Hector Ayala was a vigilante operating in New York City as White Tiger. He became a client of Matt Murdock when he was arrested under false charges of killing a police officer. During the trial, Ayala's identity as White Tiger was revealed to the public, which aided in his acquittal. Upon resuming his activity as White Tiger, he was assassinated by Cole North.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Growing Up in Puerto Rico[]
- "Luquillo is a beach near where I'm from in Puerto Rico. To me, it's the most beautiful place on Earth. White sand, palm trees, and the coquís."
- ―Hector Ayala[src]
Hector Ayala was born and grew up in Puerto Rico. Ayala lived near Luquillo, which he thought was the most beautiful place on Earth. Particularly, Ayala enjoyed listening to the coquí and viewed it as the music of the island. Ayala eventually moved to New York with his wife, where they lived with his sister and niece.[3] Ayala enlisted in the United States Armed Forces and served as a CPA for fifteen years.[2]
Becoming a Vigilante[]
Protecting the City[]
Ayala came into possession of the Amulet of Power, which granted him abilities when wearing it. Feeling a strong need to put a stop to crime and protect those in need, Ayala decided to become a costumed vigilante, known as White Tiger.[1]
During his time as a vigilante, White Tiger's actions became known to the public, being praised along the likes of Daredevil,[2] with many police officers writing reports that praised White Tiger's work. Among White Tiger's heroic actions included rescuing Michael Burgos and his wife from their burning vehicle, saving Gianna Moreno from an attacker, and assisting Lucas Barlow in the apprehension of a suspect.[3] In 2025, White Tiger stopped a robbery at a bodega, which was caught on camera and made the news.[2] Ayala eventually saved up enough money to secretly buy a studio apartment in the South Bronx for him and his wife.[3]
Cop-Killing Incident[]
Ayala protects Nicky Torres from attackers
- "Hey, buddy, this doesn't concern you."
"Hey! You're beatin' on a guy who can't defend himself. It concerns me." - ―Connor Powell and Hector Ayala[src]
On December 31, 2026 Ayala was on his way to his new apartment to place flowers.[3] While talking to his wife on the phone, he entered 168th Street Station and noticed two men harassing Nicky Torres. Ayala called out to them, and when they started attacking Torres, Ayala decided to intervene. One of the attackers, Powell, told Ayala to not get involved, but he refused to stand down, and the two fought.
Ayala is arrested for Kel Shanahan's death
Ayala grappled with Powell until he managed to knock him down, but was then grabbed by the other attacker, Kel Shanahan. Ayala quickly freed himself from Shanahan and began punching him while on the ground. Connor Powell pushed Ayala off Shanahan, and the two once again grappled with each other. Ayala managed to throw Powell to the ground, but when Shanahan returned to the fight, he tripped on Powell and fell in front of a train, killing him. Powell got up and revealed himself to be NYPD, and arrested Ayala, blaming him for the death of Shanahan.[1]
Represented by Matt Murdock[]
Ayala meets Matt Murdock
- "How you doing, Hector?"
"Pretty bad, Matt."
"All right. Hang in there. Like I said, the first step in a long process." - ―Matt Murdock and Hector Ayala[src]
Ayala was taken into custody, where he was beaten and threatened to sign a confession saying that he killed Kel Shanahan. A defense attorney aware of his case, Matt Murdock, introduced himself, and Ayala clarified that he was only trying to help and that Powell and Shanahan never revealed they were cops. Ayala described the events to Murdock, who asked if there was anything he was hiding, but Ayala claimed there was not. Murdock decided to represent Ayala, who was surprised to discover that Murdock was blind.
Ayala is represented by Murdock & McDuffie
Ayala attended the arraignment, with Murdock and Kirsten McDuffie representing him. Murdock asked Ayala if his wife was present, but after inspecting the people in the room, he answered that she was not. Once the arraignment commenced, Ayala was immediately remanded without bail. Murdock attempted to make an appeal for Judge Jerry Cooper to grant Ayala bail, but he refused and called for the next case. Ayala doubted whether Murdock could keep his word about helping him, but Murdock assured Ayala he would be fine.[1]
Confronted by Matt Murdock[]
Ayala is visited by Matt Murdock in prison
- "I'm not looking for trouble. Someone's gotta protect the streets. People are going missing. No one seems to care. It's not like Daredevil's around anymore."
- ―Hector Ayala to Matt Murdock[src]
As he awaited his trial, Ayala was sent to Rikers Island, where Matt Murdock visited him, revealing that he knew Ayala was White Tiger. Murdock questioned why he was not informed of this earlier, so Ayala answered that he was not in costume or wearing the Amulet of Power during the fight, and therefore did not see it as relevant.
Ayala apologizes for not revealing the truth
Murdock scolded Ayala, as now it seemed like he went out of his looking for a fight rather than it being a one-off event. Ayala explained that he was helping people, as no one else seemed to care, mentioning how Daredevil had gone missing. Murdock stated that if he was able to discover Ayala's secret, so would Benjamin Hochberg. Ayala was fine with everyone knowing, as he felt they needed a hero. Murdock explained that the case was difficult, so Ayala apologized for not being honest. Ayala then revealed that he had been attacked by both guards and prisoners, so Murdock told him he would see what he could do to help.[1]
Dealing with Perjury[]
Ayala hears Nicky Torres deny his presence
- "So, every sunset... thousands of these frogs start calling out to their one and only love. It's the music of the island."
"You're gonna see that beach again, Hector. I promise. And you'll be reunited with your family." - ―Hector Ayala and Matt Murdock[src]
Before the trial, Ayala was visited by Matt Murdock in his cell. Ayala spoke fondly about Luquillo and the coquí, so Murdock assured him that he would see that beach and his family again. During the trial, Ayala listened as Connor Powell gave his testimony, which angered him as Powell lied about the events, depicting Ayala as the perpetrator. Murdock advised Ayala not to react. The next day of the trial, Nicky Torres was brought in to testify. However, Torres ended up denying his presence during the altercation.[3]
Identity Revealed[]
Ayala secret identity is publicly revealed
- "You should've asked me first."
"I know."
"It wasn't your secret to tell."
"Just trying to keep you outta prison, buddy. We were losing, and I had to take a big swing." - ―Hector Ayala and Matt Murdock[src]
On the following day, Ayala was called to the stand, where Matt Murdock had him recount the events. During his testimony, Ayala revealed to his wife that he had bought them a new place to live. Ayala proceeded to rebut Nicky Torres' false claims, insisting that he did save him, but that he did not kill Kel Shanahan. Murdock proceeded to comment on Ayala's previous history helping people, which confused Ayala. Murdock then pulled out his mask and revealed that he was White Tiger, stunning Ayala, who felt stunned and betrayed by Murdock.
Ayala explains why he became White Tiger
Back in his cell, Ayala told Murdock that he should have talked to him before outing his secret identity, which Murdock agreed with, but explained that it was the only option to keep him out of prison. Murdock then stated to Ayala that if he was acquitted, he could no longer operate as White Tiger. Ayala responded that being White Tiger wasn't about wearing the costume, it was a calling from within him and that he couldn't stop, as it was who he was. Murdock tried to suggest other ways of helping people, and claimed that he would not miss being White Tiger.
Ayala testifies about his acts of heroism
Murdock & McDuffie were able to track down several witnesses to testify on behalf of Ayala's heroics as White Tiger. Ayala listened to Michael Burgos and Gianna Moreno give their testimonies, as well as Kirsten McDuffie reading out a police report from Lucas Barlow, all supporting the notion of Ayala being a hero. Ayala was called to the stand again, and Murdock asked him why he helped people, so he answered that it was the right thing to do. Murdock gave his closing statement, reiterating that Ayala was a hero.[3]
Learning the Verdict[]
Ayala is found not guilty on all charges
- "Mr. Ayala, you're free to go."
"Thank you, Your Honor. Thank you." - ―Jerry Cooper and Hector Ayala[src]
Ayala returned to court to hear the verdict read out, and was overwhelmingly relieved to be found not guilty on all charges. Ayala hugged Matt Murdock and Kirsten McDuffie, and was told by Judge Jerry Cooper that he was free to go. Ayala looked to his wife and smiled, before walking out of the courthouse together.[3]
Assassinated by Cole North[]
Ayala suits up as White Tiger once again
- "You killed Hector Ayala. He was a good man."
- ―Daredevil to Cole North[src]
Although his superhero identity was no longer a secret, and Matt Murdock had advised that he retire as a vigilante, Ayala immediately resumed his activity as White Tiger. In his bedroom, Ayala suited up in his costume and put on his Amulet of Power.
White Tiger is shot and killed in the streets
White Tiger headed out to the streets to begin his patrol for the night. As he walked around, he overheard a woman screaming, causing him to stop and look for her. Pinpointing the direction of the screams, White Tiger ran to save her. However, before he could reach the woman, White Tiger was shot point-blank in the head[3] by Cole North[4], instantly killing him and leaving his body on the ground.[3]
Legacy[]
Muse's graffiti for White Tiger
- "My uncle, two days before he got shot, you know what he told me? He told me, 'Don't rely on anyone to do what you can do for yourself.' Damn, he was right."
- ―Angela Del Toro to Matt Murdock[src]
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Personality[]
- "Why would you risk your life by running toward a burning car to save strangers?"
"It's the right thing to do." - ―Matt Murdock and Hector Ayala[src]
Hector Ayala was defined by his integrity and resilience, and believed in doing the right thing no matter what. As White Tiger, his bravery and heroic actions earned him the respect of both civilians and certain members of law enforcement. He had a very profound sense of self when tied to the Amulet of Power, viewing being the White Tiger as a calling rather than just wearing a mask. A central part of his identity was his Puerto Rican heritage, which he carried a profound love for when he reminisced about the beauty of the city of Luquillo and the music of the coquí.
Ayala's sense of justice led him to act impulsively, and he faced the consequences of this such instance when he attempted to intervene in a beating of an unarmed man by cops. When he was framed for the murder of a police officer, Ayala demonstrated fortitude throughout his trial and kept a calm demeanor. Even when his alter ego as the White Tiger was revealed against his will in a calculated legal move by his lawyer Matt Murdock, he stood by his convictions, demonstrating strong adversity to prove his innocence. The strength of Ayala's integrity was ultimately what swayed the jury to clear him of all his charges, despite the odds stacked against him. His unyielding persistence to doing what is right was his greatest strength and ironically, his fatal flaw, as donning the White Tiger outfit following his acquittal was ultimately what got him targeted and killed.
Powers and Abilities[]
Powers[]
- "But why would Hector, the White Tiger... Why would he do this without the amulet that gives him extraordinary strength and power?"
- ―Matt Murdock[src]
- Amulet of Power Empowerment: The Amulet of Power gave Hector Ayala superhuman powers while worn. He wore it when operating as White Tiger.
Abilities[]
- Master Combatant: Due to Ayala's time both in the military and as a vigilante, he was skilled in several forms of hand-to-hand combat. He could easily takedown multiple criminals simultaneously and overpower trained police officers.
- Bilingualism: Ayala was fluent in both English and Spanish.
Equipment[]
Other Equipment[]
- "That guy's a vigilante."
"Who wasn't in possession of his mystical amulet." - ―Benjamin Hochberg and Matt Murdock[src]
- Amulet of Power: Ayala used the Amulet of Power to give himself superhuman abilities and fight as White Tiger
Uniforms[]
- "He is a man of integrity. The community says so. The police says so. The mask doesn't make the man. And whether Hector Ayala's wearing a White Tiger suit or not, he's a hero."
- ―Matt Murdock[src]
- White Tiger Suit: As White Tiger, Ayala used a suit to keep himself from being discovered in his vigilante ways.
Facilities[]
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To be added
Relationships[]
Family[]
Allies[]
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Enemies[] |
Appearances[]
| Appearances for White Tiger |
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In chronological order:
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Trivia[]
- In the comics, Hector Ayala is an Empire State University student who gained superpowers by finding the Jade Tiger amulets and became a vigilante known as White Tiger. He was close friends with Peter Parker and worked alongside Spider-Man, but his secret identity was revealed during a fight with Lightmaster. He retired from a vigilante career but eventually donned the amulets again, but was accused of murder and convicted, despite Matt Murdock's efforts. He tried to escape, but was shot and killed just before evidence was found that exonerated him.
- In the comics, Hector Ayala is also the uncle of Angela Del Toro, who eventually succeeded him as White Tiger.
Behind the Scenes[]
- Travis Staton-Marrero and Bryce Biederman were stunt doubles for Kamar de los Reyes in the role of White Tiger.
- Dan Domingues is a photo double for Kamar de los Reyes in the role of White Tiger.
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