A
super-hero published by
DC Comics. The Tarantula first
appeared in
Star-Spangled Comics #1 in October 1941.
The Tarantula was the costumed identity of John Law, a writer
who lived in New York. A successful novelist, Law began
to research the world of the "mystery men," those masked
vigilantes who had begun to appear in the world.
His research brought him into contact with Dian Belmont, a
novelist in her own right. Belmont was the girlfriend of
Wesley Dodds, the original Sandman. Law deduced that
Belmont was in some way connected with the Sandman and tracked
them down, witnessing Belmont become injured while disguised
as the Sandman.
Using a costume design that Belmont had shown him, Law created
a costumed identity of his own. Calling himself the Tarantula,
sought to bring the criminals to justice. Armed with his "web
gun" that shot a line with which he could swing and boots that
allowed him to walk up walls, the Tarantula defeated the criminals
with the help of the Sandman. Dodds, as the Sandman, told
Law that Belmont had been killed to protect his identity and
her involvement with him.
For many years, the Tarantula fought crime. He became a member
of the All-Star Squadron and adventured with them. Eventually,
though, the strain of crime fighting caused Law to hang up his
costume.
Law lives today in the city of Bludhaven, in a building owned by
Dick Grayson, who adventures as Nightwing. Law lives a meager
existence, having been "black-listed" during the late 1950's
due to his refusal to reveal what he knew about the identities
of the mystery men.