SPIDEY’S BEST BATTLES
In his many decades as the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Peter Parker has seen his fair share of extraordinary battles and unbelievable foes. Check out our list of some of Spidey’s most memorable (and dangerous) brushes. Here’s to you, wall-crawler!
Nearly Superior Foes of Spider-Man
Spider-Man’s Personal Resolve
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #33
In this iconic issue, considered some of co-creator Steve Ditko’s finest work on Spider-Man, Peter Parker must conquer feelings of utter defeat to loose himself after being pinned under tons of steel by Doctor Octopus. “From out of the agony--comes TRIUMPH!”
Kingpin
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #51
After a close call with Aunt May’s health, Spidey takes time off from web-slinging to focus on family. But New York City without its wall-crawler soon falls to chaos, as Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of Crime, quickly seizes control. Check out Spider-Man’s noteworthy public comeback, as he beats up dozens of goons AND takes on Kingpin – all at once!
Green Goblin
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #121
The issue that turned Spider-Man’s world upside down. The Green Goblin kills arguably the love of Peter’s life. With his murder of Gwen Stacy, Goblin cemented himself as Spider-Man’s most vicious foe, one who isn’t afraid to make a point by harming Spidey’s loved ones. Writer Gerry Conway and artist Gil Kane deliver the gut punch.
Sinister Six
In Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1964) #1
Spider-Man has faced just about everybody, but when six of his worst enemies all band together with goals of killing him? That’s a whole ‘nother ballgame. The deadly Sinister Six assembles for the first time: Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, Electro, Sandman, Vulture, and of course, Doctor Octopus! Worse still? Spidey’s powers have been depleted!
Black Cat
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #194
What happens when the Black Cat crosses your path? For Spider-Man, a lesson hard learned! Cat burglar Felicia Hardy pulls out all the stops after Spidey tries to thwart her purchase of weapons. What makes this battle so daunting? Black Cat’s incredible agility and confusing/titillating banter!
Venom
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #300
Spider-Man is without a functioning suit, having had his original red-and-blues decimated during 1984’s Secret Wars. On his return home, Peter thinks he strikes gold when he discovers a powerful, black costume. Here, the black symbiote attaches to Eddie Brock, its perfect vessel for revenge. In this unforgettable face-off, Mary Jane is threatened by Venom, and you know nothing gets Spidey more infuriated than that.
Kraven
In Web of Spider-Man (1985) #31
Big game hunter Sergei Kravinoff views Spider-Man as little more than a precious conquest. Their predator/prey dynamic is masterfully captured in Kraven’s Last Hunt, in which a mania-induced Kraven digs a grave for Spider-Man – and buries him alive.
Morlun
In Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #33
Spidey has faced aliens, mutants, other super heroes, even his own costume…but he has never encountered anyone like Morlun. A ‘Spider-Hunter’ from an alternate dimension, Morlun has made it his primary mission to track down and kill spider-people from across the multiverse. In his introductory arc, Morlun launches a days-long battle against Spider-Man, pushing him to the brink by terrorizing innocents.
Vulture
In Marvel Knights Spider-Man (2004) #4
Vulture plucks a pulverized Peter from his hospital bed, taking him for a ‘death-drop’ flight above New York City. Hanging on by a thread and with little to no fight left, Black Cat luckily intervenes, saving Spider-Man and giving Vulture a beating all his own.
Iron Man
In The Invincible Iron Man (2004) #14
After a brief team-up during Civil War, Spidey finds himself more than disagreeing with Stark’s methods of leadership, as he learns that those who oppose Stark on the Super Human Registration Act are unfairly imprisoned. Watch as the two battle it out during an Avengers face-off at Yankee Stadium!
Doctor Octopus
In Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #700
An emotional issue featuring an unthinkable plot twist that leads directly into Superior Spider-Man (2013). Peter Parker’s consciousness has been supplanted into the mutilated, dying body of Otto Octavius. And who’s wearing Spidey’s body? None other than the mad Doc Ock himself!
Scorpio & The Zodiac
In The Amazing Spider-Man (2015) #10
Scorpio is on the verge of controlling the future through his allegiance to the Zodiac, a powerful, criminal cabal. Spider-Man’s fight will take him on both sides of the English Channel, especially when Parker Industries is compromised!