Spider-Man comics have been around for over six decades, and the best Spider-Man comics show us why he’s so beloved. While his spider-powers are genuinely fun, Peter’s humanity is his most appealing quality. The best Spider-Man comics explore his powers and their consequences, his emotions, and his responsibilities. They reflect on love, loss, rage, and the power of being a hero.
Best Spider-Man Comics as of 2025
From the groundbreaking tragedy of The Night Gwen Stacy Died to the nostalgia of Spider-Man: Blue, and more, these comics demonstrate why Spider-Man became and remains a cultural icon. What the best Spider-Man comics have in common is the man (or Spider-people) behind the mask. He’s a regular person trying to do extraordinary good while navigating everyday life. Spider-Man’s corner of the Marvel Universe is a place where readers can find both thrilling and emotional storytelling. Let’s take a look at the five best Spider-Man comics as of June 2025.
Back in Black (The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #539-543)
Back in Black is a five-issue storyline from The Amazing Spider-Man, written by J. Michael Straczynski with art by Ron Garney. Published in 2007, this arc is one of the most emotional and powerful Spider-Man stories ever told.
The story takes place in the aftermath of Civil War, where Peter Parker’s identity has been publicly revealed. It begins when Aunt May is shot by a sniper’s bullet intended for Peter, leaving her clinging to life in the hospital. Peter dons the black costume and embarks on a hunt through New York to find who ordered the hit on his family. The “Back in Black” title refers both to his costume choice and his dark emotional state. This isn’t the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. This is a man pushed beyond his breaking point. Peter’s revealed identity has real effects on the people he loves. The hospital scenes with May are heartbreaking, and Peter’s interactions with Mary Jane show a marriage under strain. These aren’t superhero problems; they’re human problems amplified by superhero circumstances.
“Back in Black” is notable because Spider-Man’s best stories aren’t about web-slinging and wall-crawling, though those are entertaining. Peter Parker trying to balance his human needs with his heroic duties is just as absorbing. This storyline shows what happens when that balance becomes impossible to maintain.
The Night Gwen Stacy Died (The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #121-122)
The Night Gwen Stacy Died is a two-issue arc in The Amazing Spider-Man, published in 1973. It was written by Gerry Conway with art by Gil Kane and John Romita Sr. These two issues represent one of the most pivotal moments in comic book history.
The Green Goblin discovers Spider-Man’s secret identity and kidnaps Gwen Stacy, taking her to the top of the George Washington Bridge. In the climactic battle, the Goblin throws Gwen from the bridge, and Spider-Man catches her with his web. However, Spider-Man soon realizes he didn’t save her; she was already dead. Did the sudden stop break her neck and kill her instantly, or did the Green Goblin kill her before? Either way, Peter blames himself. The psychological impact on Peter is profound and lasting. The second issue deals with the aftermath, as Spider-Man pursues the Goblin in a rage-fueled confrontation. Saved by his Spidey senses, Peter moves out of the way and the Green Goblin impales himself with his own glider.
What makes these issues legendary is how they changed the rules of superhero comics. These issues are considered the end of the Silver Age of Comics. Before this story, heroes always saved the day and the innocent. The idea that Spider-Man’s first true love could die was revolutionary. This wasn’t a temporary setback or a fake-out death; Gwen was gone forever, and Peter had to live with the consequences. It’s a story about growing up, about loss, and about the price of being a hero.
Spider-Man Blue
Spider-Man: Blue is a six-issue limited series published in 2002-2003, written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale. It is a love letter to the character’s early years and a reflection on love, loss, and memory.
It’s Valentine’s Day, and while it’s been awhile since Gwen died, Peter still misses her. He feels blue. To honor their story, he recounts how they met into a tape recorder. Peter talks about the early days of his relationship with both Gwen and Mary Jane Watson. He also retells classic Silver Age stories. However, they’re not just retelling the early adventures; they’re examining how Peter’s memories have been colored by loss and experience. The Peter narrating these stories is older, wiser, and sadder. Ultimately, his wife, Mary Jane, listens in on Peter talking about Gwen, but instead of being mad, she feels sympathy.
Rather than trying to add new villains or plots, Loeb focuses on relationships and emotions. For new readers, it’s an accessible entry point. For longtime fans, it gives new insights into familiar stories. Peter finally addresses why he’s really making these tapes: to work through his guilt and grief. Peter’s love for Gwen is shown in these blue moments. The series shows us how to approach classic characters with respect while still finding new things to say.
Spider-Verse (The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 3 #9-15)
Spider-Verse is a storyline that ran through The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 3 in 2014-2015. It was written by Dan Slott with art mostly by Olivier Coipel and Giuseppe Camuncoli. “Spider-Verse” follows Morlun and his family of Inheritors as they hunt Spider-totems across the multiverse. This forces Spider-people from different realities to band together for survival. The story shows how heroes from various universes, like Peter Parker, Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, unite to protect the multiverse.
Spider-verse celebrates the entire Spider-Man legacy and tells a riveting existential story. We see Spider-people from different eras, genres, and interpretations. Rather than feeling overwhelming, the characters serve the story that the Spider-Man ideal goes beyond any single character or universe. The story repeatedly shows Spider-people making sacrifices for others. The moment where various Spider-people give up their powers to save others perfectly shows what the character represents across all universes. The story honors the character’s 50+ year history while pushing the lore forward in exciting new directions.
The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man (The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #248)
The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man from The Amazing Spider-Man was published in 1984. It was written by Roger Stern with art by Ron Frenz. Spider-Man visits Tim Harrison, a young boy who is supposedly his biggest fan and has an impressive collection of Spider-Man memorabilia. Spider-Man discovers that Tim is dying of leukemia and has always dreamed of meeting his hero.
Tim’s illness isn’t exploited for cheap emotional manipulation. Instead, he is a realistic portrayal of a child facing a terminal illness who finds strength and inspiration in his hero. Peter doesn’t arrive with a miraculous cure or empty words. Instead, he offers his time, attention, and genuine care. Peter shares stories about his adventures while Tim asks questions a real fan would ask.
This singular issue shows what superheroes truly represent to their fans. Spider-Man isn’t just entertainment. He’s a source of hope, courage, and inspiration for Tim during his battle with cancer. Spider-Man’s greatest superpower is his humanity. “The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man” shows us why superhero stories matter. For anyone who wants to understand the real power of superhero storytelling, put this issue in your to-read pile.
How we chose the best Spider-Man comics
It’s hard to choose some of the best Spider-Man comics. His character has been around for over six decades with plenty of material to choose from. I looked at what makes Peter Parker/Spider-Man stand out among superheroes, and the stories that bring out the best in him. Beloved for his quips and spidey-senses, Spider-Man is also a flawed human trying to manage being a superhero.
While some knowledge of Spider-Man enhances any story, the truly great comics work for both newcomers and longtime fans. These comics deal with mature issues, like love and loss, to existential threats, like Morlun eradicating all spider-people from every universe. These standout issues showcase the best of Spider-Man. Which comics are your favorites?
