The Marvel Universe is based on a level of gritty realism which the street-level heroes are all too familiar with. Mob bosses and crime lords have taken over the streets, and despite getting defeated and jailed their influence often results in the freedom to wreak havoc once again.
Although the vigilantes continue to best them, these dangerous tacticians have money, power, corrupt officials, and plenty of thugs on their side. They are terrifying thanks to the position they hold within society and sometimes it's impossible to truly remove them from the board. Even when everything is stripped away, these criminals are still just as lethal in a fight as they are when working behind the scenes.
Kingpin
The Kingpin is very much that — a kingpin of crime and the man responsible for the majority of dodgy dealings across New York. He's a master manipulator and enjoys staying one step ahead of both the vigilantes and the competition. When his vast array of fail-safes falls apart, he's still an impressive foe to face in combat.
With terrifying strength and almost impossible invulnerability, it's not easy to defeat Wilson Fisk. His network of allies and immense wealth creates quite the shield around him, and Kingpin's recent comic book victory as Mayor of the Big Apple only spells more trouble for its heroes.
The Hood
The Hood is a lowlife in every sense who just so happened to be granted a magical cloak that boosted him up the hierarchy. He's constantly in over his head, but the sorcery at his fingertips ensures that he maintains order, even if he doesn't always convey authority.
He has a lot of small projects taking place and is an opportunist. Finding himself under the protection of Norman Osborn was the biggest win he's ever had, but in the years since he has still become a vital influence in the underworld. At his height, he had a large gang of villains at his disposal.
Hammerhead
Hammerhead is a big fish in a small pond but that's exactly how he likes it. He's a leading member of the Maggia, which is a mafia-esque organization that has its hands in a lot of nefarious activities. He's usually used as an enforcer, largely thanks to his brash attitude.
That titular head is pretty useful as a weapon, but less so when Hammerhead tries to think his way out of a problem. Regardless, he radiates very ominous energy that has been the defining factor in finishing off various major business deals. It's difficult to topple this physical giant, who often has someone even more powerful backing him up.
The Owl
The Owl might be yet another of Spider-Man's rogue's gallery and no stranger to getting involved in a tussle. But he has also faced down plenty of other vigilantes thanks to his unique position within the criminal underworld, mainly as a Lord of surprising power.
The Owl's business dealings are the most important aspect of his life. He rarely makes mistakes and is one of the most calculating street-level villains out there. He holds a tight grip on everything he has built and doesn't often take risks. He's a long-term planner and that's absolutely benefitted his standing.
Zheng Zu
Zheng Zu's place in Shang-Chi's life is far different in the comics in comparison to the big screen portrayal, but the fear that follows the warrior certainly remains intact. Zu is a powerful sorcerer and holds deep knowledge of a number of lethal ancient techniques.
He's also the leader of various weapon societies which contribute to global crime on a completely different scale. Shang-Chi has tried to dismantle his father's operation, but the roots of this evil tree run extremely deep into the very infrastructure of civilization. Zu's accomplishments are impressive.
Black Mariah
As the former leader of the Rat Pack, Black Mariah knows how to keep her people in line. She's a firm and unfair leader; one that Luke Cage has tried to unsuccessfully topple on many occasions. Mariah has a lot of useful contacts, which helps her immensely in terms of her defense and business affairs.
Mariah usually sits in the shadows and doesn't like to get her hands dirty, instead benefitting from the illegal trade of both drugs and occasionally people. She claims to care about her community, but often her actions endanger local civilians. She's not to be underestimated.
Green Goblin
Green Goblin's iconic maniacal rampage of destruction has entrenched him as one of Spider-Man's most lethal rogues. But the villain perhaps rose higher than any other crime lord in his usual role as Norman Osborn. He became one of the most powerful men on the planet.
He used his newfound throne to destroy S.H.I.E.L.D., fund a secret cabal of villains, and play host to numerous criminals who were allowed to get away with all sorts of heinous acts. No one was higher on the ladder than Osborn, who continued to work essentially as a government-backed crime lord.
Madame Masque
Madame Masque might have stood in the shadows of The Hood for far too long, but in truth, she was the mastermind of the operation. Completely capable and endlessly efficient, it's Masque's resourcefulness that keeps her relevant as a crime lord.
She finds her way into a lot of unusual business propositions, many of which she boosts to an impressive scale. She's fierce in combat and has a wide range of thugs to lead, but she always manages to get out of dodge when the time is right. She's a survivor, which is such a vital quality to boast.
Tombstone
Tombstone is an enforcer much like Hammerhead but has become far more tactical in his approach to the industry in recent years. Once associated with the Maggia, Tombstone has gone into business for himself, and it's really booming.
At times he's hotheaded but it's difficult to fight against this crook. His physical presence is enough to finish any deal and he's one of the most important Marvel street-level villains because of his continued influence on everyday people. He's gritty, nasty, and isn't afraid to break a few bones to get what he wants.
Mister Negative
Mister Negative has a major role within the community and runs both a small business and a local charity. This is all a front for his alter-ego though, as he leads the Inner Demons to various criminal pursuits, including drug smuggling, theft, and the trading of artifacts.
His ability to pass on his powers to others and the menacing masks his crew wears gives him an edge compared to other crime lords. He never loses the intelligence that made him so successful outside of his criminal life though, which makes him that much more dangerous.