Spider-Manis one of, if not, the most popular characters ever introduced by Marvel Comics. The friendly neighborhood wall crawler has been at the forefront of so many successful storylines in comics, in video games, in animated series and in movies. But, just like any other character, he has his share of controversial stories, as well.
Some of theseSpider-Manstories led to intense backlash against Marvel. Every comic book character has its ups and downs, but these storylines either pushed boundaries too far or failed to deliver on its expectations in a way that readers rejected the comics' story.
9Not Approved By The Comics Code Authority
Stan Lee and John Romita decided to be intentionally controversial while tackling a sensitive issue and questioning authority. During the Silver Age of Comics, the Comics Code Authority decided what could be in comic books and censored potentially controversial stores during that era.
In 1971,Stan Leeand John Romita decided to write a story about Harry Osborn overdosing despite the face the Comics Code Authority strictly forbid the depiction of drug use, whether positive or negative. This story shows the ill effects of drug abuse. Lee and Romita decided to go ahead and break the Comics Code. This decision eventually led to loosened restrictions and the evolution of comic books.
8Revival
This is a story that is controversial because people are resistant to change. InRevival, Peter Parker is killed off. This leads to fans struggling both with Peter’s death and a new Spider-Man in the form of Miles Morales. It caused a split in the fan base just because Miles wasn’t Peter.
Some fans gave Miles a chance while others argued in favor of a boycott of a product. Eventually, Miles would be accepted by enough fans to be the main character of theSpider-Versefilmsby Sony.
7The Night Gwen Stacy Died
While this has already been tackled on film, the death ofGwen Stacystill sparked controversy when put the pages ofThe Amazing Spider-Mancomics. While Peter Parker had already experienced the death of Uncle Ben, comics writers killing off Gwen shocked readers of the 1970s.
Green Goblin was responsible for Gwen’s death. Then, Green Goblin is killed in a fight with Spider-Man. This story is an example of a controversial storyline that is hailed for how well its written. It’s adored even with its controversy.
6Dying Wish
WhileSuperior Spider-Manis a fondly remembered version of the superhero now, the initial introduction was shocking and controversial. Dr. Octopus switches his consciousness with Peter Parker. Octavius takes on the role of Spider-Man while Peter Parker dies in the villain’s body.
The big issue with this storyline is Peter Parker’s death. It’s so quick and unceremonious for the hero of a story. It’s jarring, but Peter would later be restored to his own body. Meanwhile, Otto Octavius became his own version of Spider-Man.
5Civil War
The entireCivil Warstoryline was intended to be controversial as it pitted superheroes against each other when it comes to government legislation seeking control over superheroes and their actions. While the main focus was on Captain America and Iron Man, it became controversial for Spider-Man when he unmasked as part of the superhero registration.
This was a vast change from his years of hiding his identity to protect his family. The move led to his enemies attacking and hospitalizing Aunt May.Civil Warserved as a catalyst for a storyline that is viewed by many as the worstSpider-Manstoryline.
4Reign
Following the success of DC’sThe Dark Knight Returns, Marvel tried a similar story with Spider-Man withReign. It was intended to show a veteran Peter Parker struggling with Spider-Man’s life. While Marvel would get it right with theOld Man Loganstoryline, fans detested one specific part ofReign.In the comics, Peter Parker is essentially responsible for Mary Jane’s death. The pair were intimate, and Mary Jane suffered radioactive poisoning leading to her death. That was a bridge too far for many fans.
3Clone Saga
Spider-Man’s own clone turns evil in what was an ambitious storyline that had its high points. However, the treatment of some non-Peter Parker characters led to backlash.The Clone Sagais a case of writers throwing everything at the wall and while some of it sticks, a lot of it falls on the floor.
The storyline introduced Ben Reilly who is boththe Scarlet Spiderand the Jackal. But it also contains a sequence where Peter hits a pregnant Mary Jane. Even those who love the storyline admit it went on too long.
2Sins Past
OneThe Amazing Spider-Manstoryline sullied the good name of one of its dead characters, and fans were not happy. InSins Past, it’s revealed that Peter Parker’sdead girlfriend, Gwen Stacy, had a sexual affair with Norman Osborn. In the story, she gives birth to Osborn’s twins who grow up to share the identity of the Grey Goblin.
This storyline was so hated by fans that writers eventually retconned it. It was revealed to be a pack of lies from the work of several villains. Spider-Man’s enemies wanted to trick Peter Parker and destroy his life. The writers retconned it to save Gwen’s reputation.
1One More Day
Comics storylines that involve the hero and their love interest breaking up can always be controversial, but the pair trying to sell their marriage to the devil is an odd decision by any standard. InOne More Day, Peter and Mary Jane are married, but Aunt May is in the hospital. The pair try to sell the marriage to Mephisto to save Aunt May.
The story is clearly intended to be intriguing and thought-provoking, however it proved to be the opposite. This duo sacrificing their love felt out of character. Plus, the fallout led to more questions than answers.
