Supervillain Origins: Kraven The Hunter

Supervillain Origins: Kraven The Hunter This oddly dressed villain has taken on Spider-Man numerous times, simply to prove that he’s the greatest hunter in the world. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we will explore the comic book origins of Kraven The Hunter. As with most comic book characters, there are often re-imaginings and different versions to a character’s past. We have chosen to primarily follow the storyline that unfolded in “The Amazing Spider-Man” #15 (1964), and was expanded upon in “Kraven’s Last Hunt”, issue #294 (1987). Sergei Kravinoff is the half brother of Dimitri Kravinoff, also known as the Chameleon. Born into a Russian aristocracy that had come to an end as a result of the Bolshevik Revolution, Sergei and his sibling found themselves as orphans on the run. Unlike Dimitri, who turned his knack for mimicry into a criminal profession, Sergei trained himself to become the world’s fiercest hunter, due to his desire to regain his lost sense of nobility. Unlike other hunters, Sergei, known simply as “Kraven”, sought purity in the kill. This meant that he would use his bare hands, knives and spears to defeat his targets, rather than resort to the use of ranged weapons, such as guns or arrows. Becoming notorious and extremely wealthy, Kraven soon stumbled upon a witch doctor that possessed a mystical potion, which grants superhuman abilities. Blinded by the need for a new sense of excitement, Kraven stole the potion, developing super strength, the ability to run at speeds up to 60 miles per hour, unflinching stamina, agility, uncanny reflexes and reduced aging. Delving into the ivory and animal skin trade, years passed before Kraven became bored of all the usual prey. Coinciding with his desire for a new challenge, his brother tasked him with hunting Spider-Man. Kraven accepted the proposal, recognizing the crime-fighter as the most dangerous game of all. Underestimating Spider-Man’s resourcefulness, the maniacal game hunter was regularly defeated and overcome with frustration. As a result, he slowly lost his sanity, and eventually resorted to using a gun to defeat his quarry. Shooting Spider-Man, he unwittingly buried the hero alive, before developing a new obsession. This consisted of transforming himself into an even greater Spider-man than his fallen adversary. Donning a black version of the Spider-Man costume, Kraven sought out and captured Vermin, one of Spidey’s minor enemies. Meanwhile, Spider-Man dug himself out of the grave and confronted his deranged impersonator. Proclaiming that his hunting days are over, and that he has achieved everything that he desired, Kraven ended his own life. Despite this event, the character was resurrected by his wife, marking his return as a regular foe of Spider-Man.