List of Spider-Man enemies#Group villains
{{Short description|None}}
File:Villainarena.jpg|Depiction of the many Spider-Man villains in a dream sequence of Spider-Man in The Sensational Spider-Man (vol. 2) #32. Art by Sean Chen.{{small| (Click on a character to visit their article.)}} |right|frame
rect 3 99 33 165 Morbius
rect 0 55 43 98 Hydro-Man
rect 34 99 43 128 Chameleon
rect 55 50 70 75 Will o' the Wisp
rect 63 90 96 180 Kingpin
rect 40 40 99 55 Carnage
rect 83 70 108 93 Swarm
rect 103 80 125 115 Lizard
rect 158 203 122 152 Vermin
rect 167 150 130 100 Sandman
rect 147 95 130 73 Scarecrow
rect 110 74 140 20 Scorpion
rect 160 80 180 110 Tarantula
rect 227 40 160 0 Vulture
rect 170 150 210 120 Kraven the Hunter
rect 200 100 230 120 Hobgoblin
rect 190 203 230 160 Green Goblin
rect 230 150 250 120 Venom
rect 255 100 270 120 Molten Man
rect 255 200 280 135 Electro
rect 350 230 287 180 Hammerhead
rect 350 150 287 89 Rhino
rect 260 100 280 70 Mysterio
rect 220 100 250 36 Doctor Octopus
Spider-Man is a superhero created by Marvel Comics who debuted in the anthology comic book series issue Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962) during the Silver Age of Comics. After his debut, he received his own comic book entitled The Amazing Spider-Man. This comic introduced many of what would become his major supervillain adversaries. Spider-Man then became popular enough for more Spider-Man comic spinoffs (The Spectacular Spider-Man, Marvel Team-Up, Web of Spider-Man, Peter Parker: Spider-Man etc.) which introduced more recurring enemies of the web-slinger, across their various incarnations.
As with Spider-Man, most of his villains' powers originate from scientific accidents or the misuse of scientific technology. They can be classified into multiple categories, such as animal-themed villains (Doctor Octopus, Vulture, Black Cat, Lizard, Rhino, Scorpion, Kraven the Hunter, Jackal, Beetle, Kangaroo, Tarantula, and Puma), villains with powers over the elements (Sandman, Electro, Molten Man, and Hydro-Man), horror-themed villains (the Green Goblin, the Hobgoblin, Morbius, Morlun, and the Symbiotes), crime lords (the Kingpin, Tombstone, Hammerhead, Silvermane, and Mister Negative), inventors (the Shocker, the Tinkerer, Spencer Smythe, and Alistair Smythe), and masters of trickery and illusion (the Chameleon and Mysterio).{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/16/top-25-spider-man-villains| title=Top 25 Spider-Man Villains| publisher=IGN | date=16 April 2014 | access-date=18 June 2015}} There are, however, numerous villains that don't fit into any specific category, such as Mephisto, the latter of whom originated as a Silver Surfer villain. The villains oftentimes form teams such as the Sinister Six to oppose the web-slinger.
Spider-Man is notable for having numerous villains that redeemed themselves and became antiheroes, such as Black Cat, the Prowler, Morbius, Kraven, Sandman and Silver Sable. Also, unlike most superheroes, Spider-Man doesn't have one particular archenemy, but rather three: the Norman Osborn version of the Green Goblin, the Otto Octavius version of Doctor Octopus, and the Eddie Brock version of Venom, the latter two of whom have been similarly redeemed and depicted as antiheroes; since the late 2000s, the demon Mephisto has additionally been depicted as an overarching archenemy/prominent adversary of all incarnations of Spider-Man.
The rogues gallery of Spider-Man has garnered positive critical acclaim and has been considered one of the greatest rogues galleries of all time.
Supervillains and Themed Criminals
File:Stan Lee by Gage Skidmore 3.jpg
The majority of supervillains depicted in Spider-Man comics first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man, while some first appeared in spinoff comics such as The Spectacular Spider-Man and Marvel Team-Up and other titles.
= ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' debuts =
{{See also|List of The Amazing Spider-Man issues}}
Most of the supervillains of Spider-Man would be introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man comic book starting with the Chameleon. The early villains would be introduced in the 1960s during the Silver Age of Comic Books, and created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. John Romita Sr. replaced Ditko starting with the Rhino. Gerry Conway later replaced Stan Lee and helped create new adversaries for the web-slinger and also helped pave the way for the Bronze Age of Comic Books with the death of Spider-Man's long-time romantic interest, Gwen Stacy.{{cite book|last1 = Manning|first1 = Matthew K.|editor-last= Gilbert|editor-first= Laura|chapter= 1960s|title = Spider-Man Chronicle Celebrating 50 Years of Web-Slinging|publisher = Dorling Kindersley|year = 2012|page = 62|isbn = 978-0-7566-9236-0|quote= [The Amazing Spider-Man #111] marked the dawning of a new era: writer Gerry Conway came on board as Stan Lee's replacement. Alongside artist John Romita, Conway started his run by picking up where Lee left off.}}{{cite book|last1 = Manning|first1 = Matthew K.|editor-last= Gilbert|editor-first= Laura|chapter= 1960s|title = Spider-Man Chronicle Celebrating 50 Years of Web-Slinging|publisher = Dorling Kindersley|year = 2012|page = 68|isbn = 978-0-7566-9236-0|quote= This story by writer Gerry Conway and penciler Gil Kane would go down in history as one of the most memorable events of Spider-Man's life.}}David and Greenberger p. 49: "The idea of beloved supporting characters meeting their deaths may be standard operating procedure now but in 1973 it was unprecedented...stan's death took villainy and victimhood to an entirely new level." Many collaborators would soon take over The Amazing Spider-Man title. One of the more popular examples included Todd McFarlane's Venom in the Modern Age of Comic Books.
Note: Alter ego characters who are the most high profile in the supervillain alias but have shared that alias with others are in bold. Alter egos listed having N/A use their real name as supervillain name. All the villains are listed in the chronological order of their debut in comics. Characters of the central rogues gallery are in bold.
= Central rogues gallery =
= Foes of lesser renown that originated in ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' =
= ''The Spectacular Spider-Man'' debuts =
Note: In chronological order
| class=wikitable
!Name !Alter ego !First appearance ! width=50%|Description |
| Lightmaster
|Dr. Edward Lansky |#3 (February 1977) |A physics professor and vice-chancellor of Empire State University who became a criminal mastermind as a way to prevent budget cuts for higher education. He created a unique special power armor suit which utilized "gravity-pump circuitry" to allow him to manipulate photons for a variety of effects. |
| Carrion
|Various |#25 (December 1978){{Cite comic | Writer = Bill Mantlo | Penciller = Jim Mooney | Inker = Frank Springer | Story = Carrion, My Wayward son! | Title = Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man | Volume = 1 | Issue = 25 | date = December 1978 | Publisher = Marvel Comics }} |Originally a clone of Miles Warren (the Jackal), he can levitate, kill by touch, control his density and telepathy. The first Carrion was killed by an amoeba-like clone of Peter Parker, and since then other incarnations of him has appeared. |
| Iguana
|None |#32 (July 1979) |An accident occurs while Dr. Connors experiments on an ordinary iguana, endowing the iguana with part of Connors' lifeforce and memories, as well as the personality and powers of Connors' alter ego, the Lizard. The Iguana becomes a human-sized semi-humanoid reptile with superhuman strength, hypnotic powers, and the ability to mentally control other reptiles.Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #33. Marvel Comics.{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Manning |first2=Matthew K. |title=Spider-Man Chronicle: Celebrating 50 Years of Web-Slinging |date=2012 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-0-7566-9236-0 |page=108}} The Iguana encounters and battles Spider-Man, and is turned back into a normal iguana.Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #34. Marvel Comics. |
| Answer
|Aaron Nicholson |#91 (June 1984){{Cite comic | Writer = Al Milgrom | Penciller = Al Milgrom | Inker = Jim Mooney | Story = If It Wasn't For Bad Luck... | Title = Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man | Volume = 1 | Issue = 91 | date = June 1984 | Publisher = Marvel Comics }} | |
| Spot{{cite magazine|last1=Franich|first1=Darren|title='Amazing Spider-Man': Our villain wish list for the Sinister Six|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2014/03/28/amazing-spider-man-sinister-six-villains|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=5 June 2015}}
|Jonathan Ohnn | #98 (January 1985){{Cite comic|writer =Milgron, Al |penciller = Trimpe, Herb|inker = |story = True Confessions |title = The Spectacular Spider-Man|volume = 1|issue = #98|date = January 1985|publisher = Marvel Comics|location = United States}} |A scientist with the ability to create portals that lead to an alternate dimension and instantly cross short distances |
| Foreigner
|Kris Keating |#115 (June 1986){{Cite comic | Writer = Peter David | Penciller = Steve Ditko | Inker = Mark Beachum | Story = Things Fall Apart | Title = Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man | Volume = 1 | Issue = 15 | date = June 1986 | Publisher = Marvel Comics }} |A master mercenary and assassin. |
| Sin-Eater
|Stanley Carter |#107 (October 1986){{Cite comic | Writer = Peter David | Penciller = Rich Buckler | Inker = Brett Breeding | Story = Original Sin | Title = Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man | Volume = 1 | Issue = 107 | date = October 1985 | Publisher = Marvel Comics }} |Multiple abilities ranging from artificially heightened physicality, to supernatural energy manipulation and self-healing. Was instrumental in the creation of Venom, and is also a reoccurring villain of Ghost Rider. |
| Lobo Brothers
|Carlos and Eduardo Lobo |#149 (October 1988) |Two brothers who become werewolves and Drug cartel members who expanded into Texas. |
| Spidercide
|None |#222 (January 1995){{Cite comic | Writer = J.M. DeMatteis | Penciller = Mark Bagley | Title = The Spectacular Spider-Man | Story = False Truths | Volume = 1 | Issue = 222 | Date = January 1995 | Publisher = Marvel Comics }} |Introduced as a red herring to suggest the possibility of a third individual that was the original Peter Parker during the "Maximum Clonage" story arc, he is one of the Spider-Man clones created by Jackal, to be Jackal's enforcer and protector. However, Spidercide is actually a clone to Ben Reilly, who is himself a direct genetic duplicate of Spider-Man. |
= ''Marvel Team-Up'' debuts =
Note: In chronological order
| class=wikitable
!Name !Alter ego !First appearance !Creator ! width=50%|Description |
| Stegron
|Vincent Stegron |Marvel Team-Up (1st series) #19 (March 1974){{cite book|last = Rovin|first = Jeff|title = The Encyclopedia of Super-Villains|year = 1987 | publisher=Facts on File Publications |isbn = 0-8160-1356-X}} |A scientist who became a humanoid Stegosaurus using the same method that turned Curt Connors into Lizard |
| Witch-Slayer{{cite web |author=Marvel |date=n.d. |title=Cotton Mather: Biography |publisher=Marvel |url=https://www.marvel.com/characters/cotton-mather}}
|Cotton Mather |Marvel Team-Up #41 (January 1976){{Cite comic | Writer = Bill Mantlo | Penciller = Sal Buscema | Inker = Mike Esposito | coinkers= Dave Hunt | Colorist = Ellen Vartanoff | Letterer = Gaspar Saladino; Karen Mantlo | Editor = Marv Wolfman | Story = A Witch in Time! | Title = Marvel Team-Up | Volume = 1 | Issue = 41 | date = January 1976 | Publisher = Marvel Comics }} |A witch-hunter of Salem, Massachusetts in the 17th century who had been given access to mystical power by the Dark Rider |
| White Rabbit
|Dr. Lorina Dodson |Marvel Team-Up #131 (July 1983){{Cite comic | Writer = J.M. DeMatteis | Penciller = Kerry Gammill | Inker = Mike Esposito | Story = The Best Things In Life Are Free...But Everything Else Costs Money! | Title = Marvel Team-Up | Volume = 1 | Issue = 131 | date = July 1983 | Publisher = Marvel Comics }} |J. M. DeMatteis |A rabbit-themed supervillain, who pilots a giant rabbit mech and has a large arsenal of weapons at her disposal |
| Black Abbot
|Unknown |Marvel Team-Up #147 (November 1984) |A former monk of Dakoth-Kuru, a sect that had managed to use their teachings to unlock the full potential of their minds, giving them incredible mental powers. The Black Abbot had more powers, including the ability to control the twelve others and took control of the entire brotherhood. |
| Incandescent Man
|Unknown |Marvel Team-Up #149 (January 1985) |Louise Simonson |Following an experiment bt Project Pegasus, he gained the ability to draw electrical energy into one's body. |
= Debuting in other Spider-Man titles =
Note: In chronological order
| class=wikitable
!Name !Alter ego !First appearance !Creator !Description |
| Tombstone
|Alonzo "Lonnie" Thompson Lincoln |Web of Spider-Man #36 (March 1988){{cite book | title=The Supervillain Book: The Evil Side of Comics and Hollywood | publisher=Visible Ink Press | author1=Gina Renée, Misiroglu | author2=Eury, Michael | isbn=0-7808-0977-7| year=2006 }} |An albino mob enforcer |
| Shriek
|Frances Louise Barrison |Spider-Man Unlimited #1 (May 1993) | Ron Lim |A sound-manipulating supervillain |
| Coldheart
|Kateri Deseronto |Spider-Man #49 (June 1994) |An expert martial artist and swordsman who wields Cryonic Swords that can freeze anyone in their place. |
= Debuting outside Spider-Man titles =
Antiheroes and reformed supervillains
The following is a list of Spider-Man adversaries who, at one point or another, have been reformed or semi-reformed, either temporarily or currently, or who are no longer primarily antagonists of Spider-Man. Many of these characters are now anti-heroes and have often acted as allies of the web-slinger, while others occasionally return to villain status depending on the story arc.
| class=wikitable
!Name !Alter ego !First appearance |
| Doctor Octopus
|Dr. Otto Gunther Octavius |The Amazing Spider-Man #3 (July 1963) |
| Sandman
|Flint Marko |The Amazing Spider-Man #4 (September 1963) |
| Lizard
|Dr. Curtis "Curt" Connors |The Amazing Spider-Man #6 (November 1963) |
| Kraven the Hunter
|Sergei Kravinoff |The Amazing Spider-Man #15 (August 1964) |
| Boomerang
|Frederick "Fred" Myers |Tales to Astonish #81 (July 1966) |
| Beetle
|Strange Tales #123 (August 1964) |
| Molten Man
|Mark Raxton |The Amazing Spider-Man #28 (September 1965) |
| Prowler
|Hobart "Hobie" Brown |The Amazing Spider-Man #78 (November 1969) |
| Gibbon
|Martin Blank |The Amazing Spider-Man #110 (July 1972) |
| Punisher
|Frank Castle |The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (February 1974) |
| Rocket Racer
|Robert Farrell |The Amazing Spider-Man #172 (September 1977) |
| Black Cat
|Felicia Hardy |The Amazing Spider-Man #194 (July 1979) |
| Puma
|Thomas Fireheart |The Amazing Spider-Man #256 (September 1984) |
| Silver Sable
|Silver Sablinova |The Amazing Spider-Man #265 (June 1985) |
| Venom
|Web of Spider-Man #18 (September 1986) |
| Solo
|James Bourne |Web of Spider-Man #19 (October 1986) |
| Cardiac
|Elias Wirtham |The Amazing Spider-Man #344 (December 1990) |
| Kaine
|Kaine Parker |Web of Spider-Man #119 (December 1994) |
| Screwball
|Unknown |The Amazing Spider-Man #559 (July 2008) |
Non-supervillain enemies
{{See also|List of Spider-Man supporting characters}}
| class=wikitable
!Name !First appearance ! width=50%|Description |
| Burglar
|Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962) |The man who killed Peter's uncle, which would inspire him to use his powers responsibly and become Spider-Man.{{Cite comic | writer=Lee, Stan | artist=Ditko, Steve | story= | title=Amazing Fantasy | issue=15 |date = Aug 1962| publisher=Marvel Comics | location=New York City, New York}} |
| Flash Thompson
|Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962) |Early on, Flash Thompson was usually depicted as an enemy of Peter Parker and an ardent admirer of Spider-Man. He is Peter's classmate who enjoys bullying him, while ironically being one of Spider-Man's biggest fans. Later on, Flash would become good friends with Peter. In The Amazing Spider-Man #654, Flash came into contact with the Venom symbiote and became the superhero Agent Venom.{{cite web| last=Orange| first=Alan| url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/NElDTbvMSFdmpn| title=Chris Zylka Is Eugene Flash Thompson in Spider-Man| publisher=MovieWeb| date=November 17, 2015| access-date=November 27, 2010| archive-date=September 27, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927020702/http://www.movieweb.com/news/chris-zylka-is-eugene-flash-thompson-in-spider-man}} |
| J. Jonah Jameson
|The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (March 1963) |The editor in chief of the Daily Bugle and Peter Parker's boss. He has a strong hatred of Spider-Man and tries his best to turn the city against him by publishing fake news about him, or changing them to make it look like Spider-Man is in cahoots with the villains he is fighting. He was also responsible for the funding of the creation of Scorpion, the Spider-Slayers, and the Human Fly. |
Miles Morales: Spider-Man villains
Miles Morales is a superhero and the third predominant Spider-Man to appear in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, created in 2011 by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli, along with input by Marvel's then-editor-in-chief Axel Alonso.
He debuted in Ultimate Comics: Fallout #4. Originally from the alternate Ultimate Marvel Universe Earth-1610 before being transported to the main Marvel Universe Earth-616.
After his debut Miles appeared in multiple ongoing series including Ultimate Comics Spider-Man and Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man where he faced numerous villains that were either previous Peter Parker: Ultimate Spider-Man villains, or Ultimate Universe versions of Main Universe Spider-Man villains. Following his introduction to the main Marvel Universe he appeared in Spider-Man (2016) and Miles Morales: Spider-Man, which introduced new recurring enemies.
= ''Ultimate Marvel Universe'' debuts =
Note: In chronological order
| class=wikitable
!Name !Alter ego !First appearance !Creator !Description |
| Prowler
|Aaron Davis |Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1 (September 2011){{Cite comic | Writer = Brian Michael Bendis | Penciller = Sara Pichelli | Inker = Sara Pichelli | Story = All-New Ultimate Spider-Man | Title = Ultimate Comics Spider-Man | Volume = 1 | Issue = 1 | date = September 2011 | Publisher = Marvel Comics }} |Brian Michael Bendis |Aaron Davis is a burglar and career criminal known as the Prowler, in addition to being Miles Morales Uncle. In the Ultimate Comics he is the one to accidently steal the spider that granted Miles his abilities. He features prominently in media adapting Miles Morales. |
= ''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' debuts =
Note: In chronological order
= Villains in other media =
Note: In chronological order
Group villains
File:The Legion of Losers.jpg #246 (May 1997) depicting Spider-Man's weaker foes (Spot, Gibbon, the second Kangaroo and the third Grizzly) teaming up to try to defeat Spider-Man. Art by Luke Ross]]
= Kravinoff family =
{{chart top| Kravinoff family}}
{{Tree chart/start|style=font: 100% sans-serif;|align=center}}
{{tree chart | | SS |~|y|~|~| NK |~|~|y| AK | | AN |y| MN |SS=Sonya Smerdyakova|NK={{visible anchor|Nikolai Kravinov}}|AK=Anna Makarova Kravinova|AN=Aleksandra Nikolaevna|MN=Mikhail Aleksei Nikolaevich}}
{{tree chart | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{tree chart | | | | | DS | | CE |~| KH |~|~|y| AK | | US |DS=Chameleon (Marvel Comics)|CE=Calypso (comics)|KH=Kraven the Hunter|AK=Aleksandra "Sasha" Kravinova (née Nikolaevna)|US=Unnamed Sisters}}
{{tree chart | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|(| |,|-|^|-|.}}
{{tree chart | | | | | | | XR | | MB |!| SP | | VK |XR=Xraven
{{small|The Hunter X{{refn|group=n|name=Clone}}}}|MB=Nedrocci "Ned" Tannengarden|SP=Kraven the Hunter (Ana Kravinoff)|VK=Grim Hunter}}
{{tree chart | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.}}
{{tree chart | | | | | | | | | AT | | ZB | | SK |AT=Kraven the Hunter (Alyosha Kravinoff)|ZB=The Sons of Kraven
{{refn|group=n|name=Hunted}}|SK=Hunted (comics)#Aftermath
{{refn|group=n|name=Hunted}}}}
{{tree chart/end}}
|-
|style="text-align: left;"|Notes:
{{reflist|group=n|refs=
{{refn|group=n|name=Clone|Clone of Kraven created by Mr. Sinister, featuring the DNA of the X-Men Cyclops, Marvel Girl, the Iceman, the Angel, and the Beast, as well as a sample of the Carnage symbiote.}}
{{refn|group=n|name=Hunted|"Hunted" established 87 such clones of Kraven the Hunter to exist, until all are killed by one of their number, dubbed "The Last Son of Kraven" and heir to his father's identity.}}
}}
{{Chart bottom}}
Archenemies
Unlike most superheroes, who have a particular villain or villainous group among their adversaries with whom they have come into conflict the most (e.g., the Joker to Batman, and Lex Luthor to Superman in DC Comics; or Doctor Doom to the Fantastic Four, and the Brotherhood of Mutants to the X-Men in Marvel Comics etc.), Spider-Man is often regarded as having three archenemies, and it can be debated as to which one is the worst:{{cite web |url=http://comicbooks.about.com/od/characters/tp/archenemies.htm |title=Top ten comic book archenemies |publisher=About.com |access-date=3 January 2014 |author=Albert, Aaron |archive-date=28 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128134334/http://comicbooks.about.com/od/characters/tp/archenemies.htm}}
- {{note|Arch1}}Doctor Octopus has been described as Spider-Man's greatest enemy, and the man Peter Parker might have become if he hadn't been raised with a sense of responsibility.{{cite book |last1=DeFalco |first1=Tom |chapter=1960s |editor-last=Gilbert |editor-first=Laura |year=2008 |title=Marvel Chronicle A Year by Year History |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |page=93 |isbn=978-0-7566-4123-8 |quote=Dr. Octopus shared many traits with Peter Parker. They were both shy, both interested in science, and both had trouble relating to women...Otto Octavius even looked like a grown up Peter Parker. Lee and Ditko intended Otto to be the man Peter might have become if he hadn't been raised with a sense of responsibility.}}{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/26/showbiz/celebrity-news-gossip/spidey-700-controversy |title=Events in landmark 'Spider-Man' issue have fans in a frenzy |publisher=CNN |access-date=2 January 2014 |author=Hanks, Henry| date=26 December 2012}} He is infamous for defeating him the first time in battle and for almost marrying Peter's Aunt May. He is also the core leader of the Sinister Six, and at one point adopted the "Master Planner" alias. ("If This Be My Destiny...!"){{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/50-greatest-friends-and-foes-of-spider-man-villains-1-3/ |title=50 Greatest Friends and Foes of Spider-Man: Villains #1-3 |publisher=Comic Book Resources |access-date=2 January 2014 |author=Cronin, Brian| date=May 2012}} Later depictions revealed him in Peter Parker's body where he was the titular character for a while, ultimately becoming an antihero; on several occasions, he and Spider-Man have even put their differences aside to become allies.
- {{note|Arch2}}The Norman Osborn version of the Green Goblin is most commonly regarded as Spider-Man's archenemy.{{cite web |url=http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.2233.tuesday_q&a~colon~_brian_michael_bendis |title=The ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN writer talks about Spidey's new Amazing Friends and lays the Osborns to rest once and for all |publisher=Marvel.com |access-date=2010-04-27}}{{cite web |url=http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.2581.take_10~colon~_marvel~apos~s_finest_couples |title=Love is in the air as Marvel.com's Secret Cabal picks the greatest Marvel romances of all in time for Valentine's Day |publisher=Marvel.com |access-date=2010-04-27}} Unlike Doctor Octopus, who only aims to kill Spider-Man, the Goblin also targeted his loved ones and showed no remorse in killing them as long as it caused pain to Spider-Man, therefore making him not only Spider-Man's worst enemy, but also Peter Parker's. His most infamous feat is killing Spider-Man's girlfriend in what became one of the most famous Spider-Man stories of all time and helped end the Silver Age of Comic Books and begin the Bronze Age of Comic Books. While the Goblin was killed in the same story, he returned in the 1990s to plague Spider-Man once again, committing more heinous acts (such as being involved of the murder of Aunt May). He also came into conflict with other heroes, such as the Avengers. Norman is sometimes depicted as an enemy of Spider-Man even when not being the Green Goblin.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-comic-book-villains/13 |title=Top 100 Comic Book Villains: 13. Norman Osborn |publisher=IGN |access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021220521/http://comics.ign.com/top-100-villains/13.html |archive-date=21 October 2013}}
- {{note|Arch3}}The Eddie Brock incarnation of Venom is often regarded as Spider-Man's deadliest foe, and has been described as an evil mirror version of Spider-Man in many ways. He is also among Spider-Man's most popular villains.{{cite web|title=Spider-Man villains tournament: Championship| date=February 2006 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/02/01/spider-man-villains-tournament?page=5 |access-date=25 April 2015 |publisher=IGN}} Venom's main goal is usually to ruin Peter Parker's life and mess with his head in any way he can. Despite this, Venom is not a traditional criminal, as he is only interested in hurting Spider-Man and does not engage in criminal acts, lacking the typical supervillain desires for wealth and power. The character also has a sense of honor and justice, and later starred in his own comic book stories, where he is depicted as an antihero and has a desire to protect innocent people from harm. On several occasions, he and Spider-Man have even put their differences aside to become allies.{{cite news |last=Shutt |first=Craig |date=August 1997 |title=Villain Turned Hero: Venom |work=Wizard |issue=72 |page=37}}
In other media
{{Main|List of Spider-Man enemies in other media}}
Reception
Reaction to Spider-Man's rogues gallery has been overwhelmingly positive with many journalists citing it as one of the greatest comic book rogues galleries of all time,{{cite web|last1=McMillan|first1=Graeme|title='Spider-Man': 10 Recommendations for a Successful Reboot|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/spider-man-10-recommendations-a-773102|website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=18 June 2015|date=15 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504112601/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/spider-man-10-recommendations-a-773102 |archive-date=4 May 2015}}{{cite web | url=http://screenrant.com/amazing-spider-man-sinister-six-movie-comic-con-2013 | title=Comic-Con 2013: 'Amazing Spider-Man' Sinister Six Hints Revealed [Updated] | publisher=Screen Rant | date=7 July 2013 | access-date=18 June 2015 | last1=Moore |first1=Ben}}{{cite web|last1=Mendelson|first1=Scott|title='Spider-Man' Gives Marvel What It Needs Most: Villains|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/03/03/spider-man-can-offer-what-marvel-is-lacking/|work=Forbes|access-date=18 June 2015|date=3 March 2015}} with Batman's rogues gallery being its most rivaled contender.{{cite web | url=http://www.cinemablend.com/new/5-Huge-Questions-Wake-Marvel-Spider-Man-Reveal-69700-p4.html | title=5 Huge Questions In The Wake Of Marvel's Spider-Man Reveal: 2. Who Will Be The Main Villain? | publisher=CinemaBlend | access-date=18 June 2015}} However, editors such as The Hollywood Reporter{{'}}s Graeme McMillan felt that only Flash's rogues gallery can compete with Spider-Man's rogues. Kyle Schmidlin of What Culture! described the superhero's rogues gallery as "one of the most colorful in comics" explaining that Batman could only be debated as having a great number of enemies as good as Spider-Man.{{cite web | url=http://whatculture.com/film/10-spider-man-villains-and-combinations-deserving-of-the-big-screen.php | title=10 Spider-Man Villains (And Combinations) Deserving Of The Big Screen | publisher=What Culture! | access-date=June 8, 2015 | author=Kyle, Scmidlin | date=13 June 2013 | quote=Spider-Man's rogues gallery is one of the most colorful in comics. Only Batman could boast a greater number of well-established crooks and costumed ne'er-do-wells, and even that's debatable.}} IGN staff editors, Joshua Yehl and Jesse Schedeen, described the Spider-Man villains as "one of the most iconic and well-balanced in comics". They opined that the scope of their schemes, how cool their powers are, and how dramatically they have affected Spider-Man's life is what makes the Spider-Man villains so great. Newsarama ranked Spider-Man's rogues gallery as number one out of ten as the greatest rogues gallery of all time.{{cite web|last1=George|first1=Marston|title=The 10 Greatest ROGUES GALLERIES of ALL TIME!|url=http://www.newsarama.com/15497-the-10-greatest-rogues-galleries-of-all-time.html|website=Newsarama|access-date=18 June 2015|date=7 August 2013}}
= Themes =
George Marston of Newsarama said that the reason he felt that Spider-Man's rogues gallery was the best was the thematic elements that the villains manifested. He explained that just like the superhero they have the same concept of science gone wrong. They are "like him, great men with great minds, great power, and great determination." But instead they fail to use their powers responsibly, symbolizing the thin line between being a hero and being a villain. Alex Wyse of Comic Book Resources felt that a good villain is supposed to challenge the ideals of the hero. For Spider-Man that idea was the famous quote "With great power comes great responsibility", where the superhero is pitted against an antithesis of the hero's motto like the concept of using superpowers for their personal gain.{{cite web |title=Spider-Slayers: The 25 Deadliest Spider-Man Villains, Officially Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/spider-man-villains-ranked |website=CBR |access-date=15 August 2019 |date=16 January 2019}}
Me and the Boys
A viral Internet meme called "Me and the Boys", centering on images of Spider-Man foes from the 1960s Spider-Man animated series that showcases the four supervillains – the Green Goblin, Electro, Vulture and a photoshopped addition of Rhino – along with other Spider-Man foes in some variations, emerged in 2019. The meme image parodied and represented a group of friends bonding, hanging out, or engaging in various shenanigans.{{cite web |title=Memes For July 2019 |url=https://stayhipp.com/internet/memes/memes-for-july-2019 |website=StayHipp |access-date=18 August 2019 |date=1 July 2019}} It originated from Reddit and, later, Twitter. It was placed as the 35th-best meme of 2019 by Thrillist.{{cite web |title=The 50 Best Memes of 2019 (So Far) |url=https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/best-memes-2019 |website=Thrillist |access-date=18 August 2019 |date=16 August 2019}}{{cite web |title=Me and the Boys Memes |url=https://stayhipp.com/internet/memes/me-and-the-boys-memes |website=StayHipp |access-date=18 August 2019 |date=5 June 2019}}{{cite web |title=Spider-Man: Me and the Boys Meme Comes to Life in Anime Expo Cosplay |url=https://www.cbr.com/spider-man-me-boys-meme-cosplay |website=CBR |access-date=18 August 2019 |date=14 July 2019}}
See also
- Savage Six: Antagonists of Spider-Girl and Agent Venom, similar to the Sinister Six.{{Cite comic
| Writer = Tom DeFalco
| Penciller = Pat Olliffe
| Inker = Al Williamson
| Story = The Sinister Syndicate!
| Title = Spider-Girl
| Volume = 1
| Issue = 25
| Date = October 2000
| Publisher = Marvel Comics
- The Superior Foes of Spider-Man: A comic book series starring Spider-Man villains.{{citation |title=Recruiting 6 Spider-Man Villains for Sony's "Sinister Six" |publisher=Comic Book Resources|url=https://www.cbr.com/recruiting-6-spider-man-villains-for-sonys-sinister-six/|date=20 December 2013|access-date=December 24, 2021 | last1=White | first1=Brett}}.
Notes
- {{note|1}}The Chameleon is the first member of Spider-Man's rogues gallery in publication date. (Excluding the Burglar.) He is also well known to be related to Kraven the Hunter and Kraven to him. That revealed relationship helped evolve him as a major villain compared to his original depiction of being just a solo villain in the original issue of The Amazing Spider-Man.{{cite web | url=http://www.superherohype.com/features/articles/172331-11-villains-who-could-be-in-the-amazing-spider-man-2 | title=Spidey Turns 50: 11 Villains Who Could Be in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 | publisher=Superherohype.com (CraveOnline) | access-date=2 January 2014 | author=Perry, Spencer| date=22 August 2012 }}{{cite web | url= https://www.cbr.com/50-greatest-friends-and-foes-of-spider-man-villains-25-16/ | title=50 Greatest Friends and Foes of Spider-Man: Villains #6-4 | publisher=Comic Book Resources | access-date=December 24, 2021 | author=Cronin, Brian| date=24 April 2012 }}{{cite web | url=http://whatculture.com/film/10-spider-man-villains-and-combinations-deserving-of-the-big-screen.php/9 | title=10 Spider-Man Villains (And Combinations) Deserving Of The Big Screen (3. Chameleon and the Kraven the Hunter) | publisher=What Culture! | access-date=2 January 2014 | author=Schmidlin, Kyle| date=13 June 2013 }}
- {{note|2}}Besides being most notable as a Spider-Man supervillain, he has also been depicted as a Fantastic Four antagonist in Stan Lee and Jack Kirby comics books (mostly due to being introduced as the original Frightful Four{{cite comic| writer= Lee, Stan|penciller= Kirby, Jack|inker=Stone, Chic|story= The Attack of the evil Frightful Four|title= Fantastic Four|issue=#36 |date= March 1965}}). He was also a heroic figure (as an Avengers member{{Cite comic | writer = Marc Steven Sumerak | penciller = Eric Eng Wong | inker = John G. Roshell | story = An A-Z Compedium of Earth's Mighiest Heroes | title = Avengers Casebook 1999 | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | date = February 2000 | publisher = Marvel Comics | location = | page = | panel = | id =}}) until being introduced as a tragic supervillain in the Spider-Man comics once again.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbr.com/50-greatest-friends-and-foes-of-spider-man-villains-10-7/ | title=50 Greatest Friends and Foes of Spider-Man: Villains #10-7 | publisher=Comic Book Resources| access-date=December 24, 2021 | author=Cronin, Brian| date=28 April 2012 }}
- {{Note|3}}The character is also known as the member of the Frightful Four battling the Fantastic Four. He is also the first major Marvel villain to be written in publication history as battling Daredevil.{{cite comic| writer= Lee, Stan|penciller= Orlando, Joe|inker=Coletta, Vince|story= The Evil Menace of Electro|title=Daredevil |issue= #2|date= September 1964}}{{cite encyclopedia | title=Daredevil |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Comic Books and Graphic Novels: Two Volumes | editor=Booke, M. Keith | pages=134}} Even being the founder and leader of the supervillain team that oppose him, the Emissaries of Evil.{{cite comic| writer= Lee, Stan|penciller= Colan, Gene|inker=Tartaglione, John|story= Electro and his Emissaries of Evil|title=Daredevil Annual |issue= #1|date= September 1967}}
- {{Note|4}}Just like Electro, he has also been a major villain of Daredevil. In the storyline "Guardian Devil" he crossed into Daredevil's territory almost pushing Daredevil to the edge (just like he if often trying to do with Spider-Man) when Mysterio believes Spider-Man is a clone at one point.
- {{Note|5}}While a recurring villain to Spider-Man since his introduction, Kraven the Hunter did not stand out as a memorable supervillain until the critically acclaimed storyline, "Kraven's Last Hunt".{{cite web | url=http://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/08/06/the-10-greatest-spider-man-villains-ever | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815062458/http://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/08/06/the-10-greatest-spider-man-villains-ever/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=August 15, 2012 | title=The 10 greatest Spider-Man villains ever. | publisher=MTV |author=Zalben, Alex |access-date=4 January 2014}}
- {{Note|6}}Not counting any other character in the mainstream Marvel Universe with that name. Only outside of the mainstream Spider-Man comics or in other media is there other Spider-Man villains (that isn't named Mac Gargan) that are antagonists of Spider-Man.{{cite comic| writer=Bendis, Brian Michael |penciller=Bagley, Mark |colorist=Isanove, Ricard |letterer=Petit, Cory |story= |title=Ultimate Spider-Man |issue=#97 |date=September 2006}}{{cite comic| writer=Reed, Brian |penciller=Craig, Wesley |inker=Craig, Wesley |colorist=Fairbairn, Nathan |letterer=Petit, Cory |story= |title=Timestorm 2009–2099 |issue=#1 |date=August 2009}}{{cite episode |title=Journey of the Iron Fist |series=Ultimate Spider-Man |network=Disney XD |season=2 |number=39 |airdate=June 16, 2013}} Gargan is the third character to assume the Scorpion alias in comics, but he became the most notable one, and is only one to be a recurring adversary of Spider-Man.
- {{Note|7}}While initially written to be a recurring villain of Spider-Man, Rhino has also come into conflict with other superheroes (especially Hulk). He is a major character in the storyline titled "Flowers for Rhino" (Spider-Man's Tangled Web), whose name is an homage to Flowers for Algernon.{{cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2011/08/the-top-25-spider-man-stories-of-all-time/flowers-for-the-rhino |title=The top 25 Spider-Man Stories Of All Time: 16. Flowers For the Rhino |publisher=Complex.com |access-date=4 January 2014 |author=Serafino, Jason}}
- {{Note|8}}Despite first appearing in Spider-Man comic books, the Kingpin is more notable of being Daredevil's archenemy. Despite this he is a major antagonist of both superheroes in the Marvel comic books just as recurringly.{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/top/comic-book-villains/10.html | title=Kingpin is number 10 on greatest comic book villain of all time | publisher=IGN | access-date=19 April 2014}} He also is a major recurring villain in the rest of the Marvel Universe crossing over as major antagonists to superheroes/antiheroes (such as the Punisher) in certain comic books of the many based universes of Marvel (PunisherMAX, etc.){{cite web|url=http://comicsalliance.com/punisher-max-12-preview-jason-aaron |title=Frank Castle Goes To Jail in 'Punisher Max' #12 [Exclusive Preview] |publisher=ComicsAlliance |access-date=19 April 2014 |last=Sims |first=Chris |date=23 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420084641/http://comicsalliance.com/punisher-max-12-preview-jason-aaron |archive-date=20 April 2014}}
- {{Note|9}}Morbius debuted in the storyline "The Six Arms Saga".
- {{note|10}}Miles Warren's first appearance was in The Amazing Spider-Man #31 (December 1965), but he didn't become the Jackal until much later.{{cite book |last1=Manning |first1=Matthew K. |chapter=1960s |editor-last=Gilbert |editor-first=Laura |title=Spider-Man Chronicle Celebrating 50 Years of Web-Slinging |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |year=2012 |page=31 |isbn=978-0-7566-9236-0 |quote=This monumental issue saw the first appearances of Peter's upcoming love interest Gwen Stacy, prospective best friend, Harry Osborn, and even the future super villain known as the Jackal.}}
- {{note|11}}Although she is listed as a supervillain, the Black Cat is more often portrayed as an antiheroine and the major femme fatale romantic interest for Spider-Man. She is struggling to decide between good and bad, and the only thing preventing her from becoming a villain is her complicated relationship with Spider-Man. Nonetheless. she has been a staple supporting Spider-Man character during her debut.
- {{Note|12}}The Amazing Spider-Man #299 is the first appearance of Eddie Brock as Venom. The alien costume debuted from The Amazing Spider-Man #252 and the symbiote bonded to Spider-Man in Secret Wars #8. Venom's creators are determined by pre-alien costume by not counting the creators/designers of the alien costume, David Michelinie or Mike Zeck, or the Marvel Comics fan who originally thought of the concept for the creators.{{Cite web|author=Cronin, Brian|url=https://www.cbr.com/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-extra-randy-schuellers-brush-with-comic-history/ |title=Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed Extra: Randy Schueller's Brush With Comic History|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=May 16, 2007|access-date=December 24, 2021}}{{cite comic|story=Invasion!|title=Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars|issue=1|writer=Shooter, Jim|penciller=Zeck, Mike|inker=Beatty, John; Abel, Jack; Esposito, Mike|publisher=Marvel Comics|date=December 1984}}
- {{Note|13}}Cletus Kasady first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man 344. Carnage is a major character in the popular storyline "Maximum Carnage".{{cite web | url= https://www.cbr.com/50-greatest-spider-man-stories-25-21/ | title=50 Greatest Spider-Man Stories: #25-21 | date=27 June 2012 | publisher=Comic Book Resources | access-date=December 24, 2021}}
- {{Note|14}}Despite becoming an antihero with his own comic book storylines, the Punisher was first introduced as an adversary of Spider-Man.
- {{note|15}}Harry didn't become the Green Goblin until The Amazing Spider-Man #136 (September 1974).
References
{{Reflist}}
- {{CC-notice|bysa3|url=https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Delilah_%28Earth-616%29}}
External links
- [http://marvel.com/universe/Category:Spider-Man_Villains Category: Spider-Man Villains] at Marvel.com
- [http://marvel.wikia.com/Spider-Man_Villains Spider-Man Villains] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402150122/http://marvel.wikia.com/Spider-Man_Villains |date=2015-04-02 }} at Marvel Database
- [https://www.gamesradar.com/best-spider-man-villains/ Best Spider-Man Villains] by GamesRadar. December 16, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021
{{Spider-Man characters}}
{{Spider-Man}}
{{Sinister Six}}