The 25 most amazing Spider-Man covers ever

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.

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.

Superior Spider-Man Team-Up #5

Artist: Paolo Rivera, 2013

Claw machine + Doctor Octopus' tentacles? Genius.

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.

Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #8

Artist: Mike Zeck, 1984

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

Amazing Fantasy #15

Artist: Jack Kirby, 1962

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

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.

The Amazing Spider-Man #129

Artist: Gil Kane, 1974

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

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?

Marvels #4

Artist: Alex Ross, 1994

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

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.

The Amazing Spider-Man #578

Artist: Marcos Martin, 2009

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

The Amazing Spider-Man #238

Artist: John Romita Jr., 1983

Hobgoblin is ripped!

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.

The Amazing Spider-Man #641

Artist: Paolo Rivera, 2010

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

Ultimate Spider-Man #100

Artist: Mark Bagley, 2006

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

The Amazing Spider-Man #131

Artist: Gil Kane, 1974

I do.

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.

The Spectacular Spider-Man #2

Artist: John Romita Sr., 1968

This painting is magic.

The Amazing Spider-Man #665

Artist: Paolo Rivera, 2011

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

The Amazing Spider-Man #70

Artist: John Romita Sr., 1969

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

Web of Spider-Man #1

Artist: Charles Vess, 1985

A rare gothic edge from the renowned fantasy painter.

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.

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.

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #101

Artist: John Byrne, 1985

No color? No problem.

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.