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Chameleon
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Creation & Design

Chameleon was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, debuting as one of Spider-Man's earliest foes. His ability to change his appearance made him a unique villain in the superhero genre.

Early Years

Initially portrayed as a master criminal, Chameleon often used his skills to impersonate others and commit crimes, primarily targeting Spider-Man.

Character Development

Over the years, Chameleon has evolved from a simple villain to a more complex character, often exploring themes of identity and deception. His interactions with other characters have added depth to his motivations and actions.

Cultural Reception

Chameleon has been well-received as one of Spider-Man's classic villains, often praised for his unique abilities and the psychological aspects of his character.

Character Details

Real Name:
Dmitri Smerdyakov
First Appearance:
Amazing Spider-Man #1
Aliases:
The Chameleon
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Sinister Six, Hydra
Abilities:
Master of disguise, Expert in espionage, Skilled hand-to-hand combatant
Equipment:
Disguise technology, Various gadgets
Weight:
150lbs
Height:
6' 10"
Eye Color:
green
Hair Color:
brown

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Amazing Spider-Man #1
Marvel ⋅ 1963
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Amazing Spider-Man #1
 
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Key Facts

2nd appearance of Spider-Man

1st appearance of J. Jonah Jameson

First meeting of Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four

1st appearance of Chameleon, Dmitri Smerdyakov, half-brother of Kraven the Hunter

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[February 2022 - confirmed, Fred Hechinger cast as Chameleon in the Kraven movie]

Amazing Spider-Man #15
Marvel ⋅ 1964
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Amazing Spider-Man #15
 
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$370
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Key Facts

1st appearance of Kraven the Hunter

2nd appearance of the Chameleon

First mention of Mary Jane Watson

[June 2021 - a Kraven movie is in-development with Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the lead role]

Tales to Astonish #62
Marvel ⋅ 1964
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Tales to Astonish #62
 
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Key Facts

1st cameo appearance of the Leader, hooded

1st cameo appearance of Humanoid

1st cover appearance of the Chameleon

Amazing Spider-Man #307
Marvel ⋅ 1988
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Amazing Spider-Man #307
 
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Key Facts

Origin of Chameleon, specifically his power upgrade

Amazing Spider-Man #389
Marvel ⋅ 1994
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Amazing Spider-Man #389
 
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Key Facts

Origin of Chameleon, the abusive relationship he suffered with Kraven

Sensational Spider-Man Annual, The #1
Marvel ⋅ 1996
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Sensational Spider-Man Annual, The #1
 
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Key Facts

Story titled 'Kraven's First Hunt' a retelling of Kraven's first appearance in 'The Amazing Spider-Man' #15 but from Kraven's point of view

Hinted at that Kraven and Chameleon have a familial relationship when Chameleon refers to Kraven as "Dear friend, dear brother"

Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #244
Marvel ⋅ 1997
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Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #244
 
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Key Facts

1st full appearance of Alexei Kravinoff aka Alyosha, son of Kraven

Revealed that Kraven and Chameleon are half-brothers which has been hinted at, most obviously in Sensational Spider-Man Annual 1996 when Chameleon refers to Kraven as "Dear friend, dear brother"

Amazing Spider-Man #685
1:15 ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 2012
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Amazing Spider-Man #685
 
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Key Facts

Variant cover art by Gabriele Dell'Otto

Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man: Chameleon Conspiracy #1
Marvel ⋅ 2021
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Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man: Chameleon Conspiracy #1
 
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Key Facts

Origin of Chameleon

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