Weird Suspense: The Tarantula

WEIRD SUSPENSE Featuring THE TARANTULA
Three Issue series from 1975 - Atlas Comics
25 Cents

Issue #1 - Curse of the Tarantula
Character Created and Scripted by: Michael Fleisher
Artist: Pat Boyette

Issue #2 - The Revenge of the Spider Witch!
Script: Michael Fleisher
Artist: Pat Boyette

Issue #3 - Mind Over Matter = Murder
Scripter: Gary Friedrich
Artist: Pat Boyette

“...a weird blood gorging creature of the supernatural...”

Hi there! Are you looking for weird suspense? Do you want to be frightened? Well look no further comic book readers; the Tarantula is here to deliver the goods! Strange things are afoot and we’re being warned from the start of issue one to look away – “…those who become easily frightened are cautioned NOT to read this magazine!”

In this world of weird the Tarantula is Eugene Lycosa, a cursed descendant of Count Lycosa who burned the High Priestess of the Tarantula Cult ages ago at a small European Village.



The curse of the Tarantula means all males of the Lycosa lineage are doomed to transforms into a spider creature that has a terrible blood lust, which must be appeased. In this modern day of 1975 Count Eugene Lycosa lives in his countryside mansion as the 11th Count suffering the affliction.

The Count has kept himself isolated for fear of devouring innocent men and women. Of course one fateful night three escaped convicts find his home and get caught in the Tarantula’s mighty web. It is then that the Count decides he must use his curse for some “practical” means while also quenching his blood thirsty desires, he will prey on evil men. (That’s very Dexter-esque, wouldn’t you say?)

The first issue gives the full origin of the Lycosa clan and the troubles continues on through issue two!



While the Count is in the city feeding on some cop killers the one hoodlum who got away has become entranced and resurrects The Spider Witch! Yes, the Priestess is back and out for vengeance, though momentarily weakened by Astral Disintegration.



After killing the Count’s servant Joseph she works on rounding up a few new tarantula henchmen.



Check out the Priestess out on the prowl…and the men are totally into her too!



Once the Priestess gets the Count in her web it’s time for a showdown! The Count and Priestess have a tussle at the edge of a cave while in spider mode and our hero the Tarantula wins! Even with the witch killed again the curse still continues and the Count is determined to use the Tarantula to prey on “evil wherever it may flourish!”



In issue three there’s a change in tone with a new writer onboard. The origin is again quickly recounted, a new villain is introduced and we get to see the Count at his day job as an Investment Counselor where he has a secretary, Natalie, and they both have secret crushes on each other.



The bad guy is Abdul Rashad, a “brilliant but desperate young Arab student” who has powers over inanimate objects, which he brings to life to do his bidding. Abdul’s big plan is to steal his father’s money and use his powers to rule the world. (Sounds simple enough, right?)




I must say I was sad that the battle depicted on the cover, with the Tarantula fighting a stone gargoyle, never happens! (The covers of this series depict some of the best action bits in my opinion.) Though before it was all done the Tarantula does fight a four-armed snake statue, and plays some mind games with the young man before sucking him dry.





As mentioned there was a change in tone and it was mostly with Eugene Lycosa, here he’s even more tortured and distraught. He has his new servant tie him up at night so he doesn’t go on a killing spree munching on innocent blood. When the Count finally transforms to the Tarantula the creature has motives of his own, more of a Jekyll and Hyde thing that wasn’t around in issue one.

Overall this series dished out some dark attitude and drama, lots of action, and then gushed out a lot of bloody gore talk. The Tarantula really had some potential to spin a lot of web but his run was short lived.



There were a ton of fun ads throughout each comic book with offers for a High School Diploma, and Bodybuilder bodies. I especially liked the film collectibles, model kits and van customizing. Lastly one more highlight was the advertisement for the book Very Special People featuring the likes of “The Caterpillar Man”. It was only $6.95 and postage for 60 cents!



Now evil men beware the Tarantula! While the Count was pretty happy at the end of the book, the curse was not gone and that spider blood lust must be fed! So, watch out for giant webs in dark alleys. Yup!



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