In an upcoming storyline in The Amazing Spider-Man, Peter Parker is set to embark on a mission to hunt down and potentially kill his major enemies, including Kraven the Hunter. This echoes a decade-old What If? story where Peter killed Kraven, resulting in the hero’s descent into madness and murder. With the new arc titled ‘Spider-Man’s First Hunt,’ Marvel explores the consequences of Peter’s actions and raises questions about his morality and the potential for corruption.
The Grim Hunt: Kraven’s Vendetta
In 2009, The Amazing Spider-Man featured a popular event called ‘Grim Hunt’ by Joe Kelly and Michael Lark. In this storyline, Kraven the Hunter and his family murdered several people close to Peter Parker, including his clone Kaine. Fueled by vengeance, Peter almost succumbed to his rage and nearly killed Kraven. However, he was persuaded against it by Araña. This event set the stage for a chilling What If? one-shot titled “What If Spider-Man Killed Kraven The Hunter?” by Mark Sable and Paul Azaceta.
The Consequences Of Peter’s Actions
In the What If? story, Peter succumbs to his dark side after brutally killing Kraven the Hunter and leaving him as a grotesque display for the police to find. Peter isolates himself from his loved ones, including Mary Jane, Aunt May, and Harry Osborn. Shockingly, his next victim is revealed to be Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin. Marvel’s upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man hints at a similar trajectory, with Peter targeting Kraven and then the Green Goblin. In the What If? narrative, Peter goes a step further by donning Kraven’s costume and becoming the new “Hunter.” He assumes control over the Kravinoff family, sitting on a throne made from the Green Goblin’s glider and Doctor Octopus’ tentacles. Peter’s transformation into a merciless killer demonstrates the potential consequences of his actions.
The Descent Into Darkness
As Peter embraces his new role as the “Hunter,” the What If? story shows him shedding his Spider-Man identity and spiraling out of control. Madame Web, the precognitive narrator, assembles a team of Spider-Heroes to stop Peter’s reign of terror. However, Peter ruthlessly murders each member of the team, showcasing the extent of his uncompromising brutality. This dark narrative serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the dangers of Peter succumbing to his inner demons.
Guilt And The Current Reality
In the ongoing comic series, Peter is burdened by guilt following the controversial death of Ms. Marvel. This emotional turmoil provides the backdrop for his current journey, where Kraven’s actions may push him over the edge. The What If? story offers a glimpse into a worst-case scenario for the ‘Spider-Man’s First Hunt’ arc, depicting the severity of the situation if Peter chooses to embrace his dark side. In the original narrative, Araña plays a crucial role in stopping Peter’s descent into madness. However, in Marvel’s main reality, the younger and more hopeful hero Spider-Man, with whom Peter has been working, has been tragically killed, suggesting that there may be no one to save Peter from himself this time.
Conclusion
Spider-Man’s decision to kill Kraven the Hunter in the past had dire consequences, turning him into a villain as brutal and cruel as his former enemy. Now, in Marvel’s main reality, Peter finds himself on a similar mission, hunting down and potentially killing major adversaries. Fans of Spider-Man can only hope that history does not repeat itself, and Peter can resist the corrupting influence of his actions. As ‘Spider-Man’s First Hunt’ unfolds in The Amazing Spider-Man, readers will be captivated by the moral dilemmas and psychological struggles that Peter Parker faces, as he teeters on the edge between hero and monster.
