SPIDER-MAN BY TODD MCFARLANE

*Spider-Man by Todd McFarlane: The Complete Collection* is a hardcover or paperback collection of Todd McFarlane’s iconic run on *Spider-Man*, originally published in the 1990s. McFarlane, known for his highly stylized artwork and dynamic storytelling, contributed to the *Spider-Man* comic series with his distinctive approach that had a significant impact on the character’s visual language and on superhero comics in general.

Here’s an overview of what this collection typically includes:

### 1. **The Comics**:
– McFarlane’s *Spider-Man* run primarily includes issues 298–325 of *The Amazing Spider-Man* (starting in 1988), and his own self-titled *Spider-Man* series (#1–14, 1990-1992).
– The run is also noted for the introduction of several key storylines, including the introduction of Venom’s backstory and the “Birth of Venom” arc.

### 2. **Artistic Influence**:
– McFarlane’s art was revolutionary at the time. His depiction of Spider-Man featured exaggerated, dynamic poses, intricate webbing, and a dark, gritty tone that added a different texture to the series. His Spider-Man became a more acrobatic, fluid character with more dramatic angles and sharp, jagged lines.
– His reimagining of Spider-Man’s costume, with its heavily webbed torso and large, expressive eyes, became iconic and is considered one of the most definitive looks for the character.

### 3. **Venom’s Origin**:
– McFarlane was instrumental in shaping the Venom character, whose popularity exploded in the ’90s. The character debuted in *The Amazing Spider-Man #300* (1998), a key issue that McFarlane drew, marking Venom’s first full appearance and laying the groundwork for his evolution into one of Spider-Man’s most notorious villains.

### 4. **Additional Content**:
– The *Complete Collection* generally includes bonus features like variant covers, behind-the-scenes looks at McFarlane’s creative process, and commentary on key issues or storylines.
– It often includes notes on the cultural impact of McFarlane’s work, as well as the lasting influence he had on the medium and on Spider-Man’s legacy.

### 5. **Why It’s Special**:
– McFarlane’s run on *Spider-Man* redefined the superhero comic genre in many ways. The way he illustrated Spider-Man in particular made him stand out as a larger-than-life, hyper-dramatic figure, influencing many later artists in the industry.
– The *Spider-Man* #1 comic, part of his own series, became one of the best-selling single-issue comics of all time, which is a testament to McFarlane’s widespread popularity.

For any Spider-Man fan or comic book collector, this collection is a must-have, as it showcases not only Todd McFarlane’s pioneering artistic style but also his immense contribution to shaping Spider-Man’s mythos during a transformative period for the character.