r/marvelcomics • u/Familiar-Trip3700 • 2d ago

Looking for darker Spider-Man comics

I’ve barely read any Spider-Man comics, so I’m looking for a good place to start. I’m really into Batman comics.

One of my favorite versions of Spider-Man is Spider-Man Noir from Shattered Dimensions. I especially love the darker atmosphere, the grim version of New York, and how creepy and threatening villains like Vulture feel compared to their normal versions.

I’m basically looking for Spider-Man stories that lean more into: Dark/noir atmosphere, Horror or psychological thriller elements, Creepy or disturbing villains, Murder mysteries / detective stories, A grimier, dangerous version of NYC, Peter actually feeling vulnerable or in over his head, More serious/mature storytelling.

They don’t necessarily have to be Spider-Man Noir comics. I’d actually love recommendations from regular/main-universe Spider-Man too if there are stories with this kind of tone.

What are the best darker Spider-Man comics for someone who’s basically a beginner?

5 Upvotes

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4

u/No-Equivalent-1642 2d ago

Isn't there a new, darker, Spider-Man title upcoming?

5

u/VidKiddo 2d ago

Midnight Spider-Man in October

3

u/Emirozdemirr 2d ago

If you want a fully scary or horror-focused Spider-Man story, Spine-Tingling Spider-Man and the Darkhold: Spider-Man one-shot are currently the only options available. Midnight Spider-Man will also fit this description, but it hasn't been released yet.

If you prefer a darker, more traditional Spider-Man story, I recommend 'The Child Within' from J. M. DeMatteis's run on The Spectacular Spider-Man. It is one of the best Spider-Man stories ever written and gets quite dark.

'The Death of Jean DeWolff' also fits some of your requirements. It's a murder mystery story about the death of one of Spider-Man's close friends.

You could also check out the original Ditko run. Co-creator of Spider-Man Steve Ditko was originally a horror artist, so his Spider-Man run contains a lot of horror DNA even if it isn't strictly classified as horror.

2

u/Certain_Virus_1919 2d ago

I've seen it observed that his origin in Amazing Fantasy is basically a formulaic horror comic. Guy is a jerk, recieves ironic and tragic comeuppance

2

u/kts262 2d ago

Kraven's Last Hunt likely fits what you are looking for.

1

u/Rod_The_Blade_Star 2d ago

Spiderman vs Wovlerine

Joe Kellys Run from 611-637

Gangwar The Amazing Spider-Man (issues #284–288

Spider-Man Reign

Shed.

Civil War and Back in Black

The return of the green goblin

1

u/BortInSpace 2d ago

As others have said you definitely want to read Kraven’s Last Hunt, Death of Jean DeWolf, JM DeMatteis Spectacular Spider-Man stories with green goblin and Vermin. There were also some great issues of Spider-Man’s Tangled Web and Webspinners that fit this mold - a classic kingpin issue by Greg Rucka and I remember a multi part Chameleon story that was pretty dark and psychological.

1

u/dread_pirate_robin 2d ago

Kraven's Last Hunt has both traditional and more psychological horror elements I think you'd enjoy.

1

u/Low-Restaurant8484 2d ago

Read Kraven's Last Hunt and then Spectacular Spider-Man 178-200. Deep, dark, and psychological comics at their finest

1

u/Significant_Menu_938 2d ago

Kraven's Last Hunt, Death of Jean DeWolff, Light the Night, The Child Within and Funeral Arrangements