Spider-Man has been widely considered one if not, the most popular superheroes in Marvel Comics long lineage of iconic characters. Since his first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15, the character has become not only beloved by generations but is one of Marvel’s most profitable superheroes.
Throughout his history, Spider-Man has appeared in comics, cartoons, films, video games, coloring books, novels, records, and children’s books to name a few. Spidey’s run on television began in the ABC animated series Spider-Man (1967–1970). Many fans though remember him best from the popular animated series that ran on Fox Kids from 1994 to 1998 and continues to be a staple of nostalgia for fans of the character.
While the character was prominently featured on television for years, it wasn’t until 2002 when we first saw our favorite web-slinger on the big screen with the release of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man. The film went on to break the all-time opening weekend box office record at the time with $114 million all while reigniting the comic book film genre. Two sequels followed quickly thereafter in 2004 and 2006.
Wanting to cash in on Spidey’s popularity once again, 2012 was the year Sony rebooted Spidey’s origin story with The Amazing Spider-Man starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. But it just wasn’t the same. It didn’t have the same heart as the first franchise and this next set of films lacked a narrative. Luckily for fans, Spidey was next seen on the big screen and used better (I love you Tom Holland) as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe thanks to a deal Sony struck with Marvel Studios allowing them to use the character.
Fast forward to this October and New York Comic Con. I had the chance to watch the first un-edited 45 minutes of the film and boy was I blown away. As Sony’s first entry into the franchise in four years, screening the first minutes of it only made it garner a spot on my list of most anticipated films of the year. The final product is one of the year’s most impressive and rewarding cinematic experiences I’ve ever had.
One of the best things about the film is its choice to try something new and innovative things with its animation. Most films today follow the same formula taking little to no risk with how characters are portrayed. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse feels like the first major animated film in ages to actively try something stylistically new and it succeeds in bringing to light a powerful aesthetic all while incorporating comic book-like drawings with a film presence.
While this is the fourth incarnation of the web-slinger on the big screen since 2002, the introduction of Miles Morales on the big screen is an important achievement in the comic book genre. While we all have heroes we love, the fact that this is the first Afro-Latino to ever grace the Marvel filmography is a step in the right direction to showing diversity on the big screen. Miles Morales’ Spider-Man gives young African-American and Latino boys a hero they can relate to.
While inclusion is a necessary and important step, I have to give big kudos to Shameik Moore who lends his voice to Miles. Moore spews charisma all over the screen with every voice inflection that syncs perfectly with the animation onscreen. Additionally, while the movie includes multiple Spider-Men and Women, the focus never moves away from Miles origin and journey to becoming the new Spider-Man. Adding the supporting Spider-Men and Women was a welcome and hilarious addition to the film and something fans will never forget.
Gwen Stacy, a.k.a. Spider-Woman (Hailee Steinfeld), anime schoolgirl Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn), her robot spider friend SP//dr, the black-and-white Spider-Noir (Nicolas Cage), and Spider-Ham (John Mulaney), each bring their share of comedy and heart to the film. There are moments between Gwen and Miles, especially, that made me crave a future Gwen and Miles standalone film. Though he has a minor role, Nicolas Cage is a riot as Spider-Noir. His comedic timing and delivery is one you won’t forget after watching. It made me hope that Sony would produce a short film just on his adventures with a Rubik’s cube. Let’s not forget about Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson), a worse-but-not-worse alternate timeline Peter Parker, who is divorced and depressed living alone in sweatpants. This Peter Parker eventually becomes Miles go to for his Spidey training – his Mr. Miyagi. As a fan of Johnson’s work (New Girl), it is great to see him knocking it out of the park with this portrayal.
Spider-Verse’s music deserves the ultimate praise as it meshes new and old hip-hop that fits right into the film’s most important key moments. Even the small subtly of Miles’s listening to Post Malone while attempting to hum and sing the wrong lyrics shows a realism to the character because we as humans have all had this moment – we sing along to our favorite song while not really knowing the words. This scene humanizes Miles and lets us know, he’s one of us.
In a year that brought us Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse surpasses them all not just as the best superhero film of the year but one of the best Spider-Man films of all time. Is an Academy Award for Best Animated Film in its future? Oscar, the ball is in your court.
