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Prowler (Marvel Comics)
Prowler (Marvel Comics)
Prowler (Marvel Comics)
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Prowler
The Hobie Brown incarnation of Prowler as depicted in The Amazing Spider-Man #78 (November 1969).
Art by Jim Mooney.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearance
Created by
In-story information
SpeciesHuman
Team affiliations
Notable aliases
Abilities
  • Technological genius
  • Skilled hand-to-hand combatant
  • Use of hypnotic aids and conventional hand-held weapons
  • Battle suit grants:
  • Wall crawling
  • Gliding via cape
  • Titanium-laced claws
  • Gauntlets capable of shooting compressed air blasts, sleeping pellets and other projectiles

The Prowler is an alias used by several fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. These characters are primarily depicted as wearing a green and purple battle suit with a cape and clawed gauntlets.

The original version, Hobie Brown,[a] was created by Stan Lee, John Buscema and Jim Mooney,[1] based on a drawing by 13-year-old John Romita Jr., who also named the character.[2] The character was introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man #78 (November 1969) as an adversary to the superhero Spider-Man.[1] An African-American teenage prodigy, Hobie created the Prowler technology to operate as a petty thief, but following his encounter with Spider-Man, he was convinced to turn his life around. Since his redemption, Hobie has served as a valuable ally to Spider-Man, as well as a superhero in his own right, leading the 1994 limited series Prowler.

Additionally, several other characters have used the Prowler alias and technology in the mainstream Marvel universe, including an unnamed self-titled "Second Prowler" (created by Lee and Steve Ditko) and medical intern Rick Lawson (created by Todd DeZago and Mike Wieringo). A clone of Hobie Brown (created by Dan Slott and R.B. Silva) serves as the lead character of a second Prowler limited series, which ties in with the 2016–2017 storyline "Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy".

The Ultimate Marvel equivalent, Aaron Davis, was created by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli, and was introduced in Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1 (November 2011) as the career criminal uncle of this reality's Spider-Man. Davis was incorporated into the primary Marvel continuity following Secret Wars as a separate version operating independently from the others.

Both Hobie Brown and Aaron Davis have appeared in several media adaptations outside of comics, including films, animated series, and video games. Davis in particular is portrayed by Donald Glover in the live-action Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and voiced by Mahershala Ali in the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). Additionally, both actors make cameo appearances in the animated film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023), in which Jharrel Jerome also voices Miles G. Morales, an original incarnation of the Prowler who will return in Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (2027).

Publication history

[edit]
The debut of the Prowler (Hobie Brown) in The Amazing Spider-Man #78 (November 1969). Art by John Romita Sr.

The original and most well-known iteration of Prowler, Hobie Brown, debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man #78 (November 1969), and was created by writer Stan Lee and artists John Buscema and Jim Mooney.[3][4] The character eventually appeared in his own solo comic, The Prowler.[5] The character was inspired by Romita's 13-year-old son John Romita Jr. who sketched a villain called the Prowler. Lee liked the name but not the costume; Romita combined the name with a design that he had previously intended for a character called the Stalker that was intended for the never-published The Spectacular Spider-Man #3.[2]

Since Hobie, several other characters have taken up the Prowler identity as well. The second version first appeared in Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #47 (October 1980), and was created by Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko. The third version, Rick Lawson, first appeared in The Sensational Spider-Man #16 (May 1997) and was created by writer Todd DeZago and artist Mike Wieringo.

The Ultimate Marvel iteration of Prowler, Aaron Davis, first appeared in Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1 (November 2011) and was created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli. The fourth Prowler, a clone of Hobie Brown, first appearing in The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 4 #17 (August 2016) and created by Dan Slott and R.B. Silva, serves as the protagonist of the "Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy" tie-in limited series Prowler, published from October 2016 to May 2017.

Fictional character biography

[edit]

Hobie Brown

[edit]

Hobie Brown is the original iteration of Prowler. Born in the Bronx, New York, he was a bright but angry African-American teenager who was fired from his window washer job. Intending to use his engineering skills for personal profit, he devises a plan to steal items while disguised as a supervillain and then return said items as Hobie. Donning his green and purple Prowler costume for the first time, Hobie sets out to rob the payroll office of the Daily Bugle, figuring that this will garner him quick publicity. However, he is caught in the act by Peter Parker. While struggling with Parker, he draws editor J. Jonah Jameson's attention. Parker, with no way to defeat Prowler without giving away his own secret identity, allows himself to be thrown through a window during the struggle, and saves himself once he is outside. Traumatized by the events, Hobie makes his escape to the building's roof, only to be confronted by Spider-Man. Spider-Man unmasks Hobie, but realizes he is just a misunderstood kid like Peter once was. Instead of handing him over to the police, he advises him to rethink his life.[6]

Hobie takes Spider-Man's advice to heart and gives up his criminal ways. He later impersonates Spider-Man at the hero's request – Spider-Man wearing a webbing mask – to convince Peter's friends that he was not Spider-Man after Peter 'confessed' the truth while delirious from a flu.[7] Hobie is convinced that Spider-Man was involved somehow in police captain George Stacy's death, and unsuccessfully tries to bring Spider-Man to justice.[8] Hobie eventually marries his love Mindy McPherson and settles down into a career as a construction worker.[8][9]

Hobie begins to look after his 'little brother' Manuel "Manny" Lopez as a part of the Big Brother Program. When Manny is murdered, Prowler believes that White Tiger (Hector Ayala) was responsible and attempted to bring White Tiger to justice.[10] Prowler attempts to join the super-hero group the Defenders, only to be tossed into the harbor by Valkyrie, at which point he decided to retire the Prowler identity.[11] His Prowler equipment is stolen by a cat burglar to commit crimes for fashion criminal Bella Donna. Hobie is eager to join the search for the thieves, but Spider-Man insists that he stay home so he would not get into trouble, since the second Prowler had committed a felony murder. When Spider-Man defeats the second Prowler, the stolen equipment is returned to Hobie.[12]

Prowler later appears in California during Peter's Webs book deal.[13] He is first seen attacking the Black Fox (Raul Chalmers) for possession of a chalice to keep Mindy out of prison. Mindy accepts a bookkeeping job at Transcorp New York. The company has been caught in shady stock deals, and Mindy is set up and blamed for the crimes. Seeing it as the only way to clear Mindy's name, Hobie re-dons his Prowler costume and finds the books which Mindy had been blamed for stealing. He hides the books on an information chip and puts the information chip on the chalice, where no one would look for it. Prowler and Spider-Man then team up to take on the Black Fox and reclaim the chalice. Hobie vindicates his wife of stock fraud charges with the help of Spider-Man and Black Fox.[14]

Prowler later attempts to vindicate Spider-Man of a crime and first encounters Silver Sable and the Outlaws (including rehabilitated villains Sandman, Rocket Racer and Puma).[15] His safety designs are stolen by Justin Hammer. Hobie proves the design's flaws during an encounter with Hammer's hirelings.[16] Hobie assists the Outlaws on several occasions before formally joining them to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a Canadian official.[17][18][19][20]

Later, Hobie is paralyzed during the Great Game.[21] In follow-up appearances,[22] he begins regaining movement of his paralyzed limbs. It is suggested that his paralysis is a result of mental rather than physical damage, as he was feeling frustrated over the recent theft of his costume, eventually regaining full mobility.[23] While recovering, Hobie provides Spidey with a jetpack used when assuming the Hornet identity during the Identity Crisis storyline.[24]

Prowler is captured by S.H.I.E.L.D. in Ms. Marvel's Civil War tie-in.[25] Escaping incarceration, he attends the wake for Stilt-Man (Wilbur Day), along with many other villains and former villains. Prowler narrowly escapes injury as Spider-Man and Puma escort him from the wake shortly before it is bombed by the Punisher.[26]

When Peter Parker elevates Parker Industries into a global franchise with Spider-Man officially acting as a "bodyguard" as part of the All-New, All-Different Marvel branding, Hobie Brown is hired to act as Spider-Man in situations where the public would expect to see Peter and Spider-Man in the same place. Following a fight against Zodiac's Pisces Sect, Peter tells Hobie to change into his Prowler costume and that they will retrieve the Webware together before Zodiac undoes his encryption.[27]

Before The Clone Conspiracy storyline and crossover, wanting to know more about New U Technologies, Peter sends Prowler to infiltrate. He ends up encountering Electro (Francine Frye). Prowler is chased around by Electro and is accidentally killed.[28] In the aftermath, Rita Clarkson takes Spider-Man to where people who were subjected to the New U Technologies treatment are being held. The Prowler is among these people, as it is revealed that turned out that the Prowler who died was a clone.[29] Julia Carpenter later talks to the real Prowler, who has just emerged from cryo-sleep, and tells him about his clone's actions.[30] Hobie is then seen talking to Peter about his future, wondering which direction he will take. He heads home, where he is last seen conflicted about his own identity.[31]

Hobie next attacks the F.E.A.S.T. center, which had been re-established by May Parker. He tells Spider-Man that he was investigating a crowdfunding group called Fairgray Pay after he funneled some money to help a sick friend, which never reached him, and broke into the center since it is almost wholly funded by the group. He and Spider-Man break into the company's head office with help from Marnie, Peter's neighbor known also as The Rumor.[32] After an intense battle, Spider-Man, Prowler and Rumor escape, with help from Captain America. Prowler is left in his home after being knocked out from the fight. He later wakes up to find that Spider-Man managed to defeat the head of Fairgray Pay with help from Iron Man, who bought out the company. During their conversation, Prowler is offered a job as the new head of Fairgray Pay, which he quickly accepts.[33]

During the "King in Black" storyline, Hobie is shown to have taken up the alias of Hornet during the Symbiote invasion.[34]

During the "Gang War" storyline, Hobie has him operate as Prowler again by giving him one of his Prowler costumes to find out what Hobgoblin has planned for Brooklyn. Hobie warns Aaron that if he slips up, he will retake the Prowler identity.[35]

"Second Prowler"

[edit]

At one point, Bella Donna (Narda Ravanna) stole Hobie Brown's costume and equipment and hired a cat burglar that Spider-Man fought a long time ago to become the new Prowler. During one of his crimes, Prowler accidentally kills a guard. Furthermore, the witnesses see his silhouetted profile and believe Spider-Man to be implicated in the murder. Eventually, Spider-Man captures both Bella Donna and the Prowler, clears both his and the original Prowler's name, and returns Hobie's stolen equipment.[12][36] This Prowler is later seen at the "Bar With No Name" attending Stilt-Man's wake, and calls himself the "Second Prowler". He has a brief fight with the original Prowler at Stilt-Man's funeral. Sometime after the original Prowler leaves, the Punisher poisons the guests' drinks and blows the place up.[26] It is later mentioned that "they all had to get their stomachs pumped and be treated for third-degree burns".[37]

Rick Lawson

[edit]

Rick Lawson is the third incarnation of Prowler. A medical intern, he was present when Hobie Brown was brought into the hospital where he worked due to a back injury. The costume was partly cut away to conceal Hobie's superhero identity, but his friends were unwilling to risk moving him due to the back injury, leading to Lawson finding a portion of the costume that was left unattended and deducing Hobie's identity. After finding Hobie's address from his medical files, Lawson steals a replica of the Prowler costume, using new tech to both rob patients in the ICU and get revenge on those who had "wronged" him in the past, such as a construction foreman who fired him when needing the job to complete medical school. He has an encounter with the Vulture, who seeks revenge against the original Prowler and nearly kills him, but Spider-Man interferes and defeats Vulture. Afterwards, Lawson is taken to the hospital and the Prowler costume is returned to Hobie (who is still recovering from paralysis).[38]

Aaron Davis

[edit]

The Ultimate Marvel incarnation of Prowler is Aaron Davis, the uncle of Miles Morales and the brother of Jefferson Davis.

Whereas Jefferson reformed by marrying Rio Morales, Aaron never came around and became the cat burglar "Prowler." In his first appearance, he breaks into Oscorp's abandoned lab to steal a small red box and other rare items from a safe but Oscorp's genetically altered spider crawls into his duffel bag without his knowledge. Miles later visits his uncle's apartment and is bitten by Oscorp's spider. After Miles passes out and regains consciousness, Jefferson forbids Aaron to spend time with Miles on account of his criminal life.[39] During a visit to Mexico City, Aaron fights off the Mexican crime boss Scorpion. When his deal with Scorpion goes bad, he is detained by Mexican authorities. Returning to New York, Prowler interrogates the Tinkerer who he kills while realizing his nephew is Spider-Man. He then claims various tech for himself: an electric suit, a winged suit and electric gauntlets. Davis uses his winged suit in a vain attempt to kill Scorpion. The next day, Aaron confronts his nephew about being Spider-Man.[40] Davis initially convinces Spider-Man to assist in defeating Scorpion, however, Spider-Man comes to the realization of his uncle's exploitation.[41] When Miles decides to sever their relationship, Aaron threatens to tell Jefferson and Rio of his nephew's secret identity. Spider-Man ultimately gets into a fight with Aaron that results in Aaron's gauntlets exploding, killing him but not before accusing his nephew of being just like him.[42] Spider-Man later discovers that Aaron was hired to break into Oscorp by Donald Roxxon.[43]

Sometime after the "Secret Wars" storyline, Aaron is seen on Earth-616 alive and well. Equipped with a recolored variant of "Iron Spider" armor, he forms a version of the Sinister Six (consisting of Bombshell, Electro, Hobgoblin, Sandman, and Spot)[44] and manages to have a reunion with Spider-Man trying to stop him.[45][46] Despite Spider-Man's attempts, the Sinister Six carry out Aaron's heist and take off aboard a decommissioned Helicarrier.[47] When the Champions interrupt a meeting with Lucia von Bardas as a buyer, Spider-Man attempts to persuade his uncle to give up his criminal ways.[48] Although the chaos results in his apparent death, Aaron is later revealed to be alive, seemingly having followed his nephew's advice.[49]

After escaping from Ultimatum, Miles' burner clones, and Ultimatum's henchmen, Spider-Man and Prowler run into the Green Goblin and the Goblinoids.[50] As Spider-Man and Prowler fight the Goblinoids, the Goblin states that a pulse will go off, causing anyone who took the Goblinoid drug to transform into a Goblinoid. As Jefferson shows up to aid Captain America in fighting the Goblinoids, Bombshell and Starling catch up to Spider-Man and Prowler just as the Goblin catches up to them at Prospect Park.[51] Ultimatum, his henchmen, and the Goblinoids attack Spider-Man, Captain America, Jefferson, Prowler, Bombshell, and Starling. The Goblin recovers and attacks Prowler as Ultimatum plans to send Spider-Man back to Earth-1610. Prowler sacrifices himself to give off a reverse ionic pulse explosion by overloading his suit. This returns Ultimatum and the Goblin to Earth-1610 and returns the Goblinoids to their human forms, while the remaining henchmen of Ultimatum flee.[52]

After Miles and his clone Shift free Quantum from Assessor's control, they learn that Aaron is alive somewhere in a different universe and discover Assessor's connection to the Beyond Corporation.[53] Aaron is trapped in a dystopian alternate future and captured by an alternate version of Miles' clone Selim who killed his reality's Miles. After Miles and Shift from the prime universe acquires aid from the resistance force, led by alternate grown up versions of Billie Morales, Ganke Lee, Aaron, and the alternate elderly Peter Parker are freed from Selim's imprisonment.[54] After Ganke sacrifices himself to preevnt Selim from destroying New York, Aaron, Miles and Shift remain for a while to assist in rebuilding efforts before returning to their home universe.[55]

Hobie Brown (Clone)

[edit]

The fourth iteration of Prowler native to Earth-616 is a clone of Hobie Brown. The Jackal cloned Hobie, with all of his memories apparently intact. After learning about the Jackal's mission, Prowler became loyal to him and started acting as a spy to find out what Parker Industries was up to.[28] It is revealed that this Prowler is a clone that Jackal had gathered to grow clones with false memories that span all the way to their deaths.[56]

Prowler's body starts failing due to not taking specialized pills for an extended period of time, as he questions what he's doing with his life. He is then confronted by Electro.[57] Prowler tries to escape Electro's wrath in Alcatraz, which proves difficult with Electro's powers and his dying body. Using his weapons, the gift shop and his strategic thinking, Prowler manages to defeat the simple-minded Electro. When he makes it outside, he is found by Julia Carpenter, who takes him on a boat and heads towards New U Technologies to retrieve his pills.[58]

When the Jackal orders the villains in the "Haven" part of New U Technologies to kill Spider-Man, Prowler works with Spider-Man to fight the villains off.[59] When the alarm goes off and all the clones start breaking down from clone degeneration, Prowler leaves Haven and tries to find the individual who set off the system that has been killing the clones. Prowler accuses Julia of being the culprit. He tries to fight Julia, who is left with no choice but to fight back. She then knocks him down as Prowler's body continues deteriorating.[60]

The Prowler clone assists Jean DeWolff's clone in helping Spider-Man get away from the villains.[29] During the final battle, Prowler and DeWolff battle the villains outside. Hobie's body is rapidly decaying, but the two receive assistance from Gwen Stacy of Earth-65 and Kaine Parker. Gwen leaves Hobie in an alley when he proves too weak to continue and he is found by Electro. Julia arrives and fends Electro off as Hobie is told that Spider-Man stabilized the human and clone cells. When Electro gets the upper hand on Julia, Prowler sacrifices himself to stop Electro and dies in Julia's arms.[30]

Powers and abilities

[edit]

The Prowler's various iterations have no superhuman powers, although Hobie Brown is naturally inventive, especially in the field of pneumatics despite no formal education in that science. Each one relies on a suite of technical gimmicks. Prowler wears modified coveralls interwoven with denim and stretch fabric, equipped with gas cartridge bracelets and anklets capable of propelling projectiles at high velocity. Their arsenal of projectiles include steel darts ("flechettes"), gas pellets, small explosives, magnesium flares and cleaning fluid. Prowler has been known to use hypnotic aids and conventional hand-held weapons. Each wears steel-tipped gauntlets for scaling walls and shock absorbent foam rubber insulated boots. He also wears a cape which contains a network of pneumatic filaments which expand with air to give it a rigid structure, allowing him to glide for short distances.

A technological genius, Hobie Brown has also designed the cybernetically-controlled wing harness used by Hornet (Peter Parker during Identity Crisis), although he himself was unable to use it due to the weight. He is a skilled hand-to-hand combatant, possessing a green belt in taekwondo.

Reception

[edit]

In 2022, Screen Rant included Prowler in their "10 Best Marvel Characters Who Made Their Debut In Spider-Man Comics" list.[61]

Other versions

[edit]

Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows

[edit]

An alternate universe version of Hobie Brown / Prowler from Earth-18119 appears in Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows. This version is a member of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s resistance against Regent.[62]

House of M

[edit]

An alternate universe version of Hobie Brown from Earth-58163 appears in House of M. This version is a member of Luke Cage's resistance.[63]

Marvel Zombies

[edit]

A zombified alternate universe version of Hobie Brown / Prowler from Earth-2149 appears in Marvel Zombies.[64]

Spider-Gwen

[edit]
Main article: List of Spider-Gwen characters § Hobie Brown

An alternate universe variant of Hobie Brown from Earth-65 appears in Spider-Gwen. This version is a member of the Yancy Street Gang.[65]

Spider Hero

[edit]

An alternate universe version of Hobie Brown from Earth-14029 appears in Secret Wars. This version is a member of Ho Yinsen's Defenders who assumed the Spider-Man mantle following the death of his universe's Peter Parker and resides in the Battleworld domain of Yinsen City.[66]

Spider-Punk

[edit]
Main article: Spider-Punk

The Earth-138 version of Hobie Brown operates as Spider-Man, though he is referred to as Spider-Punk due to his punk rock-inspired design.[67] Initially referred to as Hobart Brown to distinguish him from his primary continuity counterpart, he was renamed "Hobie" following the release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

In other media

[edit]
See also: Spider-Punk § In other media, and Miles Morales § Film

Television

[edit]
  • The Hobie Brown incarnation of the Prowler appears in a self-titled episode of Spider-Man: The Animated Series, voiced by Tim Russ.[68] This version initially works for the crime lord Iceberg, but feels he is not getting his fair share and starts stealing from him. Upon discovering this, Iceberg orders his men to kill him. After getting into an argument with his girlfriend Angela over his criminal lifestyle, Hobie attempts to rob Mary Jane Watson, but is stopped by Spider-Man and sent to jail for violating his parole. While he is incarcerated, Hobie saves Richard Fisk from an attempt on the latter's life. As a reward, the Kingpin arranges for Hobie's release and provides him with the Prowler battlesuit. While taking it on a trial run, Hobie re-encounters Spider-Man, whom he evades before exacting revenge on Iceberg. However, Hobie soon discovers that his Prowler suit has to be recharged and it can only be done by the Kingpin, who demands that Hobie begin working for him in return. To ensure Hobie's loyalty, the crime boss modifies the Prowler suit to electrocute him if he tries to disobey and its belt to detonate if tampered with. Hobie seeks out Spider-Man's help and the two join forces to defeat the Kingpin and fix the Prowler suit, allowing Hobie to safely remove it. Afterwards, he reconciles with Angela and gives up his life of crime.
  • Hobie Brown appears in The Spectacular Spider-Man, voiced by Charles Duckworth.[68] This version is a classmate of Peter Parker, a friend of Flash Thompson, a student at Midtown High, a member of the football team as of the episode "Competition", and the subject of a running gag wherein he gets interrupted by someone before he can speak. His only speaking role was in the episode "Opening Night", when he takes on the role of Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream due to Harry Osborn's absence.
  • The Hobie Brown incarnation of the Prowler appears in Spider-Man (2017), voiced by Nathaniel J. Potvin.[68] This version acquired his Prowler equipment from his brother Abraham Brown. In the episode "Bring on the Bad Guys" Pt. 3, he is sent by Silvermane to capture Spider-Man in exchange for Abraham's life. After an unsuccessful attempt to defeat the web-slinger, Hobie and Spider-Man form a reluctant alliance to save Abraham and defeat Silvermane.[69] In the episode "Vengeance of Venom" Pt. 1, Hobie takes part in Earth's heroes' fight against a symbiote invasion.[70]

Film

[edit]
  • Aaron Davis appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), portrayed by Donald Glover,[71][72] who was cast in the role in part because he indirectly helped create Miles Morales's character.[73][74] This version is a low-level criminal with a sense of morality. He attempts to buy high-tech firearms from Herman Schultz and Jackson Brice, but is interrupted by Spider-Man. The hero later confronts Aaron, webs his hand to his car, and questions him regarding Adrian Toomes's plans. Aaron gives him information about a sale with his former acquaintance Mac Gargan and admits to wanting to keep the weapons off the streets to protect his nephew. Spider-Man then departs, thanking Aaron for his help and leaving him trapped to his car as punishment for his crimes. In a deleted post-credits scene, Aaron unsuccessfully tries to get the webbing off using his keys and calls his nephew to say that he will not be able to make it to an event he promised to attend.[75]
    • Davis makes a live-action cameo appearance in the animated film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (see below), portrayed again by Glover. As of this film, he has become the Prowler, but was displaced from his native reality and captured by the Spider-Society.[76]
Aaron Davis as he appears in Into the Spider-Verse
  • The Aaron Davis incarnation of the Prowler appears in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), voiced by Mahershala Ali.[77][78][79] This version shares a close bond with Miles Morales, encouraging his nephew to pursue his passions, and leads a double life as the Prowler, one of the Kingpin's enforcers. While Aaron's estranged police officer brother Jefferson Davis is initially unaware of the former's criminal affiliations, he is still unhappy about Miles and Aaron spending time together, believing the latter is a bad influence. After discovering Miles is the new Spider-Man, Aaron refuses to kill him, leading to the Kingpin killing Aaron in retaliation. Jefferson initially mistakes the new Spider-Man for Aaron's killer and seeks revenge, but eventually learns the truth following Kingpin's arrest.
  • An alternate universe variant of Davis from Earth-42 appears in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023), voiced again by Mahershala Ali.[79] Additionally, an original incarnation of the Prowler in the form of Earth-42's Miles G. Morales (voiced by Jharrel Jerome[80][81]) appears as well.

Video games

[edit]
  • The Hobie Brown incarnation of the Prowler appears as a playable character in Spider-Man: Friend or Foe, voiced by Chris Gardner.[68] This version is a superhero who wields explosive canisters instead of clawed gauntlets and lacks a cape. He joins S.H.I.E.L.D. shortly before Spider-Man to help stop the P.H.A.N.T.O.M. invasion.
  • The Hobie Brown and Aaron Davis incarnations of the Prowler appear as separate playable characters in Spider-Man Unlimited.[82]
  • The Aaron Davis incarnation of the Prowler appears as a playable character in Marvel Puzzle Quest.[citation needed]
  • The Aaron Davis incarnation of the Prowler appears in Insomniac Games' Spider-Man series, voiced by Ike Amadi.[79] This version obtained his Prowler technology from Roxxon, for whom he conducted several illegal jobs in the past. Jefferson Davis eventually discovered his brother's secret identity, but agreed not to arrest him on the condition that Aaron cease his criminal activity and stay away from Jefferson's family.
    • Aaron first appears as a boss in Spider-Man: Miles Morales.[83] Following Jefferson's death, Aaron, racked with guilt due to not being able to reconcile with his brother beforehand, becomes overprotective of his nephew Miles. He also tries to turn his life around, taking a job as a subway worker until he discovers that Miles became the new Spider-Man and takes up the Prowler mantle again to protect him. To this end, he strikes a deal with Roxxon to help them find the Tinkerer in exchange for the company leaving Spider-Man alone, but Simon Krieger reneges and captures both. After Miles escapes from Roxxon, Aaron kidnaps him to prevent him from endangering himself, but his nephew defeats him and explains it is his duty to protect New York. Inspired, Aaron helps Miles evacuate Harlem amidst the Tinkerer's revenge plot against Roxxon and later turns himself in, testifying against Roxxon and Krieger in exchange for a reduced sentence.
    • Aaron returns in Spider-Man 2. Now on parole, he has retired as the Prowler once more and asks Miles to locate hidden tech stashes before Kraven's Hunters do. All throughout, Aaron tells Miles of his early work as the Prowler and history with Jefferson. It is later revealed that Rio Morales has forgiven Aaron and helped co-sign a lease on an apartment one floor above her and Miles, allowing them to reconnect as a family again.[84]
  • The Hobie Brown incarnation of The Prowler premiered as a Series 5 card in Marvel Snap during the game's Arachnid Anarchy season.[85]

Miscellaneous

[edit]

The Hobie Brown incarnation of the Prowler appears in a self-titled comic strip in The Amazing Spider-Man. This version's gauntlets are restricted to using compressed air blasts.[86]

Collected editions

[edit]
Title Material collected Published date ISBN
Prowler: The Clone Conspiracy Prowler (vol. 2) #1–6 July 2017 978-1302906559

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Prowler (Marvel Comics)

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from Grokipedia
The Prowler is the alias primarily associated with Hobie Brown, a fictional supervillain and occasional antihero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artists John Buscema and Jim Mooney, with concept input from John Romita Jr., the character debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man #78 (November 1969). Hobie Brown, born in the Bronx, New York, as the youngest of nine children, initially worked as a window washer while inventing gadgets in his spare time. After enduring humiliation from a racist boss who dismissed his inventions and surviving a near-fatal encounter with the villain Stilt-Man, Brown donned a technologically enhanced purple costume featuring pneumatic weapons, wall-crawling pads, steel-tipped claws, and a gliding cape to embark on a criminal career as the Prowler. A genius-level intellect and skilled martial artist with a green belt in taekwondo, the Prowler relies on no innate superhuman abilities but excels in stealth, hand-to-hand combat, and gadgetry for theft and confrontations, often clashing with Spider-Man early on. Over time, Brown reformed, allying with against threats like the , Electro, and the Kingpin, and even adopting the heroic identity of the with flight-capable wings. The Prowler mantle has also been used by other characters, including Aaron Davis—uncle to () and a tech-savvy thief in the universe who first appeared in Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1 (2011)—as well as the minor villain Rick Lawson. Notable story arcs for the original Prowler include his involvement in the Clone Conspiracy, where he was cloned and resurrected, and his work with Parker Industries, highlighting themes of redemption and the blurred line between crime and heroism.

Publication history

Creation and concept

The Prowler was created in 1969 by writer , penciler , and inker for , with the character's name and initial concept originating from a suggestion by 13-year-old , son of Marvel artist Romita Jr. had sketched a basic villain design called the Prowler, which Lee approved for its evocative title but rejected the costume in favor of a redesign by Romita Sr. to emphasize stealth and technology. This iteration positioned the Prowler as a non-superpowered relying on gadgets, serving as a grounded to Spider-Man's superhuman abilities and highlighting themes of ingenuity versus innate power. Hobie Brown, the character's civilian identity, was conceived as a sympathetic African-American inventor driven to crime by economic desperation in late-1960s urban America, aligning with Marvel's shift toward incorporating real-world social issues like and joblessness into its narratives. Unable to secure work in his field despite his talents, Brown's backstory underscored a relatable struggle, transforming him from a window washer into a burglar who builds his own arsenal out of necessity rather than malice. Editorial notes during development emphasized this moral complexity, portraying the Prowler as a potential anti-hero rather than a purely malevolent force. Central to the concept were initial sketches and designs for the Prowler suit, featuring pneumatic gliding boots and a cape for aerial mobility, intended to create a credible threat through low-tech innovation without relying on or serums common to other foes. These elements drew from Romita Jr.'s original drawings but were refined to evoke a shadowy, cat-burglar aesthetic suited to New York City's rooftops, reinforcing the character's role as an exploiting for survival.

Debut and early appearances

The Prowler made his debut in The Amazing Spider-Man #78 (December 1969), created by writer Stan Lee with pencils by John Buscema and inks by Jim Mooney. In this issue, Hobie Brown, an inventive window washer who loses his job due to a workplace accident, constructs a costume featuring pneumatic boots and claws to aid in crime, hoping to publicize his designs and attract investors. He attempts his first heist at the Daily Bugle's payroll office but is interrupted and defeated by Spider-Man, who sympathizes with his desperation and allows him to escape without pressing charges. The character's initial confrontation with Spider-Man continues in The Amazing Spider-Man #79 (January 1970), where the Prowler, undeterred, targets a fur warehouse for another , only to be thwarted again by the web-slinger in a battle that highlights his gadgetry but underscores his inexperience as a criminal. These early issues establish the Prowler as a sympathetic anti-hero figure, driven by economic hardship rather than malice, marking a shift from traditional villainy in Spider-Man's . Throughout the 1970s, the Prowler appeared sporadically in Spider-Man titles, including returns in The Amazing Spider-Man #93 (February 1971), where Hobie briefly impersonates to protect Peter's , and The Amazing Spider-Man #99 (August 1971), further exploring his internal conflict between crime and redemption. By the late 1970s and into the 1980s, stories like those in Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #47 (October 1980) depict Hobie's attempts at reform, as confronts him amid suspicions of renewed criminal activity, emphasizing his transition toward heroism. These appearances, totaling fewer than a dozen by 1980, reinforced the Prowler's role as an occasional foe turned reluctant ally in New York's underworld.

Modern developments and revivals

In the 2000s, Hobie Brown revived his role as the Prowler, assisting in various storylines, including efforts to protect Peter Parker's secret identity by impersonating him. He appeared in titles like in the 1980s and participated in events such as the tournament in the 1990s, further developing his character before modern revivals. He played a notable part during the Civil War crossover (2006-2007), refusing to register under the Superhuman Registration Act, leading to his capture by before escaping to join Captain America's . This period marked a shift toward portraying Brown as a reluctant ally in larger Marvel events, emphasizing his reformed nature and technological expertise. The Prowler mantle expanded with new wearers in the and mainstream continuity. Aaron Davis debuted as the Prowler in Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1 (November 2011), depicted as a sophisticated thief using advanced gadgets from the Tinkerer, unknowingly facilitating ' origin by stealing an enhanced spider. Davis crossed into in The Amazing Spider-Man #634 (2010), continuing his criminal exploits with upgraded tech like a wingsuit and electric gauntlets before later joining teams such as the as Iron Spider. Similarly, Rick Lawson, a who stole Brown's original costume after Hobie's injury, first assumed the identity in The Sensational Spider-Man #16 (May 1997), using it for personal robberies until captured by . Contemporary developments have featured Hobie Brown prominently in espionage-themed arcs, such as infiltrating New U Technologies at Peter Parker's request during the Clone Conspiracy event (2016), where he navigated moral conflicts amid resurrection plots. The character has sustained visibility through cameos in : Spider-Man (2022-2023), tying into broader Spider-family narratives. A variant of as the hybrid Spider-Prowler was introduced in Web of Spider-Verse: New Blood #1 (March 2025), blending the mantle with powers in a multiversal context.

Fictional character biography

Hobie Brown

Hobie Brown, born in , New York, as the youngest of nine children in a struggling family, grew up facing after his father abandoned them and his mother succumbed to , leaving the siblings to raise themselves. A brilliant inventor with a knack for , Brown worked as a window washer to make ends meet but was fired due to from his boss, exacerbating his financial desperation. Inspired by Spider-Man's heroism during a near-fatal incident involving the villain Stilt-Man, Brown designed a high-tech equipped with gliding wings, gas guns, and claws to escape his circumstances; he planned to commit daring crimes and then "heroically" return the stolen goods to gain publicity for his inventions. Brown debuted as the Prowler in a crime spree targeting the in #78 (December 1969), where he intended to steal photos to frame himself as a reformed hero, but he was swiftly defeated and unmasked by . Rather than turning him over to authorities, appealed to Brown's better nature, convincing him to abandon crime; this act of mercy profoundly influenced Brown, leading to his reformation and a complex alliance with the web-slinger. Over time, Brown helped expose ties to the criminal syndicate Maggia, rejecting that path and redeeming himself through heroic acts. Transitioning to an anti-hero role, during the Superhuman Civil War, he opposed the Superhuman Registration Act, was captured by S.H.I.E.L.D., and escaped with the . In the Dark Reign era (2008-2009), Brown clashed with Norman Osborn's forces while navigating his vigilante activities, solidifying his status as a reluctant ally to the superhero community. He later starred in the 2016 Prowler miniseries following the Clone Conspiracy, where he battled the spread of the carrion virus from 's clones threatening New York, showcasing his evolved role as a protector. A clone of Brown, created by the as part of the Clone Conspiracy (2016-2017), impersonated him in vol. 4 #17 (2016), infiltrating Parker Industries before the deception was uncovered, forcing the original Brown to confront his duplicated legacy. Throughout his career, Brown has mentored younger heroes like those in the Initiative, drawing on his inventive expertise and street smarts to guide them away from his early mistakes. His criminal past strained , particularly with his brother Abraham "Abe" Brown, a martial artist who occasionally aids him, and his wife Mindy McPherson, whose support wavered during his Prowler escapades but ultimately endured.

Rick Lawson

Rick Lawson is person to assume the identity of the Prowler in . A bitter medical student struggling in school, Lawson worked as an orderly at where Hobie Brown was admitted following a severe spinal injury sustained while operating as the Prowler during the tournament. While Brown recovered and remained bedridden, Lawson learned his patient's , broke into his apartment, and stole a spare Prowler costume designed by Brown himself. Driven by personal resentment, Lawson donned the suit to pursue criminal activities, marking a stark contrast to Brown's origins. Lawson's tenure as the Prowler began with a debut in The Sensational Spider-Man #16 (May 1997), created by writer Todd Dezago and artist Mike Wieringo. He quickly engaged in robberies using the costume's adhesive climbing gloves, razor-sharp claws, and knockout gas, but his activities drew the attention of the Vulture, who mistook him for the original Prowler and attacked in revenge for prior defeats at the hands of Brown. Spider-Man intervened during the clash in The Sensational Spider-Man #16-18, webbing up the Vulture and subduing Lawson after the villain's wings inflicted serious injuries on him. The encounter highlighted Lawson's inexperience with vigilante justice, as his crimes positioned him as an antagonist to Spider-Man rather than an ally against greater threats. Lawson's brief criminal spree culminated in his arrest following the botched heist. Following his capture and recovery from injuries, Lawson was imprisoned, with no recorded return to the Prowler role or major subsequent storylines. His arc underscores the dangers of misusing advanced technology without ethical grounding, leaving the mantle to future wearers.

Aaron Davis

Aaron Davis, the uncle of , serves as the Prowler in the Universe (Earth-1610), debuting as a career criminal and skilled thief in Ultimate Comics: #1 (November 2011), written by and illustrated by . In this incarnation, Davis partners with his brother Jefferson in youthful escapades but continues a life of after Jefferson reforms upon becoming a father and joining the police force. Hired by Roxxon to steal experimental technology from , Davis unwittingly transports a genetically enhanced treated with the OZ formula, which escapes and bites his nephew Miles, granting the boy -powers. Davis himself encounters the spider and is bitten but develops no abilities, instead utilizing stolen gear—including flight-capable wings, acid-resistant gloves, and razor-sharp talons—to adopt the Prowler identity for high-stakes heists. Davis' criminal activities bring him into conflict with the new , his nephew Miles, whom he discovers during a confrontation with the in Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #4 (February 2012). Motivated by greed and a desire for easy scores, yet complicated by familial , Davis attempts to recruit Miles into his schemes, viewing the teen's powers as a tool for profit rather than heroism, which starkly contrasts Miles' emerging sense of responsibility. This tension culminates in a deadly battle in Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #13 (September 2012), where Davis' overloaded Prowler gauntlets explode during a fight to protect Miles from the , resulting in his apparent death and leaving a profound impact on the young hero. Following the multiversal restructuring in the Secret Wars (2015) event, Davis is revived and integrated into the main Marvel Universe (Earth-616), initially attempting a legitimate life but soon reverting to theft by pilfering advanced Oscorp prototypes to resume his Prowler role. He clashes with Miles in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #1 (2018), attempting to manipulate the teen amid ongoing family strains, before a path toward partial redemption unfolds. In the game tie-in comic Miles Morales: Spider-Man #22 (December 2020), Davis confronts the villain Ultimatum—who seeks to banish Miles to another dimension—and makes a heroic sacrifice, using his suit to overload and destroy the threat, dying to shield his nephew and affirming his protective instincts over criminal ambitions. In the 2023 Gang War event, Davis allied with Miles Morales as Prowler to battle Tombstone, continuing his path toward redemption. An alternate Earth-42 variant of Davis appears as a more overtly villainous Prowler in the Spider-Verse storyline, serving as a key antagonist who trains a displaced Miles Morales in stealth and combat while pursuing multiversal conquests, highlighting a darker, unrelenting greed unbound by familial redemption.

Other wearers

In addition to the primary wearers of the Prowler mantle, several minor or temporary individuals have assumed the identity or utilized its technology for short periods. An unnamed successor acquired Hobie Brown's Prowler suit and employed it for petty crimes in Spider-Man Unlimited #10 (1996), but was swiftly defeated and the equipment recovered by Spider-Man. A clone of Hobie Brown, created by the during the Clone Conspiracy (2016-2017), replicated the original Prowler, though the clone exhibited genetic instability that compromised its stability and effectiveness. This clone was ultimately destroyed as part of the event's resolution. Eric Cross, a tech-savvy inventor and former associate of Hobie Brown at Bestman Engineering, first appeared in Prowler vol. 1 #1 (1994) and stole Hobie's inventions to become the vigilante Nightcreeper, using pneumatic-based technology similar to the Prowler suit to battle foes such as the in New York's criminal underbelly, driven by personal motives including revenge for harm to his family. In the 2018 Spider-Geddon event, various street-level criminals briefly appropriated Prowler suits or similar tech for opportunistic crimes amid the multiversal chaos involving Inheritors and Spider-heroes, though these instances had no enduring narrative consequences.

Powers and abilities

Equipment and technology

The Prowler suit, originally designed by Hobie Brown, is a stealth-oriented costume featuring temperature control mechanisms that allow the wearer to evade thermal sensors. It incorporates pneumatic technology derived from Brown's background as a window washer and inventor, enabling enhanced mobility without granting superhuman physical attributes. The suit includes insulated boots that absorb the impact of falls from up to two stories, providing protection during high-altitude descents or combat escapes. Central to the suit's functionality are pneumatic filaments embedded in the , which deploy to facilitate over urban landscapes. These allow the Prowler to traverse distances silently and evade pursuers, with later upgrades including shoulder-attached wings for more controlled flight in the configuration. Weaponry is integrated via and ankle bracelets that fire blasts, along with specialized projectiles such as pellets, drug-tipped for incapacitation, and grappling hooks equipped with winches for rapid ascent or restraint. Boot bracelets can release knockout gases, while steel-tipped gloves enable wall-climbing by penetrating stone surfaces and serve as melee weapons for slicing or . Additional gadgets include a mini-flare for blinding opponents with magnesium light, a laser-listening device for , and a subtle magnetic emitter in the to unlock secured windows or doors. In variations worn by other individuals, the equipment adapts to different users while retaining core pneumatic elements. Aaron Davis, as the Ultimate Universe Prowler, utilizes technology sourced from the Tinkerer, including an electric suit for boosted mobility, a wingsuit that launches high-speed projectiles (such as wing shards), and electric gauntlets capable of firing powerful energy blasts—though these have shown vulnerability to malfunctions. Davis also employs a getaway jacket that electrocutes nearby threats for evasion, acquired during burglaries like his infiltration of an facility. Rick Lawson, a medical intern who stole Brown's original suit, relied on its unmodified gliding cape, climbing gloves, and pneumatic gauntlets for , including home invasions, without introducing new technological enhancements. The Prowler arsenal's limitations stem from its reliance on preparation and maintenance, as ammunition for pellets, , and gases requires regular refills, leaving the wearer vulnerable in prolonged engagements. The suit provides no , speed, or beyond basic impact resistance, making the Prowler dependent on tactical deployment and environmental advantages rather than direct confrontation.

Skills and training

The Prowler identity has been assumed by several individuals, each bringing their own proficiencies to the role, though none possess abilities inherent to their . The wearers rely on honed skills in areas such as , stealth, and technical expertise to compensate for their average human durability, making them vulnerable without technological aids. Hobie Brown, the original Prowler, is an expert in and , having invented much of the costume's systems during his time as a safety equipment designer. He holds a in and is a skilled hand-to-hand , trained in by his brother Abraham "Abe" Brown, which enables effective close-quarters fighting. Brown demonstrates proficiency in and stealth through practiced gliding and wall-climbing techniques, alongside marksmanship with projectile weapons like drug-tipped . His tactical planning shines in orchestrating heists and criminal operations for strategic goals, such as gaining publicity or clearing his wife's name, supported by his high school education and night school training in . Aaron Davis, who adopted the Prowler mantle in the (Earth-1610), draws on street-fighting experience from his upbringing in a tough environment, providing gritty, practical combat skills. As a world-class , he excels in stealth and , using agile infiltration methods for high-stakes thefts like heists. Davis shows adept marksmanship with electric gauntlets and strong tactical planning in rival takeovers and covert operations, often leveraging technology sourced from the Tinkerer. Rick Lawson, a brief wearer of a stolen Prowler costume, utilized basic combat abilities in confrontations and demonstrated stealth by breaking into secured locations undetected. His tactical approach focused on schemes, employing quick diversions for escapes, informed by his background as a .

Reception

Critical analysis

Critics have praised Hobie Brown's portrayal as the original Prowler for his relatable origin as a desperate turned villain amid the economic struggles depicted in 1970s . As a brilliant but overlooked inventor who loses his job as a window washer and resorts to crime out of financial desperation, Hobie embodies the vulnerabilities of ordinary individuals pushed to extremes by societal inequities, distinguishing him from more fantastical adversaries. The iteration of the Prowler as Aaron Davis in the imprint has been commended for enriching the family dynamics of , transforming the character into a tragic uncle whose criminal pursuits create emotional tension and moral complexity within Miles' . Reviews of the video game Marvel's : Miles Morales highlight how Aaron's arc delves into themes of mentorship gone awry and familial loyalty, providing deeper insight into Miles' motivations without relying on clichéd tropes like the death of a loved one. Despite these strengths, the Prowler has faced criticism for being underutilized in Marvel's narratives since the , often appearing as a peripheral figure in larger storylines rather than receiving standalone development. The Prowler marked a notable revival, reintroducing Hobie Brown in a modern context tied to the Clone Conspiracy event, yet reviewers faulted its rushed pacing and limited character exploration due to its obligations as a crossover tie-in. Central to the Prowler's enduring appeal are explorations of as a catalyst for moral compromise and the possibility of redemption through heroic reform, themes most prominently realized in Hobie Brown's journey from burglar to ally.

Cultural impact and legacy

The Prowler's distinctive purple and green costume, introduced in his 1969 debut in #78, has become an iconic element of lore, symbolizing themes of urban ingenuity and moral conflict. This visual signature has influenced pop culture through fan at conventions and widespread merchandise, including action figures and apparel, with a notable resurgence following the character's appearances in animated adaptations. The portrayal of Aaron Davis as the Prowler in the 2020 video game Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales marked a significant popularity surge, emphasizing his role as a tragic anti-hero and to Miles, which deepened fan engagement with the character's family dynamics and redemption arc. This depiction amplified the Prowler's presence in broader Marvel media, contributing to his evolution from a minor villain to a multifaceted figure in modern storytelling. In recent years, the Prowler's legacy has expanded through explorations, including the 2025 introduction of a "Spider-Prowler" variant in Marvel's Web of series, blending the character's tech-savvy thief persona with elements to heighten interest in alternate realities. Such developments underscore the Prowler's enduring influence on tropes within the , as seen in upcoming projects like Spider-Man: Beyond the .

Other versions

House of M and Marvel Zombies

In the alternate reality of (Earth-58163), Hobie Brown operates as a technician for the Human Resistance Movement, a key part of Luke Cage's efforts against the Scarlet Witch's mutant supremacist regime. This version of Brown aligns with other non-mutant heroes like Hawkeye and Iron Fist in their underground efforts to dismantle the warped world order created by Wanda Maximoff's reality-altering powers, appearing prominently across the House of M: Avengers miniseries. His role highlights tactical infiltration and technical expertise, drawing on his pneumatic inventions to evade detection in a society where humans are marginalized. Shifting to the horror-infused Marvel Zombies universe (Earth-2149), Hobie Brown succumbs to the zombie virus, transforming into an undead Prowler who joins the ravenous horde of infected heroes and villains. A zombified Prowler is part of the undead forces during interdimensional events, including a cameo in Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness, where he lurks among the zombies confronting Ash Williams and his allies. The horde's rampage is eventually halted by containment measures from surviving heroes and external forces, limiting further spread. These portrayals diverge sharply from the Prowler, omitting any path to redemption and instead amplifying visceral horror through themes of unrelenting hunger and irreversible decay, prioritizing apocalyptic survival over individual criminal motivations or moral growth.

Spider-Verse variants

In the multiverse-spanning storyline, various iterations of the Prowler appear across different Earths, often reimagining the character's role as a technologically enhanced criminal or anti-hero in conflict with Spider-heroes. These variants highlight thematic contrasts, such as punk rebellion against or familial mentorship in dystopian settings, while tying into broader narratives of identity and legacy. Earth-138 features Hobart "Hobie" Brown, the canonical name of the prime universe's Prowler, reimagined as the vigilante , who adopts prowler-like tactics but channels them against oppression in a dystopian ruled by President . Bitten by a radioactive spider mutated by corporate toxic waste, Hobie wields sonic weaponry from his guitar to lead a rebellion, debuting in Edge of #2 (2018) as part of the Spider-Army fighting the Inheritors. This variant inverts the Prowler's criminal origins into anarchic heroism, allying with other Spiders while dismantling Osborn's regime. In Earth-42, a grim alternate reality depicted in tie-in comics to (2018) and Across the Spider-Verse (2023), Aaron Davis operates as a militarized Prowler, using advanced stealth tech to navigate a crime-infested world without a Spider-Man. He mentors his nephew , who assumes a villainous Prowler role after the death of his father Jefferson, forming a criminal duo that preys on the powerless in this collapsed society. This portrayal amplifies themes of lost potential, with Aaron's guidance turning Miles into a hardened operative rather than a . A 2025 Spider-Verse arc introduces a hybrid Spider-Prowler variant of on Earth-2501, blending spider-powers with Prowler gadgetry after the radioactive spider's bite occurs amid familial tragedy. Debuting in Web of Spider-Verse: New Blood #1 (March 2025), this Miles inherits his uncle's legacy post-mission failure, using cloaking devices and venom blasters in battles against symbiote threats during the vs. Venomverse event, symbolizing a fusion of heroic and villainous paths.

Future Foundation and alternate futures

In the alternate future of Earth-18119 depicted in Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows (2015), Hobie Brown operates as the Prowler within a dystopian New York dominated by the power-absorbing villain Regent, who has subjugated all superhumans during the "Secret Wars" event. Hobie joins a covert S.H.I.E.L.D. resistance led by characters like Spider-Man (Peter Parker) and Black Cat, using his technological expertise and stealth suit to undermine Regent's regime. He aids in acquiring an inhibitor chip from Annie Parker, Peter and Mary Jane's daughter, to facilitate a portal assault on Regent's Empire State University stronghold, ultimately contributing to the fight for his family's protection in this family-centric timeline. In the MC2 universe (Earth-982), an aged Hobie Brown reappears as a retired inventor and mentor figure to the next generation of heroes, particularly (May "Mayday" Parker). He employs an upgraded version of his classic Prowler suit—not for crime, but to train young vigilantes in gadgetry and ethics, emphasizing redemption and legacy in a post-apocalyptic world where veteran heroes guide successors against emerging threats. These narratives underscore Hobie's recurring role in future timelines as a symbol of and perseverance, shifting from anti-hero to elder statesman in aged or resistance-driven scenarios.

In other media

Animation and television

The Prowler first appeared in the animated series Spider-Man: The Animated Series, which aired from 1994 to 1998. In the episode "The Prowler" (season 4, episode 11), Hobie Brown is depicted as a petty criminal who saves the son of the Kingpin and is rewarded with an advanced battle suit, adopting the Prowler identity to commit crimes under the crime lord's influence. The character's origin is explored, showing his descent into villainy after being betrayed by the Kingpin, leading to a confrontation with . Hobie Brown was voiced by . In the 2017 animated series Marvel's Spider-Man, the Prowler is portrayed as Hobie Brown, a former villain who becomes an ally to . He debuts in the episode "Bring on the Bad Guys: Part Three" (season 2, episode 10), where he initially attempts to capture for a bounty but is convinced to reform and fight alongside the hero against threats like Jack O'Lantern. This version emphasizes the character's reluctant criminal past and eventual redemption. Hobie is voiced by Nathaniel J. Potvin. The Aaron Davis incarnation of the Prowler appears in the animated film (2023). He makes a brief cameo as a criminal enforcer in Earth-42, voiced by in a nod to his live-action role. Separately, Hobie Brown appears as the punk rock hero , distinct from his traditional Prowler persona, voiced by .

Film adaptations

The Prowler first appeared in animated form in the 2018 film , where Aaron Davis, ' uncle, is depicted as a criminal operative known as the Prowler. Voiced by , Davis works for the villain Kingpin, utilizing advanced technology including cloaking devices and glider wings in his purple-and-green suit to pursue Spider-Man artifacts. His role emphasizes a tragic familial bond with Miles, culminating in Davis' accidental death during the Super-Collider explosion, which deeply impacts Miles' origin as . In the 2023 sequel , a variant of Aaron Davis from Earth-42 serves as the Prowler, voiced by . This iteration, operating in a dystopian New York under the rule of the villainous (Miles' alternate self), hunts members of the Spider-Society using stealth suits and weaponry, positioning him as a key antagonist in the multiversal conflict. The film includes a brief live-action cameo of Glover as the Prowler from the , displaced across dimensions, which ties into his prior role and hints at potential crossovers. In live-action, Donald Glover portrayed Aaron Davis in the 2017 film Spider-Man: Homecoming, appearing in a scene where Peter Parker interrogates him about illegal Vulture technology sales in Queens. Davis mentions his young nephew Miles, establishing a direct connection to Miles Morales' comic backstory without revealing his Prowler identity at that point. While an expanded role as the Prowler was rumored for subsequent Sony's Spider-Man Universe projects, including the 2024 film Kraven the Hunter, no such appearance materialized as of November 2025. Film adaptations of the Prowler diverge from the by prioritizing emotional dynamics and themes over the character's original emphasis on street-level and personal redemption arcs. In both Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse, the Prowler's relationship with Miles drives narrative tension through tragedy and moral conflict, contrasting the comic version's focus on Hobie Brown's independent villainy and eventual heroism.

Video games and merchandise

The Aaron Davis incarnation of the Prowler features in the 2020 video game Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, appearing as a supporting antagonist who initially works against Miles but undergoes a redemption arc, ultimately sacrificing himself to aid his nephew against a common threat. Aaron Davis returns in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (2023) as a retired Prowler, providing guidance to Miles through voice messages and Prowler Stash puzzles scattered across New York. The Hobie Brown incarnation of the Prowler is a playable character in the 2007 video game Spider-Man: Friend or Foe, where he teams up with Spider-Man to battle a common enemy, utilizing his gadget-based abilities including gas attacks and gliding. He also appears as an unlockable playable character in the mobile game Spider-Man Unlimited (2014–2019), equipped with gliding mechanics derived from his comic book cape technology for traversal and combat. Merchandise featuring the Prowler includes action figures from Hasbro's line, such as the 6-inch figure based on his appearance in , released in 2019 and featuring articulated design with accessory gauntlets. has produced Pop! vinyl figures of Aaron Davis as the Prowler, including a 2019 release from (#407) and a 2023 variant tied to promotional tie-ins. Apparel inspired by the Prowler from the films, such as hoodies and t-shirts with his purple and green color scheme, became available in 2023 through official Marvel merchandise lines.

Collected editions

Key trade paperbacks

Several key trade paperbacks collect pivotal stories featuring the Prowler, spanning his debut as Hobie Brown, the introduction of Aaron Davis in the , and later revivals involving Hobie and supporting characters like Eric Cross. Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection Vol. 7: Menace from the Stars collects Amazing Spider-Man #68-80, including the character's debut in #78, where inventor Hobie Brown adopts the Prowler identity to escape poverty through crime, clashing with in a tale of desperation and redemption. This volume emphasizes the Prowler's early arcs, showcasing his gadget-based arsenal of claws, gliders, and gas pellets, and his quick turn toward heroism after a . Ultimate Comics Spider-Man Vol. 1: Power and Responsibility compiles Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1-7 from 2011, marking the debut of Aaron Davis as the Prowler in the as Miles Morales' criminal uncle, who uses advanced for heists while mentoring his nephew in a tense family dynamic. The collection highlights Aaron's role as a foil to Miles' emerging heroism, blending high-stakes action with themes of legacy and moral ambiguity in the wake of Peter Parker's . Prowler: The Clone Conspiracy (2016) trade paperback collects the full Prowler #1-6 miniseries, centering on Hobie Brown's resurrection by the during the Clone Conspiracy event, where he teams with engineer Eric Cross to battle villains while grappling with his cloned existence and vigilante instincts. This story explores Hobie's internal conflict between his heroic potential and criminal past, featuring intense confrontations against New U facility threats and underscoring Cross's influence as a partner seeking justice for his daughter's injury. Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 1: Bad Blood assembles Miles Morales: Spider-Man #1-5 from 2018. The volume captures Miles' early adventures in the main continuity, but does not feature Aaron Davis; his key appearances as the Prowler are in earlier Ultimate Universe collections like Ultimate Comics Spider-Man Vol. 1.

Digital and hardcover collections

The Marvel Masterworks series provides deluxe hardcover editions of classic Marvel comics, with Volume 8 of The Amazing Spider-Man (published in 2007) collecting issues #68-77 plus the Spider-Man story from Marvel Super-Heroes #14. This volume was released in digital format in 2013 via platforms like Comixology, offering high-resolution scans for modern readers, and received an updated ebook edition in 2020 with enhanced accessibility features. These editions emphasize archival quality, with restored artwork and historical essays. The Spider-Man: Complete Clone Saga Epic hardcover collection, first released in 2010 as a multi-volume set, compiles the controversial 1990s storyline across various titles. A digital version followed in 2018 on and other platforms, allowing sequential reading of the epic's twists involving identity and cloning themes. This collection stands out for its comprehensive scope, binding over 1,500 pages in hardcover for fans seeking the full saga without individual issues. The Prowler clone storyline is covered in separate Clone Conspiracy collections, not this saga. The in hardcover (first published in 2014), gathers key stories from the transition to the main 616 continuity, including Aaron Davis as the Prowler in stories written by , collecting #4, #1-28, and #1-5. The edition is also available digitally on , highlighting Prowler's mentorship and conflict with across arcs like Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man. This luxury binding serves as an entry point for Prowler lore in the Ultimate line, with over 400 pages of narrative bridging universes. Exclusively digital, Spider-Verse Unlimited (2023) is an Infinity Comic series on , collecting variant Prowler stories such as (Hobie Brown from Earth-138) battling symbiotes and Earth-42's Aaron Davis variant in multiversal threats. Spanning dozens of issues with interactive panels, it focuses on Prowler-inspired characters in anthology format, expanding on film tie-ins without physical print. While trade paperbacks offer core Prowler tales in portable formats, these digital and hardcover options prioritize expansive, high-end access for deeper exploration.

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  20. https://www.sideshow.com/blog/first-look-miles-g-morales-sixth-scale-figure-hot-toys
  21. https://www.marvel.com/articles/games/marvels-spider-man-2-explained-who-is-prowler-aaron-davis
  22. https://www.marvel.com/articles/movies/spider-man-brand-new-day-title-spider-man-beyond-the-spider-verse-unveiled-first-look-cinemacon-2025
  23. https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Hobart_Brown_(Earth-58163)
  24. https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Hobart_Brown_(Earth-2149)
  25. https://www.marvel.com/comics/events/321/spider-verse
  26. https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/spider-punk-hobie-brown-history-explained
  27. https://spiderverseseries.fandom.com/wiki/Prowler/Earth-42
  28. https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Miles_Morales_(Earth-2501)
  29. https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comic/6062993/web-of-spider-verse-new-blood-1
  30. https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Hobart_Brown_(Earth-18119)
  31. https://frogoat.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-prowler-in-mc2.html
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0706842/
  33. https://marvelanimated.fandom.com/wiki/Prowler
  34. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Spider-Man-1994/Prowler-Hobie-Brown/
  35. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Spider-Man-2017/Prowler/
  36. https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a44066557/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-donald-glover-cameo/
  37. https://www.thepopverse.com/prowler-spiderman-spiderverse-spider-verse-man-aaron-davis-mcu-marvel-donald-glover
  38. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Spider-Man-Into-the-Spider-Verse/Prowler-Aaron-Davis/
  39. https://www.vulture.com/2023/06/donald-glovers-across-the-spider-verse-cameo-explained.html
  40. https://www.polygon.com/23744478/spider-man-across-spider-verse-2-donald-glover-cameo-mcu-prowler-live-action
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2250912/characters/nm2255973
  42. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-spider-man-homecoming-donald-glover-20170706-story.html
  43. https://screenrant.com/spider-man-across-spider-verse-donald-glover-cameo-original/
  44. https://screenrant.com/donald-glover-mcu-future-prowler-phase-4-spiderverse/
  45. https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/marvels-spider-man-miles-morales/
  46. https://hasbrotoybox.com/en-us/brand/marvel-legends/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-prowler
  47. https://funko.com/pop-games-spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-prowler/407.html
  48. https://funko.com/pop-vinyls/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-prowler-earth-42/54184.html
  49. https://shopdisney.com/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-prowler-apparel/
  50. https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Epic_Collection:_Amazing_Spider-Man_Vol_1_7
  51. https://www.marvel.com/comics/series/15572/ultimate_spiderman_vol_1_power_and_responsibility_tpb_2011
  52. https://www.marvel.com/comics/collection/61303/prowler_the_clone_conspiracy_trade_paperback
  53. https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Miles_Morales:_Spider-Man_Vol_1_1
  54. https://www.marvel.com/comics/collection/5213/marvel_masterworks_the_amazing_spider-man_hardcover
  55. https://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Masterworks-Amazing-Spider-Man-Vol/dp/0785120742
  56. https://www.marvel.com/comics/collection/60463/spider-man_the_complete_clone_saga_epic_book_3_new_printing_trade_paperback
  57. https://www.amazon.com/Spider-Man-Complete-Clone-Saga-Three-ebook/dp/B01C3J7RF6
  58. https://www.marvel.com/comics/collection/52228/miles_morales_ultimate_spider-man_ultimate_collection_trade_paperback
  59. https://www.amazon.com/MILES-MORALES-ULTIMATE-SPIDER-MAN-COLLECTION/dp/0785197796
  60. https://www.marvel.com/comics/series/34010/spiderverse_unlimited_infinity_comic_2022_2023
  61. https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/marvels-voices-spider-verse-2023-spider-punk-web-weaver
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