Wanted: A good Spidey read...

[Captivated]

The stories seem few, far between... and lately, more irritating than satisfying... I need a fix. I'm getting desperate. I know many of you all - discriminating connoisseurs of Spider-man literature that you are - will have some good suggestions. :)

I LOVE long, good novels... and this comic book thing is relatively new for me (discovered after the SM movies came out). Spider-man... what a great character. Intriguing stories, drama, humor, characterization... and as an artist myself, I get into the art. It's been good so far, because there has been LOTS to read. But I seem to be caught up.

I've read all the Essentials, and more on CD. I've read Spider-man Blue and Parallel Lives. I'm current from the beginning of JMS's run on ASM, Jenkin's on SSM, MKSM and all of last year's mini-series. I read Kevin Smith's SM/BC, and Slot's great read with SM and the Human Torch. I have all of USM. I have several of Spider-man Unlimited, and Secret War. I've read the novel, Down These Mean Streets and commentary Spider-man Confidential.

I don't really want to invest in a bunch of old single issues, inless there are classic storylines... I have all of ASM, but know there are probably other good stories, in other titles.

This is how desperate I was to have something Spidey to read, that did not involve stingers and spider-gods... I actually looked into Fan Fiction. It was an idea that just popped into my head last Friday. I found out there is tons out there... and I realized that I could waste A LOT of time looking for the good stories in a sea of duds. So I googled it and found some stories that came highly recommended. I was delighted to find that all three were enjoyable reads. I mean, REALLY enjoyable. Especially, A Face on a Train.

I have the ones I read listed below. Anyone else know of any others... I mean, GOOD - could be published if not for the copyrighted character - fan fiction?

I would really appreciate suggestions! :)

******

Just a Face on a Train
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2093771/1/
Months after an unmasked Spiderman saves a train of people from Doc Ock, one of the saved recognizes a face in her diner. A beautiful fic that proves that original character doesn't equal Mary Sue, but can equal a sweet, wonderfully portrayed narrator. Put a star by this one.

Origin Story
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2339400/1/
Short, silly, hilarious. Sometimes a superhero has wardrobe problems, and it's up to an expert to fix things....

Learning Curve
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1939182/1/
A fun adventure with dead-on Peter characterization, taking place shortly after the first movie. The dialogue is excellent, the writing clean and fast-paced. It was a page-turner.

[stillanerd]

I was wondering if you have a copy of The Ultimate Spider-Man Anthology. No, not the one by Brain Michael Bendis, I mean this one:

http://www.spiderfan.org/cgi-bin/cover.pl?80123,spiderman_books_byron_preiss,ultima te_spiderman.jpg

It contains 13 different prose stories written by those who have worked on the comic book, along with some illustrations by his various artists. One of the stories is actually a novella that reimagines of Spider-Man's origin and it written by Peter David and good 'ol Stan Lee himself that's actually faithful to the original story, plus ties Doctor Octopus into as well (and yes, this is were John Byrne got his inspiration for Chapter One). However, the best of the bunch is another story by Peter David called "Five Minutes" which I have no doubt you'll positively love. There's no major villains, no pointless drag-out fights for no apparent reason--just a private glimpse into the lives of Peter and Mary Jane that will reaffirm your belief that these two belong together (as if you really need convincing ;)). Your best bet is Amazon.com. Hope this helps. :)

[Captivated]

I was wondering if you have a copy of The Ultimate Spider-Man Anthology. No, not the one by Brain Michael Bendis, I mean this one:

http://www.spiderfan.org/cgi-bin/cover.pl?80123,spiderman_books_byron_preiss,ultima te_spiderman.jpg

It contains 13 different prose stories written by those who have worked on the comic book, along with some illustrations by his various artists. One of the stories is actually a novella that reimagines of Spider-Man's origin and it written by Peter David and good 'ol Stan Lee himself that's actually faithful to the original story, plus ties Doctor Octopus into as well (and yes, this is were John Byrne got his inspiration for Chapter One). However, the best of the bunch is another story by Peter David called "Five Minutes" which I have no doubt you'll positively love. There's no major villains, no pointless drag-out fights for no apparent reason--just a private glimpse into the lives of Peter and Mary Jane that will reaffirm your belief that these two belong together (as if you really need convincing ;)). Your best bet is Amazon.com. Hope this helps. :)

Ooooo, I had not heard of that book! That is just the kind of thing I was hoping to discover. I'll look for it. Thanks! :)

[WOLVERINE25TH]

I'd also recommend Spider-Man/X-Men: Times Arrow trilogy. That was a great read.

[Captivated]

I was wondering if you have a copy of The Ultimate Spider-Man Anthology. No, not the one by Brain Michael Bendis, I mean this one:

http://www.spiderfan.org/cgi-bin/cover.pl?80123,spiderman_books_byron_preiss,ultima te_spiderman.jpg

It contains 13 different prose stories written by those who have worked on the comic book, along with some illustrations by his various artists. One of the stories is actually a novella that reimagines of Spider-Man's origin and it written by Peter David and good 'ol Stan Lee himself that's actually faithful to the original story, plus ties Doctor Octopus into as well (and yes, this is were John Byrne got his inspiration for Chapter One). However, the best of the bunch is another story by Peter David called "Five Minutes" which I have no doubt you'll positively love. There's no major villains, no pointless drag-out fights for no apparent reason--just a private glimpse into the lives of Peter and Mary Jane that will reaffirm your belief that these two belong together (as if you really need convincing ;)). Your best bet is Amazon.com. Hope this helps. :)I did order this book and started reading it this a.m. I read the Peter David stories first... and you were right, the story "Five Minutes" was riveting! :up: Wow, what a find. Great insight into Mary Jane and Peter... I think I even shed a tear or two.

I had to stop to do some yardwork (lovely springish day here in the Texas hill country), but my boyfriend works tonight, so it's gonna be me and Spidey (so to speak) as I look forward to finishing the rest of the stories.

Anybody else have any suggestions? Please read my first post, if you are wondering "about what." Thanks.
:)

[stillanerd]

I did order this book and started reading it this a.m. I read the Peter David stories first... and you were right, the story "Five Minutes" was riveting! :up: Wow, what a find. Great insight into Mary Jane and Peter... I think I even shed a tear or two.

I had to stop to do some yardwork (lovely springish day here in the Texas hill country), but my boyfriend works tonight, so it's gonna be me and Spidey (so to speak) as I look forward to finishing the rest of the stories.

Anybody else have any suggestions? Please read my first post, if you are wondering "about what." Thanks.
:)

You're welcome. :)

[Captivated]

Has anyone read these books:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1572972947/sr=8-3/qid=1141521037/ref=sr_1_3/104-6035943-6320746?%5Fencoding=UTF8

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425174034/sr=8-4/qid=1141521037/ref=sr_1_4/104-6035943-6320746?%5Fencoding=UTF8

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1572970197/sr=8-1/qid=1141521893/ref=sr_1_1/104-6035943-6320746?%5Fencoding=UTF8

[Dangerous]

You have all ASM?
Not all of em,..all 529 issues?!! after a few years of collecting, damn.

Errr.. oh yeah- Do you have Wizard special edition best of Spider-man Vol1 & 2?- get that essential reading.

[Marcdachamp]

I'd also recommend Spider-Man/X-Men: Times Arrow trilogy. That was a great read.
Agreed.

Have you read Spider-Girl? If not, there's a ton of issues for you to pick up, and I'd highly recommend it.:up:

[rnewbz]

Goblin Moon is a good read, i enjoyed it

Also, you might try the venom factor

[Norman Osborn]

You have all ASM?
Not all of em,..all 529 issues?!! after a few years of collecting, damn.

Errr.. oh yeah- Do you have Wizard special edition best of Spider-man Vol1 & 2?- get that essential reading.

I believe she has the first four decades of ASM on disc as do I....

http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1591505844/qid=1141531282/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_3_1/701-1275401-8826751

[Symbiotica]

The stories seem few, far between... and lately, more irritating than satisfying... I need a fix. I'm getting desperate. I know many of you all - discriminating connoisseurs of Spider-man literature that you are - will have some good suggestions. :)

This is how desperate I was to have something Spidey to read, that did not involve stingers and spider-gods... I actually looked into Fan Fiction. It was an idea that just popped into my head last Friday. I found out there is tons out there... and I realized that I could waste A LOT of time looking for the good stories in a sea of duds.

My God, if you were looking for fan-fiction you WERE desperate. :) IMO 99% of fanfics are good only for the hearty laughs of both humor/outrage they provoke.

If you like novels, then you have simply GOT TO FIND these two by Adam Troy Casto: Revenge of the Sinister Six and Secret of the Sinister Six. I can all but guarantee you will love them. Castro really knows what he's doing, and his characterisation of everyone, hero and villain, is perfect.

These are the best Spidey novels I have ever read. I recommend them a lot, but that's how good they are compared to everything else.

An excellent TPB in general you don't see mentioned much is Tangled Web #10. Two of the three stories in it are ones you will never forget; one sad, one laugh-out-loud funny.

"Carnage in New York" totally sucks, and I did not care much for "Goblin Moon" either. Neither villain seems to be the one we're familiar with from the comics.

[Rez]

For novels, my personal favourite was VALLEY OF THE LIZARD. It's fairly unconventional for a Spiderman story; not going to say that you'd love it, but I would at least give it a look. Features the Lizard as a villian, as well as a mysterious woman, and some cryptozological wonders in it. A little less than a third of the book is a messy journal written by Curt Connors. It's not fast paced like many of the other Spiderman novels, but I personally like it that way. Rather than trying to imitate the medium of the comics by making it a "comic in a book" form, it takes the mythology of Spiderman and translates it in a story that works best as a novel, using the format to it's advantage.


As for comics, my single favourite arc is Kraven's Last Hunt. You've no doubt heard of this, so I doubt it needs elaboration.
As an ongoing, Spider-Girl is worth it.

And the last thing I'd like to mention... The Clone Saga. You've no doubt heard a lot of crap about it, and may be hesitant to search out many of the comics.
But if you are looking for a good read, check out The Life Of Reilly online. It's a novel legnth history of the saga with behind the scenes interviews and comments with those involved. It gives you the unbiased look at the story in comics for more than 2 years, along with opinions on it both good and bad. Well worth it, and who knows- you might just wind up loving the Clone Saga.

[Dangerous]

I believe she has the first four decades of ASM on disc as do I....

Gotcha, but thats not really having all of ASM is it.
Its just having CD-Rom scans of them.

[Captivated]

I believe she has the first four decades of ASM on disc as do I....

http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1591505844/qid=1141531282/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_3_1/701-1275401-8826751
Exactly, on disc. I have all the Essentials, Masterworks thru Vol 4 and the books from JMS' run.

[Captivated]

For novels, my personal favourite was VALLEY OF THE LIZARD. It's fairly unconventional for a Spiderman story; not going to say that you'd love it, but I would at least give it a look. Features the Lizard as a villian, as well as a mysterious woman, and some cryptozological wonders in it. A little less than a third of the book is a messy journal written by Curt Connors. It's not fast paced like many of the other Spiderman novels, but I personally like it that way. Rather than trying to imitate the medium of the comics by making it a "comic in a book" form, it takes the mythology of Spiderman and translates it in a story that works best as a novel, using the format to it's advantage.


As for comics, my single favourite arc is Kraven's Last Hunt. You've no doubt heard of this, so I doubt it needs elaboration.
As an ongoing, Spider-Girl is worth it.

And the last thing I'd like to mention... The Clone Saga. You've no doubt heard a lot of crap about it, and may be hesitant to search out many of the comics.
But if you are looking for a good read, check out The Life Of Reilly online. It's a novel legnth history of the saga with behind the scenes interviews and comments with those involved. It gives you the unbiased look at the story in comics for more than 2 years, along with opinions on it both good and bad. Well worth it, and who knows- you might just wind up loving the Clone Saga.I have been looking for Kraven's Last Hunt, and plan on getting it. I'll add Valley of the Lizard to the list too.

I think I know that history of the Clone Saga you refer to... I started reading it, but got side tracked and forgot about it. It was really interesting. Thanks for the info.
:)

[Captivated]

My God, if you were looking for fan-fiction you WERE desperate. :) IMO 99% of fanfics are good only for the hearty laughs of both humor/outrage they provoke.

If you like novels, then you have simply GOT TO FIND these two by Adam Troy Casto: Revenge of the Sinister Six and Secret of the Sinister Six. I can all but guarantee you will love them. Castro really knows what he's doing, and his characterisation of everyone, hero and villain, is perfect.

These are the best Spidey novels I have ever read. I recommend them a lot, but that's how good they are compared to everything else.

An excellent TPB in general you don't see mentioned much is Tangled Web #10. Two of the three stories in it are ones you will never forget; one sad, one laugh-out-loud funny.

"Carnage in New York" totally sucks, and I did not care much for "Goblin Moon" either. Neither villain seems to be the one we're familiar with from the comics.
LOL... yes I've started (and stopped) reading some truly, embarrassingly BAD fan fiction! But, I have also found a couple of enjoyable reads.

But it sounds like with all these great suggestions, I can put wading through THAT quagmire aside. Now to track down these books down... :)

[AmaznSpider-Fan]

I have been looking for Kraven's Last Hunt, and plan on getting it. I'll add Valley of the Lizard to the list too.

I think I know that history of the Clone Saga you refer to... I started reading it, but got side tracked and forgot about it. It was really interesting. Thanks for the info.
:)

Kraven's Last Hunt is one of my favorite Spidey stories. It's a bit darker than usual Spidey stories, but it's very much justified. Pick this arc up ASAP! :)

Are we the only crazy people up? LOL I'm at work and keep getting interrupted so I can't sleep, what's your excuse? :P

[Captivated]

If you like novels, then you have simply GOT TO FIND these two by Adam Troy Casto: Revenge of the Sinister Six and Secret of the Sinister Six. I can all but guarantee you will love them. Castro really knows what he's doing, and his characterisation of everyone, hero and villain, is perfect. I found the ones by Castro you mentioned on Amazon (cheap - yeah). But I also found this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785100474/sr=8-1/qid=1141546593/ref=sr_1_1/104-6035943-6320746?%5Fencoding=UTF8

Any good? You would think they could come up with original titles...

As for Kraven's Last Hunt, I found two different covers... Is this it?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0685597547/ref=dp_return_1/104-6035943-6320746?%5Fencoding=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

or

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0871356910/qid=1141548223/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/104-6035943-6320746?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

[AmaznSpider-Fan]

Not sure how good it is, but seemed to have gotten good reviews, and it reads like a novel:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0425170373/qid=1141547898/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/103-0448080-5653442?v=glance&s=books


EDIT: Both of those are Kraven's hunt, one is a HC, and the other is a TBP.

[Kraven]

The Death of Gwen Stacy. That's all I got's to say. (Even tho you've probably already got it.)

[Captivated]

Kraven's Last Hunt is one of my favorite Spidey stories. It's a bit darker than usual Spidey stories, but it's very much justified. Pick this arc up ASAP! :)

Are we the only crazy people up? LOL I'm at work and keep getting interrupted so I can't sleep, what's your excuse? :P
At work?! Night shift? I'm just a night owl that sometimes looses track of time when I get into a project.

I've been hunting down and ordering books over on Amazon. Love that web site. I've found most of what was suggested here, but Kraven's Last Hunt is pricey... will keep looking.
:up:

[The Joker]

I found the ones by Castro you mentioned on Amazon (cheap - yeah). But I also found this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785100474/sr=8-1/qid=1141546593/ref=sr_1_1/104-6035943-6320746?%5Fencoding=UTF8

Any good? You would think they could come up with original titles...


Revenge of the Sinister Six is a great read IMO.Many of the Marvel heros are involved in this one,as the Six really threaten the planet.

And as Symbiotica said,get Castro's novels.I have them myself too.I can't say enough good things about them.Truly one of the finest Spider-Man stories I've ever had the privelege of reading.

[3dman27]

My God, if you were looking for fan-fiction you WERE desperate. :) IMO 99% of fanfics are good only for the hearty laughs of both humor/outrage they provoke.

If you like novels, then you have simply GOT TO FIND these two by Adam Troy Casto: Revenge of the Sinister Six and Secret of the Sinister Six. I can all but guarantee you will love them. Castro really knows what he's doing, and his characterisation of everyone, hero and villain, is perfect.

These are the best Spidey novels I have ever read. I recommend them a lot, but that's how good they are compared to everything else.

you forgot about gathering of the sinester six and i completely agree about thesinister six trilogy

[Captivated]

you forgot about gathering of the sinister six and i completely agree about thesinister six trilogy
Well, with so many votes, I had to order it!

But let me get this straight... there is The Secret... The Revenge... AND The Gathering of the Sinister Six, that are all related?

Thanks all!

[AmaznSpider-Fan]

Yea, I work 24 hour shift, and I was doing a report when I was talking to you...so I wasn't awake at the time by choice. :p I go to sleep really late too when I get caught up doing something.

Kraven's last hunt is pricey, but for the HC, that's not too bad.

[Symbiotica]

you forgot about gathering of the sinester six and i completely agree about thesinister six trilogy

Ha! If only I had actually *read* "Gathering of the Sinister Six"! [first book of Castro's trilogy, for those who don't know what we're talking about]. Its never been released as a paperback, so secondhand copies on Amazon or eBay run about $70-80. I love Castro's work, but pay that I will not.

If you own "Gathering," you have a little treasure there. Don't let it out of your sight :)

[and yeah, props to Larsen's "Revenge of the Sinister Six" TPB. IMO that is a classic Spidey story and deserving of a read in its own right.]

[3dman27]

Ha! If only I had actually *read* "Gathering of the Sinister Six"! [first book of Castro's trilogy, for those who don't know what we're talking about]. Its never been released as a paperback, so secondhand copies on Amazon or eBay run about $70-80. I love Castro's work, but pay that I will not.

If you own "Gathering," you have a little treasure there. Don't let it out of your sight :)
actually it was released in paperback the reason that you only got the last two parts is that shortly after gathering came out mr castro became ill delaying the remaining books and the publisher had some problems

[WOLVERINE25TH]

In my defense, Sym, th' only reason I post "fan fiction" is 'cause I don't have any connections to get anythin' published any time soon. An' I gotta use th' ideas Marvel keeps rejectin' somewhere.

[Vile]

The Venom Factor, Lizard Sanction and Octopus Agenda.

Classics.

[3dman27]

the Octopus Agenda.

Classic.
yes indeed it is

[The Joker]

I never read the Octopus agenda.It's very hard to find :(

I heard it features Ock [obviously]and Venom,and that Ock beats up Venom in it :D

[3dman27]

yes

[Captivated]

Ha! If only I had actually *read* "Gathering of the Sinister Six"! [first book of Castro's trilogy, for those who don't know what we're talking about]. Its never been released as a paperback, so secondhand copies on Amazon or eBay run about $70-80. I love Castro's work, but pay that I will not.

If you own "Gathering," you have a little treasure there. Don't let it out of your sight :)

[and yeah, props to Larsen's "Revenge of the Sinister Six" TPB. IMO that is a classic Spidey story and deserving of a read in its own right.]Oh, great. Since it's the first in a trilogy, now I HAVE to find it, before I can read the others.

Actually, I found a paperback version available at Amazon (new/used). But since the others I've already ordered are hardback versions, I was hoping to find Gathering in HB too. Glad to know it exists.

[Captivated]

I never read the Octopus agenda.It's very hard to find :(

I heard it features Ock [obviously]and Venom,and that Ock beats up Venom in it :D
Not so hard to find... :) I have been having all kinds of luck finding these suggestions at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1572972793/sr=8-1/qid=1141589064/ref=sr_1_1/104-6035943-6320746?%5Fencoding=UTF8

I've bought several items from the Amazon Marketplace Sellers (with high ratings) with great results, and it's so easy. :up:

[Symbiotica]

actually it was released in paperback th reason that you only got the last two parts is that shortly after gathering came out mr castro became ill delaying the remaining books and the publisher had some problems

I meant that [thinks how to explain this] when I got hold of "Secret" it was as a single volume; I actually found it at a local Walmart and thought, "Hmm, let's give this a try."

This was right after the 1st movie. Last year right around the time of the 2nd movie's release, I found an omnibus paperback of the two bound into one volume - WITHOUT "Gathering" included. That was okay though, I'd already bought a used hardback copy of "Revenge" off Amazon.com cheap. How or why rereleasing only the last two makes sense, I dunno. But I came into the game too late to acquire "Gathering"... they seem bent on not re-releasing that. :(

And Captivated, these books stand on their own extremely well - you can easily get into the action without having read "Gathering" first. Although that would be nice, it's not essential.

In my defense, Sym, th' only reason I post "fan fiction" is 'cause I don't have any connections to get anythin' published any time soon. An' I gotta use th' ideas Marvel keeps rejectin' somewhere.

I wasn't specifically referring to your fanfiction, Wolverine, I have not read it; I was just speaking in general. [I have written a few myself, but none of them would be suitable to be posted on the Hype]. The great thing about fanfiction is the author is not bound by Marvel's nicey-nice little rulebook that states only certain outcomes are allowed - and no visible blood, please. :)

I was more referring to [for example] a fanfic I recently found by accident featuring Black Cat being first raped by two teenaged boys and then brutally raped by Carnage. Regardless of what I may think of BC myself, such works are the nadir of fandom and make all of us look bad by default. LOL! It was really just atrocious, trust me... it seems this sort of thing [or slash fanfics] make up the bulk of fan-fiction, and its actually pretty sad.

Yep, finding good Spidey literature isn't exactly an easy thing.

[The Joker]

Not so hard to find... :) I have been having all kinds of luck finding these suggestions at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1572972793/sr=8-1/qid=1141589064/ref=sr_1_1/104-6035943-6320746?%5Fencoding=UTF8

I've bought several items from the Amazon Marketplace Sellers (with high ratings) with great results, and it's so easy. :up:

Thank you :up:

It never even occurred to me to try them,as I usually get rare stuff like this on ebay.Love the cover on that.

[Captivated]

...Regardless of what I may think of BC myself, such works are the nadir of fandom and make all of us look bad by default. LOL! It was really just atrocious, trust me... it seems this sort of thing [or slash fanfics] make up the bulk of fan-fiction, and its actually pretty sad.

Yep, finding good Spidey literature isn't exactly an easy thing.
Yeah... juvenile, twisted, slash and major Mary Sue's... a lot of that fan fic was quite disturbing.
:(

That's why I'm glad to get such good suggestions here. :)

[WOLVERINE25TH]

Oh I know, Sym. Just statin' my involvement fer th' record.

[Vile]

I never read the Octopus agenda.It's very hard to find :(

I heard it features Ock [obviously]and Venom,and that Ock beats up Venom in it :D

Indeed it does!


It also has the best Octopus-evil-plot EVER.

Operation Hundred Days.

You go, Octopus.

[Arcturus]

Also, check out Carnage in New York, I thought it was done well.

[Visionary]

Kraven's Last Hunt is one of my favorite Spidey stories. It's a bit darker than usual Spidey stories, but it's very much justified. Pick this arc up ASAP! :)
Kraven's Last Hunt is one GREAT read indeed.:up:

[3dman27]

Yeah... juvenile, twisted, slash and major Mary Sue's... a lot of that fan fic was quite disturbing.
:(

That's why I'm glad to get such good suggestions here. :)i know who mary JANE is
who's mary SUE?

[Dangerous]

Read SSM#24 out tmr.

[Captivated]

i know who mary JANE is
who's mary SUE?Not exactly "who"... it's when an author obviously inserts him or her self into a story via a character... considered amateurish.

All you ever wanted to know about the subject:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Sue_fanfiction

[Captivated]

Read SSM#24 out tmr.
As in the single issue, due out Wed?

That's a given.

[Dangerous]

yeah thats the one.

I'm happy w/ SSM & FNSM right now.
Not considering Spidey's overall status quo (which is kinda f**ked) these two books are pretty damn sweet. I really dig the new team on SSM, and I also really dig Ringo on FNSM plus that it looks like Hobby is returning!!!
Cool.

[Captivated]

actually it was released in paperback the reason that you only got the last two parts is that shortly after gathering came out mr castro became ill delaying the remaining books and the publisher had some problemsThe latest on Adam Castro...
http://www.sfwa.org/pressbook/2005/1219-Castro.html

[Gregatron]

Here's a good reading list...

Amazing Spider-Man # 1-150, 224-300.

Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 1 # 43-60, 72-200.

Web of Spider-Man # 29-70.

Marvel Team-Up Vol. 1 # 54-80.


Really, ANYTHING from the Good Old Days is GOLD compared to today's stuff.

[Captivated]

Here's a good reading list...

Amazing Spider-Man # 1-150, 224-300.

Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 1 # 43-60, 72-200.

Web of Spider-Man # 29-70.

Marvel Team-Up Vol. 1 # 54-80.


Really, ANYTHING from the Good Old Days is GOLD compared to today's stuff.
I was actually looking for compulations and novels... but I know what you mean about the good ole days! :up:

Is the SSM referenced above the same title contained in the Essential just released? It's the first one (and I have them all) that seemed slow to me... new supporting cast, lack of relationships... ok, but not great.

[Niobe]

Could someone recommend me a good Spidey read available on internet? You see, guys, its not like everybody can order books on amazon...

[Captivated]

Could someone recommend me a good Spidey read available on internet? You see, guys, its not like everybody can order books on amazon...
Ask and ye shall recieve...
http://www.donaldspidermanthomas.com/html/library.html

Also, check out the links in my first post for some decent fan fiction.

[Gregatron]

I was actually looking for compulations and novels... but I know what you mean about the good ole days! :up:

Is the SSM referenced above the same title contained in the Essential just released? It's the first one (and I have them all) that seemed slow to me... new supporting cast, lack of relationships... ok, but not great.

Yes. Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 1 (which is now being reprinted in Essential form). That series didn't really being to hit its stride until Roger Stern took over with issue # 43 (and the Carrion stuff from around # 24-31 was good, too). Things were hit-and-miss for a few years, but the later stuff by Peter David and Gerry Conway and J.M. DeMatteis is very good.

[dan1]

I was wondering if you have a copy of The Ultimate Spider-Man Anthology. No, not the one by Brain Michael Bendis, I mean this one:

http://www.spiderfan.org/cgi-bin/cover.pl?80123,spiderman_books_byron_preiss,ultima te_spiderman.jpg

It contains 13 different prose stories written by those who have worked on the comic book, along with some illustrations by his various artists. One of the stories is actually a novella that reimagines of Spider-Man's origin and it written by Peter David and good 'ol Stan Lee himself that's actually faithful to the original story, plus ties Doctor Octopus into as well (and yes, this is were John Byrne got his inspiration for Chapter One). However, the best of the bunch is another story by Peter David called "Five Minutes" which I have no doubt you'll positively love. There's no major villains, no pointless drag-out fights for no apparent reason--just a private glimpse into the lives of Peter and Mary Jane that will reaffirm your belief that these two belong together (as if you really need convincing ;)). Your best bet is Amazon.com. Hope this helps. :)


OH mY GOD! I forgot about that book. What an awesome f****ing read!!!!!!!! I read it in 2 days and it was simply brilliant.

[Captivated]

OH mY GOD! I forgot about that book. What an awesome f****ing read!!!!!!!! I read it in 2 days and it was simply brilliant.Absolutely! I finished the last story yesterday (it was a collection of short stories) and it was GREAT! Loved it. Especially the Peter David story "Five Minutes."

[deepex]

From reading this thread I definitely have to buy that book!!! Cant wait till next week when I get paid!

[Niobe]

Ask and ye shall recieve...
http://www.donaldspidermanthomas.com/html/library.html

Also, check out the links in my first post for some decent fan fiction.

Thanx for the link :up:

Ive already read the fanfics /along with many others on fanfiction.net/.
Loved "Just a Face on a Train "

[3dman27]

have you tried the recent spidey novel?

[Captivated]

have you tried the recent spidey novel?
Down These Man Streets... yeah. It was good.

A book review:
Not that many of the guys here would go for it, but I thought I'd mention the Mary Jane books I've just read too. A nice surprize.

After picking up the new "Spider-Man loves Mary Jane" (and liking it more than I expected I would) I went ahead and got the first part of that story just titled Mary Jane, but also by Sean McKeever and Takeshi Miyazawa. It was really good. Now one of those that I look forward to... want to find out what happens next in...

And, after liking those stories I looked into the first novel called "Mary Jane" by Judith O'Brien. Liked it so well I ordered the second one too. It's loosely inspired by Ultimate Spider-Man. An ordinary little story of high school life from Mary Jane's perspective that includes her budding relationship with Peter. Granted, I wish there had been more Peter/Spider-Man in the books, but the way the author writes the characters and their interaction was great. Really engaging and touching. The pencil illustrations by Mike Mayhew were nice too. I hope there is a third...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785114335/sr=8-2/qid=1142008231/ref=pd_bbs_2/102-2771263-5952109?%5Fencoding=UTF8

[Captivated]

Thanx for the link :up:

Ive already read the fanfics /along with many others on fanfiction.net/.
Loved "Just a Face on a Train "
:up: Wasn't that great? LOVED it. I got all misty at the end...

It really should be published. Couldn't they make that story into a short 2 to 3 issue mini or a graphic novel... even though it's a spin off of Spider-Man 2?

[Shadowknight]

She-Hulk #4, first volume, if you haven't read it. Spider-man and She-Hulk team-up to take out his greatest foe! ;)

Spider-Man/Human Torch trade paperback.

[Captivated]

She-Hulk #4, first volume, if you haven't read it. Spider-man and She-Hulk team-up to take out his greatest foe! ;)

Spider-Man/Human Torch trade paperback.
Loved the Spidey/Torch book... Is the She-Hulk/Spidey by Slot too?

[Shadowknight]

Loved the Spidey/Torch book... Is the She-Hulk/Spidey by Slot too?
Oh yeah. I know it's practically mandatory for Spidey to show up in a newly launched book for sales reasons, but I think Slott was going to tell this tale anyway. Good one. :)

[Captivated]

Don't remember who, but someone told me about Spider-Man's Tangled Web I got Volumn 2 yesterday and LOVED it! That 1st 3-part story, "Gentlemen's Agreement" was one of the best I've read. Written by Bruce Jones and illustrated by Lee Weeks... somebody sign these two up for a regular Spidey book!:up:

[Captivated]

Just found out they are re-releasing Kraven's Last Hunt, August 2006.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/078512330X/sr=8-4/qid=1142200514/ref=sr_1_4/104-6035943-6320746?%5Fencoding=UTF8

Now do I get an old copy or wait...

[Captivated]

THANK YOU! Thank you, thank you... to all who recommended Adam-Troy Castro's books... The Sinister Six trilogy.

I found The Gathering of the Sinister Six FINALLY on Ebay and, from what I have seen, it was a steal at $16. I just finished reading it today. LOVED it! :up:

This guy has a way with characters and descriptions... I never knew Mysterio could be such a threat. Although, I think Spidey should have been able to handle him a little more quickly there at the end... but I won't spoil it. I also thought he did a great job with Mary Jane's character and her and Peter's relationship. I really got to know her better. Current writers would do well to take a clue... there is a lot of potential in her character that was well used here.

Can't wait to read the other two in the trilogy now... I'll probably blow off the 101 other things I should be doing and start it tomorrow! :)

[The Joker]

THANK YOU! Thank you, thank you... to all who recommended Adam-Troy Castro's books... The Sinister Six trilogy.

I found The Gathering of the Sinister Six FINALLY on Ebay and, from what I have seen, it was a steal at $16. I just finished reading it today. LOVED it! :up:

Welcome to the wonderful world of Castro.That guy rocks at writing Spidey IMO.I'd love him to write a movie script,or one of the Spidey titles.He knows the characters so well.

This guy has a way with characters and descriptions... I never knew Mysterio could be such a threat. Although, I think Spidey should have been able to handle him a little more quickly there at the end... but I won't spoil it. I also thought he did a great job with Mary Jane's character and her and Peter's relationship. I really got to know her better. Current writers would do well to take a clue... there is a lot of potential in her character that was well used here.

He really does have a knack for the characters doesn't he.And he's great at building suspense too IMO.He leaves little cliffhangers at the end of chapters,so you just HAVE to keep reading to find out what happens next.

Castro's novels gave me a new found respect for Electro,Vulture,Chameleon,Mysterio,and yes even though I thought I could have no higher respect for him than I already did,Doc Ock :D

And MJ was also used very effectively in these novels.Wait til you read the rest of the trilogy.I really connected with her,and how she feels about Peter and his life as Spidey.

Can't wait to read the other two in the trilogy now... I'll probably blow off the 101 other things I should be doing and start it tomorrow! :)

Let us know what you think of them when you've read them.I don't know which part of the trilogy I love the most.They're each brilliant for different reasons.

[Captivated]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Castro.That guy rocks at writing Spidey IMO. I'd love him to write a movie script,or one of the Spidey titles. He knows the characters so well.

He really does have a knack for the characters doesn't he. And he's great at building suspense too IMO. He leaves little cliffhangers at the end of chapters,so you just HAVE to keep reading to find out what happens next.

Castro's novels gave me a new found respect for Electro, Vulture, Chameleon, Mysterio, and yes even though I thought I could have no higher respect for him than I already did,Doc Ock :D

And MJ was also used very effectively in these novels. Wait til you read the rest of the trilogy. I really connected with her, and how she feels about Peter and his life as Spidey.
Absolutely!

His writing, even about things familiar, like the death of Peter's parents, really gives insight and makes it all so compelling. Now I'm afraid his books are going to spoil me for any others.

Has he ever written a comic? IMO, we need to petition Marvel to put Castro on ASM, ASAP! :)

[The Joker]

His writing, even about things familiar, like the death of Peter's parents, really gives insight and makes it all so compelling. Now I'm afraid his books are going to spoil me for any others.

Definitely.Wait til you read his take on the other villains,and their insights,you'll be floored.Like I said,it gives you a whole new respect for them.Even Vulture,whom I never had a huge respect for before.

Has he ever written a comic? IMO, we need to petition Marvel to put Castro on ASM, ASAP! :)

I don't think he's ever written a comic before.I know he wrote some X-Men novels.

But yes we need him on the current titles badly.What a prefect replacement he'd be on ASM.

[3dman27]

yes i've read his work he be terrifiv writing spidey or ANY marvel superhero

[LarryLegend]

For fan fiction, check out the Green Goblin's Lair, he has three spider-man movies that are quite good.

[Symbiotica]

THANK YOU! Thank you, thank you... to all who recommended Adam-Troy Castro's books... The Sinister Six trilogy.

Heh.... see, told you you would love it. :up: You come out of it with increased respect - and liking - for the Six. [You already liked Pete and MJ, so that doesn't really count...] this series was what really kick-started my appreciation of Electro, it makes so plain how mind-boggling his powers really should be. And Ock... he is just so completely brutal and so nasty and condescending and you just have to love him. He is truly the fulcrum upon which the Six are balanced. Without him they would be nothing.

Wait'll you get to the Rand-Meacham attack. Good times, good times.

I certainly would rather have this guy at Marvel than the roster writing Spidey now.

[Captivated]

Thought I would bump this thread for those interested in the subject...

Since I loved Adam-Troy Castro's Sinister Six trilogy I got this collection of short stories that included one by him called "The Stalking of John Doe." Loved it. :up: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1572972947/002-4594050-7604026?v=glance&n=283155

There was another good collection that had a story by Peter David called "Five Minutes." GREAT insight into Peter and MJ's relationship and early marriage. Very emotional.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425170004/002-4594050-7604026?v=glance&n=283155

[MyPokerShirt]

Ask and ye shall recieve...
http://www.donaldspidermanthomas.com/html/library.html


i can't seem to get it to work. for example the link when clicked is:
http://www.donaldspidermanthomas.com/html/cbr/1_amazingsp/asm250.pdf

What do i change it to so i can read the comic?? please help, somebody. thanx


plus..um, how is this legal??

[Captivated]

i can't seem to get it to work. for example the link when clicked is:
http://www.donaldspidermanthomas.com/html/cbr/1_amazingsp/asm250.pdf

What do i change it to so i can read the comic?? please help, somebody. thanx


plus..um, how is this legal??
You have to read the directions... ACTIVE links are in red. At the top of the library it will say which comics are active that month.

You'll also have to read about the different file formats.

[MyPokerShirt]

yeah it said change htm to .cbr or .cbz

sorry to be a nuisance but theres a /html/ but no ".htm". i know im bein stupid but i just cant figure out how. i'll have another look but surely theres a simple solve to the link i gave above?

[Captivated]

yeah it said change htm to .cbr or .cbz

sorry to be a nuisance but theres a /html/ but no ".htm". i know im bein stupid but i just cant figure out how. i'll have another look but surely theres a simple solve to the link i gave above?
Well, I saw that the PPSS Annual are available this month, so I went to that section. I looked at the covers and saw which had RED numbers. For example... I RIGHT clicked on the cover of Annual #10 and selected SAVE LINK AS... I have learned to just rename .cbr files for best results, so I named it PPSM_Annual_10.cbr and made sure "ALL FILES" was also showing. Then save, and it downloaded.

I think I remember I had to download some free software to read it... Obviously, the PDFs are easier. :)

Here are the ASM's that are available this month: http://www.donaldspidermanthomas.com/html/library_amazingsp_page12.html

[MyPokerShirt]

i thort i posted that i had it solved. i probs posted it on the wrong board :S ahhhh well, yeah i dont have the software but read a pdf. i just need to find that software now... thanx anyway

[Captivated]

Old thread... I know... but there may be some of you all unfamiliar with some really good "Spidey reads" that I discovered here.

Of ALL the people that have written Spider-Man stories, I BET most of y'all haven't heard of, or read, one of the BEST... Adam-Troy Castro.

If you read very far back you'll read the name. He writes novels, and his Sinister Six trilogy is -- I promise you -- one of the best Spider-Man stories ever written.

But he also wrote an enthralling short story called "The Stalking of John Doe." I just recently read it again -- so good -- and decided I HAVE to share it...

Don't be scared of the length... get comfortable and just read. You will love it!!!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_02b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_03b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_04b.jpg

[Captivated]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_05-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_05b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_06.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_06b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_07.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_07b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_08a.jpg

[Captivated]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_08b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_09.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_09b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_10.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_10b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_11.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_11b.jpg

[Captivated]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_13.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_13b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_14.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_14b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_15.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_15b.jpg

[Captivated]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_16.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_16b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_17.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_17b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_18.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_18b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_19.jpg

[Captivated]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_19b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe_20.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Captivated_Edge/JohnDoe20b.jpg

[Dangerous]

If you have not already got it- get the new Roger Stern TPB.
It will not disappoint.

[Captivated]

*tapping foot*

Still waiting for some lucky soul to take the time to read the "Stalking of John Doe" (posted above)... I KNEW most wouldn't, but I'm curious to see who does and what they think... ;)

BTW - the story was one in a collection of short stories called "Untold Tales of Spider-Man."

[Ray-Fu]

I'll read it...eventually :p

Has anyone mentioned the MJ novel (by Judith O'Brien) that was released a few years back? It's pretty simple and ties in more closely with Ultimate Spidey then Regular Universe Spidey, but it wasn't too bad from what I remembered it to be. Plus, it was MJ :D Just thought I'd throw that out as a read too.

[Captivated]

I'll read it...eventually :p

Has anyone mentioned the MJ novel (by Judith O'Brien) that was released a few years back? It's pretty simple and ties in more closely with Ultimate Spidey then Regular Universe Spidey, but it wasn't too bad from what I remembered it to be. Plus, it was MJ :D Just thought I'd throw that out as a read too.
Multi-task... Print it out and take it to the "reading room" if you have to... :woot:

Adam-Troy Castro is just one of the best, and if you haven't read his stuff you are in for a treat.

I loved those MJ novels... hope they do more. The illustrations were inspiring for me too. I used to do stuff like that, only with charcoal for higher contrast.

Check out these illustrations from the novels...
http://forums.superherohype.com/showpost.php?p=9774004&postcount=165
http://forums.superherohype.com/showpost.php?p=9774075&postcount=167
http://forums.superherohype.com/showpost.php?p=9774136&postcount=168

[The Joker]

*tapping foot*

Still waiting for some lucky soul to take the time to read the "Stalking of John Doe" (posted above)... I KNEW most wouldn't, but I'm curious to see who does and what they think... ;)

BTW - the story was one in a collection of short stories called "Untold Tales of Spider-Man."

I have Untold Tales. It's so darn awesome. Castro did with Kraven what he also did with the Vulture in the Sinister Six trilogy that the comic books never did, he made him intimidating and scary.

Why they have not got him on the Spidey comics yet is beyond me. How many of the stories in the book have you read, Cap? Did you read Ock's one about the guy who foolishly decides to write a biography on Ock?

[Captivated]

I have Untold Tales. It's so darn awesome. Castro did with Kraven what he also did with the Vulture in the Sinister Six trilogy that the comic books never did, he made him intimidating and scary.

Why they have not got him on the Spidey comics yet is beyond me. How many of the stories in the book have you read, Cap? Did you read Ock's one about the guy who foolishly decides to write a biography on Ock?
I knew I could count on you Doc, to back me up on Castro. :woot:

I've read all the stories in Untold Tales... probably twice. The one you are talking about, "Arms and the Man" by Keith DeCandido, was a pretty chilling tale staring Dr. Octavius.

I've also read everything that has been written by Castro featuring Spider-Man, which are my absolute favorite Spidey novels!! I like comics, but find that a BIG FAT novel lasts longer and is more satisfying... :yay:

I even got the book Castro co-wrote with Tom DeFalco in the "Times Arrow" trilogy. He should have written the whole thing... That trilogy with Spidey and the X-Men was not my favorite. (In fact, I'm thinking of selling the whole thing on craigslist...)

[Ray-Fu]

Sweet story! The note at the end was especially touching *sniffles*

Thanks for sharing it! I might have to try to hunt that book down after I'm done reading all my philosophy books :p

[Captivated]

Sweet story! The note at the end was especially touching *sniffles*

Thanks for sharing it! I might have to try to hunt that book down after I'm done reading all my philosophy books :pAlright! Yeah it is... a great story. Did you ever think Kraven could seem so threatening?

It sounds like you don't have a lot of time for reading, but the Sinister Six trilogy, also by Castro, was a riveting read. The first in the series used to be hard to find (sold on ebay for $75), but they have reprinted it now. It's called "The Gathering of the Sinister Six." (http://www.amazon.com/Spider-Man-Gathering-Sinister-Six/dp/0425167747) Then there is "The Revenge of the Sinister Six" (http://www.amazon.com/Spider-Man-Revenge-Sinister-Adam-Troy-Castro/dp/0743434668/ref=sr_1_2/103-3347509-5567820?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185539985&sr=1-2) and "The Secret of the Sinister Six." (http://www.amazon.com/Spider-Man-Secret-Sinister-Adam-Troy-Castro/dp/0743444647/ref=pd_sim_b_5/103-3347509-5567820)

Just read some of those Amazon reviews if you don't want to take my word for it...

[Ray-Fu]

I trust you, I trust you :D I always found Kraven to be fairly intimidating. Course, I only really took notice to him during Kraven's Last Hunt as he did beat Spidey cleanly! :eek:

The only time I have for reading anything much is over summer break. No kids to worry about or planning lessons. The downside is, there is so much I want to do for myself too, that I can't during the school year, so it's tough to find time to totally immerse in something :(

I'll probably buy those Spidey novels you mentioned though. Let them sit there and I'll probably read them when I get the chance, like all my other books :)

[KangConquers]

I'd also recommend Spider-Man/X-Men: Times Arrow trilogy. That was a great read.

Of course it's great...the villain is Kang...how could it not be. :woot:

[Captivated]

Of course it's great...the villain is Kang...how could it not be. :woot:I got the Times Arrow trilogy -- which wasn't easy. I finally found it on ebay. Getting through them turned out to be an ordeal too.

I'm not that familiar with the X-Men and discovered that I'm not that into team-ups... I guess... because I got impatient when the story veered off for chapters at a time and Spider-Man wasn't even in it.

I'll probably sell them on craigslist or something...