The Next Spider-Man Vol.1

Chapter 5: "Interview on Kraven"

Spidey told me he spoke with Kraven on the phone and told him that Peter Parker wanted to photograph the loft and talk with him. He also informed him that his other photographer named Mavric was with him. He called out to find Kraven. We walked down a hall and saw a T-Rex bone. Peter tried to touch it but then Kraven said "Good evening." (which startled Peter) I smirked at him and he glared at me. "Oh, I apologize for startling you. I am Kraven. Please forgive my theatrics. I merely wished to demonstrate my skills. Peter replies "The videos online do that pretty well. I saw you take down that Siberian tiger with your bare hands, without hurting it." Kraven says "Tigers are endangered. I simply relocated the beast for its own safety as well as that of the local villagers. True hunters wish to conserve the natural world...it is where we find peace. I say "Thanks for protecting endangered animals." Kraven replies "You are most welcome." Peter says "You're a long way from the natural world." Kraven responds "I craved a new challenge. I came here to hunt the monsters OSCORP created...the cross-species. The deadliest combination of animal and human. I ended their threat. *He didn't even mention Spider-Man helping too* But I grew fond of your city, and your city grew fond of me, and I decided to stay." Peter says "Except now you're hunting normal people." Kraven raises his voice (but lowers it later) "No! Only criminals. Only those who prey on their fellow man have anything to fear from me." Peter asks "This new Task Force is sending a pretty strong message: "No vigilantes." Kraven sighs "I do not trust them. They are paid for by Fisk." I say "What?!" Kraven says "I am sure both of you heard the rumors of his illegal activity." Peter replies "Sure, everyone has, except Mavric, but no one can prove it.And the police seem okay with him." Kraven tells us "Because he has paid those who are corrupt. And the rest are desperate to avoid looking incompetent, when the public is desperate for an end to the crime wave. I have only one agenda: to get results." Peter asks "Based on my experience...uh, research, the police aren't big fans of vigilantes." *You almost gave us away Peter!* Kraven says "The police had their chance to stop the crime wave. They failed miserably." Peter responds "I don't think they like being reminded of that." I said "No one does." Kraven replies "I do not wish to insult them. But it would be a far greater crime to have power to help, but refuse to act. Would you both not agree?" I nod. Peter says "Yeah. As a matter of fact, I would. *I am getting so bored with this conversation I started getting sleepy* Peter asks "Is man the "most dangerous game?" Kraven responds "In their own way, yes. But men are merely highly evolved animals. *No DUH check the Wikipedia lately?* The current crime wave provides fascinating opportunities to study them...the pattern of the various factions." Peter replies "And, what are you finding out?" Kraven says "That criminals are not unlike beasts: they have hunting grounds, specific behaviors...many travel in packs. But there are differences." Peter responds "Such as?" Kraven said "Animals prey on others or survival. Only humans beings are willfully cruel. Peter says "So you're saying you feel a responsibility to use your power to help." Kraven responds "Yes. To have such power, and not use it, is to be unworthy of it." Peter says "Well, thanks. I think...our readers...will find this all very interesting." Kraven replies "Good, good. I must take this call, but please, look around. Take pictures of anything you wish." Kraven answers his phone and walk away "Yes? No, I said tranquilizer darts. No! I have no interest in automatic weapons. They require no skill. I am an artist." Peter took pictures of 3 things. Kraven asked us later if we wanted to see his latest trophies. We walk up the stairs and into the trophy room. What we saw is terrifying. There were cross-species. Dead but are posing statue-like! I knew Peter was gonna ask more questions so I asked to be excused.
Peter's POV
Mavric walked out of the room.*He's a young one so I'll let him pass. He is an interesting little kid.* I ask Kraven "When do you consider it okay to kill?" Kraven replies "When there is no other choice. I do not take life lightly. but when it's necessary, I do not hesitate. If my failure to act cost a life of an innocent person, I could not live with myself." I say "I...know what you mean." *I'm sorry Uncle Ben* I ask him "They all had superhuman powers. How'd you beat them?" Kraven said "I have trained myself to the peak of human ability, and learned many natural means of enhancement. Not drugs, like the scum who pollute the streets. But the secret of native cultures...herbs, potions...mysteries forgotten by so-called civilized man." I ask Kraven "Hunting criminals...some people might wonder if you are the Carnage Killer. Kraven sighs "Bah he is no hunter, but a brute. A savage. His very existence is offensive to men like myself. I say "So even though he's hunting criminals, you'd like to take him down. Kraven responds "Of course, he dishonors what I do. Without honor, Peter, the hunt means nothing." I ask "Last question. Is there anything you haven't accomplished yet?" Kraven sighs "Ah, yes. I would like to leave a legacy when I am gone...pass my training to a protégé. My only family is a brother who...He chose a different path. I never had a son, but...Perhaps... Ah, forgive me. I am becoming melancholy as I get older. So, do you have what you need, Mr.Parker? I reply "Yeah, I think I do." I walk downstairs where I found Mavric sleeping on a chair. I nudged him awake.
Mavric's POV
I awoke to Peter he told me we were done. *Finally* We exit the loft, change into our suits and swung to Spider-Man's house.