The Enigmatic Kindred: Spider-Man’s Most Confusing Villain

Introduction

Spider-Man has a rich and colorful rogues gallery filled with a variety of formidable and fascinating villains. Among the many iconic adversaries, Kindred stands out as one of the most perplexing and least effective villains. This article delves into the mysterious origins, plot complexities, and downfall of Kindred, examining why he is often considered the worst villain in the Spider-Man franchise.

Who is Kindred?

Kindred was introduced during Nick Spencer's run as the primary antagonist for Spider-Man. Despite it being widely believed that he would be Spider-Man's "next" big arch-nemesis, the character's creation and subsequent narrative development have left many fans baffled and confused. The character's identity and origins are muddled, which contributes to the complexities and shortcomings of Kindred's portrayal.

The Anticipation

Initially, readers anticipated that Kindred would be Harry Osborn, son of Norman Osborn and a previous Spider-Man foil. However, this expectation was shattered when Kindred was revealed to be an entirely different character altogether. The plot twist was met with a mix of confusion and disappointment, largely due to the abrupt change in the storyline.

Kindred's True Identity

The real identity of Kindred remains a source of confusion and speculation. In the comics, it was revealed that Kindred is none other than three souls in two bodies. This notion introduces a complex and somewhat confusing narrative element to the character's storyline. Let's break down this bizarre scenario:

The Mysterious Origins

According to the narrative, Kindred's existence can be attributed to an AI version of Harry Osborn who became sentient and made a deal with Mephisto. Through this deal, the souls of Sarah and Gabriel Stacy were encapsulated into the bodies of Kindred. The exact process and how this event transpired are never explicitly explained, leading to further confusion and frustration among readers.

The Downfall of Kindred

The downfall of Kindred is perhaps the most anticlimactic aspect of the character's storyline. Despite the elaborate plot and supernatural elements, Kindred ultimately meets his end in a manner that is both underwhelming and perplexing: he loses to old age. This unsatisfactory ending has left many fans questioning the rationale behind such a simplistic resolution.

The Narrative Flaws

The narrative complexities introduced by Kindred's character development have been a source of criticism. Nick Spencer, the author, is often compared to Tom King, another controversial personality in the comic book world, due to his tendency to overcomplicate plotlines. The entanglement of multiple souls in one character and the lack of clear explanations have made it challenging for readers to fully grasp the character's motivations and actions.

Comparing Spidey and Batman

The apparent shortcomings of Kindred as a villain have influenced the perception of Spider-Man’s popularity among comic enthusiasts. This is particularly evident when compared to the well-designed villains in the Batman franchise. Some fans argue that Kindred's nonsensical plot and unsatisfying ending contribute to the overall subpar nature of the character, making it difficult to fully appreciate the challenges Spider-Man faces.

Visual Comparisons

The shift in artistic style and storytelling quality between James Tynion IV’s Batman runs and Nick Spencer's Spider-Man runs is another factor that has influenced the reception of Kindred. The stark contrasts in art and narrative complexity have further underscored the frustration with the character.

Conclusion

Kindred is a character shrouded in mystery and confusion, making him one of the least effective villains in Spider-Man's rogues gallery. The complex narrative, underwhelming resolution, and overall poor execution contribute to his controversial status. The character's introduction and subsequent storyline have left many fans questioning the creativity and storytelling prowess of the creators involved.

The discrepancies between Batman and Spider-Man's villains and the contrast in artistic and narrative styles between different runs highlight the need for more coherent and engaging storytelling in the Spider-Man series.