Spider-Man’s infamous Spider-Mobile, a car created for the comics simply to sell Marvel toys, is finally back – and it actually makes sense this time.
Warning: contains spoilers for Spider-Punk #2!
Marvel’s Spider-Man is finally redeeming one of his worst-ever gadgets in comics: the infamous Spider-Mobile. The Silver and Bronze Age of Comics was full of heroes obtaining or inventing new devices to aid them in their crimefighting activities, from Iron Man’s many situation-specific armors to Superman’s own Super-Mobile (created after the success of Batman’s Batmobile). Spider-Man is no different, but after decades of ridicule, the vehicle returns in Spider-Punk #2 – with a twist that actually makes sense this time around.
The vehicle debuted in Amazing Spider-Man #126 when the fictional “Corona Motors” contacted Spider-Man to create a sponsored vehicle for him, covered with his image. While Peter Parker initially dismissed the idea, he reconsidered when he realized he couldn’t dismiss the money offered (Peter is in perpetual poverty). The Human Torch helped built the first version of the Spider-Mobile, complete with twin webshooters on the bonnet, oversized tires, and even an ejector seat. Spider-Man later battled his own automobile in Amazing Spider-Man #160 after the Tinkerer made several anti-Parker adjustments, and it was rarely seen again.
The Spider-Mobile negated one of Spider-Man’s most important aspects of his powers: the ability to swing through Manhattan at high speed with his webs. Nevertheless, the vehicle makes a grand return – of sorts – in Spider-Punk #2, written by Cody Ziglar with art by Justin Mason. In an alternate universe where Hobie Brown is the famed Spider-Punk who fights capitalist villains with a literal band of Avengers, the Spider-Mobile is turned into the much larger Spider-Van.
Unlike the Spider-Mobile, the Spider-Van actually has a purpose and can provide assistance in a way that Spider-Man cannot. The vehicle is clearly designed to haul multiple people and their musical equipment – which makes it a perfect fit for Spider-Punk’s rock band-themed friends, such as Captain Anarchy. Combat capabilities of the Spider-Van appear to be negligible, but that hardly matters; the Spider-Mobile only hampered Spider-Man, while the Spider-Van enhances his team. Additionally, it doesn’t appear to be pushed on Hobie Brown by any corporation – an aspect of the original Spider-Mobile that the rebellious Spider-Punk would surely loathe.
As a citizen of New York City, Spider-Man had little need for a car in his day-to-day life (and indeed, didn’t even know how to drive when the Human Torch finished the original car). Hobie clearly loves the idea of going ‘on tour’ with his friends in a car – an American symbol of freedom to many residents. Spider-Man’s worst gadget in one universe, the Spider-Mobile, might turn out to be his best in another.
