The relaunch of Amazing Spider-Man introduced a new villain who is sure to become a dangerous threat. Chasm is Peter Parker’s clone Ben Reilly who was terrifyingly transformed after his time as Spider-Man Beyond. His close relationship with Parker could eventually earn him a spot alongside some of the other villains in Spider-Man’s impressive rogues’ gallery.
Some of the villains that Spider-Man has encountered over the years have left an indelible mark on the wall-crawler. The ongoing battle between Spider-Man and his enemies has become personal in many ways. These villains have even grown beyond the web of Spider-Man to threaten other heroes and the rest of the world on more than one occasion. increasing their iconic status.
10 Flint Marko’s Career As Sandman Has Seen Him Join The Sinister Six And the Avengers
One of Spider-Man’s first big losses came when he faced Flint Marko/Sandman for the first time in The Amazing Spider-Man #4. Sandman’s powerful abilities made him an enemy to quite a few different heroes over the years, though he always returned to mix it up with the wall-crawler. One thing fans should know about Sandman is that he hasn't always been a villain.
He worked as a mercenary for Silver Sable’s Wild Pack and even trained as a reserve Avenger. However, he would ultimately return to his original calling as a criminal. Spider-Man and Sandman’s relationship has grown over the years to a place of respect, even if they aren’t always on the same side.
9 Mac Gargan Was Transformed Into The Scorpion To Specifically Target Spider-Man
One of Spider-Man’s earliest villains was actually Daily Bugle publisher J. Jonah Jameson. He spent a lot of his time and money trying to bring Spider-Man down while also profiting from his hit pieces on the hero. He finally went too far when he had private investigator Mac Gargan transformed into The Scorpion in order to give Spider-Man a natural predator.
Gargan gained incredible abilities as The Scorpion, and he proved to be more than a match for Spider-Man over the years. He continually improved his gear as well, increasing his threat to counter Spider-Man. Gargan even briefly bonded with the Venom symbiote and masqueraded as Spider-Man on the Dark Avengers, further sticking it to his old enemy.
8 Electro’s Devastating Powers Have Only Grown And Increased His Threat Level
Max Dillon was a cocky electric lineman who got struck by lightning while working on high powerlines. He was endowed with incredible electrical abilities that he immediately used to enter into a life of crime as Electro. When Spider-Man first encountered Electro, he almost died just from his first contact with the villain.
Electro’s powers have continued to grow over the years to further increase his threat. He had worked with teams like the Sinister Six and caused mayhem for other heroes when he caused a massive breakout at The Raft high-security prison. Electro has even become a legacy character after Francine Faye killed Dillon and took over, though the original has since returned.
7 Miles Warren Has Made A Lasting Impact On Peter Parker’s Life As The Jackal
Some of Spider-Man’s villains have developed a lasting grudge against the wall-crawler, but The Jackal really had it in for Peter Parker. Driven by his dark obsession with Gwen Stacy and broken by her death, Dr. Miles Warren perfected his cloning technology to bring her back. He also cloned Peter Parker in an attempt to ruin the life of the man he blamed for her death.
One of the worst things The Jackal ever did was create multiple clones of Spider-Man like Ben Reilly and Kaine who have continued to interfere in his life. The Jackal’s obsession with both Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy and his unique genetic genius has made him a threat to the world. His reach has even extended to the multiverse once he learned of Spider-Gwen’s existence.
6 Kraven The Hunter Put Spider-Man Through Hell On More Than One Occasion
While Kraven the Hunter never initially seemed like a standout member of Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery, he has since earned that role. Sergei Kravinoff was a world-renowned hunter who set his sights on the last true challenge to his skills, Spider-Man. He enhanced himself with potions learned from a lifetime of hunting worldwide, which he could also weaponize.
One of the worst things Kraven the Hunter ever did was take on a final hunt that would leave Spider-Man traumatized for years. He was sedated and buried alive for two weeks while Kraven the Hunter masqueraded as his enemy. Kraven’s suicide left a dark mark on the character. However, his eventual return only saw him bring about more pain and trauma to Spider-Man.
5 The Chameleon Has Repeatedly Attacked Spider-Man Through His Loved Ones
Dmitri Smerdyakov was one of the first villains Spider-Man faced as the master of disguises known as The Chameleon. Smerdyakov was a well-trained spy who was also the half-brother of Kraven the Hunter. The Chameleon quickly became one of Spider-Man’s most personal and iconic villains after Kraven’s suicide turned Smerdyakov vengeful.
Some of the worst things The Chameleon ever did include creating advanced robotic androids disguised as Peter Parker’s deceased parents who tragically turned on their “son.” He unsuccessfully tried to attack both Mary Jane and Aunt May in disguise as Peter. He even cast doubt on the legitimacy of Peter Parker’s sister Teresa in his continuing war against Spider-Man.
4 Dr. Curt Connors Is One Of Spider-Man’s Most Tragic Villains As The Lizard
Spider-Man has encountered quite a few sympathetic villains over the years. Peter Parker shared a friendship with Dr. Curt Connors, who would become one of Spider-Man's most tragic villains after his transformation into The Lizard. Hoping to regrow back his arm, Connors experimented on himself which turned him into a bestial monster.
Spider-Man has always fought to protect the Connors family from the Lizard’s dark personality. Unfortunately, though they have fatally suffered. The Lizard has played a few different roles in Spider-Man’s life as a friend, a teacher, an ally and of course, a deadly villain. His tragic story has endeared the character to fans which only grew when The Lizard reached the big screen.
3 Venom Has Evolved From A Vengeful Villian To A Cosmic Lethal Protector
Spider-Man brought home a new costume that would soon become iconic in the Secret Wars event. However, the costume was actually an alien symbiote. Peter Parker rejected a permanent bond with the creature. That led the symbiote to Eddie Brock, who was filled with hate for Spider-Man after the loss of his career. Together, they became the fan-favorite villain Venom.
Venom may have been one of Spider-Man’s greatest villains, but he has grown over the years and found a new calling as a lethal protector. There have been a few different hosts of Venom who have each left their own mark on the Marvel Universe. Yet Eddie Brock’s status has only continued to grow in his new role as the cosmic King in Black.
2 Doctor Octopus Reached A New Status As A Hero Before Returning To Villainy
Dr. Otto Octavius was a scientist who was transformed into the villainous Doctor Octopus after a lab accident bonded him to his mechanical arms. The brilliant villain quickly made a name for himself as one of the few who were able to defeat Spider-Man in their first encounters. He also was the first to organize his fellow criminals into the Sinister Six.
His place in Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery changed when he managed to escape his dying body and swap his mind with Peter Parker. He became a new version of Doc Ock known as the Superior Spider-Man who quickly became a hit with fans. He walked this path for years before he was forced to return to his original villainous body to threaten Spider-Man as Doctor Octopus again.
1 Norman Osborn Has Made Many Enemies But Green Goblin Is Still Spider-Man’s Greatest
There are many debates over who is Spider-Man’s greatest enemy, However, there can be little doubt that Norman Osborn is one of the top contenders. As Green Goblin, he has fought viciously with Spider-Man for years in a battle that has become incredibly personal. Osborn has made it his goal to destroy Peter Parker after he discovered his identity as Spider-Man.
One of Green Goblin's essential storylines revealed him as the hidden mastermind behind the Clone Saga. He also kidnapped and replaced Aunt May, and he killed or abducted Peter and MJ’s baby. Osborn’s threat extends well beyond the wall-crawler as well as one of the Avengers' deadliest villains, further increasing his iconic status.