When we think of Spider-Man’s nemesis, we think of Green Goblin, Venom or Mysterio. Perhaps, we could argue that Doc Ock is actually his nemesis. In fact, he once dated Aunt May, formed the Sinister Six and regularly threated Spider-Man’s personal life.

During the Marvel Now! (2012), the Marvel Universe changed after AvX. Now, Marvel decide to redeem Doc Ock who had been suffering regular defeats from Spider-Man. With The Superior Spider-Man, Doc Ock became a hero. Let’s show why Marvel Now! showed us how to successfully redeem a Marvel villain.

Finally, Doc Ock triumphs over his mortal enemy. In Avenging Spider-Man #15.1, Otto Octavius wakes up in Peter’s apartment. Gleefully, he revels over his victory over Spider-Man. When Otto Octavius was near him, Peter Parker visited him. Using brain-switching technology, Doc Ock switched minds with Peter Parker.

Now, Otto in Spider-Man’s body fought Peter Parker in Doc Ock’s body. However, Spider-Man succumbed to the injuries and died. But, now in Spider-Man’s body, Otto realized that he should embrace Spider-Man’s motto: “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Thus, he became a hero and became The Superior Spider-Man.

Originally, the premise of the series was for Doc Ock to show how Spider-Man’s amazing powers and intellect, can fulfill the hero’s potential. Indeed, Otto realized he could apply his mind to improve Spider-Man’s superheroing and personal life.

For instance, Doc Ock enrolled at Empire State University to help Peter complete his doctorate. In addition, he set up a base where Spider-Man could locate danger and invent new tech. Also, Doc Ock created The Superior Spider-Man suit and eventually set up Parker Industries.

Though the Superior Spider-Man proved to be more organized and tactical, he struggled with heroism. When Doc Ock gained Spider-Man’s body, Spider-Man’s consciousness survived. In fact, it meant to prevent Otto from committing serious crimes and even murder.

Soon, Spider-Man’s entourage and the public noticed the hero’s more violent methods. At the same time, the Superior Spider-Man garnered the ire of Spider-Man’s enemies. During Spider-Verse, it was certain that Doc Ock could not live up to the name of the Superior Spider-Man.

Previously, Otto used a neurolitic scanner to remove Peter Parker’s consciousness from his brain. Later, Spider-Man’s consciousness comes back. When the Goblin King attacks Superior Spider-Man with the Spider Slayers. However, Doc Ock searched for his love, Anna Maria Marcona, whom Goblin King took hostage.

When Otto was faced with saving a girl in the subway, Peter’s consciousness came back and drove him to save her. Then, he realized Peter was the Superior Spider-Man. Finally, returning to his lab Doc Ock used the neurolitic scanner to erase his consciousness. In the end, Peter Parker’s consciousness took control of Spider-Man’s body to save Maria.