10 Challenging Spider-Man Comic Storylines for Movie Adaptation

Essential Insights

Future MCU projects may steer clear of controversial or darker themes present in Spider-Man comics.
Comic-book storylines such as The Evil That Men Do or Kraven’s Last Hunt are unlikely to be adapted due to their tone not aligning with that of the MCU.
The Superior Spider-Man arc, featuring Doc Ock as Spider-Man, might present too much risk for mainstream audiences.

The Spider-Man film series has progressed remarkably, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe portraying the beloved superhero teaming up with the Avengers and various alternate Peter Parkers across the multiverse. Sony has also delved into the Spider-Verse with cameo-filled films showcasing a variety of Spider-Man characters.

Nonetheless, there remain numerous Spider-Man comic storylines that seem unlikely to transition to film. These narratives are often deemed too controversial for long-term readers or may not align with the overall tone established in the MCU. Consequently, these specific comic arcs are expected to stay confined to their original medium.

10 The Evil That Men Do

A Controversial Portrayal of Black Cat

Publication Date(s)	2002-2006
Writer(s)	Kevin Smith
Artist(s)	Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson, Lee Loughridge
Featured Characters	Spider-Man, Black Cat, Mr. Brownstone, Scorpia, Daredevil, Nightcrawler, Kingpin

The dynamic between Spider-Man and Black Cat presents a troubling adaptation challenge for the films due to Black Cat’s more provocative characterization, which doesn’t fit well with the tone of the MCU. The comic series The Evil That Men Do is particularly fraught with trouble, as it includes explicit situations where the villain Mr. Brownstone assaults Black Cat. While this approach tackled significant issues, many fans criticized it for downplaying serious themes, making it improbable for Marvel to adapt in their films.

9 Spider-Man vs. The Punisher

A Divergent Tone in Their First Encounter

Publication Date(s)	1973
Writer(s)	Gerry Conway
Artist(s)	Ross Andru, Frank Giacoia, Dave Hunt
Featured Characters	Spider-Man, The Punisher, Jackal, M.J. Watson, J. Jonah Jameson, Harry Osborn, Betty Brant

An interesting detail about The Punisher is that he debuted as a foe to Spider-Man in a 1973 comic, hired by the Jackal to eliminate the web-slinger. This character gained immense popularity, leading to his standalone series. However, fans familiar with Jon Bernthal’s interpretation of the Punisher from the Netflix series may find it difficult to imagine him alongside Spider-Man, as their respective adaptations within the MCU convey starkly contrasting tones. Thus, the films are more likely to feature Spider-Man’s eclectic array of villains instead.

8 The Death of Jean DeWolff

Difficult Themes of Police Corruption

The police discovering Jean DeWolff's murder

Publication Date(s)	1985-1986
Writer(s)	Peter David
Artist(s)	Rich Buckler, Kyle Baker, Brett Breeding, Pat Redding, Josef Rubinstein
Featured Characters	Spider-Man, Daredevil, Jean DeWolff, Sin-Eater, J. Jonah Jameson, Betty Brant

Jean DeWolff, a key character and ally to Spider-Man since the 1970s, faced tragedy in the The Death of Jean DeWolff, where her murder sends Spider-Man on a mission to find her killer. The antagonist, police sergeant Stan Carter, adopts the guise of Sin-Eater to exact his own twisted justice. Despite its compelling nature, the subject matter regarding police corruption may be too intense for younger audiences.

7 Kraven’s Last Hunt

A Grim Tale with a Disturbing Conclusion

Publication Date(s)	1987
Writer(s)	JM DeMatteis
Artist(s)	Mike Zeck, Bob McLeod
Featured Characters	Spider-Man, Kraven the Hunter, M.J. Watson, Captain America, Vermin

Kraven the Hunter is set for his live-action debut in the upcoming 2024 film, portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Fans are keen to see this iconic villain on-screen; however, an adaptation of Kraven’s Last Hunt seems unlikely. In this narrative, Kraven believes he has killed Spider-Man and takes on his role, a twist leading to a dark finale where Kraven ultimately takes his own life. Such mature and somber themes would not align with the lighter tone typical of MCU productions.

6 Spider-Man: Reign

A Tragic Future for Peter Parker

Publication Date(s)	2006-2007
Writer(s)	Andrews card
Artist(s)	Kaare Andrews, Jose Villarrubia
Featured Characters	Spider-Man, M.J. Watson, Electro, Mysterio, Kraven the Hunter, Sandman, Scorpion, Hydro-Man, Kingpin, J. Jonah Jameson, Mayor Waters, Hypno-Hustler, Doctor Octopus, Venom

Spider-Man: Reign presents a haunting vision of Peter Parker’s future, as he grapples with loss and personal failure amidst a corrupt New York City. Following the accidental death of Mary Jane Watson, culminating from Peter’s actions, the plot focuses on how a once-heroic figure faces the intricacies of aging and authority. This narrative, likely too somber for the MCU’s typical audience, resonates more with adult themes than superhero action.

5 The Clone Saga

Complex Cloning Conundrums in the Comics

Publication Date(s)	1994-1996
Writer(s)	Terry Kavanagh, Joey Cavalieri, Todd Dezago, J.M. DeMatteis, Tom DeFalco
Artist(s)	Various
Featured Characters	Spider-Man, Scarlet Spider, M.J. Watson, Jackal, Norman Osborn, Kaine, Spidercide, Judas Traveller, High Evolutionary, Gwen Stacy

While The Clone Saga introduced the Scarlet Spider, the storyline is famously convoluted, arguably more so than the already complex multiverse narratives explored in the MCU. The saga primarily revolves around Jackal, who creates a clone of Peter Parker, leading to misleading narratives and plot twists. Although certain elements might be suitable for adaptation, the general confusion and complexity of the storyline make simpler narratives far more appealing for film.

4 Sins Past

A Controversial Revelation on Peter’s Past

Publication Date(s)	2004
Writer(s)	J. Michael Straczynski
Artist(s)	Mike Deodato Jr.
Featured Characters	Spider-Man, Gwen Stacy, Norman Osborn, M.J. Watson, May Parker, Sarah Stacy, Gabriel Stacy

Sins Past represents one of the most divisive storylines in Spider-Man lore, revealing that Gwen Stacy had an affair with Norman Osborn prior to her notable demise. This resulted in the birth of two rapidly-aging children who target Spider-Man for revenge. Due to its negative reception, particularly from fans of Gwen, Marvel later retconned this narrative. Given its contentious nature, adapting such a story seems undesirable for the studio.

3 One More Day

A Faustian Bargain for Spider-Man

Publication Date(s)	2007-2008
Writer(s)	J. Michael Straczynski, Joe Quesada
Artist(s)	Joe Quesada, Danny Miki
Featured Characters	Spider-Man, M.J. Watson, Mephisto, Aunt May, Tony Stark, Doctor Strange, Harry Osborn, Reed Richards

In One More Day, Peter Parker enters a moral quandary when he seeks to revive Aunt May, who is fatally injured. Left without any viable options, he turns to the demonic Mephisto, who offers to restore her life at the expense of Peter’s marriage to Mary Jane Watson. This abrupt reset of their relationship was met with backlash from fans, and with recent shifts in Spider-Man: No Way Home, it’s unlikely Marvel would revisit such a controversial plot.

2 Spider-Man and The Fantastic Four

Iconic Alliances May Be Challenging to Adapt

Publication Date(s)	2007
Writer(s)	Jeff Parker
Artist(s)	Mike Wieringo, Wade von Grawbadger, Pate Pantazis
Featured Characters	Spider-Man, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Human Torch, The Thing, M.J. Watson, Aunt May, Impossible Man, High Evolutionary, Doctor Doom

The Fantastic Four are on the cusp of their debut in the MCU through The Fantastic Four: First Steps, portrayed by actors like Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby. Although their impending appearance opens up exciting possibilities, collaborations with Spider-Man may not be pivotal due to the larger narrative scope surrounding the Fantastic Four. Given the MCU’s past explorations involving diverse characters and plotlines, a direct adaptation of a significant Spider-Man/F4 team-up could take a back seat to more pressing story arcs.

1 The Superior Spider-Man

Doctor Octopus Takes on the Role of Hero

Publication Date(s)	2013-2014
Writer(s)	Dan Castle
Artist(s)	Ryan Stegman, Humberto Ramos, Giuseppe Camuncoli
Featured Characters	Spider-Man, Doctor Octopus, M.J. Watson, May Parker, Hobgoblin, Vulture, Black Cat, Harry Osborn, J. Jonah Jameson, Miguel O’Hara, Flash Thompson, Kingpin, Goblin King, Scarlet Spider

The narrative of The Superior Spider-Man unfolds after Peter Parker meets his demise at the hands of Otto Octavius, who subsequently transfers his consciousness into Peter’s body. This series follows Doc Ock’s attempts to prove he can be a superior hero, stretching over 30 issues from 2013 to 2014. Despite its acclaim among fans for its gripping storyline, an adaptation of this arc in live-action seems improbable as it risks alienating general audiences unfamiliar with the comic’s intricate dynamics.

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