Last we seen of Kraven the Hunter, he was defeated by Spider-Man by the end of Amazing Spider-Man #34. Kraven is the persistent foe, especially with Spider-Man being the ultimate challenge for Kraven. Kraven has always prided himself as the world's greatest hunter, having hunted everything and anything in the world successfully. But not so with Spider-Man in his three previous attempts (Amazing Spider-Man #15, #34, and Annual 1). In this issue, we learn some back story concerning the events of Amazing Spider-Man #34, and we get to see the character of Kraven developed just a bit more.

That little back story begins as the reader opens to the splash page, and the Green Goblin saying to himself "Spider-Man thinks that Kraven is fighting him for the love of battle", as he flies away from the two fighting in a flashback scene from Amazing Spider-Man #34. It turns out that Kraven was promised $20,000 for the death of Spider-Man, and Kraven definitely did not turn down that offer! Kraven is so convinced that he will kill Spider-Man, that he demands half of the loot from the Goblin's messenger, who turns out to be the Goblin's alias, Norman Osborn. Osborn declines Kraven's demand, and Kraven follows the messenger home with the ease that a great hunter should have. He discovers that the messenger is Norman Osborn, and then we come back to the future, after a re-telling of how Spider-Man defeated Kraven in Amazing Spider-Man #34.

Kraven has just been released from confinement, and wants revenge on both Spider-Man and the Green Goblin. He reads the news of the Green Goblin's "demise" as told in Amazing Spider-Man #40, and blames Spider-Man again for spoiling his plans. Kraven now seeks revenge on Norman Osborn, and makes a visit to Osborn's office in Manhattan. At the same time, we see Aunt May move into her friend, Anna Watson's place, and they both have a guest arrive: Anna's niece, Mary Jane Watson. May makes a call to Peter at his new apartment he shares with his roommate, Harry Osborn, and they too have a guest: Harry's father, Norman. Harry invites him in and introduces him to Peter. Without his memory as the Green Goblin, Norman is very pleased to meet Harry's new roomy, and acts like a perfect gentleman. Returning to Kraven, he learns from a secretary, that Osborn is out for the week, and returns to his lair. While there, Kraven tests out his new weapon: A double-barreled ray that emits from his lion's vest. It can magnetize a person's muscular electrolytes, and he plans on using it on Spider-Man.

At Empire State University, we see Gwen Stacy planning her going-away party she is throwing for Flash Thompson, as he is about to enter the Army. Peter swings on over to the Daily Bugle to sell some pics from his battle with the Shocker from last issue. At The Bugle, Peter meets Ned Leeds and Betty Brant, and invites them to the party. After Peter sells his pics to the grouchy publisher, J. Jonah Jameson, we cut away to see what Kraven is up to. We see him easily hop over the fence into Norman Osborn's Mansion, and crashes through the front door, startling the Butler. Kraven is told that Osborn is out of town, but he informs the frightened Butler to let Osborn know that Kraven was there. Back at Peter's apartment, he and Harry get ready for the party, then head out in Harry's car to pick up Gwen and Mary Jane Watson. They arrive at the huge party for Flash with everyone present, and everyone begins to have a great time eating, dancing, and talking. The party is crashed though (literally), by Kraven, who punched through a wall. He is looking for the son of Norman Osborn, and he wants him now!

Kraven recognizes Norman's son and grabs him violently. Flash Thompson plays the hero by standing up to the Hunter, but he easily taken care of with but one swift backhand. Quickly, Peter rushes off to change into Spider-Man, and then makes his presence known to Kraven. Kraven drops Harry to go after the hero who he has sworn vengeance upon, then the two begin to tangle in a construction site with metal beams. At first, Spider-Man gets a good kick in the face of the hunter, as the gang take care of a very distraught Harry Osborn. Reporter, Ned Leeds, calls his office at the Daily Bugle to report the story. J. Jonah Jameson answers the phone and talks to Ned, then rushes off to the scene of the fight with his other reporter Frederick Foswell. While Spider-Man is making a fool of Kraven, Norman Osborn hails a cab from the airport, and hears on the radio about the Spider-Man-Kraven battle. Norman then alerts the cab driver to take him to the scene after tripling his fare.

Back at the battle, Kraven begins to make his move on putting the hurt on Spider-Man. He finally has the chance to use his new double barreled ray, and blasts a ray from his lions vest, paralyzing Spider-Man, who is now at the mercy of Kraven. As Kraven is moving in on the kill towards a helpless Spider-Man, Norman Osborn arrives, and Kraven changes his attention to the rich businessman. After Norman discovers that this son is safe, he gets lassoed by a rope of Kraven's. Kraven pulls him up on a high metal beam, and warns him of his promise to pay him $20,000, but Norman swears that he doesn't know what he is talking about. Before Kraven beats the money out of him, his jungle instinct tells him that he is not lying. Little does Kraven know, is that Norman is amnesiac concerning his activities as the Green Goblin of course. Kraven now focuses his attention on Spider-Man again, but he is satisfied that he has defeated him, and runs off to "Carve a mighty future for himself".

Just as the ray's paralyzing effect is wearing off, Norman Osborn begins to fall to his death off the high beams at the construction site. Spider-Man gets just enough energy to swing into action and swoop him up at the last second, and the returns him to safety to the gang below. Spider-Man changes back to Peter Parker, and returns to the gang, stating that he was searching for a camera. At the end, Peter wishes Flash the nest of luck, as he leaves for service duty the next day. When everyone goes their own way, Peter goes home awaiting his next challenge, and that will definitely be the very next issue!

Another excellent back issue that everyone should have in their collection, or at least a reprint of anyway. Kraven the Hunter returns in just two issues, just so you won't miss him one bit! Another great read is Deadpool #11, which is a humorous take on this very comic, plus a reprint of the original.

Reprinted In:
Marvel Tales #33
Marvel Tales #187
 Marvel Masterworks Vol. 22
Spider-Man Essentials III
Deadpool #11

Of Interest:
Deadpool #11