“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” has taken the Spider-Verse to new heights, introducing a multitude of fresh characters alongside Miles Morales’ Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy’s Spider-Gwen in the highly acclaimed animated film. This second installment of the franchise brings forth an array of diverse Spider-People, unveiling a roster of captivating new heroes. From the full-fledged debut of Spider-Man: 2099, who previously made a cameo in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” to the scene-stealing Spider-Punk 2099 and the intriguing May Parker, audiences are introduced to a host of intriguing faces.
While the film’s characters won’t continue their stories until “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” in 2024, the comics that inspired and influenced the recent film offer readers an immediate opportunity to delve deeper into the world of its heroes. For those eager to explore the comic book adventures of the prominent web-slingers in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” we have curated a list of recommended comics to read after watching the film.
Spider-Man (Miles Morales)
Miles Morales has been featured in various ongoing comic book series, starting with his early stories set in the Ultimate Universe prior to the events of “Secret Wars.” However, it’s his latest run that fans should eagerly embrace after experiencing “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
The acclaimed series “Miles Morales: Spider-Man,” brought to life by the talented team of Saladin Ahmed, Javier Garron, David Curiel, Cory Smith, Michele Bandini, Christopher Allen, Carmen Carnero, and other artists, spanned over 40 thrilling issues. This comic truly felt like an essential evolution of Spider-Man’s narrative, taking the hero into uncharted territories.
Miles faces challenging and dark circumstances within its pages, encountering formidable adversaries such as Rhino, Prowler, and the Assessor. However, what sets this run apart is not just its exploration of Miles’ personal responsibilities, his relationships, and his dual life as Spider-Man, but also the introduction of compelling new characters. From his younger sister, Billie, to a host of doppelgangers in his very own “Clone Saga,” this series offers a plethora of highs that far outweigh any lows (although his later seen new suit misses the mark). For any fan of the hero, “Miles Morales: Spider-Man” is a must-read and an essential addition to their collection.
Spider-Gwen (Gwen Stacy)
Spider-Gwen’s captivating journey is captured in two outstanding ongoing series. While both volumes are exceptional, the first volume delves into the aspects of the hero’s origin and backstory that audiences discovered in “Spider-Man: Enter the Spider-Verse” and its sequel. For a deeper exploration of Spider-Gwen’s beginnings, I highly recommend “Spider-Gwen” volume one, crafted by the talented team of Jason Latour, Robbi Rodriguez, and Rico Renzi.
However, it is in the second volume of “Spider-Gwen” where the character’s narrative takes unexpected and exciting turns. Join Jason Latour, Robbi Rodriguez, and Rico Renzi as they propel Spider-Gwen’s story into uncharted territories, offering readers an unforgettable experience.
In the captivating 20-issue run, “Spider-Gwen” takes readers on a thrilling journey. Gwen finds herself embroiled in a hunt for a new iteration of the Lizard, who is not the familiar Peter Parker. Earth-65’s Frank Castle takes on the role of captain, replacing Gwen’s father, while a villainous version of Matt Murdock proves to be a formidable adversary. The story also takes Gwen across dimensions, allowing her to interact with the main Marvel Universe and join forces with Miles Morales. With its unique perspective through Spider-Gwen’s lens, this book hits all the right notes expected from a Spider-Person tale. It is the perfect comic starring Gwen to dive into after watching “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew)
The portrayal of Spider-Woman in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” draws heavily from the character Jessica Drew. While Spider-Woman has had many remarkable comic runs, including the recent ongoing series by Karla Pacheco and Pere Perez, the pinnacle of Jessica’s story can be found in the 2014 run by Dennis Hopeless, Javier Rodriguez, Veronica Fish, and Rachelle Rosenberg.
The comic book features a pregnant Jessica Drew, who receives one of the most iconic costume redesigns in Marvel history. The story revolves around Jessica’s investigation into a series of disappearances, accompanied by Ben Urich, which takes them on a thrilling cross-country road trip. Despite being part of various crossovers like the original “Spider-Verse” and “Secret Wars” events, the “Spider-Woman” series delivers a vibrant adventure showcasing Drew’s journey into motherhood while teaming up with beloved heroes. The book’s irreverent villains and nostalgic atmosphere ensure continuous entertainment throughout.
If you’re looking for a captivating series that showcases the thrilling adventures of a pregnant Spider-Woman, accompanied by stunning artwork from Rodriguez and a compelling story by Hopeless, then “Spider-Woman” is an absolute must-read. This series delivers an unmissable experience that will leave readers thoroughly entertained.
Spider-Punk
Spider-Punk undoubtedly stole the spotlight in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” even though his comic presence has been relatively limited since his introduction in 2015. While the character has primarily appeared in Spider-Verse-related crossover events, a recent miniseries highlighted the sheer enjoyment that can be found in stories featuring this anarchic hero.
The “Spider-Punk” miniseries released in 2022, written by Cody Ziglar and illustrated by Justin Mason and Jim Charalampidis, is an exhilarating rock ‘n’ roll adventure. It follows Hobie Brown and his band as they confront Norman Osborn, the former U.S. president whom the rebellious web-slinger had previously decapitated with his guitar. However, when Osborn returns with the Venom symbiote and a gang of villains, Spider-Punk turns the phrase “battle of the bands” into a literal showdown. Teaming up with his punk comrades, including Riotheart, the drumming Daredevil Mattea Murdock, a Hulk adorned with chains, and Captain Anarchy wielding a shield, Spider-Punk fights against the forces of evil. Despite being a five-issue series, the creative team ensures that every page is filled with punk rock fun, delivering an essential Earth-138 escapade that should not be missed.
Spider-Man 2099 (Miguel O’Hara)
The original run of “Spider-Man 2099” by Peter David and Rick Leonardi captures the essence of ’90s comic books while offering a fresh and unique take on the Spider-Man mythos. Set in the future, the series introduces us to Miguel O’Hara, an Alchemax scientist tasked with creating a new version of Spider-Man in his timeline. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Miguel himself becomes Spider-Man and uses his newfound powers and a meticulously designed suit to confront the corrupt corporation he once worked for. What sets Miguel’s story apart is the richly developed 2099 universe, which features other iconic characters like Punisher 2099, Doom 2099, and Ravage 2099. This dynamic setting adds depth to the narrative, exploring the consequences of a dystopian future and presenting a vision of how the Marvel Universe could evolve. The “Spider-Man 2099” series is a captivating exploration of Miguel’s journey and the compelling world he inhabits.
For fans seeking a fresh and contemporary spin on “Spider-Man 2099,” the limited series “Spider-Man: Exodus” by Steve Orlando and a talented team of artists is a must-read. Set in Nueva York, this epic tale introduces a host of new characters and delivers high-stakes action. Prepare for thrilling encounters with updated versions of iconic Marvel characters like the Winter Soldier, Loki, and the New Avengers. With its gripping narrative and stunning artwork, “Spider-Man: Exodus” offers an exciting and modern exploration of the Spider-Man 2099 universe.
Spider-Girl (May Parker)
While May “Mayday” Parker may be depicted as an adorable infant alongside her father, Peter B. Parker, in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” her journey as a heroic character showcased in her own ongoing series from the 1990s proves her lasting impact and unique qualities beyond being just another Spider-Hero.
Set in the MC2 Universe and originating from a “What If…?” comic, the creation of Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz burst onto the scene with remarkable energy. As the daughter of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Parker, the comic delves into her origins, her development of spider-powers, her rise as Spider-Girl, and her clashes with a unique lineup of adversaries, including Fury the Goblin Queen and Lady Octopus. These stories offer a fresh perspective, distinct from classic Spider-Man tales, while also featuring cameos from familiar characters like the clone Kaine. Spanning an impressive 100 issues, the series maintains its engaging momentum throughout, leaving readers craving a revival for Spider-Girl in her own ongoing comic once again.
Spider-Man (Ben Reilly)
Despite Ben Reilly’s mixed reception among fans, his appearances in previous Spider-Man stories, notably the “Clone Saga,” have left much to be desired. While those stories possess their own charm, they don’t necessarily showcase the best version of Ben. However, Marvel’s recent miniseries, “Ben Reilly: Spider-Man” in 2022 by J.M. DeMatteis, David Baldeon, and Israel Silva, offers a fresh perspective on the character during his early days. This series serves as a reminder that Ben can thrive in his own stories and doesn’t need constant reinvention, as seen in the recent “Dark Web” crossover, where he assumed the darker persona of Chasm.
Andy Samberg’s comedic and brooding portrayal of the Scarlet Spider in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” has resonated well with audiences, capturing the character’s edgy nature from his comic book debut. This success opens up possibilities for more stories centered around Ben Reilly. It’s high time for Ben to step out of the shadow of his identity crisis and receive the spotlight he deserves. It would be refreshing to see Ben find stability in a world that has often dismissed him as a mere copy of one of its greatest heroes. Marvel should take note of the renewed interest in the character and consider giving him more prominent roles, both alongside and independent of the main Spider-Man.
