Multiple Spider-Man Comics

[Paradox]

I have been confused. I believe I am gonna start reading the spider-man comics, however when I went to Marvel I realized that there were three (that i know of) main different comics about Spider-Man currently. I don't know what one to read. What are the differences between Spectacular, Amazing, and Ultimate. I know Ultimate takes place in some parallel universe, but thats about it. And what in the world differentiates spectacular and amazing? If anyone wants to help me decide, it may be of note that my favorite spider-villain is venom.

Oh and one more thing, what book should i start reading at? Like, should I go back to a certain issue or something?

Thanks

[Stu]

I'll go through each for you, as I currently read all of them

Amazing - This is the flagship title. It deals with Peter Parker recently getting back together with MJ, and he now teaches science at the school he used to attend. He has been dealing with Ezikezel as of late, who knows an awful lot about him, and has identical spider-powers. Its a good read, and the art is great

Spectacular - The relaunch of Peter Parker: Spider-Man. The first 5 issues dealt with Venom, your favourite villian, and they missed the mark IMO, only an average arc, brought done by some unflattering artwork. It also appears to be several months out of date already. Hope it picks up. If I where to read this or Amazing, I'd read Amazing

Ultimate - This is set in its own continunaity, and Peter Parker is a teenager, still in high school. It's basically Spider-Man retold for the modern day, and it kicks ass. It's definatly my personnal favourite comic I read, and the art is the best in the biz, thanks to the fine talents of Mark Bagley. Venom was recently in it (his origin). Most liked it, I thought it was crap. Nothing compared to the Michelliene and McFarclene/Larsen/Bagley Venom stories.

Anything else you want to know, just ask. :)

[wonderfly]

Though the last 5 issues of Spec. Spiderman kinda miss the mark, Paul Jenkins still delivers a much better characterization of Peter Parker...

The best way to look at it is: ASM is the flagship title. The main events in Peter's life will happen here. The "Will Mary Jane dump him or come back to him?" type of stuff happens here.

Spec. Spiderman is the alternative title. Let super cosmic fighting, more character introspection...it explores the emotional side of what it's like to be Spiderman.

In my mind, ASM is the comic which thinks with the brain, Spec. Spiderman, (and Peter Parker: SM before it) is the title which feels with the heart.

And not that I read Ultimate Spiderman, but I hear it's the comic with the soul of the character...

Huh, how's that for an analysis? :)

[Spider-Man]

Personally, I prefer Ultimate Spider-Man over the other titles right now. It's a great book that truly captures the essence of the webslinger. It has that "wow" factor that was there in the early run of Spider-Man, back in the 60's. The stories are great, the art is unreal, and the "Ultimate" take is refreshing and easily accessible. All of the issue, up to the end of the "Geldoff" arc, is collected and easy to find at any comic or book store.

Amazing is a good read, too, although sometimes the book can seem a bit stagnant and long winded at times. The artwork is near impossible to beat, however. John Romita Jr.'s art is second to none. This guy was born to draw Spidey.

Spectacular Spider-Man, essentially a relaunched Peter Parker: Spider-Man, has some grood writing by Paul Jenkins, but iffy art by Humberto Ramos. The initial Venom arc was touch and go at first, but got good afterwards. The Doc Ock arc, based on the previews, looks to be amazing. I recommend hunting down some back issues of Peter Parker: Spider-Man - namely the recent Green Goblin issues.

If you need more help - ask away!