'Marvel's Spider-Man 2' Explained: Who Is Kraven the Hunter?

One of the most formidably unrelenting villains introduced in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is Sergei Kravinoff, better known as Kraven the Hunter. Leading a group of elite mercenaries dubbed the Hunters, Kraven is constantly on the search for an opponent worthy of his immensely lethal talents. With the growing number of super-powered figures active in Marvel’s New York, Kraven sets his sights on the city, with both Spider-Men at the top of his targets.

From video games to comic books, Kraven has been threatening Spider-Man since 1964, starring in some of the most acclaimed Spider-Man stories of all time. Though Kraven was absent in both 2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man and 2020’s Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, he is definitely set to make up for lost time when he bursts onto the scene in the eagerly anticipated sequel. Here’s everything you need to know about Kraven the Hunter before playing Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

What to Expect from Kraven the Hunter in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

There is no direct mention of Kraven during the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man or Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and his background is shrouded heavily in mystery. Sergei Kravinoff is from Volgograd, Russia and is often seen wearing a lion skin as a trophy to his penchant for big game hunting. Kraven boasts peak physical condition, along with being a master tactician and expert marksman. Kraven’s Hunters are equipped with the most cutting-edge technology to even the odds when tracking down and battling super-powered targets, making any one of them especially formidable.

Trailers for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 have revealed that one of Kraven’s intended targets in New York is the Lizard, as he mercilessly hunts the transformed Curt Connors through his hideout in the city’s sewers. What makes the Lizard such prominent prey for Kraven is still unknown, as is his and the Hunters’ true agenda for relocating to New York. Peter Parker and Miles Morales must work together to keep the Lizard from Kraven, but quickly find themselves similarly targeted by the Hunters as all of New York becomes a hunting ground with no mercy or quarter given.

Kraven the Hunter’s History in the Comics

Bursting on the scene in THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #47, Kraven the Hunter was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. An obsessive big game hunter, Kraven vows to take down Spider-Man with his bare hands to prove himself as the ultimate apex predator, hunting his target across New York City, the premier urban jungle. Kraven takes a mystical serum that grants him superhuman strength, slowed aging, and enhanced senses to better track his prey. Frustrated by his continued inability to defeat Spider-Man, Kraven became one of the founding members of the original Sinister Six, though he remained unsuccessful in his quest.

Kraven’s most pivotal battle against Spider-Man took place in Kraven’s Last Hunt, by J.M. DeMatteis, Mike Zeck, and Bob McLeod. Kraven managed to drug Spider-Man by shooting him with a dart, rendering the Super Hero comatose for two weeks, and burying him alive. After triumphantly roaming the streets of New York and masquerading as Spider-Man for a time, Kraven killed himself after Spider-Man dug out of his premature grave and confronted the hunter. Kraven remained dead for years, with his children continuing his vendetta against Spider-Man, before his daughter resurrected him. The resurrection proved incomplete however, with Kraven only capable of freeing himself of his cursed existence by killing Spider-Man.

In the comics, Kraven is the half-brother of fellow Spider-Man Super Villain the Chameleon, with the two growing up together in Russia before eventually relocating to the United States. It was the Chameleon who encouraged Kraven to first hunt Spider-Man and the two siblings have occasionally worked together against their shared nemesis. Kraven has two sons, Vladimir and Alyosha, who are both just as wicked as their father, and a daughter, Ana, who is incredibly deadly despite her young age. Kraven’s family origins in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 are still a mystery, but who knows who will appear in the video game version!

Not to be underestimated, Kraven is a lethal threat for the entire Marvel Universe and holds a deep, long-lasting grudge against Spider-Man. Even with Miles Morales swinging into action with Peter Parker, the two wallcrawlers will find themselves in the hunter’s crosshairs as Kraven brings his small army with him to New York. Kraven has hunted some of the most incredible prey the world has to offer and against two webslinging Super Heroes, the ultimate hunter-hunted game is about to unfold, with nowhere safe to hide.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is available now only on PlayStation 5. Order the title on PlayStation Store, PlayStation Direct or your friendly neighborhood retailer!

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