There have been many iterations of Spider-Man over his 60 years in Marvel Comics. Many versions have just been alternate versions of Peter Parker, but there have been instances where Spider-Man has been a different person altogether. Recently in the Spotlight is Miles Morales, thanks to the Across the Spiderverse movie teaser trailer recently released. This trailer also teased another alternate Spider-Man, Miguel O’Hara.
Miguel O’Hara was created in 1992 by Peter David and Rick Leonardi. Miguel resides in a dystopian future of the Marvel universe called “2099,” where most of the heroes had perished or been replaced by new characters taking up their titles. Over the years, Spider-Man 2099 has had many adventures in and outside the central Marvel universe of 616. Here are some of the best Spider-Man 2099 comics to read.
9 Spider-Man 2099 #1 (1992)
Art by Ron Lim
The first issue of the original run By Peter David and Rick Leonardi is the first look into Miguel O’Hara stepping into the guise of Spiderman. It follows his origin and combative nature with Alchemax, which runs New York in the Marvel Dark Future
It also explores what makes him different from the central universe Spider-Man in powers and personality. The art for this issue is vibrant for its time, and the story showcases Miguel’s path from scientist to superhero. The best place to start for new readers and a classic for dedicated readers.
8 2099 Unlimited #1
Art by Chris Wozniak
Worked on by Evan Skolnick and Gerard Jones, This issue showcases Spider-Man 2099 and pits him against a newly generated villain, Mutagen. The two have a merciless brawl across New York city that pushes Miguel further than he’s ever been (Spiderman has always been strong, here are some of his greatest feats).
This issue also serves as the first introduction in the 2099 anthology series. Miguel being the focal point of this issue is still a big deal for the time. This is also the first issue where the 2099 Dark Future version of The Incredible Hulk is showcased.
7 Punisher 2099 #13
Authored by Pat Mills and Tony Skinner, and Tom Morgan, another Title set in the Dark Future of 2099, Punisher and Spider-man team up and take on new dangers at every turn. The likes of Thor, Avatarr, and even Doom appear in the heroes’ path. The mispaired Duo makes quite the team by taking out each of the thugs Doom sends after them and even saving the entire city from ruin. Another 90s gem worth checking out at the apex of the 2099 run.
6 Spider-Man 2099 #35
Art by Rick Leonardi
In the Middle of Peter Davids’s run, The Dark Future universe of 2099 goes into overdrive with 2099 AD. The Spider-man issue of this arc introduces 2099 Venom, a longstanding villain of the character.
The black symbiote returns to plague the new Spider-Man’s world yet again. But this Venom shared much more history with 2099 Spider-Man than before. This is a tragic time in Miguel’s life as Venom seeks to destroy everything around him. Venom receives a new design to match the Dark Future tone and unique powers to go along with it.
5 Spider-Man 2099 #1 (2015)
Art by Francesco Mattina
The new run of Spider-Man 2099 #1 was released in 2015 with Peter David and Francesco Mattina. It kicks off Miguel O’Hara’s race to save his timeline. The Dark Future of Marvel comics has become even bleaker.
A singularity has turned Miguel’s once-great city into ruins, so he travels back to the main earth 616 timeline to prevent this outcome. Spider-Man 2099 #1 2015 is a fresh revamp of the character that changes his superhero persona and design and allows him to interact with many characters like Peter Parker and Roberta Mendez.
4 Superior Spider-Man #17
Art by Ryan Stegman and Jason Howard
Superior Spider-Man follows the storyline with Dr. Otto Octavious whose gained mental possession of Peter Parker’s body (which isn’t even the strangest thing to happen to Spider-Man). In issue seventeen, the new Superior Spiderman meets with the time-traveling Miguel O’Hara Spider-Man of the Dark Future, 2099.
Miguel arrives to find Otto harassing civilians. Shaken by the new personality of his old friend, Miguel is taken back; because of Miguel’s suspicion, he and Otto do not get off on the right foot, and this spearheads a dynamic adventure between the two.
3 Spider-Man 2099 #17
Another issue of the Spider-Man 2099 run from 2015 By Peter David and Francesco Mattina makes the list. This issue sees Miguel team up with one of the world’s greatest assassins, Elektra. They meet on opposite sides and eventually aline their interest in taking on a secret organization thriving in Miguel’s time but is just getting started in the present day. This starts a three-issue story arc between the characters that will be a good read for many fans.
2 Spider-Man 2099 #4
The Spider-Man 2099 run of 2014 is arguably one of the best of the character. Spearheaded by Peter David and Francesco Mattina, The art and story are great, and issue #4 sets a good pace of what’s to come. In the second issue in an arc, Miguel faces off against Scorpion, Spider-Slayers, and militia all in one day after supporting a rebel cause. There is also a spectacular cameo that fans will not want to miss out on.
1 Exiles #98
Art by Tom Coker
Starting on the 2001 run of Exiles by Chris Clairmounte and Ronan Cliquet, issue #75 expanded the story into the Dark Future universe of 2099. Miguel O’Hara was introduced to the Exiles team to handle an interdimensional crisis.
Miguel would become a permanent fixture on the team, including blink and sabertooth among them, exploring the different realities and stopping tragic events. In issue #98, the world of 2099 is under complete control of Doctor Doom. The team is quite different, including She-Hulk and Johnny Storm, and even Gwen Stacy, who has become romantically involved with Miguel. But the tragedy of an incoming world-ending event shakes the team, especially Miguel, to their core.
