Chronological Spider-Man ’91-’94: Indispensable Spider-Man Pt 10

Confession here, Spider-Friends; this is perhaps one of my favorite Chronological Spider-man runs ever.  There are two reasons for this; first, because of the great story of the rise and fall of Harry Osborn, and second, because “it’s mine”.  This is smack dab during my golden age of comic collecting.

Now that I got that off my chest: Welcome to our latest installment of the Indispensable Spider-Man, featuring the chronological Spider-Man essential issues list from 1991 to 1994.  Add this to the list of Spider-Man issues you need to read in order get everything important Spider-Man story.

Before we get down to the details, here’s the criteria to how we decide which issues make our list:

  • What are considered the best issues in the main Chronological Spider-Man are central
  • Storylines that include an important change in status quo are also central
  • Very important issues are marked with two asterisks (**), while issues that are part of those storylines, without the major event, are also included and marked with a diminutive one asterisk (*). Search for “**” in this below to further pare down the list.

Chronological Spider-Man from 1991-1994 : What You Need To Know

What makes the cut? What doesn’t?

There is a lot of important stuff here that makes the cut, as we get the Harry Osborn Saga, Maximum Carnage and the Saga of Spider-Man’s parents.  There are, however, a lot of filler issues, mostly in the Web of Spider-Man title, though much of the earlier Amazing Spider-Man issues in this run are unessential.  We also see the trickle of Spider-Man miniseries, such as Lethal Foes, which have no bearing on our indispensable chronological Spider-Man list.

Creators of the 1991-1994 Chronological Spider-Man Essential Issues

Erik Larsen succeeds Todd McFarlane once again, this time on the adjectiveless Spider-Man title, though Tom Lyle eventually replaces him as Marvel loses both former artists to Image Comics.  Howard Mackie and Alex Saviuk continue their Web of Spider-Man run.  J.M. DeMatteis joins Sal Buscema on Spectacular Spider-Man, creating one of the best Spider-Man runs ever.  Mark Bagley begins his iconic Amazing Spider-Man run with Michelinie.  We also see some Ron Lim and Terry Kavanagh peek into this list.

1991-1994 Chronological Spider-Man Essential Titles

Amazing Spider-Man, Spectacular Spider-Man, Web of Spider-Man and Spider-Man get an additional title to help them ensure there’s a Spider-Man title every week, as Spider-Man Unlimited becomes part of the Chronological Spider-Man by filling in those occasional 5th Wednesdays of the month.

Events within the 1991-1994 Chronological Spider-Man Essential Issues

Here are the most important events in this Chronological Spider-Man period:

  • The Sinister Six return
  • Richard Fisk takes over as Kingpin, “dies”
  • Harry Osborn becomes Green Goblin (as a villain), dies Saving Spider-Man
  • Carnage debuts, goes on killing spree during “Maximum Carnage”
  • The Vulture asks May for forgiveness for killing Nathan
  • The Demogoblin is split from the Hobgoblin
  • Peter’s parents return
  • Venom and Spider-Man reach a truce
  • MJ and Peter move into a new Apartment
  • Black Cat and Flash break up

Collections of the 1991-1994 Chronological Spider-Man era

Here are some good collected editions containing some of the best stories of this Chronological Spider-Man list of issues:

Various Trade Paperbacks
Spider-Man: Revenge of the Sinister Six
Spider-Man: Son of the Goblin
Spider-Man: The Vengeance of Venom (1st Carnage)
Spider-Man: Maximum Carnage

The Indispensable Chronological Spider-Man Master List

OrderYearAgeIssueCreatorsDetails**
350.061991ModernSpider-Man #15 BUY LarsenPeter and MJ discuss kids*
352.081992ModernSpider-Man #18 BUY LarsenRevenge of the Sinister Six, Doc Ock, Electro, Hobgoblin II, Mysterio, Sandman, Vulture**
352.091992ModernSpider-Man #19 BUY LarsenRevenge of the Sinister Six, Doc Ock, Electro, Hobgoblin II, Mysterio, Sandman, Vulture**
352.101992ModernSpider-Man #20 BUY LarsenRevenge of the Sinister Six, Doc Ock, Electro, Hobgoblin II, Mysterio, Sandman, Vulture**
352.111992ModernSpider-Man #21 BUY LarsenRevenge of the Sinister Six, Doc Ock, Electro, Hobgoblin II, Mysterio, Sandman, Vulture**
352.121992ModernSpider-Man #22 BUY LarsenRevenge of the Sinister Six, Doc Ock, Electro, Hobgoblin II, Mysterio, Sandman, Vulture**
352.131992ModernSpider-Man #23 BUY LarsenRevenge of the Sinister Six, Doc Ock, Electro, Hobgoblin II, Mysterio, Sandman, Vulture, Black Cat, Birthday!**
352.141992ModernWeb of Spider-Man #84 BUY Mackie, SaviukThe Name of the Rose, Hobgoblin II, Richard Fisk*
352.151992ModernWeb of Spider-Man #85 BUY Mackie, SaviukThe Name of the Rose, Hobgoblin II, Richard Fisk*
352.161992ModernWeb of Spider-Man #86 BUY Mackie, SaviukThe Name of the Rose, Hobgoblin II splits into 1st Demogoblin, Richard Fisk**
352.171992ModernWeb of Spider-Man #87 BUY Mackie, SaviukThe Name of the Rose, Hobgoblin II, Richard Fisk*
352.181992ModernWeb of Spider-Man #88 BUY Mackie, SaviukThe Name of the Rose, Hobgoblin II, Richard Fisk becomes Kingpin**
352.191992ModernWeb of Spider-Man #89 BUY Mackie, SaviukThe Name of the Rose, Hobgoblin II, Richard Fisk "dies"**
358.021991ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #178 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaBest! The Child Within, Vermin, Green Goblin II**
358.031991ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #179 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaBest! The Child Within, Vermin, Green Goblin II**
358.041991ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #180 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaBest! The Child Within, Vermin, Green Goblin II**
358.051991ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #181 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaBest! The Child Within, Vermin, Green Goblin II**
358.061991ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #182 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaBest! The Child Within, Vermin, Green Goblin II**
358.071991ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #183 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaBest! The Child Within, Vermin, Green Goblin II**
358.081992ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #184 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaBest! The Child Within, Vermin, Green Goblin II**
358.091992ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #185 BUY DeMatteis, Sal Buscema*
359.011992ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #359 BUY MichelinieCletus Kasady escapes*
360.011992ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #360 BUY Michelinie1st Carnage cameo*
360.021992ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #186 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaFuneral Arrangements, Vulture*
360.031992ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #187 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaFuneral Arrangements, Vulture*
360.041992ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #188 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaFuneral Arrangements, Vulture, Green Goblin II*
360.051992ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #189 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaBest! Green Goblin II**
360.061992ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #190 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaBest! Green Goblin II*
361.011992ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #361 BUY Michelinie, BagleyBest! 1st Carnage**
362.011992ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #362 BUY Michelinie, BagleyBest! Carnage, Venom**
363.011992ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #363 BUY Michelinie, BagleyBest! Carnage, Venom**
363.071992ModernSpider-Man #24 BUY Mackie, AlexanderInfinity War, Hobgoblin II, Demogoblin, 1st Doppelganger**
365.011992ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #365 BUY Michelinie, BagleyThe Saga of Spider-Man's Parents, Lizard, Electro**
366.011992ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #366 BUY MichelinieThe Saga of Spider-Man's Parents**
367.011992ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #367 BUY MichelinieThe Saga of Spider-Man's Parents*
367.061992ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #194 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaDeath of Vermin*
367.071992ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #195 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaDeath of Vermin*
367.081993ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #196 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaDeath of Vermin*
367.091992ModernWeb of Spider-Man #93 BUY Mackie, SaviukHobgoblin Reborn, Hobgoblin II*
367.101992ModernWeb of Spider-Man #94 BUY Mackie, SaviukHobgoblin Reborn, Hobgoblin II*
367.111992ModernWeb of Spider-Man #95 BUY Mackie, SaviukSpirits of Venom, Hobgoblin II*
367.121992ModernSpirits of Vengeance #5 BUY Spirits of Venom, Hobgoblin II*
367.131993ModernWeb of Spider-Man #96 BUY Mackie, SaviukSpirits of Venom, Hobgoblin II*
367.141992ModernSpirits of Vengeance #6 BUY Spirits of Venom, Hobgoblin II*
368.011992ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #368 BUY Michelinie, BagleyThe Saga of Spider-Man's Parents, Invasion of the Spider-Slayers, Black Cat*
369.011992ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #369 BUY Michelinie, BagleyThe Saga of Spider-Man's Parents, Invasion of the Spider-Slayers, Black Cat, Electro*
370.011992ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #370 BUY Michelinie, BagleyThe Saga of Spider-Man's Parents, Invasion of the Spider-Slayers, Black Cat*
371.011992ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #371 BUY Michelinie, BagleyThe Saga of Spider-Man's Parents, Invasion of the Spider-Slayers, Black Cat*
372.011993ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #372 BUY Michelinie, BagleyThe Saga of Spider-Man's Parents, Invasion of the Spider-Slayers, Black Cat*
373.011993ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #373 BUY Michelinie, BagleyThe Saga of Spider-Man's Parents, Invasion of the Spider-Slayers*
374.011993ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #374 BUY Michelinie, BagleyThe Saga of Spider-Man's Parents, Venom**
375.011993ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #375 BUY Michelinie, BagleyThe Saga of Spider-Man's Parents, Venom**
375.031993ModernVenom: Lethal Protector #1 BUY Michelinie, BagleyLethal Protector*
375.041993ModernVenom: Lethal Protector #2 BUY Michelinie, BagleyLethal Protector*
375.051993ModernVenom: Lethal Protector #3 BUY Michelinie, BagleyLethal Protector*
375.061993ModernVenom: Lethal Protector #4 BUY Michelinie, LimLethal Protector*
375.071993ModernVenom: Lethal Protector #5 BUY Michelinie, LimLethal Protector*
375.081993ModernVenom: Lethal Protector #6 BUY Michelinie, LimLethal Protector*
375.111993ModernWeb of Spider-Man #99 BUY Kavanagh, SaviukMy Enemy's Enemy, Richard Fisk*
375.121993ModernWeb of Spider-Man #100 BUY Kavanagh, SaviukMy Enemy's Enemy, Richard Fisk*
377.051993ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #197 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaX-Men*
377.061993ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #198 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaX-Men*
377.071993ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #199 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaX-Men, Green Goblin II**
377.081993ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #200 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaBest! Green Goblin II**
377.101993ModernSpider-Man Unlimited #1 BUY DeFalco, LimMaximum Carnage, Venom, Black Cat, Demogoblin**
377.111993ModernWeb of Spider-Man #101 BUY Kavanagh, SaviukMaximum Carnage, Venom, Cloak and Dagger**
378.011993ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #378 BUY Michelinie, BagleyMaximum Carnage, Venom, Cloak**
378.021993ModernSpider-Man #35 BUY Michelinie, LyleMaximum Carnage, Black Cat, Venom**
378.031993ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #201 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaMaximum Carnage, Black Cat, Venom, Carrion, Cloak**
378.041993ModernWeb of Spider-Man #102 BUY Kavanagh, SaviukMaximum Carnage, Venom, Black Cat, Carrion, Cloak, Morbius**
379.011993ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #379 BUY Michelinie, BagleyMaximum Carnage, Venom, Black Cat, Carrion, Cloak, Morbius**
379.021993ModernSpider-Man #36 BUY Kavanagh, LyleMaximum Carnage, Venom, Black Cat, Carrion, Cloak, Iron Fist**
379.031993ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #202 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaMaximum Carnage, Black Cat, Venom, Carrion**
379.041993ModernWeb of Spider-Man #103 BUY Kavanagh, SaviukMaximum Carnage, Venom, Black Cat, Carrion**
380.011993ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #380 BUY Michelinie, BagleyMaximum Carnage, Venom, Black Cat, Carrion**
380.021993ModernSpider-Man #37 BUY DeMatteis, LyleMaximum Carnage, Carrion, Venom, Dagger returns**
380.031993ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #203 BUY DeMatteis, Sal BuscemaMaximum Carnage, Venom, Carrion**
380.041993ModernSpider-Man Unlimited #2 BUY DeFalco, LimMaximum Carnage, Venom, Black Cat**
381.011993ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #381 BUY Michelinie, BagleyHulk, May suspects Peter's Parents*
382.011993ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #382 BUY Michelinie, BagleyHulk*
382.061993ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #204 BUY Grant, Sal BuscemaBlack Cat, Tombstone*
382.071993ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #205 BUY Grant, Sal BuscemaBlack Cat, Tombstone*
382.081993ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #206 BUY Grant, Sal BuscemaBlack Cat, Tombstone*
383.011993ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #383 BUY Michelinie, Bagley*
384.011993ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #384 BUY Michelinie, Bagley*
385.011994ModernAmazing Spider-Man 1st series #385 BUY Michelinie, BagleyMJ quits smoking*
385.071993ModernSpider-Man Unlimited #3 BUY DeFalco, LimDoc Ock's Life*
385.121993ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #207 BUY Grant, Sal BuscemaBlack Cat*
385.131994ModernSpectacular Spider-Man #208 BUY Grant, Sal BuscemaMJ and Peter move into new apartment*

Please, help us make this list better by contributing your thoughts on what should be included. We would love to pared own this list even further, though we don’t want you to miss out on some great runs. Drop us a line in the comments for changes to this Chronological Spider-Man, which will be reflected in our larger Chronological Spider-Man list here:

Click Here For the complete Chronological Spider-Man

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