Spider-Man is one of the most recognizable superheroes in pop culture. Part of his popularity might be due to his fantastic suit design, covered with web patterns and emblazoned with a spider emblem on the chest. We also can’t forget the iconic mask with large, slanted eyes and no other facial features. His mask creates an aura of mystery and power while highlighting his light, acrobatic frame.
When we think of Peter Parker as Spidey, most of us instantly picture his classic red and blue suit, but serious Spidey fans know he has many different suits that have left their mark on the character and our image of him. Personally, I can think of at least 10 different Spider-Man looks off the top of my head, thanks to my recent play-through of the video game Spider-Man 2, which features dozens of unlockable Spider-Man costumes. So, let’s delve into some of his most memorable outfits and revisit why his look changed and what made the suit worthy of our web-slinging, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
Norman Osborn’s Spider-Man Costume
Norman Osborn’s Spider-Man Costume; Image credit: Marvel Comics
In the Amazing Spider-Man comics, Norman Osborn stepped into the role of Spider-Man in Peter Parker’s place, and his design of the suit encapsulates what we know and love about the original costume. This makes sense. Norman wants everyone to believe he’s the same Spider-Man who’s been saving New Yorkers for years, so his design serves as both an homage and a disguise. The biggest difference for Norman’s suit is the web-shooting bracelets and ankle cuffs. Osborn’s suit is a modern twist on the classic Spider-Man costume, and we always appreciate the classics.
Spider-Man Noir
Spider-Man Noir; Image credit: Marvel Comics
This look originates from a short comic book mini-series that imagined a Spider-Man set in 1933, using full-on noir mystery motifs inspired by vintage films and art. The Spider-Noir suit mixes two memorable images: a noir detective wearing a trench coat and fedora, and a pair of white goggles that mimic Spider-Man’s mask. The look is undeniably chic and memorable, but the suit probably cemented its place in Spider-Man fame when this version of Spidey appeared in the mega-popular film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
The Black Suit (or Venom)
The Black Suit; Image credit: Marvel Comics
After the classic red and blue suit, this is likely the most famous Spider-Man suit design. It’s a minimalist black-and-white version of the classic Spider suit, designed to show a darker side of Peter Parker. The suit helped transform him into Spider-Man’s villainous alter ego, Venom. Venom is Spider-Man infected with symbiotes, and the black and white suit represents the symbiotes overwhelming the Spider-Man we know, cloaking him in darkness and despair.
The Scarlet Spider
The Scarlet Spider; Image credit: Marvel Comics
Within the comic book lore of Spider-Man lies Ben Reilly, a clone of Peter Parker. While Ben had his own stint as Spider-Man in the classic suit, he went on to form his own persona courtesy of the Beyond Corporation. That persona was the Scarlet Spider, and his look was simple yet iconic. It features a blue spider-emblazoned hoodie with the sleeves torn off, worn over a red bodysuit. It’s a bit reminiscent of a ‘90s pro wrestler’s style and there’s just something raw and cool about it.
Spider-Armor Mk II
Spider-Armor MK II; Image credit: Marvel Comics
When Peter Parker became a research scientist at Horizon Labs, he got to redesign his spider suit using cutting-edge technology, including an entirely new suit. Fresh off a face-off with a gun-toting murderer called Massacre, Peter was motivated to protect himself with a set of bulletproof armor. We rarely saw this Spider-Armor, but the bulletproof armor with sleek metallic-looking sleeves, interspersed with vibrant yellow designs, remains memorable as a solid Spider suit.
Miles Morales’ Vibranium Suit
Miles Morales’ Vibranium Suit; Image credit: Marvel Comics
As Peter Parker’s successor, Miles Morales had to forge his own path, and that included his spider suit. Like others who took on the role after Peter Parker, Miles wanted to pay tribute to the original Spidey but managed to stand out with a red and black color scheme and his own technological inventions.
The Chasm Suit
The Chasm Suit; Image credit: Marvel Comics
This is another suit from Ben Reilly, whose time at Beyond Corporation took a dark turn. He became “Chasm” after donning a quantum-shifting suit that mutated his powers and twisted his own memories until he became a green and purple spider, reminiscent of the super-villain Green Goblin. With waves of psionic energy bleeding through his eyepieces, we won’t forget Chasm’s menacing and mysterious look anytime soon.
Earth-4 Spider-Man
Earth-4 Spider-Man; Image credit: Marvel Comics
Once a major villain, Ezekiel Sims was bitten by a radioactive spider in an alternate timeline and became his own version of Spider-Man on Earth-4. His choice of suit is quite different from the norm, but memorable. It features a red and blue button-down jacket with a popped collar and a pair of thick gloves. It’s less tech-inspired than our usual spider suits.
The Asgardian Armor
The Asgardian Armor; Image credit: Marvel Comics
In the Fear Itself comic book arc, Spider-Man became a powerful demigod after creating a suit of armor made of Uru metal. Uru is said to be as old as the universe itself and imbued with great power. Thor’s hammer and Odin’s spear and sword are made of Uru, so this was one powerful suit. And it looked good! Spidey’s Asgardian armor was monotone, but the silver hues appeared to glow, creating the impressive godly aura that Uru metal symbolizes.
The Stealth Suit
The Stealth Suit; Image credit: Marvel Comics
When Spider-Man faced off against Hobgoblin, he had to find a way to combat his sonic scream attack. The solution was the stealth suit, made from materials Peter borrowed from Tony Stark and Hank Pym. The suit is sleek and black with glowing red spider designs. The purpose of this slick ensemble was to cloak Spider-Man from his foes. It’s a great example of how different spider suits can incorporate different innovations to combat specific villains.
From the classic red-and-blue suit to all the wild, high-tech and alternate-universe versions, Spider-Man’s wardrobe is one of the most memorable in comic book history. Whether it’s showing off a new power, revealing a darker side, or just giving Spidey a fresh new look, each suit tells a story. No matter who’s behind the mask or what world they’re in, one thing never changes: Spider-Man always manages to look good while saving the day.
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