Spider-Man: Panel By Panel

Eisner Award-winning graphic designer Chip Kidd and award-winning photographer Geoff Spear deconstruct the first two iconic issues featuring Marvel Comics’ friendly neighborhood superhero in Spider-Man: Panel by Panel.

Chip Kidd is the definitive curator when it comes to comic books, masterfully presenting their history and artistry in a way few can match. Over the years, I have admired his work immensely, especially his deep dive into Peanuts, which gave me a fresh and unparalleled perspective on the world of Charles M. Schulz. Now, Kidd turns his keen eye to one of the most beloved superheroes of all time—Spider-Man.

More than sixty years ago, the web-slinger first crawled into our imaginations, launching an entertainment empire that has generated billions of dollars. Brought to life by the creative genius of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Spider-Man became an instant icon, captivating generations of fans. In Spider-Man: Panel by Panel, Kidd offers an extraordinary examination of the character’s earliest adventures, providing a visually stunning and immersive experience.

Spider-Man first swung onto the comic book pages in August 1962 with the publication of Amazing Fantasy no. 15, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko and with cover art by Jack Kirby. Sixty years after the comic’s publication, award-winning graphic designer Chip Kidd reimagines the iconic first story, which was also told in The Amazing Spider-Man no. 1 from March 1963, using original vintage copies of both comic books as well as the original art with handwritten notes to present these classic tales in a whole new way.

Perfect for both lifelong fans and the latest generation of Marvel fans, the book also includes text by Chip Kidd, Marvel editor Tom Brevoort, historian Mark Evanier (Kirby: King of Comics), and Library of Congress curator Sara Duke. Stunningly photographed by award-winning photographer Geoff Spear, Amazing Fantasy no. 15 and Amazing Spider-Man no. 1 are showcased as you’ve never seen them before—oversize and up close. This is a panel-by-panel exploration of both entire issues that captures every single detail and nuance of Lee and Ditko’s groundbreaking story, making it a must-have for every comic book collection.

Featuring breathtaking photography by award-winning photographer Geoff Spear, this book showcases Amazing Fantasy No. 15 and The Amazing Spider-Man No. 1 like never before. These historic comics—where Peter Parker first gained his incredible powers and began his heroic journey—are presented in an oversized, high-resolution format that captures every intricate detail of Ditko’s artwork and Lee’s storytelling.

Celebrate six decades of web-slinging adventure with Spider-Man: Panel by Panel, a stunning tribute from Abrams Books that honors the artistry, legacy, and enduring magic of one of Marvel’s greatest superheroes.

Spider-Man: Panel by Panel includes two complete stories plus the original art from the Library of Congress.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Stan Lee (1922–2018) was a writer, editor, comic book creator, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.

Steve Ditko (1927–2018) was one of the most influential American comic book artists of all time, and the co-creator of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange.

Jack Kirby (1917–1994) created or co-created some of the comic book’s most popular characters, including the Fantastic Four. More significantly, he created much of the visual language for fantasy and adventure comics.

Chip Kidd is a graphic designer and writer and editor at large for Pantheon. A three-time Eisner Award winner, he has written and designed more than a dozen books on comics.

Tom Brevoort is an executive editor and vice president of publishing at Marvel Comics. 

Mark Evanier is a comic book writer and historian and author of the award-winning monograph Kirby: King of Comics. 

Sara Duke is a curator of Popular and Applied Graphic Arts in the Prints and Photographs division of the Library of Congress. 

Geoff Spear is an award-winning photographer.

Available: December 5, 2023.