5 Things You Should Know About The Indian Spider-Man
Fans of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man are having the time of their lives with Spider-Man: No Way Home releasing in a few days. To top that, the first trailer of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Part One was released recently that has hyped the fans to another level. The sequel to the critically acclaimed Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the animated masterpiece is slated to release in October. However, the first trailer revealed some exciting things for the future, apart from Spider-Man 2099 fighting Miles Morales, and the return of Spider-Gwen. In the trailer, Miles Morales jumps across the multiverse Spider-Verse while trying to ward off Spider-Man 2099. Interestingly, in his journey, a brief glimpse of Mumbai, the financial capital of India is shown that has led to speculations of the arrival of another electrifying version of Spider-Man from India, Pavitr Prabhakar. While it is yet to be shown if this version of Spider-Man will appear in the sequel, here are 5 interesting facts you should know about the Indian Spider-Man:
Related: 10 Creepiest Spider-Man Villains, Ranked
1. Who is Pavitr Prabhakar?
Pavitr Prabhakar, a play on the name Peter Parker, almost follows the same origin story of Peter Parker in the comics. Born to a poor family, Prabhakar lives with Uncle Bhim (Ben) and Aunt Maya (May) in Mumbai after losing his parents at a young age. A gifted yet shy boy, Prabhakar is often bullied in his school for being a studious kid, a trait he shares with Peter Parker.
2. Origin of Powers
While most of the storyline of this character is quite similar to Peter Parker, Pavitr Prabhakar’s origin of powers is slightly different from his American counterpart. Instead of getting his powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider, he gains his powers from a mystic yogi/saint to fight the evil unleashed by his nemesis. However, in spite of gaining his powers, Prabhakar initially hesitates to save a woman who is being attacked by several men. Unbeknownst to him, his hesitance leads to the death of Uncle Bhim who heroically tries to save the woman. With his uncle’s death, Prabhakar finally understands that with great power comes great responsibility.
3. Nemesis
While Peter Parker’s rogue gallery is filled with some iconic villains, no one comes close to the hatred that Green Goblin harbors for Spider-Man. Similarly, Prabhakar finds his arch-nemesis in Nalin Oberoi (Norman Osborn), a wealthy industrialist who is possessed by a demonic entity who wants to open the portal for demons to Earth. In the comics, Nalin Oberoi also uses his powers to transform his personal doctor into Doctor Octopus to kill Pavitr Prabhakar, as instructed by the demonic entity.
4. Love Interest
Prior to becoming the Indian Spider-Man, Prabhakar had a tough time in his school. However, only a single girl named Meera Jain (Mary Jane) befriended the shy and studious kid in the school. In a twist of events, Meera Jain is kidnapped by Nalin Oberoi along with Aunt Maya to lure out Pavitr Prabhakar. While trying to save both Meera and Maya, Pavitr Prabhakar reveals his identity to Meera, and thus wins her heart in the end.
5. Appearance in Spider-Verse
Related: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: Is Miles Morales In The Same Universe As No Way Home?
In the Spider-Verse storyline, the Indian Spider-Man makes an appearance when he is saved from almost certain death by the Superior Spider-Man. As the Inheritors try to kill every Spider-Totem across the multiverse, Prabhakar joins forces with various other versions of Spider-Men to save himself and others. Fortunately, he survives the multiversal war and returns to his universe to save the day once again.
