Public Domain Super Heroes
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The Tarantula
Tarantula

Real Name

Bill Barnes

First Appearance

Pep Comics #10 (December 1940)

Original Publisher

MLJ

Created by

Joe Blair & Sam Cooper

Origin[]

The Tarantula was actually Bill Barnes, fiance of Deborah Morgan. He was not a wealthy man, so he turned to threatening and extorting money from rich young debutantes. When they failed to pay him, they died. He was brought to justice by Inspector Bentley of Scotland Yard.

Powers and Abilities[]

The Tarantula had unusual climbing ability, and captured his victims by springing down on them from above. He then killed his victims with spider venom in a needle at the head on his cane. He also kept pet tarantulas.

Public Domain Appearances[]

  • Pep Comics #10
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