8. Ultimate Spider-Man: Ultimate Collection (Volume 1)
If you’re interested in a modern retelling of Spider-Man’s teenage years, then Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley’s Ultimate Spider-Man is a great place to turn. For a start, Bagley’s artwork has been a big source of inspiration to Marc Webb’s live-action take on the character, with the new suit clearly based on this series. The universe as a whole has in fact inspired the rebooted franchise. This first volume not only features the debut of a very different Green Goblin (which many fans believe will influence how the villain is portrayed both in the upcoming sequel and planned third instalment), but also a modern retelling of Electro’s origin; the costume worn by Jamie Foxx in the movie was also clearly based on the one used in this volume.
