Web (comics)

The Web is a fictional character, a superhero created by MLJ Comics' John Cassone as artist and an unknown writer in 1942.

Details

The Web's secret identity was that of John Raymond, a college professor of criminology, and mystery writer. Raymond's interest in studying the motives and behavior of criminals harked back to his youth, and the criminal leanings of his brother Tom. The Web debuted in issue #27 of "Zip Comics" in July 1942, having originally been intended for "Top-Notch Comics", the change occurring due to a decision to emphasize the humour of "Top-Notch". In that first issue, he rescues a woman named Rose Wayne from a Japanese terrorist named The Black Dragon of Death. Rose discovers his secret identity, and learns his motivation; the characters were later married, and The Web shortly retired from crimefighting and settled down into a domestic life. His last appearance in "Zip" was in issue #38, in July 1943, having appeared on several covers.

Revival

The Web came out of retirement in March 1966 in "Fly-Man" #36, written by Jerry Siegel and drawn by Paul Reinman to combat the antics of an imposter. Soon - in "Mighty Crusaders" #4 (April 1966) - joining with The Fox and Captain Flag to form The Ultra-Men. In "Mighty Comics" #40 (Nov. 1966), he is chastised by his wife, who no longer wanted him to be a superhero. [ [http://www.toonopedia.com/web.htm Don Markstein's "Toonopedia": "The Web"] . Accessed July 1, 2008]

Despite this criticism, Raymond continues his crimefighting, while becoming increasingly hen-pecked domestically. His wife ultimately trains with Fly-Man and dons her own costume; as "Pow-Girl" (appearing in "Mighty Comics" #43) she fights crime alongside her husband, who is unaware of her real identity. The Web had several more issues' worth of appearances, before disappearing again. [ [http://www.mightycrusaders.net/handbook/web2.htm "Mighty Crusaders.net" page on "Web II"] . Accessed July 1, 2008]

N.B. This first reappearance of the Web is often erroneously thought to be that of the original Web's son.

Later appearances

In Archie's Red Circle Comics superhero revival of the 1980s, The Web made more appearances alongside the company's heroes. This Web is usually described as John Redmond Jr., the son of the original web.

In 2006, he appeared in a small cameo appearance in an issue of "Archie and Friends" #101, in the Katy Keene story. In 2007, he will appear in an issue of "Archie and Friends" #107, in the Katy Keene story.

References

External links

* [http://www.toonopedia.com/web.htm Toonopedia article]
* [http://www.mightycrusaders.net/handbook/web.htm Mighty Crusaders page on Web I]
* [http://www.mightycrusaders.net/handbook/web2.htm Mighty Crusaders page on Web II]
* [http://www.geocities.com/cash_gorman/mlj_heroes.html MLJ Heroes]