The 25 most amazing Spider-Man covers ever

From Venom's first appearance to the arrival of the Punisher, we look back at the web-slinger's most THWIP-worthy covers.

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.

Artist: Paolo Rivera, 2013

Claw machine + Doctor Octopus' tentacles? Genius.

Artist: Todd McFarlane, 1989

Venom is back, and badder than ever. That blood dripping from his hand says it all.

Artist: Mike Zeck, 1984

The introduction of the black suit contrasted against that poppy background gets a 100.

Artist: Jack Kirby, 1962

They couldn't have represented Spider-Man's first appearance any better. Plus, Kirby goon-face.

Artist: Steve Ditko, 1966

A visual callback to Amazing Fantasy #15, except it's Peter Parker being dragged through the air.

Artist: Gil Kane, 1974

This cover is the first appearance of the Punisher — and it's completely on target.

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?

Artist: Alex Ross, 1994

This zoomed-in view of Spider-Man's eye is as gorgeous as it is refreshing.

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.

Artist: Marcos Martin, 2009

A hat tip to The Amazing Spider-Man #33.

Artist: John Romita Jr., 1983

Hobgoblin is ripped!

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.

Artist: Paolo Rivera, 2010

A cover that is mostly blue telegraphs a fittingly sad story inside.

Artist: Mark Bagley, 2006

The more Spideys, the better. And, with deft palette choices, the 100 really pops.

Artist: Gil Kane, 1974

I do.

Artist: Alex Ross, 2009

The only thing more ominous than this web of tentacles is the red hue blanketing the cover.

Artist: John Romita Sr., 1968

This painting is magic.

Artist: Paolo Rivera, 2011

Such a simple idea with such a, ahem, marquee execution.

Artist: John Romita Sr., 1969

Follow the yellow brick wall for this standoff with the police.

Artist: Charles Vess, 1985

A rare gothic edge from the renowned fantasy painter.

Artist: Todd McFarlane, 1989

When Kanye West said "I only like green faces," he clearly hadn't read this issue.

Artist: Mike Zeck, 1987

The use of perspective has the tombstone towering over Spider-Man as he pulls himself up from the mud.

Artist: John Byrne, 1985

No color? No problem.

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.