Marvel Showed Us How to Do Kraven the Hunter Justice Ages Ago, So Forget About His Movie Flop

Marvel's Ultimate Universe just offered an incredible Kraven the Hunter moment, which fans of the legendary villain should absolutely check out if they were underwhelmed by the cinematic take on the character's origins. In an homage to the antagonist's most classic arcs, Ultimate Spider-Man has quickly established itself as the definitive contemporary take on the character.

Ultimate Spider-Man #12 – written by Jonathan Hickman, with art by Marco Checchetto – concludes with the shocking reveal that fledgling superheroes Peter Parker and Harry Osborn have been captured by Kraven, with the pair set to become Kraven’s newest prey in the coming issues of Ultimate Spider-Man.

Ultimate Kraven has quickly confirmed that he is as deadly as ever before, in a story arc that is likely to "scratch an itch," so to speak, for Spidey fans who weren't satisfied by Sony's Kraven standalone film.

Ultimate Kraven Is The Reimagined Version of Peter Parker's Greatest Challenge Yet, Reminding Fans Why The Villain Is So Iconic

Ultimate Spider-Man #12 – Written By Jonathan Hickman; Art By Marco Checchetto; Color By Matthew Wilson; Lettering By Corey Petit

Peter and Harry’s capture at the hands of Kraven – as well as the hunt which is sure to ensue – will be the early-career Spider-Man and Green Goblin’s greatest challenge yet, pushing them to their heroic limits. While Peter has gone through his own hardships and struggles in his first year as Spider-Man, being the prey to Kraven is a new and terrifying experience for Peter. Even with Harry by his side here, Peter will be in for the fight of his life against Kraven.

This turn of events may make Peter further realize how dangerous his double-life has become. If someone was able to kidnap him and Harry, then that means his loved ones aren’t safe, either. Given the conversation Peter had with Mary Jane in an earlier issue – in which both wondered when his superhero escapades will get too dangerous – that time may have come, and this ordeal will surely be as emotionally taxing as it will be physically taxing, making Kraven Ultimate Spider-Man’s greatest villain so far.

Kraven Earned The Right To Be Called One Of Spider-Man's Greatest Adversaries: Here's How

Kraven’s Last Hunt – Written By J. M. DeMatteis; Art By Mike Zeck; First Published In 1987

Kraven might not be one of Spider-Man's most powerful foes, but he has long been highly regarded as one of the defining antagonists of the Webslinger's career. In large part, that is a result of the Kraven's Last Hunt storyline, which cemented Kraven’s legacy as a fan-favorite among readers. The storyline elevated Kraven into a three-dimensional character, framing him as a dangerous obsessive with a tragic backstory. It was in this story that Kraven bested Spider-Man and temporarily usurped his identity, in order to prove himself superior to Spider-Man.

Additionally, Kraven has always had a unique relationship with Spider-Man, which Kraven’s Last Hunt plays into. He doesn’t hunt Spider-Man because he’s trying to build up a criminal empire, or because it’s a profitable endeavor. Rather, Kraven hunts Spider-Man as a matter of pride, to the point where Kraven’s entire identity is based around the idea of the hunt. While Peter’s enemies having deeply personal grudges against him is nothing new, few have ever gone to the same lengths as Kraven the Hunter has in the name of his hunt.

Kraven Was A Defining Villain For Spider-Man In Mainstream Marvel Canon – Now The Ultimate Timeline Seeks To Replicate That

At the same time, the strengths which saved Peter in Kraven’s Last Hunt may save him in the Ultimate Universe too. During that original story, Kraven buried Peter alive, while impersonating him as Spider-Man. Once he finally awoke, it was Peter’s humanity, as well as his love for Mary Jane, whom he had recently married, which gave him the strength to dig his way out of his grave and make his way back home. Additionally, it was Peter’s strong sense of right-and-wrong which drove him to confront Kraven before he had fully recovered.

Due to Peter already being married to Mary Jane in the Ultimate Universe, and having a family with her, Peter has an even stronger reason to survive Kraven’s hunt and make it back home. If the upcoming issues of Ultimate Spider-Man are an homage to Kraven’s Last Hunt, then there’s no better way for the book to make something new out of it by remembering this important aspect of the original text. Furthermore, embracing the changes inherent to the Ultimate Universe will only help this take on Kraven’s Last Hunt stand out further.

With Ultimate Spider-Man planning its own take on Kraven’s Hunt, Marvel is proving that they can do justice to Kraven the Hunter’s character again, like they had before –. especially after the character's starring on-screen turn left much to be desired. By taking a classic storyline and remixing it for an alternate universe, Marvel is sure to remind people that Kraven the Hunter is more than his cinematic flop. Additionally, this hunt promises to be the most dangerous fight for Spider-Man and the Green Goblin yet.

Ultimate Spider-Man #12 is available now from Marvel Comics.