Welcome back, Spidey fans! Yes, you read that title correctly. This month, we’re going to look at ten Kraven the Hunter figures. No, not the top ten Kraven figures, just ten Kraven the Hunter figures. What I’m basically saying, is that I don’t think Kraven has ever had a truly great action figure. Sure, he’s had an okay one or two figures, but nothing really worth writing home about. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at these Kraven figures, and possibly discuss what it would take for someone like Hasbro to make a really exceptional figure. None of the figures on this list are really in a particular order, like from worst to best; they’re closer to their release date, save for the last figure on this list, which might actually be my favorite offering (even if I don’t own it). With that in mind, let’s begin with a look at…
Spider-Man: The Animated Series Kraven the Hunter
Like many Spider-Man villains, Kraven received his first figure in the 90’s animated series line from ToyBiz. While not the figure’s fault, I’ll be the first to admit that I never liked this design, and I never really liked how Kraven was depicted on the 90’s cartoon, even as a kid. That said, the figure features a “Spear Throwing” action feature, though, honestly, I don’t recall the spear ever leaving his hand after pulling the arm back and releasing it. It was more of a “Spear Stabbing” action feature. Before we finish, let’s talk about how tiny his head is. It’s not just me, right? That thing looks pretty puny compared to the rest of his body. An adequate first offering for the hunter from ToyBiz, with loads of room for improvement.
“Monster Mayhem” Boxset Kraven the Hunter
Based off of the “Neogenic Nightmare” storyline from the 90’s cartoon, ToyBiz released a boxset featuring many of the characters involved in the storyline. However, rather than simply rerelease Kraven in the same costume, ToyBiz decided to repaint Kraven in his more classic comic attire. I sadly never found, or even knew of this figure’s existence, but him having his classic costume already makes this a better figure. Sadly, he’s still got a teeny, tiny head.
Spider-Man Classics Kraven the Hunter
By this point, ToyBiz had already started their popular Marvel Legends line, and was mostly sticking to making super-articulated figures. Kraven was no different, sharing his sculpt with Namor, the Sub-Mariner from the second wave of Marvel Legends figures (who’s said to have reused a wrestling figure’s body), which you can tell from his weird boots. Included in the Spider-Man Classics toyline (a sister line to Marvel Legends) Kraven’s head sculpt is great; it’s probably the best thing about him. He also comes with a knife, a machete, and… a weird bolo-firing gun. At least the bladed weapons were cool, and well appreciated. I can’t say that the vest sculpt is one I enjoy. I’m not sure where that design hails from, but I’m really not a fan of it. And I can’t say why they thought painting half of his spotted pants white, and the other half a light brown, was a good idea. All-in-all, this figure had a few highlights, but it’s weird bolo-firing gun, weird pants and boots, odd vest, and sub-par body sculpt really drag this figure down. I’ll say that this figure’s head and machete went towards a custom Kraven that I made (and still display), while the knife went to my custom Sasha Kravinoff figure. But the rest was promptly scrapped.
Marvel Legends Sinister Six Box Set Kraven the Hunter
When ToyBiz decided to make a Sinister Six box set, Kraven was included amongst the villainous team’s ranks. He had the same weapons as his previous release, but this time he had a new, screaming head sculpt, and a display stand. I prefer the smiling head, but I do prefer the pants on this release by a mile. Other than that, he still suffers the same issues as the previous figure.
Marvel Universe Kraven the Hunter
After gaining the license to make Marvel figures, Hasbro soon jumped from the typical 6” scale Marvel Legends were known for, to the 3 ¾” figure scale for their Marvel figures. Entitled Marvel Universe, Kraven received two figures in this line. The first was of Kraven in his more modern look from the “Grim Hunt” storyline in the comics. If that’s a look you’re into, other than the painted on forearm straps, it appears to be a nice figure; as a collector of the 6” figures, this was a figure I passed on.
Marvel Universe Sinister Six Kraven the Hunter
When Hasbro released a boxset of Sinister Six figures on a retro Marvel Superheroes ToyBiz packaging (years before Marvel Legends ever started using them), Kraven was given a much more classic comic appearance, but… his clothes are SO orange! Even the face on his lion mane vest is super neon orange. It was a bizarre choice, and one that I felt held this figure back from being much better than it could have been.
Marvel Legends Kraven the Hunter (Rhino Series)
Someone at Hasbro really loved “The Grim Hunt”, because for their first 6” Kraven figure, that was the look they used, just as they had on the smaller figure previously. Kraven came with a piece to build the Rhino Build-a-Figure, as well as a spear. The sculpt was nice, and they even went to the trouble of sculpting the straps on his forearms this time around! However, this just wasn’t a look I was clamoring for, despite enjoying the story it came from.
“Kraven’s Last Hunt” 2-Pack Kraven the Hunter
I really appreciate the theme of “Kraven’s Last Hunt” that Hasbro used for this set. It’s one of the all-time great Spider-Man stories! However, this figure doesn’t use that story’s design, so it’s definitely a bit misleading. I also never cared for this figure’s head sculpt. I get that Kraven’s an angry guy, but this is simply too much! I’m surprised his teeth aren’t cracking from gritting so hard. Seriously dude, a stool softener would really help you. Another odd thing? He has these weird, reused flat feet (I want to say they originated with Hasbro’s Sunfire or Spider-UK figure, but I can’t be sure), and they just don’t look right on him. One new thing I like is the new spiked-belt sculpt, though I feel like it should have been painted with a zebra pattern, and not just a plain brown. The strap-covered forearms, reused from the Rhino Series Kraven figure, look out of place here. Kraven also gets a reused spear from the previous figure, just in new colors. He also comes with a repainted black suit Spider-Man figure, but that figure is well out of date by today’s standards. With the odd headsculpt, and mix-mash of looks and parts, I get the feeling that Hasbro didn’t really put a lot of thought into this Target exclusive Kraven figure.
Marvel Legends Retro Kraven the Hunter
Hasbro has been releasing Spider-Man figures on retro cardbacks based on the 90’s cartoon series of figures. I really enjoy them. I, of course, dreaded the possibility of Kraven being done in his animated series costume, and hoped for them trying harder to make a classic Kraven. Of course, they went with the former, and that same lousy head sculpt from the previous figure, as well as the same spear Hasbro has been reusing for over 10 years now! I will say, that the look is very accurate to the show, so I do appreciate that, even if I don’t like the design itself. Other than that, unless you’re a big fan of the cartoon or collecting at least one of all the retro figures (like me), then there’s really nothing new here to justify getting him if you have either of the previous Kraven figures. Personally, I think you’re better off waiting for Hasbro to try again and passing on this Wal*Mart exclusive figure.
Minimates Kraven the Hunter and Black Costume Spider-Man
Sure, it’s not a super-articulated Marvel Legends figure, my preferred figure type. But there’s no denying that Diamond Select put forth a lot of effort to make this Kraven the Hunter. He has a fitting, devious grin, a knife, and a spear. But best of all? He comes with a black costume Spider-Man figure that can be separated at the torso, and plugged into a dirt mound with dirt add-ons for the figure, and the iconic tombstone from “Kraven’s Last Hunt” behind him! This was an ingenious offering, and one that helps it stand out in the best of ways from the rest! Hasbro, take notes!
So how would I recommend Hasbro tackle a Kraven the Hunter figure? Recently, a new body was created for the Punisher. It’s bulkier than Spider-Man, but not overly big, with plenty of articulation. I say that there’s room for Hasbro to make both classic and “Kraven’s Last Hunt” looks on this body. Kraven wouldn’t need a ton of new parts; in fact, he could probably reuse the vest and belt from the previous couple figures, as well as that repetitive spear. But please, give him a new head sculpt. The super angry, gritting teeth head wasn’t good when it first came out, and that hasn’t changed. Other than that, aside from giving the “Kraven’s Last Hunt” version bare feet, strap-covered forearms, and a loin cloth, he shouldn’t require much, save for a repainting. That would be the ultimate Kraven figure, no doubt!
What sayest you, Spidey fans? Was I too harsh on these Kraven figures? Did your favorite Kraven figure actually make the list? Or, are you like me, and still feel that Kraven hasn’t received a figure worthy of one of Spider-Man’s most dangerous enemies? Sound off in the comments section below, and I’ll see you next month!
