Spider-Man has been voted as our very first character of the month. That means the webhead is getting plenty of love from us every week until May is over. Last Friday, we reflected on some battles that proved Parker is anything but "puny." Today, we think it's time to let our eyes appreciate some of his best covers. The guy has graced the front of a whole lot of issues, so for simplicity's sake, we stuck to his extensive time with THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. Well, except for the first choice, but can you really blame us for wanting to include it?!
AMAZING FANTASY #15
Off to a fitting start, yes? This is without question one of the most iconic covers to ever hit the medium. Not only does it mark the debut of the beyond popular character, but it also captures an exciting moment as Spider-Man swings above the streets of New York with a man in tow. Spidey speaks the truth in this one, too. The world has absolutely marveled at the hero's might -- I mean, he beat the likes of Superman, Wolverine, Wonder Woman, and Batman to become our first character of the month, didn't he?
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #33
A massive character defining moment is captured right on this cover. This critical event tells us everything we need to know about Spider-Man. No matter how difficult the obstacle may be, he'll push himself beyond even his own limits to save others. You can't help but get flashbacks of this scene when you glance at this cover. You're one inspiring dude, Parker. Bravo.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #40
Issue 40's cover is a nice change of pace for the volume. Prior to this, Spider-Man was often at the mercy of a villian or fighting one on the cover. Here, he's angrily standing over a seemingly defeated Green Goblin. We're so used to seeing Parker in trouble, so it's refreshing to see that he's not someone you can simply mess with. Sure, he's a good fellow and is certain to do the right thing, but it's nice to see him standing tall after what appears to be an explosive showdown. Plus, this does present a big moment in the issue!
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #50
After all that he's endured, no one could blame Parker for questioning whether he wants to continue fighting crime. Sure, we now know he'll stick to it (with great power comes great responsibility, after all), but imagine growing to like the character and then getting hit by this cover. It's a powerful image and it has earned its place in comic book history for a reason, people.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #121
As people of the future -- based on the release date of this issue, at least -- we know who's killed in this issue. And if you don't know, you seriously need to step up your Spider-Man reading! But imagine picking up your latest copy of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN and seeing this. "They can't kill off Aunt May, can they? They can't, right? RIGHT?! TELL ME THEY CAN'T DO THIS!" It's a great cover for a legendary issue, that's for sure.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #129
The Punisher makes his debut and the issue's cover is delightfully cinematic. This single image is overflowing with energy as Frank Castle has the agile character in his sights and begins to fire away, cracking the building behind our hero. It's a real attention-grabber and simply begs to be read.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #130
This is the most epic cover to ever exist, ladies and gentlemen. The Spider-Mobile makes its entrance and it has the greatness required to stand up to Hammerhead's mighty head! You see Jackal's face, right? You should all have the same expression while looking at this cover.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #149
Ben Reilly before putting on the hoodie! Peter faces an incredibly tough time in this issue, and even though one clone isn't on the cover, Frank Giacoia manages to pack a whole lot of conflict smack dab on the front of this issue. The dire captions are just a nice bonus that really bring home the stakes in this one.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #230
This awesome cover may seem simple, but it speaks volumes about Spider-Man. It represents how Parker refuses to back down against a threat, even if it seems larger than life and legitimately undefeatable. The expression on Juggernaut's face proves that Spidey's one persistent dude and his refusal to give up can get on an enemy's nerves. A classic issue deserves a classic cover and this is most definitely a worthy illustration.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #252
How the symbiote slithered onto Spidey is revealed over in SECRET WARS, but this simple yet still brilliant cover does a fantastic job bringing the symbiote-wearing Spider-Man into the pages of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. It's a nice nod to Parker's first appearance but does just enough to spice it up and represent this big change.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #258
258's cover does a superb job illustrating Parker's struggle with the alien symbiote. Not only does it showcase his huge difficulty to remain in charge, but it also does so in an appropriately chaotic manner. It's an excellent way to show his dilemma and you can really feel his conflict as the two sides fight for control.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #261
There's countless covers where Spider-Man is at a villain's mercy, but this one does it so well! There's more than a few great covers with Hobgoblin, but Charles Vess' image is amazingly diabolical and captures a gripping scene. How could you not want to see what happens when the cover has Hobgoblin standing seemingly victorious as the world around him is engulfed in flames?
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #270
Hold on, don't get mad just yet! We know this is a controversial pick because people still have heated arguments about this fight, but come on, how cool and fun is this cover?! The little dialogue is hysterical. Oh, how wrong you are, Captain America. Love or hate this fight, this cover manages to make one strong impact.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #276
This cover is such a great representation of the era. The image alone would suffice and make you anxious to leap into the comic, but then they add the dialogue to help enhance the allure. WHO'S BEHIND THE MASK? Well, we know now, but back then this was certain to hook your focus.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #301
This is an obvious choice and it's obvious for two reasons: Todd McFarlane and Spidey's back in the red and blue! McFarlane's black suit cover on issue 300 is unforgettable, and having Spidey strike the very same pose but now in his iconic attire was a great way to celebrate him stepping back into his original costume. This one is always sure to please any fan.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #347
There's a lot of terrific Venom vs. Spidey covers, but this one leaves a strong impression. It's a twisted take on Hamlet -- and man, I really do mean twisted. As Venom continued to appear in Spider-Man's book, his appearance became more and more frightening. Throw in Spider-Man's skull and you can't help but wonder what'll happen in the issue. This is a case where the cover actually does properly tease what goes down and it's definitely one of their more unique encounters.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #500
The 500th cover, illustrated by J. Scott Campbell, is basic yet still totally thrilling. It may seem like all of these villains are being thrown on the cover just to celebrate this landmark issue, but it actually reveals what this issue is all about. Spider-Man has to go through his toughest battles all over again, and it's a moment that no Parker fan is likely to forget. Besides, you can't help but love a great image of Pete and MJ.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #611
Skottie Young's cover is completely lovable. Jokes about pouches and characters from the '90s are never in short supply, but seeing all of this added to the wallcrawler is priceless. Deadpool's thumbs up and adorable smiley face makes it even more charming. The best part is the issue itself is every bit as funny as the cover.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #655
Sometimes less is more. Marcos Martin's cover is immensely powerful and it accomplishes this by placing all of your focus on how Parker's feeling. He's heavily shaded and the red webbing serves as an effective contrast to the bleak character and blank background. It masterfully strips you of your empathy and, I don't know about you, but it makes me want to give him a big hug.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1
The true Spider-Man is back and Humberto Ramos' cover is the perfect way to celebrate. The look of joy and happiness on his face is likely very similar to the expression plenty of fans had when they purchased this issue. He's happy to be back and we're most definitely happy to have him back as well.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #21
So many issues are packed with action or hit you with a shocking moment. Well, here's one that'll instead make you smile and is something well-worth celebrating. Any big fan of the character should be ecstatic about these two getting married and this annual cover does a mighty fine job bringing the joyous moment to life. Making Spider-Man's mask in the shape of the heart is just so pleasant, too. Face it, Tiger, you just hit the jackpot!
What's your favorite THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN cover? Don't be shy, post it below! Be sure to keep checking the homepage throughout May for even more Spidey articles!
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