Of the many Marvel team-ups, one of the best is Spider-Man and Captain America. Teamwork comes more naturally for characters with a lot in common, and these two certainly qualify. Peter Parker and Steve Rodgers have similar codes of ethics, perspectives, and motivations that allow them to work well together consistently.
While Spider-Man didn’t live through the Second World War like Captain America, the two faced similar conflicts and decisions responsible for shaping them into true heroes. Captain America and Spider-Man have also been at the forefront of influential battles like the Secret Wars and Infinity Saga. Their shared traits and experiences make the best Spider-Man and Captain America team-ups incredibly entertaining.
10 Spider-Man Helps Captain America Create a New Avengers Team in Marvel's Siege
Siege #3 (May 2010)
Marvel’s miniseries, Siege, pitted an armored Norman Osborn and his Avenger team against the forces of Asgard. Because of misunderstandings and the Green Goblin serum’s continued influence on Osborn, his team is viewed as villainous, spurring Captain America to form a new Avengers team to come to the Asgardians’ aid.
In the third issue, Spider-Man and Captain America join the fray, leading their new team to a quick, initial victory. Plot twists abound, with the story taking many unexpected turns that keep readers guessing while showing the effectiveness of Captain America and Spider-Man’s teamwork. The fast-paced story and action make the team-up an entertaining experience and earn this entry a spot in the rankings.
9 A Misunderstanding Sparks a Brawl Between The Avengers and X-Men
Avengers vs. X-Men #0-12 (May-December 2012)
When the Phoenix Force threatens to possess the daughter of Cyclops and Emma Frost, Captain America, Spider-Man, and the Avengers offer to lend a hand. An already dangerous scenario quickly gets worse when Cyclops misunderstands the other heroes’ intentions. The ensuing battle includes an exciting collaboration between Captain America and Spider-Man. The two heroes must use their unique approach and teamwork to de-escalate the situation.
Fortunately, both Captain America and Spider-Man know how to pull their punches and handle problems politically when necessary. Their combined determination to find a peaceful resolution is key to the heroes’ survival against the Phoenix Force. Because Spider-Man and Captain America keep the other characters from expending energy recklessly, they have enough power to deal with the true antagonist when the time comes.
8 Marvel Team-Up Pits Captain America and Spider-Man Against Scorpion
Marvel Team-Up Vol. 1 #106 (June 1981)
All things considered, Scorpion fairs well against Spider-Man and Captain America. After acquiring a few minions and a new, long-range attack, Scorpion gives the two a run for their money by beating them both in one-on-one combat. Spider-Man and Captain America then join forces, revealing the importance of teamwork and quick thinking when overpowered. However, they don’t get the job done alone.
The people of New York provide essential assistance to the heroes. The comic focuses on a protection racket that helps present a theme about standing for justice. Although the Scorpion first succeeds in his acts of intimidation, citizens begin taking appropriate action, like involving the police. The behavior of the people proves key in crushing the Scorpion’s confidence, helping Captain America and Spider-Man take advantage of a new weakness.
7 Captain America Saves Spider-Man and The Fantastic Four From… The X-Men?
Fantastic Four Vol. 1 #250 (January 1983)
After finding members of The Fantastic Four incapacitated, Spider-Man hunts down those responsible, only to find the X-Men. Due to being outnumbered and not wanting to harm other heroes, Spider-Man finds himself on the losing end of a battle. Thankfully, Captain America shows up, and they soon discover the X-Men are Skrull warriors in disguise. Not needing to hold back, the fan-favorites unleash a brutal beat-down on Earth’s interlopers.
Steve Rodgers and Peter Parker share an appreciation for life and a desire to see villains reformed. As such, their team-ups usually come with an element of reserve in the power department. However, alien soldiers on a killing spree are a whole different story. Spider-Man and Captain America’s use of their true potential is a rare treat and shows readers they are truly a force to be feared.
6 Spider-Man and Captain America Team Up Against The Grey Gargoyle
Marvel Team-Up Vol. 1 #13 (September 1973)
The Grey Gargoyle’s plan of taking over the world and turning a bunch of people into stone obviously wasn’t going to work with the likes of Spider-Man and Captain America around. Their team-up against the villain is full of action and suspense, but that’s not all. A miraculous event reveals additional benefits to the heroes’ powers. The new concept would prove hugely influential across the Marvel universe.
The issue introduces the idea that certain superpowers, like those of Captain America and Spider-Man, would provide a better resistance to disease and biological weapons. After being turned to stone, author Len Wein needed a way for Spider-Man and Captain America to make a timely recovery without outside assistance. The logical conclusion was to use their abilities as an explanation, giving birth to a new aspect of superpowers.
5 Stoneface Couldn't Handle This Terrific Trio
Captain America Vol. 1 #138 (June 1971)
For a time, the vicious criminal, Stoneface, ruled the underworld of Harlem. His reign was short-lived, thanks to the combined efforts of Spider-Man, Falcon, and Captain America. Stoneface’s attempts at turning the heroes on each other backfire, as the resulting team-up leads directly to the discovery of his hideout and Stoneface’s exile from the country.
Each hero learns an important lesson from their experience with Stoneface. Spider-Man and Falcon get a better handle on their tempers and come to understand that communication is crucial. Captain America learns how to step aside as a leader and take direction from others. The heroes’ success comes from being open-minded, and the impactful character growth found in the issue gives the team-up a comfortable position in the rankings.
4 Vermin Reveals Spider-Man and Captain America's Dark Sides
Marvel Team-Up Vol. 1 #128 (April 1983)
Spider-Man and Captain America have met in some odd places, but a bathroom takes the cake. Before Steve Rodgers knew of Peter Parker’s true identity, they had an interesting team-up that began in a public restroom. While Parker went in knowing Rodgers would also be changing outfits, poor Captain America came out quite shocked to see Spider-Man. Without a doubt, the moment is a great source of comedy.
While amusing at first, the story takes a turn into more serious territory. When attacked by Vermin, a villain who perfectly embodies his name, Captain America and Spider-Man find themselves outmatched. Vermin’s control over rodents and wild animals leaves them outnumbered, and both heroes resort to a darker, more primal fighting style. The experience disheartens and concerns Spider-Man as much as Captain America, but neither is yet ready to explore the matter.
3 Captain America Teaches The Spectacular Spider-Man About Finesse
The Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 2 #16 (August 2004)
The second volume of The Spectacular Spider-Man made a few interesting alterations to the character. One of the most noticeable was Spider-Man’s new tendency to rush into action before thinking or strategizing with teammates. A trait that would prove costly in his team-up with Captain America. The beautifully illustrated story takes advantage of a new dynamic, creating a relationship previously unavailable with other Spider-Man variants.
Instead of the typical partnership, Captain America feels more like a mentor to the young and impetuous Spider-Man. When not listening, Spider-Man gets seriously hurt. However, when he is taking cues from Marvel’s veteran super soldier, the two have exceptional teamwork. Within the abundance of vivid action scenes, a new bond is formed that could prove a fruitful revisit sometime in Marvel Comics’ future.
2 The Assassination Nation Plot is a Diamond in The Rough
Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #323 (November 1989)
The Assassination Nation Plot is a vastly underrated story arc in the Spider-Man universe. The suspense and mystery build slowly, but the pace quickens when Captain America makes his appearance at the halfway point. For the remainder of the tale, fans are treated to Spider-Man and Captain America kicking butt with creative moves and no-holds-barred attitudes. Not to mention the healthy dose of action and comedy provided by the talented and deadly Silver Sable.
Many readers would likely have appreciated the story more had Captain America been involved from the beginning. However, the drama crafted in the first half of the tale is necessary in making the incredible climax appropriately impactful. Captain America and Spider-Man’s teamwork in the finale is the stuff of legends and has even been emulated in other Marvel material.
1 Spider-Man and Captain America Face Dr. Doom's Revenge
Dr. Doom's Revenge #1 (January 1989)
By far, one of the most entertaining team-ups between Spider-Man and Captain America is Dr. Doom’s Revenge. Having to face one of Marvel’s greatest villains presents a unique challenge that brings out the best in both heroes. Captain America and Spider-Man learn new ways to approach conflict, which aid in their survival. Dr. Doom’s reliance on the heroes being unable to adapt is reminiscent of his dealings with The Fantastic Four.
Danny Fingeroth’s story is captivating, with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged, but not confused. Spider-Man and Captain America both receive top-tier treatment, with their growth crossing over into future material. Rich Buckler, Paul Becton, and Tony DeZuniga bring a nostalgic quality to the art while maintaining a detailed look befitting the era of release. The exceptional writing, artwork, and use of a well-known supervillain put this entry at the top of the rankings.
Marvel's Spider-Man
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