From the streets of New York City to battles across the Spider-Verse, Spider-Man has been at the center of some of Marvel’s most memorable stories. Over the decades, Spider-Man storylines have introduced iconic villains, heartbreaking losses, and defining moments that continue to shape the character today. Some changed Peter Parker forever. Others helped redefine what superhero comics could be.

Whether you’re revisiting a classic or discovering these stories for the first time, each one offers a unique chapter in Spider-Man’s history. And if you’re looking to continue the adventure, VeVe is home to Spider-Man digital comics and collectibles inspired by Marvel’s legendary wall-crawler.

1. The Night Gwen Stacy Died

Published in The Amazing Spider-Man #121-122 in 1973, The Night Gwen Stacy Died remains one of the most important Spider-Man stories ever written. The storyline sees Peter Parker face the Green Goblin in a battle that ends with the death of Gwen Stacy, a moment that shocked readers and permanently changed the direction of Spider-Man comics.

This is the story that taught readers Spider-Man can’t save everyone. For a character built around responsibility, Gwen Stacy’s death became one of the defining moments of Peter Parker’s life and a turning point that still influences Spider-Man stories today.

2. Kraven’s Last Hunt

Published in 1987 across Web of Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Kraven’s Last Hunt follows Kraven the Hunter as he sets out to prove he is superior to Spider-Man once and for all. After seemingly defeating Peter Parker and taking his place, Kraven embarks on a disturbing psychological journey that pushes both characters to their limits.

Kraven’s Last Hunt works because it treats Spider-Man like a symbol instead of a superhero. The story is ultimately about Kraven’s obsession with proving himself worthy, culminating in one of the most shocking endings in Spider-Man history. Decades later, it remains one of Marvel’s darkest and most unforgettable Spider-Man storylines.

3. The Alien Costume Saga

Beginning in The Amazing Spider-Man #252 in 1984, the Alien Costume Saga introduced readers to Spider-Man’s famous black suit following the events of Marvel’s Secret Wars. What initially appeared to be a sleek new costume eventually revealed itself to be a living alien symbiote, creating one of the most important turning points in Spider-Man history.

Long before Venom became one of Marvel’s biggest characters, he started as Spider-Man’s suit. The Alien Costume Saga changed the way readers viewed the black costume and laid the foundation for decades of symbiote stories to come. Nearly every major Venom storyline can trace its roots back to the moment Peter Parker first put on the black suit.

4. Spider-Verse

Published in 2014, Spider-Verse brought together Spider-People from across the multiverse to battle the Inheritors, a family of powerful beings who hunted Spider-Totems throughout different realities. The storyline featured dozens of Spider-Man variants, including Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Man 2099, and many others, making it one of the most ambitious Spider-Man events Marvel had ever attempted.

Spider-Verse proved that anyone can wear the mask. What could have been a simple multiverse crossover became a celebration of everything Spider-Man represents across different worlds and generations. The story’s success helped launch new characters into the spotlight and eventually inspired the award-winning Spider-Verse films that introduced millions of people to Marvel’s expanding Spider-Man universe.

5. Superior Spider-Man

Launched in Superior Spider-Man #1 in 2013, this storyline begins after Doctor Octopus successfully swaps minds with Peter Parker and takes control of Spider-Man’s body. Convinced he can become a better hero than Peter ever was, Otto Octavius sets out to prove he can be the “Superior Spider-Man,” creating one of the boldest status quo changes in Marvel history.

For one of the few times in Spider-Man history, Peter Parker wasn’t the hero behind the mask. That’s what made Superior Spider-Man such a fascinating read. Watching Doctor Octopus struggle with the responsibility that comes with being Spider-Man ultimately forced him to understand why Peter Parker was such a great hero in the first place.

6. If This Be My Destiny…!

Published in The Amazing Spider-Man #31-33 in 1965, If This Be My Destiny…! follows Peter Parker as he desperately searches for a way to save Aunt May’s life. The storyline builds toward one of the most famous scenes in Spider-Man history, with Peter trapped beneath a massive piece of machinery and forced to summon every ounce of strength he has left to escape.

Every Spider-Man story about perseverance owes something to this moment. The image of Peter Parker refusing to give up while trapped under impossible odds has become one of the defining scenes in Marvel Comics. More than a showcase of Spider-Man’s powers, it’s a reminder that Peter’s greatest strength has always been his determination to keep going when everyone else would quit.

7. Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaut

Published in The Amazing Spider-Man #229-230 in 1982, Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaut pits Spider-Man against one of Marvel’s most unstoppable villains. When Juggernaut sets his sights on Madame Web, Peter Parker finds himself standing in the way of a force that seems impossible to defeat. Despite being outmatched in strength, Spider-Man refuses to back down, leading to one of the character’s most memorable battles.

Nobody remembers this story because Spider-Man wins. They remember it because he refuses to quit. Faced with an opponent he has little chance of stopping, Peter Parker keeps getting back up and putting himself in harm’s way to protect someone else. It’s a simple story on the surface, but few comics capture the heart of Spider-Man better than this one.

What Is the Spider-Man: Brand New Day Storyline?

Originally published in 2008, Spider-Man: Brand New Day launched a new chapter for Peter Parker following the events of One More Day. The storyline reset major parts of Spider-Man’s life, including his marriage to Mary Jane Watson, and returned Peter to a simpler status quo as a young hero balancing everyday struggles with his responsibilities as Spider-Man.

The story has gained renewed attention thanks to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the upcoming Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures film starring Tom Holland. Much like the comic storyline, the movie follows Peter Parker after a life-changing event leaves him starting over, with the world no longer remembering who he is. While the comic and film are expected to tell different stories, both explore what happens when Spider-Man is forced to rebuild his life from scratch.

Collect Limited Edition Spider-Man Collectibles on VeVe

From classic Spider-Man comics to modern stories like Spider-Verse and Superior Spider-Man, these adventures have helped shape one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes. On VeVe, you can explore Spider-Man collectibles inspired by iconic comic moments, discover premium digital statues, read digital comics, and bring your collection into augmented reality to capture photos and videos with your favorite Marvel characters. Ready to start your Spider-Man collection? Sign up for VeVe today and discover officially licensed Marvel collectibles, comics, and experiences built for collectors.