Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the long-awaited sequel to 2018’s animated masterpiece Into the Spider-Verse, is finally about to swing into theaters. As such, there’s no better time to take a deep dive into the source material that inspired the Spider-Verse films.
There have been many great Spider-Man comics in the 60-plus years since Peter Parker’s creation, but not all of them are relevant to the story of Across the Spider-Verse. Some of the following comics feature characters who will be prominent in the upcoming film, while others have thematic similarities. However, all of them are definitely worth a read for any Spider-Verse fans looking to get into comics.
Ultimate Spider-Man
The Spider-Verse movies, true to their name, center around parallel universes that are sometimes very different from the Marvel Universe fans know and love. Thus, it’s only natural to kick off this list with what is perhaps the most famous of Spider-Man’s alternate universe stories. Created in 2000 by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mark Bagley, Ultimate Spider-Man is widely considered one of the best Spider-Man runs in comic history.
The series has received praise for Bendis’ characterization of Peter, his supporting cast, his rogues’ gallery, and for distilling the entire Spider-Man mythos into a 160-issue epic. Not to mention the run features stellar art by Bagley, as well as later artists Stuart Immonen and Sara Pichelli.
These days, Ultimate Spider-Man is arguably most famous for its 2011 relaunch, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man, which introduced the world to Miles Morales. After the death of Peter Parker at the hands of the Green Goblin, Brooklyn teen Miles Morales finds himself taking up the mantle of Spider-Man to carry on his legacy, only to soon discover that his uncle Aaron is secretly the supervillain known as the Prowler. It should go without saying that who’s seen Spider-Verse will be able to recognize how much impact Miles’ original comic run had on Into the Spider-Verse.
Aome fans have argued that Bendis’ work with Miles is bland compared to his earlier storylines, and that Miles doesn’t really come into his own until other creators — like the Into the Spider-Verse crew — get their hands on him. Still, Ultimate Spider-Man is well worth checking out for any fans looking to explore the biggest comic influence on the Spider-Verse movies.
Spider-Verse
Of course, it would be remiss to leave the namesake of the Spider-Verse movie series out of this list. While Peter was no stranger to dimension-hopping adventures previously, the 2014 comic crossover Spider-Verse, written by Dan Slott, popularized the notion of Spider-Man as a multiversal hero. However, despite its title, the Spider-Verse comic bears little resemblance to the movie it inspired. On the surface, it has a similar premise, featuring a cross-dimensional alliance of Spideys — including Miles, Peter, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Ham, and the newly introduced Spider-Gwen and Peni Parker — joining forces to stop a common foe. However, the enemy in question isn’t Kingpin, but a clan of vampiric entities known as the Inheritors.
Truth be told, Spider-Verse isn’t a particularly well-liked story among comic fans. It’s often criticized for its one-dimensional villains, poor worldbuilding, and gratuitous killing off of fan-favorite characters. Still, it’s got some fun moments and a few well-written character interactions. Plus, it features several characters set to make their movie debut in Across the Spider-Verse, including Spider-Man 2099, Spider-Punk, and Jessica Drew. All in all, it’s an enjoyable enough romp for anyone looking to explore the origins of the Spider-Verse.
Superior Spider-Man
Before he wrote Spider-Verse, Slott was the mastermind behind arguably one of the greatest modern Spider-Man storylines: the 2013–2014 series The Superior Spider-Man. The series follows Doctor Octopus, who has transferred his consciousness into the body of Peter Parker, making him the new Spider-Man. And while Otto is genuinely committed to being a hero, he’s in it for all the wrong reasons. His idea of protecting New York involves increasingly brutal and authoritarian methods.
Though there’s currently no sign of Otto Octavius appearing in Across the Spider-Verse, Superior Spider-Man is nevertheless a compelling story of a protagonist who must learn what it truly means to be Spider-Man — not unlike Into the Spider-Verse. Additionally, the series also features Miguel O’Hara, the Spider-Man of 2099, in a supporting role, so it’s a perfect read for anyone looking to learn more about him before his big movie appearance. True to its name, this comic is quite the superior read.
Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy
While the trailers for Across the Spider-Verse have kept the details of the film’s story vague, the final trailer implies that Miles will risk endangering the multiverse to save his father’s life, incurring the wrath of Spider-Man 2099. The desperate need to save as many lives as possible can be a Spider-Man’s greatest strength, as well as his ultimate weakness.
Perhaps no story demonstrates that better than the 2016 miniseries Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy. Written once again by Slott, this storyline sees Peter clash with his clone Ben Reilly, better known as the Scarlet Spider, who’s become obsessed with resurrecting everyone who Spider-Man has ever failed to save.
While Dead No More is controversial among fans for its use of Ben Reilly as an antagonist, it’s commendable for how it focuses on Spider-Man’s all-consuming sense of responsibility. While Peter’s determination to save everyone is what makes him such a great hero, it also has the potential to lead him down a dark path — and perhaps a similar fate awaits Miles in Across the Spider-Verse. As an added treat for Spider-Verse fans, this comic also features Spider-Gwen in a supporting role.
Spider-Man: Life Story
It’s time to close out this list with one more alternate universe story: the 2019 miniseries Spider-Man: Life Story, by writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Mark Bagley. Taking place in a world where the characters of the Marvel Universe age in real time, the miniseries follows Peter Parker as he grows from an idealistic teenager in the 1960s to a veteran hero in the 2010s. Zdarsky’s characterization of Peter is impeccable, showing off his strengths and flaws in equal measure. Meanwhile, the story reimagines several famous comic storylines in creative ways, from “Kraven’s Last Hunt” to Civil War to Superior Spider-Man, and even the notorious Clone Saga.
Life Story is a true love letter to all things Spider-Man from an immensely talented team of creators. And while the story may be enhanced by knowledge of all the comics it’s referencing, it’s still a self-contained narrative that’s easy for new comic readers to jump into. Of all the many great Spider-Man comics that have been written over the decades, Life Story is arguably the one that best demonstrates why Spider-Man is one of the most beloved figures in the entire superhero genre. It’s a true must-read for all Spider-Man fans.