7 Times Spider-Man Was Absolutely The Worst
Spider-Man, a beloved Marvel character for decades, has had his fair share of questionable decisions and actions that have made him less than likable. From his initial immaturity leading to tragic consequences to his constant self-pity, Spider-Man's journey has been a rollercoaster. Here's a deep dive into seven instances where Spider-Man's actions and decisions made him the absolute worst in Marvel Comics.
7) Constant Self-Pity
Spider-Man's tendency to feel sorry for himself has become a running joke in animated properties, with other heroes mocking his constant self-pity. While Peter Parker has a lot to feel guilty about, from his role in Uncle Ben's death to indirectly causing Aunt May's shooting, his constant self-pity can be grating. Learning from mistakes and growing as a hero is what makes Spider-Man great, but his self-pity often overshadows this aspect.
6) Superior Spider-Man
The Superior Spider-Man storyline is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it showcases Doc Ock's brilliant mind and determination to be the best Spider-Man. On the other, it shows a darker side to Spider-Man, as Doc Ock doesn't hesitate to hurt people and even considers killing villains. This storyline remains one of the best, thanks to the transformation from the worst to the best Spider-Man.
5) Naively Unmasking During Civil War
For 44 years, Spider-Man kept his identity a secret to protect his loved ones. However, during the Civil War, Iron Man convinced him to unmask on television, a decision that had dire consequences. This led to J. Jonah Jameson suing Spider-Man and Kingpin sending an assassin after him, with Aunt May getting shot. Spider-Man's decision was a joint fault with Iron Man, and it remains one of his worst overall decisions.
4) Grudge Against Clones and Symbiotes
Spider-Man's blind hatred for his clones and the symbiotes, like Venom, is a recurring theme. While his noble desire to save everyone is commendable, his inability to see the good in his clones and his extreme hatred for symbiotes can be off-putting. The fact that he looks down on Ben Reilly and his clones, despite their heroic efforts, is a missed opportunity for growth and reconciliation.
3) Rampage After Aunt May's Shooting
After Kingpin's mercenary shot Aunt May, Spider-Man lost his composure and almost became an anti-hero. While his anger was justified, his decision to go back to his black suit and brutalize villains was against everything he stood for. This led to him crossing lines and becoming a vengeful and violent anti-hero, which was not the image Marvel had for Spider-Man.
2) Hitting a Pregnant Mary Jane
Peter Parker's inability to control his emotions and his fight with Ben Reilly led to a heated exchange with Mary Jane Watson, who was pregnant with his child. Peter's loss of temper and physical assault on Mary Jane were unforgivable. While he tried to justify his actions, saying he wasn't 'a man,' it didn't help his case. This incident could have made Spider-Man as hateable as Hank Pym.
1) Making a Deal with Mephisto
Perhaps the worst decision Spider-Man ever made was his deal with Mephisto. This deal, which erased his secret identity and cost him his marriage, was a desperate attempt to save Aunt May's life. While the decision was understandable, the consequences were severe. Spider-Man's actions went against everything that makes him a hero, and it remains a dark spot in his history.
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