This recent PlayStation Showcase saw Insomniac Games announce Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Not only did the reveal trailer show Peter and Miles in action, but it also teased an appearance by the symbiote villain, Venom. However, as the heroes take on a thug in the streets during the trailer, there’s a voiceover from a Russian man who desires to be a part of the greatest hunt of his life. This is none other than the classic Spider-Man villain Kraven the Hunter, who is primed to get his most prized trophy with little to no opposition.
In the comics, Kraven the Hunter is a big game hunter with enhanced strength and senses that allow him to challenge some of the deadliest creatures in the animal kingdom. However, once Spider-Man became a prominent hero, Kraven decided to hunt the greatest game of all. While it’s not confirmed why or how Kraven has come to New York, it’s possible Spider-Man’s defeat of the Sinister Six in the first game cleared a path for Kraven to strike.
When fans are introduced to Spider-Man in Insomniac’s first web-slinging game, the hero has been saving lives for a few years. As a result, he has made a name for himself in the villain and hero communities. This means that, as Peter was facing off against the ironically animal-themed enemies in the Sinister Six, Kraven was biding his time, waiting to see who would come out on top.
Kraven believes in an honorable hunt before all else. To attack Spider-Man while he is facing multiple enemies offers no sport. Plus, if Peter were to die, Kraven would know that Spider-Man wasn’t worthy of his time in the first place. Instead, Peter overcame countless near-death experiences and took on six enemies over the course of a few days with hardly any breaks. Spider-Man also innovated his suit to challenge Doc Ock, showing he’s as intelligent as he is strong. Since the Doc Ock fight was televised, Kraven most likely knew that Spider-Man grew to be the best of the best and worthy of his efforts to hunt him.
Defeating the Sinister Six also made Peter an even stronger and wiser hero, meaning Kraven would be fighting a foe at his peak rather than hunting someone who hasn’t reached their full potential. Furthermore, now that there are two Spider-Men in New York, his prized trophy has been doubled. With Miles Morales defeating the Tinkerer in his own game, Kraven can also see the potential in the younger hero — and his hunt would be no different than pursuing both a parent and its cub.
With their experiences making the heroes stronger, Kraven is ready to finally slay what could be his greatest target ever. Even with Venom in the mix, it’s hard to believe anyone or anything will keep the hunter from his prize. The worst part is that, by being the heroes they’re supposed to be, Peter and Miles eliminated all competition and gave Kraven a clear path to becoming the most dangerous man in either of their lives.
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