Kraven The Hunter

Spectacular Spider-Man #2

by Sal Buscema, 1976

Kraven, the Hunter, titled "The Most Dangerous Stalker on Earth", is hired by his old friend The Chameleon to hunt down Spider-Man in the streets of New York City. Kraven arrives on a boat from Africa, and in a show of strength, single-handed defeats several cobras and gorillas that get loose from their cages. He announces to the press that he's arrived in New York to hunt Spider-Man, "The Most Dangerous Man in the World".

After speaking to The Chameleon and researching his new foe, Kraven studies his prey from afar as Spider-Man foils a robbery on the docks. Kraven doesn't go unnoticed as Spider-Man's spider-sense alerts him to Kraven's presence. The two tussle on the rooftops, but Kraven gets the better of Spider-Man when his manages to drug him with one of his special potions. Dizzy and disoriented, Spider-Man manages to flee.

Once he recovers from Kraven's potion, Spider-Man goes out hunting the hunter, and spies him heading into the park. Spider-Man doesn't realize he's been lured by The Chameleon in disguise, and the real Kraven springs a net over his foe. As Spider-Man escapes, Kraven attaches a metal grapple on Spider-Man's wrist and ankle. Despite being hobbled, Spider-Man manages to defeat both Kraven and the Chameleon. The authorities take the pair into custody, and deport them shortly afterwards.