SpiderMan Story

Though comprised of three four-part arcs, the story that Millar concocts throughout his 12 issue run of Marvel Knights Spider-Man is one larger whole. Here we get to witness Spider-Man going

through a Daredevil-grade dismemberment of his personal and professional life. When one of his rogues find out his secret identity, all hell breaks loose for Peter, Mary Jane, and Aunt May. Being that it’s a Marvel Knights tale, the world here is slightly darker; more twisted. It’s still the Marvel Universe, but a much more brutal one. That said, it’s not really the narrative that makes this a must-read.

Admittedly, there are a surprising amount of flaws in the storytelling itself. It’s Millar’s fine character work that makes this one of the best; the interactions between the expansive cast of characters – bad guys included – is what elevates this story. From a sympathetic Vulture to a playful-but-devoted Black Cat to a tough-as-nails MJ and even a rogue bromance of sorts, Millar excels at character work. And of course, we get to see Peter at his best – and by "best" I mean battered and bruised, emotionally and physically, far past the breaking point of a lesser man. This is the kind of Spidey tale that makes you appreciate the constant sacrifices that Peter makes not only for the world at large, but for you, the reader, as well.