Spider Widow 2078134 212135792 2008-05-13T16:11:37Z Postdlf 29695 {{Superherobox <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics--> | image = [[Image:Spider Widow 1.jpg|200px]] | caption = From the front page of a Spider Widow story in ''Feature Comics'' #60 | character_name =Spider Widow | publisher = [[Quality Comics]] | debut = ''Feature Comics'' #57 | creators = [[Frank Borth]] | alter_ego = Dianne Grayton | full_name = | species = <!-- optional --> | homeworld = <!-- optional --> | alliances = <!-- optional --> | partners = <!-- optional --> | aliases = <!-- optional --> | supports=<!--optional--> | powers = Can control [[black widow spider]]s }} '''Spider Widow''' is a fictional [[superhero]] character that was published by [[Quality Comics]] during the [[Golden Age of Comic Books]]. The character was created by [[Frank Borth]] and debuted in ''[[Feature Comics]]'' #57, which bore a cover date of June, 1942. Borth continued to write and draw the Spider Widow feature until the end of its run in ''Feature Comics'' #72 (June, 1943). ==Publication history== Spider Widow is the secret identity of Dianne Grayton, a bored and wealthy athlete who decides to fight crime and foreign saboteurs after discovering she has the ability to control deadly [[black widow spider]]s. She disguises herself in a costume very similar to a stereotypical [[Hallowe'en]] witch, wearing a green-faced old crone mask, a floppy black hat, and a long black dress. In ''Feature Comics'' #60, [[Nazism|Nazi]] agents set a trap for Spider Widow by posting an advertisement in the newspaper that requests her assistance, and then knock her out when she shows up. She is rescued from a boat bound for Germany by the bird-costumed Raven on his first heroic outing, and the two reveal a hidden [[U-boat]] to the [[U.S. Navy]]. She becomes romantically involved with the Raven (who is later revealed to be Tony Grey); however, neither initially knows what the other looks like without their mask on because they shared their first kiss in the dark. The two later team up with [[Phantom Lady]] in a multi-part [[fictional crossover|crossover]] that spanned between ''Feature Comics'' #69-71 and ''[[Police Comics]]'' #20-22. Though Spider Widow initially worries that Phantom Lady is a potential rival for the Raven's affections, they nevertheless became allies. ==Current status== [[DC Comics]] is believed to have acquired the [[copyright]] to Spider Widow when it purchased [[Quality Comics]]' holdings, though that claim may be in doubt because most Quality properties lapsed into public domain prior to the purchase. To date, DC Comics has yet to use the character. ==Powers and abilities== Spider Widow has the ability to psychically control black widow spiders; the reason for her gaining this power is never explained. Spider Widow is also a trained athlete. == External links == * [http://goodcomics.blogspot.com/2005/11/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-23.html Comic Book Urban Legends - Status of Quality Comics characters] *[http://pfeonline.tripod.com/20three1.html ''Feature Comics #60'' - Spider Widow reprint] *[http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/s/spidwido.htm Spider Widow Profile] *[http://www.toonopedia.com/spidrwid.htm Spider Widow article in Don Markstein's Toonopedia] [[Category:Golden Age superheroes]] [[Category:Public domain characters]] [[Category:Quality Comics superheroes]]