5 Most Brutal Defeats in Spider-Man’s Career, Ranked by Devastation

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For decades, Spider-Man has been a popular and successful character in Marvel Comics. Starting as a teenage superhero while still in high school, he continued his crime-fighting career through college and into adulthood. Though initially facing challenges against stronger opponents, Spider-Man eventually became powerful enough to defeat even the most formidable villains, like Juggernaut and the Hulk. However, his journey wasn’t easy, and he suffered significant defeats along the way.

This list details five of the most brutal beatings Spider-Man has suffered throughout his time as a superhero in comic books.

5) Kraven’s Last Hunt

Many fans consider Kraven’s Last Hunt to be one of the greatest Spider-Man stories ever told. Published in 1987 by J.M. DeMatteis and Mike Zeck, this story spanned three different Spider-Man comic book titles and featured a surprising conclusion after a particularly heartbreaking moment for Spider-Man. The story revolves around Kraven the Hunter finally defeating Spider-Man, achieving what he considered the ultimate victory.

The story initially appeared to show Kraven killing Spider-Man – he even shot and buried him. However, it turned out Kraven only used a tranquilizer, knocking Spider-Man unconscious before burying him alive. Kraven then impersonated Spider-Man, successfully stopping a long-time enemy, Vermin. When Spider-Man recovered, Kraven, having achieved his goal, took his own life. Though Kraven died by suicide, his final act was making it look like he had killed Spider-Man.

4) Spider-Man is Brutalized During Civil War

The Civil War comic book series had several deeply flawed moments. Beyond things like a character resembling Thor killing Bill Foster and heroes unjustly imprisoning others, the actions of Iron Man were particularly problematic. Perhaps the worst of these was convincing Spider-Man to reveal his identity to the world, which tragically led to Aunt May being shot.

Following these events, Spider-Man switched allegiances, instantly making him a target – Iron Man considered anyone against him an enemy. Iron Man then sent dangerous villains, Jack O’Lantern and Jester, to capture Spider-Man, and they nearly killed him. Luckily, Punisher intervened, killing the villains and saving Spider-Man. Without Punisher’s help, Spider-Man wouldn’t have survived.

3) Doctor Octopus ‘Kills’ Spider-Man

A truly surprising event in Spider-Man’s story happened in Amazing Spider-Man #700. In this important issue, a dying Doctor Octopus took control of Spider-Man’s body, and Peter Parker’s mind was trapped inside Doc Ock’s failing, diseased body. They battled, but Peter was incredibly weak and couldn’t win. When Doctor Octopus’ body finally gave out, it appeared Spider-Man had died.

The moment was incredibly shocking – it appeared Doctor Octopus had defeated and even killed Spider-Man. This event launched one of the most acclaimed Spider-Man storylines ever, Superior Spider-Man, where Octopus took over as Spider-Man. However, Peter Parker’s consciousness remained, subtly guiding Octopus to become a better hero over time.

2) Death of Spider-Man (Ultimate Marvel)

This wasn’t the main Spider-Man from the regular Marvel universe, but it was still a very powerful moment in the Ultimate Marvel comics. This version of Peter Parker was a teenager again, and he was dealing with a lot at the time of this tragic event. He was involved in a war between the Ultimate Avengers and the Ultimates when a mistake happened. The Punisher fired at Captain America, intending to incapacitate him, but Spider-Man jumped in the way and was shot instead.

The gunshot was a devastating blow, but Spider-Man refused to give up. The Green Goblin was targeting everyone Peter cared about, so he desperately rushed home to defend them. A fierce battle followed, and both Spider-Man and the Goblin ultimately fell. Peter Parker succumbed to his injuries from the gunshot and the Goblin’s relentless attack, creating one of the most heartbreaking scenes ever in the Ultimate Marvel comics series.

1) Morlun Almost Kills Spider-Man

When Morlun appeared, Spider-Man was completely outmatched. Morlun’s attacks were far more brutal than anything Peter Parker had ever experienced, and he was marked as a target for death. During their first fight, Spider-Man barely escaped because Morlun underestimated him and was fooled by a trick involving Spider-Man’s own poisoned blood, which weakened the villain. However, Morlun learned from his mistake, and the next encounter was terrifying.

In “The Other” storyline, Morlun shockingly returned from death and launched a vicious attack on Spider-Man. He severely injured Peter Parker, even gouging out one of his eyes. After also breaking Mary Jane’s arm while at the hospital, Spider-Man unexpectedly gained new, spider-like abilities. He ultimately defeated Morlun, but only after enduring the most brutal beating of his life.

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2026-03-29 21:11