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I've always been a big fan of the Spider-Man comics, so when I heard all of the adulations given toward Kraven's Last Hunt, I couldn't resist checking it out. And yes, it was well worth it. This work written by J.M. DeMatteis and drawn by Mike Zeck is what high-quality comics and graphic novels are all about: incredible character development, shocking twists and turns, wonderful art that fits the story like a glove, and loads of atmosphere.
The six-part series collected here revolve around the title character: Sergei Kravinoff, better known as the super villain Kraven the Hunter. Kraven had been originally introduced in the Marvel universe as a world-class game hunter of who ends up attempting to hunt our hero, Spider-Man, believing him to be the one challenge he has yet to overcome. However, Spider-Man's constant triumphs over the hunter lead to the Kraven portrayed here: a broken, twisted man whose fascination with defeating the wall-crawling adventurer has turned into a dark, demented obsession. Each defeat was a humiliation, tarnishing the proud aristocrat's strong sense of honor, until it all eventually culminated in utter madness. He finally hatches a plan to triumph over his foe once and for all (which I won't spoil for you here!), and thus begins this incredible story of honor and revenge, of death and life.
Possibly the best feat of this story is the psychological way in which it examines the main characters: Kraven's internal darkness and shattered sense of self; Peter Parker's vulnerability and determination to do the right thing in his battles as Spider-Man; Mary Jane's love for her husband Peter and fear for his life; and Vermin's (a minor super-villain whose presence plays a pivital role in the Kraven/Spider-Man relationship) childlike fear, savagery, and distrust of society are all depicted splendidly. The best modern-day comic book stories are those that turn their characters (heroes, villains, and supporting characters alike) into real, believable, complex human beings, whom the reader may analyze and even sympathize with. This story does so in spades.
And of course, Mike Zeck's artwork is some of the finest seen in comic-bookdom. As DeMatteis himself says in the book's intro, the story probably would have never reached the acclaim it has if it had been drawn by any other. Personally, I'm more of a storyline buff than I am concerned with art (as long as it's good). But here, I'd have to agree. And to top it all off, the collection comes in this beautiful Marvel Premiere Classic hardcover, which, aside from the story itself, also contains Zeck's original pencil works for it, as well as an introduction written by the man himself, J.M. DeMatteis, that offers a fascinating reflection on the story's conception and inspiration.
In short, Kraven's Last Hunt truly represents the best of the best. This is the sort of thing that all graphic novelists should draw inspiration from. It warrants reread over reread, because even now, I still am able to turn to it and find new interpretations and new details that I missed. If you are a big Spidey fan, or if you want to see a sample of the heights of quality comic books may reach, add this to your collection ASAP. Don't miss it.
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A classic Spider-man story no fan should be without. It's excellent. The definitive Kraven story.
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Undoubtadly one of the best Spider-Man stories ever put to paper, Kraven's Last Hunt still holds up even all these years later. J.M. DeMatteis (Formerly Known as the Justice League) and Mike Zeck (Punisher: Circle of Blood) are responsible for what is perhaps one of the darkest Spidey stories ever, which finds classic villain Kraven the Hunter developing a plot to snare Spidey once and for all, and it works. Kraven captures Spidey and buries him alive, and then proceeds to don his costume and go on a rampage through the city. He takes on the murderous Vermin before Spidey finally breaks free of his underground confines, which sets the stage for Kraven's dramatic last stand. Like no other writer before him, DeMatteis gets inside Kraven's head to the point where the reader is sympathetic towards him like never before, and he even gets inside Spidey's head as well to the point where it becomes harder to see where the man ends and the spider begins. Mike Zeck's artwork is still spectacular to this day as well, helping make a dark tale all the more darker. This story is one of the few Marvel titles that is worth a Marvel Premiere hardcover package, and it features some great early pencil designs from Zeck as well as a foreword from DeMatteis that details the original conception of the story (it was originally a Wonder Man idea for God's sake) to what we get here. All in all, Kraven's Last Hunt remains today what it has always been, an essential Spider-Man tale in the character's long mythos.
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This may well be my favorite Spider-man story of all time. This has always been regarded as a fan favorite and high water mark for Spider-man tales and definitely as dark as his adventures have ever been. The story is phychologically gripping and frightening. Most of it is seen through the eyes of Kraven the Hunter who is spiraling into severe madness. The art from premier artist Mike Zeck is spot on in this dark, gothic tale. If you are new to Spider-man and are looking to explore some of his past great stories, or just looking to re-read a classic... you found a winner.
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Kraven's last hunt is a masterpeice, probably if not certainly better than the fabled watchmen. The best writing on spider-man after stan lee, but I don't want to over hype, buy it used cheap or new buy it is definatly worth it.
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