====== Prowler ====== ===== Part 1: The Dossier: An At-a-Glance Summary ===== * **Core Identity:** **The Prowler is a technologically-powered vigilante identity, most famously held by the brilliant but initially misguided inventor Hobie Brown in the comics, and later by the street-smart career criminal Aaron Davis, uncle to [[miles_morales|Miles Morales]].** * **Key Takeaways:** * **Role in the Universe:** Originally conceived as a minor antagonist for [[spider-man|Spider-Man]], the Prowler (Hobie Brown) evolved into a complex anti-hero and occasional ally, representing a street-level perspective on heroism and the struggle for recognition. The Aaron Davis incarnation serves as a pivotal, often tragic, familial figure in the origin of Miles Morales's Spider-Man. * **Primary Impact:** The Prowler's greatest impact is thematic. Hobie Brown's story explores themes of unfulfilled potential, social inequality, and redemption, showing that heroism can come from unlikely places. Aaron Davis's story is a powerful narrative device that grounds Miles Morales's journey, forcing him to confront the moral complexities of family and crime. * **Key Incarnations:** The fundamental difference lies in motivation and origin. The primary comics Prowler, **Hobie Brown (Earth-616)**, is a self-made genius who created his own suit and chose the path of a hero after an early brush with crime. The most famous modern version, **Aaron Davis (Ultimate Comics, MCU, and //Spider-Verse// films)**, is an established criminal whose Prowler identity is intertwined with a vast criminal underworld and serves as a direct, personal obstacle for his nephew, Miles. ===== Part 2: Origin and Evolution ===== ==== Publication History and Creation ==== The Prowler first prowled into the pages of Marvel Comics in **//The Amazing Spider-Man// #78**, published in November 1969. The character's creation is a fascinating piece of Marvel history, primarily attributed to the legendary writer [[stan_lee|Stan Lee]] and artist John Buscema, with Jim Mooney providing the finished art. However, a young John Romita Jr., then just 13 years old, reportedly contributed the initial character concept. He envisioned a character who could climb walls and was initially called "The Stalker." Stan Lee, ever the masterful editor and wordsmith, refined the idea, altering the name to the more evocative "Prowler" and weaving in a compelling, socially relevant backstory. Hobie Brown was conceived during a period when Marvel Comics was increasingly exploring characters from diverse backgrounds with relatable, real-world problems. Unlike the wealthy industrialists or super-scientists who often became heroes, Hobie was an ordinary, brilliant young African American man frustrated by a system that wouldn't give him a fair chance. He wasn't a villain for greed's sake, but out of a desperate desire for recognition. This nuanced motivation, a hallmark of Lee's writing, immediately set the Prowler apart from typical super-criminals and laid the groundwork for his eventual evolution into a complex hero. His costume, with its distinctive purple and green color scheme, sharp claws, and flowing cape, created a striking visual silhouette that has remained largely consistent for decades. ==== In-Universe Origin Story ==== The Prowler's origin is a tale of two very different men, separated by universes but connected by the same mantle. The original story of Hobie Brown is one of redemption, while the modern story of Aaron Davis is one of tragedy. === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === **Hobie Brown** was a prodigiously intelligent teenager from the Bronx with a natural gift for engineering. Despite his brilliance, he found himself stuck in a dead-end, low-paying job as a window washer. Seething with frustration at a world that overlooked his talents, Hobie decided to use his intellect to gain fame and fortune—albeit through criminal means. He meticulously designed and built a technologically advanced suit in his apartment, incorporating pneumatic gauntlets that could fire concussive air blasts, steel claws for climbing and combat, a weighted cape for gliding, and various gadgets like gas pellets and lock-picking tools. Christening himself the **Prowler**, his plan was not simple theft. He intended to steal from the Daily Bugle, then return the money as Hobie Brown, becoming a public hero and leveraging the fame to secure a better life. During his initial heist, he inevitably ran into [[spider-man|Spider-Man]]. Believing Spider-Man to be a genuine criminal (a common misconception fueled by J. Jonah Jameson's editorials), Hobie was shocked when the hero tried to stop him. Their ensuing fight across the rooftops of New York was a test of both their abilities. The conflict reached its climax when Hobie, disoriented during the battle, fell from a building. Spider-Man, true to form, saved his life. This act of selfless heroism shattered Hobie's cynical worldview. Spider-Man took the time to listen to Hobie's story, seeing not a hardened criminal but a misguided kid. Instead of turning him over to the police, Spider-Man advised him to abandon his life of crime and use his gifts for good. This conversation was the defining moment of Hobie's life. He took the hero's advice to heart, hanging up the Prowler suit and becoming one of Spider-Man's most steadfast, if unconventional, allies. This origin is a classic Marvel tale of misunderstanding and redemption, establishing a unique and enduring bond between the Prowler and Spider-Man. === Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) & Associated Properties === In the vast multiverse of the MCU and its closely associated Sony //Spider-Verse// films, the Prowler is **Aaron Davis**. This version is a significant departure from Hobie Brown, drawing its primary inspiration from the Ultimate Comics (Earth-1610) continuity. In the live-action MCU, introduced in **//Spider-Man: Homecoming// (2017)**, Aaron Davis (portrayed by Donald Glover) is a low-level but well-connected career criminal. He is not an inventor; rather, he is a buyer and seller of illicit technology. Peter Parker's Spider-Man encounters him while investigating Adrian Toomes's (the Vulture) arms-dealing operation. Spider-Man interrogates Aaron in a parking garage, a scene filled with both tension and humor. During this conversation, Aaron reveals a crucial piece of his character: he has a young nephew living in the area and wants to keep dangerous weapons off the streets to protect him. This single line established his connection to [[miles_morales|Miles Morales]] within the MCU, a massive reveal for fans. While we don't see him in the Prowler costume, his criminal profession and alias ("Prowler" is his known criminal handle in the police database) are firmly established. The most prominent and detailed depiction of Aaron Davis as the Prowler comes from the animated film **//Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse// (2018)**. Here, Aaron (voiced by Mahershala Ali) is a central and tragic figure. He is presented as Miles Morales's "cool uncle," encouraging Miles's artistic pursuits and offering an escape from the pressures of his strict father, Jefferson Davis. Unbeknownst to his family, Aaron lives a double life as the Prowler, a feared and near-silent enforcer for Wilson Fisk, the [[kingpin|Kingpin]]. His suit is a terrifying piece of high-tech hardware provided by Fisk, featuring glowing purple optics, powerful hydraulic gauntlets, and razor-sharp claws. His origin as the Prowler isn't one of invention but of recruitment into a criminal empire. His journey is one of internal conflict, caught between his genuine love for Miles and his obligations to the Kingpin. The devastating climax of his story occurs when Kingpin orders him to kill the new Spider-Man, only for Aaron to discover that the hero is his own nephew. Horrified, Aaron refuses, an act of defiance for which Kingpin murders him. His dying words to Miles—"You're the best of all of us, Miles... Keep going"—are the final, tragic push that solidifies Miles's resolve to become a hero. This origin transforms the Prowler from a story of personal redemption into a foundational sacrifice in another hero's journey. ===== Part 3: Abilities, Equipment & Personality ===== === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === The Earth-616 Prowler, Hobie Brown, is a prime example of a non-superpowered individual who uses technology and intellect to operate on a superhuman level. * **Abilities:** * **Genius-Level Intellect:** Hobie's greatest asset is his mind. He is a self-taught engineering prodigy with expertise in pneumatics, cybernetics, and electrical systems. He personally designed, built, and has continuously upgraded the Prowler suit and all its weaponry from scratch. * **Skilled Combatant:** While not a master martial artist on the level of [[captain_america|Captain America]] or [[shang-chi|Shang-Chi]], Hobie is an accomplished and acrobatic street fighter. His fighting style is pragmatic and improvisational, relying heavily on his agility and the use of his suit's technology to gain an advantage. * **Expert Tactician:** Years of experience as both a vigilante and a security professional have honed his tactical skills. He is adept at stealth, infiltration, and planning complex operations. * **Equipment: The Prowler Suit** * **Pneumatic "Blast" Gauntlets:** The signature weapon of the Prowler. These gauntlets can fire concentrated blasts of compressed air with concussive force capable of knocking over opponents, shattering brick walls, and propelling him for short distances. He can also fire a variety of specialized cartridges from them. * **Utility Cartridges:** Fired from his gauntlets, these include: * //Gas Pellets:// Containing soporifics (knockout gas) or irritants. * //Sharp-Tipped Darts:// Small, flechette-like projectiles. * //Cleaning Fluid:// A nod to his past as a window washer, he once used a specialized fluid to dissolve Doctor Octopus's webbing. * //Magnesium Flares:// For creating diversions or blinding opponents. * **Steel Claws:** The fingertips of his gloves and the soles of his boots are tipped with razor-sharp steel claws. These are primarily used for scaling walls, clinging to surfaces, and as formidable offensive weapons in close-quarters combat. * **Glider Cape:** The cape is weighted and specially designed to be aerodynamically sound, allowing Hobie to glide on air currents for significant distances, similar to [[batman|Batman]]. * **Enhanced Physicals:** The suit's lining is impact-resistant, offering protection from blunt force trauma. At times, it has been upgraded with technology that enhances his strength and speed to near-superhuman levels. * **Vibro-Shock Boots:** The soles of his boots can generate intense, localized vibrations, allowing him to shatter locks or destabilize structures. * **Personality:** Hobie Brown is defined by his resilience and underlying morality. He began his career with a massive chip on his shoulder, resentful of a society that he felt had failed him. This has evolved into a world-weary but determined pragmatism. He is fiercely independent and resourceful, often preferring to work alone but willing to team up when necessary. He carries a deep-seated respect for Spider-Man, who he views as the moral compass that set him on the right path. Despite his heroic turn, a sliver of that old frustration remains, making him a complex and deeply human character. === Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) & Associated Properties === The Prowler of the MCU and //Spider-Verse// films, Aaron Davis, relies on supplied technology and his own criminal cunning rather than personal invention. * **Abilities:** * **Master Criminal:** Aaron is a highly skilled and experienced thief, infiltrator, and information broker. He possesses a deep understanding of the criminal underworld, its players, and its technology. * **Expert Brawler:** He is a formidable physical combatant, comfortable with brutal, efficient fighting styles. In //Into the Spider-Verse//, he is shown to be strong and ruthless enough to physically dominate a nascent Miles Morales. * **Cunning and Charismatic:** Unlike the silent enforcer persona of the Prowler, Aaron himself is charismatic and smooth-talking. He is adept at manipulating situations and reading people, skills essential for his line of work. * **Equipment: The Prowler Suit (//Spider-Verse// Version)** * **Full-Body Armored Suit:** This advanced suit provides significant durability, capable of withstanding impacts and gunfire. It appears to be provided by Kingpin's R&D department. * **Hydraulic Gauntlets & Claws:** The suit's gauntlets greatly enhance his striking power, and the claws are capable of rending metal. These are far more integrated and powerful than Hobie Brown's pneumatic system, focusing on brute force over versatility. * **Stealth Capabilities:** The suit appears to possess some form of sound-dampening or stealth technology, allowing him to approach targets virtually undetected. * **Enhanced Optics:** The glowing purple visor likely provides him with multiple vision modes, such as thermal or night vision, making him a relentless hunter. * **Grappling Lines/Jet Boots:** He demonstrates incredible mobility, using a combination of powerful leaps (likely assisted by the suit's hydraulics or small jets in the boots) and wall-crawling/clinging abilities. * **Personality:** Aaron Davis is a character defined by his duality. To the world, and especially to his brother Jefferson, he is a disappointment—a charming but unreliable figure who chose a life of crime. To his nephew Miles, however, he is the cool, understanding uncle who encourages his individuality. This love for Miles is his defining trait and ultimately his fatal flaw as a villain. He is not evil in the way Kingpin is; he is a man who has made a series of bad choices and found himself trapped in a dangerous world. His charm masks a deep-seated regret, and his final act is one of love and redemption, proving that even in his darkest moments, his family was what mattered most. ===== Part 4: Key Relationships & Network ===== ==== Core Allies ==== * **[[spider-man|Spider-Man (Peter Parker)]]:** (Earth-616) This is the most important relationship in Hobie Brown's life. It began as an adversarial conflict but quickly transformed into a mentorship and a deep, mutual respect. Peter Parker sees in Hobie a reflection of what he could have become if he'd used his powers selfishly. He has consistently vouched for Hobie, offered him jobs (most notably at [[parker_industries|Parker Industries]]), and fought alongside him. For Hobie, Spider-Man is the hero who believed in him when no one else did, and their bond is one of the most unique in Spider-Man's extensive network of allies. * **[[miles_morales|Miles Morales]]:** (Earth-1610, //Spider-Verse// Films) For Aaron Davis, his nephew Miles is his entire world. This relationship is the emotional core of the modern Prowler story. Aaron's love for Miles is genuine and profound, serving as the sole bright spot in his criminal life. He encourages Miles's creativity and offers him a non-judgmental ear. This familial bond is ultimately what leads to his death; he could not bring himself to harm his nephew, choosing love over his own life. This sacrifice is the crucible that forges Miles into a true hero. * **Silver Sable:** (Earth-616) For a significant period, Hobie Brown worked as a freelance operative for Silver Sable and her Wild Pack. As a skilled infiltrator and tech expert, the Prowler was a valuable asset in her international mercenary operations. This alliance showcased Hobie's skills on a global stage and demonstrated his full transition from a street-level vigilante to a world-class operative. They shared a professional, if sometimes tense, respect for one another's abilities. ==== Arch-Enemies ==== The Prowler, particularly Hobie Brown, lacks a singular, defining arch-nemesis in the vein of a Green Goblin or Doctor Doom. His conflicts are often more situational or ideological. * **The System:** Hobie Brown's most persistent foe has always been the societal and economic system that he felt marginalized him. His initial turn to crime was a direct rebellion against a world that wouldn't acknowledge his genius. Even as a hero, he often fights to protect the little guy from corporate greed, organized crime, and systemic injustice, making his true "arch-enemy" a concept rather than a single person. * **[[kingpin|Wilson Fisk (The Kingpin)]]:** (//Spider-Verse// Films) For the Aaron Davis incarnation, the Kingpin is his definitive antagonist. Fisk is not just his boss; he is the embodiment of the corrupting influence that trapped Aaron in a life of crime. Kingpin represents a total lack of morality and family loyalty, using Aaron's skills for his own monstrous ends and discarding him without a second thought when he shows a moment of humanity. Aaron's death at Fisk's hands solidifies the Kingpin as the ultimate villain of Miles Morales's origin story. ==== Affiliations ==== * **The Outlaws:** (Earth-616) Hobie was a founding member of this short-lived team of reformed Spider-Man antagonists, assembled by Silver Sable. The group included Prowler, Sandman, Rocket Racer, and the Puma. Their goal was to use their unique skills for good (and profit), operating as a sanctioned force for justice. This was a key step in solidifying Hobie's heroic identity. * **[[parker_industries|Parker Industries]]:** (Earth-616) In one of the most significant developments for his character, Hobie was hired by Peter Parker to act as head of security for Parker Industries. To maintain his anonymity, he would often operate publicly as Spider-Man (using Parker's advanced tech) while Peter was busy as CEO. This role was a culmination of his journey, finally giving him the recognition and resources his genius deserved. * **Kingpin's Criminal Empire:** (//Spider-Verse// Films) Aaron Davis's primary affiliation was with Wilson Fisk's organization. As the Prowler, he was Fisk's top enforcer, tasked with eliminating threats and carrying out his boss's most sensitive and violent missions. This affiliation put him in direct opposition to his own family and ultimately led to his demise. ===== Part 5: Iconic Events & Storylines ===== ==== First Appearance: The Prowler's Gambit (Amazing Spider-Man #78-79) ==== This foundational story introduces Hobie Brown and his motivations perfectly. Frustrated with his lot in life, Hobie designs the Prowler suit to commit a "publicity stunt" crime. The arc is notable for its exploration of character. The physical conflict with Spider-Man is secondary to their ideological one. Spider-Man's decision to counsel the young, misguided Hobie rather than simply defeat him is a testament to Peter Parker's character. The event permanently altered the Prowler's trajectory, turning a potential one-off villain into a lifelong ally and establishing the core of his heroic identity. It's a masterclass in Marvel's "hero with real problems" philosophy. ==== The Clone Conspiracy (2016-2017) ==== Hobie Brown played a surprisingly critical role in this major Spider-Man event. With Peter Parker busy running Parker Industries globally, Hobie was entrusted to occasionally impersonate Spider-Man using official PI tech. When the Jackal (Ben Reilly) began his clone-based takeover, Hobie's investigation led him to discover the truth. He was tragically killed by the new Electro (Francine Frye) but was immediately replaced by one of the Jackal's clones, complete with all of his memories. This clone, believing itself to be the original, continued to aid Spider-Man from within the enemy's camp. The real Hobie was eventually brought back to life when the conspiracy collapsed. This storyline tested Hobie to his limits, forcing him to confront his own mortality and reaffirming his loyalty to Peter Parker, even in the face of death. ==== Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018 Film) ==== While not a comic event, this film is arguably the most important storyline for the Prowler identity in the modern era. The story completely redefines the character for a new generation, centering on Aaron Davis. His role as the Prowler is presented with terrifying effectiveness, a relentless, silent hunter whose screeching sound motif and purple color palette create an unforgettable sense of dread. The storyline's true power lies in the reveal of his identity and his subsequent sacrifice. This event permanently cemented the link between the Prowler mantle and the Miles Morales origin story, making Aaron's tragic arc an indispensable part of the Spider-Verse mythos and elevating the Prowler to a level of mainstream recognition he had never previously enjoyed. ===== Part 6: Variants and Alternative Versions ===== ==== Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610) ==== This is the original and most influential variant of the Prowler. First appearing in //Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man// #1, **Aaron Davis** of Earth-1610 is the blueprint for the MCU and //Spider-Verse// versions. He is a career criminal and the estranged brother of Jefferson Davis. His life becomes entangled with his nephew Miles when he burglarizes an abandoned Oscorp lab, inadvertently carrying out a genetically-engineered spider that later bites Miles. Upon discovering Miles's new powers, Aaron attempts to manipulate and blackmail him into helping him take down the Scorpion. Their relationship is fraught with tension and toxicity. The conflict culminates in a brutal battle where Aaron's vibro-shock gauntlets malfunction and explode, mortally wounding him. He dies telling Miles that he is just like him, a final, manipulative jab. This version is far less sympathetic than his film counterpart, serving as a dark, cautionary tale for Miles. ==== Rick Lawson (Earth-616) ==== For a brief period, the Prowler identity was co-opted by a man named Rick Lawson. He was a medical intern who stole the costume from Hobie Brown's apartment after Hobie was paralyzed during the //Great Game// storyline. Lawson, however, was unskilled and reckless. He attempted to use the suit for his own selfish gains and was easily defeated by Spider-Man. Later, he was captured by Roderick Kingsley, the original [[hobgoblin|Hobgoblin]], who brainwashed him and sold the Prowler franchise to another criminal. Lawson's tenure was short and unremarkable, serving mostly to highlight that the suit is nothing without the skill and intellect of Hobie Brown. ==== Spider-Punk (Hobie Brown of Earth-138) ==== While he does not use the Prowler identity, it is crucial to note this popular variant who shares the name **Hobie Brown**. Appearing in the //Spider-Verse// comics and prominently in the film //Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse//, this Hobie is Spider-Man, a punk rock revolutionary fighting against a totalitarian regime. He is anarchic, anti-establishment, and visually defined by his spiked mohawk mask and electric guitar. He is a completely different character from the 616 Prowler, but their shared name can be a source of confusion. This version highlights the multiversal nature of Marvel, where a name can be attached to vastly different heroic concepts. ===== See Also ===== * [[spider-man]] * [[miles_morales]] * [[kingpin]] * [[parker_industries]] * [[silver_sable]] ===== Notes and Trivia ===== ((The original design for the Prowler was allegedly based on a concept sketch by a teenage John Romita Jr.)) ((Hobie Brown briefly took on the identity of **The Hornet** during the //Identity Crisis// storyline, using a jetpack and sedative darts designed by Peter Parker.)) ((In the video game //Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales//, Aaron Davis's Prowler is a central character. The game explores his complex relationship with Miles post-//Into the Spider-Verse// and has him acting as a reluctant, tech-based vigilante trying to protect his nephew.)) ((Donald Glover's casting as Aaron Davis in //Spider-Man: Homecoming// was a nod to the fact that his likeness was used as inspiration for the creation of Miles Morales in the Ultimate Comics.)) ((The Prowler's distinct sound effect in //Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse// was created by distorting the sound of an elephant's trumpet call, designed to be unsettling and animalistic.)) ((Despite his many heroic acts, Hobie Brown has maintained a complicated relationship with the law and other heroes, who sometimes still view him with suspicion due to his origins.)) ((Source Material: //The Amazing Spider-Man// #78-79, #93; //The Prowler// (1994 limited series); //The Sensational Spider-Man// #25; //The Amazing Spider-Man// (2015 series, Vol. 4); //Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man// (2011 series, Vol. 2).))