Spider-Man #6, published in January 1991 (but part of the 1990 series), is the first part of the two-issue "Perceptions" arc. It is written and illustrated by Todd McFarlane and is a fan-favorite for its dark, gritty tone.
The Story: "Perceptions, Part 1"
The plot moves away from New York City and takes Peter Parker to the snowy mountains of British Columbia, Canada.
- The Assignment: Peter is sent by the Daily Bugle to investigate a series of gruesome child murders in a small mining town.
- The Legend: The locals are convinced the mythical Wendigo is responsible for the killings and have formed a lynch mob to hunt it down.
- The Team-Up: Spider-Man encounters Wolverine, who is also in the area tracking the "beast." While the townspeople see a monster, Wolverine suspects there is more to the story, leading to a classic, atmospheric team-up.
- The Conflict: The issue focuses heavily on the contrast between Spider-Man’s idealistic heroism and Wolverine’s "do what is necessary" attitude, all set against a backdrop of media manipulation and mob mentality.
Why Collectors Want It
- McFarlane's Art: This issue features Todd McFarlane's legendary "spaghetti webbing" and his highly detailed, animalistic take on Wolverine.
- Atmospheric Setting: The heavy use of snow and shadows makes this one of the most visually distinct Spider-Man stories of the early '90s.
- Key Guest Star: Wolverine was at the height of his popularity in 1990, making any team-up with Spidey a major collector's item.