Debating the character development and storyline nuances in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, who’s the better Spider-Man? Peter Parker and Miles Morales team up, showcasing a dynamic duo like no other. These two don’t often coexist in the same Marvel universe, yet Insomniac Games seamlessly intertwines their stories, making it twice as fun for all of us. So, with both Spider-men around, who do you think truly nails the “friendly neighborhood Spider-Man” vibe?
Before we dive into this web-tangled debate, here’s a little Spider-history for you. Peter Parker, the creation of the iconic Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, has been web-slinging since the 1960s, carving a deep-seated legacy in Marvel history. Miles Morales, on the other hand, is a contemporary addition, brought to life by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli in 2011.
Since his debut in 1962, Spider-Man has swung into the hearts of countless fans, evolving through various portrayals and storylines. Originally as Peter Parker and now, more recently, through the introduction of Miles Morales, New York City is fortunate to have two Spider-Men keeping it safe.
Experience vs. Fresh Abilities
Peter Parker is undoubtedly the more seasoned Spider-Man. Before the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, he’s already built a rich legacy as a superhero. He’s faced numerous challenges, battled a host of villains, and carries with him the weight of his experiences. His years of protecting the city give him a depth that’s hard to match.
On the flip side, while Miles might be newer to the role, he’s not just a younger version of Peter. He brings to the table a unique set of abilities, from turning invisible to his electrifying venom strikes. Miles might still be finding his footing, but he’s proving to be more than just a sidekick. His raw potential and fresh perspective offer a stark contrast to Peter’s matured approach.
In the latest game, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, their combat styles reflect their individual journeys. Peter fights with the elegance of a seasoned warrior, blending Capoeira-style techniques to combat enemies. Miles, meanwhile, incorporates elements of kickboxing, displaying the energy of a new fighter on the block. Their difference in experience is evident: Peter has been Spider-Man for years, while Miles has just under two years to his name.
Who’s the better fighter?
In terms of fighting, Miles has a fresher set of abilities. He can do everything Peter can but with additional powers like turning invisible and his venom strikes. Peter has more experience in most portrayals but Miles clearly has more potential.
Spoilers for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Miles demonstrates his combat prowess by taking on Peter, even when Peter is enraged due to the influence of the symbiote. Miles was even able to put down Rhino where Peter failed at the start of Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales (2020) too.
In Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, a mission that involves searching for spider-bots establishes a connection to the movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The film version of Miles showcases his formidable abilities when, after being informed by Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099 about the “canon events” and their potential repercussions, he challenges, outsmarts, and outmatches Spider-people from various universes.
But compared to Peter, Miles isn’t fully fleshed out as Spider-Man yet. We’ve seen adult Peter Parker with years of experience as a superhero in other alternate timelines but even a younger Miles is able to keep up with him. Given, Miles receives guidance and mentorship from Peter, so it’s reasonable to expect him to adapt to his role faster. To my knowledge, we haven’t seen a version of an adult Miles with experiences that mirror those of his predecessor. In the future, Miles could prove to be a better fighter than Peter.
Who has a more compelling story?
Both Spider-Men have stories that tug at our emotions. Peter’s journey in Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018) is particularly heart-wrenching. From losing Uncle Ben to making unimaginable sacrifices, like choosing between saving Aunt May or the city from the devastating Devil’s Breath virus, Peter’s choices highlight his unwavering commitment to the greater good.
Miles, although newer to the scene, has his own share of challenges. The loss of his father, Jefferson Morales, serves as a significant turning point for him. While players don’t spend much time with Jefferson, his influence is felt through the memories and recordings that Miles discovers later on.
A recurring theme in Miles’ story is the pressure of living up to Peter’s legacy while also trying to carve his own identity. This struggle is something many can relate to, making Miles’ journey uniquely endearing. Additionally, the differing influences of their uncles – Peter’s Uncle Ben, who always urged him to choose the right path, and Miles’ Uncle Aaron, who sometimes clashes with him over what’s best for their family – provide further depth to their characters. But then again, we’re not talking about who has the better uncle, but rather, who is the best Spider-Man.
Peter Is Still The Best Spider-Man
Peter Parker stands out as the best Spider-Man. He has consistently demonstrated qualities that make him the best representation of the iconic superhero. His origin story, a classic tale of a young man learning about power and responsibility from the tragic loss of his Uncle Ben, resonates deeply with audiences. Peter’s struggles as an everyday person, dealing with friendship, love, loss, and even the challenges of keeping a job, mirror real-life experiences, making him a relatable figure. He consistently strives to do the right thing, even when faced with tough challenges. While there are other Spider-men, it’s Peter’s depth, resilience, and undying commitment to doing what’s right that sets him apart.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was arguably more about Peter than it was about Miles, particularly with the introduction of characters like Harry and the menacing Venom. But Miles plays an indispensable role, often acting as Peter’s moral compass.
When choosing between Peter and Miles, it’s a tough call. Peter is the original web-slinger, carrying with him a rich history and an unmatched connection to the Spider-Man persona. However, while he may have a deeper backstory and a longer list of enemies, it doesn’t diminish the importance of Miles and his unique story. Both Peter and Miles have their strengths, and both have left indelible marks on the Marvel universe.