Seeking to hold drug dealers accountable, Eric overcomes his addiction, receives training, and acquires a costume and weapons from a mysterious source.

[3] Eric Needham, an African-American native of Gotham City, had a healthy childhood until he experiences an upheaval in his life following his mother's death from illness and his father's subsequent emotional withdrawal.

While once source states that Eric was unaware of Michael's birth until years later by a chance meeting with Linda,[4] another expresses he took to robbing to support his drug habits and take care of their infant son.

Financed by a mysterious source with weaponry, training, and a costume, he assumes the role of a self-proclaimed vigilante and begins targeting individuals suspected of involvement in drug dealing, resorting to lethal methods.

[2][4] Over time, Eric as Black Spider engages in multiple conflicts with Batman due to his employment of lethal methods, which the Dark Knight disapproves of.

Whatever the case, Needham's survival has since been confirmed and the character has made subsequent appearances as the Black Spider, such as in the miniseries Underworld Unleashed.

In the New 52 reboot and during the Suicide Squad series, Eric's background is altered, with Amanda Waller describing him as a educated man and devout father and husband who turned to vigilantism following the death of his family, gaining a strong disdain for criminals.

Needham reveals that while he knew Regulus only sought to manipulate him for his means, he believed in his agenda, which aimed to establish a position of power before metahumans and extraterrestrial entities could accumulate enough resources to dominate humanity.

In the Penguin comic series, elements of his previous continuity are reinforced, including his classic costume and background involving him gunning down his father.

The pair are ultimately successful when Aiden is killed and Addison escapes despite Neehdam turning on Penguin, also placating blame on him for Daniel's death.

Black Spider is a Olympic-level athlete and gymnast with extensive training in physical combat and weapons expert, making him a formidable assassin and highly skilled martial artist able to match Batman in his earlier appearances.

[8] Black Spider is equipped with a diverse array of weaponry and gadgets, including: a state-of-the-art armored battle suit that offers various functionalities, such as retractable claws and wrist-mounted pistols.

[18] The Eric Needham incarnation of Black Spider, based on his New 52 portrayal, appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.