Across the Spider-Verse: Faithfulness to the comics

GBDESK//

These last two weeks have been an incredible one for Spider-Man fans. After Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse hit theatres on June 2, 2023, the movie took over social media. No matter where you look, irrespective of platform or app, everyone seems to be talking about this film.

While there is no doubt that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is an incredible cinematic experience, a lot of people—particularly ones who have not read the original comics—might wonder if the movie has remained faithful to Brian Michael Bendis’ character.

Now, I know a lot of people are obsessed with adaptations remaining faithful to the original material, it has to be cleared up that the plot for both Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse are not adapted from any comic story arc. In that manner, there is very little to stay faithful to.

Yes, it is influenced and inspired by some arcs like the Amazing Spider-Man arc Spider-Verse and the Ultimate Marvel’s Spider-Men. What they have, however, remained faithful to is the character of Miles.

Unlike Peter Parker, Miles Morales isn’t the typical Spider-Man who we know and have come to love. He isn’t charismatic or motivated in the same way that Peter was. He might have one or two cooler powers than the original Spider-Man, but at Miles’ core, he isn’t the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man we have known forever.

Both Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse do an excellent job of showcasing why Miles is different from Peter. In the former, we see how even after getting his powers, Miles is reluctant to become Spider-Man, because he feels overwhelmed and anxious. It isn’t until the final act of the movie that we see him accept the role. In the comics, Miles gets his powers but refuses to use his powers until the original Spider-Man dies. The timelines are a little different, but the essence is the same.

In fact, Bendis intentionally put a stark difference between Peter and Miles, so that comic book fans would not feel that their favourite web-swinger was being replaced by just another goody-two-shoes, just with a racial make-up switch.

Now, one aspect where the animated films decided to take a different route is with Miles’ Uncle Aaron. While the Into the Spider-Verse version of Uncle Aaron aka The Prowler seems to be a kind and caring uncle, who loves his nephew; the comic book version is a much more evil and vile man.

In the comics, Aaron is also The Prowler and a criminal, but he is much more sadistic and cruel. Even after finding out that Miles is the new Spider-Man, he fights his nephew and tries to blackmail him into carrying out illegal activities. He threatens to reveals Miles’ superhero alter-ego to his parents if he does not do his bidding.