List of Spider-Slayers

The Spider-Slayers are a group of robots that appear in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the original Spider-Slayer first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #25 (June 1965). Primarily foes of Spider-Man the first Spider-Slayer was built by scientist Spencer Smythe, who created several more of the robots to combat the hero up until his death. After Smythe's death several others made Spider-Slayers, including Smythe's son Alistair.

Mark I

Appearing at the Daily Bugle scientist Spencer Smythe offered his services to the publisher J. Jonah Jameson, 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 off 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.^[1]

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 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.^[2]

Years later the Slayer would somehow fall into the hands of the villainous technopath the Reanimator, who added it to his collection of machinery. During a battle with Wolverine the Reanimator activated the Spider-Slayer Mark I and had it attack the hero, who easily defeated it.^[3]

A replica of the Spider-Slayer was built by Alistair Smythe and destroyed by Spider-Man,^[4] who relived his first battle with the original Slayer after being flung back in time.^[5]

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, 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.^[6]

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. Used by Jameson at first, Smythe later 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.^[7] Alistair Smythe later either reactivated or built a replica of the second Slayer to use against Spider-Man, who destroyed it.^[4]

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 that 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. After 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 by Smythe to steal lab equipment.^[8][9][10] Another Mark III was used by Alistair Smythe and was destroyed by Spider-Man, along with the rest of Alistair's revived Spider-Slayers.^[4]

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 with which it could use as a weapon and cut Spider-Man's webbing. 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.^[8][9][10]

The Mark IV later ambushed Spider-Man, who was weakened from previous battles and his own recent doubts- following a battle with the Jackal- over whether he was himself or his clone. However, when ensnared by the Slayer, Spider-Man realized- given that he instinctively thought of Mary Jane Watson while the clone would still love Gwen Stacy- that he was the real one, and subsequently managed to break free and smash open the Slayer's cockpit, knocking Smythe out.^[11]

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.^[4]

Possessing the same abilities as Mark III, except on a larger scale, the Mark IV could also emit ethyl chloride spray to disorient victims.

Mark V

The fifth Spider-Slayer was not created by Spencer Smythe, but by Dr. Marla Madison and J. Jonah Jameson. Tracking down Spider-Man, the Slayer engaged him in battle, as well as Will o' the Wisp who was at the scene at the time. Though powerful, this Slayer was destroyed when Spider-Man caused a statue of Prometheus to collapse on top of it, crushing it.^[12][13]

The Reanimator would somehow acquire the Mark V and use it against Wolverine, who destroyed it.^[3] 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.^[4]

The Spider-Slayer was rebuilt by an unidentified broker and purchased by Dracula who used it to battle Deadpool. The robot was destroyed during the battle.^[14]

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 Building, 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.^[15]

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.^[4]

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 Parker and Anna Watson, Smythe also attempted to use the device to kill Mary Jane Watson, 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.^[16]

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.^[4]

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 bulldozer. Alistair was forced to retreat from battle to repair the Slayer.^[17] 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.^[18]

Alistair later rebuilt the Mark VIII and used it as a soldier in his Spider-Slayer army, which was destroyed by Spider-Man.^[4]

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

An alien-like robot, the Mark X was the first Spider-Slayer to attack Spider-Man in the "Invasion of the Spider-Slayers" 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.^[19] Alistair later rebuilt the Mark X to be used in his Spider-Slayer army, which was destroyed by Spider-Man.^[4]

Mark X was extremely fast and agile and had a large amount of spikes and claws protruding from its body.

Mark XI

A giant robotic bird, the Mark XI attacked Central Park 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.^[19] 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.^[4]

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

A large, imposing humanoid Spider-Slayer that almost resembles Iron Man, Mark XII attacked Spider-Man while he was in the middle of a battle with Electro. After a long fight, Spider-Man managed to destroy the Spider-Slayer by trapping it in a building that was set to be demolished. The building subsequently collapsed before the Mark XII could escape.^[20] The Mark XII was rebuilt by Alistair to be used in his Spider-Slayer army, only to be destroyed by Spider-Man again.^[4]

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.

Mark XIII

A biological-looking robot created by Alistair's assistant Max Young, the Mark XIII was a remake of one of Mendel Stromm's old Amoeboid robot and attacked Spider-Man while he and the Black Cat 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.^[20]

The Mark XIII was later rebuilt by Alistair as a member of his Spider-Slayer army, which was taken down by Spider-Man.^[4]

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

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) in each of its three heads. 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.^[21]

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.^[4]

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.

A version of the armor was featured in the 1990s Spiderman animated series, dubbed the 'Megaslayer'. While virtually identical in appearance and abilities, it featured only Smythe's profile on the face screen, not multiples to accommodate different personalities.

Mark XV

A giant robotic black widow. The Mark XV attacked 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 Spider-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.^[22]

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.^[4]

The Mark XV had razor sharp legs and it could also spin webs and stick to surfaces.

Mark XVI

A giant robotic tarantula, 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.^[22]

Another Mark XVI appeared in Alistair Smythe's Spider-Slayer army and was dismantled by Spider-Man.^[4]

The Mark XVI could jump extremely large distances and shoot webbing. It also, oddly, had pincers.

Mark XVII

A giant robotic scorpion, 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.^[22]

The Mark XVII was rebuilt as a member of Alistair Smythe's Spider-Slayer army and was destroyed once more by Spider-Man.^[4]

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's house, the Spider-Slayer Mark XVIII was tied up with webbing and subsequently torn apart by Spider-Man.^[4][23]

The Mark XVIII possessed super-strength and it could also stick to surfaces and fire energy beams from its head and hands.

Mark XIX

The Spider-Slayer Mark XIX was seen in the Secret War crossover. The person who built this Spider-Slayer is unknown, but it is possible it was either Lucia von Bardas or the Tinkerer. Aiding dozens of supervillains in combat during the Secret War, the status of the Mark XIX is currently unknown.^[24][25][26]

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.

Other Slayers

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's, realized that Jameson's hatred of Spider-Man was unfounded and fanatical and quit his employ.^[27] 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.^[28]

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 Octopus and her crew, a fight which the Scarlet Spider became involved in. Alistair and Tso later fled when the authorities became involved.^[29] 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.^[30]

The Cyber-Slayers were super-powerful, capable of shooting lasers, and had several spikes protruding from their bodies.

Mini-Slayers

The Mini-Slayers were 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 Avengers.^[31] 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.^[4]

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, these Mini-Slayers combined together to make a blob-like entity which the duo destroyed.^[32] Alistair later used a Mini-Slayer to poison John Jameson, causing him to become the Man-Wolf.^[33]

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 Kingpin, Sandman, and the Vulture 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.^[11]

Each robot had weakened versions of the powers of the villain they were based on. Each also possessed super-strength.

Refitted Octobots - Spider-Man's Spider Slayers

Despite not being technically related to the Smythe's 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. Those impromptu Spider-Slayers have the same abilities and characteristics of Octavius' Octobots, but are telepathically linked to Peter Parker, and programmed to seek the infected Men-Spider. After the ordeal is over, Peter relinquishes his control over them.^[34] However, consequentially, using Doc Ock's technology allowed Octavius to capture more of Spider-Man's mind and able to deduce on his death bed that Peter Parker truly was Spider-Man. The end result was that his golden Octobot had allowed Octavius and Parker to switch bodies, while retaining the memories of their counterpart, in a bid where Doc Ock attempted to escape death by having Peter Parker die in his withering body.^[35] Alistair Smythe was called as part of a call-to-arms; however, Parker, which the other super-villains believe is Octavius, chooses not to utilize Smythe in his last incarnation of the Sinister Six.^[36]

References