Marvel's December solicitations were released today and the one for SCARLET SPIDER #25 is absolutely worth discussing.
LAST DEVASTATING ISSUE!
• It’s over. Kaine did his best to be a hero. He failed.
• What about Houston?! Who lives? Who dies? Is there a place for the Scarlet Spider in this world? The answers will surprise you.
• Two years and 25 issues have led to THIS! Guest starring: MEXICO!
First and foremost... LAST ISSUE?!?! Despite being loved here at Comic Vine (it even won the "Best Spider-Man Family Series" poll), Kaine's sales have never been all that grand, so sadly, this comes as no real surprise. It's terrible, terrible news, but unfortunately expected. Nonetheless, this is horrible news for fans of the series -- and there are many of you on this site -- so take a much needed moment or two to vent before reading on.
"Kaine did his best to be a hero. He failed." When it comes to being a hero, there's two key qualities: doing the right thing and saving lives. In Kaine's latest story, 'Into the Grave,' the Kravinoff family (Ana and Sergei) is striking at the anti-hero's friends. Kaine's lovable supporting cast has apparently been abducted by Sergei's daughter. We know for a fact Aracely is alive and likely being held hostage (we saw her get slashed in the arm and pass out -- most likely due to poison), but it's uncertain if the rest share the same fate because they were all attacked out of our line of sight.
So, why is Kraven taking the people Kaine cares about? Well, it's probably because Kraven wants to die and Kaine's one of the two people capable of doing it. And, in the event he refuses, they'll likely force him into doing it by harming or even killing his loved ones. If Kaine considers himself a failure as a hero, it's surely because he's been forced into killing Kraven, was unable to save the people he cares about... or -- dare I say it -- both of those occurred (which we're betting on). Kaine has been through a whole lot when it comes to his struggle being a hero and being "good," but the combination of being unable to protect the people he cares the most about and being manipulated into killing could be enough to make him pack up and finally make it to Mexico.
For those unfamiliar with why the Spider-Man villain has a death wish, it's because he chose to take his life in the conclusion of 'Kraven's Last Hunt.' In his mind, he proved he was the superior Spider-Man and to him, that was the greatest thing he could accomplish in life. Feeling complete and left without any challenges, he opted to take his own life. Fast forward to 'Grim Hunt.' Kraven's family used "Spider-Man's" blood to resurrect the villain, but they were unaware it was actually Kaine posing as Spidey (which he did to save Parker). Naturally, Kraven wasn't happy about abruptly being brought back, and to make matters even worse, only Peter Parker can end his life. But, seeing as Kaine's a clone of the webhead, surely he can, too. Kraven's not a stupid man by any measure and has likely reached this conclusion as well. He wants nothing more than to go back to his eternal rest, and odds are he thinks Kaine is the man for the job. If he won't do it willingly, then Sergei will force his hand by threatening the people he'd do anything to save. Unfortunately, we think this means a life or two (not including Kraven's) may be lost in the process. But what does this mean for Ana? If we had to guess, she'll be the one to carry on the "Kraven the Hunter" legacy. Heck, she's already killed her brother just to prove she's worthy of the name.
Perfect world scenario, though? Since the Venom symbiote is probably leaving Flash Thompson due to events over in SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN, Kaine should randomly jump into that story and become the new host instead of potentially fleeing to Mexico. We know the chances of that happening are incredibly slim, but you can't blame us for dreaming, right?
This is all just speculation, mind you. Do you think this is what could go down in the conclusion of SCARLET SPIDER or do you have your own theories? And, if someone is indeed going to die, who do you think it'll be?
'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, right?