Marvel Prepares for a Classic Spider-Man Villain’s Transformation into a Hero: Will It Happen?

Warning! Spoilers for Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider (2024) #9 ahead!

The latest iteration of Marvel’s Black Tarantula, a traditional adversary to Spider-Man, is currently navigating a complex redemption arc. Whether this evolution will culminate in genuine transformation or merely be viewed with skepticism by Spider-Gwen remains to be seen, adding suspense to the narrative.

Gwen is trapped and shackled in a cage. The villain Black Tarantula looms over her.

In a gripping turn of events, after Gwen is severely affected by Mister Fear’s Toxin, Fabian LaMuerto heroically ventures to retrieve a sample for her treatment at the hospital. Despite her disdain for Black Tarantula upon awakening, Gwen’s perception begins to shift when she discovers his unexpected mission in New York: providing shelter and support for the city’s unhoused population.

Black Tarantula: A Morally Complex Character on the Path to Redemption

Fabian LaMuerto, the current Black Tarantula, is the son of the original Carlos LaMuerto, who similarly walked a morally ambiguous line. Jessica Jones describes Carlos as a crime boss who strived for redemption through his actions but ultimately succumbed to his criminal nature. His quest to regain custody of his son led him to clash with iconic heroes like Spider-Man and Daredevil, ultimately ending with his incarceration.

In The Ghost-Spider #9, Fabian openly acknowledges his father’s flawed legacy while revealing his intention to carve a new path. His commitment to aiding the unhoused not only sets him apart from his father but highlights his potential for genuine heroism. However, this endeavor is conflicted by his desire for retribution against those who displace vulnerable communities.

Marvel Crafts a Complicated Redemption Narrative

The Potential for Spider-Gwen to Influence Change

Gwen is trapped in a mass of spider webs.

What differentiates Black Tarantula from heroes like Spider-Gwen is their contrasting views on justice. While Gwen has faith in the judicial system, Fabian asserts his own, believing that the ends justify the means. His app, designed for citizens to judge the guilt or innocence of others, introduces a disturbing twist: those deemed guilty face death. Despite his goal of punishing wrongdoers, relying on his judgement rather than a fair legal process complicates his moral standing.

Historically, many villains in the Spider-Man universe have successfully transitioned to heroic roles, and this current Black Tarantula presents a similar opportunity. While he aspires to do good by helping the innocent, his methodology is flawed. Should Spider-Gwen choose to collaborate with him, she could guide LaMuerto toward a more constructive, heroic approach, reinforcing the fine line these characters walk between heroism and villainy.

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #9 is now available for readers eager to explore this intriguing character dynamic.

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