Character Introduction: Who is the “White Tiger”?
The White Tiger is a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #19 (1975) and was created by Bill Mantlo and George Pérez and was a regular character in the series until issue #33 (1977). The White Tiger is a martial artist who uses a set of mystic tiger amulets to give him superhuman abilities. The character has been depicted as a member of the Heroes for Hire and the Avengers. The original White Tiger, Hector Ayala, was a Puerto Rican-American from New York City’s East Harlem neighborhood who was trained in the fighting skills of the Tiger style of Kung Fu by his uncle, a Shaolin monk. He appeared in other Marvel comic books such as “Marvel Team-Up” and “Marvel Premiere” and also in other series such as “Heroes for Hire” and “Avengers” and several one-shots issues.
How did he come to possess the Amulets of Power?
He discovered the tiger amulets that the Sons of the Tiger had thrown away at ESU. Ayala learned he could become the superhuman White Tiger by donning all three of the Jade Tiger amulets. Ayala had virtually superhuman strength in this form, as well as martial arts skills.
The beginning of his career:
His super-hero career had a challenging start. As a result of his involvement in the death of young Manuel Lopez, he was first attacked by the Prowler, who wanted to get revenge, and then by Jack of Hearts, who thought he was guilty for the murder of his father. He revealed himself to them when Det. Sgt. D’Angelo, Blackbyrd, and his sister Awilda questioned him regarding the abduction of her brother. The Tiger helped D’Angelo and Blackbyrd bring down the Corporation, which was responsible for the murder of scientist Phillip Hart, after fending off an onslaught by mercenaries trying to take Jack of Hearts. The Corporation was covertly commanded by the Tiger’s own brother Filippo.
When did he appear in regular Marvel continuity?:
His first in color appearance was in Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man Vol 1 9 …Like a Tiger in the Night! In this issue at Empire State University, there is now a protest against the idea of ending night school programs owing to financial restrictions. A contentious discussion results when this is seen as a disadvantage for the kids who attend night school, who are primarily South Bronx Hispanics and African-Americans. When Professor Vasquez, a sympathetic teacher, learns the university won’t sell the Erskine Manuscripts, which could bring in enough money to keep the night school courses operating, he decides to join the protest. Hector Ayala (also known as the White Tiger) and Peter Parker, two demonstration attendees, ponder whether there is anything they can do.
The White Tiger looks to be stealing the manuscripts when Peter Parker runs into him, and the two start fighting. The “White Tiger” is impeded in his attempts to flee by thieves who are trying to take the priceless book. When Peter engages the “White Tiger” again in combat, the thieves were able to take the book and flee. When security shows up, “White Tiger” flees.
After deciding to research the White Tiger, Spider-Man discovers his relationship with Blackbyrd and decides to pay him a visit in Harlem. As they ride in a taxi to Empire State University after exchanging greetings, Blackbyrd explains the history of the White Tiger to Spider-Man. When Professor Vasquez arrives to his office, he discovers that it has been searched through, and Spider-Man makes the decision to continue prowling around. The White Tiger confronts him after discovering the Erskine writings on his desk and demands to know why Professor Vasquez has the book. Spider-Man enters the scene and ends the confrontation.
His further adventures:
Hector enrolled in Empire State University, where he met Peter Parker and became good friends with him. They occasionally worked together, unknowingly at the time, to battle crime. Hector lost his anonymity when his identity as the White Tiger was revealed during a fight with Spider-Man’s adversary, Lightmaster in a live broadcast. Later on, a psychopath by the name of Gideon Mace targeted the Tiger’s family, after finding out his identity. Mace carried out a massacre in which Hector’s parents and other family members perished. Hector gave up his identity as the White Tiger and stopped being a superhero after becoming emotionally worn out by the experience.
The End of the line:
But eventually, Hector’s desire to put on the amulets and battle evil overcame him, and he once more assumed the identity of the White Tiger. Soon after, despite the efforts of his attorney Matt Murdock, Hector was wrongly accused of murder and found guilty. Hector was shot dead while attempting to flee, just before evidence that eventually established his innocence had surfaced.
Reading Order:
Angela del Toro, first appearance, Daredevil Vol 2 #58, is an ex-FBI agent who worked on the Daredevil investigation and received her uncle Hector Ayala’s Jade Tiger amulets as a gift, is the fourth White Tiger. Angela left the FBI to learn about the amulets, and Daredevil taught her how to wield their abilities. She was moved by the shopkeeper’s outpouring of gratitude after using the amulets’ ability to prevent a robbery. By using the amulets to grant herself cat-like speed and fighting skills, Angela really used to save Daredevil from a criminal lord and his bodyguard. She adopted her uncle’s guise as the White Tiger as she became aware of the abilities she now possessed.
Author Profile
- I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!
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