Spider-Man
Comics
Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man (writer: Brian Michael Bendis/various artists): Miles has only been growing in fame since his arrival in 2011, and they’re bringing him over to the main comic universe in February. But before all that goes down, it’s best to get to know the kid in his own universe, and Bendis and crew are having fun putting Miles through the ringer. Is it too late to get this kid his own movie?
Silk (writer: Robbie Thompson/various artists): As it turns out, Peter Parker wasn’t the only one to be bitten by the radioactive spider that day at the field trip. Cindy Moon’s spent some time away, and now that she’s out into the world, she plans on finding her family. Silk may do everything that the other Spider can, but in some aspects, she does it better.
Spider-Gwen (writer: Jason Latour/artist: Robbie Rodriguez): Gwen Stacy is infamous for being the Girl Who Died, but in an alternate universe, she’s alive and well and the Spider-Woman calling the shots. Oh, and she’s the drummer for her band the Mary Janes. If the energetic art and snappy writing won’t win you over, maybe it’ll be the chance to see alternate versions of classic Marvel characters.
Superior Spider-Man (writer: Dan Slott/various artists): Now here’s something that hasn’t entirely been done before; Doctor Octopus switches brains with Peter Parker and vows to do his life as Peter and Spider-Man better than the nerd turned superhero ever could. It sounds crazy as hell, but it works and Otto ends up being a lot of fun in the role.
Amazing Spider-Man (writer: Dan Slott/various artists): Otto’s stint as Spidey ends, but that doesn’t mean the wallcrawler is down for the count. Now back in his own body, Peter Parker’s life is much different than when it was taken from him. Still pretty crazy, though.
Film/TV
Spider-Man 1-3: Yes, they’re still awesome. Most of them. Odds are you’ve already seen these thousands of times on TV, but if you’ve got a kid who’s never seen them or aren’t a fan of the now defunct Amazing series and want to wipe the slate clean before Spidey joins the MCU, these films are still ripe for the picking.
The Spectacular Spider-Man: Despite its two season run, the show still has a fairly strong following, and it’s easy to see why. Strong animation and great character work go hand in hand with perfect fight scenes and fantastic blend of humor and action. This is the must have for all Spider-Man fans.
