Spider-Man (Miles Morales)

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Spider-Man
Spider-man NU.jpg
Miles Morales as Spider-Man. Art by Sara Pichelli.
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Ultimate Fallout #4 (August 2011)
Created by Brian Michael Bendis (writer)
Sara Pichelli (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego Miles Morales
Team affiliations The Ultimates[1]
Abilities
  • Superhuman strength, speed, agility, stamina, reflexes, and endurance
  • Ability to cling to most surfaces
  • Precognitive Spider-Sense
  • Venom Strike
  • Invisibility
  • Able to shoot extremely strong spider-web strings from devices

Miles Morales is a fictional comic book superhero who appears in books published by Marvel Comics, in particular the monthly series Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man. The character was created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli, though both Bendis and Marvel editor-in-chief Axel Alonso were inspired by a number of ideas, such as the election of U.S. President Barack Obama and the appearance of black actor Donald Glover in Spider-Man pajamas in the second season premiere of the TV series Community.

Miles Morales first appeared in Ultimate Fallout #4 (August 2011), following the death of Peter Parker. A teenager of African American and Latino descent, Miles is the second Spider-Man in the Ultimate Marvel continuity.[2] Although Morales features in the Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man comic book series, he is not the lead character in the Ultimate Spider-Man animated TV series that debuted in April 2012 on Disney XD.[3] Reaction to the character varied, with some approving the creation of a positive role model for minority children, including one of the original Spider-Man's creators, Stan Lee, to displeasure at the replacement of Peter Parker, with some decrying it as a publicity stunt motivated by political correctness, a charge Alonso denied. Alexandra Petri of The Washington Post called for the character to be judged on the quality of its stories, which have garnered positive reviews.

The character possesses powers similar to those of the original Spider-Man, which were derived from the bite of a spider genetically engineered by Spider-Man's nemesis Norman Osborn in an attempt to duplicate those very abilities.

Contents

Publication history [edit]

The concept of an African American Spider-Man was first discussed a few months before the November 2008 election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Axel Alonso said, "We realized that we were standing at the brink of America elected (sic) its first African American President and we acknowledged that maybe it was time to take a good look at one of our icons".[4] This new Spider-Man was considered a possible part of the 2008-09 "Ultimatum" story arc that restructured much of the Ultimate Marvel universe, but those early thoughts were abandoned because the story for that character had not yet been developed.[4] Bendis said thoughts about the character were further reinforced by African American actor Donald Glover's appearance wearing Spider-Man pajamas on "Anthropology 101", the second season premiere of the television comedy series Community. This was a reference to an unsuccessful online campaign that attempted to secure an audition for the lead role in the 2012 film The Amazing Spider-Man. Bendis said of Glover, "I saw him in the costume and thought, 'I would like to read that book.' So I was glad I was writing that book."[5]

The first appearance of Miles Morales as Spider-Man, from Ultimate Fallout #4 ( August 2011).

When the Marvel Comics staff decided that the Ultimate universe's Peter Parker would be killed in the 2011 storyline "Death of Spider-Man", the character Miles Morales was created.[5] Miles Morales was created by comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli.[4][6] Morales was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City, the son of an African American father and a Latina mother. Axel Alonso has described Miles as an intelligent nerd with an aptitude for science similar to his predecessor, Peter Parker.[4] The character made his debut in the fourth issue of the Ultimate Fallout limited series, which was released on August 3, 2011. He later starred in the relaunched Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man series, written by Bendis and drawn by Pichelli, in September 2011.[5][7] Pichelli also designed Spider-Man's new costume, a mostly black outfit with red webbing and a red spider logo. Pichelli had worked on four issues of Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man before she was approached to work on the new title with Miles Morales.[8] Pichelli, who works with a Cintiq 12wx graphic tablet,[6] added more screentones to her illustrations to give what she called "a more 'pop' feeling to the book, because I think it would fit perfectly with the new series".[8]

Although Morales is the first black Spider-Man, he marks the second time a Latino character has taken the Spider-Man identity. Miguel O'Hara, who is of half Mexican descent, was the title character in the series Spider-Man 2099.[9] Morales has replaced Parker as Spider-Man only in Ultimate Marvel, a parallel universe that re-imagines the characters; Peter Parker remains alive and still portrays Spider-Man in the main Marvel Universe until the events of The Amazing Spider-Man #700.

In 2012, Morales appeared in the miniseries Spider-Men, in which he encounters the Spider-Man of the original Marvel universe.[5]

Fictional character biography [edit]

Artist Sara Pichelli, who drew Morales' first appearance, holds up a sketch of him at the 2011 New York Comic Con.

Miles Morales first appears in Ultimate Comics: Fallout #4, which was published in August 2011, in which he foils a murder by Kangaroo, a short time after Peter Parker's death. He wears a costume Spider-Man suit similar to Peter Parker's, but considers changing it when spectators tell him it is in "bad taste".[10][11]

The opening story arc of Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man, which premiered in September 2011, is set prior to Ultimate Fallout #4, and details how Miles received his superhuman abilities. Oscorp scientist, Dr. Markus uses Parker's blood to recreate the Oz formula that created Spider-Man, the Prowler (Aaron Davis[12]) steals the formula, and in the process, one of the spiders created by Markus crawls into the Prowler's duffel bag. Days later, the Prowler's nephew,[13] gradeschooler[12] Miles Morales, is bitten by the spider during a visit to Davis' apartment. Morales develops superhuman abilities similar to those Peter Parker has,[13] but does not tell his parents, Jefferson and Rio,[14][15] due to his father's distrust of superheroes,[16] confiding only in his best friend, Ganke Lee.[15][16]

Miles, who just wants a normal life, is unhappy about having these abilities, and initially nauseated at the idea of risking his life to engage in superheroics as Parker did.[17] However, after witnessing Spider-Man's death at the hands of the Green Goblin, the guilt-ridden Miles realizes he could have helped. After Ganke suggests he assume the mantle of Spider-Man, and learns from Gwen Stacy why Parker did what he did, Miles is inspired to try his hand at costumed crimefighting.[18] During his first foray into costumed superheroics, he is confronted not only by those who feel his use of the Spider-Man costume is in bad taste,[10][18] but also by Spider-Woman, a member of the government superhuman team, the Ultimates, over his use of the Spider-Man identity.[18]

Spider-Woman unmasks and arrests Miles and takes him to S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, where Nick Fury reveals that he knows all about Miles and his family, including his uncle's criminal activity. After he helps S.H.I.E.L.D. subdue the escaped supervillain Electro, S.H.I.E.L.D. releases Miles and gives him a modified black and red version of the Spider-Man costume, which Ganke feels makes Miles "officially" the new Spider-Man.[12] He also receives the blessing of the Earth-616 Peter Parker during the 2012 Spider-Men miniseries, in which Parker briefly visits the Ultimate Marvel universe and meets Miles.[19] After the newspapers begin reporting the emergence of a new Spider-Man, Aaron deduces that it is really Miles,[20] and offers to train Miles and work with him. After Aaron uses Miles in his ongoing conflict with the Mexican crime lord Scorpion, Miles realizes he is being exploited, and refuses to assist his uncle further, despite Aaron's threat to inform Miles' father of his secret. This leads to an altercation between the uncle and nephew that results in the malfunction of Aaron's weapons, which explode,[21] killing Aaron.

In subsequent storylines, Miles subsequently becomes acquainted with Peter Parker's loved ones, May Parker, Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Watson, who know of his secret identity, and give him Parker's web shooters. He also encounters Captain America, who reluctantly agrees to train Miles.[22][1]

In a 2013 storyline, investigative reporter Betty Brant incorrectly concludes that Miles' father, Jefferson, is the new Spider-Man. However, publisher J. Jonah Jameson, in light of the death of Peter Parker, refuses to publish her theory, on the grounds that it will merely ruin a family's life and deprive the city of another hero. When Brant tries to publish her findings in a book, she is murdered[23] by former Oscorp and then-Roxxon scientist Dr. Conrad Marcus, who has become the newest host to the Venom symbiote. In the subsequent "Venom War" storyline, Venom learns of Brant's findings, and confronts Jefferson at his home, where Spider-Man repels the creature. Jefferson is critically injured and hospitalized in this battle, and Miles is confronted by former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent turned New York Police detective Maria Hill, who has also deduced his secret. When Venom later appears at the hospital, Spider-Man again confronts him, during which Miles' mother, Rio, also learns that her son is Spider-Man. By the end of the brawl, Marcus is separated from the symbiote and killed by police gunfire, as is Rio, who tells Miles not to reveal his secret to his father before expiring.[24]

The storyline then jumps ahead one year. Miles has a girlfriend named Katie Bishop, and is planning on telling her about his former life as Spider-Man. Though he has not engaged in heroics in a year, he is pressured to return to that life, both by S.H.I.E.L.D. and by circumstance.[25]

Powers and abilities [edit]

Bitten by a slightly different strain of genetically engineered spider than that which granted Peter Parker his powers, Miles possesses abilities similar to the original Spider-Man's, including enhanced strength and agility, the ability to adhere to walls and ceilings with his hands and feet,[16] and a "spider sense" that warns him of danger, which manifests itself as a buzzing sensation in his head.[10][18] He also has abilities that the original Spider-Man did not have, including the ability to turn invisible,[13] and an electrical "venom strike" that can render people paralyzed with a touch,[16] including the electrically powered Electro. The venom strike can be conducted through Miles' gloves,[12] and also affects non-ferrous materials, such as plastic Lego bricks.[16] It can be used against an opponent at a distance by conducting it through a material in which both Miles and his opponent are in contact, such as the webbing of the Earth-616's Spider-Man, though it is not known what other materials will allow him to do this.[26] The venom strike is powerful enough to render unconscious a person who has grown to giant size as a result of Hank Pym's Giant Man formula,[27] and was sufficient to drive away Venom during Miles' first encounter with that creature,[28] but by their second encounter, the Venom symbiote had developed such a tolerance to the strike that Miles had to be completely enveloped by the symbiote before use of the venom strike could substantially separate the symbiote from its host.[29] Miles wears a costume given to him by S.H.I.E.L.D.,[12] and initially uses Peter Parker's web shooters, which were given to him by May Parker.[1] He is eventually given a new set of webshooters by S.H.I.E.L.D. as well.[25]

Reception [edit]

People who say this is a PC stunt miss the point. Miles Morales is a reflection of the culture in which we live. I love the fact that my son Tito will see a Spider-Man swinging through the sky whose last name is "Morales". And judging from the response, I can see I'm not alone.

“
”
– Axel Alonso[4]

The character Miles Morales was first reported by USA Today on August 2, 2011, shortly before the character officially debuted in Ultimate Fallout #4.[2][7] The announcement received international coverage in the mainstream media and was met with mixed reactions by audiences.[9] Some fans and commentators felt the decision was an attempt by Marvel Comics to be politically correct and that the introduction of a minority Spider-Man was simply a publicity stunt to attract more readers,[4][9] while others felt that a non-Caucasian Spider-Man would set a positive example for minority readers, particularly children.[30] Many Spider-Man fans were disappointed that Peter Parker was killed, regardless of who replaced him.[9] The wide-ranging critical reception prompted The Washington Post to run an article called, "Sorry, Peter Parker. The response to the black Spider-Man shows why we need one", in which writer Alexandra Petri wrote that the character should be judged on the quality of its stories rather than on his appearance or ethnicity.[30]

Radio host and conservative pundit Lou Dobbs expressed outrage over the original Spider-Man being replaced by the new biracial hero. Political comedian Jon Stewart subsequently mocked Dobbs' reaction on The Daily Show, while also pointing out that Morales replaced Spider-Man only in the Ultimate universe, and that the original Peter Parker would still be appearing in several titles.[31] Similarly, conservative talkshow host Glenn Beck, claiming that Miles resembled President Barack Obama, complained that the new Spider-Man was a result of a comment from Michelle Obama about changing traditions. However, unlike Dobbs, Beck said he did not care about Miles' race, and also acknowledged out that this was not the mainstream Spider-Man.[32] Axel Alonso denied the character was created out of political correctness, stating "Simple fact is Marvel comics reflect the world in all its shapes, sizes and colors. We believe there's an audience of people out there who is thirsty for a character like Miles Morales."[4] Original Spider-Man creator Stan Lee approved of Miles, stating that "Doing our bit to try to make our nation, and the world, color blind is definitely the right thing."[33]

In a review for the first issue, David Pepose of Newsarama wrote, "The biggest victory that Bendis scores with Miles Morales is that he makes us care about him, and care about him quickly. Even though we're still scratching the surface of what makes him tick, we're seeing the world through his eyes, and it's similar to Peter Parker's but a whole lot tougher. But that kind of Parker-style guilt — that neurotic, nearly masochistic tendency for self-sacrifice that comes with great power and greater responsibility — is still intact."[34] Jesse Schedeen of IGN wrote that "Miles still feels like a bit of an outsider in his own book. Bendis never quite paints a complete picture of Miles - his thoughts, motivations, personality quirks, and so forth. Miles is largely a reactionary figure throughout the book as he confronts struggles like registering for a charter school or dealing with family squabbles." Schedeen also opined that "Miles occupies a more urban, racially diverse, and tense landscape. All the story doesn't pander or lean too heavily on elements like racial and economic tension to move forward. Miles is simply a character who speaks to a slightly different teen experience, and one not nearly as well represented in superhero comics as Peter's".[35] James Hunt of Comic Book Resources rated the issue #1 four and a half out of five stars, lauding Bendis for emphasizing Morales' character and his supporting cast instead of rushing him into costume.[36]

Other versions [edit]

At the conclusion of the 2012 miniseries Spider-Men, in which the mainstream Marvel Universe Peter Parker briefly visits the Ultimate Marvel universe and meets Miles Morales, Parker returns to his home universe, and uses a Google search to see if his universe has a version of Miles Morales. He is shocked and discomforted by what he finds, but the exact nature of what he finds is left unrevealed to the reader.[19]

In Deadpool Killustrated #1 (2012), Miles Morales' corpse is seen among those of various Spider-Men across various dimensions of the multiverse that Deadpool has killed.[37]

In other media [edit]

In the Ultimate Spider-Man series, Miles Morales' name and picture appears in the episode "I Am Spider-Man" on a list showing the potential actors to portray Spider-Man in a play for high school. He is the second to last choice, with Peter Parker being the last choice.

Miles Morales' Spider-Man suit is available as an alternate costume for Spider-Man (Peter Parker) in Spider-Man: Edge of Time.[38]

The character appears as a playable character in Marvel Super Hero Squad Online.[39]

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b c Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Marquez, David (a). "Divided We Fall Part Two" Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 14 (November 2012), Marvel Comics
  2. ^ a b Truitt, Brian (August 2, 2011). "Half-black, half-Hispanic Spider-Man revealed". USA Today. Archived from the original on August 19, 2011. 
  3. ^ "Marvel's New Ultimate Spider-Man Miles Morales: A Significant And Safe Leap Forward". Inside Pulse. August 4, 2011
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Axel Alonso: Reinventing Today's Heroes". LatinRapper.com. August 8, 2011. Archived from the original on August 17, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011. 
  5. ^ a b c d Truitt, Brian (August 2, 2011). "A TV comedy assured new Spidey's creator". USA Today. Archived from the original on August 19, 2011. Retrieved August 19, 2011. 
  6. ^ a b Cavna, Michael (August 16, 2011). "Miles Morales: Check out Sara Pichelli inking the new Ultimate Spider-Man". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 17, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011. 
  7. ^ a b Ching, Albert (August 2, 2011). "Identity of the New Ultimate Spider-Man". Newsarama. Archived from the original on August 18, 2011. Retrieved August 18, 2011. 
  8. ^ a b Richards, Ron (August 16, 2011). "Exclusive: Ultimate Spider-Man Interview with Sara Pichelli with Video!". iFanboy. Archived from the original on August 17, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011. 
  9. ^ a b c d Robinson, Bryan (August 16, 2011). "Remembering the First – and Forgotten – Latino Spider-Man". Fox News Latino. Archived from the original on August 19, 2011. Retrieved August 19, 2011. 
  10. ^ a b c Schedeen, Jesse (August 3, 2011). "Ultimate Comics: Fallout #4 Review". IGN. Archived from the original on August 20, 2011. Retrieved August 20, 2011. 
  11. ^ "This Week In Geek: Different Shades of Spider-Man". The Salt Lake Tribune. August 16, 2011. Archived from the original on August 20, 2011. Retrieved August 20, 2011. 
  12. ^ a b c d e Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Pichelli, Sara and David Messina (a). Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 5 (February 2012), Marvel Comics
  13. ^ a b c Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Pichelli, Sara (a). Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 1 (November 2011), Marvel Comics
  14. ^ Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Marquez, David (a). Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 8: 25 (June 2012), Marvel Comics
  15. ^ a b Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Ponsor, Justin (i). Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 18 (February 2013), Marvel Comics
  16. ^ a b c d e Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Pichelli, Sara (a). Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 2 (November 2011), Marvel Comics
  17. ^ Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Pichelli, Sara (a). Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 3 (December 2011), Marvel Comics
  18. ^ a b c d Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Pichelli, Sara (a). Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 4 (January 2012), Marvel Comics
  19. ^ a b Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Pichelli, Sara (a). "Untitled" Spider-Men 5 (November 2012), Marvel Comics
  20. ^ Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Chris Samnee (a). Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 6-7 (March–April 2012), Marvel Comics
  21. ^ Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Marquez, David (a). Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 8-12 (June–September 2012), Marvel Comics
  22. ^ Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Marquez, David (a). "Divided We Fall Part One" Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 13 (October 2012), Marvel Comics
  23. ^ Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Marquez, David (a). Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #16.1. December 2012. Marvel Comics.
  24. ^ Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Pichelli, Sara (a). "Venom War" Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 19 - 22 (March - June 2013), Marvel Comics
  25. ^ a b Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Marquez, David (a). "One Year Later" Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man 23 (July 2013), Marvel Comics
  26. ^ Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Pichelli, Sara (a). "Untitled" Spider-Men 2 (August 2012), Marvel Comics
  27. ^ Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Marquez, David (a). Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #18. March 2013. Marvel Comics.
  28. ^ Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Pichelli, Sara (a). "Venom War", Part 2. Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #20. April 2013. Marvel Comics.
  29. ^ Bendis, Brian Michael (w), Pichelli, Sara (a). "Venom War", Part 4. Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #22. June 2013. Marvel Comics.
  30. ^ a b Petri, Alexandra (August 3, 2011). "Sorry, Peter Parker. The response to the black Spiderman shows why we need one". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 20, 2011. Retrieved August 20, 2011. 
  31. ^ MacNicol, Glynnis. "Jon Stewart On Why New, Biracial Spiderman Is Lou Dobbs' Worst Nightmare: 'A Latino That Can Climb Walls!'". Business Insider. August 5, 2011
  32. ^ Hudson, Laura. "Drudge Report Thinks New Spider-Man 'Could Be Gay,' Glenn Beck (and Colbert) Protest Diversity". ComicsAlliance. August 4, 2011
  33. ^ Sacks, Ethan. "Marvel Comics brings together its two special versions of 'Spider-Man' in special summer miniseries event". 
  34. ^ Pepose, David (September 14, 2011). "Best Shots Extra: ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #1". Newsarama. 
  35. ^ Schedeen, Jesse (September 14, 2011). "Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1 Review". IGN. 
  36. ^ Hunt, James (September 14, 2011). "Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1". Comic Book Resources.
  37. ^ Bunn, Cullen (w), Lolli, Matteo (p), Parsons, Sean (i). "Untitled" Deadpool Killustrated 1: 6/3 (2012), Marvel Comics
  38. ^ Reeves, Ben. "Spider-Man: Edge of Time Slips Into Ultimate Spidey’s Costume". Game Informer September 14, 2011
  39. ^ "Ultimate Comics Spider-Man Enters SHSO". Marvel.com. September 14, 2011.

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