Mar 1, 1963 CE
Uses Memory Fabric Disguise
The Chameleon employs a memory fabric mask to perfectly mimic Spider-Man and frame him for a robbery. #comics #villain )
Chronological Storyline (40 Milestones)
Mar 1, 1963 CE
Defeated and Imprisoned
Spider-Man deduces the Chameleon's plot and captures him, leading to his first incarceration. #comics #spiderman )
Mar 1, 1963 CE
First Appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #1
Dmitri Smerdyakov, the Chameleon, makes his debut as Spider-Man's first supervillain, using his mastery of disguise to impersonate the hero. #comics #marvel #spiderman )
Apr 1, 1967 CE
Teams Up with Kraven the Hunter
The Chameleon escapes prison and allies with Kraven, his first major team-up, in Amazing Spider-Man #47. #comics #kraven )
May 1, 1967 CE
Impersonates a Politician
In Amazing Spider-Man #48, the Chameleon disguises as a high-ranking official to discredit Spider-Man. #comics #marvel )
Jun 1, 1967 CE
Attempts to Frame Spider-Man Again
In Amazing Spider-Man #49, the Chameleon uses his skills to make Spider-Man appear as a criminal. #comics #villain )
Feb 1, 1972 CE
Disguises as Police Officer
In Amazing Spider-Man #104, the Chameleon poses as a police officer to infiltrate a crime scene. #comics #spiderman )
Jun 1, 1976 CE
Appears in Marvel Team-Up #49
The Chameleon teams up with Kraven again in a story where they target Spider-Man and the Human Torch. #comics #marvel )
Jan 1, 1978 CE
Rebellion in Prison
In Amazing Spider-Man #180-181, the Chameleon orchestrates a prison break and takes hostages. #comics #villain )
Sep 1, 1983 CE
Impersonates J. Jonah Jameson
In Amazing Spider-Man #238, the Chameleon disguises as Jameson to manipulate public opinion against Spider-Man. #comics #dailybugle )
Feb 1, 1984 CE
Betrays Kraven
In Amazing Spider-Man #248, the Chameleon double-crosses Kraven and tries to kill him. #comics #betrayal )
Apr 1, 1985 CE
Appears in Web of Spider-Man #1
The Chameleon is part of the opening story arc of the new series, Web of Spider-Man. #comics #marvel )
1990 CE
Appears in Amazing Spider-Man #340
The Chameleon appears in a story involving his memory fabric technology. #comics #marvel )
1991 CE
Retconned as Kraven's Half-Brother
In Amazing Spider-Man #348-349, it is revealed that Dmitri Smerdyakov is the half-brother of Sergei Kravinoff, Kraven the Hunter. #comics #retcon #family )
1992 CE
The Power of the Chameleon
A Web of Spider-Man Annual story where the Chameleon steals a powerful device to enhance his disguises. #comics #annual )
Sep 1, 1994 CE
Debut in Spider-Man: The Animated Series
The Chameleon appears as a recurring villain in the 1990s Spider-Man cartoon, voiced by Jim Cummings. #animation #tvshow )
1994 CE
Appears in Spectacular Spider-Man #209-210
The Chameleon appears in a two-part story with the villain Tarantula. #comics #spiderman )
1995 CE
Appears in Spider-Man: The Animated Series Season 2
The Chameleon returns in multiple episodes, often impersonating key characters. #animation #cartoon )
2000 CE
Appears in Marvel Knights Spider-Man #1
The Chameleon is part of the relaunch of Spider-Man under the Marvel Knights imprint. #comics #marvelknights )
2002 CE
Appears in Peter Parker: Spider-Man #38
The Chameleon appears in a story involving memory fabric upgrades. #comics #marvel )
2003 CE
Appears in Spider-Man: The New Animated Series
The Chameleon appears in the MTV animated series, voiced by Michael Clarke Duncan? No, that was Kingpin. Actually, he appears but voice unknown. #animation )
Mar 1, 2008 CE
Appears in The Spectacular Spider-Man
The Chameleon appears in the animated series The Spectacular Spider-Man, voiced by Steve Blum. #animation #tvshow )
2009 CE
Returns in The Amazing Spider-Man #600
The Chameleon makes a brief cameo setting up future storylines. #comics #marvel )
Jun 1, 2010 CE
Killed in The Gauntlet & Grim Hunt
During 'The Gauntlet' storyline, the Chameleon is murdered by the Kravinoff family as part of Kraven's resurrection plan. #comics #death #gauntlet )
2011 CE
Appears in Spider-Island #1
The Chameleon appears in a flashback during the 'Spider-Island' event. #comics #event )
2011 CE
Legacy Story in Amazing Spider-Man #650
Spider-Man reflects on his past encounters with the Chameleon. #comics #memoir )
2013 CE
Appears in Superior Spider-Man #1
The Chameleon appears in the early issues of Superior Spider-Man, contrasting with the new Spider-Man (Doc Ock). #comics #superiorspider )
2014 CE
Part of Original Sin: Spider-Man
The Chameleon is involved in the 'Original Sin' tie-in, revealing secrets about his past. #comics #originalsin )
2015 CE
Returns in Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 4 #1
The Chameleon is resurrected and becomes a major antagonist again. #comics #revival )
2016 CE
Appears in Spider-Man #1 (Lee/Ditko retro)
A modern reprint of his classic story with updated commentary. #comics #retro )
2017 CE
Featured in Spider-Men II #1
The Chameleon appears in the Spider-Men II crossover between Earth-616 and Earth-1610. #comics #crossover )
2018 CE
Referenced in Marvel's Spider-Man Game
In the 2018 video game, collectibles reveal the Chameleon's backstory and criminal activities. #videogame #marvel )
2019 CE
Appears in Hunted Storyline
The Chameleon is among the animal-themed villains forced to participate in Kraven's deadly hunt. #comics #hunted )
2020 CE
Teams Up with Taskmaster
In a story for in the Black Widow tie-in, the Chameleon collaborates with Taskmaster for a heist. #comics #taskmaster )
Jul 1, 2021 CE
The Chameleon Conspiracy Miniseries
A five-issue miniseries by Peter David centers on the Chameleon's return and a plot against Spider-Man. #comics #miniseries )
2021 CE
Reveals Secret Sister
In The Chameleon Conspiracy, it is revealed that Dmitri has a half-sister named Veronika. #comics #family )
2022 CE
Appears in Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 6 #1
The Chameleon is part of the new volume's opening arc, switching sides temporarily. #comics #marvel )
2023 CE
Featured in Dark Web: Chameleon
A one-shot issue during the Dark Web event, where the Chameleon confronts his past. #comics #darkweb )
2024 CE
Appears in Gang War Tie-In
The Chameleon is involved in the Gang War storyline, using his disguises to manipulate factions. #comics #gangwar )
2025 CE
Upcoming Role in Spider-Man 5?
Rumors suggest the Chameleon may appear in a future MCU Spider-Man film, but no official confirmation. #rumor #mcu )