough on their own and can definitely provide an entertaining read.
"But who is Black Cat? I NEED TO KNOW!"
As of writing this post, there is still a bit of a wait before Black Cat's DLC is released. How could her appearance as an old flame of Peter's effect his relationship with MJ?
Spider-Man: The Darkest Hours is easily the best Spider-Man novel I've read so far. Jim Butcher (author of The Dresden Files) writes Peter's narration perfectly while also crafting a very well-developed plot involving Black Cat, Rhino, and the Ancients (supernatural, universe-traveling monsters). It should be noted that this story takes place during the part of Spider-Man's long history where Peter is married to Mary Jane and teaches science at a public high school.
"Alright, cool. What about this Miles guy though?"
Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man takes place right after Ultimate Spider-Man ends. Though I highly recommend reading Ultimate Spider-Man first, this volume still serves as a good jumping-on point for new readers and introduces Miles Morales to the world trying to take on the mantle of Spider-Man. Much like Peter, Miles must learn to balance his life with superheroing. Unlike Peter, though, Miles starts off even younger and with different powers providing a fresh take to the namesake.
Though I still have yet to read it myself, the novel Miles Morales: Spider-Man by Jason Reynolds has received many positive reviews. It's all status-quo until one day Miles's spider-sense seems to be on the fritz, buzzing non-stop and affecting his attention in school. After his scholarship is threatened, Miles uncovers a chilling plot, one that puts his friends, his neighborhood, and himself at risk.
These recommendations should be able to launch you into the world of Spider-Man and the rest of Marvel. There's a lot of history to go through, so don't feel bad about having to look up certain characters on Wikipedia (I had to when I started out).
If you have more questions as to what you should read or perhaps some installments you want on the list, feel free to send me a tweet @AuthorKLau!
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