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Calypso Serum

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The Yansan-An Serum[1], a mystical Wakandan potion/drug, that was created by a "witch doctor" and chiefly utilized by Sergei Kravinoff , also known as Kraven the Hunter. It grants him the powers of various jungle beasts such superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, agility, reflexes, senses and extended lifespan.

History

Origin[]

Claims[]

The origin of the serum was shrouded in mystery for years. Kraven claimed to have acquired the serum from an African witch doctor, though the details surrounding this encounter remain obscure.[2] It was later claimed that the Calypso Ezili was the witch doctor who created it, using Haitian Vodou, played a pivotal role in the of the serum.[citation needed]

Yansan-An Ritual[]

The truth was later revealed that in In 1921, Sergei crossed paths with Aja Orisha, who had been exiled from Wakanda. United by their shared experiences as exiles from their homeland and the loss of her husband, they formed a deep bond. Together, they raised her child, Takhar. Aja took Kraven with her back to Africa, where she imparted upon him the teachings of Wakanda and instilled in him a passion for the hunt, thus earning him the moniker "Kraven the Hunter". Despite her affection for him, Aja recognized the darkness within Kraven. Upon their return to New York, she subjected him to the rigorous "Yansan-An Ritual," involving sacred herbs and potions. Tragically, Sergei succumbed to the ritual's effects. Although he was meant to remain in a state of darkness for two weeks, he unexpectedly revived after just four days. The ritual, instead of quelling the darkness, exacerbated it, leading Kraven to blame Aja for his torment. Consumed by his newfound darkness, he departed for Africa alongside his adopted son Takhar, renaming Gregor Kravinoff.[1]

Properties[]

Calypso Serum from Amazing Spider-Man Vol 1 34 001

Consuming the potion

This elixir bestowed upon its recipient a plethora of extraordinary abilities similar to that of various jungle beasts.[2] This included superhuman strength enabling the lifting of weights up to two tons, unmatched speed surpassing even the most elite athletes, and stamina allowing prolonged exertion without succumbing to fatigue. Additionally, enhanced durability rendered the user resilient to substantial physical trauma, while heightened agility, reflexes, and longevity further augmented their capabilities. However, such power came with a perilous caveat, as the serum had a tendency to incite violent outbursts, clouding rational judgment.

Descendants[]

Throughout his lifetime, Kraven fathered numerous children, and the effects of the serum were inherited by some. Among them, his son Grim Hunter (Vladimir Kravinoff) and daughter Ana Tatiana Kravinoff had no powers. It was later revealed the two had latent, inactivated Inhuman genes from their mothers side of the family.[3]

Vladimir hoped to make the serum permanent and over the year experimented on various test subject killing them all. When the Hobgoblin came to Russia with his father's journal he used the information to perfect the formula.[4] He decided to test it on the American but reacted to the dormant Goblin Formula in his blood granting him even greater strength, escaping on his Goblin Glider.[5] Now knowing the serum works Vladimir had his scientists inject him with the pure serum gaining the power promised to him by his father.[6]

Ana Tatiana Kravinoff later took the serum herself and taking her father title Kraven the Hunter.[7]

Ned Tannengarden, another of Kraven's sons, failed to manifest any powers.[8]

Interestingly, Alyosha Kravinoff , Kraven's son, experienced an activation of his X-Gene through the serum, emerging as a mutant without the need for further serum consumption.[9]

Moreover, the creation known as Xraven was the result of Mr. Sinister's manipulation, utilizing Kraven's DNA alongside genetic material from multiple mutants.[10]

The High Evolutionary created 87 clones of Kraven the Hunter. The Last Son of Kraven was the only successful one. They were born with the mystical potion already coursing through their veins with undetermined effects on their development.[2]

Alternate Realities[]

Spider-Man (1994 animated series) (Earth-92131)[]

Mariah Crawford (Earth-92131) from Spider-Man (1994 animated series) Season 1 10 0001

Sergei Kravinoff was a skilled hunter in Africa, descended from Russian nobility. When hunting became prohibited, Sergei became a guide. He met Mariah Crawford when she travelled to Africa to investigate after Dr. James Reeves went missing while researching in the jungle. Mariah and her team hired Sergei to guide them. Sergei acted as her bodyguard against the wild animals of the jungle, and he and Mariah fell in love.

Sergei Kravinoff (Earth-92131) and Mariah Crawford (Earth-92131) from Spider-Man (1994 animated series) Season 1 10 0001

Months later, they found Reeves, who had developed a formula to protect himself from infection in the jungle. However, a side effect meant that he had turned into a feral creature. Before disappearing forever, Reeves gave Mariah the last of the drug, warning her not to use it on herself or another person under any circumstances.

Sergei was seriously injured trying to protect Mariah from a pack of hyenas. It seemed that there was no hope for Sergei to survive, but in a desperate attempt to save his life Mariah gave him the wonder drug. He made a full recovery, but gained feral hunting instincts as Mariah had feared, and became Kraven the Hunter.[11]

Users[]

Spider-Man (1994 animated series)

See Also

Links and References

References

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