Who Is Black Spider? Origin, Powers and Key Facts

Black Spider is a DC Comics comic book character, the alter ego of Eric Needham, with over 193 comic issue appearances. He tends to use the latest in high tech weaponry such as laser assisted rifles. He is an Olympic level athlete and has trained intensely in many forms of physical combat. There have been three that have taken on the identity.

Who is Black Spider?

History Black Spider I He was created by Gerry Conway, Ernie Chua and Frank McLaughlin. A drug addict in his youth, Eric Needham turned to crime to support his habit. After numerous petty thefts and muggings, Needham attempted armed robbery, breaking into a liquor store and inadvertently killing a man who turned out to be Needham's own father. Going almost insane with the remorse he felt, Needham kicked his drug habit and sought vengeance against dealers everywhere. Learning of Needham's obsession, a mysterious force supplied him with extensive training, a colorful costume and sophisticated weaponry. Since he intended to prey on criminal "flies" Needham took the name Black Spider. It later emerged that the man funding the Black Spider was Hanniball Hardwicke - drug king of Gotham City - who was using Needham to eliminate his criminal rivals and Needham when the time was necessary. When Needham found out he tried to kill Hardwicke but was foiled by Batman .

Key facts

Black Spider is of human origin and first appeared in "Death-Web / Crimes by Calculation". The character is published by DC Comics. With 193 recorded issue appearances, Black Spider ranks among the most featured characters in comics.