DOCTOR OCTOPUS
The life pursuit of Dr. Otto Octavius has been to enhance organic life to a superior level. To that end, he is self-equipped with “octo-arms”, a set of fully mechanical appendages synched directly to his brain. But his achievements as an inventor are overshadowed by a psychotic hatred of Spider-Man.
Cephalopod Slayer
Marvel Debut
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #3
Brilliant physicist Otto Octavius becomes…Doc Ock! After he’s chemically bonded to his octo-harness in a radioactive fallout, Octavius kidnaps his medical staff…and Spidey rudely interrupts the hostage sitch!
Sinister Six
In Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1964) #1
A true testament to the visionary weirdness of creator Steve Ditko! Fueled by mutual rage, Octavius assembles Electro, Kraven, Sandman, Vulture and Mysterio as the de facto leader of the Sinister Six…a.k.a. the “We Hate Spider-Man” club!
“You’re NOTHING, you Fool!”
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #89
One of our all-time favorite Ock vs. Spidey issues! After ‘perishing’ in a plane crash, (spoiler: he survives), Doc Ock comes after Spidey with the advantage of surprise. A tightly drawn battle across rooftops!
Eight Arms Beyond the Grave
In Spider-Man: Funeral for an Octopus (1995) #1
Spider-Man and Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider must contend with the still-living legacy of Doc Ock…even though Octavius is dead! Following his end at the hands of Kaine, a power vacuum for Ock’s tech is ignited that reunites the Sinister Six! Read through #2 to witness “Octo-Spidey” in action!
A Sea of Troubles
In Web of Spider-Man (2009) #12
Think you know the real Otto Octavius? We love this psychological evaluation of one of the most clinically mad Spider-villains. Read his defining history here.
“Death” of Doc Ock
In Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #700
Ok, now he’s REALLY dying. With his body failing to decrepitude, Doc Ock pulls off one of the most haunting switcheroos in comics. Octavius swaps his consciousness into Peter Parker’s form…leaving Spidey for dead in his shell of a body! Don’t miss this impactful arc from creator Dan Slott!
Superior Spider-Man
In Superior Spider-Man (2013) #1
A new web-slinger emerges that’s smarter, stronger and more technologically-stocked than his predecessor! As the Superior Spider-Man, Doctor Octopus advances Peter Parker’s professional life…while upending his personal one. A Marvel Unlimited favorite!
Vs. Daredevil
In Daredevil (2011) #22
In one of his earliest forays as the Superior Spider-Man, Doc Ock crosses the Man without Fear to drag him in for JUSTICE! But before he pulls that off, he and Daredevil must unite against the nightmarish Stilt-Man!
Resurrection
In The Amazing Spider-Man (2015) #20
Read the entire Clone Conspiracy as a Reading List! The Jackal pulls off a feat of weird science which ends with Otto in a new, regenerated body. Doctor Octopus has returned!
Superior Octopus
In The Amazing Spider-Man (2015) #29
Read through #31! The new and improved Otto aligns himself with Hydra as the Superior Octopus! And he’s gunning to dismantle one of his greatest achievements that’s been stolen back by Peter Parker…Parker Industries!