Spider-Man is famous for having a huge number of villains – arguably more than any other Marvel hero. Unlike most heroes who have one main enemy, Spider-Man fans constantly debate who his *greatest* foe is because so many of his villains are popular and dangerous. Characters like Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin, and Venom are all frequent and formidable opponents, and they often shift in importance. Interestingly, many of these major enemies have also surprisingly teamed up with Spider-Man at times, making him unique in the Marvel universe for the number of former villains who’ve become allies.
This article explores how some of Spider-Man’s most notorious enemies – villains who once focused on ruining his life – unexpectedly teamed up with the hero. It looks at the biggest Spider-Man villains who later became surprising allies.
8) J. Jonah Jameson
J. Jonah Jameson, a newspaper editor, was Spider-Man’s biggest critic from the very beginning – even more so than any supervillain. He constantly published articles and opinions designed to make the public distrust Spider-Man, portraying him as a menace rather than a hero. His obsession sometimes led him to extreme measures, like building the Spider Slayers and even turning Mac Gargan into the Scorpion, all in an attempt to destroy Spider-Man’s reputation and stop him.
Everything shifted when Jameson talked Spider-Man into doing a podcast as part of a deal. During the show, Jameson unexpectedly broke down, revealing he’d lost everything important to him except his animosity towards Spider-Man. It was then that Peter Parker publicly revealed he was Spider-Man. This revelation completely turned things around, leading Jameson to champion Spider-Man as a hero and even work as his support staff for a while.
7) Norman Osborn
Norman Osborn appeared beyond saving. His past was filled with terrible acts, including the death of Gwen Stacy and a failed attempt to defeat the Avengers following the Secret Invasion. As one of Spider-Man’s most dangerous enemies, he was so driven by ambition that he made a deal with the devil, Mephisto, trading the soul of his future son, Harry, for success.
During the Kindred storyline, Sin-Eater absolved Norman Osborn of his guilt, and Norman began seeking forgiveness for his past actions. He eventually gained Spider-Man’s confidence and helped him by improving his suit and fighting alongside him. More recently, Norman has been secretly acting as Spider-Man while the original hero has been missing.
6) Sandman
Sandman was one of Spider-Man’s earliest foes. Before gaining his powers, William Baker was a criminal who was caught after a series of robberies. While attempting to evade the police, he was exposed to radiation, which gave him the ability to transform into sand, making him a difficult opponent. Interestingly, Sandman later underwent a significant change, becoming a more beloved heroic figure than villain.
Flint Marko, also known as Sandman, surprisingly found friends among people he used to fight, including The Thing. He even became an Avenger when Captain America offered him a chance to turn his life around. At times, Sandman actually helped Spider-Man, and a particularly moving story showed Spider-Man staying with Sandman as he passed away. Though Marvel often portrays him as a villain, Sandman works much better as a hero.
5) Boomerang
Boomerang isn’t typically considered a top-tier Spider-Man hero, but he’s been a highlight of the character’s stories recently. He started as Peter Parker’s roommate and got him involved in a quest for the Lifeline Tablet – an object the villain Kingpin also wanted to gain more power and control over the city.
Look, their relationship wasn’t built on total trust at first, but over time, Spider-Man and Boomerang actually became real friends. It stung when Boomerang went back to working for Kingpin, I won’t lie. But honestly, it all came full circle when Boomerang sacrificed himself to save Spidey from Morlun – a genuinely heroic end, even if it was tragic.
4) Doctor Octopus
Doctor Octopus experienced an incredible transformation. Facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, he took a desperate chance that actually worked. He transferred his mind into Spider-Man’s body, effectively becoming the new, ‘Superior’ Spider-Man. Over time, he discovered the true meaning of heroism, and this version of Spider-Man became one of Marvel’s most celebrated heroes.
Unfortunately, Otto Octavius’s story took a tragic turn when he was forced to make a deal with Mephisto to protect his family. This deal reverted him to his original self, the Octopus, and erased his memories of being a hero. Despite this, a heroic core remained within him, prompting him to save Spider-Man during the Sinister War – even betraying his fellow villains. While he claimed his actions were self-serving, there seemed to be a deeper, more selfless motivation at play.
3) Lizard
Lizard is arguably one of Spider-Man’s most sympathetic villains. Curt Connors, once a friend of Peter Parker and a genuinely good person, becomes a dangerous and unstable creature when he transforms into the Lizard, willing to harm anyone who gets in his way. Many believe Lizard deserved a chance at redemption, but unfortunately, his story took an even darker turn when his own son also became a version of the Lizard.
Recently, Curt Connors developed a device to manage his transformations into the Lizard. This device could even temporarily paralyze him if he became violent while transformed. Despite his struggles, Curt consistently tried to assist Peter Parker and Spider-Man whenever possible.
2) Black Cat
Black Cat debuted in Marvel Comics as a thief, initially designed as a counterpart to DC’s Catwoman for Spider-Man. Their connection eventually blossomed into a romance, though it took time. Felicia Hardy struggled to abandon her life of crime and never fully let go of stealing. While she still enjoys thievery, she generally strives to be a hero.
Black Cat unexpectedly became Spider-Man’s closest and most supportive partner, even surpassing Mary Jane Watson. She’s incredibly perceptive and always there for him, offering help whenever he needs it. More than anyone else, she truly understands him – she was even the first to realize when someone was impersonating Peter Parker as Spider-Man.
1) Venom
Venom originally formed because of a deep-seated hatred for Spider-Man and Peter Parker. Eddie Brock lost his journalism job after Peter exposed his fabricated stories. Adding to his anger, Venom felt rejected by Spider-Man during their brief connection. Once Eddie and Venom bonded, their sole purpose became destroying Spider-Man.
Everything shifted when Carnage appeared, forcing Venom and Spider-Man to team up against the dangerous symbiote killer. Venom, wanting to be a hero, decided to move away from Manhattan to live a life as an antihero, independent of Spider-Man. Even though Spider-Man still doesn’t trust Venom, they’ll put their differences aside and cooperate when the world is at risk.
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2025-10-07 23:42