Spider-man, also known as Peter Parker, is a very popular comic book character created by Stan Lee. His character was introduced into Marvel Comic books in 1962. He stands out amongst other superheroes of the time as he was written as a teenage main character, while most teenage super humans were reduced to sidekick roles. Parkers origin story revolves around being bitten by a radioactive spider. This grants him a mixture of spider and superhuman like power. Including, but not limited to “spider senses”, the ability to produce web fluid, as well as enhanced speed and strength. The popularity of Spider-man over the years has led to 4 different film adaptations of the beloved character. With the most notable being Miles Morales in the 2018 film “Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse”.
Miles Morales is the most recent adaptation. His story follows the traditional radioactive spider storyline as Peter Parker, however other than core ideals this is where the similarities stop. Contrary to the original hero Miles lives happily with both of his parents in Brooklyn, New York. He is the son of an African American father and Puerto Rican mother. The film emphasizes the fact that Morales is not the new Spider-Man, simply one from an alternate universe to the original fan favourite. Morales originally makes his appearance in a 2011 Marvel comic book. In 2017 his story is more closely examined in a 2017 novel titled Miles Morales: Spider-Man by Jason Reynolds.
Both Spider-Men are the same at their core. Awkward teenagers who have suddenly been thrust into the fast paced, responsibility driven, crime fighting lifestyle. They both become figureheads for underrepresented groups. In Peter’s case he takes on the role of the “friendly neighbourhood Spider-man”. In Mile’s case he provides onscreen representation for minorities.
Peter Parker is different from your stereotypical superheroes such as Superman or Batman. Both of these heroes are presented in the typical hyper masculine style. They are conventionally attractive adult white men with large muscles. Peter differs from these two as he is portrayed as a teenager. He is an orphan who lives with aunt and uncle and prior to the spider bite was your typical kid. Even after the bit we see no outward difference in his appearance. His skill set does become enhanced, but this is all explained due to the very non-realistic radioactive spider.
In Mile’s story we see him struggle after the bite. He struggles to understand his newly granted powers, he also struggles to use said powers. The most obvious difference between Peter and Miles is the racial change made to the character. This is a phenomenon known as “racebending”. This is described by Bryan Cooper Owens as essentially reimagining an existing character in film or books as a different race. In doing so, author of the 2017 novel Jason Reynolds challenges the popular choice to have white males be the feature hero. On a physical level we also see no extreme external change in miles physique post bite.
The costume design for the original Spider-Man has him in a full body suite including a mask that covers his whole face and head. This allows viewers to separate the hero and the person. It was designed this way, as creator Stan Lee wanted anyone to be able to be under the mask. We see this taken further in Into the Spider-Verse where Miles collaborates with Spider-Man variants from other universes. These variants take on a wide range of diversity, further supporting the initial idea Lee wanted to push. The wide range of Spider-Men introduced are arguably enhancing to the public and how they perceive themselves in comparison to the character. Due to the incognito vibe a full body suite provides anyone can imagine themselves as Spider-Man as the hero himself has no defining features attached to his name.
Spider-Man has seen many on screen changes since his initial introduction in 1962. However, the ideals upheld by his character stay the same. I believe this is the best way of adapting a character. The same morals and values instilled into him originally have remained, however the physical changes and varying portrayals allows for the wish for anyone to be able to see themselves as this hero to be fully supported
Bibliography
Martin, M. A. and Sanderson, . Peter. “Spider-Man.” Encyclopedia Britannica, February 18, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Spider-Man-comic-book-character.
Martin, M. A. and Sanderson.
Worlds, Mario, and Henry “Cody” Miller. “Miles Morales: Spider-Man and Reimagining the Canon for Racial Justice.” English Journal 108, no. 4 (March 1, 2019): 43–50. https://doi.org/10.58680/ej201930049.
Campbell, Edith. “In Conversation… Miles Morales: Spider-Man and Miles Morales: Shock Waves.” Journal of Children’s Literature 47 (2021). https://doi.org/https://www.childrensliteratureassembly.org/uploads/1/1/8/6/118631535/10-criticalconversations-campbell%5B1%5D.pdf.
Worlds, Mario, and Henry “Cody” Miller.
Ridaryanthi, Melly, and Noel Ethelbert Jinguli. “Semiotics Analysis on Gender Role Representations in Spider-Man: Into theSpider-Verse.” International Journal of Advanced Research in Education and Society 3 (2021): 34–34. https://doi.org/https://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/ijares/article/view/12458/6180.
Justin Komljenovich
(Critique in progress of writing)
-Justin
Justin Komljenovich
I think the writer had done a good job talking about Spider Man as a physical character in comparison to other adult male characters like Batman and Superman. The writer also mentions that Peter and Myles have different background stories, but more explanation is needed to link this to how each male teenager faces becoming “Spider Man”.
Peter, for instance, is a nerdy white kid who is antisocial. Peter has been orphaned and he is living with extended family. He also loses his uncle to gun violence and is taking care of his elderly aunt. Peter, who doesn’t have a typical family structure feels like a fish out of water in the real world, but when he becomes “Spider Man” he becomes a very confident and take-charge version of an adult male person. He is very cocky at times, and he doesn’t doubt his decision or choices. Miles on the other hand comes from a stable and happy family. I can’t relate to this version of “Spider Man” as much because it is a very classic version of a man. Myles really feels like a young man. He is awkward, and bit confused about where he fits in. Myles is personable. As an example, one of the first scenes in the “Spider-Verse” film is when Miles is walking to school. He chats with multiple people and has a very charismatic style. Myles, when thrust into manhood as “Spider Man”, feels like an imposter and for most of the movie, he does not believe in himself and his abilities as a hero. Myles often scared, confused and he is constantly doubting his decisions. Myles also has a dad who is a police officer, so he feels that taking the law into his own hands is wrong. You can see Myles is struggling with becoming a man.
The often-quoted phrase “With great power comes great responsibility” is a big part of the messaging in the “Spider Man” franchise. For both characters, it has a much different meaning. Peter is a darker character who has been hurt and is a little less naïve. He is an outsider looking in, who uses his alter-ego to become a man. Peter uses his powers and can hurt others with no guilt or remorse. He understands the motto and acts decisively. Myles appears to be the average teen who has suddenly been thrust into a new “adult” situation. He is the fish out of water in this new world and he is more relatable and realistic as to how a real teen would feel in this role. Myles’ character is more sympathetic, and you immediately feel for him. As a male in today’s world, I can understand that strain. Stan Lee had a vision that “Spider Man” was supposed to be a character that anyone could relate to and that he “wanted anyone to be able to be under the mask.” I think males today often get older and don’t feel manly. I appreciate the struggle Myles is going through and can’t relate to Peter being so mature for his age. Myles ‘version of masculinity is more modern and speaks more to me.
I think the writer didn’t explore enough the history of masculinity and how it is different today. I think they jumped to exploring the race of the new “Spider Man”, but I feel the movie is more about old and new concepts about masculinity. I found it difficult to find academic resources related to comic book heroes. It is a new field of research and requires more personal reflection on my part of how men see themselves today versus how my dad or grandfather see masculinity.