The Web (John Raymond)

The Web's secret identity was that of John Raymond, a college professor of criminology, and mystery writer. Raymond's interest in studying the motives and behavior of criminals harked back to his youth, and the criminal leanings of his brother Tom. The Web debuted in issue #27 of Zip Comics in July 1942, having originally been intended for Top-Notch Comics, the change occurring due to a decision to emphasize the humour of Top-Notch. In that first issue, he rescues a woman named Rose Wayne from a Japanese terrorist named The Black Dragon of Death. Rose discovers his secret identity, and learns his motivation; the characters were later married, and the Web shortly retired from crimefighting and settled down into a domestic life. His last appearance in Zip was in issue #38, in July 1943, having appeared on several covers.