Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse introduced a whopping 280 distinct Spider-People. While some were linked to the comics, others took on fresh identities. Nevertheless, the story of Miles Morales remains deeply rooted in Spider-Lore. The film weaves together various comic book elements to craft a new and captivating narrative.
What unfolds for Miles Morales in Across the Spider-Verse remains aligned with Marvel Comics’ canon. However, the filmmakers couldn’t adapt the comic without adding their unique touch. Keen observers will notice divergences concerning Gwen, Miguel O’Hara, and Peter B. Parker.
Nevertheless, Across the Spider-Verse retains a solid foundation in the comics. The movie predominantly serves as a fusion of different segments of Spider-Man lore melded into a unified storyline. Rather than being solely based on a single Spider-Man comic, Across the Spider-Verse draws from multiple Spider-Man narratives. Writers Phil Lord and Chris Miller aim to present a tale centered around Miles Morales while encompassing elements from recent Spider-Man comics.
Miles Morales in the Comics
Miles Morales made his debut as Spider-Man in Ultimate Fallout #4 in 2011. He swiftly swung into action, rescuing the day from the clutches of the menacing villain Kangaroo. However, his decision to don the Spider-Man suit was met with reproach, primarily because, in this reality, Peter Parker had recently perished.
Miles’ origin story consistently serves as a substitute for Peter Parker’s. It revolves around a fateful mishap involving an experimental spider, which grants him extraordinary powers. In Across the Spider-Verse, this occurrence spans across universes, but in the comics, it remains confined to a more localized event.
On a particular day, Miles paid a visit to his Uncle Aaron—and as many of us know, his uncle’s true nature is revealed. Miles’ parents strongly discouraged him from associating with his uncle due to his reputation for criminal activities. Unbeknownst to Miles, the night before, Aaron sneaked into the abandoned, nefarious OsCorp labs to pilfer some technology. However, neither Aaron nor Miles was aware that a genetically enhanced spider had inadvertently stowed away in Aaron’s possession. While Miles was at his uncle’s place, the spider emerged from a bag and sank its fangs into him. Consequently, Miles acquired the full suite of powers showcased in the movie, including camouflage and a stun-gun-like ability.
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In the Marvel Comics continuity, Miles Morales’ story initially unfolded on Earth-1610 rather than Earth-616, which serves as the primary setting for Marvel’s main storyline. However, due to Miles’ popularity and the deconstruction of the multiverse, he was eventually integrated into Marvel Comics’ main universe. Furthermore, while Across the Spider-Verse portrays a story that traverses multiple universes, it is noteworthy that the spider responsible for biting Miles originated from Kingpin’s Alchemax operation. This creative choice by the writers likely facilitates the inclusion of Miguel O’Hara in the narrative, as it aligns more conveniently with his character.
Other Spider-People in Across the Spider-Verse
Among the diverse array of Spider-People featured in Across the Spider-Verse, several have been slightly modified or have forged their own unique narratives. One such example is Miguel O’Hara, also known as Spider-Man 2099. Miguel actually predates Miles Morales, making his first appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #365 in 1992. Subsequently, he was granted his own comic series, Spider-Man 2099, later that year.
In Miguel O’Hara’s story, he operates as Spider-Man in the year 2099, equipped with futuristic technology. In this future, the nefarious corporation Alchemax has seized control of the United States, producing everything from basic consumer goods to facilitating private space travel. The resemblance to our present world is intriguing. However, in the future timeline, Miguel O’Hara works tirelessly to counteract the malevolence inflicted upon the world by Alchemax.
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In Across the Spider-Verse, Miguel O’Hara assumes control of the Spider-Society and wields authority over the multiversal web known as The Web of Life and Destiny. This web, derived from the comics, typically falls under the purview of the Spider-Man villain Madame Web, who made her debut in The Amazing Spider-Man #210 in 1980. In Across the Spider-Verse, we witness a reversal of roles, as Miguel O’Hara takes on a villainous persona.
Gwen Stacy’s story diverges to some extent, though certain elements remain unchanged. In the Spider-Verse movies, her father, George Stacy, does not ascend to the position of NYPD captain as he does in the comics. However, he does attempt to apprehend his daughter, Gwen. While Gwen’s origin story receives only a brief mention in the Spider-Verse movies, the notable difference lies in her relationship with Miles.
Although they experienced a brief romantic connection in the comics, Gwen and Miles predominantly exist within their respective narrative realms and remain aware of each other’s existence. Gwen Stacy debuted as Spider-Woman in Edge of the Spider-Verse #2 in 2014, with her ongoing series, Spider-Gwen, launching a year later.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is currently playing in theaters.
