Tarantula (DC)
The Tarantula is the name of several characters that feature in DC Comics.
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Tarantula (John Law)
- Main Article: John Law
Jonathan Law
Intrigued by the costumed crimefighters appearing on the scene since the late 1930s, best-selling mystery writer Jonathan Law began doing research for a book about such mystery-men. After an interview with Dian Belmont about her associate Sandman he decided to become a crimefighter himself. Inspired by his pet tarantula, he took the name Tarantula and developed a web-gun. The only person he entrusted with the knowledge of his alter ego was his loyal housekeeper Olga. In his first public case he defeated a gang of thieves led by Ace-Deuce who robbed a Broadway theatre. Ace-Deuce soon boke out of prison, and Tarantula used his acting talents to disguise himself as criminal "Pugs O'Bannon" to get in on Ace's next job. Ace and his gang tried to rob a war relief party, but Tarantula foiled them, and when Ace tied to flee Tarantula he fell to his death from a rooftop. (Star Spangled Comics v1 #1) Tarantula was on the trail of Crime Candle, who was on a crime spree. He heard a police report of Candle robbing a jewelry store, so he stole a police car to arrive on the scene first. They battled, and Candle tried to flee, but Tarantula pursued him. Candle knocked out the hero and brought him to his secret hideout across the Hudson river. Crime Candle tied him up and showed him how he killed people, lighting his chemically treated candles that released poisonous gas. Tarantula escaped his bounds, and wrapped up the Candle in silk, leaving him for the police. (Star Spangled Comics v1 #2) When a number of luxury liners disappeared without a trace, John Law investigated, taking a trip on the liner the Silver Crown. He saw a man getting fresh with the only female passenger, June Hayworth, so he scooped him up, and threatened to throw him into the ship's smokestack. June was impressed with how gallant he was, and he was impressed that she wasn't afraid to be on a liner that might ell disappear. Pirates boarded the ship, wrecked the radio room, and hook the ship to a sub that towed it to a remote island. Law changed into Tarantula, and tied June to the mast, telling her thee was too much danger on the ship for her to be running about. Tarantula confronted the pirates responsible for stealing luxury liners, and further impressed June. (Star Spangled Comics v1 #3)
Tarantula (Roger Goldman)
- Main Article: Roger Goldman
Post-Crisis
Following the Crisis on Infinite Earths, a new version of reality was created with a different history of events. Roger Goldman
Post-Flashpoint
Following the Flashpoint, a new version of reality was created with a different history of events. Roger Goldman
Tarantula (Catalina Flores)
- Main Article: Catalina Flores
Origin
Catalina Flores
When investigating the murder of Delmore Redhorn, the corrupt Chief of Police in Blüdhaven, Nightwing discovered the murderer was Tarantula, and that she was working for his nemesis Blockbuster. She had also manipulated an encounter with Nightwing in such a manner that Barbara Gordon, his girlfriend at the time, broke up with him.
Working with Tad Ryerstad Nite-Wing, Nightwing was able to have Tarantula arrested for the murder of Redhorn, although in the process Tad, a wanted vigilante, was also arrested. However, Tarantula was back out on the streets soon, and when the battle between Nightwing and Blockbuster heated up, Tarantula involved herself and shot Blockbuster, killing him.
Nightwing could have prevented the murder, but driven to the edge of his sanity by Blockbuster's calculated assaults on everyone whom Nightwing held dear, in a moment of absolute misery, Nightwing stood aside and let Tarantula kill him.
Allowing Tarantula to kill Blockbuster caused Nightwing to have a nervous breakdown. Tarantula took advantage of his near catatonic state and made him get onto the floor. She proceeded to take his pants off and rape him. Afterwards, Nightwing was disgusted by what happened, but was told by Tarantula that there was more crime to fight.
Post-Flashpoint
Following the Flashpoint, a new version of reality was created with a different history of events. Catalina Flores
Overview
Notes
- Tarantula was created by Mort Weisinger where the concept made its first appearance in Star-Spangled Comics v1 #1 (October, 1941).
Alternate Versions
In other media
Television
Films
Appearances
- Star-Spangled Comics v1: (1941)
External Links
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