My Adjectiveless Spider-Man Collection

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I'm dedicating this page to my "Adjectiveless" Spider-Man collection. I'll post some pictures of my collection, along with some pictures of some of my most-prized issues. There's also a list of what issues I need to complete my collection. If you know of anyone who is selling any of the issues I'm missing, feel free to drop me a message on the "Contact Me" page.

This comic, simply titled Spider-Man, and affectionately known among collectors as the Adjectiveless Spider-Man,  was initially created as a vehicle for Todd McFarlane to display his talents as a writer and artist. After McFarlane's departure, the reins of the title were handed over to Erik Larsen, who would later become a co-founder of Image Comics. Marvel's Arachnid hero continued to take center stage in this fourth (or maybe fifth?) iteration of the series. 

 There's no denying that Todd McFarlane stands among the elite artists who have ever graced the pages of Spider-Man. His artistic vision of the character is nothing short of legendary, leaving an indelible impact on the Spider-Man universe. McFarlane has an uncanny ability to capture the essence of Spider-Man as a character who should inspire both awe and unease. He masterfully portrays the web-slinger as a hybrid creature, part human and part insect, with limbs that twist and bend in ways that defy the laws of nature. Teaming up with writer David Michelinie on The Amazing Spider-Man, McFarlane's work on the series often flies under the radar, but it remains one of the most underrated and underappreciated runs in Spider-Man's illustrious comic book history. 

 Marvel experienced a transformative phase when McFarlane joined the team. The company began acknowledging the immense contribution of its artists, who were gradually becoming indispensable to the creative process. Whether they were credited as "plotters" or "writers," artists like Jim Lee were taking the reins of iconic franchises like X-Men, surpassing the influence of established writer Chris Claremont. Meanwhile, Rob Liefeld showcased his exceptional talent by both writing and illustrating the captivating X-Force series, which emerged from the world of New Mutants. 

 Considering the circumstances, it was a wise decision to allow Todd McFarlane the creative freedom to craft his own Spider-Man title. Launched alongside The Amazing Spider-Man, McFarlane's adjectiveless Spider-Man quickly became a phenomenon in the comic book realm during the nineties, with an astounding 2.5 million copies sold upon its initial release. To this day, it remains one of the most successful comic books ever published, as evidenced by the recent sale of its original artwork for an impressive $675,000. 

 McFarlane's Spider-Man is a must-read, much like the other artist-driven series of its time. It offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the comic book industry, capturing the essence of its ongoing evolution. While McFarlane's writing may be a bit exaggerated and his plot slightly underwhelming, his artwork is simply breathtaking. What truly sets this comic apart is McFarlane's daring endeavor to transform Spider-Man into a horror-inspired masterpiece, showcasing the iconic web-slinger in a whole new light. 

 The idea of transforming Spider-Man into a horror comic is absolutely fascinating. This iconic superhero, with his vibrant and cheerful design, is usually associated with heroic reds and blues, while his villains are depicted in sinister greens and purples. He typically battles bank robbers and street criminals, as well as extraordinary supervillains with captivating appearances. On the surface, it seems like a typical superhero story.  

However, there is always an underlying sense of unease within the Spider-Man universe. After all, the character is based on a spider, which isn't exactly everyone's favorite creature. He possesses the ability to cling to walls and swing from webs, and his sixth sense borders on premonition. The comic often delves into the fears of nuclear disasters, as Peter Parker gained his powers from a radioactive spider bite, and the narrative is filled with scientific experiments gone terribly awry. When you consider the bestial theme that permeates his rogues' gallery (including goblins!), it becomes clear why Spider-Man could thrive in the horror genre. 

 McFarlane skillfully delves into that particular facet of the character's mythology. He brings to light this aspect of Spider-Man in a manner that no other artist had done before, and none have managed to do since. With utmost care not to distort the character or tamper with the established mythology, McFarlane effortlessly manages to tilt the narrative ever so slightly, providing us with a tantalizing peek into a world where Spider-Man becomes an intriguing blend of a horror comic and a traditional superhero tale. 

 When it comes to playing to his strengths, McFarlane is a master. His artistic style is undeniably well-suited for the realm of horror. With a remarkable ability to depict distorted and grotesque body forms, he brings to life characters that seem to have escaped from the darkest corners of our imagination. Villains like the Hobgoblin take on a long and emaciated appearance, while other figures are exaggerated and disconcerting. Cloaks replace capes, their moth-eaten and worn-out appearance beckoning readers to delve into the mysteries that lie within. That, in my opinion, is what sets this Spider-Man comic apart from the others.

This page is a constant work in progress, so check back often for updates and new pictures.