Webspinners: Tales of Spider-Man #3

Webspinners: Tales of Spider-Man was launched by Marvel Comics in 1999 as an anthology series designed to bridge the gap between classic continuity and contemporary storytelling. The third issue, released in 1999, served as the concluding chapter of a three-part story arc written by J.M. DeMatteis and illustrated by Michael Zulli. This arc was notable for its introspective, dream-like tone, focusing on the psychic connection between Spider-Man and the villainous Arcade, exploring Peter Parker's internal struggles during a period of transition within the character's publication history.

The creative direction for this series emphasized a rotating roster of talent, allowing writers and artists to tell standalone or short-arc stories that could inhabit various points in Spider-Man's past. Michael Zulli’s distinctive, detailed, and atmospheric illustrative style for this arc was intended to distinguish the series from the more kinetic, mainstream house style of other Spider-Man titles at the time. While the series was intended to appeal to long-time readers looking for character-driven narratives, the anthology format faced challenges in maintaining consistent momentum, leading to its conclusion after eighteen issues.