Introduction

Spider-Man has an extensive cast of villains, but some of them are criminally underutilized. These characters, from the early days of the series to more recent additions, often fail to reach the fanfare they deserve. This article delves into a few of these overlooked villains, exploring why they are underutilized and why they should be brought to the forefront of Spider-Man lore.

The Enigmatic Hobgoblin

One of the most intriguing and underutilized Spider-Man villains is the Hobgoblin. The character first appeared in Amazing Spider-Man #238 in 1983, marking a significant moment in Spider-Man's history. The Hobgoblin, or Alexander Russell, was a mysterious and enigmatic figure, creating a compelling and sinister presence.

The enigmatic nature of the character's background added to his allure, making him a formidable and intriguing adversary for Spider-Man. Unfortunately, later developments in the character's backstory and his eventual association with the Green Goblin diminished his appeal. By giving him a more concrete background, the writers made him into a more standard and less interesting villain for readers and fans alike.

The Overdue Return: Electro

Another memorable villain who deserves more attention is Electro. The transformation of petty crook Max Dillon into a powerful supervillain, driven by his love for his wife and his desire to exploit his newfound power, makes Electro one of Spider-Man's most lethal and electrifying adversaries. However, despite his impressive abilities and potential, Electro does not often receive the fan following or recognition he deserves.

Electro possesses superhuman speed, strength, and the ability to generate and control immense amounts of electricity. His powers are a force to be reckoned with, yet his underutilization in both literature and media contributes to his underrated status in Spider-Man lore.

The Multi-Faceted Lizard

The Lizard is another villain that has often been underutilized in comparisons to his more prominent counterparts. The Lizard, whose scientific name is Doctor Curt Connors, has a unique set of abilities that make him a formidable foe.

With superhuman strength at levels comparable to Juggernaut and the ability to regenerate instantly, the Lizard also possesses heightened senses and the intelligence of a genius. Moreover, his array of powers positions him as a potential threat that could take on formidable foes like Juggernaut, Rhino, and Kingpin simultaneously without breaking a sweat. Despite his talents, the Lizard does not often receive the spotlight he deserves in Spider-Man's storytelling.

Doctor Jonathan Ohn: The Spot

Among the lesser-known villains, the character of Doctor Jonathan Ohn, also known as "The Spot," holds a special place. This villain's ability to create portals is a unique and intriguing power that sets him apart. While he may not fit into the current MCU narrative, The Spot would be an excellent candidate for a standalone Venom movie or the Spider-Man Universe Movie Continuum (SUMC), given his distinct abilities and potential for dynamic storytelling.

Additionally, speculation exists that The Spot may appear in the upcoming Spider-Verse 2; however, fans should not hold their breath for an actual appearance, as high expectations can lead to disappointment. Nonetheless, the character's potential contributions to the Spider-Man universe make him a compelling figure worth watching in the future.

In conclusion, many of Spider-Man's villains, including the Hobgoblin, Electro, the Lizard, and Doctor Jonathan Ohn, deserve more attention and development. Their unique abilities, intriguing backstories, and potential for engaging storytelling make them excellent candidates for future adaptation and expansion within the Spider-Man lore.