Appearance Levels
Each entry in this database is graded into one of the following appearance levels,
of increasing importance. If a comic qualifies for two categories, then the
highest applicable category prevails.
- No Spider-Man: Spider-Man does not appear in this book/comic.
- Variant Only: Spider-Man appears only on the cover of a variant of this issue.
- Backup Only: Main story included because Spidey appears in a backup story.
- Review (No SM): We have reviewed this story, though Spidey does not appear.
- SM Reprint: Spider-Man appears in a reprint title.
- SM Reference: A mention of Spider-Man which does not bring him into the story, e.g.
- ...appears on an in-story T-Shirt, or a poster, or a photo.
- ...mentioned in an editor's footnote.
- ...depicted in a in-story newspaper or TV bulletin which does not add new information.
- ...denoting a general historical relationship ("Flashback Reference").
- SM Preview: A preview of an upcoming story, e.g. in Previews or Wizard.
- SM Article: A non-fiction article concerning the Spider-Man character.
- SM Parody: A satirical parody of Spider-Man.
- SM Family App: A Spider-Man "family member" guest stars.
- SM Family: A Spider-Man "family member" owns this title.
- SM Cover: Spider-Man appears only on the cover of this book/comic.
- SM Cameo: Spider-Man appears in a single panel as a part of the story.
- ...actually appears in person but only in a single panel.
- ...is spoken to over a live TV or radio communication.
- ...is depicted in newspaper, TV, or news media providing new information.
- ...appears in a flashback of a specific past scene or event ("Flashback Cameo")..
- SM Guest: Spider-Man appears for two or more panels, but is not the "star" of the title.
- SM Title: A title predominantly concerned with Spider-Man.
Note: Many Spidey collectors do not collect "Spider-Man References", but we
include those that we come across. We may add more references over time, though
references are NOT included in our counts of "issues needing review".