Wilson Fisk, better known as the Kingpin, is one of Spider-Man’s biggest enemies. Although Kingpin has become more associated with Daredevil, many comic tales have marked Wilson as an influential member of Web-Slinger’s rogues’ gallery.
Throughout the years, Spidey and Kingpin have gone up against each other multiple times. They both hold great power and great responsibility, but while Peter Parker uses his super abilities to save lives, Wilson Fisk uses his own brand of power to be a massive crime lord. The characters go against each other’s philosophies, and their moral differences are shown in many Spider-Man comics.
10 Spider-Man’s Tangled Web #4, “Severance Package”
Aside from the Web-Sliner’s silhouette, Spider-Man’s Tangled Web #4 ‘s “Severance Package” by Greg Rucka, Eduardo Risso, and Steve Buccellato doesn’t directly feature Spider-Man, but still shows a connection between him and Wilson Fisk. Readers get to see the perspective of one of Kingpin’s employees, Tom Cochrane.
Spider-Man disrupts a criminal organization that Tom had set up, and Tom takes full responsibility for the failure, even knowing that it means Kingpin will kill him. Likewise, Kingpin has the responsibility to kill Tom for the sake of his criminal empire. Thus, “Severance Package” shows the concept of “with great power, there must also come great responsibility” from the villains’ perspectives. The comic demonstrates that, like Spider-Man, villains such as Tom and Kingpin must make hard choices.
9 The Amazing Spider-Man #50 to #52
The Amazing Spider-Man #50-52 by Stan Lee, John Romita Sr., and Mickey Demeo, features Wilson Fisk’s first-ever appearance in comic books. With Spider-Man seemingly out of the picture, the Kingpin seeks to control the criminal underworld.
The comic misleads readers into thinking that Kingpin is but a gluttonous boss, before revealing that he is made of mostly muscle and can actually take the Web-Slinger on in a fight. It was a great debut for the Kingpin, and although he is commonly known as a Daredevil villain, this comic reminds audiences that he was the Wall-Crawler’s enemy first.
8 Batman & Spider-Man: New Age Dawning
In Batman & Spider-Man: New Age Dawning by J.M. DeMatteis, Graham Nolan, Karl Kesel, and Gloria Vasquez, readers see Marvel’s Spider-Man interact with DC’s Batman. Not only that, but the heroes meet each other’s villains, Kingpin and Ra’s al Ghul.
Along with Spidey and Batman teaming up, Batman & Spider-Man: New Age Dawning has Ra’s al Ghul and Wilson Fisk working together as well. However, the relationship between Ra’s and Kingpin is much more strained, with the villains having opposing interests and trying to take advantage of each other. It contrasts the Web-Slinger and the Dark Knight, who work past their differences to make a great team.
7 Ultimate Spider-Man #8-13, “Learning Curve”
Ultimate Spider-Man #8-13’s “Learning Curve” by Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley, and Arthur Thibert is often cited as one of the best Spider-Man arcs ever. It shows Peter Parker growing into his role as Spider-Man when facing the Kingpin.
“Learning Arc” uses Kingpin to demonstrate the very real danger Spider-Man puts himself in. Kingpin has Spider-Man beaten and unmasked, and Peter nearly dies. Likewise, the Web-Slinger learns from his mistakes and defeats the Kingpin, marking the true start of their antagonistic relationship in the Ultimate universe. Thus, “Learning Arc” is one of the best arcs to read for those looking to get into the Spider-Man or Kingpin characters.
6 Ultimate Spider-Man #47-53, “Men of Influence”
Ultimate Spider-Man #47-53’s “Men of Influence” story arc by Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley, Art Thibert, and Transparency Digital, has Wilson Fisk and Spider-Man cross paths multiple times. The arc demonstrates the growing animosity between the two, each becoming a thorn in the other’s side.
While Wilson turns public opinion against Spidey, the Web-Slinger gets in the way of Kingpin’s plans. The characters also have a one-to-one talk, with Spider-Man trying to understand how the world allows someone like Wilson to be this powerful Kingpin, further demonstrating the duo’s differences. Overall, “Men of Influence” cements Kingpin as one of Spider-Man’s archenemies.
5 Ultimate Spider-Man #106-110, “Ultimate Knights”
In Ultimate Spider-Man #106-110’s “Ultimate Knights” by Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley, Drew Hennessy, and Justin Ponsor, Spider-Man joins a team of superheroes led by Daredevil. The comic highlights the different attitudes and moralities between Spider-Man and Kingpin. The story also showcases just how much Peter Parker and Wilson Fisk despise each other, with the latter disrupting Spidey’s personal life and taking pure pleasure in tormenting the young boy.
Although both invade the other’s personal life, only Kingpin takes things to another level. Whereas Peter stops Daredevil from killing Wilson’s wife, a vengeful Kingpin gives the order to blow up Peter’s school “while class is in session.” “Ultimate Knights” shows that while Spider-Man and Kingpin sicken each other, only the latter will hurt innocent people to get back at his enemy.
4 The Amazing Spider-Man #539-543, “Back in Black”
In The Amazing Spider-Man #539-543’s “Back in Black” storyline by J. Michael Straczynski, Ron Garney, Bill Reinhold, and Matt Milla, Wilson Fisk crosses a line when he orders someone to shoot Peter Parker’s Aunt May. When Spider-Man learns that Kingpin is responsible, the Web-Slinger personally confronts the crime lord.
Enraged, Peter mercilessly beats up the Kingpin in front of thousands of criminals. Although the Wall-Crawler doesn’t kill him, Peter makes it clear that he can and will kill Wilson if Aunt May dies. “Back in Black” is considered one of the best Spider-Man stories, and sparked a more spiteful relationship between Kingpin and Spidey.
3 What If…? #26, “What If…The Punisher Had Killed Daredevil?”
Spider-Man has a considerable presence in What If…? #26’s “What If…The Punisher Had Killed Daredevil?” by Kurt Busiek, Luke McDonnell, and Tom Vincent. After Punisher accidentally kills Daredevil and causes Spider-Man’s identity to be publicly revealed, the Silvermane family has Peter Parker’s Aunt May murdered. In addition, the president forbids superheroes from interfering with criminal work, resulting in increased gang war.
While Wilson Fisk is barely seen physically in the story, the crime lord manages to have a significant impact. He controls things from behind the scenes, including buying off a corrupt politician to be his puppet, and orchestrating the gang wars. In addition, the Kingpin manipulates Peter into fighting the Punisher, leading to Spider-Man’s death.
2 Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #100, “Breakin’!”
Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #100’s “Breakin’!” by Al Milgrom, Bob Sharen, G. Isherwood, and W. Colleta, features Kingpin in a pivotal role against Spider-Man and Felicia Hardy, also known as the Black Cat. Wilson Fisk had given Black Cat “bad luck” powers, but now they’re turning against her lover Spider-Man.
Black Cat’s powers have been causing Spider-Man to act more clumsy, forcing her to choose whether to leave her precious “Spider.” It was all part of Kingpin’s plan against Black Cat, and he takes much delight in her emotional torment and in hurting a handicapped Spider-Man.
1 The Adventures of Spider-Man #7-8, “Crimetown, U.S.A.” and “Kingpin’s Return”
The Adventures of Spider-Man #7-8’s, “Crimetown, U.S.A.” and “Kingpin’s Return” by Nel Yomtov, Alex Saviuk, Rob Stull, and Kevin Tinsley, focuses on Peter Parker trying to expose Wilson Fisk as the Kingpin. As a special bonus for Spider-Man fans, the comics are based on Spider-Man: The Animated Series.
Although the comic isn’t canon to Spider-Man TAS, it is a fun exploration of the show’s versions of Spidey and Kingpin. The comic pays respect to the show’s art style and plotlines while incorporating elements from the comics, such as the Enforcers and Wilson’s wife, Vannessa Fisk. All in all, “Crimetown, U.S.A.” and “Kingpin’s Return” make for an enjoyable read, especially for fans of Spider-Man: The Animated Series.
