Desiring power, the wealthy corporate executive Ezekiel Sims gains similar arachnid-like abilities to Peter Parker, AKA Spider-Man. While he creates the Spider Society, a secret organization dedicated to peace, he focuses on his business endeavors for personal profit.
Ancient Blood-Rite
To understand more about Ezekiel, it is necessary to know the story of Kwaku Anansi, inhabitant of Ghana in West Africa, centuries ago. Anansi sought wisdom, but also followed the way of the spider, climbing high on a web and line. Anansi climbed high enough to speak to Nyame, the sky-god, and entreat with him for wisdom of the mortal world and the world beyond. Nyame demanded eternal servitude. Anansi agreed, but warned that he could never turn away from those in need, and those he loved and revered. The bargain was struck, and the spirit of Anansi passed down over generations to individuals with the spirit of the hunter, but who also honored Anansi’s higher ideals.
When the young Ezekiel learns of Anansi’s line, he uses his wealth to save a Spider-Temple in Peru from planned demolition. Ezekiel demands that the head priest Miguel perform the blood-rite and grant the Spider’s powers to him. Miguel warns that the true heir of this generation was yet to arrive, and furthermore, that the spirits of the temple would one day learn of the deception, and would not be pleased. Ezekiel insists, as he plans to first gain more power, in order to help those in need. Instead, the search for “enough” power consumes him, and he never finds the moment to act.
Spider-Powers
Ezekiel’s powers are derived from the same source as Spider-Man, but acquired through deceit rather than by right. Hence these powers are all held to a marginally inferior level to Spider-Man.
Ezekiel possesses superhuman strength, though slightly inferior to Spider-Man. He can lift approximately 9 tons. He also possesses all of Spider-Man’s powers including his speed, agility, reflexes, and resilience. He has the power to stick to walls, and a danger-detecting spider-sense. Neither Spider-Man nor Ezekiel could detect each other with their spider-senses because of the similar nature of their powers.
He does not use web-shooters, nor any of Spider-Man’s other artificial tools. Ezekiel is a skillful businessman, and attains a huge level of personal wealth through his own leadership and initiative. He possesses a good understanding of the various mystical ceremonies related to the African/Central American legacy of Kwaku Anansi, the founder of the Spider-Clan.
Foremost Foe
Ezekiel’s primary nemesis is the vampiric Morlun, along with his immortal family of Inheritors, who hunt spider-beings for their own consumption. Ezekiel goes to great lengths to avoid exposing himself to Morlun and to protect Cindy Moon, AKA Silk, from the Inheritor, even leaving Spider-Man to face the devourer alone.
Occasional Allies
While mostly out for himself, Ezekiel does take an interest in protecting the young Cindy and allies with Spider-Man to meet his own ends. Though he betrays the latter, he comes to regret his choices and ultimately saves Peter’s life.