The Spider Widow

The Spider Widow in the comics predated "The Scarlet Widow" of the Superman radio show.

Spider Widow

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Spider Widow
From the front page of a Spider Widow story in Feature Comics #60
Publication information
Publisher	Quality Comics
First appearance	Feature Comics #57
Created by	Frank Borth
In-story information
Alter ego	Dianne Grayton
Abilities	Can control black widow spiders

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 spiders. 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, 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 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

• Comic Book Urban Legends - Status of Quality Comics characters
• Feature Comics #60 - Spider Widow reprint
• Spider Widow Profile
• Spider Widow article in Don Markstein's Toonopedia

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The comic book "Spider Widow" first appeared in 1942, while the "Scarlet Widow" of the Superman radio show did not appear until 1945. It is possible that any similarities could be coincidental. The Spider Widow was really a beautiful girl who only used a horrible disguise, while the Scarlet Widow really was horrible-looking.

The Spider Woman in the Carol Superman serial was really another version of "The Black Widow" she had played in the previous serial, rather than the radio character. Similar villianesses can also be seen in comic books from that period, such as the one who shot Bucky in CAPTAIN AMERICA #66.

The Phantom Lady could be seen as physically similar to The Spider Lady, but was one of the good guys. The crossover of comic book characters Phantom Lady, Spider Widow, and The Raven was less common at this time than it would be in modern comics.


As our story begins, Spider Widow appears without her disguise:

In this one, Spider Widow is in her witch disguise:

The story end with the former foes on the same side, a satisfying conclusion that might have helped the kiddies learn by example. The Spider Widow's own story ends in obscurity as few people are interested in that character today.

Phantom Lady:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_Lady


Phantom Lady Club ( Lady of Quality ):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lady_Of_Quality/?yguid=74994103


Phantom Lady vs. Spider Widow ( the same story ):
http://maskedmayhem.blogspot.com/2012/02/athe-phantom-lady-vs-spider-widow.html


Scarlet Widow ( Radio Version ):
http://superman.wikia.com/wiki/The_Scarlet_Widow

Revival Version:
http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=40611&p=14


Spider Widow ( Comic Vine ):
http://www.comicvine.com/spider-widow/29-53084/


Spider Widow: ( Toonpedia ):
http://www.toonopedia.com/spidrwid.htm


Spider Widow vs. Phantom Lady, and Prarie Witch:
http://www.cosmicteams.com/quality/profiles/SpiderWidowRaven.html