The Incredible Twist in Marvel's Spider-Man 2: Kraven's Untold Comic Book Saga
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is unlikely to adopt Kraven's iconic storyline, Last Hunt, as it explores various comic moments This article delves into the reasons behind this decision
Highlights
Insomniac Games has a track record of telling original stories in the Spider-Man series, making adaptations of comic storylines like Kraven's Last Hunt unlikely.
Kraven's Last Hunt's iconic status notwithstanding, there are multiple obstacles preventing its adaptation in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, primarily due to the story's dark and sensitive themes. The narrative's reliance on Kraven's personal vendetta against Spider-Man would not align with Insomniac's existing universe. Furthermore, the depiction of Kraven's suicide would pose significant challenges within the context of a game rated T.
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Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is looking to weave another unique narrative, a trend that Insomniac Games has consistently followed in the series. While staying true to the core elements of the characters from the comics, the developer has also added their own creative twists, like transforming Prowler into a valuable ally for Miles and depicting Mary Jane Watson as a journalist. In addition to refreshing the cast, Insomniac has crafted entirely new stories instead of directly adapting comic book plots. This is one reason why Kraven's Last Hunt is unlikely to be featured in the sequel.
In the upcoming game, Kraven will emerge as a significant antagonist alongside the beloved villain Venom, and it is often mentioned in connection with Kraven's Last Hunt. Renowned as one of the most iconic Spider-Man tales, Kraven's Last Hunt takes both The Hunter and his prey to very dark places. While Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is confirmed to explore a darker storyline, there are several reasons beyond Insomniac's dedication to originality that suggest it will steer clear of adapting Kraven's Last Hunt.
Why Kraven’s Last Hunt Does Not Work For Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 fans may anticipate a retelling of Kraven's Last Hunt in the game due to the significant focus on both the black suit and Kraven. However, it is important to clarify that Kraven's Last Hunt is not a Symbiote story. In the comics, even after Peter discarded the Symbiote, he continued to wear the black costume due to its popularity. This was the case in Kraven's Last Hunt, where Peter wore the black suit without any Symbiote influence. Therefore, the presence of both the Symbiote and Kraven in the game does not guarantee the inclusion of this storyline.
Additionally, it is crucial to understand that Kraven's Last Hunt serves as a culmination of Kraven's previous failures. By the start of the tale, Kraven The Hunter is mentally unstable and suffering from a deadly disease. At the conclusion of the story, Kraven takes his own life, satisfied with his perceived victory over Spider-Man and wanting to avoid a slow death. Considering that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 will likely depict Kraven's initial hunt of Spidey, it would be strange for it to also be his final battle. It is difficult to imagine Kraven being desperate and unhinged without first experiencing defeat at the hands of the wall-crawler. Therefore, it may be more appropriate to save Kraven's Last Hunt for Marvel's Spider-Man 3.
It should be noted that not all good stories can effectively transition to different mediums, and this particular arc serves as a prime example. During the majority of Kraven's Last Hunt, Peter is buried alive by Kraven, who shoots him and leaves him for dead. Following this event, readers witness Kraven masquerading as Spider-Man in order to prove his superiority. However, if Insomniac Games were to incorporate this into a game, it would lack sufficient gameplay.
Overall, Kraven's Last Hunt does not align well with Insomniac's universe. Instead of assuming Peter's identity and surpassing him, it would make more sense for Kraven to target the other active Spider-Man, Miles Morales. On the other hand, if Peter were to be defeated, Miles would likely be the one in pursuit of Kraven. Additionally, Insomniac's portrayal of Mary Jane would not passively wait for Peter's return like her comic book counterpart. Many elements of the original comic storyline would simply be incompatible with Insomniac's established framework.
Given the sensitive nature of the subject, it is unlikely that this beloved Spider-Man comic will heavily influence Marvel's Spider-Man 2, which is rated T for Teen. While Insomniac may find a way to pay tribute to the iconic artwork depicting Peter emerging from a grave, it is unlikely that they will explore this theme further. However, this does present an opportunity for Insomniac to create an entirely new and memorable storyline centered around Kraven. While Kraven's Last Hunt sets a high standard, Insomniac has the potential to deliver a distinct and engaging tale about The Hunter. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is set to launch exclusively for PS5 on October 20.
