Web Of Deceit: Unmasking The Top 5 Shameless Spider-Man Clones

Dive Into The World Of Spider-Man-inspired Characters As We Reveal The Top 5 Rip-offs In Various Media, From Comics And Tv Shows To Movies And

By Akshay Sharma
March 22,2023
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From the moment Spider-Man first appeared in comic books in 1962, the wall-crawler has captured the hearts and minds of fans around the world. As with any massively popular character, Spider-Man’s success has inspired numerous rip-offs and imitations throughout various forms of media. In this article, we will explore the top five Spider-Man rip-offs, showcasing the lengths to which creators have gone to replicate the essence of the friendly neighborhood superhero.

The Tarantula: A Sinister Swing

The Tarantula

The Tarantula, first introduced in the Argentine comic book “El Cazador de Aventuras” in 1997, bears a striking resemblance to Spider-Man. Created by Jorge Lucas and Ariel Olivetti, this anti-hero sports a costume similar to Spider-Man’s, featuring a red and black color scheme with a stylized spider emblem. The Tarantula, however, has a darker tone and more violent methods, distinguishing himself from the more moral Spider-Man. Despite these differences, it’s impossible to ignore the similarities in their abilities, costumes, and overall concept.

The Black Scorpion: A Sting In the Tale

The Black Scorpion

“The Black Scorpion,” a 2001 TV series created by Roger Corman, followed the adventures of a female vigilante named Darcy Walker. By day, she was a police officer, but by night, she donned a black and purple costume, becoming the Black Scorpion. The series borrowed heavily from Spider-Man’s themes, including the balance between crime-fighting and personal life, the use of a mask to hide her true identity, and the presence of a father figure. The Black Scorpion’s grappling-hook-like weapon, used to swing through the city, is yet another nod to our favorite web-slinger.

Arachnoman: A Tangled Web

Arachnoman

“Arachnoman” was a short-lived character introduced in the world of professional wrestling in the early 1990s. Created to capitalize on the popularity of Spider-Man, Arachnoman’s costume featured a familiar yellow and blue color scheme, complete with a mask and web patterns. Arachnoman even used “web-shooting” pyrotechnics during his entrances. While his time in the spotlight was brief, Arachnoman remains a prime example of Spider-Man’s influence extending into the realm of professional wrestling.

Web Man: A Bizarro Spider-Sensation

Web Man

In 1977, the animated television series “The New Fantastic Four” introduced a character called Web Man, a bizarre imitation of Spider-Man. Web Man was created by the evil Dr. Doom using a “Reverse Polarizer,” which resulted in a near-perfect copy of Spider-Man with an inverted color scheme. Though Web Man possessed similar powers and abilities, his personality was the complete opposite, making him a willing accomplice to Dr. Doom’s schemes. While Web Man’s appearance was brief, he remains a memorable example of a Spider-Man rip-off in animation.

Itsy Bitsy Spider: A Spider-Themed Heist

Itsy Bitsy Spider

In 2000, a Hong Kong movie titled “Itsy Bitsy Spider” (also known as “Spider Woman”) showcased a thief who used spider-themed gadgets to commit her crimes. Played by actress Gigi Lai, the character wore a costume reminiscent of Spider-Man’s, even utilizing a web-like pattern. The movie’s plot focused on the titular character’s attempts to steal a valuable artifact while evading the authorities. Though not as blatant as some other examples, the similarities to Spider-Man’s themes and aesthetics are still apparent.