Carson Knowles fought in the Vietnam War. When he returned, he didn't have anything left in his life. His wife left him and his son died. Without a job, Carson became inspired by the vigilante actions of Moon Knight. Calling himself the Black Spectre, Carson went a different rougt. Rather than fight crime, he decided to become a criminal himself.

The Black Spectre's career was short lived. He was beat by Moon Knight and ended up in jail. Upon his release, Carson was able to get a job working as a subway maintenance worker. His life was anything but pleasant. His co-workers egged him on for being a costumed criminal. His parole officer was shady himself and extorted money from him with the threat of having him sent back to prison.

Carson Knowles is a powder keg waiting to explode.