The Web | |
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Publication information | |
Publisher |
Archie Comics DC Comics Dark Circle Comics |
First appearance | Zip Comics #27(July 1942) |
Created by | Unknown (writer) John Cassone (artist) |
In-story information | |
Alter ego | John Raymond Jane Raymond |
Notable aliases | John Raymond |
Abilities | Hi-Tech Suit, Taekwondo |
The Web is a fictional character, a superhero created by MLJ Comics' in 1942 by artist John Cassone and an unknown writer.
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.
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 impostor. In Mighty Crusaders #4 (April 1966), he joins with The Fox and Captain Flag to form the Ultra-Men. In Mighty Comics #40 (November 1966), he is chastised by his wife, who no longer wanted him to be a superhero. This version of the Web is believed to be the original Web's son.
Despite this criticism, Raymond continues his crimefighting, while becoming increasingly domestically. His wife ultimately trains 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. It was later revealed that Rose was the younger sister of another Archie superhero, The Jaguar.