1930's The Spider (Purist Figures)

[greg3]

"The Spider" was one of a number of crime fighting vigilante characters created in the early 1930s that would go on to inspire the creation of many of the superheroes we now know and love!! He was created in 1933 by Harry Steeger and went on to feature in over 100 pulp magazine novels, 2 movie serials and a couple of recent comics. I've recently discovered a couple of the early novels online (as their copyright has expired) and really enjoyed them - so much so I thought I'd try and recreate some of the characters in miniature form!!

Richard Wentworth was a millionaire playboy, the last surviving member of a rich family. After returning home from WW1, he discovered New York to be overrun by criminal gangs - and the police powerless to stop them. Wentworth decides to take matters into his own hands and becomes The Spider - a vigilante not afraid to break the law himself to deliver justice.

Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr

As the Spider, Wentworth hunts down and kills criminals the police can't catch, marking each victim with a spider mark (an ink stamp on their forehead). His preferred weapons are 2 45-calibre pistols but he's also an excellent swordsman and trained in a number of martial arts. Although ruthless towards criminals, he never hurts the innocent and avoids harming the police (even though they're out to capture him)

He's also a master of disguise and in some stories is able to control people using the sound of his voice giving him the title of "Master of Men". As Richard Wentworth, he often works alongside the police, helping Commissioner Kirkpatrick on many investigations (although Kirkpatrick hates the Spider and is out to discover his true identity!!)

My version is a combination of the novel/film/comic version of his appearance (in the books he wears an domino mask - the spiderweb hood was introduced for the 1940s film version where it was white rather than red - the black/red design comes from the comic) Ideally the web design should extend down the back of his cape. Unsurprisingly, the Spider is said to have inspired Stan Lee to create Spiderman!! Although I see a lot of the elements of Batman in him too!!

Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Thanks for looking.... I've got a few ideas for some of the Spiders associates and enemies so watch this space!!

Edited July 28, 2016 by greg3

[samurai-turtle]

Their is a spider web cape from the collectable mini-figures series that might work. If I recall correctly it was clear (not sure if you want to put another cape on the guy).

As for Batman, I am sure this guy help inspired him too. I seen it mentioned the creator used a lot of cliches when he created Batman.