Top 5 Comics Stories For Amazing Spider-Man 3
It’s no secret that Amazing Spider-Man 2 was a polarizing film that even we had issues with. However, it is making some money and will likely get a sequel. since the movies are loosely focused on comic book storylines, there are a few story templates where they could possibly go next during the films. Here are our favorite comic stories that the next film could follow.
SPOILERS FOR AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 AFTER THIS!
5) The Night Gwen Stacy Died (The Amazing Spider-Man #121-122) Gerry Conway + Ross Andru
Half of this story has already been put up on the big screen, but what about the other half? After the beginning of the mourning process, Peter is likely going to seek vengeance upon the one that killed his first true love. There was never a stronger battle with goblin aside from maybe the next story on the list. The emotionally charged duel really tugged on the heart strings, and marked the death of Osborne himself for an extended period of time. Afterwards, the two heroes were never quite the same, and the battles between them were always more vicious. The part that really sells this issue is the small bible verse that is referenced once Norman is getting impaled. It really drives many of the themes over those past few years of Spider-Man stories home. Unfortunately, the first Spider-Man film directed by Sam Raimi hit some of these plot points, but outside of the context of Gwen, so the rest of the story still has a fighting chance.
4) How Green Was My Goblin (The Amazing Spider-Man #39-40) Stan Lee + John Romita
This story would have to be revised in order to put it in the right context for the film. However, it has some steep dramatic potential. With so much going on Parker’s own life, he probably still has no idea that Norman Osborn was the original Green Goblin. The film would be strongly served if we could get Harry to kidnap him somehow, and bring him to the new Norman tied up and sedated in a chair. Banking on Gwen’s death and the reveal of Norman, this could potentially be one of the most dangerous moments in the young hero’s life. His psyche could potentially crumble beneath all the weight that is introduced to him in this moment. The only problem with this, and a big slight on The Amazing Spider-Man 2, is the fact that we may not care enough about the Osborn family to truly have a vested interest in this story.
3) No One Dies (The Amazing Spider-Man #655-656) Dan Slott + Marcos Martin
Stronger than any other material that has been put up on the screen before it, this Spider-Man saga has been defined by death. While we likely will not spend the entire duration of this film in an elongated dream sequence, despite how awesome that could possibly be, this storyline is still usable in some form within the film. This tale could take advantage of Peter’s guilt over the numerous deaths haunted by all those who died under his watch as the Spider-Man. The story was effective in the issue after the random death JJJ’s lover. In the context of the death of Gwen, it could be something much powerful for every Spider fan. It may be harder to incorporate this surreal story into the mix of something with a mainstream budget, but the story potential in Parker’s haunted dreams should speak for themselves to the various storytellers in this film. This also does not have to be the primary focus of the movie, it could be brought up for a few minutes of screen time, and then move into one of our other Spider-Man stories on the list.
2) Spider-Man Blue (Spider-Man: Blue #1-6) Jeph Loeb + Tim Sale
This is another tale that the movies could very loosely follow. Since the fundamental plot of this comic is changed due to Gwen dying before Mary was introduced, the film could and should examine Mary and Peter’s relationship in the context of Gwen’s death. After such a large amount of time has passed since the initial death, the tale still shows Parker growing upset, and wishing her his best over a phone recording that she is never going to hear. The story is upsetting and hits just the right sentimental beats. It would be the perfect last moment for this film saga, and other bits of the story could be explored very well in the other moments in the trilogy. The movies will likely be inspired by this storylines ideas whether they realize it or not.
1) The (Original) Clone Saga (The Amazing Spider-Man #139-150) Gerry Conway + Ross Andru
This storyline in particular seems like a no brainer, the Spider-Man mythos was reeling after the Death of Gwen along with Peter himself. The original clone saga showed the hero in a place of closure. In therapy, people with post-traumatic stress disorder are forced to relive the event again before they are ready to truly move on with their lives. If Parker doesn’t have that kind of stress right now, he would lose his humanity. Spoiling the story to you would be silly, especially considering that this could likely be the plot of the next movie. All you need to know is that Peter directly faces Gwen again when he is in a completely different place in his life with Mary Jane. This is also not the infamous bad clone saga, that one is from the 90’s, this is from the 70’s and it is awesome. The only revisions that might be necessary for the tale, is removing the Jackal, as this saga has enough baddies already.
There you have it folks, plenty of comic book inspired directions that the tale can go from here. Hopefully in the next film they can properly mourn the death of a beloved heroine that stood tall next to Spidey's other great love interests.
