We booth order cocktails and something light to eat. It takes me five minutes to realize that Lady Arachne’s arms are covered by the same sheer fabric that makes up her stockings...She is wearing her costume under her dress. Lady Arachne sees that I have noticed this, and I begin to feel slightly uneasy, but her simpering eyes ease me. I’m about to interview a true lady.

STARK: First thing's first, do you consider yourself criminal or even villainous? I mean, in light of burglars such as the ghostly Wayward and Silhouette, or even the volatile and feral Mastiff, do you consider it fair to be labeled or even viewed as such?

ARACHNE: (Laughter) I've been convicted of a crime, Paul, it would be foolish of me to claim that I'm not criminal.

STARK: May I be so bold as to ask why you committed the crime you were convicted of then?

ARACHNE: I needed a large amount of money, very suddenly, and there was no legal way of getting it.

STARK: You've volunteered at and coordinated numerous charitable events. You've even done a stint building for Habitat for Humanity and sung at the Children's Hospital. Are these the actions of a philanthropist or are these attempts to polish any tarnishes your reputation may have?

ARACHNE: I think I'd put it the other way around. My notoriety puts me in position to perform, it makes me a draw that these charities look for, and really do need, for their fund-raisers.

STARK: So, do you consider yourself somewhat of a celebrity then?

ARACHNE: Well, I'm much better known than the man on the street. I felt it only fair to put that to some good use. Now, obviously, I'd still have the opportunity to work with the Habitat people -- who are really wonderful people, by the way -- or to serve in soup kitchens, but I hope they get some help from the free publicity when I volunteer. Does that make me a philanthropist? I don't think so. I think that I get back so much more than I give... I think that everyone who volunteers feels the same way. It's really a privilege to be able to do it.

STARK: What is your personal view on the world we live in? What do you think of all the super-heroes and super-villains out there? Do you admire any of them?

ARACHNE: My personal view on the world, and supers? That's an awfully big question, isn't it?

STARK: But surely you have an opinion on such matters.

ARACHNE: I think that supers are all different from each other, just like anyone. I don't think that I can pass judgment on all super-heroes and super-villains, any more than I could talk about all policemen or criminals without super powers. Yes, there are lots of them who I admire. From what I've heard about him, Dr. Tagelohn seems like a very fine human being, but I've never met him, so it's hard to tell. I think that Silhouette would be a lot of fun to have at a party, she seems to be such a blithe spirit. There are others, of course...

I really don't think you can judge just based on the crime/crimefighter thing, I mean, it's become so it's almost like rooting for a sports team.

STARK: Lady Arachne...is this your real name? And the costume, it's very showgirl-like, don't you think?

ARACHNE: No, of course it's not my real name. Is the costume showgirl-like? Really? I love the theatre, and drama. I guess that's why it is the way it is."

STARK: Is your name and and traditional garb a symbolic thing, or are you merely following the same vein as other fancy-cladded heroes or villains with their eye-catching names?

ARACHNE: I hope it's eye catching. (Laughter) I've spent enough money on it! (Pause)

I think of myself as a lady, and I hope that I am one. I know I've had a few lapses, but everyone does, now and then, don't you think?

STARK: To you, what does it mean to be a lady?

ARACHNE: Being a lady means more than good manners and lovely clothes. It means... I guess it means having a deep respect for yourself and for others. Princess Di was always a lady, may God rest her soul.

STARK: Was Playboy a chance for you to expose your femininity?

ARACHNE: It was a chance to relax and be admired. I think everyone needs a chance to be looked at and enjoyed now and then, men and women, both.

STARK: You are now doing community service for your conviction. What can we expect from Lady Arachne now?

ARACHNE: Actually, I've finished with the community service. As for what's next? I'm not really sure.

STARK: Oh, I’m sure we’ll all look forward to it whatever it is.