Doctor Octopus

First Appearance & Origin: Amazing Spider-Man #3

by Steve Ditko, 1963

The man who would be known as Doctor Octopus was a scientist at a "US Atomic Research Center". He developed a set of arm which enabled him to perform experiments with radiation while remaining safely behind a lead shield. As the unsuspecting atomic genius conducted one of his experiments, an explosion occurred. Caught in the explosion, Doctor Octopus absorbed a great deal of radiation. The energy damaged his brain driving him insane, and it fused his artificial arms to his body. Deciding that the other scientists were jealous of his great genius, Doctor Octopus escaped from his room and took many of the doctors and nurses hostage at the hospital.

Investigating the hospital situation, Spider-Man confronted and was easily defeated by Doctor Octopus and his amazing arms. Fleeing the hospital, Doctor Octopus broke into his old laboratory. After recovering his confidence, Spider-Man breaks into the research center, avoids the industrial hazards that Doctor Octopus throws in his way, and confronts the doctor. After a long battle, Spider-Man defeats Doctor Octopus with a good, old-fashioned, punch to the jaw.