10 Ways to Be More Like Hobie Brown from Across the Spider-Verse!
You know em, you love em, it’s Hobie Brown ladies ‘n gentlemen!
The absolute unit of a Gent comes bursting onto the scene; oozing with charisma, rebellious, unapologetic individuality, and anarchist energy. We love to see it. We really do. We here at bottlerag.org strive for this type of mentality and you should too. You should practically consider this an addendum to our manifesto.
But being like Hobie isn’t just about smashing guitars or throwing molotov cocktails at fascists–it’s a way of life. So without further ado, here are 10 ways to channel your inner Spider-Punk and embody the radical freedom that makes Hobie such an icon.
1. Reject Authority, Embrace Autonomy
Hobie’s defining trait is his total rejection of authority. He doesn’t let anyone–be it Miguel O’Hara, society, or the system–dictate how he should live. To be more like Hobie, practice question authority in your own life. Ask yourself: Who makes the rules I follow? Are they serving me or controlling me? Whether it’s pushing back on workplace hierarchies, reevaluating societal expectations, or just refusing to conform for the sake of conformity, embracing autonomy is key.
But it’s not just about saying “no.” Hobie shows that rejecting authority is most powerful when paired with action–build something better in its place.
2. Get Creative with DSY (Doing Shit Yourself)
We see Hobie in his homemade costume, hand-stitched and patched together from scraps. His guitar looks as if it was assembled from found objects, adding to his raw and authentic aesthetic. To live like Hobie you got to get your hands dirty.
Start small:
- patch up old clothes instead of buying new ones
- make zines, paint murals, or create your own art
- learn to fix things rather than replace them
The DSY ethos isn’t just about being frugal, or cheap; it’s about taking control of production and rejecting corporate homogenization. Hobie wouldn’t wait for someone else to create what he needs–he’d make it himself!
3. Be Loud About What You Believe In
Hobie doesn’t just hate oppression; he lets the world know exactly where he stands. Whether it’s tearing down a fascist system or giving Miguel a hard time for his rigidity, Hobie uses his voice to disrupt and resist.
Being more like Hobie means standing firm in your beliefs and not being afraid to express them. Whether it’s through activism, social media, or conversations with friends, speak your truth. Bonus points if you can use art or music as your medium–Hobie’s guitar is as much a weapon as it is an instrument.
4. Build a Community, Not a Clique
Despite his punk, lone-wolf vibe, Hobie thrives on community. He genuinely cares about Miles Morales and the rest of the Spider gang, even if he acts aloof. He doesn’t gatekeep or judge based on superficial labels–if you’re down for the cause, you’re in.
To live like Hobie, focus on fostering inclusive, supportive communities. Whether it’s a collective for artists, a neighborhood group, or an activist organization, prioritize collaboration over competition. Remember, rebellion is strongest when it’s collective.
5. Challenge Hypocrisy Wherever You See It
Hobie has no patience for hypocrisy, and he’ll call you out with no hesitation. One standout moment is when he tells Miles, “I don’t follow orders,” while openly resisting Miguel O’Hara’s rigid, authoritarian approach to maintaining the Spider-Verse. Hobie’s entire vibe is about rejecting systems that try to control or manipulate people, even when those systems claim to be for the greater good.
To channel Hobie’s mindset, stay sharp and critical of the world around you. Look at whether systems, institutions, or even people are living up to their promises. For instance, does a workplace preaching “inclusivity” actually practice it, or is it all performative? Are the leaders in your community acting with integrity, or are they serving their own interests? Calling out hypocrisy isn’t about being confrontational for its own sake—it’s about making space for honesty and accountability.
6. Stay Unapologetically True to Yourself
Hobie doesn’t care what people think about him. And neither should you! He doesn’t tone down his personality to make others comfortable, nor does he feel the need to fit into anyone else’s definition of what Spider-Man–or a punk–should be.
Stop apologizing for being yourself. Wear what you want, say what you mean, and live authentically. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care about others’ feelings–it means you shouldn’t shrink yourself to meet their expectations.
7. Embrace Chaos as a Force for Change
This is the good shit. Hobie thrives in chaos–not because he’s reckless, but because he knows that sometimes the old systems need to be dismantled to make way for something better. Chaos, in this sense, is creative.
Adopting Hobie’s chaotic energy doesn’t mean being destructive for the sake of it; it means being unafraid to disrupt the status quo. Whether that’s through art, activism, or challenging outdated norms, remember that shaking things up is often the first step to meaningful change.
8. Cultivate a Killer Sense of Style
Alright girlies, let’s talk about Hobie’s aesthetic: mismatched patches, spikes, combat boots, and an overall vibe that screams “anti-establishment.” His look is as much a statement as his words or actions.
To channel Hobie’s style, don’t worry about following trends. Thrift your clothes, customize them, and let your wardrobe reflect your personality. Remember, your style is an extension of your voice—it can communicate rebellion, solidarity, and individuality without you saying a word.
9. Never Stop Learning (and Unlearning)
Hobie is sharp, informed, and always questioning. His intelligence isn’t just book smarts; it’s a deep understanding of how systems of power operate and how to subvert them. God I’m such a simp for this guy what the hell; dude was in the movie for 12 minutes and I’m this down bad.
Commit to this. Commit to a lifelong process of learning and unlearning. Read about history, activism, and movements that challenge oppression. At the same time, unlearn internalized biases and assumptions that might hold you back from being a true ally or advocate for change. (See: https://www.npr.org/2020/07/06/887646740/me-and-white-supremacy-helps-you-do-the-work-of-dismantling-racism)
10. Be a Friend Like Hobie
Hobie’s friendship with Miles is one of his standout traits. He sees Miles struggling with the lighting-hands-thingy and immediately offers him support–not through pity, but by empowering him. Hobie encourages Miles to think for himself and trust his instinct, even when everyone else is trying to box him in.
Be more like Hobie, be the kind of friend who uplifts others. Listen without judgment, encourage people to follow their own path, and help when it’s needed. And if someone’s trying to box them in? Remind them they don’t have to play by anyone’s rules.
Hobie Brown is more than a character–he’s an ethos. Being more like Hobie means embracing radical individuality, fostering community, and refusing to compromise your values. It’s about smashing the systems that hold people back and creating something better in their place (See bottlerag.org 🥳).
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