10 Iconic Marvel Villains We Wish Were Included in Spider-Man: The Animated Series

Spider-Man: The Animated Series featured a remarkable array of villains, yet there were several noteworthy adversaries that could have greatly enhanced the series. Known for possessing one of the most iconic rogue’s galleries in superhero lore, Spider-Man’s collection of enemies rivals even that of Batman. While the adaptations of many classic foes in the series were impressive, the absence of certain villains represents a missed opportunity that could have added depth and intrigue.

Since its debut in 1994, Spider-Man: The Animated Series has been hailed as one of the finest animated portrayals of the beloved web-slinger. Set within the same universe as the esteemed 90s X-Men series, it successfully showcased some of Spider-Man’s most famed villains while also featuring characters from the broader Marvel universe. Unfortunately, various obstacles prevented the series from introducing some villains that have since become more prominent and could have significantly enriched the storyline.

10 Kindred

A Haunting Entity Emerges from Spider-Man’s Past

While many of Spider-Man’s foes draw from scientific origins, Kindred stands out as a chilling exception. This demonic figure, who has traversed realms of darkness, embodies the horror elements in Spider-Man’s lore. With the ability to invade Peter Parker’s dreams, Kindred serves as a psychological tormentor, forcing him to confront his past failures.

The unique animation style of the 90s would have elegantly portrayed Kindred’s surrealistic qualities, allowing for an exploration of Peter’s psyche in visually striking ways. The dramatic twist that Kindred is actually a twin clone born from the DNA of Norman Osborn, Gwen Stacy, and Peter Parker would have seamlessly fit the show’s penchant for melodrama. Regrettably, Kindred did not make his comic book debut until six years after the series concluded.

9 The Maker

The Dark Reflection of a Hero

Marvel Comics' The Maker aka the evil Reed Richards from the Ultimate Universe.

Introduced long after the animated series wrapped up, The Maker represents one of the most captivating villains to surface from the Ultimate universe. This alternate version of Reed Richards has succumbed to his darker instincts, evolving into a tyrannical supervillain with grandiose ambitions. Equipped with Mr. Fantastic’s stretching abilities and a sinister intellect, The Maker would present a formidable challenge for Spider-Man.

The series had previously featured the Fantastic Four, and its exploration of alternate universes could have paved the way for The Maker to engage in a multi-part storyline, capitalizing on his menacing presence. Imagining a modern iteration of Spider-Man’s adventures could offer an excellent opportunity to introduce this intriguing character.

8 Mister Negative

An Intriguing Duality

Mister Negative, a relative newcomer to the Spider-Man rogues’ gallery, would have been a visually striking and narratively compelling character in the animated series. Originally a human trafficker transformed by experimental forces, Martin Li transforms into Mister Negative, representing a dichotomy of good and evil. This character wields Darkforce energy, posing a dangerous threat to Spider-Man and those around him.

Incorporating Mister Negative would not only elevate his role as a villain but also facilitate the introduction of allies like Cloak and Dagger. His distinctive color scheme, combined with the series’ artistic style, would make for unforgettable visuals, representing the type of sophisticated antagonist that could challenge Spider-Man’s moral compass.

7 Scream

A Unique Symbiote Villain

Introduced just before the animated series premiered, Scream offered a timely addition to Spider-Man’s ensemble of villains. As one of the five symbiotes spawned from Venom, Scream emerged as the unofficial leader, and her unique abilities, including symbiotic hair, would have distinguished her from the existing symbiote cast.

With a backstory involving a doomsday prepper and themes of possession transcending death, Scream presents a fascinating character that the show could have explored. Integrating her story would not only reflect modern trends in superhero narratives but also provide an exciting avenue for character development.

6 Sandman

A Beloved Character Hindered by Legal Issues

Sandman, one of Spider-Man’s most complex adversaries, possesses a compelling story that explores themes of redemption and struggle. Transformed by a dangerous experiment, his ability to manipulate sand grants him a formidable advantage over the web-slinger. However, legal complications prevented his inclusion in Spider-Man: The Animated Series.

Though Sandman was nearly featured in the series, the ongoing development of a James Cameron-directed Spider-Man film led to his exclusion to avoid narrative conflicts. Subsequently, Hydro-Man filled the gap, yet Sandman’s rich narrative potential remained untapped, leaving fans yearning for what could have been.

5 Black Tarantula

A Martial Arts Master

Despite Spider-Man’s association with arachnid-themed foes, the character of Black Tarantula is notably absent from his animated adventures. A formidable martial artist with connections to the notorious ninja clan The Hand, Black Tarantula operates in New York City, functioning as both a crime lord and a powerful adversary.

His mystical abilities, which include enhanced strength, speed, and a healing factor, coupled with martial arts prowess, would have posed an exciting challenge for Spider-Man. Including Black Tarantula could have enriched the narrative landscape, particularly within the context of the Kraven storyline.

4 Stegron

A Dinosaur-Themed Adversary

Stegron reaching forward in Spider-Man comics

While The Lizard emerged as a quintessential villain in the series, the introduction of Stegron could have provided an entertaining evolution of that archetype. Utilizing dinosaur DNA from the Savage Land, Stegron would engage Spider-Man as a prehistoric menace, adding a thrilling layer to the narrative.

With connections to the Savage Land—a concept featured frequently throughout the animated series—Stegron’s character would fit seamlessly into the storyline, providing fresh adversarial dynamics while maintaining ties to established character arcs.

3 White Rabbit

A Unique and Unpredictable Challenger

White Rabbit twirls a pocket watch in Marvel Comics

Not all villains emerge from tragic backgrounds; some, like White Rabbit, embody a sense of chaotic thrill. Lorina Dodson, driven by sheer boredom and a complete lack of morality, adopts a rabbit-themed persona to pursue a life of crime for the excitement it brings.

Equipped with contraptions inspired by Alice in Wonderland—such as giant mech suits and genetically altered bunnies—White Rabbit would have offered a whimsical yet ruthless addition to Spider-Man’s adversaries. Her introduction would also diversify the series’ portrayal of female villains, providing a fresh perspective within Spider-Man’s diverse cast.

2 Jackal

A Character with Untapped Potential

The Jackal toying with the Spider-Men using his DNA-stylized strings

Jackal occupies a unique position in Spider-Man: The Animated Series, as his human persona, Miles Warren, is introduced, though his villainous alter ego never materializes. Specializing in cloning, Warren’s involvement in Spider-Man’s genetic legacy could have set the stage for a compelling transformation into Jackal.

In the comics, Warren’s descent into villainy occurs after the death of Gwen Stacy, marking a poignant turn in his character’s trajectory. Plans for Jackal’s inclusion in a sixth season exist, yet the series concluded before the opportunity arose, leaving fans wondering about the character’s potential development.

1 Mephisto

The Dark Prince of Evil

Mephisto sitting on his throne in Marvel Comics.

Though often associated with other heroes, Mephisto has left an indelible mark on Spider-Man’s storylines, presenting a unique challenge to Peter Parker. Portrayed as Marvel’s devil-like character, Mephisto is a master manipulator whose dark influence has shaped many of the tragedies within the Spider-Man mythos.

His involvement in pivotal moments, including turning Norman Osborn into the Green Goblin, highlights the depth of his malevolent character. Given the series’ already established eldritch entities, integrating Mephisto into Spider-Man: The Animated Series would have provided a grounded yet supernatural dimension to the narrative, enriching its complexity.

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