Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse introduced viewers to the character of Hobart Brown, aka Spider-Punk and he was a runaway hit. Hobbie’s anarchist personality mixed with a drive to do what’s right made him an instant icon among a team of equally special spider-people. However, it was his suspicions of the Spider Society that made him even more interesting as he was the one that ultimately supplied Gwen with the means to put together a team of her own. But this proactive and unpredictable personality wasn’t born in the movie.
Hobart Brown was introduced as Spider-Punk in Amazing Spider-Man #10 (by Dan Slott and Olivier Coipel). He was bitten by a radioactive spider that was irradiated by illegal waste dumping. Hobie used his powers and ability to rally a Spider Army to face off against President Osborn. Through and through Spider-Punk was a hero to the masses but his original Earth-616 counterpart had a more villainous route as the original Prowler.
Hobie Brown Has Been A Villain And Hero
Hobart Brown of Earth-616 was introduced in Amazing Spider-Man #78 (by Stan Lee and John Buscema) and was an inventive window cleaner that wanted more from his life. After losing his job, he used his climbing claws to become the Prowler. As a result, he was a brief foe of Spider-Man until Spider-Man spared Prowler, pushing him to be a hero. Hobie would teeter on the verge of villainy and heroism at various points of his life, but big changes came when he was a part of Parker Industries.
After a near-death experience and resurrection by The Jackal, Hobie decided to go his own way and adopted a new identity of The Hornet during the King in Black event (by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman). He’s remained as Hornet ever since and was last seen investigating the goings-on of the Beyond Corporation, who had taken the rights of Spider-Man’s name and put Ben Reilly in the role. While there, aiding in finding the hero, Ricochet, Hobie was extended an offer to work for Beyond but has since not been seen or heard from.
Hobie’s Earth-616 Future Could Be Brighter Than Ever
Unlike Spider-Punk, Earth-616’s Hobie has always struggled with what the right thing was versus what he needed to do. However, his role as Hornet could signify a huge shift for the character. For now, it’s unclear what his fate would be with the Beyond Corporation, but based on how both Spider-Men defeated the company, it’s unlikely that Hobie could even accept the job. But if he were to, he could be Beyond’s newest hero sensation, either being a powerful ally or sly enemy to the other heroes of New York. That said, if he hadn’t taken the offer, it would mean the Hornet would be a new face making his way into the city.
No matter the outcome, Hobie Brown’s story has always been that of an ordinary person placed in a world that demanded extraordinary choices. He may not have always chosen correctly, but he’s always found his way to the light. By being the Hornet, he could be the key to helping Peter rebuild his life as well, representing a man who made mistakes but always built himself back up. Hobie has always been a friend to Spider-Man even if they never saw eye to eye. But as Hornet, there’s a genuine opportunity for him to abandon the Prowler name for good and be a genuine hero, just as Spider-Punk has done.