The 25 most amazing Spider-Man covers ever
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The best of the web (slinger)
From Venom's first appearance to the arrival of the Punisher, we look back at the web-slinger's most THWIP-worthy covers.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #300
Artist: Todd McFarlane, 1988
The repeating 300 is a striking visual with one of the best covers of Spider-Man in the black costume — which makes sense because this issue also has Venom's first full appearance.
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Superior Spider-Man Team-Up #5
Artist: Paolo Rivera, 2013
Claw machine + Doctor Octopus' tentacles? Genius.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #316
Artist: Todd McFarlane, 1989
Venom is back, and badder than ever. That blood dripping from his hand says it all.
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Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #8
Artist: Mike Zeck, 1984
The introduction of the black suit contrasted against that poppy background gets a 100.
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Amazing Fantasy #15
Artist: Jack Kirby, 1962
They couldn't have represented Spider-Man's first appearance any better. Plus, Kirby goon-face.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #39
Artist: Steve Ditko, 1966
A visual callback to Amazing Fantasy #15, except it's Peter Parker being dragged through the air.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #129
Artist: Gil Kane, 1974
This cover is the first appearance of the Punisher — and it's completely on target.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #50
Artist: John Romita Sr., 1967
One of the most iconic Spider-Man covers of all time. I can't tell who looks sadder — Peter or Spider-Man?
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Marvels #4
Artist: Alex Ross, 1994
This zoomed-in view of Spider-Man's eye is as gorgeous as it is refreshing.
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Amazing Spider-Man #33
Artist: Steve Ditko, 1966
By just using the whites of his eyes, you can see how defeated Spidey looks. A great example of Ditko's mastery.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #578
Artist: Marcos Martin, 2009
A hat tip to The Amazing Spider-Man #33.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #238
Artist: John Romita Jr., 1983
Hobgoblin is ripped!
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The Amazing Spider-Man #700
Artist: Pacal Garcin, 2013
Pacal Garcin recreates Spider-Man's iconic eye in a collage featuring hundreds of web-slingers and other notable Marvel characters from Spidey's adventures.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #641
Artist: Paolo Rivera, 2010
A cover that is mostly blue telegraphs a fittingly sad story inside.
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Ultimate Spider-Man #100
Artist: Mark Bagley, 2006
The more Spideys, the better. And, with deft palette choices, the 100 really pops.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #131
Artist: Gil Kane, 1974
I do.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #600
Artist: Alex Ross, 2009
The only thing more ominous than this web of tentacles is the red hue blanketing the cover.
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The Spectacular Spider-Man #2
Artist: John Romita Sr., 1968
This painting is magic.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #665
Artist: Paolo Rivera, 2011
Such a simple idea with such a, ahem, marquee execution.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #70
Artist: John Romita Sr., 1969
Follow the yellow brick wall for this standoff with the police.
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Web of Spider-Man #1
Artist: Charles Vess, 1985
A rare gothic edge from the renowned fantasy painter.
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The Amazing Spider-Man #313
Artist: Todd McFarlane, 1989
When Kanye West said "I only like green faces," he clearly hadn't read this issue.
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Web of Spider-Man #32
Artist: Mike Zeck, 1987
The use of perspective has the tombstone towering over Spider-Man as he pulls himself up from the mud.
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Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #101
Artist: John Byrne, 1985
No color? No problem.
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Spider-Man #1
Artist: Todd McFarlane, 1990
Forget the fact that this cover sold millions(!) of copies. Forget that it helped launch the polybag/variant trend for speculators. Forget the fact that Todd McFarlane's work on this issue (he also wrote it) helped signal a power shift to creators that is still happening today. This cover is just cool.