Stalker (Batman Beyond)

Superherobox|

caption=Stalker
character_name=Stalker
real_name= Unknown
species=Human Mutate
debut="Bloodsport
creators= Paul Dini
alliance_color=background:#c0c0ff
powers= Enhanced strength, speed and agility, and senses.|

Stalker (voiced by Carl Lumbly) is a fictional character in "Batman Beyond".

He is an African hunter who stalks his prey bare handed, until he meets his match in a black panther. Needing extensive repair on his spine, he receives some sort of augmentation that increases his senses, strength, and agility. With his new abilities making it too easy for him to hunt animals, the Stalker craves an even more dangerous prey, and sets his sights on Batman. He comes to Gotham City and kidnaps Terry McGinnis' younger brother Matt to use him as bait to lure the Batman. Batman meets Stalker in combat and, after a violent struggle, defeats him.

The Stalker seemingly dies when he is hit by a bullet train. He appears again later, however, this time to help Batman stop a reptilian organization known as Kobra from altering the world to support reptilian life only. While Batman remains wary, Stalker proves himself a trustworthy ally for the time being, saying that when Batman dies, it will be at his hands.

Stalker, although fanatical about hunting, is unique in his sense of honor, which separates him from Batman's other enemies. When he kidnaps Terry's brother, he shows no intention of hurting him; his only interest in him is as bait, whereas warped psychopaths like the Joker would have murdered him just to upset Batman. Stalker also seems to be completely sane (apart from his lingering fear of the panther), which further distinguishes him.

The Stalker was slated to appear in an episode of "The Zeta Project", "Taffy Time". He was replaced with Krick.

He was last seen in the "Justice League Unlimited" episode "Epilogue" as a member of Iniquity Collective, fighting the Justice League along with other villains from the future who are also members in a dream sequence. Considering his loner personality, it is unknown why he joined them.

The Stalker may be a DC Animated universe counterpart to the Marvel Comics character Kraven the Hunter due to sharing the backgrounds of being big game hunters who later gained superhuman powers and then battled an animal 'themed' hero (Kraven had an obsession with hunting Spider-Man). The Stalker differs from Kraven however, in that he appears to be entirely sane, despite the fact that he seems to want to kill Batman, citing him as 'dangerous prey', and thus worthy of hunting. The method in which Stalker's powers are received is also different, being a recipient of cybernetics. He can also be the equivalent of Bane, in that both villains came to Gotham to seek a worthy opponent and challenge to their abilities.

References

External links

*dcauw|Stalker