10 Best Chameleon Comic Books Ever

Sony has cast The White Lotus actor Fred Hechinger as the Chameleon in the upcoming Kraven The Hunter movie from the Sony Marvel Universe. Chameleon is the half-brother of Kraven in Marvel Comics, and they’ve worked together many times over the years. It’s likely that some of the best Chameleon comics ever hint at what his larger role in the plot will be.

The Chameleon is one of the biggest Spider-Man villains, and many of his best comics involve the Wall-Crawler. But the Chameleon has had other opponents as well, and other versions throughout the multiverse of Marvel Comics. Depending on what version of the character Sony adapts, some of his best issues could have a direct influence on the live-action Chameleon.

Tales Of Suspense #58

Chameleon got his start fighting Spider-Man, but one of his best comics has him fighting Iron Man. Tales Of Suspense #58 is a great issue exploring the mindset of Chameleon, who feels the need to prove himself to his half-brother Kraven The Hunter.

Comic book fans know Kraven The Hunter is one of the most dangerous Spider-Man villains, and in this issue Chameleon tries to prove his worth to him by taking on Iron Man alone. It doesn’t work out for Chameleon.

The Amazing Spider-Man #340

The Amazing Spider-Man #340 is one of a few key Chameleon comics from the 90s and maybe the one where he’s most successful. In his guise as a scientist, Chameleon successfully removes Spider-Man’s powers, leaving him more vulnerable than ever.

One of Chameleon’s best moments against Spider-Man seems like it’s finally going his way as he teams up with the Femme Fatales, the Scorpion, and the Tarantula, but once Black Cat becomes involved, the whole plan unravels.

Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #14

There are many different versions of Chameleon in Marvel Comics and one of the best appears in Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #14. This version is actually a pair of twins who can shapeshift at will. Together they systematically destroy Peter Parker’s life.

It’s possible that the Sony Marvel Universe uses this concept to bring Chameleon to live-action rather than the Earth-616 version, but some elements would have to change, including Chameleon’s undoing by the hands of the Human Torch.

The Incredible Hulk #154

Chameleon sets his sights on the Incredible Hulk in The Incredible Hulk #154. It’s a great issue for the supervillain, showcasing how his legendary skills as a master of disguise and how even without superpowers he can be a problem for even the Avengers.

Chameleon infiltrates the lab of Hank Pym, stealing sensitive documents as well as the Hulk, who at this point has been shrunk by Pym. Though Ant-Man ultimately defeats Chameleon, it’s a great showcase of the villain’s potential as an antagonist.

Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #11

Chameleon is one of Spider-Man’s best comic book villains, but he’s not part of his greatest supervillain team, the Sinister Six. At least he wasn’t until Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #11, where he joins the deluxe version called the Sinister Twelve in a standout issue for Chameleon.

The Sinister Twelve is led by Norman Osborn as the Green Goblin, and despite including some major Spider-Man villains like Sandman and Shocker, the entire team goes down in defeat, including Chameleon.

Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man: Chameleon Conspiracy #1

Chameleon got one of his best showcases in the modern era in the recent “Chameleon Conspiracy” storyline that ran through the various Spider-Man titles, and Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man: Chameleon Conspiracy #1 is one of the best by adding to the character’s rich lore.

In this issue, the mystery of Teresa Parker, Peter’s apparent sister, is finally resolved. The issue retcons Teresa’s past so that she is a product of an experiment designed to generate Chameleon-like spies, and may even be related to the supervillain by blood.

The Amazing Spider-Man #660

The Amazing Spider-Man #660 features one of Chameleon’s best triumphs against Spider-Man. As part of Doctor Octopus’ revived Sinister Six, he gets into one of his biggest battles against Spider-Man, now part of the Fantastic Four and the Future Foundation.

Chameleon is able to infiltrate the Baxter Building and steal their plans and designs for new technologies while the superhero team fights android duplicates of the Sinister Six in one of their most productive schemes in the comics.

The Amazing Spider-Man #15

The Amazing Spider-Man #15 from 1964 is one of the best Chameleon issues for introducing Kraven The Hunter to Marvel Comics and establishing their family link. Their connection would deliver decades of compelling stories about both characters.

Written by Stan Lee and drawn by Steve Ditko, the issue features the two villains teaming up after Chameleon’s initial defeat by Spider-Man. Kraven sees his biggest challenge ever in hunting Spider-Man but meets the first of his many defeats against the Wall-Crawler.

The Amazing Spider-Man #307

The Amazing Spider-Man #307 gives Chameleon one of his best outings in the aftermath of one of the best Spider-Man comic book arcs ever, Kraven’s Last Hunt. Chameleon seeks revenge after Kraven’s death, leading to a huge change in his powers.

Before, Chameleon was simply a master of disguise, wearing highly advanced masks and makeup. Obsessed with revenge, he ingests a serum to make his skin permanently malleable, able to morph into anyone he wishes, upping his powers considerably.

The Amazing Spider-Man #1

The best Chameleon comic is in many ways the first. The Amazing Spider-Man #1 introduces the character and he has the distinction of being the first supervillain Spider-Man ever fights in this iconic comic book from 1963.

The Chameleon disguises himself as Spider-Man to frame him for stealing the plans to a top-secret missile defense system. Though Chameleon is unsuccessful in the end, the confusion about whether Spider-Man is a hero or villain would become a permanent feature of the character in future comic books, and the foundation of J. Jonah Jameson’s campaign against the character.

About The Author