Marvel has revealed the new face behind the Ultimate Spider-Man mask. Taking over for the deceased Peter Parker is half-black, half-Hispanic teen named Miles Morales. He will make his debut in tomorrow’s issue of Ultimate Fallout and begin headlining the Ultimate Spider-Man reboot in September.
Writer Brian Michael Bendis says part of the inspiration for the new Spider-Man came from TV’s Community. Donald Glover embarked on a Twitter campaign to play an African-American version of Spider-Man in a new movie. As an inside joke, he appeared on the season premiere in Spider-Man pajamas.
“He looked fantastic!” Bendis recalls. “I saw him in the costume and thought, ‘I would like to read that book.’ So I was glad I was writing that book.”
The writer gives Glover “mucho credit” for the way Miles Morales looks in Ultimate Fallout issue 4, which is out Wednesday and marks the first appearance of a new Spider-Man. His adventures will continue in September’s Ultimate Spider-Man No. 1, written by Bendis and illustrated by Sara Pichelli.
Morales’ journey will be a similar vehicle for today’s fans, says Marvel’s editor in chief, Axel Alonso.
“What you have is a Spider-Man for the 21st century who’s reflective of our culture and diversity. We think that readers will fall in love with Miles Morales the same way they fell in love with Peter Parker.”
In addition to an alliterative name, Miles has a connection to his predecessor in how he received his powers. But he will have different abilities, too. Supporting characters such as Peter’s Aunt May and Gwen Stacy also will give Miles nuggets of wisdom to help his transition from young kid to New York City superhero.
Pichelli, who was integral in designing the new Spider-Man’s look, says, “Maybe sooner or later a black or gay — or both — hero will be considered something absolutely normal.”
The new Spidey will share some things with the deceased Peter Parker.
“Writer Brian Michael Bendis says part of the inspiration for the new Spider-Man came from TV’s Community.” + “Maybe sooner or later a black or gay — or both — hero will be considered something absolutely normal.” “the TV Community”? He’s soooo goign to be Gay…
I like the idea that Ultimate Spider-Man could be more of a rallying cry for newer generations after generations as oppossed to it being the same person forever. Thus, you can follow the adventures of the singular 616 Spider-Man, but every X-amount of years have a new Ult. SM to refresh and renew the series.
I’m just saddened by a lot of the bigoted rhetoric speweing on the internet. I know that that’s what happens, but it doesn’t make it easy.
Either way, I’m about the story… so as long as the stories remain strong, I’m good with any change they make to the Ultimate Universe (and they’ve made a LOT of changes the last 3 years).