What are Key Spider-Man Issues?
In this article we will go over 5 key Spider-Man issues that can be found outside of the Amazing Spider-Man run.
This will include Amazing Fantasy, Marvel Team Ups and many more titles that are not Amazing Spider-Man.
The Introduction of the Iconic Villians
Spider-Man has one of the best and most recognizable rogues gallery in all of comics. Rivaling only Batman’s rogues gallery. Throughout the years Marvel added villains to the Spider-Man lineup. They came to be known as the Sinister Six.
The first villain to be introduced as a thorn in the Spider-Man side was The Vulture. First introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man #2. Subsequently the rest of the Sinister Six followed
- Doctor Octopus (ASM #3 1963)
- Sandman (ASM #4 1963)
- Electro (ASM #9 1964)
- Mysterio (ASM #13 1964)
- Kraven The Hunter (ASM #15 1964)
Together as a team their first appearance is Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1.
Key Story Arcs that Defined Spider-Man
There are a number of key story elements that defined Spider-Man/Peter Parker as we know him today.
If This Be My Destiny by Steve Ditko
Widely considered one of the greatest Spider-Man stories of all time. It follows Peter Parker facing the pressures of being a student and a hero while taking care of a sick Aunt May.
The Night Gwen Stacey Died by Gerry Conway
Heralded as the beginning of the Bronze age it was almost unheard of for a supporting character to be killed off in a comic book. This affected Spider-man greatly and began a dark and gritty age of comics.
The Alien Costume Saga by various writers
The black suit worn by Spider-man entered the history books as one of the most recognizable super hero suits ever created. The suit was introduced in a combination of Secret Wars and Marvel Team up.
Kraven’s Last Hunt by JM DeMatties
As Spider-Man grapples with the deaths of Ned Leeds and Joe face, an aging Kraven decides to try one more time to defeat his nemesis Spider-Man. He ends up shooting Spider-man and burying him. Kraven then dons a Spider-Man like suit and brutalizes criminals.
Maximum Carnage by various writers
Cletus Kasady breaks out of Ravencroft Asylum and wreaks havoc on New York City with Shriek, Doppleganger, Demogoblin and Carrion. Spider-Man teams up with various heroes including Venom to try to stop Carnage.
- Related: First Appearance of Carnage
Top 5 Essential Spider-Man Comics to Add to your Collection
Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962)
This is the big one. The first appearance of Spider-Man, Uncle Ben, Aunt May, Flash Thompson and Liz Allan. Every Spider-Man fan desires to have a copy of this book but it’s out of reach for almost everyone at this point. Selling on average for eleven thousand in the condition of 1.0 or less. If you have some pocket change though you can own a CGC 9.6 for around three point six million.
Marvel Team-Up #1 (1972)
This is the premier issue of Marvel Team up series with Spider-Man teaming up with various other heroes from the Marvel Universe. The first issue includes the first appearance of Misty Knight.
The Avengers #11 (1964)
This issue has the first meeting between Spider-Man and The Avengers. Spider-Man later becomes an official member of The Avengers. It also includes the second appearance of Kang The Conqueror who becomes a villain in multiple MCU projects. Also included in this issue is the second appearance of Simon Williams also known as Wonder Man.
Marvel Team-Up Annual #1 (1976)
This team up includes the first meeting of Wolverine and Spider-Man. It also includes the first meeting between Spidey and the new X-Men team. This also includes a second appearance by Jean Grey as the Phoenix. It also has a nice cover for display and is still reasonably priced for a second appearance of such an important character as The Phoenix to the Marvel Universe.
Spider-Man #1 (1990)
This is the first issue of Spider-Man written and drawn by Todd McFarlane. He had drawn Spider-Man before starting with Amazing Spider-Man #298 he continued on the ASM series until issue 328. His run on ASM was so popular Marvel gave him a solo series starting in 1990. If you would like a Spider-Man #1 to display this one has a lot of nice foil variants that are quite affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most valuable Spider-Man comics?
Amazing Fantasy #15 is the holy grail as it is Spidey’s first appearance. Following that Amazing Spider-Man #1, Amazing Spider-Man #2, ASM #4, ASM #5, #6, #11 and #14.
How can I determine if a comic I have is a Key?
A number of previously mentioned resources can help determine what the community considers a key. Key Comic Collector, COVR Price, Go Collect.
Is it Worth Collecting Reprints of Spider-Man Key Issues?
As investment most reprints aren’t as valuable or grow in value unless it is signed by the original artist or writer. Reprints can be a great alternative to buy for displaying a Spider-man collection.
Conclusion: Building Your Ultimate Spider-Man Comic Collection
For most collectors the early Spider-Man books are going to be out of reach, especially in high grade. However there are lots of modern books with great story lines and covers for display. As discussed earlier reprints can be an affordable way to build your collection for reading and displaying.
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