The Web

John Raymond, a criminology professor, adopted the costumed identity of The Web to battle crime and prove that lawbreaking never pays — driven in part by personal shame over a criminal relative. He relied on intellect and physical skill rather than superhuman powers.

Born in the pages of Zip Comics #33 in 1943, The Web is a genuine Golden Age survivor — a Sam Cooper creation who has kept readers intrigued across a remarkable stretch of comics history spanning all the way to 2018. Published under the Archie banner, this character has shared adventures with a colorful roster including The Shield, The Comet, and The Jaguar, placing The Web firmly within one of the Golden Age's most spirited superhero universes. With appearances spread across The Mighty Crusaders, Blue Ribbon Comics, and even Archie's Double Digest Magazine, The Web has proven surprisingly versatile across formats and eras. Thirty-six catalog appearances — including at least one collector-recognized key issue — make this a rewarding discovery for fans who love digging into the rich, often underappreciated corners of early American comics.