View source for Sinister Six

{{Short description|Comic book supervillains}}
{{Distinguish|Secret Six (comics)}}
{{For|the list of members|List of Sinister Six members}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox comics organization <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
| image     = Sinister Six.jpg
| caption   = The original Sinister Six – [[Kraven the Hunter]], [[Mysterio]], [[Doctor Octopus]], [[Vulture (Marvel Comics)|Vulture]], [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]], and [[Electro (Marvel Comics)|Electro]] – battling [[Spider-Man]].<br>Art by [[Alex Ross]].
| publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
| debut     = ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man Annual]]'' #1 (October 1964)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Misiroglu |first1=Gina Renée |last2=Eury |first2=Michael |title=The Supervillain Book: The Evil Side of Comics and Hollywood |date=2006 |publisher=Visible Ink Press |isbn=9780780809772 |url=https://archive.org/details/supervillainbook0000gina/page/326/mode/2up |language=en}}</ref>
| creators  = {{Plainlist|
* [[Stan Lee]]
* [[Steve Ditko]]
}}
| base      = New York City
| members   = [[List of Sinister Six members]]
| subcat    = Marvel Comics
| villain   = y
}}
The '''Sinister Six''' are a group of <!-- Do not add "fictional" as it is tautological; supervillains (and characters in general) are by definition implied to be fictionalized to some extent. -->[[supervillain]]s in [[American comic books]] published by [[Marvel Comics]], mainly those featuring [[Spider-Man]]. The members are drawn from the character's [[List of Spider-Man enemies|list of enemies]], with the original members forming the team in ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man Annual]]'' #1 (October 1964). Led by [[Doctor Octopus]] (introduced in issue #3), the team in its premiere followed swiftly the very early appearances of many of the most enduring members of Spider-Man's rogues gallery: the [[Vulture (Marvel Comics)|Vulture]] (issue #2), the [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]] (issue #4), [[Electro (Marvel Comics)|Electro]] (issue #9), [[Mysterio]] (issue #13), and [[Kraven the Hunter]] (issue #15). While Doctor Octopus has generally remained its leader, the Sinister Six has had multiple variations of composition.

The team has been adapted into various forms of media, mainly in animated series and video games.

{{TOC limit|limit=3}}

== Publication history ==
The Sinister Six first appeared in ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man Annual]]'' #1 (October 1964).<ref>{{cite book|last1 = Manning|first1 = Matthew K.|last2= Gilbert|first2= Laura, ed.|chapter= 1960s|title = Spider-Man Chronicle Celebrating 50 Years of Web-Slinging|publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]]|year = 2012|page = 27|isbn = 978-0756692360|quote= Spidey faced his first true team of super villains in an oversized 73-pages extravaganza written by [Stan] Lee with art by [Steve] Ditko.}}</ref>

== Fictional team biography ==
=== Original Sinister Six ===
After suffering two defeats from Spider-Man,{{efn|As seen in ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #3 and 11-12.}} [[Doctor Octopus]] is separated from his tentacle pack. After his tentacle pack breaks free and helps Doctor Octopus get out of prison, he contacts every known supervillain who had crossed paths with Spider-Man. Only [[Electro (Marvel Comics)|Electro]], [[Kraven the Hunter]], the original [[Mysterio]], [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]], and the original [[Vulture (Marvel Comics)|Vulture]] respond. As none of the members are willing to relinquish the honor of killing Spider-Man themselves, they decide to challenge Spider-Man individually with the order in which they face him determined by a random drawing.<ref>{{cite book |last=Rovin |first=Jeff |title=[[The Encyclopedia of Super-Villains]] |date=1987 |publisher=Facts on File |isbn=0-8160-1356-X |location=New York |page=402 |authorlink=Jeff Rovin}}[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofsu0000rovi_h5r9/page/402/mode/2up]</ref> The Sinister Six kidnap [[Aunt May]] and ''[[Daily Bugle]]'' [[secretary]] [[Betty Brant]], holding them hostage in order to force Spider-Man to confront them. Spider-Man defeats the Sinister Six members one-by-one, mocking their decision to battle him individually instead of as a team in front of Doctor Octopus, the last one to be defeated.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man Annual'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== "The Return of the Sinister Six" ===
In ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #334–339, Doctor Octopus recruits Electro, Sandman, Mysterio, and Vulture, along with the demonic [[Jason Macendale]] version of [[Hobgoblin (comics)|Hobgoblin]] (since Kraven the Hunter had [[Kraven's Last Hunt|recently died]]), as part of his plan to take over the world. However, this was a trick, part of a larger plan by which Doc Ock alone would be the master of the world, by releasing a chemical into the atmosphere that would cause pain in anyone who attempted to use cocaine; he would then sell his cure for the chemical to the rich and powerful. Sandman, who at this point in his career had reformed and was blackmailed into joining, aids Spider-Man in defeating the Sinister Six, and ultimately stopping Doc Ock's plans to conquer the world. Because Octopus' chemical is eating away the ozone layer, Spider-Man has no choice but to release the cure into the atmosphere.{{cn|date=July 2019}}

=== "Revenge of the Sinister Six" ===
In ''Spider-Man'' #18-23, Electro, Mysterio, Vulture, and Hobgoblin reunite in a bid to take revenge on Doctor Octopus. To trick Sandman into joining them, they hit his foster family with a bomb, leading him to believe Doctor Octopus attacked them as punishment for betraying him. Sandman contacts Spider-Man and asks him to shadow the group as insurance against him being double-crossed. Doctor Octopus easily defeats the other members of the six with his newly reacquired [[adamantium]] arms, then zaps Sandman with a weapon that transforms his body into glass and beats Spider-Man nearly to death. When police surround the building, the other members of the Sinister Six agree to serve Doctor Octopus in exchange for his helping them escape. The assembled Sinister Six go off on a rampage, stealing advanced weapons and technology from several sources, including an alien dimension and a facility specializing in cybernetics. To again complete their quorum of six, they recruit [[Gog (Marvel Comics)|Gog]]. Eventually, Spider-Man and several other heroes (including the [[Ghost Rider]], [[Deathlok]], [[Nova (Richard Rider)|Nova]], the [[Hulk]], and [[Solo (Marvel Comics)|Solo]]) confront the villains as they are seizing a [[Hydra (comics)|Hydra]] base to gain access to deadly, world-devastating weapons. Most of the members are again incarcerated, but Vulture and Hobgoblin escape.<ref>''Spider-Man'' #18-23. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Sinister Seven ===
A variation known as the Sinister Seven is formed by Hobgoblin to fight [[Kaine Parker|Kaine]] after he killed Doctor Octopus and the [[Grim Hunter]] (Kraven the Hunter's son Vladimir). Hobgoblin's Sinister Seven includes [[Abner Jenkins|Beetle]], Electro, Mysterio, [[Scorpia (comics)|Scorpia]], [[Shocker (character)|Shocker]], and Vulture. They finally find Kaine and a battle erupts. Spider-Man saves Kaine from being executed; the two then work together and defeat the Sinister Seven.<ref>''Spider-Man Unlimited'' #9. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Sandman's Sinister Six ===
Eventually, the Sandman (who had been turned back into a villain by his former ally [[Wizard (Marvel Comics)|Wizard]]) and the second [[Mysterio#Daniel Berkhart|Mysterio]] (the original had [[Guardian Devil|committed suicide following his fight]] with [[Daredevil (Marvel Comics character)|Daredevil]]) form a new version of the Sinister Six, with [[Eddie Brock|Venom]] temporarily replacing Doctor Octopus and the other members consisting of Electro, the second [[Kraven the Hunter (Alyosha Kravinoff)|Kraven the Hunter]] (another son of the dead original), and Vulture. The Sandman uses the Sinister Six in order to get revenge on Doctor Octopus for turning him into glass in "The Revenge of the Sinister Six" storyline. The Sinister Six are defeated again, and Venom subsequently attacks the various members of the group after being betrayed by them. He nearly kills the Sandman and badly injures Electro and Kraven the Hunter before he and his symbiote are briefly separated from each other by the mysterious Senator Ward.

=== Sinister Twelve ===
[[File:SinisterTwelve442.jpg|thumb|The Sinister Twelve]]
In ''[[The Sensational Spider-Man (vol. 2)|Marvel Knights Spider-Man]]'', [[Norman Osborn]] is unmasked to the public as the Green Goblin and imprisoned. Osborn contacts a group of supervillains who also bear grudges against Spider-Man, all of whom had been financed by Osborn's fortunes for years. Eager to retaliate, the villains agree to band together, and the Sinister Twelve is formed.

[[Mac Gargan]] is the de facto leader of the Twelve while Osborn is in prison, and he kidnaps Peter Parker's Aunt May and threatens to kill her if Spider-Man does not help Osborn escape from jail. Spider-Man, with help from [[Black Cat (Marvel Comics)|Black Cat]], breaks Osborn out only to be confronted by Vulture, Sandman, Electro, [[Chameleon (character)|Chameleon]], [[Lizard (character)|Lizard]], [[Hydro-Man]], Shocker, [[Hammerhead (character)|Hammerhead]], [[Boomerang (character)|Boomerang]], and [[Tombstone (character)|Tombstone]]. Osborn, now in the guise of the Goblin, introduces them as the Sinister Twelve.

Spider-Man and Black Cat are rescued by [[Captain America]], [[Iron Man]], [[Daredevil (Marvel Comics character)|Daredevil]], [[Hank Pym|Yellowjacket]] and the [[Fantastic Four]]. Furious, Goblin rockets away and kidnaps [[Mary Jane Watson]] and Spider-Man pursues him. Spider-Man and the Goblin clash upon a bridge (not the one where [[Gwen Stacy]] was killed). Finally, Osborn gives a vital clue as to Aunt May's whereabouts before being knocked into the river below. In the aftermath, Aunt May is found and saved. The rest of the Sinister Twelve are subdued by the other heroes and arrested.

=== Civil War's Sinister Six ===
A new version of the Sinister Six apparently bands together during the ''[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]'' storyline. The line-up consists of Doctor Octopus, [[Grim Reaper (Marvel Comics)|Grim Reaper]], Lizard, Shocker, [[Trapster]], and Vulture. They are stopped by Captain America and his Secret Avengers off-panel and discovered bound and subdued by [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]]<ref>''Civil War'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== "Big Time" Sinister Six ===
Following the events of the "Origin of the Species" storyline which involves Doctor Octopus assembling Spider-Man's enemies into targeting [[Harry Osborn]]'s baby (who Doctor Octopus thought had some of Norman Osborn's DNA), only the Chameleon, Electro, Mysterio, the [[Rhino (character)|Rhino]], and the Sandman remain with Doctor Octopus to reform the Sinister Six when the baby does not inherit Norman Osborn's DNA. Their first plot involves sending Micro-Octobots to blow up an Air Force base. This is prevented by Spider-Man, the Avengers, and the Fantastic Four.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #648. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Spider-Man and the [[Future Foundation]] stumble on a plot on a Caribbean Island by the Sinister Six which involves the use of a zombie pirate crew.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #659</ref> During the fight with the Sinister Six, Spider-Man realizes that the Doctor Octopus, Electro, Rhino and Sandman that they are fighting are robots, while Mysterio and the Chameleon are the only real ones present. Meanwhile, the real Doctor Octopus infiltrates the [[Baxter Building]] to look for specific technology plans.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #660. Marvel Comics.</ref>

While the adult Avengers are dealing with the eruption of Mount Etna, [[Tigra]] and the [[Avengers Academy]] students learn that Electro has broken into a French laboratory. Once on the scene, the students discover that Electro is accompanied by the rest of the Sinister Six. The Sinister Six overpower the students and Doctor Octopus steals a device containing self-sustaining power.<ref>''Avengers Academy'' #14. Marvel Comics.</ref> Doctor Octopus and the Sinister Six later fight the Intelligencia where the Chameleon had infiltrated the group disguised as [[Klaw (character)|Klaw]]. After the Intelligencia members are defeated, the Sinister Six steal their Zero Cannon (a weapon which changes Earth's gravity field to send specific objects into space). Doctor Octopus later appears in a robot suit which would help to keep him alive.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #676. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Doctor Octopus and Mysterio coordinate the Octobots who have infiltrated the Apogee 1 Space Station and taken over some of the crew members. When Mysterio notices that some of the Octobots were disabled, Doctor Octopus orders the Octobots to finish their mission and then destroy the space station.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #680. Marvel Comics.</ref> When Spider-Man arrives on the Apogee 1 Space Station, Doctor Octopus pushes a button that starts to move the Apogee 1 Space Station close to Earth. After Apogee 1 Space Station is destroyed and the crew is evacuated by Spider-Man, the [[Human Torch]] and [[John Jameson (character)|John Jameson]], Doctor Octopus tells the rest of the Sinister Six that his master plan is about to begin.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #681. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==== Ends of the Earth ====
In the "[[Ends of the Earth (Marvel Comics)|Ends of the Earth]]" storyline, all of Doctor Octopus' preparations come to fruition in a plan to conquer the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://comics.ign.com/articles/121/1214698p1.html|title=IGN.com: Dan Slott discusses the next big Amazing Spider-Man storyline|date=December 13, 2011|access-date=March 6, 2012}}</ref> Doctor Octopus activates a giant antenna array called the ''Octahedral'' which, in turn, activates Earth-orbiting satellites he calls the ''Octavian Lens''. The Lens works to speed up the [[greenhouse effect]], which in turn heats up the Earth. Upon hacking into televisions around the world, Doctor Octopus describes what his satellites are doing, and shuts them down. He says he can save the world "at a price".<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #682. Marvel Comics.</ref> At [[Capitoline Hill#Michelangelo|Palazzo Senatorio]], an international gathering of world leaders and the planet's greatest minds meet to discuss Doctor Octopus's supposed offer to save the world. The Avengers crash the assembly and Spider-Man captures the Chameleon, who is at the meeting disguised as Vice President [[Al Gore]]. Spider-Man lets the Chameleon go, but he secretly places a Spider-Tracer on him, which allows Spider-Man and the Avengers to follow the Chameleon to the Mediterranean Coast where the rest of the Sinister Six is waiting. The Six subdue the Avengers, leaving only Spider-Man standing. Spider-Man is taken down when trying to gain control of Doctor Octopus's tentacles with his helmet.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #683. Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Sinister Six then leave the area, and Doctor Octopus issues his demands: control of 200 missile facilities (for use in his plan), as well as two billion dollars for each of the members of the Sinister Six. In response, Spider-Man contacts [[Horizon Labs]] for help. Doctor Octopus sends the Sandman to guard one of the missile facilities in the Sahara Desert. After Spider-Man, the [[Black Widow (Natasha Romanova)|Black Widow]], and [[Silver Sable]] enter the facility and defeat the Sandman, Doctor Octopus contacts the U.N. once again and orders them to kill Spider-Man in retaliation.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #684. Marvel Comics.</ref> In a subsequent missile facility raid, Spider-Man and his allies manage to defeat the Rhino, but they are unable to capture him because they are attacked by S.H.I.E.L.D (under orders from the U.N., via Doctor Octopus's demands). Forced to flee, Spider-Man and his allies then attempt to rally support from Earth's other heroes after the [[Titanium Man#Other Titanium Men|Titanium Man]] alerts them to the fact that Doctor Octopus has been recruiting other villains. Tracking down a final facility, Spider-Man learns that Doctor Octopus has already launched all of his satellites.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #685. Marvel Comics.</ref> However, this is revealed to be a deception created by Mysterio and the Chameleon. Spider-Man defeats the Chameleon when he attempts to attack them in a "Doc-Ock" suit of armor. Spider-Man and his allies then convince Mysterio to help them track down Doctor Octopus's base. While they find the base, they also find themselves pitted against the 'new' Sinister Six—in the form of the mind-controlled Avengers.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #686. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Despite Doctor Octopus's confidence, the heroes prevail against their mind-controlled teammates; the Black Widow and Hawkeye are knocked out by Iron Man while he is still under Doctor Octopus's control. Spider-Man's new training, combined with Captain America subconsciously holding back, allows Spider-Man and Silver Sable to defeat [[Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew)|Spider-Woman]] and Captain America, respectively. Finally, Mysterio uses an EMP generator to negate the Octobots controlling [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]], Iron Man and the [[Thunderbolt Ross|Red Hulk]]. Now "Octobot" free, these remaining three Avengers set out to take out Doctor Octopus's missiles, while Spider-Man and Silver Sable confront Doctor Octopus in his base. The two are first met by the Rhino, who decides to drown himself and take Sable with him in an attempt to psychologically beat Spider-Man into submission, but Spider-Man musters his strength, manages to destroy Doctor Octopus's arms and equipment and ultimately hauls his foe away to a doctor.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #687. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== ''Marvel NOW!''{{'}}s Sinister Six ===
As part of the ''[[Marvel NOW!]]'' event, the [[The Superior Spider-Man|Superior Spider-Man]] (Doctor Octopus's mind in Spider-Man's body) encounters a new Sinister Six consisting of Boomerang, [[Overdrive (character)|Overdrive]], Shocker, [[Speed Demon (character)|Speed Demon]], [[Living Brain]], and the female [[Janice Lincoln|Beetle]] who previously fought [[Bucky Barnes|Captain America]] and the Black Widow. The group of villains attacks Horizon Labs, but the Superior Spider-Man defeats them, using a power-dampening field to disable their equipment. He is preparing to kill Boomerang when the still-living consciousness of Peter Parker stops him. Otto gives the villains to the NYPD and the EMTs upon their arrival.<ref>''The Superior Spider-Man'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

This version of the Sinister Six (minus the Living Brain) then appears in its own series ''[[The Superior Foes of Spider-Man]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/spencer-gets-sinister-with-superior-foes-of-spider-man/|title=Spencer Gets Sinister With "Superior Foes of Spider-Man"|date=May 1, 2013|publisher=CBR|author=Dave Richards|accessdate=October 15, 2021}}</ref> The Sinister Six later assaulted the [[Owl (Marvel Comics)|Owl]]'s base. Overdrive and the Speed Demon were captured by the Owl and interrogated. The Beetle tried to blackmail the Owl into releasing them while covertly dialing for back-up. Unimpressed, the Owl got ready to execute her when reinforcements arrived in the form of Tombstone (who was revealed to be the Beetle's father).<ref>''The Superior Foes of Spider-Man'' #6. Marvel Comics.</ref> At one point to steal valuables from the Chameleon, including a portrait of Doctor Doom, the Sinister Six allied with the Owl, where they expand the group into a "Sinister Sixteen". Besides Boomerang, the Beetle, Overdrive, Owl, and Speed Demon, the group consists of [[Armadillo (character)|Armadillo]], [[Bi-Beast]], [[Clown (Marvel Comics)|Clown]], [[Cyclone (Marvel Comics)|Cyclone]], [[Human Fly (character)|Human Fly]], [[Kangaroo (character)|Kangaroo]], [[Man Mountain Marko]], [[Mirage (Marvel Comics)|Mirage]], [[Scorcher (character)|Scorcher]], [[Shriek (character)|Shriek]], [[Spot (Marvel Comics)|Spot]], and [[Squid (Marvel Comics)|Squid]].<ref>{{Cite comic|writer = Nick Spencer|penciller = Steve Lieber|inker = Rachelle Rosenberg|story = Department of Revenge-Ucation|title = The Superior Foes of Spider-Man|volume = 1|issue = #12|date = June 4, 2014|publisher = Marvel Comics|location = United States|page =|panel =|id =}}</ref> The team eventually broke up after Boomerang had thoroughly screwed over everyone, including himself.<ref>''The Superior Foes of Spider-Man'' #17. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==== Superior Six ====
Following the deletion of Peter Parker's memories and acquiring the [[Raft (comics)|Raft]] as his new base which he renamed Spider-Island, the Superior Spider-Man begins to collect former Sinister Six members and store them in his underwater lab with the implied intention to create a new team as the Superior Spider-Man. First, he acquired the sand grain that contained the Sandman's consciousness.<ref>''Avenging Spider-Man'' #17. Marvel Comics.</ref> When Electro returned to Earth after being hurled into space by Thor, the Superior Spider-Man enlisted Thor to help defeat Electro.<ref>''Avenging Spider-Man'' #18. Marvel Comics.</ref> The Superior Spider-Man then confiscated the Chameleon from S.H.I.E.L.D. custody.<ref>''Avenging Spider-Man'' #20-21. Marvel Comics.</ref> The Superior Spider-Man came across Mysterion (a villain dressed like Mysterio) robbing the bank. Upon defeating Mysterion, the Superior Spider-Man discovered that the villain he thought was Mysterio was not Quentin Beck, but an unnamed man who bought the Mysterio gear from the Hobgoblin.<ref>''Avenging Spider-Man'' #22. Marvel Comics.</ref> Finally, the Superior Spider-Man went up against the Vulture, who seeks to get even with the Superior Spider-Man for beating him up twice. The Superior Spider-Man managed to defeat the Vulture.<ref>''Superior Spider-Man Team-Up'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Superior Spider-Man debuts with mind-controlled members as the supposedly-reformed "Superior Six" at the time when [[Lightmaster]] invades [[Alchemax]] to obtain an invention that would work in sync with his own light powers. The Superior Six ended up fighting the [[Wrecking Crew (comics)|Wrecking Crew]] (who were hired by Lightmaster to assist him).<ref>''Superior Spider-Man Team-Up'' #5. Marvel Comics.</ref> Due to the second [[Sun Girl (Marvel Comics)|Sun Girl]]'s widespread attack, the Superior Spider-Man lost control of the Superior Six and they attacked him.<ref>''Superior Spider-Man Team-Up'' #6. Marvel Comics.</ref> The Superior Spider-Man and Sun Girl had to team up to defeat them.<ref>''Superior Spider-Man Team-Up'' #7. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==== Sinister Sixty-Six ====
[[Mojo (comics)|Mojo]] and the Chameleon abduct Spider-Man and his X-Men students and force them to star in a show which pits them against the Sinister Sixty-Six. The group, which is not seen in its entirety, consists of holographic stand-ins of various enemies of Spider-Man like Beetle, [[Carnage (character)|Carnage]], [[Demogoblin]], Doctor Octopus, Duster, Electro, [[Gibbon (comics)|Gibbon]], Green Goblin, [[Grizzly (comics)|Grizzly]], Hammerhead, Hobgoblin, [[Jackal (Marvel Comics character)|Jackal]], [[Jack O'Lantern (Marvel Comics)|Jack O'Lantern]], [[Kingpin (character)|Kingpin]], Kraven the Hunter, Lizard, [[Morbius|Morbius the Living Vampire]], Mysterio, [[Puma (character)|Puma]], Rhino, [[Ringer (comics)|Ringer]], Sandman, Scorpion, Shocker, Shriek, Sludge, Tombstone, [[Vermin (character)|Vermin]], and Vulture.<ref>''Spider-Man and the X-Men'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==== Swarm's Sinister Six ====
Spider-Man and the students of the [[X-Mansion|Jean Grey School for Higher Learning]] encounter the eighth incarnation of the Sinister Six led by [[Swarm (Marvel Comics)|Swarm]] and consisting of the third [[8-Ball (comics)|8-Ball]], [[Delilah (comics)|Delilah]], [[Killer Shrike]], the third [[Melter]], and [[Squid (Marvel Comics)|Squid]]. After [[Hellion (character)|Hellion]] defeats Swarm, the other members of the Sinister Six surrender.<ref>''Spider-Man and the X-Men'' #4. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Iron Spider's Sinister Six ===
Purchasing a recolored and modified version of the [[Iron Spider]] armor, [[Miles Morales]]' uncle [[Prowler (Marvel Comics)|Aaron Davis]] forms an incarnation of the Sinister Six consisting of [[Bombshell (Marvel Comics)|Bombshell]], the Francine Frye version of Electro, the [[Roderick Kingsley]] version of the Hobgoblin, Sandman, and Spot. Their first mission was to steal a decommissioned S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier.<ref>''Spider-Man'' #234. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Sinister Sixty ===
Spider-Man plays with a cancer patient named Nathan where they envision that Nathan becomes Spider-Bite and they "fight" the [[Stilt-Man]]'s Sinister Sixty who wish to obtain Spider-Bite's action figure of Spider-Man. The line-up consists of [[Absorbing Man]], [[Big Man (comics)|Big Man]], [[Black Cat (Marvel Comics)|Black Cat]], [[Black Tarantula]], [[Boomerang (comics)|Boomerang]], [[Calypso (comics)|Calypso]], [[Carrion (comics)|Carrion]], [[Cletus Kasady|Carnage]], the [[Chameleon (character)|Chameleon]], [[Demogoblin]], [[Doctor Octopus]], [[Doppelganger (Marvel Comics)|Doppelganger]], [[Electro (Marvel Comics)|Electro]], [[Enforcers (comics)|Enforcers]], [[Fusion (Marvel Comics)|Fusion]], [[Norman Osborn|Green Goblin]], [[Gabriel Stacy and Sarah Stacy|Grey Goblin]], [[Hammerhead (character)|Hammerhead]], [[Hobgoblin (comics)|Hobgoblin]], [[Hydro-Man]], [[Jason Macendale|Jack O'Lantern]], [[Jackal (Marvel Comics character)|Jackal]], [[Joystick (comics)|Joystick]], [[Juggernaut (character)|Juggernaut]], [[Kaine Parker|Kaine]], the [[Kingpin (character)|Kingpin]], [[Kraven the Hunter]], [[Kraven the Hunter (Alyosha Kravinoff)|Kraven the Hunter]] (Alyosha Kravinoff), [[Kraven the Hunter (Ana Kravinoff)|Kraven the Hunter]] (Ava Kravinoff), [[Lady Octopus]], [[Lizard (character)|Lizard]], [[Mephisto (Marvel Comics)|Mephisto]], [[Mister Negative]], [[Molten Man]], [[Morbius|Morbius the Living Vampire]], [[Morlun]], [[Mysterio]], [[Raptor (Marvel Comics)|Raptor]], [[Rhino (character)|Rhino]], [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]], Sasha Kravinoff, [[Scorpia (comics)|Scorpia]], [[Mac Gargan|Scorpion]], [[Scream (character)|Scream]], [[Screwball (character)|Screwball]], [[Shocker (character)|Shocker]], [[Shriek (character)|Shriek]], [[Silvermane]], [[Sin-Eater (character)|Sin-Eater]], [[Alistair Smythe]], [[Stunner (comics)|Stunner]], [[Swarm (Marvel Comics)|Swarm]], [[Tarantula (Marvel Comics)|Tarantula]], [[Eddie Brock|Venom]], [[Vermin (character)|Vermin]], and [[Vulture (Marvel Comics)|Vulture]]. Spider-Man and Spider-Bite defeat the Sinister Sixty at [[Grand Central Station]] and keep the Stilt-Man from claiming the Spider-Man action figure.<ref>''Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man'' (vol. 2) #6. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Sinister War ===
While Doctor Octopus is discovering clues to some of his missing memories, he exhumes an unexpectedly empty casket in a cemetery. [[Kindred (Marvel Comics)|Kindred]] sends one of his centipedes to enter Doctor Octopus' ear, rendering him unconscious.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 5) #64. Marvel Comics.</ref>

In a lead-up to "[[Sinister War]]", Kindred tells Doctor Octopus that he can help him with his memories, but he will need to gather five more people.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 5) #67. Marvel Comics.</ref> At an unknown beach, Doctor Octopus helps Sandman with his loss of direction and promises to solve Sandman's immortality problem.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 5) #68. Marvel Comics.</ref> Upon building a special machine, Doctor Octopus resurrects Electro with his powers intact as Kindred comments on Electro's abilities while stating that Doctor Octopus is getting closer to his true self.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 5) #69. Marvel Comics.</ref> Doctor Octopus and Electro find [[Last Son of Kraven|Kraven the Hunter]] in the [[Savage Land]] hunting a dinosaur. Electro shocks the dinosaur, and Doctor Octopus recruits Kraven the Hunter into the Sinister Six by promising him to hunt down the Lizard.<ref>''Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man: Chameleon Conspiracy'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> Doctor Octopus coerces Curt Connors into using the Isotope Genome Accelerator on himself which separates him from his Lizard side. Kindred then completes the Sinister Six by having Mysterio join him as Kindred notes that his endgame with Spider-Man is approaching.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 5) #70. Marvel Comics.</ref>

When the [[Savage Six]] attacks the world premiere of a film that Mary Jane Watson and a disguised Mysterio were involved in, the Sinister Six intervenes in order to get Mysterio in their ranks despite Spider-Man's intervention. Mysterio complies with Doctor Octopus and teleports Mary Jane away while Doctor Octopus knocks out Spider-Man.<ref>''Sinister War'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> Kindred kept the Savage Six on the reserve should the [[Foreigner (character)|Foreigner]]'s group, the Superior Foes, and the [[Sinister Syndicate]] fail to eliminate Spider-Man.<ref>''Sinister War'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref> Badly wounded, Peter is relieved to find the Black Cat, Wolverine, and the Human Torch have arrived to help, unaware that they are Mysterio, the Lizard, and Electro in illusion disguises created by the former. The Lizard springs their trap too early by attacking Peter, much to Mysterio's annoyance. Peter fends off the Sinister Six until Doctor Octopus ensnares him with his tentacles. Peter attempts to appeal to Doctor Octopus' better nature, telling him that he is not like this anymore. Doctor Octopus briefly hesitates, but mounting pressure from the rest of the Sinister Six compels him to act, though this buys Peter enough time to break free. The Savage Six then attack the Sinister Six, giving Peter time to escape.<ref>''Sinister War'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref> Ultimately, Doctor Octopus knocks all the other villains out using Black Ant's technology when he determines that Kindred planted some of his centipedes in the brains of every villain present, Octavius declaring that he dislikes being used even if he declines to help Peter further.<ref>''Sinister War'' #4. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Squid Kid's Sinister Six ===
A.I.M. operative and self-proclaimed [[Scientist Supreme]] Squid Kid later formed his incarnation of the Sinister Six and consisted of Apostate, Mysteriant, Rhinoceress, Willow-Wasp, and an amnesiac [[Billy Connors (character)|Billy Connors]] who operated as Lizard Boy. They targeted Stanley Osborn only to fight the students of [[Avengers Academy]].<ref>''Avengers Academy: Marvel's Voices Infinity Comic'' #5-6. Marvel Comics.</ref>

== Membership ==
{{main|List of Sinister Six members}}

== Other versions ==
=== Age of Apocalypse ===
An alternate universe iteration of the Sinister Six appears in the "[[Age of Apocalypse]]" 10th anniversary limited series. This version of the group is assembled by [[Mister Sinister#Age of Apocalypse|Mister Sinister]] and consists of [[Cloak and Dagger (characters)#Age of Apocalypse|Cloak and Dagger]], [[Siryn|Sonique]], [[Sauron (Marvel Comics)#Age of Apocalypse|Sauron]], the [[Blob (Marvel Comics)#Age of Apocalypse|Blob]], and [[Jean Grey#Age of Apocalypse|Phoenix]].

=== Avataars: Covenant of the Shield ===
A medieval fantasy-inspired iteration of the Sinister Six called the '''Six Most Sinister''' appear in ''[[Avataars: Covenant of the Shield]]'' #2, led by the Goblin King and consisting of the Huntsman, Jolt, Mysterium, Sandstorm, Talon, and Tentaclus. This version of the group operate a tollbooth in the Webwood.<ref>{{Cite comic|Writer = Len Kaminski|Penciller = Oscar Jiminez and Javier Saltares|Inker = Eduardo Alpuente and Chris Ivy|Story = Wild Kingdoms|Title = Avataars: Covenant of the Shield|Volume = 1|Issue = 2|date = October 2000|Publisher = Marvel Comics}}</ref>

=== Marvel 1602 ===
An alternate universe iteration of the Sinister Six from [[Marvel 1602|Earth-311]] called the '''Sinister Sextet''' appears in ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 4) #1, consisting of Canice Cassidy, Electro, the Hobgoblin, Karnov, Magus, and the Serpent.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 4) #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Marvel 2099 ===
A future iteration of the Sinister Six from a [[Marvel 2099]]-related timeline appears in ''Spider-Man 2099'' (vol. 3) #11-12, consisting of [[Kron Stone|Venom 2099]], the [[Green_Goblin#2099|Goblin 2099]], [[Doctor Octopus#Marvel 2099|Doctor Octopus 2099]], the [[Vulture (Marvel Comics)#Marvel 2099|Vulture 2099]], [[Electro (Marvel Comics)#Marvel 2099|Electro 2099]], and the Sandwoman.<ref>''Spider-Man 2099'' (vol. 3) #11. Marvel Comics.</ref> After the Goblin is revealed to be a mole helping [[Spider-Man 2099]], he is killed by Doctor Octopus and replaced with Venture.<ref>''Spider-Man 2099'' (vol. 3) #12. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Marvel Zombies ===
* A zombified iteration of the Sinister Six make a minor appearance in ''[[Marvel Zombies]]: Dead Days'', consisting of Doctor Octopus, the Green Goblin, the Vulture, the Sandman, Electro, and Mysterio.
* An alternate universe iteration of the Sinister Six appear in ''[[Marvel Zombies Return]]'', consisting of Doctor Octopus, the Sandman, the Vulture, Mysterio, Electro, and Kraven the Hunter. This version of the group work for the Kingpin until all except the Sandman are attacked and converted by a dimension-hopping zombified Spider-Man.

=== Secret Wars (2015) ===
Three iterations of the Sinister Six from [[Battleworld]] appear in "[[Secret Wars (2015 comic book)|Secret Wars]]" (2015).
* The first iteration appears in issue #2 of the ''Spider-Verse'' tie-in, consisting of Doctor Octopus, Kraven the Hunter, the Scorpion, Mysterio, the Shocker, and the Vulture. This version of the group hail from the Battleworld domain of Arachnia and work for Mayor Norman Osborn. Additionally, the fugitive [[Spider-Woman (Gwen Stacy)|Spider-Gwen]], [[Spider-UK]], [[Spider-Man Noir]], [[Anya Corazon|Spider-Girl]], [[Spider-Man (Pavitr Prabhakar)|Spider-Man India]], and [[Spider-Ham]] are referred to by Osborn as the Sinister Six.<ref>''Spider-Verse'' (vol. 2) #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>
* The second iteration appears in ''[[Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows]]'' (vol. 1) #2, consisting of Doctor Octopus, Kraven the Hunter, the Hobgoblin, Mysterio, the Shocker, and the Vulture. This version of the group hail from the Battleworld domain of the Regency, all wield advanced technology, and work for the [[Regent (comics)|Regent]]. Additionally, they are tasked with capturing naturally powered superhumans. After being tasked with capturing the recently resurfaced Spider-Man, Doctor Octopus is killed, the Hobgoblin is caught in an explosion, and the Vulture is incapacitated. In response, the Regent recruits the Beetle, Boomerang, and the Rhino to replace them, though the group is defeated by Spider-Man and the Avengers.<ref>''Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Spider's Shadow ===
An alternate universe iteration of the Sinister Six appear in the ''Spider-Man: Spider's Shadow'' miniseries, formed and led by J. Jonah Jameson / Spider-Slayer and consisting of Doctor Octopus, the Rhino, Electro, Mysterio, and Kraven the Hunter. This version of the group was formed in response to Peter Parker fully bonding to his symbiote suit and killing or assaulting his enemies.<ref>''Spider-Man: Spider's Shadow'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref> After Eddie Brock kills Octavius in an attempt to join the group, Parker grievously injures him and kills the Rhino, Electro, and Mysterio before a burning building forces the symbiote off of Parker. Realizing he was wrong about him, Jameson saves Parker while Kraven retreats.<ref>''Spider-Man: Spider's Shadow'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Spider-Man: Reign ===
A possible future iteration of the Sinister Six called the "'''Sinner Six'''" appears in ''[[Spider-Man: Reign]]'', consisting of the Scorpion, Electro, Mysterio, Kraven the Hunter, the Sandman, and Hydro-Man. This version of the group were forcibly recruited by New York's fascist mayor Mayor Waters via microchips implanted in their bodies that are rigged to detonate should they attempt to leave the city and tasked with killing Spider-Man in exchange for their freedom. Over the course of the series, Spider-Man defenestrates the Scorpion and kills Electro and Hydro-Man before subduing Kraven and Mysterio. While Spider-Man is confronting Waters, Sandman sacrifices himself to get the former the detonator.

=== Spider-Man Adventures ===
An alternate universe iteration of the Sinister Six appears in the ''Spider-Man Adventures'' magazine, formed by [[Doctor Doom]] and consisting of Doctor Octopus, the Vulture, Electro, the Rhino, the Sandman, and Eddie Brock / Venom.

=== Spider-Verse ===
A [[steampunk]]-themed iteration of the Sinister Six from Earth-803 called the '''Six Men of Sinestry''' appears in ''[[Spider-Verse]]'' #1 and the accompanying ''Spider-Man 2099'' tie-in, led by the Green Goblin and consisting of Doctor Octopus, Electro, Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, and the Vulture.<ref>''Spider-Verse'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Spider-Man 2099'' (vol. 2) #7. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Spider-Ham ===
An alternate universe iteration of the Sinister Six called the '''Swinester Six''' from Earth-8311 appear in the ''[[Spider-Ham|Spider-Ham 25th Anniversary Special]]'', consisting of the Green Gobbler, Doctor Octopuss, Sandmanatee, Eelectro, the Buzzard, and Mysteriape.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/33310/spider-ham_25th_anniversary_special_2010_1 |title = Spider-Ham 25th Anniversary Special (2010) #1 {{!}} Comic Issues {{!}} Marvel}}</ref>

=== Ultimate Marvel ===
An alternate universe iteration of the Sinister Six from Earth-1610 called the '''[[Ultimate Six]]''' appears in the [[Ultimate Marvel]] imprint, initially consisting of the [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)#Ultimate Marvel|Sandman]], [[Doctor Octopus#Ultimate Marvel|Doctor Octopus]], [[Kraven the Hunter #Ultimate Marvel|Kraven the Hunter]], [[Electro (Marvel Comics)#Ultimate Marvel|Electro]], and the [[Green Goblin (Ultimate Marvel character)|Green Goblin]], with [[Spider-Man (Ultimate Marvel character)|Spider-Man]] as a temporary member. This version of the group illegally altered their genetic codes, which led to them being defeated by Spider-Man and the [[Ultimates]] and incarcerated by [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]]<ref>''Ultimate Six'' #1-7. Marvel Comics.</ref> They would later break out of prison and recruit the [[Vulture (Marvel Comics)#Ultimate Marvel|Vulture]] to help them seek revenge on Spider-Man.<ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #156. Marvel Comics.</ref> When Doctor Octopus starts to have second thoughts due to his and the Goblin's role in creating Spider-Man, the Goblin kills Doctor Octopus<ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #157. Marvel Comics.</ref> before the remaining members receive help from [[Tinkerer (Marvel Comics)#Ultimate Marvel|Elijah Stern]]. However, all but the Goblin are defeated by Spider-Man, [[Human Torch|Johnny Storm]], [[Iceman (Marvel Comics)|Bobby Drake]],<ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #158. Marvel Comics.</ref> and [[Aunt May|May Parker]]<ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #159. Marvel Comics.</ref> while Spider-Man eventually kills the Goblin.<ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #160. Marvel Comics.</ref>

=== Ultimate Universe ===
An alternate universe iteration of the Sinister Six from [[Ultimate Universe|Earth-6160]] appears in ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (2024)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]'' (vol. 3), led by [[Kingpin (character)#Ultimate Universe|Wilson Fisk]] and consisting of [[Mister Negative#Other versions|Mister Negative]], [[Walter Hardy#Ultimate Universe|Walter Hardy]], [[Kraven the Hunter#Ultimate Universe|Sergei Kravinoff]], [[Mysterio#Ultimate Universe|Mysterio]], and [[Mole Man#Ultimate Universe|Mole Man]]. This version of the group control New York's criminal underworld via its boroughs, with Fisk controlling Manhattan, Negative controlling Queens, Hardy controlling the Bronx, Kravinoff controlling Staten Island, Mysterio controlling Brooklyn, and Mole Man controlling New York's underground. Additionally, Fisk forms the group to counter emerging vigilantes [[Spider-Man (Ultimate Universe character)|Spider-Man]] and [[Harry Osborn#Ultimate Universe|Green Goblin]].<ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' (vol. 3) #8. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' (vol. 3) #9. Marvel Comics.</ref>

== In other media ==
=== Television ===
* The Sinister Six, renamed the '''Insidious Six''', appear in ''[[Spider-Man: The Animated Series]]''. Formed in their self-titled episode and the episode "Battle of the Insidious Six", the [[Kingpin (character)|Kingpin]] assembles [[Doctor Octopus]], [[Mysterio]], the [[Shocker (character)|Shocker]], the [[Chameleon (character)|Chameleon]], the [[Rhino (character)|Rhino]], and the [[Mac Gargan|Scorpion]] to help him settle a debt with his enemy [[Silvermane]]. When the group realize the connection between Peter Parker photographing Spider-Man, the Insidious Six overpower and unmask him due to the hero's temporary loss of powers at the time, only to assume Parker came to fight them himself because he could not find the real Spider-Man. Later on, Spider-Man is able to strategically defeat them when his powers partially return. The Insidious Six return in the five-part episode "Six Forgotten Warriors", with the [[Vulture (Marvel Comics)|Vulture]] replacing Mysterio, who died in a previous episode. They attempt to help the Kingpin unlock a doomsday machine, but the Chameleon betrays the group to help his foster father, the [[Red Skull]]. After the team is defeated again, it is disbanded for good and its members return to their own lives.
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[The Spectacular Spider-Man (TV series)|The Spectacular Spider-Man]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last= Allstetter|first= Rob|title= THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN ROUNDUP|publisher= Comics Continuum|date= April 25, 2008|url= http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0804/25/index.htm|access-date= April 25, 2008}}</ref> Introduced in the episode "Group Therapy", Doctor Octopus, [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]], the [[Montana (character)|Shocker]], the Vulture, the Rhino, and [[Electro (Marvel Comics)|Electro]] pool their resources together and organize a jail break via [[Hammerhead (character)|Hammerhead]], then go after Spider-Man, though they are defeated by his [[Venom (character)|symbiote suit]]. In the episode "Reinforcement", Doc Ock assumes the Master Planner alias and arranges for the Sinister Six's reformation, now with [[Kraven the Hunter]] and Mysterio replacing Shocker while Doc Ock himself oversees their work from the shadows. The Sinister Six are again defeated by Spider-Man, though only Mysterio is arrested as the others escaped before the police arrived. In the episode "Shear Strength", the remaining members help Doc Ock with his plan to take over the world by hacking into the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]]'s servers, but Spider-Man thwarts them and captures Electro. After Sandman fakes his death in the episode "First Steps" and Spider-Man captures the Rhino in the episode "Accomplices", Spider-Man later defeats the Vulture and Doc Ock and sees them arrested in the episode "Gangland".
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://family-room.ew.com/2013/01/11/ultimate-spider-man-season-two-video//|title=Family|access-date=February 17, 2013|archive-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013133440/http://family-room.ew.com/2013/01/11/ultimate-spider-man-season-two-video/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Introduced in their self-titled episode, Doctor Octopus, Electro, Kraven the Hunter, the Rhino, the [[Beetle (comics)|Beetle]], and a mind-controlled [[Lizard (character)|Lizard]] attack Spider-Man. While he defeats them with help from his fellow [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] [[New Warriors|trainees]], the Lizard escapes while the others are arrested. In the episode "Return of the Sinister Six", Doc Ock reforms the team with the [[Scorpion (Marvel Comics)|Scorpion]] replacing the Beetle and provides them all with high-tech armor made from stolen [[Oscorp]] technology, but they are defeated by Spider-Man and his team again, with help from [[Norman Osborn|Iron Patriot]]. Doc Ock spends the fourth season, ''Ultimate Spider-Man vs. the Sinister Six'', secretly forming a Sinister Seven with help from [[Hydra (comics)|Hydra]]. While Spider-Man and the Web Warriors defeat and capture supervillains to thin out Doc Ock's potential candidates, the villain goes on to recruit Kraven, Electro, a [[Green Goblin (Ultimate Marvel character)|demonic Green Goblin]] from [[Ultimate Marvel|another universe]], [[Hydro-Man]], and a mind-controlled Rhino; with [[Ben Reilly|Scarlet Spider]] serving as a mole within Spider-Man's team. The Sinister Seven is defeated by Spider-Man and his allies in the two-part episode "The New Sinister Six" after Scarlet Spider defects to the heroes' side, though Doc Ock escapes. In the two-part series finale, "Graduation Day", Doc Ock forms the '''Superior Sinister Six''' with Kraven, the Scorpion, and a mind-controlled Vulture, Rhino, and [[Crossbones (character)|Crossbones]] mutated into a new Lizard to eliminate Spider-Man after learning his secret identity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hern594qHjs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/Hern594qHjs |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Marvel's Ultimate Spider-Man vs the Sinister Six Season 4 Ep. 26 - Clip 1|last=Marvel Entertainment|date=October 8, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Spider-Man defeats them once more, freeing the brainwashed villains from Doc Ock's control before persuading him to surrender.
* The Sinister Six appears in ''[[Spider-Man (2017 TV series)|Spider-Man]]'' (2017). Introduced in the episode "The Rise of Doc Ock" Pt. 4, they were originally the '''Osborn Commandos''', a fighting force brought together by Norman Osborn and consisting of Doctor Octopus, the Vulture, the Rhino, [[Alistair Smythe]], and [[Steel Spider]]. However, Doc Ock goes rogue and places the team under mind control, re-branding the team as the '''Sinister Five'''. In the episode "Hobgoblin" Pt. 1, Doc Ock also places Spider-Man under mind control and has him join the team to make it the Sinister Six. However, [[Harry Osborn]] becomes the [[Hobgoblin (comics)|Hobgoblin]] and frees Spider-Man and the rest of the team from Doc Ock's control. All of the group's members are defeated and arrested by the end of the first season.

=== Film ===
==== ''Amazing Spider-Man'' series ====
In December 2013, Sony announced two spin-offs of ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man (film series)|The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' franchise, ''The Sinister Six'' and ''Venom'', with [[Drew Goddard]] attached to write and direct the former. Throughout the live-action film ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man 2]]'', a line-up for the team was teased. During the end credits, weapons and technology belonging to the [[Rhino (character)|Rhino]], the [[Vulture (Marvel Comics)|Vulture]], [[Doctor Octopus]], [[Mysterio]], and [[Kraven the Hunter]] were revealed, confirming them as members, with the [[Norman Osborn|Green Goblin]] serving as the leader. However, this line-up is left to be debated as Goddard stated he wanted to adopt a more classic adaptation of the group which would have included [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]] and Doc Ock as the leader. The film was said to be a redemption story for the characters, and would probably not feature [[Peter Parker (The Amazing Spider-Man film series)|Spider-Man]]. As the Sinister Six's original goal, however, was to kill him, there would seem to be a chance that he would appear.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/12/spider-man-spinoffs-sony-marc-webb-alex-kurtzman-roberto-orci-jeff-pinkner-ed-solomon-drew-goddard-651848/|title=Sony Sets Spider-Man Spinoffs 'Venom,' 'Sinister Six' With New "Franchise Brain Trust"|last=Patten|first=Dominic|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 13, 2013|access-date=December 14, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/spider-man-spin-sinister-six-694345|title=Spider-Man Spinoff 'Sinister Six' Names Director|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|last2=Ford|first2=Rebecca|date=April 7, 2014|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=April 7, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2014/04/11/the-sinister-six-is-a-tale-of-redemption/|title=The Sinister Six Movie is a Tale of Redemption|last=Krupa|first=Daniel|date=April 11, 2014|publisher=IGN|access-date=April 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2014/04/15/the-sinister-six-movie-line-up-nothing-is-sacred-says-producer|title=The Sinister Six Movie Line-Up: "Nothing is Sacred," Says Producer|last=Krupa|first=Daniel|date=April 15, 2014|publisher=IGN|access-date=April 15, 2014}}</ref> The film was originally scheduled for release on November 11, 2016. However, following the announcement in February 2015 of a new Spider-Man franchise with [[Marvel Studios]], the spin-offs were postponed and eventually canceled.

==== Marvel Cinematic Universe ====
{{Main|Marvel Cinematic Universe|Spider-Man: Homecoming|Spider-Man: Far From Home|Spider-Man: No Way Home}}
In an email from [[Amy Pascal]] leaked during the [[Sony Pictures hack]], Pascal revealed that she planned for Tom Holland's [[Peter Parker (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Spider-Man]] to appear in a ''Sinister Six'' film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe dependent on the success of the then-upcoming licensing agreement with Marvel Studios.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-10 |title=17 Movies Shaken by Sony Hack, From 'The Interview' to 'Spectre' to 'Steve Jobs' |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/17-movies-shaken-sony-hack-interview-spectre-steve-140634050.html |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-SG}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-02-12 |title=Marvel's Spider-Man: What Did the Sony Hack Reveal? |url=https://movieweb.com/marvel-spider-man-movie-reboot-sony-hack/ |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=MovieWeb |language=en}}</ref>

==== Sony's Spider-Man Universe ====
{{Further|Morbius (film)}}
Following the collaboration between [[Marvel Studios]] and Sony Pictures, many spin-offs that had been in development before were revived, with the first of these, the live-action film ''[[Venom (2018 film)|Venom]]'', being released on October 5, 2018. Sony's December 2013 plans for their own expanded universe included a film based on the Sinister Six, with [[Drew Goddard]] attached to write and potentially direct.<ref name="UniverseAnnouncement">{{Cite web |title=Sony Sets Spider-Man Spinoffs 'Venom,' 'Sinister Six' With New "Franchise Brain Trust" |url=https://deadline.com/2013/12/spider-man-spinoffs-sony-marc-webb-alex-kurtzman-roberto-orci-jeff-pinkner-ed-solomon-drew-goddard-651848/ |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=December 13, 2013 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524030650/http://deadline.com/2013/12/spider-man-spinoffs-sony-marc-webb-alex-kurtzman-roberto-orci-jeff-pinkner-ed-solomon-drew-goddard-651848/ |archive-date=May 24, 2017 |access-date=May 20, 2017}}</ref> Goddard was confirmed to be directing the film in April 2014.<ref name="GoddardSS">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/spider-man-spinoff-sinister-six-694345|title=Spider-Man Spinoff 'Sinister Six' Names Director|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|last2=Ford|first2=Rebecca|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=April 7, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621093219/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/spider-man-spinoff-sinister-six-694345|archive-date=June 21, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The film was believed to have been canceled by November 2015 when Sony was focusing on its new reboot with Marvel.<ref name="SpinoffsNotOn">{{Cite web |title=17 Movies Shaken by Sony Hack, From 'The Interview' to 'Spectre' to 'Steve Jobs' |url=https://www.thewrap.com/17-movies-shaken-sony-hack-interview-spectre-steve-jobs/ |last=Sneider |first=Jeff |date=November 10, 2015 |website=[[TheWrap]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420060409/http://www.thewrap.com/17-movies-shaken-sony-hack-interview-spectre-steve-jobs/ |archive-date=April 20, 2017 |access-date=May 20, 2017}}</ref> In October 2018, Goddard acknowledged that his script could eventually be used for a film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/why-bad-times-at-el-royale-cast-took-pay-cuts-1151419|title=How 'Bad Times at the El Royale' Director Convinced Stars to Work for Less|website=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Aaron|last=Couch|date=October 11, 2018|access-date=October 11, 2018}}</ref> By December of the same year, producer Amy Pascal confirmed that the studio intends to use the script in an upcoming project and expressed the company's desire for the filmmaker to direct the film as well.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/12/sony-spider-man-future-amy-pascal-phil-lord-interview|title=Sony Finally Untangles Its Spider Web|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Joanna|last=Robinson|date=December 14, 2018|access-date=December 14, 2018}}</ref>

In the [[post-credits scene]] of ''[[Morbius (film)|Morbius]]'' (2022), [[Adrian Toomes (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Adrian Toomes]] from the MCU approaches Dr. [[Morbius (Sony's Spider-Man Universe)|Michael Morbius]] in an effort to form a team. The team is intended to be the Sinister Six, with director [[Daniel Espinosa]] expressing interest in having [[Norman Osborn]] be part of the group.<ref name="EspinosaCinemaBlend">{{Cite web |last=O'Connell |first=Sean |date=March 25, 2022 |title=Here's How Spider-Man, Venom, and The Multiverse Will Factor Into Jared Leto's Morbius Movie |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/superheroes/spider-man/heres-how-spider-man-venom-and-the-multiverse-will-factor-into-jared-letos-morbius-movie |website=[[CinemaBlend]] |access-date=March 26, 2022 |quote=Well, he is recruiting teammates, and he has enticed one already. So it sure looks like a start.}}</ref><ref name="EspinosaVariety">{{Cite web |last=Moreau |first=Jordan |date=April 3, 2022 |title=''Morbius'' Director Daniel Espinosa Explains [SPOILER] in the Post-Credits Scene and Future Team-Ups |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/morbius-ending-vulture-post-credits-michael-keaton-1235221142/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=April 4, 2022}}</ref>

Following the financial failures of ''[[Madame Web (film)|Madame Web]]'' and ''[[Kraven the Hunter (film)|Kraven the Hunter]]'', and the underperformance of ''[[Venom: The Last Dance]]'', it was announced that Sony would cease making spin-off films that did not feature Spider-Man, most likely including this film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Umberto |date=December 10, 2024 |title=As 'Kraven' Hunts for Audience, Sony's Marvel Universe Takes Final Bow for Now {{!}} Analysis |url=https://www.thewrap.com/kraven-the-hunter-sony-marvel-universe-spider-man-box-office/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241211142104/https://www.thewrap.com/kraven-the-hunter-sony-marvel-universe-spider-man-box-office/ |archive-date=December 11, 2024 |access-date=December 12, 2024 |website=[[TheWrap]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=December 11, 2024 |title=Sony Spider-Man Universe Reportedly Done as Kraven the Hunter Targets Opening Worse Than Madame Web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-spider-man-universe-reportedly-done-as-kraven-the-hunter-targets-opening-worse-than-madame-web |access-date=December 12, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

=== Video games ===
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[Spider-Man: Return of the Sinister Six]]'', consisting of [[Doctor Octopus]], [[Electro (Marvel Comics)|Electro]], [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]], [[Mysterio]], the [[Vulture (Marvel Comics)|Vulture]], and the [[Jason Macendale|Hobgoblin]].
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[Spider-Man 2: The Sinister Six]]'', consisting of Doctor Octopus, Mysterio, Sandman, the Vulture, the [[Mac Gargan|Scorpion]], and [[Kraven the Hunter]].
* The Sinister Six appear in the [[MS-DOS]] game ''Spider-Man: The Sinister Six'', consisting of Doctor Octopus, the [[Chameleon (character)|Chameleon]], Mysterio, the Hobgoblin, the Vulture, and the [[Shocker (character)|Shocker]].
* A multiversal Sinister Six appear in ''[[Spider-Man Unlimited (video game)|Spider-Man Unlimited]]'', consisting of several multiversal versions of the [[Norman Osborn|Green Goblin]], the Vulture, Electro, Sandman, Doctor Octopus, and Mysterio. They came together to invade multiple dimensions and harvest iso-8 crystals, with an army of "Sinister Soldiers" aiding them in their conquest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://marvel.com/games/169/spider-man_unlimited|title=Spider-Man Unlimited (Mobile) Game &#124; Characters, Release Date &#124; Marvel}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameloft.com/minisites/spidermanunlimited-us/|title=Spider-man Unlimited|website=www.gameloft.com}}</ref>
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[Marvel: Avengers Alliance]]'', consisting of Doctor Octopus, the Vulture, Mysterio, Kraven the Hunter, the [[Lizard (character)|Lizard]], and Electro. They aim to capture a Spider-Man, many of whom have been gathering because of the threat of [[Karn (comics)|Karn]] of the Inheritors, and sacrifice them to Doctor Octopus' machine to hide their dimension from the threat of incursions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://marvel.com/news/video_games/24681/go_inside_avengers_alliance_spec_op_-_spider-verse_pt_1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602234530/http://marvel.com/news/video_games/24681/go_inside_avengers_alliance_spec_op_-_spider-verse_pt_1|archive-date=June 2, 2015|title=Marvel News, Blog, Articles & Press Releases &#124; Marvel}}</ref>
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[Lego Marvel Super Heroes]]'', consisting of Doctor Octopus, Sandman, Mysterio, Kraven the Hunter, Electro, and Vulture.
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[Marvel: Contest of Champions]]'', consisting of Doctor Octopus, the Green Goblin, [[Venom (character)|Venom]], Electro, the Vulture, and the [[Rhino (character)|Rhino]]. They are hired by the [[Grandmaster (Marvel Comics)|Grandmaster]] to eliminate Spider-powered champions. The team re-appear in a promotional video, with Mysterio replacing Venom.
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[Marvel: Future Fight]]'', consisting of Mysterio disguised as Doctor Octopus, the Vulture, the Rhino, Kraven the Hunter, Sandman, and the Lizard. They collaborate with [[Advanced Idea Mechanics|A.I.M.]], but are eventually defeated by Spider-Man and his allies.
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[Marvel Strike Force]]'', consisting of Doctor Octopus, the Green Goblin, the Rhino, Mysterio, the Shocker, and the Vulture. Additionally, Electro and [[Swarm (Marvel Comics)|Swarm]] appear as optional members.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[Marvel's Spider-Man (video game)|Marvel's Spider-Man]]'', consisting of Doctor Octopus, Electro, the Rhino, the Scorpion, the Vulture, and [[Mister Negative]]. Everyone but Doc Ock were originally imprisoned at the [[Raft (comics)|Raft]] before the latter releases and recruits them in an attempt to exact revenge on his former business partner-turned-mayor, Norman Osborn. While he shares this goal with Mister Negative, he promises the others their greatest desires in exchange for their assistance. The group clashes with [[Peter Parker (Insomniac Games character)|Spider-Man]] when he interferes, though they easily defeat him during their first fight. Following this, the Sinister Six split up to attack different [[Oscorp]] properties while Doctor Octopus secures the company's Devil's Breath virus and releases it in Times Square in an attempt to expose Norman's crimes, infecting numerous people and causing Manhattan to descend into chaos. After capturing the Vulture, Electro, the Rhino, and the Scorpion, Spider-Man defeats Mister Negative before he can steal the antidote for Devil's Breath, but Doctor Octopus escapes with it and Norman. Spider-Man is eventually able to save Norman, reclaim the antidote, and defeat Doctor Octopus. By the end of the game, the Sinister Six are re-captured and re-imprisoned at the Raft, although their mission was a partial success, as Norman resigns from the mayor's office out of shame.
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order]]'', consisting of the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Sandman, Mysterio, Electro, and Venom. The Goblin freed the other members from the Raft after obtaining the [[Infinity Gems|Time Stone]] and they took over the prison. After a team of heroes, including Spider-Man, arrive at the prison to secure the inmates, Venom defects to the heroes' side at Spider-Man's behest while the remaining Sinister Six members are defeated and imprisoned once more.

=== Miscellaneous ===
* The Sinister Six appear in [[Adam-Troy Castro]]'s trilogy of ''Spider-Man'' novels, consisting of [[Doctor Octopus]], the [[Vulture (Marvel Comics)|Vulture]], [[Electro (Marvel Comics)|Electro]], [[Mysterio]], the [[Chameleon (character)|Chameleon]], and an original character called Pity. This version of the group is formed by the [[Gentleman (character)|Gentleman]], who wishes to kill Peter Parker as revenge for the actions of his parents, [[Richard and Mary Parker]], in the 1960s and cause a global financial collapse via an electromagnetic generator powered by Electro to erase all digital records and an ink-destroying catalyst to erase all paper records. The Vulture, Electro and Mysterio are defeated before the generator can be activated and Spider-Man convinces Pity to help him find the Gentleman when he realizes that Doctor Octopus will seek revenge on him for his arrogance, only to learn that the Chameleon had already killed the Gentleman for the same reason.<ref>''Spider-Man: The Gathering of the Sinister Six'', Berkeley Boulevard, 1999</ref><ref>''Spider-Man: Revenge of the Sinister Six'', iBooks, 2001</ref><ref>''Spider-Man: Secret of the Sinister Six'', iBooks, 2002</ref>
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark]]'', consisting of Electro, [[Carnage (character)|Carnage]], [[Swarm (Marvel Comics)|Swarm]], [[Kraven the Hunter]], the [[Lizard (character)|Lizard]], and an original character called Swiss Miss. This version of the group were all originally research scientists who were transformed by the [[Norman Osborn|Green Goblin]] as punishment for abandoning [[Oscorp|Osborn Industries]] and to destroy Spider-Man.
* The Sinister Six appear in ''[[Marvel Universe Live!]]'', consisting of the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, the [[Rhino (character)|Rhino]], the Lizard, Electro, and the [[Black Cat (Marvel Comics)|Black Cat]]. They seek to claim a fragment of the recently shattered [[Cosmic Cube]], only to be defeated by Spider-Man and [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]].
* The Sinister Six appear in the "Return of the Sinister Six" expansion pack for the ''Marvel United'' [[CMON Limited]] board game,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Marvel United: Return of the Sinister Six|url=https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/303602/marvel-united-return-sinister-six|access-date=2022-01-20|website=BoardGameGeek|language=en-US}}</ref> consisting of Doctor Octopus, Electro, Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, the [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)|Sandman]], and the Vulture.

== See also ==
* [[Sinister Syndicate]] – a similar group of Spider-Man villains assembled by the Beetle
* [[Savage Six]] – two similar groups of villains assembled to fight [[Mayday Parker|Spider-Girl]] and [[Flash Thompson|Agent Venom]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://marvel.com/universe/Sinister_Six Sinister Six] at Marvel.com
* [http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix4/sinistertwelvespdrmn.htm The Sinister Twelve] on Marvel Appendix
* {{Marveldatabase|Sinister_Six_(Earth-616)|Sinister Six}}

{{Sinister Six}}
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{{Goblin (Marvel Comics)}}
{{Symbiote Family and Hosts}}
{{Avengers characters}}
{{Stan Lee}}
{{Steve Ditko}}

[[Category:Characters created by Stan Lee]]
[[Category:Characters created by Steve Ditko]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1964]]
[[Category:Fictional sextets]]
[[Category:Kraven the Hunter]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics supervillain teams]]
[[Category:Spider-Man characters]]
[[Category:Supervillains with their own comic book titles]]
[[Category:Villains in animated television series]]