Spider-Man (Pavitr Prabhakar): Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Alternate version of Spider-Man in an Indian setting}}
{{Short description|Marvel Comics superhero}}
{{Infobox comics character
{{Infobox comics character
|character_name = Spider-Man
| character_name = Pavitr Prabhakar<br>{{small|Spider-Man}}
|image          = File:Spider-Man India.jpg
| image          = Spider-Man (Pavitr Prabhakar).png
|converted      = y
| converted      = y
|caption        = An Indian version of [[Spider-Man]]
| caption        = Spider-Man (Pavitr Prabhakar) taken from the cover of ''[[Spider-Man: India]]'' #2 (February 2005)<br>Art by [[Jeevan Kang|Jeevan J. Kang]].
|alter_ego      = Pavitr Prabhakar
| alter_ego      = Pavitr Prabhakar
|publisher      = [[Marvel Comics]]
| publisher      = [[Marvel Comics]]
|debut          = ''[[Spider-Man: India]]'' #1 (January 2005)
| debut          = ''[[Spider-Man: India]]'' #1 (2004)<ref name=K>{{cite web | url=https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/86/spider-man_india_2004_1 | title=Spider-Man: India (2004) #1 &#124; Comic Issues &#124; Marvel }}</ref><ref name=Kundan>{{cite web | url=https://readcomiconline.li/Comic/Spider-Man-India/Issue-1?id=62205 | title=Spider-Man: India (2004) Issue #1 - Read Spider-Man: India (2004) Issue #1 comic online in high quality }}</ref>
|creators      = [[Sharad Devarajan]]<br />Jeevan Kang<br />Suresh Seetharaman
| creators      = {{Plainlist|
|alliances      =
* [[Jeevan Kang|Jeevan J. Kang]]
|powers        =
* Suresh Seetharaman
|cat            =
* [[Sharad Devarajan]]}}
|subcat        = Marvel Comics
| species        = [[Mutation|Human mutate]]
|hero          = y
| alliances      =
|sortkey        = Spider-Man
| cat            =
| subcat        = Marvel Comics
| hero          = y
| sortkey        = Spider-Man
| powers        =
Superhuman strength, speed, agility, reflexes, durability, and balance
* Ability to cling to solid surfaces
* Expert [[hand to hand combat|hand-to-hand combatant]]
* Acrobatics
| supports      = *Meera Jain ''(Indian alternate version of [[Mary Jane Watson]])''
*Uncle Bhim ''(Indian alternate universe of [[Uncle Ben]])''
*Aunt Maya ''(Indian alternate version of [[Aunt May]])''
| IOM_partners  = {{Plainlist|
* [[Gwen Stacy#Spider-Verse|Gayatri Singh]] (girlfriend)
* [[George Stacy#Inspector Singh|Inspector Singh]] (police chief)
* [[Gwen Stacy (Spider-Verse)|Spider-Woman]]
* [[Miles Morales (Spider-Verse)|Miles Morales]]
* [[Peter B. Parker (Spider-Verse)|Spider-Man]]
* [[Spider-Punk]]
* [[Peni Parker|SP//dr]]
* [[Spider-Ham]]
* [[Spider-Man Noir]]
}}
}}
'''Spider-Man''' ('''Pavitr Prabhakar''') is a fictional character. An [[Alternative versions of Spider-Man|alternate version]] of [[Spider-Man]] debuting in ''[[Spider-Man: India]]'', a comic book that originally published in [[India]] by [[Gotham Entertainment Group]] in 2004, retelling the story of Spider-Man in an Indian setting.<ref name="India">''Spider-Man: India'' #1-4</ref><ref> [https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4271120 "Spider-Man, Swinging Through India"]. [[NPR]]. January 6, 2005</ref><ref>Overdorf, Jason. [http://www.newsweek.com/2004/07/25/a-multicultural-web.html# "A MULTICULTURAL WEB"]. ''[[Newsweek International]]''. July 25, 2004</ref><ref> Sandhu, Sukhdev. [https://web.archive.org/web/20081122070733/http://newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/arts/comics/9600/ "World Wide Web"]. ''[[New York Magazine]]'' May 21, 2005 </ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3836797.stm "Spider-Man gets Indian make-over"]. [[BBC News]]. June 24, 2004</ref>
| homeworld      = [[Mumbai]]/[[Manhattan|Mumbattan]], [[India]]
}}
'''Spider-Man''' is a superhero appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]] in collaboration with [[Gotham Entertainment Group|Gotham Entertainment]]. Pavitr Prabhakar is an Indian [[Alternative versions of Spider-Man|alternate version]] of [[Spider-Man]] who lives in [[Mumbai]], [[India]].<ref>{{Cite book |author=Jeevan Kang |title=Spider-Man: India |publisher=[[Marvel Comics]] |edition=1 |pages=1, 5 |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Who is Spider-Man India in Across the Spider-Verse? Pavitr Prabhakar explained |url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-who-is-spider-man-india-in-across-the-spider-verse-pavitr-prabhakar-explained-598127 |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=WION |date=30 May 2023 |language=en-us}}</ref>
 
In the [[Marvel Comics universe]], Spider-Man lives on Earth-50101. His secret identity is Pavitr Prabhakar, a shy high school student living with his Aunt Maya and Uncle Bhim in [[Mumbai]]. He has several supporting characters, such as [[Mary Jane Watson|Meera Jain]], [[Flash Thompson]], [[Norman Osborn|Nalin Oberoi]], and [[Doctor Octopus]]. Pavitr moved to Mumbai from a small village. Despite financial struggles, his uncle was determined for him to receive a good education at the Heritage International School, one of the top schools in Mumbai.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}
 
Pavitr was often bullied in school for being from a village and wearing a [[dhoti]]. A [[Yogi]] gives him the magical powers of a spider, which he uses to fight Nalin Oberoi, an evil businessman searching for a powerful, magical amulet. In his quest, Oberoi destroys Pavitr's village, killing everyone. As Spider-Man, Pavitr defeats Oberoi and hands him over to the police.<ref>{{Cite book |title=[[Spider-Man: India]] #1, #2, #3 and #4 |publisher=[[Marvel Comics]] |date=2004–2005 |edition=1 |location=[[New York City|New York]], USA |language=English |issue=1, 2, 3, 4}}</ref>
 
Pavitr "Pav" Prabhakar / Spider-Man India made his cinematic debut in the 2023 animated feature film ''[[Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse]]'', voiced by [[Karan Soni]] in [[English language|English]]. He is depicted as a member of [[Miguel O'Hara]]'s Spider-Society.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Atal |first=Raj |date=2023-05-19 |title=Who Is Indian Spiderman Pavitr Prabhakar? Comic Origin, Powers & Abilities, And Weakness Explained |url=https://superheromaniac.com/indian-spiderman-pavitr-prabhakar-origin/ |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=Superhero Maniac |language=en-US}}</ref> He is set to reappear in the film's sequel, ''[[Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse]]''.
 
==Publishing history==
Pavitr Prabhakar first appeared in ''[[Spider-Man: India]]'' #1 (January 2005).<ref name="India">''Spider-Man: India'' #1-4</ref><ref>[https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4271120 "Spider-Man, Swinging Through India"]. [[NPR]]. January 6, 2005</ref><ref>Overdorf, Jason. [http://www.newsweek.com/2004/07/25/a-multicultural-web.html# "A Multicultural Web"]. ''[[Newsweek International]]''. July 25, 2004</ref><ref>Sandhu, Sukhdev. [https://web.archive.org/web/20081122070733/http://newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/arts/comics/9600/ "World Wide Web"]. ''[[New York Magazine]]''. May 21, 2005</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3836797.stm "Spider-Man Gets Indian Makeover"]. [[BBC News]]. June 24, 2004</ref> Marvel created this Indian version in collaboration with the [[Gotham Entertainment Group]], with Debdatta Das as a co-creator.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-05-26 |title='We had Spider-Man celebrate Diwali, swing from Gateway of India' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/art-culture/sharad-devarajan-co-creating-the-indian-spider-man-and-building-a-comic-book-empire-to-inspire-the-world-101685113274045.html |access-date=2023-06-06 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==
Pavitr Prabhakar, a simple Indian boy from a remote village, moves to [[Mumbai]] with his Aunt Maya and Uncle Bhim to study after getting half a scholarship. His parents died some years ago. Other students at his new school tease him and beat him for his studious nature and simple background. He knows his Uncle Bhim is struggling to support him and his aunt Maya, and pay his school fees. Only Meera Jain, a popular girl from his school, befriends him. Meanwhile, a local [[Boss (crime)|crime lord]] named Nalin Oberoi uses an amulet to perform an ancient ritual in which he is possessed by a [[demon]] committed to opening a gate for other demons to invade Earth. While being chased by bullies, Pavitr Prabhakar encounters an ancient [[yogi]] who grants him the powers of a [[spider]] to fight the evil that threatens the world. While discovering his powers, Pavitr Prabhakar refuses to help a woman being attacked by several men. He leaves the place, but comes back when he hears his uncle cry out, and discovers that he has been slain. He learns that Bhim was stabbed when he tried to help the woman. Pavitr Prabhakar understands that with great power comes great responsibility, and swears to use his powers for the good of others.<ref name="India"/>
Pavitr Prabhakar, an Indian boy from a remote village, moves to [[Mumbai]] with the encouragement of his aunt Maya and Uncle Bhim after receiving a partial scholarship to attend Heritage International School, a prestigious academy. At school, he is frequently bullied for his rural background. His uncle urges him to endure the challenges and stay in school, believing in his potential. A popular girl, Meera Jain, befriends him after they bond over their shared experience of moving to the city from a small village.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}
 
Meanwhile, a local [[Boss (crime)|crime lord]] named Nalin Oberoi uses an amulet to perform an ancient ritual, becoming possessed by a [[demon]] intent on opening a gate for other demons to invade Earth. While being chased by bullies, Pavitr encounters an ancient [[yogi]] who grants him the powers of a [[spider]] to combat the evil threatening the world. Pavitr dons the iconic Spider-Man costume and tests his new abilities, such as creating webs and clinging to walls. While exploring his powers, Pavitr witnesses a woman being attacked but dismisses it, thinking the police will intervene. Unbeknownst to him, his uncle attempts to help the woman and is fatally injured. Hearing his uncle's cry, Pavitr rushes to the scene, but it's too late. Overcome with grief, he confronts the attackers, nearly killing them before regaining control. He then realises that with great power comes great responsibility, and vows to use his abilities to protect others.<ref name="India" />


Nalin Oberoi briefly becomes human again and transforms a mild-mannered [[Physician|doctor]] into a demon with four magical tentacles (the Indian version of Doctor Octopus) and sends him to kill Spider-Man, as instructed by the demon voices. "Doc Ock" fails, and Spider-Man makes his public debut as a hero. The newspapers, however, label him as a threat.<ref name="India"/>
Nalin Oberoi briefly reverts to human form and transforms a mild-mannered [[Physician|doctor]] into a demon with four magical tentacles (the Indian version of [[Doctor Octopus]]), sending him to kill Spider-Man as instructed by the demon voices. "Doc Ock" fails, and Spider-Man makes his public debut as a hero. However, the newspapers label him a threat.<ref name="India"/>


Oberoi kidnaps Pavitr Prabhakar's aunt, taking her to a refinery outside Mumbai. There he betrays Doctor Octopus, blasting him into the ocean. Spider-Man arrives and fights Oberoi, who has also kidnapped Meera. He drops both Maya and Meera from the top of the refinery. Spider-Man dives for his aunt, but fails to rescue Meera, who is saved by Doctor Octopus. Pavitr reveals his identity to Meera and asks her to take his aunt to safety.<ref name="India"/>
Oberoi kidnaps Pavitr's aunt and takes her to a refinery outside Mumbai. There, he betrays Doctor Octopus, blasting him into the ocean. Spider-Man arrives to fight Oberoi, who has also kidnapped Meera. Oberoi drops both Maya and Meera from the top of the refinery. Spider-Man dives to save his aunt but fails to rescue Meera, who is saved by Doctor Octopus. Pavitr reveals his identity to Meera and asks her to take his aunt to safety.<ref name="India"/>


Oberoi gets rid of Doctor Octopus for good and touches Spider-Man with the amulet. A [[Venom (Marvel Comics character)|Venom]]-like creature emerges from the amulet and tries to lure Spider-Man to the dark side. Pavitr remembers his uncle's saying about responsibility and rejects the evil, shattering the link between the demons and Oberoi and making Oberoi human again. Spider-Man throws the amulet into the ocean and Oberoi is sent to a mental institution.<ref name="India"/>
Oberoi finally eliminates Doctor Octopus and touches Spider-Man with the amulet. A [[Venom (character)|Venom]]-like creature emerges from the amulet, attempting to lure Spider-Man to the dark side. Pavitr remembers his uncle's words about responsibility and rejects the evil, shattering the link between Oberoi and the demons, turning Oberoi human again. Spider-Man throws the amulet into the ocean, and Oberoi is sent to a mental institution.<ref name="India"/>


Peace is restored to Mumbai eventually. Pavitr Prabhakar begins a romance with Meera, and is shown celebrating the festival [[Diwali]] with his aunt. The story ends with a quote from the [[Bhagavad Gita]], showing the Venom-Demon still alive.<ref name="India"/>
Peace returns to Mumbai. Pavitr begins a romance with Meera and is seen celebrating [[Diwali]] with his aunt. The story concludes with a quote from the [[Bhagavad Gita]], hinting that the Venom-Demon is alive.<ref name="India"/>


===Spider-Verse===
===''Spider-Verse''===
During the ''[[Spider-Verse]]'' storyline, which featured Spider-Men from various alternate realities, Pavitr Prabhakar was seen fighting a mysterious new villain named Karn, whom he mistook for a demon. [[The Superior Spider-Man]] ([[Doctor Octopus]]' mind in Peter Parker's body) managed to save him and recruited him into his army of Spiders.<ref>''The Superior Spider-Man'' #32</ref> In the second volume of ''Spider-Verse'' set during the ''[[Secret Wars (2015 comic book)|Secret Wars]]'' event, Pavitr Prabhakar found himself in the domain of the [[Battleworld]] called Arachnia, where he teamed up with [[Spider-Gwen]], [[Spider-Ham]], [[Marvel Noir#Spider-Man Noir|Spider-Man Noir]], [[Captain Britain Corps|Spider-UK]] and [[Anya Corazon]], though none of them remembered their previous encounter during the original ''Spider-Verse''.
During the ''[[Spider-Verse]]'' storyline, which featured Spider-Men from various alternate realities, Pavitr Prabhakar fought a mysterious new villain named [[Karn (comics)|Karn]], whom he mistook for a demon. [[The Superior Spider-Man]] ([[Doctor Octopus]]' mind in Peter Parker's body) saved him and recruited him into his army of Spiders.<ref>''The Superior Spider-Man'' #32</ref> In the second volume of ''Spider-Verse'', set during the ''[[Secret Wars (2015 comic book)|Secret Wars]]'' event, Pavitr found himself in the domain of [[Battleworld]] called Arachnia, where he teamed up with [[Spider-Gwen]], [[Spider-Ham]], [[Spider-Man Noir]], [[Spider-UK]], and [[Anya Corazon]], although none of them remembered their previous encounter during the original ''Spider-Verse''. {{Citation needed|date= June 2024}}


Following the conclusion of ''Secret Wars'' the team of six Spiders that formed during the event will rename itself and feature in a new ongoing series called ''Web Warriors'', a name coined by Peter Parker from the ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]'' TV series during the original ''Spider-Verse''.<ref name="bleedingcool.com">http://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/06/29/spider-gwen-stars-in-web-warriors-launched-by-mike-costa-and-david-baldeon-marveloctober/</ref>
Following the conclusion of ''Secret Wars,'' the team of six Spiders that formed during the event was renamed and featured in a new ongoing series called ''Web Warriors'', a name coined by Peter Parker from the ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]'' TV series during the original ''Spider-Verse''.<ref name="bleedingcool.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/06/29/spider-gwen-stars-in-web-warriors-launched-by-mike-costa-and-david-baldeon-marveloctober/|title = Spider-Gwen Stars in Web Warriors Launched by Mike Costa and David Baldeon #MarvelOctober (UPDATE)|date = 29 June 2015}}</ref>


===Spider-Geddon===
===''Spider-Geddon''===
During the "[[Spider-Geddon]]" storyline, Pavitr has been keeping surveillance on Earth-3145 with the help of Spider-Girl, [[Prowler (Marvel Comics)|Spider-Punk]], Spider-UK, and Master Weaver. They find that the Inheritors have become malnourished since they were last seen.<ref>''Spider-Geddon'' #0. Marvel Comics.</ref>
During the ''[[Spider-Geddon]]'' storyline, Pavitr, along with Spider-Girl, [[Spider-Punk]], Spider-UK, and [[Master Weaver]], has been monitoring Earth-3145. They discover that the Inheritors have become malnourished since their last appearance.<ref>''Spider-Geddon'' #0. Marvel Comics.</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
===Film===
[[File:Spider-Man (Pavitr Prabhakar) Film Character.jpeg|thumb|right|upright|Pavitr Prabhakar as he appears in ''Across the Spider-Verse''.]]
* Pavitr "Pav" Prabhakar / Spider-Man India appears in ''[[Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse]]'' (2023), voiced by [[Karan Soni]]. This version is a member of [[Miguel O'Hara]]'s Spider Society and a friend of [[Spider-Punk]] and [[Gwen Stacy (Spider-Verse)|Spider-Woman]]. He lives in Mumbattan, an Indian city based on Mumbai and [[Manhattan]], and is dating [[George Stacy#Film|Inspector Singh]]'s daughter, [[Gwen Stacy#Spider-Verse|Gayatri]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Polo |first1=Susana |last2=Patches |first2=Matt |last3=McWhertor |first3=Michael |date=2022-12-13 |title=Every new Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse character, explained |url=https://www.polygon.com/23505869/spider-man-across-spiderverse-characters-cast |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en-US|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20221213214905/https://www.polygon.com/23505869/spider-man-across-spiderverse-characters-cast|archive-date=2022-12-13}}</ref> His fighting style is inspired by the Indian martial art [[kalaripayattu]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Did you know Indian Spider-Man Pavitr Prabhakar's signature moves were inspired from Kalaripayattu? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/hollywood/news/did-you-know-indian-spider-man-pavitr-prabhakars-signature-moves-were-inspired-from-kalaripayattu/articleshow/100794323.cms |website=The Times of India |date=6 June 2023}}</ref>
** Pavitr was also voiced in [[Hindi]] and [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] by cricketer [[Shubman Gill]].
** Pavitr Prabhakar is set to return in the upcoming sequel ''[[Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse]]'' (2027).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-08-09 |title=Karan Soni: Deadpool and Spider-Man have a special relationship in the comics; it will be used at some point - EXCLUSIVE |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/hollywood/news/karan-soni-deadpool-and-spider-man-have-such-a-special-relationship-in-the-comics-it-will-be-used-at-some-point-exclusive/articleshow/112409405.cms |access-date=2024-08-10 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
===Video games===
===Video games===
* Pavitr Prabhakar appears as a playable character in the ''[[Spider-Man Unlimited (video game)|Spider-Man Unlimited]]'' video game.
* Pavitr Prabhakar appears as an unlockable playable character in ''[[Spider-Man Unlimited (video game)|Spider-Man Unlimited]]''.
* Pavitr Prabhakar appears as an unlockable playable character in ''[[Marvel Strike Force]]''.<ref name="Strike Force">{{cite web |last1=Hashimoto |first1=Marika |title=The Spider-Society Arrives on 'MARVEL Strike Force' to Save the Multiverse |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/games/marvel-strike-force-spider-society-spider-man-across-the-spider-verse |website=[[Marvel.com]] |access-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511035733/https://www.marvel.com/articles/games/marvel-strike-force-spider-society-spider-man-across-the-spider-verse |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |date=April 19, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>


== Reception ==
==Reception==
James Whitbrook of [[io9]] placed Pavitr as number fourteen as the greatest alternate take of Spider-Man. Explaining that he "shares much in common with the general Spider-Man legacy, but he’s probably the best example of a foreign Spider-Man Marvel's ever attempted." Ryan Linch of ''[[Screen Rant]]'' placed Pavitr as number ten, opining that the character "has some really clever deviations from his American counterparts, but still retains everything that makes Spider-Man great."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Whitbrook|first1=James|title=The Greatest Spider-Men of All Time, Ranked|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-greatest-spider-men-of-all-time-ranked-1796693647|website=[[io9]]|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=11 Best Alternate Versions of Spider-Man|url=https://screenrant.com/marvel-spider-man-civil-war-best-alternate-versions/|website=[[Screen Rant]]|access-date=4 January 2018|date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
James Whitbrook of [[io9]] ranked Pavitr fourteenth among the greatest alternate versions of Spider-Man, stating that he "shares much in common with the general Spider-Man legacy, but he's probably the best example of a foreign Spider-Man Marvel's ever attempted." Ryan Linch of ''[[Screen Rant]]'' ranked Pavitr tenth, noting that the character "has some really clever deviations from his American counterparts, but still retains everything that makes Spider-Man great."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Whitbrook|first1=James|title=The Greatest Spider-Men of All Time, Ranked|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-greatest-spider-men-of-all-time-ranked-1796693647|website=[[io9]]|date=7 July 2017 |access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=11 Best Alternate Versions of Spider-Man|url=https://screenrant.com/marvel-spider-man-civil-war-best-alternate-versions/|website=[[Screen Rant]]|access-date=4 January 2018|date=26 April 2016}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{Spider-Man characters}}
{{Spider-Man characters}}


[[Category:Alternative versions of Spider-Man]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 2004]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 2004]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with precognition]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with precognition]]
[[Category:Hindu superheroes]]
[[Category:Indian superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with spider powers]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics mutates]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics mutates]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:Fictional Indian people]]
[[Category:Alternative versions of Spider-Man|Prabhakar, Pavitr]]
[[Category:Indian superheroes]]
[[Category:Spider-Man characters]]
[[Category:Spider-Man characters]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Prabhakar, Pavitr}}

Latest revision as of 20:18, 29 March 2026


Template:Infobox comics character Spider-Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics in collaboration with Gotham Entertainment. Pavitr Prabhakar is an Indian alternate version of Spider-Man who lives in Mumbai, India.[1][2]

In the Marvel Comics universe, Spider-Man lives on Earth-50101. His secret identity is Pavitr Prabhakar, a shy high school student living with his Aunt Maya and Uncle Bhim in Mumbai. He has several supporting characters, such as Meera Jain, Flash Thompson, Nalin Oberoi, and Doctor Octopus. Pavitr moved to Mumbai from a small village. Despite financial struggles, his uncle was determined for him to receive a good education at the Heritage International School, one of the top schools in Mumbai.[citation needed]

Pavitr was often bullied in school for being from a village and wearing a dhoti. A Yogi gives him the magical powers of a spider, which he uses to fight Nalin Oberoi, an evil businessman searching for a powerful, magical amulet. In his quest, Oberoi destroys Pavitr's village, killing everyone. As Spider-Man, Pavitr defeats Oberoi and hands him over to the police.[3]

Pavitr "Pav" Prabhakar / Spider-Man India made his cinematic debut in the 2023 animated feature film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, voiced by Karan Soni in English. He is depicted as a member of Miguel O'Hara's Spider-Society.[4] He is set to reappear in the film's sequel, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.

Publishing history[edit | edit source]

Pavitr Prabhakar first appeared in Spider-Man: India #1 (January 2005).[5][6][7][8][9] Marvel created this Indian version in collaboration with the Gotham Entertainment Group, with Debdatta Das as a co-creator.[10]

Fictional character biography[edit | edit source]

Pavitr Prabhakar, an Indian boy from a remote village, moves to Mumbai with the encouragement of his aunt Maya and Uncle Bhim after receiving a partial scholarship to attend Heritage International School, a prestigious academy. At school, he is frequently bullied for his rural background. His uncle urges him to endure the challenges and stay in school, believing in his potential. A popular girl, Meera Jain, befriends him after they bond over their shared experience of moving to the city from a small village.[citation needed]

Meanwhile, a local crime lord named Nalin Oberoi uses an amulet to perform an ancient ritual, becoming possessed by a demon intent on opening a gate for other demons to invade Earth. While being chased by bullies, Pavitr encounters an ancient yogi who grants him the powers of a spider to combat the evil threatening the world. Pavitr dons the iconic Spider-Man costume and tests his new abilities, such as creating webs and clinging to walls. While exploring his powers, Pavitr witnesses a woman being attacked but dismisses it, thinking the police will intervene. Unbeknownst to him, his uncle attempts to help the woman and is fatally injured. Hearing his uncle's cry, Pavitr rushes to the scene, but it's too late. Overcome with grief, he confronts the attackers, nearly killing them before regaining control. He then realises that with great power comes great responsibility, and vows to use his abilities to protect others.[5]

Nalin Oberoi briefly reverts to human form and transforms a mild-mannered doctor into a demon with four magical tentacles (the Indian version of Doctor Octopus), sending him to kill Spider-Man as instructed by the demon voices. "Doc Ock" fails, and Spider-Man makes his public debut as a hero. However, the newspapers label him a threat.[5]

Oberoi kidnaps Pavitr's aunt and takes her to a refinery outside Mumbai. There, he betrays Doctor Octopus, blasting him into the ocean. Spider-Man arrives to fight Oberoi, who has also kidnapped Meera. Oberoi drops both Maya and Meera from the top of the refinery. Spider-Man dives to save his aunt but fails to rescue Meera, who is saved by Doctor Octopus. Pavitr reveals his identity to Meera and asks her to take his aunt to safety.[5]

Oberoi finally eliminates Doctor Octopus and touches Spider-Man with the amulet. A Venom-like creature emerges from the amulet, attempting to lure Spider-Man to the dark side. Pavitr remembers his uncle's words about responsibility and rejects the evil, shattering the link between Oberoi and the demons, turning Oberoi human again. Spider-Man throws the amulet into the ocean, and Oberoi is sent to a mental institution.[5]

Peace returns to Mumbai. Pavitr begins a romance with Meera and is seen celebrating Diwali with his aunt. The story concludes with a quote from the Bhagavad Gita, hinting that the Venom-Demon is alive.[5]

Spider-Verse[edit | edit source]

During the Spider-Verse storyline, which featured Spider-Men from various alternate realities, Pavitr Prabhakar fought a mysterious new villain named Karn, whom he mistook for a demon. The Superior Spider-Man (Doctor Octopus' mind in Peter Parker's body) saved him and recruited him into his army of Spiders.[11] In the second volume of Spider-Verse, set during the Secret Wars event, Pavitr found himself in the domain of Battleworld called Arachnia, where he teamed up with Spider-Gwen, Spider-Ham, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-UK, and Anya Corazon, although none of them remembered their previous encounter during the original Spider-Verse. [citation needed]

Following the conclusion of Secret Wars, the team of six Spiders that formed during the event was renamed and featured in a new ongoing series called Web Warriors, a name coined by Peter Parker from the Ultimate Spider-Man TV series during the original Spider-Verse.[12]

Spider-Geddon[edit | edit source]

During the Spider-Geddon storyline, Pavitr, along with Spider-Girl, Spider-Punk, Spider-UK, and Master Weaver, has been monitoring Earth-3145. They discover that the Inheritors have become malnourished since their last appearance.[13]

In other media[edit | edit source]

Film[edit | edit source]

Pavitr Prabhakar as he appears in Across the Spider-Verse.

Video games[edit | edit source]

Reception[edit | edit source]

James Whitbrook of io9 ranked Pavitr fourteenth among the greatest alternate versions of Spider-Man, stating that he "shares much in common with the general Spider-Man legacy, but he's probably the best example of a foreign Spider-Man Marvel's ever attempted." Ryan Linch of Screen Rant ranked Pavitr tenth, noting that the character "has some really clever deviations from his American counterparts, but still retains everything that makes Spider-Man great."[18][19]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Jeevan Kang. Spider-Man: India (1 ed.). Marvel Comics. pp. 1, 5.
  2. ↑ "Who is Spider-Man India in Across the Spider-Verse? Pavitr Prabhakar explained". WION. 30 May 2023. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
  3. ↑ Spider-Man: India #1, #2, #3 and #4 (1 ed.). New York, USA: Marvel Comics. 2004–2005.
  4. ↑ Atal, Raj (2023-05-19). "Who Is Indian Spiderman Pavitr Prabhakar? Comic Origin, Powers & Abilities, And Weakness Explained". Superhero Maniac. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Spider-Man: India #1-4
  6. ↑ "Spider-Man, Swinging Through India". NPR. January 6, 2005
  7. ↑ Overdorf, Jason. "A Multicultural Web". Newsweek International. July 25, 2004
  8. ↑ Sandhu, Sukhdev. "World Wide Web". New York Magazine. May 21, 2005
  9. ↑ "Spider-Man Gets Indian Makeover". BBC News. June 24, 2004
  10. ↑ "'We had Spider-Man celebrate Diwali, swing from Gateway of India'". Hindustan Times. 2023-05-26. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  11. ↑ The Superior Spider-Man #32
  12. ↑ "Spider-Gwen Stars in Web Warriors Launched by Mike Costa and David Baldeon #MarvelOctober (UPDATE)". 29 June 2015.
  13. ↑ Spider-Geddon #0. Marvel Comics.
  14. ↑ Polo, Susana; Patches, Matt; McWhertor, Michael (2022-12-13). "Every new Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse character, explained". Polygon. Archived from the original on 2022-12-13. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
  15. ↑ "Did you know Indian Spider-Man Pavitr Prabhakar's signature moves were inspired from Kalaripayattu?". The Times of India. 6 June 2023.
  16. ↑ "Karan Soni: Deadpool and Spider-Man have a special relationship in the comics; it will be used at some point - EXCLUSIVE". The Times of India. 2024-08-09. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
  17. ↑ Hashimoto, Marika (April 19, 2024). "The Spider-Society Arrives on 'MARVEL Strike Force' to Save the Multiverse". Marvel.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  18. ↑ Whitbrook, James (7 July 2017). "The Greatest Spider-Men of All Time, Ranked". io9. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  19. ↑ "11 Best Alternate Versions of Spider-Man". Screen Rant. 26 April 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018.

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