asp27 said:
Are the essential books basically a summary of the comics?
Dear new reader... I feel your confusion.
And I'll bet that this little thread hasn't made it any better has it?
I was in your position a couple of years ago, and I'll tell you what I did to get on board. You are in for a REAL treat, as Spider-Man (overall) is an awesome character... I know I'm quite addicted!
I don't know how much you know about comics period... I knew nothing... so forgive me if I OVERexplain...
When I started reading I did two things:
1.) I picked up a couple of current titles (like" Amazing Spider-Man" and "Marvel Knights Spider-Man"), at the beginning of the most recent story "arc" (that's when a new story begins).
2.) I started at the very "beginning" of the character by getting the Essential Spider-Man Vols. (There are 7 out now)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785109889/002-4594050-7604026?v=glance&n=283155
To really get a feel for the character you need to start at the beginning. The Essentials (Vols 1 - 7 of Amazing Spider-Man) are printed in B&W on newsprint, but that makes them affordable. Even though they are not in color, and elements of the stories (like the dialog and clothes) are dated (ASM started in 1963) the depth of character and charm shows through. I challenge you to read Vol. 1 and not go back for the rest!
There is another way to get all the back stories... On CD... which is not bad... but I was surprized at how much I prefer reading BOOKS I can hold (while lounging where ever I darn well please) as oposed to reading a book on a computer screen. It is a way to get a lot of history... I prefer the Essentials, but own this too.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006Q7FEM/ref=sr_11_1/002-4594050-7604026?ie=UTF8
The current Spider-Man titles are:
Amazing Spider-Man - This is the longest running title. It has been going since 1963, when it was written by the creators, Stan Lee (writer) and Steve Ditko (illustrator). Other writers and artist have carried on since then and today they are on issue #533. (There was a time when they tried to start over with #1/Vol.2... but people mostly hated it, and got confused, so with issue #500 went back to the original numbering.)
There is a synopsis om the Marvel website that contain major events in Spider-Man's life...
http://www.marvel.com/universe/Spider-Man_(Peter_Parker)
HOWEVER, be warned... there is a point in the not so distant past (2004) where the stories took a nose dive and it is rumored that some of the more offensive developments are going to recon'd (that is, redone, expained away or changed). Yea...
So when you start reading that Gwen Stacy (Peter's first love) cheated on him with his worst enemy, Norman Osborn, giving birth in secret to twins (Sarah and Gabriel) -- I'm not kidding -- KNOW that what you read from there on is subject to change! Two of the most HATED story arc in the history of Spider-Man happened in the past couple of years... "Sins Past" where they violated Gwen's character and "The Other" where they tried to change Spider-Man's origin to include a mystic spider-god and new "evolved" (read: stupid and out of character) powers.
Trade paperbacks, (that collect 5-6 single issues each), is another good way to collect stores that go back about 5 years. Start with "Coming Home" and skip "Sins Past."
The current story arc is "Civil War." It's a big crossover (in more than one title/book) event. Ask your friendly neighborhood comic store guy to show you which issues pertain to Spider-Man in the main story of the Civil War... like Amazing Spider-Man and Frontline.
Sensational Spider-Man: Used to be called Marvel Knights Spider-Man... just finshed a story arc, so should be starting a new one next month with #29.
http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?id=4789
It's been ok... unoffensive at least... some really like it, but I'm not so thrilled with the artist.
If you want a really GOOD read (and don't let anyone tell you different...) pick up the Millar/Dodson issues (#1-12) of Marvel Knights Spider-Man. Wow! This was one of the stories that got me hooked.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/07...=pd_bbs_1/002-4594050-7604026?ie=UTF8&s=books
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: The writer and artist on this title are really strong, Peter David and Ringo... two of the best... but the current story arc is strange. I haven't really gotten into the time traveling thing... and the last issue was really confusing. I think a new story starts next month. I'd check it out.
http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?id=4479
Ultimate Spider-Man: Set in a different "universe," in that it starts Spider-Man's story over, with a new, more contemporary take on the story, while keeping certain key elements of the mythos intact. It targets a younger audience, but I've been out of high school a few hundred years and I really like it too! Great relationship drama and angst to go with the battles...
Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane: Another out of continuity title, but a lot of fun. It tells the high school story of Peter and Mary Jane from MJ's point of view... but it's got great dialog and character development. It really pulls you in... I look forward to it every month.
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man: Spider-Man lite for a younger crowd. I like it for what it is. And Peter David is writing it now so it might improve.
Spider-Man Unlimited (Vol.3): New writters and artist get a shot with short stories. They are surprizingly good.
There is more information on each different title on this website:
http://www.spiderfan.org/comics/summary.html
There was a thread here recently about everyones favorite stories... might be interesting for you...
Any more questions?
....kicks computer table!!!
