Spot (Marvel Comics)
Dr. Jonathan Ohnn, better known as the Spot, is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is primarily depicted as an enemy of Spider-Man.
Publication History
The Spot first appeared in Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #97 (December 1984), and was created by writer Al Milgrom and artist Herb Trimpe. He was initially conceived as a relatively minor threat, but over time has developed a more prominent, albeit often comedic, role in the Spider-Man mythos.
Fictional Character Biography
Jonathan Ohnn was a scientist working for Wilson Fisk (the Kingpin) attempting to replicate the teleportation abilities of Cloak. During an experiment involving a high-energy particle accelerator, Ohnn accidentally opened a portal to a different dimension, encountering numerous black spots that adhered to his body. Upon returning to his own dimension, Ohnn discovered that the spots granted him the ability to teleport himself and others through space. He subsequently adopted the identity of the Spot and embarked on a life of crime.
Powers and Abilities
The Spot's primary power derives from the black spots covering his body. These spots are portals to an alternate dimension that he can manipulate. He can remove the spots and place them on other surfaces, allowing him to teleport himself, other people, or objects across vast distances. He can also use the spots offensively, transporting parts of his opponents' bodies away or creating disorientation. The spots can also be used defensively, allowing him to evade attacks. His ability to control the number and placement of the spots grants him considerable tactical flexibility.
Weaknesses
The Spot's powers are not without limitations. He is dependent on having enough "spots" available to him. If all his spots are removed, he is essentially powerless. Additionally, prolonged or excessive use of his teleportation abilities can be physically and mentally taxing. The interdimensional nature of his powers can also make him vulnerable to certain types of energy manipulation.
Other Versions
The Spot has appeared in various alternate versions and realities within the Marvel Multiverse. These include appearances in the Ultimate Marvel universe and various "What If...?" scenarios. The specific details of his origin and abilities may vary slightly across these different incarnations.
In Other Media
The Spot has appeared in several animated television series featuring Spider-Man, often portrayed as a comedic villain. He also played a significant role in the animated film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023), where he was presented as a more formidable and central antagonist. His appearance in this film significantly increased his mainstream recognition.