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:''See [[List of Spider-Slayers]] for a full breakdown of all versions of the Spider-Slayer.''
:''See [[List of Spider-Slayers]] for a full breakdown of all versions of the Spider-Slayer.''


The first series of robots were originally designed and built by Prof. [[Spencer Smythe]] with the financial backing of [[J. Jonah Jameson]], who piloted them for the pleasure of personally hunting the [[superhero]] he hated for capture and public unmasking. However, Spider-Man always managed to defeat each robot in turn. Smythe's continual efforts to perfect his machines backfired on him, leading to himself being fatally contaminated by [[radiation poisoning]] from the building materials of his creations. Blaming both Jameson and Spider-Man for this, he attempted, as a final act, to murder them both, but died just before Spider-Man thwarted the attempt.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #191-192</ref>
The first series of robots were originally designed and built by [[Spencer Smythe]] with the financial backing of [[J. Jonah Jameson]], who intends to capture and unmask Spider-Man. However, Spider-Man always manages to defeat the Slayers. Smythe's continued efforts to perfect his machines lead to him contracting fatal [[radiation poisoning]] from the building materials of his creations. Blaming both Jameson and Spider-Man for his condition, Smythe attempts to murder them both, but dies just before Spider-Man thwarts the attempt.<ref>''[[The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' #191-192 (April - May 1979)</ref>


At one point, Jameson commissioned another scientist, Dr. [[Marla Madison]], to create a new and improved Spider-Slayer.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=December 2012}} While that attempt failed, he eventually fell in love with her and married her.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #167-168</ref>
In ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' Annual #19 (1985), Smythe's son, [[Alistair Smythe]], emerged as the new builder of the Spider-Slayers. He swore revenge on Spider-Man, repeatedly attacking the superhero with his own series of Slayers. Smythe is later transformed into a cyborg dubbed the Ultimate Spider-Slayer.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=December 2012}}


In ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' Annual #19 (1985), Smythe's son, [[Alistair Smythe|Alistair]], emerged as the new builder of the Spider-Slayers. He swore revenge on Spider-Man, repeatedly attacking the superhero with his own series of Slayers. Smythe later mutated into a humanoid Spider-Slayer, but remains a minor foe.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=December 2012}}
The original Spider-Slayer is seen among the robots and machines in the [[Reanimator (comics)|Reanimator]]'s collection. [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]] later destroys the Spider-Slayer when the Reanimator attempts to use it against him. J. Jonah Jameson utilizes the Spider-Slayer to attack [[She-Hulk]], but it is destroyed again.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=December 2012}}


The original Spider-Slayer was seen among the robots and machines in the [[Reanimator (comics)|Reanimator]]'s collection. [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]] later destroyed the Spider-Slayer when the Reanimator attempted to use it against him. It was later used by J. Jonah Jameson to attack the [[She-Hulk]] after she had married his son [[John Jameson (comics)|John]], but it was destroyed again.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=December 2012}}
After becoming the mayor of New York City, Jameson has several old Spider-Slayers sent to him from storage to better equip his "Anti-Spider Squad" to take down Spider-Man. The Spider-Slayer technology is combined with that of the [[Mandroid]] suits. However, the "Spider-Slayer Squad" wearing the suits quit their jobs after Spider-Man saves them and New York from a [[dirty bomb]].{{Volume needed|c=y|date=December 2012}}


In ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #603, Jameson (now Mayor of New York) has some old Spider-Slayers sent to him from storage to better equip his "Anti-Spider Squad" to take down Spider-Man. The Spider-Slayer technology is combined with that of the [[Mandroid]] suits. However, the "Spider-Slayer Squad" wearing the suits quit their jobs after Spider-Man saves them and New York from a dirty bomb.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=December 2012}}
When the [[Goblin King]] and his Goblin Underground cause havoc in Manhattan, J. Jonah Jameson unveils the Goblin-Slayers, which he plans to use against the Goblin Underground.<ref>''[[The Superior Spider-Man]]'' #28 (April 2014)</ref> The [[Superior Spider-Man]] (Doctor Octopus' mind in Peter Parker's body) is confronted by a group of Spider-Slayers and tries to fight them, but discovers that they are stronger than all previous versions. The Spider-Slayers are deactivated remotely by [[Spider-Man 2099]], who confronts the Superior Spider-Man about who he really is and the reasons behind his actions of late. However, the Goblin King reactivates the Spider-Slayers and takes control of them.<ref>''The Superior Spider-Man'' #29 (May 2014)</ref>
 
Despite not being technically related to the Smythes' and Madison's creations, when Spider-Man refits all the Octobots confiscated from [[Doctor Octopus]] and kept in the New York Police Precinct to carry an antidote able to reverse the mutations turning all the New York population into Man-Spiders, he humorously renames them his own ''Spider-Slayers''.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #672</ref>
 
When the Goblin King and his Goblin Underground group cause havoc in Manhattan, Mayor J. Jonah Jameson unveils the Goblin-Slayers which he plans to use against the Goblin-related threats. Mary Jane Watson voices her concern that the Goblin-Slayers used to be former Spider-Slayers.<ref>''The Superior Spider-Man'' #28</ref> Mayor J. Jonah Jameson orders Chief Pratchett to send one of the Goblin Slayers to the robbery location and then head to chase the [[The Superior Spider-Man|Superior Spider-Man]] (Doctor Octopus' mind in Peter Parker's body). After Don Lamaze sacrifices his life to get out of the Goblin King's trap, the Superior Spider-Man confronted by a legion of Spider-Slayers with Mayor J. Jonah Jameson's face projected on the front faceplate. Mayor J. Jonah Jameson replies that he is done with being blackmailed by him and he does not care if he loses everything as long as he can finally bring down Spider-Man. The Superior Spider-Man tries to fight the Spider-Slayers, but discovers that they are far stronger than all the previous ones. Suddenly, the Spider-Slayers are deactivated remotely by [[Spider-Man 2099]], who confronts the Superior Spider-Man about who he really is and the reasons behind his actions of late. Suddenly, the Spider-Slayers are reactivated, to Spider-Man 2099's shock. The Goblin King's voice rings out, declaring that he has taken control of the Spider-Slayers as well, which grab both Spider-Men by their heads as the Goblin King comments that Norman Osborn now runs this city.<ref>''The Superior Spider-Man'' #29</ref>
 
In a ''[[Spider-Man 2099]]'' storyline following Smythe's death, dealers illegally sell Spider-Slayers to foreign nations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/20689-spider-man-2099-swings-again-in-new-ongoing-series-with-peter-david.html|title = Spiderman 1 &#124; GamesRadar+| date=8 September 2008 }}</ref> However, after Miguel accompanies Tiberus Stone on one such deal, he ends up fighting the [[Mac Gargan|Scorpion]] (who was hired by Alchemax to further test the Spider-Slayers) as Stone is captured by the local rebels,<ref>''Spider-Man 2099'' vol. 2 #3</ref> Miguel defeating the Scorpion by tricking the Spider-Slayers into attacking him, while Stone's encounter with the rebels prompts him to change his mind about the original deal.<ref>''Spider-Man 2099'' vol. 2 #4</ref>


==List of Spider-Slayers==
==List of Spider-Slayers==
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==Other versions==
==Other versions==
===Ultimate Marvel===
===Ultimate Marvel===
The [[Ultimate Marvel]] version of Spider-Slayers are eight foot robots that balance on a large sphere, wield two arm-cannons and have a sphere for a head, and built and controlled remotely by the [[Tinkerer (Marvel Comics)|Tinkerer]]. Created in the event [[Spider-Man (Ultimate Marvel character)|Spider-Man]] ever went rogue, the Spider-Slayers are deployed by [[Nick Fury (Ultimate Marvel character)|Nick Fury]] to Peter Parker's residence when clones of Spider-Man begin running rampant, with the Slayers' objective being to arrest Peter Parker. The Slayers encounter the [[Fantastic Four]] and [[Carnage (character)|Carnage]] which reverts to [[Gwen Stacy]] after the Spider-Slayers take her down. The Spider-Slayers later kill a [[Kaine Parker|disfigured clone]] and imprison [[Scorpion (Mac Gargan)|another unstable clone]] in [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]]<ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #99</ref><ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #100</ref><ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #101</ref><ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #102</ref><ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #103</ref><ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #104</ref> A second Spider Slayer, this one able to trace Peter by detecting his DNA, is created by Mysterio. It is later destroyed.
An alternate universe version of the Spider-Slayers appears in the [[Ultimate Marvel]] imprint. These versions are constructed and remotely operated by the [[Tinkerer (Marvel Comics)|Tinkerer]], who created them to battle [[Spider-Man (Ultimate Marvel character)|Spider-Man]] if he ever went rogue. The Spider-Slayers are eight-foot-tall robots that balance on a large sphere and are equipped with two arm cannons.<ref>''[[Ultimate Spider-Man]]'' #100 (November 2006)</ref><ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #101 (December 2006)</ref>


===MC2===
===MC2===
While trying to apprehend a dimension-hopping supervillain in the [[Marvel Comics 2|MC2]] reality, [[Mayday Parker|Spider-Girl]] is accidentally sent into [[Earth-616]]'s past, where she encounters the first Spider-Slayer. Mistaking her for its quarry, the Spider-Slayer attacks Spider-Girl who manages to evade the machine due to being distracted by how different "Spider-Man" looks. Spider-Girl later returns to her own universe and time, while Spider-Man defeats the Spider-Slayer in the same way he did in the original story.<ref>{{Cite comic|writer = Tom DeFalco|penciller = Pat Olliffe|inker = Al Williamson|story = Father's Day/Slayers, Spiders, and Torches, Oh My|title = Spider-Girl|volume = 1|issue = #10-11|date = July 1999 - August 1999|publisher = Marvel Comics|location = United States}}</ref>
In the future timeline of [[Marvel Comics 2|MC2]], [[Mayday Parker|Spider-Girl]] encounters the original Spider-Slayer after accidentally being sent back in time.<ref>''[[Spider-Girl (comic book)|Spider-Girl]]'' #10 - #11 (July - August 1999)</ref>


===''House of M''===
===''House of M''===
In the ''[[House of M]]'' reality, J. Jonah Jameson (fearing Peter Parker would take revenge due to outing as Spider-Man) has Alistair Smythe construct a Spider-Slayer as protection. When Peter's family breaks into Jonah's home looking for Peter's journal (given by the [[Green Goblin]]) Jonah, using the Spider-Slayer, attacks. Hitting [[Gwen Stacy]] just as Peter arrives, Jonah's Spider-Slayer is ripped to shreds by the hero.<ref>''House of M: Spider-Man'' #3</ref><ref>''House of M: Spider-Man'' #4</ref>
An alternate universe version of the Spider-Slayer appears in ''[[House of M]]''. This version was created by J. Jonah Jameson and Alistair Smythe to attack Peter Parker after his secret identity is exposed and he is publicly revealed to not be a [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutant]]. The Spider-Slayer attacks Peter's home, only to be destroyed by him.<ref>''[[Spider-Man: House of M]]'' #3 (October 2005)</ref><ref>''Spider-Man: House of M'' #4 (November 2005)</ref>


=== ''What If'' ===
=== ''What If'' ===
In an issue of ''[[What If (comics)|What If]]'', [[Aunt May|May Parker]] and [[John Jameson (comics)|John Jameson]] are killed in a space shuttle crash caused by the [[Chameleon (character)|Chameleon]], J. Jonah Jameson adopts Peter Parker, and blames the deaths of their loved ones on Spider-Man. Obsessed with taking Spider-Man down, Jameson commissions the creation of the Spider-Slayer and the [[Scorpion (Mac Gargan)|Scorpion]] formula, the latter of which is ingested by [[Flash Thompson]]. The serum warps Flash's mind and causes Flash to go on a rampage, which ends when subdued by Spider-Man (who reveals being Peter Parker to Jameson) and the Spider-Slayer, controlled by Jameson. Jameson realizes how irrational his hatred of Spider-Man is, and decides to help his adopted son fight crime using the Spider-Slayer.<ref>{{Cite comic
An alternate universe version of the Spider-Slayer appears in ''[[What If (comics)|What If]]'' #84. After [[May Parker]] and [[John Jameson (character)|John Jameson]] are killed in a space shuttle crash caused by the [[Chameleon (character)|Chameleon]], J. Jonah Jameson adopts Peter Parker and blames the two's deaths on Spider-Man. Obsessed with taking Spider-Man down, Jameson commissions the creation of the Spider-Slayer and the [[Mac Gargan|Scorpion]] formula, the latter of which is ingested by [[Flash Thompson]]. The serum warps Thompson's mind and causes him to go on a rampage, which ends after he is subdued by Spider-Man and the Spider-Slayer, controlled by Jameson. After learning Peter's secret identity, Jameson realizes how irrational his hatred of Spider-Man was and decides to help Peter fight crime using the Spider-Slayer.<ref>''[[What If (comics)|What If]]'' #82 (February 1996)</ref>
| writer = W.M. Messner-Loebs
| penciller = Anthony Williams
| inker = Andy Lanning
| story = The Man in the Million-Dollar Mask: What if J. Jonah Jameson adopted Spider-Man?
| title = What If
| volume = 2
| issue = #82
| date = February 1996
| publisher = Marvel Comics
| location = United States
| page =
| panel =
| id =
}}</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
===Television===
===Television===
[[File:Spidermanep4.jpg|thumb|The Black Widow, Tarantula, and Scorpion Spider-Slayers' combined form as it appears in ''[[Spider-Man (1994 TV series)|Spider-Man]]'' (1994)]]
[[File:Spidermanep4.jpg|thumb|The Black Widow, Tarantula, and Scorpion Spider-Slayers' combined form as it appears in ''[[Spider-Man: The Animated Series]]'']]
* The [[List of Spider-Slayers#Mark I|Mark I Spider-Slayer]] appears in the ''[[Spider-Man (1967 TV series)|Spider-Man]]'' (1967) episode "Captured by J. Jonah Jameson". This version was built by Henry Smythe and is equipped with two metallic tentacle-like arms.
* The [[List of Spider-Slayers#Mark I|Mark I Spider-Slayer]] appears in the ''[[Spider-Man (1967 TV series)|Spider-Man]]'' (1967) episode "Captured by J. Jonah Jameson". This version was built by Henry Smythe and is equipped with two metallic tentacle-like arms.
* The Spider-Slayers appear in ''[[Spider-Man: The Animated Series]]'', consisting of robotic models the "'''Black Widow'''", the "'''Tarantula'''", and the "'''Scorpion'''"; the "'''Mega Slayer'''" android; and genetic mutation Alistair Smythe / '''Ultimate Spider-Slayer'''.
* The Spider-Slayers appear in ''[[Spider-Man: The Animated Series]]'', consisting of robotic models the "'''Black Widow'''", the "'''Tarantula'''", and the "'''Scorpion'''"; the "'''Mega Slayer'''" android; and genetic mutation Alistair Smythe / '''Ultimate Spider-Slayer'''.
* The Spider-Slayers appear in ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]''. These versions were created by [[Hydra (comics)|HYDRA]] and [[Doctor Octopus]], who combined Spider-Man's DNA with [[Arnim Zola]]'s Synthezoids. The group consists of '''[[Kaine Parker|Kaine]]''' (voiced by [[Drake Bell]]), '''[[Scarlet Spider]]''' (voiced by [[Scott Porter]]), and the '''Delta-Nine Synthezoids''': '''Bone Spider''', '''Goliath Spider''' (both voiced by Imari Williams), and '''Ghost Spider''' (voiced by [[Roger Craig Smith]]). Kaine is an imperfect Synthezoid who is highly resistant to damage, can reattach lost limbs, and feed off Spider-Man or the other Spider-Slayers' life energy. Scarlet Spider, later named [[Ben Reilly]] by [[Aunt May|May Parker]], is an almost perfect clone of Spider-Man barring a facial scar and powers. Bone Spider has claws and spikes all over his body; Goliath Spider is the strongest Spider-Slayer who can turn his body into metal; and Ghost Spider can teleport, become intangible, and generate bio-electricity. Scarlet Spider infiltrates Spider-Man's Web Warriors to serve as Doctor Octopus' spy before eventually defecting to them while Kaine and the Delta-Nine Synthezoids mount failed attempts at killing the Web Warriors. Though Kaine absorbs the other Synthezoids to become the "Ultimate Spider-Slayer", he is defeated by [[Flash Thompson|Agent Venom]].<ref name="The Spider-Slayers Pt. 1">{{cite episode|title=The Spider Slayers Part 1|series=Ultimate Spider-Man|network=Disney XD|season=4|number=21|airdate=October 8, 2016}}</ref><ref name="The Spider-Slayers Pt. 2">{{cite episode|title=The Spider Slayers Part 2|series=Ultimate Spider-Man|network=Disney XD|season=4|number=22|airdate=October 15, 2016}}</ref><ref name="The Spider-Slayers Pt. 3">{{cite episode|title=The Spider-Slayers Part 3|series=Ultimate Spider-Man|network=Disney XD|season=4|number=23|airdate=October 22, 2016}}</ref>
* The Spider-Slayers appear in ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]''. These versions were created by [[Hydra (comics)|Hydra]] and [[Doctor Octopus]], who combined Spider-Man's DNA with [[Arnim Zola]]'s Synthezoids. The group consists of '''[[Kaine Parker|Kaine]]''' (voiced by [[Drake Bell]]), '''[[Scarlet Spider]]''' (voiced by [[Scott Porter]]), and the '''Delta-Nine Synthezoids''': '''Bone Spider''', '''Goliath Spider''' (both voiced by Imari Williams), and '''Ghost Spider''' (voiced by [[Roger Craig Smith]]). Kaine is an imperfect Synthezoid who is highly resistant to damage, can reattach lost limbs, and feed off Spider-Man or the other Spider-Slayers' life energy. Scarlet Spider, later named [[Ben Reilly]] by [[Aunt May|May Parker]], is an almost perfect clone of Spider-Man barring a facial scar and powers. Bone Spider has claws and spikes all over his body; Goliath Spider is the strongest Spider-Slayer who can turn his body into metal; and Ghost Spider can teleport, become intangible, and generate bio-electricity. Scarlet Spider infiltrates Spider-Man's Web Warriors to serve as Doctor Octopus' spy before eventually defecting to them while Kaine and the Delta-Nine Synthezoids mount failed attempts at killing the Web Warriors. Though Kaine absorbs the other Synthezoids to become the "Ultimate Spider-Slayer", he is defeated by [[Flash Thompson|Agent Venom]].<ref name="The Spider-Slayers Pt. 1">{{cite episode|title=The Spider Slayers Part 1|series=Ultimate Spider-Man|network=Disney XD|season=4|number=21|airdate=October 8, 2016}}</ref><ref name="The Spider-Slayers Pt. 2">{{cite episode|title=The Spider Slayers Part 2|series=Ultimate Spider-Man|network=Disney XD|season=4|number=22|airdate=October 15, 2016}}</ref><ref name="The Spider-Slayers Pt. 3">{{cite episode|title=The Spider-Slayers Part 3|series=Ultimate Spider-Man|network=Disney XD|season=4|number=23|airdate=October 22, 2016}}</ref>
* The Spider-Slayers appear in ''[[Spider-Man (2017 TV series)|Spider-Man]]'' (2017). These versions resemble spiders and come in human-sized, mecha-sized, and miniature variants. The original Spider-Slayers were created by Spencer Smythe before [[Oscorp]] stole his schematics and created their own versions.
* The Spider-Slayers appear in ''[[Spider-Man (2017 TV series)|Spider-Man]]'' (2017). These versions resemble spiders and come in human-sized, mecha-sized, and miniature variants. The original Spider-Slayers were created by Spencer Smythe before [[Oscorp]] stole his schematics and created their own versions.


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* The Spider-Slayers appear in ''[[Spider-Man (2002 video game)|Spider-Man]]'' (2002). These versions are human-sized mechanical spiders previously known as "Hunter-Killers" created by [[Oscorp]] to hunt down the Scorpion initially and later Spider-Man.
* The Spider-Slayers appear in ''[[Spider-Man (2002 video game)|Spider-Man]]'' (2002). These versions are human-sized mechanical spiders previously known as "Hunter-Killers" created by [[Oscorp]] to hunt down the Scorpion initially and later Spider-Man.
* The [[Ultimate Marvel]] incarnation of the Spider-Slayers appear in ''[[Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions]]''. These versions are large androids armed with [[flamethrower]]s that were created by [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] as a counter-measure to [[Symbiote (comics)|symbiotes]].
* The [[Ultimate Marvel]] incarnation of the Spider-Slayers appear in ''[[Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions]]''. These versions are large androids armed with [[flamethrower]]s that were created by [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] as a counter-measure to [[Symbiote (comics)|symbiotes]].
* The Spider-Slayers, referred to as '''S-Bots''', appear in ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 video game)|The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' (2012). These versions were created by Oscorp under the supervision of Alistair Smythe as a countermeasure for the company's cross-species experiments. They consist of Sentries (which come in Medical, Combat, and Advanced Combat variants), Seekers (used to track down cross-species), and Hunters (arachnid-like flying robots called in by the Seekers to eliminate cross-species once they are found). There are also three special robots created specifically for citywide threats: S-01, a larger version of the Hunter that cannot fly, but can shoot lasers and homing missiles; S-02, a giant tentacled serpentine robot equipped with large drills that allow it to tunnel through buildings and underground; and S-03, a massive, heavily-armed scorpion-like machine.
* The Spider-Slayers, referred to as '''S-Bots''', appear in ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 video game)|The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' (2012). These versions were created by Oscorp under the supervision of Alistair Smythe as a countermeasure for the company's cross-species experiments. They consist of Sentries (which come in Medical, Combat, and Advanced Combat variants), Seekers (used to track down cross-species), and Hunters (arachnid-like flying robots called in by the Seekers to eliminate cross-species once they are found). There are also three special robots created specifically for citywide threats: S-01, a larger version of the Hunter that cannot fly, but can shoot lasers and homing missiles; S-02, a giant tentacled serpentine robot equipped with large drills that allow it to tunnel through buildings and underground; and S-03, a massive, heavily armed scorpion-like machine.
** The Hunters and Seekers appear in ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014 video game)|The Amazing Spider-Man 2]]'' (2014), in which they are used by the "Enhanced Crime Task Force" to hunt down Spider-Man if his hero reputation is too low.
** The Hunters and Seekers appear in ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014 video game)|The Amazing Spider-Man 2]]'' (2014), in which they are used by the "Enhanced Crime Task Force" to hunt down Spider-Man if his hero reputation is too low.


===Merchandise===
===Merchandise===
The Spider-Slayers appear in the ''[[Spider-Man (1994 TV series)|Spider-Man]]'' (1994) tie-in toy line.{{cn|date=January 2025}}
The Spider-Slayers appear in the ''[[Spider-Man: The Animated Series]]'' tie-in toy line.{{cn|date=January 2025}}


==See also==
==See also==
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[[Category:Characters created by Steve Ditko]]
[[Category:Characters created by Steve Ditko]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1965]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1965]]
[[Category:Fictional robots]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics robots]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics robots]]
[[Category:Spider-Man characters code names]]
[[Category:Spider-Man characters code names]]
[[Category:Fictional robots]]
[[Category:Spider-Man characters]]
[[Category:Spider-Man characters]]

Latest revision as of 16:26, 18 December 2025

Template:Short description Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters". The Spider-Slayers are a series of fictional robots appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Spencer Smythe, they were designed specifically to hunt down, capture, or kill Spider-Man. A new generation of Spider-Slayers was later created by Spencer's son, Alistair.

The Spider-Slayers have been featured in a number of Spider-Man adaptations outside of comics, including animated series and video games.

Publication history

The Spider-Slayers first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #25 (June 1965) and were created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.[1]

Fictional character biography

See List of Spider-Slayers for a full breakdown of all versions of the Spider-Slayer.

The first series of robots were originally designed and built by Spencer Smythe with the financial backing of J. Jonah Jameson, who intends to capture and unmask Spider-Man. However, Spider-Man always manages to defeat the Slayers. Smythe's continued efforts to perfect his machines lead to him contracting fatal radiation poisoning from the building materials of his creations. Blaming both Jameson and Spider-Man for his condition, Smythe attempts to murder them both, but dies just before Spider-Man thwarts the attempt.[2]

In The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #19 (1985), Smythe's son, Alistair Smythe, emerged as the new builder of the Spider-Slayers. He swore revenge on Spider-Man, repeatedly attacking the superhero with his own series of Slayers. Smythe is later transformed into a cyborg dubbed the Ultimate Spider-Slayer.Template:Volume needed

The original Spider-Slayer is seen among the robots and machines in the Reanimator's collection. Wolverine later destroys the Spider-Slayer when the Reanimator attempts to use it against him. J. Jonah Jameson utilizes the Spider-Slayer to attack She-Hulk, but it is destroyed again.Template:Volume needed

After becoming the mayor of New York City, Jameson has several old Spider-Slayers sent to him from storage to better equip his "Anti-Spider Squad" to take down Spider-Man. The Spider-Slayer technology is combined with that of the Mandroid suits. However, the "Spider-Slayer Squad" wearing the suits quit their jobs after Spider-Man saves them and New York from a dirty bomb.Template:Volume needed

When the Goblin King and his Goblin Underground cause havoc in Manhattan, J. Jonah Jameson unveils the Goblin-Slayers, which he plans to use against the Goblin Underground.[3] The Superior Spider-Man (Doctor Octopus' mind in Peter Parker's body) is confronted by a group of Spider-Slayers and tries to fight them, but discovers that they are stronger than all previous versions. The Spider-Slayers are deactivated remotely by Spider-Man 2099, who confronts the Superior Spider-Man about who he really is and the reasons behind his actions of late. However, the Goblin King reactivates the Spider-Slayers and takes control of them.[4]

List of Spider-Slayers

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

Other versions

Ultimate Marvel

An alternate universe version of the Spider-Slayers appears in the Ultimate Marvel imprint. These versions are constructed and remotely operated by the Tinkerer, who created them to battle Spider-Man if he ever went rogue. The Spider-Slayers are eight-foot-tall robots that balance on a large sphere and are equipped with two arm cannons.[5][6]

MC2

In the future timeline of MC2, Spider-Girl encounters the original Spider-Slayer after accidentally being sent back in time.[7]

House of M

An alternate universe version of the Spider-Slayer appears in House of M. This version was created by J. Jonah Jameson and Alistair Smythe to attack Peter Parker after his secret identity is exposed and he is publicly revealed to not be a mutant. The Spider-Slayer attacks Peter's home, only to be destroyed by him.[8][9]

What If

An alternate universe version of the Spider-Slayer appears in What If #84. After May Parker and John Jameson are killed in a space shuttle crash caused by the Chameleon, J. Jonah Jameson adopts Peter Parker and blames the two's deaths on Spider-Man. Obsessed with taking Spider-Man down, Jameson commissions the creation of the Spider-Slayer and the Scorpion formula, the latter of which is ingested by Flash Thompson. The serum warps Thompson's mind and causes him to go on a rampage, which ends after he is subdued by Spider-Man and the Spider-Slayer, controlled by Jameson. After learning Peter's secret identity, Jameson realizes how irrational his hatred of Spider-Man was and decides to help Peter fight crime using the Spider-Slayer.[10]

In other media

Television

File:Spidermanep4.jpg
The Black Widow, Tarantula, and Scorpion Spider-Slayers' combined form as it appears in Spider-Man: The Animated Series
  • The Mark I Spider-Slayer appears in the Spider-Man (1967) episode "Captured by J. Jonah Jameson". This version was built by Henry Smythe and is equipped with two metallic tentacle-like arms.
  • The Spider-Slayers appear in Spider-Man: The Animated Series, consisting of robotic models the "Black Widow", the "Tarantula", and the "Scorpion"; the "Mega Slayer" android; and genetic mutation Alistair Smythe / Ultimate Spider-Slayer.
  • The Spider-Slayers appear in Ultimate Spider-Man. These versions were created by Hydra and Doctor Octopus, who combined Spider-Man's DNA with Arnim Zola's Synthezoids. The group consists of Kaine (voiced by Drake Bell), Scarlet Spider (voiced by Scott Porter), and the Delta-Nine Synthezoids: Bone Spider, Goliath Spider (both voiced by Imari Williams), and Ghost Spider (voiced by Roger Craig Smith). Kaine is an imperfect Synthezoid who is highly resistant to damage, can reattach lost limbs, and feed off Spider-Man or the other Spider-Slayers' life energy. Scarlet Spider, later named Ben Reilly by May Parker, is an almost perfect clone of Spider-Man barring a facial scar and powers. Bone Spider has claws and spikes all over his body; Goliath Spider is the strongest Spider-Slayer who can turn his body into metal; and Ghost Spider can teleport, become intangible, and generate bio-electricity. Scarlet Spider infiltrates Spider-Man's Web Warriors to serve as Doctor Octopus' spy before eventually defecting to them while Kaine and the Delta-Nine Synthezoids mount failed attempts at killing the Web Warriors. Though Kaine absorbs the other Synthezoids to become the "Ultimate Spider-Slayer", he is defeated by Agent Venom.[11][12][13]
  • The Spider-Slayers appear in Spider-Man (2017). These versions resemble spiders and come in human-sized, mecha-sized, and miniature variants. The original Spider-Slayers were created by Spencer Smythe before Oscorp stole his schematics and created their own versions.

Video games

  • The Spider-Slayers appears in Spider-Man (1995). In the SNES version, the Mark X and XIV Spider-Slayers appear as bosses, the Mark XVI and Mark XVII models appear as regular enemies, and the Mark XV is featured in Spectacular mode. In the Sega Genesis version, the Mark XV Spider-Slayer appears in the "Deconstruction Zone" level while the Mark X model serves as the boss of the "Mean Streets of the City" level.
  • The Mark X and IX Spider-Slayers appear in The Amazing Spider-Man: Lethal Foes.
  • The Spider-Slayers appear in The Amazing Spider-Man 3: Invasion of the Spider-Slayers.
  • The Spider-Slayers appear in Spider-Man (2002). These versions are human-sized mechanical spiders previously known as "Hunter-Killers" created by Oscorp to hunt down the Scorpion initially and later Spider-Man.
  • The Ultimate Marvel incarnation of the Spider-Slayers appear in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions. These versions are large androids armed with flamethrowers that were created by S.H.I.E.L.D. as a counter-measure to symbiotes.
  • The Spider-Slayers, referred to as S-Bots, appear in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012). These versions were created by Oscorp under the supervision of Alistair Smythe as a countermeasure for the company's cross-species experiments. They consist of Sentries (which come in Medical, Combat, and Advanced Combat variants), Seekers (used to track down cross-species), and Hunters (arachnid-like flying robots called in by the Seekers to eliminate cross-species once they are found). There are also three special robots created specifically for citywide threats: S-01, a larger version of the Hunter that cannot fly, but can shoot lasers and homing missiles; S-02, a giant tentacled serpentine robot equipped with large drills that allow it to tunnel through buildings and underground; and S-03, a massive, heavily armed scorpion-like machine.
    • The Hunters and Seekers appear in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), in which they are used by the "Enhanced Crime Task Force" to hunt down Spider-Man if his hero reputation is too low.

Merchandise

The Spider-Slayers appear in the Spider-Man: The Animated Series tie-in toy line.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

See also

References

  1. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. The Amazing Spider-Man #191-192 (April - May 1979)
  3. The Superior Spider-Man #28 (April 2014)
  4. The Superior Spider-Man #29 (May 2014)
  5. Ultimate Spider-Man #100 (November 2006)
  6. Ultimate Spider-Man #101 (December 2006)
  7. Spider-Girl #10 - #11 (July - August 1999)
  8. Spider-Man: House of M #3 (October 2005)
  9. Spider-Man: House of M #4 (November 2005)
  10. What If #82 (February 1996)
  11. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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