Who’s the best Spider-Man? This question just became more difficult to answer after Across the Spider-Verse. The movie is minting money at the box office and getting positive audience reception. Fans are in love with Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy, and the myriad Spider-People introduced to them.
What captured everyone’s attention a lot was the Spider Society led by Spider-Man 2099 or Miguel O’Hara, and he sure runs a tight ship. However, there was one spidey who seemed to be quite disinterested in the proceedings and was just hanging out on the sidelines- Spider-Punk or Hobie Brown. But who is this guy? And how old is he in the film?
Spider-Punk, or Hobart ‘Hobie’ Brown, hails from Earth-138, where America is run by fascist dictator Norman Osborn. He is staunchly anti-establishment and got his powers from being bitten by a radioactive spider that mutated due to the illegal chemical wastes dumped in the river.
In Across the Spider-Verse, he shares a close relationship with Gwen Stacy/ Spider-Woman and is close to her age at 16 or 17 years old. He also teaches Miles about rebellion and doing what’s right.
Who Is Spider-Punk?
Spider-Punk (voiced by Daniel Kaluuya) is an exception to the Spider norm in more ways than one. He still embodies the basic tenets of being a Spider-Person- saving the world and helping people. However, he’s still different from several of the spideys in the film. After all, he’s anti-establishment and loves sticking it to those in power.
That’s one of the reasons why he doesn’t mesh with the others in the Spider Society. He also stands apart due to his striking and unique appearance. That Spider is punk embodied thoroughly with a sleeveless studded vest and the iconic mohawk on top of his mask merged with the iconic red and blue Spider-Man bodysuit.
But more than webs, the electric guitar he carries over his shoulders is his weapon. However, his name isn’t actually Spider-Punk. It’s Hobart ‘Hobie’ Brown, and he’s from Earth- 138. The character was created by Dan Slott and Olivier Coipel, and he appeared in Amazing Spider-Man #10 (2015).
This version of Spidey was originally made for Spider-UK, but Slott fleshed out the character more because of how much he liked him. The comics introduced him as a homeless teen who got bit by a radioactive spider that mutated due to illegal chemical waste dumping. Once he realized his powers, he worked to bring down Norman Osborn, a fascist dictator who ran America.
Apart from his typical spider powers, his rockstar powers also come in handy while defeating villains. As in, he does play in a band and can shred his guitar. So it’s not just for show. He’s a huge fan of Gwen Stacy because she is a popular musician on his Earth.
Who Is Spider-Punk in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse?
Kemp Powers, the co-director of Across the Spider-Verse, talked about the feature film debut of Spider-Punk with Total Film and said:
“He’s a punk-rock poster come to life, and I love Daniel Kaluuya’s Camden accent. Even as we were initially designing the character, I had Daniel’s voice in my head.”
In Across the Spider-Verse, he helps out Gwen Stacy, Miles Morales, and Spider-Man India when they take on The Spot in Mumbattan. Just like in the comics, he admires Gwen for her musical ability, and both bonded over music as well as their Spidersona. In the film, he used the electric surge emerging from his guitar to break open a force field, and it was his stunning debut.
He also inspires Miles to rebel and do the right thing, even though our main hero is quite intimidated by him. Miles is also insecure about Hobie because of the bond Gwen shares with him, which makes him jealous. When Gwen gets trapped, he is the one who sends the tech to help her. There’s no doubt that he’s a valuable friend and asset to the team.
How Old Is Hobie or Spider-Punk in Spider-Verse?
Hobart ‘Hobie’ Brown or Spider-Punk’s age isn’t said in Across the Spider-Verse, but it’s clear that he’s a teenager. Miles Morales is between 14 and 15 years of age, and Gwen is between 15 and 16 years old. So he may be nearer her age than Miles’.
After all, they seem to have the same taste in music, and they look a little older than Morales. However, there’s speculation that he could be a little older than Gwen at 18 or 19 years.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is currently in theaters worldwide.
So what did you think of Spider-Punk?
What do you think his age is? Is he closer in age to Miles or Gwen? And is he going to play an important role in Beyond the Spider-Verse?
Let us know in the comments below.
3 Comments
Miles’ dad says in the movie that he’s 15, meaning Gwen has to be 17 as it’s been over a year since the happening of the first movie. I’d say that Hobie is either Gwen’s age or older (likely under 20, and probably not over 22). I belive other commentor who said that he was bit in the comics at 16 is correct, so if they kept that for the movie canon he’d be 19ish
Whoever wrote this doesn’t know the difference between Ozzy Osbourne and Norman Osborn 😭😭😭
he got turned at 15/16 it’s been 3 years at the point of across the spiderverse making him 18/19