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I want to make a case for why I think Kraven would actually be one of the best villains for Gambit storywise I originally said I'd love a horror comic where Kraven wouldn't stop chasing Gambit. And while I would love that I want to point out some cool similarities I had that make Gambit and Kraven feel like the perfect match set
1. Both are master tacticians. Kraven uses his cunning to track down and capture enemies. Gambit is the opposite and uses his cunning to evade and escape.
2. Both are orphans. Kraven was born into luxury then lost it all and used hunting as a way to regain his honor. Gambit on the opposite end never had luxury, struggled and hustled his own life and never cared much about his honor
3. Both are Olympic level athletes on their own but have enhancements. Gambit charges his body kinetically to give himself above normal reflexes speed and agility. Kraven takes elixirs to boost his strength, reflexes, speed and agility. Even his sight, smell and hearing are superhuman levels challenging Spider-Man.
4. Both are amazing hand to hand combatants. Nick Fury once called Gambit one of the best hand to hand fighters he's ever seen. Kraven fights well but also uses pressure points to paralyze people. Being able to stop Remy from charging would be interesting like Xena or Ty Lee in Avatar
5. Both are thrill seekers. Gambit chooses to be a thief because of the thrill of getting away with it. Kraven chooses to hunt people and mutants because it excites him and gives him a rush to best someone.
6. One is all about their honor the other is not. Gambit, while he does have a moral compass, is not above playing dirty to get the upper hand whether it's poker or a fight. Kraven on the other hand believes in his honor and will not tarnish it
7. Both have issues with Sabertooth. Gambit and Sabertooth have had issues involving a girl in France, Genevieve, and other battles. Kraven has issues with Sabertooth involving Namor's sister Namoria and other battles.
8. Both have some sexist elements that actually make the character more fun. With Gambit he's a womanizer who likes to flirt and use pickup lines but also views women as equals or stronger, Kraven on the other hand respects women normally but finds losing to a woman morally disgraceful and doesn't want to lose to a woman. A good writer could really play with that dynamic and make it fun
9. They both were tasked by Mr Sinister to do something but then turned on him. Gambit was tasked by Mr Sinister to organize the Mutant massacre which he tried to stop when he found out. Kraven was tasked with getting Sinister the DNA of the X-men which he ends up doing. But later Xraven finds out Sinister lied about his intentions and turns on him.
10. They are characters who could actually put together an amazing dense and parallel fueled rivalry that could go beyond just a quick comic. It could grow Into a full arc or potentially an insane rivalry (sometimes alliance)
Ps sorry for the long essay but I had fun doing this