List of Spider-Slayers
Encyclopedia
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
. Created by Stan Lee
Stan Lee
Stan Lee is an American comic book writer, editor, actor, producer, publisher, television personality, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics....
and Steve Ditko
Steve Ditko
Stephen J. "Steve" Ditko is an American comic book artist and writer best known as the artist co-creator, with Stan Lee, of the Marvel Comics heroes Spider-Man and Doctor Strange....
, the original Spider-Slayer first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #25 (June 1965).
Primarily foes of Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
the first Spider-Slayer was built by scientist Spencer Smythe
Spencer Smythe
Spencer Smythe is a fictional character, a comic book villain in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #25 . He is the father of Alistair Smythe.-Fictional character biography:...
, who would go on to create several more of the robots to combat the hero up until his death. After Smythe's death several others would go on to make Spider-Slayers, including Smythe's son Alistair
Alistair Smythe
Alistair Smythe is a comic book supervillain, owned by Marvel Comics and existing in that company's Marvel Universe. He was one of the main foes of Spider-Man...
.
Mark I
Appearing at the Daily BugleDaily Bugle
The Daily Bugle is a fictional New York City newspaper that is a regular fixture in the Marvel Universe, most prominently in Spider-Man comic titles and their derivative media...
scientist Spencer Smythe offered his services to the publisher J. Jonah Jameson
J. Jonah Jameson
John Jonah Jameson Junior is a supporting character of Spider-Man in the .Jameson is usually the publisher or editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle, a fictional New York newspaper and now serves as the mayor of New York City...
, claiming his Spider-Slayer could capture Spider-Man. At first dismissive of Smythe, Jameson is convinced to use the robot by Peter Parker (Spider-Man's civilian identity) who believed the Slayer could be easily defeated. Activating and using the machine via remote Jameson used it to stalk Spider-Man (the Slayer's sensors being made to home in on arachnid signatures) through New York, it was able to climb walls and Spider-Man's webbing slid of it, it eventually ensnaring him in the Slayer's coils. Despite being trapped Spider-Man managed to tamper with the Slayer's circuitry, forcibly shutting it down. He then fools Jameson with an empty costume.
Several days after defeating the Slayer Peter visited Smythe's laboratory, prompting the inert Slayer to spring to life and attack him. Before Smythe could deduce he is Spider-Man, Peter removed a jar of spiders from his pocket, claiming they were responsible for the robot attacking him, fooling Smythe, who deactivated the Slayer. When the newly created Molten Man
Molten Man
Molten Man is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Universe. The character was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #28 .-Fictional character biography:...
trashes Smythe's lab (knocking the scientist out) the Slayer activated again and attacks Peter, who cuts off the devices power supply with his webbing before Smythe can regain consciousness.
Years later the Slayer would somehow fall into the hands of the villainous technopath the Reanimator
Reanimator (comics)
The Reanimator is a fictional mutant supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe.-Fictional character biography:While at his base, Reanimator watched as Wolverine and Nightcrawler arrived searching for Magneto. He then unleashed several robots, including a double of Magneto, on the two X-Men...
, who added it to his collection of machinery. During a battle with Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
the Reanimator activated the Slayer and had it attack the hero, who easily defeated it.
A replica of the Slayer was built by Alistair Smythe and destroyed by Spider-Man, who would go on to relive his first battle with the original Slayer after being flung back in time.
J. Jonah Jameson would reacquire the Slayer at some point, keeping it stored in his attic. During a dinner to get to know his new daughter-in-law, the She-Hulk
She-Hulk
She-Hulk is a Marvel Comics superheroine. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 ....
, various issues come to a head. Jameson snaps and using the Slayer (rechristening it the "She-Hulk Slayer") battles the She-Hulk inside his own house, damaging it severely. She-Hulk swiftly demolishes the robot.
The Mark I was covered in a special chemical coating which stopped Spider-Man's webbing and clinging abilities from working against it. The Spider-Slayer could also scale vertical surfaces and it also possessed several tentacles and coils which it could use to ensnare enemies. It was equipped with a special sensor device that homed in a target which possessed 'spider-impulses'. As a result, it will chase and ensnare anything and anyone with the greatest amount of these characteristics (which in most cases, is Spider-Man). The robot is basically humanoid in form and has a large monitor in the head which displays the operator, namely J. Jonah Jameson.
Mark II
More humanoid than its predecessor the Mark II was also more powerful as well. At first used by Jameson, Smythe takes control of the machine, not wanting to merely capture Spider-Man but kill him for humiliating him by defeating the original Slayer. The second Slayer is destroyed when Spider-Man lures it into Smythe's own spider-filled lab, causing the machine's sensors to overload to the point that it shut down. Alistair Smythe later either reactivated or built a replica of the second Slayer to use against Spider-Man, who destroyed the robot.The Mark II possessed super-strength and like the first Slayer it was covered in a chemical coating which caused it to be almost frictionless, meaning Spider-Man and his webbing couldn't stick to it. Mark II could also discharge an energy beam from its head called the "Destructo-Beam". Like its predecessor, it is remotely controlled and has a monitor which displays its operator.
Mark III
The last of Smythe's Slayers to be used by J. Jonah Jameson, Mark III resembled a large mechanical spider. Tracking down Spider-Man the Slayer fought him and at first was no match for the hero until Smythe took control of the robot from Jameson. Knocking Spider-Man out the Slayer left and was used to steal lab equipment by Smythe. Another Mark III was used by Alistair SmytheAlistair Smythe
Alistair Smythe is a comic book supervillain, owned by Marvel Comics and existing in that company's Marvel Universe. He was one of the main foes of Spider-Man...
and was destroyed by Spider-Man, along with the rest of Alistair's revived Spider-Slayers.
This Spider-Slayer was capable of utilizing a built-in web-shooter of its own, meaning it could ensnare enemies much like Spider-Man; it also possessed a large retractable blade which it could use as a weapon and cut Spider-Man's webbing with. Like previous Spider-Slayers, this one was also covered in a non-stick coating meaning Spider-Man couldn't use his webbing effectively against it.
Mark IV
A gigantic version of Mark III, this Slayer was piloted by Smythe from the inside; Mark IV managed to capture Spider-Man by ensnaring him in a web. Brought to Smythe's base, Spider-Man was left dangling upside-down while Smythe was directing his men to rob a bank. Breaking free, Spider-Man was attacked by the Slayer. Without Smythe to pilot it the Slayer was much weaker, and was temporarily defeated when Spider-Man clogged its web-shooters and shut it down internally. Defeating Smythe's henchmen, who were robbing various banks, Spider-Man was once again attacked by the Slayer, which was now piloted by Smythe. With little effort Spider-Man defeated the machine, revealing that while inside it earlier he had tampered with its circuitry, causing it to malfunction and shut-down in battle.The Mark IV later ambushed Spider-Man, who was weakened from previous battles and his own recent doubts- following a battle with the Jackal
Jackal (Marvel Comics)
The Jackal is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 , and was created by writer Gerry Conway and artist Ross Andru. In The Amazing Spider-Man #148 The Jackal is a fictional character that appears in...
- over whether he was himself or his clone
Ben Reilly
Benjamin "Ben" Reilly is a fictional character in the . He is a clone of Peter Parker , and is prominent in the "Clone Saga" story arc...
. However, when ensnared by the Slayer, Spider-Man realized- given that he instinctively thought of Mary Jane Watson
Mary Jane Watson
Mary Jane Watson, often shortened to MJ, is a fictional supporting character appearing, originally, in Marvel comic books and, later, in multiple spin-offs and dramatizations of the Spider-Man titles as the best friend, love interest, and one-time wife of Peter Parker, the alter ego of Spider-Man...
while the clone would still love Gwen Stacy
Gwen Stacy
Gwendolyn "Gwen" Stacy appears as a supporting character in Marvel Comics' Spider-Man series. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, she first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #31 ....
- that he was the real one, and subsequently managed to break free and smash open the Slayer's cockpit, knocking Smythe out.
The Mark IV was later rebuilt by Alistair Smythe and used against Spider-Man, who destroyed it along with the rest of Alistair's Spider-Slayer army.
Possessing the same abilities as Mark III, except on a larger scale, the Mark IV could also emit ethyl chloride
Chloroethane
Chloroethane or monochloroethane, commonly known by its old name ethyl chloride, is a chemical compound with chemical formula , once widely used in producing tetraethyllead, a gasoline additive...
spray to disorient victims.
Mark V
The first Spider-Slayer not created by Spencer Smythe, the Mark V was built by Dr. Marla Madison and J. Jonah Jameson. Tracking down Spider-Man, the Slayer engaged him in battle, as well as Will o' the WispWill o' the Wisp (comics)
Will o' the Wisp is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain in the Marvel Universe. He is a physicist who gained control over the electromagnetic attraction between his body's molecules, allowing him to adjust his density...
who was at the scene at the time. Though powerful, this Slayer was destroyed when Spider-Man caused a statue of Prometheus
Prometheus
In Greek mythology, Prometheus is a Titan, the son of Iapetus and Themis, and brother to Atlas, Epimetheus and Menoetius. He was a champion of mankind, known for his wily intelligence, who stole fire from Zeus and gave it to mortals...
to collapse on top of it, crushing it.
The Reanimator would somehow acquire the Mark V and use it against Wolverine, who destroyed it. Despite the fact that it was not created by either him or his father, Alistair Smythe had a duplicate of the Mark V in his Spider-Slayer army. This new Mark V was destroyed by Spider-Man, along with the rest of Alistair's Slayers.
Unlike previous Spider-Slayers, the Mark V was controlled through mental commands transmitted through a special helmet, meaning this Slayer had better reaction time than previous ones. Mark V also possessed super-strength, a web-shooter, and a laser-cannon which shot "Impulse Beams".
Mark VI
Used by a dying Spencer Smythe, the Mark VI proved to be Smythe's most powerful creation. Battling Spider-Man atop the Empire State BuildingEmpire State Building
The Empire State Building is a 102-story landmark skyscraper and American cultural icon in New York City at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street. It has a roof height of 1,250 feet , and with its antenna spire included, it stands a total of 1,454 ft high. Its name is derived...
, the Slayer proved to be more than a match for Spider-Man. It was only after Spider-Man knocked the Slayer and himself off the building that it was destroyed, plummeting at extreme speed to the ground below.
Another Mark VI was a part of Alistair Smythe's Spider-Slayer army; unlike the original this new one proved to be pathetic in comparison, being easily destroyed by Spider-Man.
The Mark VI possessed a large amount of weaponry and abilities; it had a web-cannon, laser-guns, metallic tentacles and coils, and the ability to stick to surfaces. It was also created out of an extremely durable metal (possibly secondary adamantium) which rendered it almost immune to physical damage. Like the Mark V, the Mark VI could be controlled mentally.
Mark VII
Though more of a battleship than a robot, the Mark VII was created by Spencer Smythe's son, Alistair Smythe. Using the Mark VII to kidnap May ParkerAunt May
May Reilly Parker-Jameson, commonly known as Aunt May, is a supporting character in Marvel Comics' Spider-Man series. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, she first appeared as May Parker in Amazing Fantasy #15...
and Anna Watson
Anna Watson
Anna Watson is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe and an supporting character of Spider-Man. She is Mary Jane Watson's aunt and Aunt May's best friend...
, Smythe also attempted to use the device to kill Mary Jane Watson
Mary Jane Watson
Mary Jane Watson, often shortened to MJ, is a fictional supporting character appearing, originally, in Marvel comic books and, later, in multiple spin-offs and dramatizations of the Spider-Man titles as the best friend, love interest, and one-time wife of Peter Parker, the alter ego of Spider-Man...
, who he believed to be Spider-Man (to buy time, she claimed to use an exo-suit created by aliens). Engaging the Slayer in battle, Spider-Man at first tried to short-circuit the ship by causing it to crash into a water tower. When this failed, Spider-Man managed to cause the ship to become entangled in some power-lines, which succeeded in causing it to short-out.
An unmanned version of the Mark VII was later used as a part of Alistair's Spider-Slayer army. This new Mark VII was destroyed by Spider-Man along with the rest of Alistair's Slayers.
Piloted from the inside, the Mark VII possessed several weapons, which included extendable claws, electrical whips, and laser cannons. Unlike previous Spider-Slayers, the Mark VII was shown to be capable of flying.
Mark VIII
A gigantic robot, the Mark VIII was operated from within by the now crippled Alistair Smythe. Tracking down Spider-Man, Alistair was only briefly able to battle him as the Mark VIII was damaged by a construction worker using a bulldozerBulldozer
A bulldozer is a crawler equipped with a substantial metal plate used to push large quantities of soil, sand, rubble, etc., during construction work and typically equipped at the rear with a claw-like device to loosen densely-compacted materials.Bulldozers can be found on a wide range of sites,...
. Alistair was forced to retreat from battle to repair the Slayer. Managing to track down Spider-Man once again, Alistair severely beat him and almost drowned him using the Slayer. It was only when Alistair attempted to kill Mary Jane that an enraged Spider-Man managed to rip apart the Slayer and tear Alistair out of its cockpit.
Alistair later rebuilt the Mark VIII and used it as a soldier in his Spider-Slayer army, which was destroyed by Spider-Man.
The Mark VIII was extremely powerful, seen capable of tearing apart steel. The Slayer also had extendable limbs and could shoot ethyl chloride from its fingers. Its head could fire off a powerful energy beam.
Mark IX (Ultimate Spider-Slayer)
The Mark IX was Alistair Smythe himself, having, through self-inflicted mutations and cybernetic-implants, given himself superpowers.Mark X (Alien)
A semi-humanoid being, the Mark X was the first Spider-Slayer to attack Spider-Man in the "Invasion of the Spider-SlayersInvasion of the Spider-Slayers
"Invasion of the Spider-Slayers" is a six-part storyline printed in Marvel's The Amazing Spider-Man title in 1992-1993, featuring Spider-Man against a series of Spider-Slayers created mainly by Alistair Smythe.-Plot:...
" saga. Attacking Spider-Man while he was swinging through town, the Mark X was close to eviscerating Spider-Man until a nearby construction worker managed to decapitate it using a jackhammer
Jackhammer
A jackhammer is a pneumatic tool that combines a hammer directly with a chisel that was invented by Charles Brady King. Hand-held jackhammers are typically powered by compressed air, but some use electric motors. Larger jackhammers, such as rig mounted hammers used on construction machinery, are...
. Alistair later rebuilt the Mark X to be used in his Spider-Slayer army, which was destroyed by Spider-Man.
Mark X was extremely fast and agile and had a large amount of spikes and claws protruding from its body.
Mark XI (Bird)
A giant robotic bird, the Mark XI attacked Central ParkCentral Park
Central Park is a public park in the center of Manhattan in New York City, United States. The park initially opened in 1857, on of city-owned land. In 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux won a design competition to improve and expand the park with a plan they entitled the Greensward Plan...
while Peter Parker was there with his parents. Changing into Spider-Man, the Mark XI was easily defeated when Spider-Man smashed its head in. The Spider-Slayer Mark XI was later rebuilt by Alistair Smythe, who used it as a soldier in his Spider-Slayer army, which Spider-Man destroyed.
The Mark XI, along with being able to fly, was capable of shooting bolts of electricity from its mouth. It also had several retractable, bladed tentacles on its back.
Mark XII (Dark Iron Man)
A large, imposing humanoid Spider-Slayer, Mark XII attacked Spider-Man while he was in the middle of a battle with ElectroElectro (comics)
Electro is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a supervillain and an enemy of Spider-Man who gained the ability to control electricity after being struck by lightning while working on a power line. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, he first...
. After a long fight, Spider-Man managed to destroy the Slayer by trapping it in a building that was set to be demolished. The building subsequently collapsed before the Mark XII could escape. The Mark XII was rebuilt by Alistair to be used in his Spider-Slayer army, only to be destroyed by Spider-Man again.
Mark XII was capable of flight and possessed super-strength, and could also fire lasers from its head and arm, which was a laser-cannon.
Spider-Slayer XIII (Amoeboid 2)
A biological-looking robot created by Alistair's assistant Max Young, the Mark XIII was a remake of one of Mendel Stromm's old robots and attacked Spider-Man while he and the Black CatBlack Cat (comics)
The Black Cat is a fictional character, a superheroine in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Keith Pollard, she first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #194 ....
were battling the Scorpion. The Mark XIII ensnared Spider-Man in its tentacles and began to suffocate him. It was only when the Scorpion accidentally impaled the Slayer with his electrically-charged stinger that it was destroyed. The feedback from his attack left the Scorpion unconscious as well.
The Mark XIII was later rebuilt by Alistair as a member of his Spider-Slayer army, which was taken down by Spider-Man.
The Mark XIII was capable of stretching its body to extreme lengths and could also entrap enemies within itself, suffocating them. Its body was also extremely malleable, allowing it to twist and warp its shape.
Mark XIV (Tri-Head)
A robot designed by Max Young, but built by Alistair Smythe, the Mark XIV possessed artificial intelligence and three distinct personalities (based on aspects of Max himself). Attacking Spider-Man and Black Cat at a prison, the Mark XIV seemed to have the upper-hand, until Spider-Man caused the robot's minds to quarrel with one another; in the end, the Slayer blew up its own head.Another Mark XIV, this one lacking a mind, was created by Alistair to be a soldier in his Spider-Slayer army and was destroyed by Spider-Man.
The Mark XIV could fly through the use of a jetpack, could shoot energy beams out of its fingers, and possessed super-strength. It also had several hook-ended tentacles.
Mark XV (Black Widow)
Attacking Spider-Man and Black Cat while the two were on a building, the Mark XV was easily defeated when the Black Cat cut the web-line it was hanging from, causing it to fall off the building. Revealed to have survived the fall, the Slayer combined with Marks XVI and XVII to create one giant robot. This amalgamation of Spider-Slayers was destroyed when Spider-Man jammed a live cable into its circuitry.Another Mark XV was a part of Alistair Smythe's Spider-Slayer army. Along with the rest of the Slayer army, the new Mark XV was destroyed by Spider-Man.
The Mark XV had razor sharp legs and it could also spin webs and stick to surfaces.
Mark XVI (Tarantula)
A giant robotic tarantulaTarantula
Tarantulas comprise a group of often hairy and often very large arachnids belonging to the family Theraphosidae, of which approximately 900 species have been identified. Some members of the same Suborder may also be called "tarantulas" in the common parlance. This article will restrict itself to...
, the Mark XVI attacked Spider-Man and Black Cat along with the Mark XVII. Shortly after appearing, Mark XVI was thrown from a building. Surviving this fall, the Slayer combined with Marks XV and XVII to create an enormous robot. This giant "Super-Slayer" was destroyed when Spider-Man jammed a live-cable into its circuitry.
Another Mark XVI appeared in Alistair Smythe's Spider-Slayer army and was dismantled by Spider-Man.
The Mark XVI could jump extremely large distances and shoot webbing. It also, oddly, had pincers.
Mark XVII (Scorpion)
A giant robotic scorpionScorpion
Scorpions are predatory arthropod animals of the order Scorpiones within the class Arachnida. They have eight legs and are easily recognized by the pair of grasping claws and the narrow, segmented tail, often carried in a characteristic forward curve over the back, ending with a venomous stinger...
, Mark XVII attacked Spider-Man and the Black Cat with Mark XVI. After being thrown from a building, Mark XVII merged with Marks XV and XVI to create an enormous robot. This combination of Spider-Slayers was destroyed when Spider-Man jammed a live-cable into its circuitry, causing it to catch fire internally.
The Mark XVII was rebuilt as a member of Alistair Smythe's Spider-Slayer army and was destroyed once more by Spider-Man.
The Mark XVII was capable of shooting laser blasts from its "stinger" and its pincers were also super-powerful.
Mark XVIII
A member of Alistair Smythe's army of Spider-Slayers, the Mark XVIII was humanoid with six-arms. Attempting to attack May Parker'sAunt May
May Reilly Parker-Jameson, commonly known as Aunt May, is a supporting character in Marvel Comics' Spider-Man series. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, she first appeared as May Parker in Amazing Fantasy #15...
house, the Slayer was tied up with webbing and subsequently torn apart by Spider-Man.
The Mark XVIII possessed super-strength and it could also stick to surfaces and fire energy beams from its head and hands.
Mark XIX
Seen in the Secret WarSecret War (comics)
Secret War is a five-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics. The series is written by Brian Michael Bendis and painted by Gabriele Dell'Otto...
crossover, who built this Spider-Slayer is unknown, but it is possible it was either Lucia von Bardas
Lucia von Bardas
Lucia von Bardas is a fictional character, a supervillain in comic books published by Marvel Comics.- Fictional character biography :Lucia von Bardas is a Latverian woman who used to teach at the University of North Carolina in the United States. After Victor von Doom was deposed as the leader of...
or the Tinkerer
Tinkerer
The Tinkerer is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in comic books set in the Marvel Comics Universe...
. Aiding dozens of supervillains in combat during the Secret War, the status of the Mark XIX is currently unknown.
The full extent of the Mark XIX is unknown; so far the only power it was shown utilizing was the ability to shoot lasers and spit acid.
Anti-Spider Squad
After Jameson becomes mayor of New York he creates the Anti-Spider Squad, recycling the parts of several old Spider-Slayers to better equip them. At first enemies of Spider-Man the Anti-Spider Squad, after aiding Spider-Man in foiling a plot of the Chameleon'sChameleon (comics)
The Chameleon is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in The Amazing Spider-Man #1 , and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko; the Chameleon is the first member of Spider-Man's rogues' gallery, based on issue...
, realize how unfounded and fanatical Jameson's hatred of Spider-Man really is and quit his employ. Off-page Jameson hired more men to be in the Anti-Spider Squad, and his approval ratings has declined as Spider-Man's approval has improved because of Jameson's large expenditures for the Anti-Spider Squad.
Cyber-Slayers
At the behest of mobster Jason Tso, Alistair created the Cyber-Slayers, intent on selling them on the black market. Attaining most of the components needed to create the Cyber-Slayers, Alistair and Tso used them in a test run against rival gang leader Lady OctopusLady Octopus
Lady Octopus , is a fictional character, a supervillainess in the Marvel Universe. Her first appearance was in Amazing Spider-Man #406 . She was created by J. M. DeMatteis and Angel Medina.-Fictional character biography:During the Clone Saga, Dr...
and her crew, a fight which the Scarlet Spider
Ben Reilly
Benjamin "Ben" Reilly is a fictional character in the . He is a clone of Peter Parker , and is prominent in the "Clone Saga" story arc...
became involved in. Alistair and Tso later fled when the authorities became involved. When Lady Octopus and her gang attempted to steal the Cyber-Slayer's components, Alistair battled them, only to be betrayed by Tso, who wanted him out of the way so he could profit from the Cyber-Slayers alone. During the chaos the visor controlling the Cyber-Slayers was accidentally destroyed.
The Cyber-Slayers were super-powerful, capable of shooting lasers and had several spikes protruding from their bodies.
Mini-Slayers
Small spider-like robots used by Alistair to spy on Spider-Man, individually Mini-Slayers are weak, though they can be a nuisance in large numbers. During the "Invasion of the Spider-Slayers" Spider-Man captured a Mini-Slayer and used it to find Alistair's hideout. Afterward the Mini-Slayers were wiped out by the FBI, Spider-Man, and the AvengersAvengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
. Alistair also used Mini-Slayers to blackmail J. Jonah Jameson into helping him in a plot against Spider-Man, threatening to use the small robots on Jonah's family. When Alistair had his Spider-Slayer army attack Spider-Man a Mini-Slayer managed to latch onto the hero's face and read his mind, transmitting thoughts of his loved ones to the other Slayers, who began to target them. Spider-Man managed to remove and destroy the Mini-Slayer, the rest of the Mini-Slayers deactivating after the Mark XVIII Spider-Slayer was destroyed.
When the Scorpion allied with Alistair to kill J. Jonah Jameson Alistair had hundreds of Mini-Slayers follow the Scorpion to the Daily Bugle to aid him in assassinating Jonah. While battling Spider-Man and She-Hulk
She-Hulk
She-Hulk is a Marvel Comics superheroine. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 ....
, these Mini-Slayers combined together to make a blob-like entity which the duo destroyed. Alistair later used a Mini-Slayer to poison John Jameson
John Jameson (comics)
John Jameson is a fictional character in publications from Marvel Comics.-Publication history:...
, causing him to become the Man-Wolf.
The Mini-Slayers are capable of sensing Spider-Man's location and adhering to surfaces. They can also connect to each other to form a larger, more powerful robot.
Villains
Several robots in the form of the KingpinKingpin (comics)
The Kingpin is a fictional character, a supervillain in the . Kingpin is one of the most feared and powerful crime lords in the Marvel Universe. The character is a major adversary of Daredevil, the Punisher, and Spider-Man...
, Sandman
Sandman (Marvel Comics)
Sandman is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. A shapeshifter endowed through an accident with the ability to turn himself into sand, he eventually reformed, and became an ally of Spider-Man...
, and the Vulture
Vulture (comics)
The Vulture is the name of six comic book supervillains in the Marvel Comics universe. The best known Vulture in the Marvel Universe is Adrian Toomes, an elderly enemy of Spider-Man created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko in The Amazing Spider-Man #2 .-Golden Age Vulture:In Young Men #26, a scientist...
were sent by Spencer Smythe to weaken and psychologically disorientate Spider-Man. When each robot was defeated it would explode, minute acid capsules throughout their bodies leaving no trace of their presence, and thus leaving Spider-Man doubting his own sanity. After all three robots were defeated, Smythe attacked Spider-Man in Mark IV.
Each robot had weakened versions of the powers of the villain they were based on. Each also possessed super-strength.
House of M
In the House of MHouse of M
House of M is an eight-issue comic book limited series and crossover storyline published by Marvel Comics in 2005. Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Olivier Coipel, its first issue debuted in June 2005 as a follow-up to the events of the Planet X and Avengers Disassembled...
reality created by the Scarlet Witch's
Scarlet Witch
The Scarlet Witch is a fictional comic book character that appears in books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in X-Men #4 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby...
powers J. Jonah Jameson, fearing Peter Parker would take revenge on him due to outing him as Spider-Man, has Alistair Smythe construct a Spider-Slayer to protect him. When Peter's family breaks into Jonah's home looking for Peter's journal (given to him by the Green Goblin
Green Goblin
The Green Goblin is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 ....
) Jonah, using the Slayer, attacks. Hitting Peter's wife Gwen Stacy
Gwen Stacy
Gwendolyn "Gwen" Stacy appears as a supporting character in Marvel Comics' Spider-Man series. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, she first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #31 ....
just as Peter arrives, Jonah's slayer is ripped to shreds by the hero.
The House of M Slayer resembled a humanoid robot with claws and a glowing core in the chest similar to Iron Man
Iron Man
Iron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
's armor. Like early models in the mainstream universe it had a view screen depicting the controller in place of a face.
MC2
In the MC2 universe, Spider-GirlSpider-Girl
Spider-Girl is a superheroine in Marvel Comics' MC2 universe. The character was created by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz as the teenage daughter of Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson, and first appeared in What If #105...
, Spider-Man's future daughter, is sent back in time. She encounters the original Spider-Slayer and after some confusion involving Spider-Man and the Human Torch
Human Torch
The Human Torch is a fictional character and superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, he is a member of the superhero team the Fantastic Four, debuting in The Fantastic Four #1...
, managed to defeat the Slayer in a manner not too dissimilar to the way Spider-Man originally did.
Ultimate Spider-Slayers
In the Ultimate Spider-ManUltimate Spider-Man
Ultimate Spider-Man was a superhero comic book series that was published by Marvel Comics from 2000 to 2009. The series is a modernized re-imagining of Marvel's long-running Spider-Man comic book franchise as part of its Ultimate Marvel imprint...
universe, Spider-Slayers were built by the Tinkerer under the order of Nick Fury
Nick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury is a fictional World War II army hero and present-day super-spy in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 , a World War II combat series that portrayed the...
, to be used in case Spider-Man ever went rogue. When clones of Spider-Man begin running rampant Nick Fury and a battalion of Spider-Slayers travel to the Parker residence to arrest Peter, only to encounter the Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
and Carnage
Carnage (comics)
Carnage is a fictional character, a supervillain in the . The character first appears in The Amazing Spider-Man #344 , and was created by writer David Michelinie and artist Mark Bagley. The character is frequently depicted as an enemy of Spider-Man...
, the latter which the Slayers take down (reverting it to Gwen Stacy). The Slayers later kill a disfigured clone of Spider-Man
Kaine
Kaine is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain and antihero who serves as both an ally and an enemy of Spider-Man. He first appeared in Web of Spider-Man #119, and is the Jackal's first failed attempt at cloning Peter Parker...
.
In Ultimate Marvel continuity, the Spider-Slayers are tall (about eight feet) robots that balance on a large sphere, wield two arm-cannons, and have a sphere for their heads. They turned out in fact not to be manned but controlled remotely by the Tinkerer.
In other media
The 1960 Spider-Man animated seriesSpider-Man (1967 TV series)
Spider-Man is an animated television series that ran from September 9, 1967 to June 14, 1970. It was jointly produced in Canada and the United States and was the first animated adaptation of the Spider-Man comic book series, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko...
had an episode that was an adaptation of the first Spider-Slayer story, though with Spencer Smythe renamed Henry.
The Black Widow, Tarantula, and Scorpion models appeared in Spider-Man: The Animated Series
Spider-Man (1994 TV series)
Spider-Man, also known as Spider-Man: The Animated Series, is an American animated series starring the Marvel Comics superhero, Spider-Man. The show ran on Fox Kids from November 19, 1994, to January 31, 1998. The producer/story editor was John Semper, Jr. and production company was Marvel Films...
. Unlike in the comics, the Slayers were created by Spencer Smythe instead of Alistair. The Tri-Head (referred to as the Mega-Slayer) also appeared in the show, remotely controlled by Alistair and lacking intelligence. Alistair would also be forcibly mutated into the Ultimate Spider-Slayer by the Kingpin and Herbert Landon.
The Alien and Tri-Head Slayers appear in the Spider-Man: The Animated Series
Spider-Man: The Animated Series (video game)
Spider-Man is a video game developed by Western Technologies and published by Acclaim in 1995, incorporating elements form the critically acclaimed Spider-Man: The Animated Series. The game was released for the Super Nintendo and the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.-Gameplay:The gameplay was similar to...
videogame while various Slayers appear in the Game Boy
Game Boy
The , is an 8-bit handheld video game device developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on , in North America in , and in Europe on...
game The Amazing Spider-Man 3: Invasion of the Spider-Slayers
The Amazing Spider-Man 3: Invasion of the Spider-Slayers
Spider-Man 3: Invasion of the Spider-Slayers is the third and final video game released by LJN for the original Game Boy based on the popular comic book hero of the same name...
. Spider-Slayers, resembling small mechanical spiders, also appear as enemies in the 2002 videogame based on the live-action film
Spider-Man (film)
Spider-Man is a 2002 American superhero film, the first in the Spider-Man film series based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Spider-Man. It was directed by Sam Raimi and written by David Koepp...
.