“Spider-Man versus the Strangest Foe of All Time… Doctor Octopus”
Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Amazing Spider-Man #3 introduces one of the best Spidey villains: Doctor Octopus! Spider-Man is excelling at being a hero, capturing common thieves with ease. Things are going so well that he almost wishes there was a villain that could give him a challenge. His wish is soon granted when Dr. Otto Octavius is caught in a freak accident that damages his brain and attaches him permanently to a set of mechanical arms.
Octavius, or “Doctor Octopus” wakes up from a coma, captures hostages, and tries to continue his research. A disastrous first encounter leaves Spider-Man beaten and humiliated. But after receiving some indirect motivation from the Human Torch, Spider-Man jumps back into action, using his wits, skill, and strength to fight off his new foe.
There is so much to like in this story. For starters, this is Spidey’s first villain who didn’t start off villainous (at least, that’s what the story seems to imply). Like Peter, Otto receives his “gift” through a freak accident, and he decides to use his gift to finish his research, which he sees as the most important thing to do. Unlike Peter, Otto’s morality is broken, and he is willing to do anything, including hurting others, to complete his research. Great tale of two characters who have “great power” and interpret their “great responsibility” very differently. I would be frustrated if Doctor Octopus was a one-time villain, but thankfully, we’ll get to see a lot more from him.
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