REVIEW: ‘Spider-Man: The Lost Hunt,’ Issue #2

Spider-Man: The Lost Hunt #2 is written by J.M. DeMatteis, penciled by Eder Messias with inks by Belardino Brabo (pg. 1-11) and additional art by Brent Peeples (pgs. 12-20), colored by Neeraj Menon and Cris Peter, and lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna. It’s published by Marvel Comics. Though Peter Parker is attempting to leave behind his life as Spider-Man, the hunter Gregor is determined to make him pay for the death of Sergei Kravinoff. Gregor uses a mixture of potions to delve into Peter’s head, laying bare all his fears. But he isn’t the only one with a vested interest in the web-slinger…

In the same vein as Kraven’s Last Hunt, DeMatteis’ script for The Lost Hunt #2 is told mostly from three perspectives. There’s Gregor, hellbent on revenge for his pupil. There’s Mary Jane Watson, aching to reach her husband but not knowing how. And finally, there’s Peter himself. DeMatteis gives all three of these characters a rich interiority, laying bare their fears and their hopes. It’s especially prominent with Gregor and MJ, as both of them see Peter differently and want different things from him. MJ wants her husband to get the help he needs, and Gregor wants him six feet in the ground. It’s this type of depth that makes DeMatteis one of the best writers in the business.

The Lost Hunt is also a gorgeous-looking book, thanks to the artwork from Messias, Brabo, and Peeples. They make Gregor look absolutely terrifying: he towers over nearly everyone he encounters, and his eyes are sunken pits of hate. Topping it all off is the inhuman smile that stretches across his face, which would put the Joker’s to shame. And they draw some pretty disturbing imagery, as well. A sequence where Peter and MJ visit a friend for dinner turns horrific as Peter sees visions of all the enemies he’s fought as Spider-Man, thanks to Gregor’s manipulation. Messias pours a great deal of menace into his imagery, from the Lizard’s glowing yellow eyes to the Green Goblin’s sinister smile.

Peeples also gets to draw the book’s standout sequence, which features Peter and Gregor finally meeting face to face. What happens next is one of the most brutal fights I’ve ever seen in a Spider-Man comic. Peeples doesn’t pull any punches, showing bones cracking and blood flying. And even though Peter doesn’t have his powers, he still refuses to give up. Most comics when having a shift in an artist, resulting in a rather jarring effect but Peeples’ artwork is close enough to Messias’ that it doesn’t feel like there’s a shift. The color art from Menon and Peter also helps set the tone for the book: there are plenty of muted colors, with shadows looming everywhere Peter and Gregor go.

Spider-Man: The Lost Hunt #2 continues to test Peter Parker physically and mentally as he encounters the hunter Gregor. This is shaping up to be the perfect sequel to Kraven’s Last Hunt, and the ending only makes me wish I had the rest of the series in my hand. It’s that good.

Spider-Man: The Lost Hunt #2 is available wherever comics are sold.