Carlos LaMuerto
"Black Tarantula" is a title inherited from father to son, all posing as the same person. Black Tarantula possesses a multitude of superhuman powers derived from a potion taken by his ancestor.
The current Black Tarantula, Carlos LaMuerto, moves his base of operations from Argentina to New York, claiming that he wants to expand his operation. He comes into conflict with crime lord Rose (Jacob Conover), and defeats Rose's enforcer, Delilah. Black Tarantula hires Roughouse and Bloodscream to work for him and drives back Rose, establishing control over a large part of New York City. When Rose goes to Don Fortunato, a powerful crime lord ruling over New York City, for help, Black Tarantula appears in person and offers Fortunato an alliance. Fortunato accepts, but Black Tarantula has to prove his loyalty by defeating Spider-Man and bringing back his mask. Black Tarantula succeeds in defeating Spider-Man, but lets him live when he learns that Spider-Man was trying to rescue a small child. [1]
Black Tarantula is later seen at Ryker's Island and is taking drugs that suppress his superhuman powers. During a riot, Black Tarantula is attacked by Bullseye, who stabs him in the chest with a playing card. Black Tarantula is released early from prison due to a record of good behavior and prison overpopulation. Black Tarantula goes to Matt Murdock for a job; Murdock has him work with Dakota North, an investigator working for Nelson & Murdock. Black Tarantula, who is dissatisfied with the job, longs for a more hands on approach to stop crime. Murdock notices and takes Black Tarantula with him to battle a yakuza gang working in Hell's Kitchen. Later, Black Tarantula takes on a gang whose leader was hired to kill an old woman. This leader is a vengeful former recruit of Black Tarantula who, years before, Black Tarantula had personally invited into his gang, naming him "Little Loco". After Black Tarantula takes care of the gang, he kills Loco and leaves the money he took from the gang in a church. [2]
Carlos LaMuerto's story is focused upon again in April 2008, in a one-shot issue entitled Daredevil: Blood of the Tarantula, where he turns in desperation to Matt Murdock to help his new 'mission'. [3]
While out patrolling, Black Tarantula runs into White Tiger being attacked by Hand ninjas. While trying to help her, Black Tarantula is killed by White Tiger and resurrected by the Hand as an assassin. [4] Black Tarantula then leads an attack against Daredevil at his home along with White Tiger, Lady Bullseye, and Lord Hirochi. They are fought off by Daredevil, Master Izo, and Iron Fist. [5]
When Matt Murdock takes over leadership of the Hand, Black Tarantula and White Tiger become his lieutenants. Black Tarantula oversees the construction of "Shadowland" while Murdock and White Tiger are in Japan, meeting high-ranking Hand leaders from across the globe and discussing Murdock's vision of a more heroic Hand. [6] While New York is in crisis, Black Tarantula is ordered by White Tiger to execute looters, but he becomes confused and sees that something is wrong with Murdock's motives. White Tiger, still possessed by the Hand, stabs Black Tarantula and leaves him for dead. [7] Black Tarantula survives and is rehabilitated by Night Nurse. [8]
