Spider is a small creature designed by Osamu Tezuka and his siblings, Minako and Hiroshi. Much like the Hyoutan-tsugi, Spider is a comedic visual trademark. He will appear as a background element or bounce around a scene.
Origin[]
Spider is one of Osamu Tezuka's earliest characters, predating even Higeoyaji and Astro Boy. The Tezuka siblings were said to have designed Spider when they were children. He was created through a series of drawings the three made in their Takarazuka notebooks. Hiroshi gave Spider his name, and Minako gave him his catchphrase, "Omukase de gonsu (おむかえでごんす)".[1]
Legacy[]
Spider's catchphrase has been translated in Dark Horse's Astro Boy manga release as "Here ta meetcha." This is a mumbled version of a phrase meaning, "I'm here to pick you up". Likewise, Spider will say this as he slides towards a character or try to introduce himself. Other characters may sometimes kick or throw him out of their way, but unlike Hyoutan-tsugi, Spider will not attack back.
Appearance[]
Spider resembles a small, strange bipedal humanoid. He has wide eyes and a long, tube-like nose, similar to Inspector Tawashi's nose. Spider seems to have only one arm with a little round hand, which he only sometimes uses. He wears a black smock and brown shoes, and is bald aside from one squiggly hair.
Usually Spider will appear in a scene by sliding or running in towards other characters. In other instances, he will be drawn into a scene just to alleviate dramatic moments or to fill visual space.