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| “ | Monster? You think I kill in cold blood? If there’s anything I’m not— It’s being a poor sport! | ” |
–Hunter to Knuckles, Knuckles the Echidna #31 | ||
Hunter was a rogue Overlander poacher and a foe of Knuckles the Echidna, who considered the mass murder of Mobians acceptable so long as he gave them a sporting chance. He first appeared on Angel Island, capturing Knuckles and his childhood rival Monk, only to be defeated by Knuckles. Following this, Hunter was captured and turned into a soldier by Dr. Eggman. Hunter was used by Eggman to locate and steal the Master Emerald as well as to send numerous Echidnas to the Egg Grape Chambers in the process. Hunter was killed by Super Knuckles after being thrown miles away off the island and falling into the waters below.
History
Poacher on Angel Island
Hunter first arrived on Angel Island some time in 3236, where he located Knuckles and his childhood enemy Monk. Hunter captured Monk and had him brought back to his vessel while having Knuckles accompany him. Once inside, Hunter explained that he wanted to have a sporting hunt, and that he'd chosen Knuckles and Monk specifically for it. Hunter forced Knuckles to participate in his hunt by threatening to kill Julie-Su if Knuckles refused. Forcing the two Mobians to wear electric shock collars, Hunter had them attempt to escape while he chased after them. After locating them and killing Monk by making him fall off a high platform in Hydro City, Hunter was knocked out when Knuckles, overcome with rage, struck him with a blast from the Chaos Force. Afterwards, Hunter was imprisoned by the Brotherhood of Guardians in Haven for his crimes. (KtE: #30, #31, #32)
Eggman's Soldier
Hunter was freed by the Eggman-supported Dingoes during the take-over of Angel Island. Seeing potential in the villain, Eggman enhanced his fighting abilities and armed him with a 'Chaos Spear' that allowed him to teleport his targets into captivity in New Megaopolis (and included a Control Collar to ensure that Hunter does Eggman's bidding, though his apparent hatred for Echidnas caused him to have some resistance). Once more however, Hunter was bested by Knuckles, who transformed into Super Knuckles and cast the Overlander into the sea, where he drowned. This fate was oddly fitting, given that it echoed the fate of Monk. Before his death, Hunter captured numerous citizens of Angel Island, including Constable Remington, the Fire Ant Council, Xenin and others. (StH: #140, #141)
Personality
As one of the (if not THE) greatest hunters on Mobius, Hunter takes a great deal of pride in said title, but never let it cloud his better judgement. Reserved and level headed he rarely allowed himself to panic under any circumstances, not even when being jumped by a giant gorilla. Underneath Hunter's calm exterior lies a homicidal being who makes no distinction between race or gender, all look fine on his wall. He does however acknowledge certain preys who prove worthy of the hunt and showed disgust at a chaos stripped Knuckles' inability to put up resistance.
Abilities
A superb fighter in his own right along with a master hunter and formidable strategist, Hunter claimed to be able to take on Knuckles in a physical fight after studying him. He was also skilled in the use of various firearms and often used them in his hunts.
Background Information
- As Monk had survived from a fall from the Floating Island into the ocean before, people had assumed that the same thing could have happened to Hunter. However, the Data-file for Dr. Finitevus (once thought to have been another victim) identifies Hunter as deceased.
- Despite being an Overlander, Hunter has five fingers.
- However, this was not true when he hunted Monk and Knuckles.
- Hunter is likely based off of Marvel Comics Spider-Man villain Kraven The Hunter.
- The plot of Hunter's first appearance is based on the novel The Most Dangerous Game.
- Hunter was left out of the The Complete Sonic Comic Encyclopedia, along with Monk.