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Spider-Man Volume 1 (Marvel Comics, 1990-1998)
$9.95–$24.95Price range: $9.95 through $24.95
Spider-Man Volume 1 refers to the comic book series that ran from 1990 to 1998, distinguished by its superstar creator, Todd McFarlane. The launch of this book was a major event in comics history, fueled by McFarlane’s popularity and the issue’s multiple variant covers.
Creative team and publication history
Writer/Artist: Superstar artist Todd McFarlane wrote and penciled the first 14 issues, along with #16, after a highly acclaimed run on The Amazing Spider-Man.
Editor: Jim Salicrup oversaw the project, which was conceived to give McFarlane a book he could both write and draw.
Success and Legacy:Spider-Man (1990) #1 sold over 2.5 million copies, making it one of the highest-selling comics of all time and kicking off the “speculator boom” of the early ’90s.
Evolution: The series was later retitled Peter Parker: Spider-Man with issue #75 and ran until issue #98.
Farlane’s signature style defined the book’s aesthetic and tone. His unique artistic traits included:
“Spaghetti webbing”: A very detailed, chaotic, and tangled style of webbing.
Expressive eyes: Large, dramatic, and uniquely shaped eyes on Spider-Man’s mask.
Dynamic poses: Contorted, muscular, and “creature-like” poses that made Spider-Man look more spider-like.
Horror-inspired tone: A grittier, darker, and more intense feel, reminiscent of ’70s horror comics.
The inaugural story arc, “Torment,” is a prime example of this horror-infused approach.
Plot: The villainous Lizard is transformed into a mindless killing machine by the mystical Calypso, and Spider-Man must face him in the sewers.
Focus: The story prioritized atmospheric visuals over a deep plot, showcasing McFarlane’s art.
Guest appearances: The series continued with stories featuring other characters, including Ghost Rider, Wolverine, and Morbius the Living Vampire.
Historical context
The creation of Spider-Man Vol. 1 was a key moment in the comics industry, highlighting the growing power of “superstar artists” during the early 1990s. McFarlane’s popularity demonstrated that a single artist could drive enormous sales. This era, however, would also lead to the eventual industry-wide focus on style over substance, contributing to the comics bust later in the decade. Shortly after leaving Marvel, McFarlane would go on to co-found Image Comics.
