"Kraven's Last Hunt" is a 5-part comic book storyline by J.M. DeMatteis and Mike Zeck published in 1987, featuring the final battle between Kraven the Hunter and Spider-Man.
The story took place in Web of Spider-Man issues #31 and 32, The Amazing Spider-Man issues #293 and 294 and finally, Spectacular Spider-Man issues #131 and 132.
Plot Summary[]
Kraven's aggravation with his inability to catch and kill Spider-Man has destroyed his sanity. He hatches a final scheme that actually defeats Spider-Man, and seemingly shoots him dead. Kraven then buries him, and donning a copy of Spider-Man's costume, seeks to prove himself superior at his adversary's former activities.
He starts roaming New York, brutally attacking criminals, including coincidently, a group of thugs assaulting Mary Jane. The culmination of these activities is Kraven's successful unarmed capture of the supervillain, Vermin, whom Spider-Man needed the help of Captain America to defeat.
After two weeks, Spider-Man revives from the effects of the tranquilizer dart Kraven shot him with, and manages to dig his way out of the grave. When Spider-Man confronts Kraven, he does not fight back, considering himself the victor and his final point made.
Kraven then releases Vermin, who attacks Spider-Man, thinking him to the be the one who so brutally beat him before. Vermin is able to defeat Spider-Man, but Kraven intervenes before Vermin can kill him. He allows Vermin to go free, and tells Spider-Man he can pursue him if he desires, but that Kraven's hunting days have ended. While Spider-Man goes after Vermin, Kraven retires to his home, reminiscing about his past and the peace he now feels, and commits suicide with a shotgun. Spider-Man catches up with Vermin and is able to outwit him, then goes home to his wife and recovers.