ULTIMATE UNIVERSE • SPIDER-VERSE
MILES MORALES
The Next Generation Spider-Man
The Next Generation Spider-Man
Universe: Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610) / Spider-Verse
Real Name: Miles Gonzalo Morales
Heritage: Afro-Latino (African-American and Puerto Rican)
Location: Brooklyn, New York City
First Appearance: Ultimate Fallout #4 (2011) - Comics
Portrayed by: Shameik Moore (Spider-Verse films)
Miles Morales represents the next generation of Spider-Man, bringing fresh perspective and diversity to the iconic role. Originally from the Ultimate Universe in Marvel Comics, Miles gained his powers after the death of his universe's Peter Parker. His story has since expanded across multiple universes, most notably in the critically acclaimed animated Spider-Verse films, making him one of the most beloved modern superheroes.
Miles Morales was a regular Brooklyn teenager attending Brooklyn Visions Academy when his life changed forever. During a visit to his Uncle Aaron's apartment, Miles was bitten by a genetically-engineered spider (created by Oscorp and irradiated with energy from the Multiverse in the animated version).
Shortly after gaining his powers, Miles witnessed the death of his universe's Peter Parker in battle. Inspired by Peter's sacrifice and grappling with guilt over not being able to help, Miles decided to take up the mantle of Spider-Man—though he initially struggled with self-doubt and the weight of living up to Peter Parker's legacy.
Miles' journey is complicated by his relationship with his Uncle Aaron, who is revealed to be the Prowler, a criminal working for the Kingpin. This personal connection to the villain world adds emotional depth to Miles' struggle between his family loyalty and his responsibility as a hero.
What makes Miles unique is that he doesn't try to replace Peter Parker—instead, he forges his own path as Spider-Man, bringing his own style, personality, and unique powers to the role. His story is about discovering that anyone can wear the mask and be a hero.
Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
Miles is bitten by a radioactive spider and gains powers just before witnessing Peter Parker's death at the hands of Kingpin. When Kingpin's super-collider opens portals to other dimensions, Miles meets alternate Spider-People including an older, jaded Peter B. Parker, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir, Peni Parker, and Spider-Ham. Under Peter B.'s mentorship, Miles learns to embrace his powers and proves that anyone can wear the mask, ultimately stopping Kingpin and saving the multiverse.
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
Now an experienced Spider-Man, Miles reunites with Gwen Stacy and discovers the Spider-Society, a multiversal organization of Spider-People led by Miguel O'Hara (Spider-Man 2099). When Miles learns his father is destined to die as a "canon event" necessary to maintain reality, he refuses to accept fate and becomes hunted by the entire Spider-Society. The film explores Miles' determination to forge his own path and save those he loves, even if it means going against every Spider-Person in the multiverse.
Marvel Comics (2011-Present)
In the comics, Miles becomes Spider-Man after Peter Parker's death in the Ultimate Universe. He works alongside various heroes including the mainstream Marvel Universe's Peter Parker (after the universes merged). Miles has been a member of the Champions, the Avengers, and continues to protect Brooklyn while carving out his own legacy as Spider-Man. His story explores themes of legacy, identity, and what it means to be a hero in the modern world.
As Spider-Man, Miles Morales serves as the primary protector of Brooklyn and a key figure in the Spider-Verse. He represents the next generation of heroes, proving that Spider-Man can be anyone regardless of their background. In the multiverse, Miles has become a crucial player in protecting reality itself, often making difficult choices that other Spider-People won't. His unique perspective and unwillingness to accept predetermined fate make him a revolutionary figure among Spider-Heroes.
Miles possesses all the standard Spider-powers, plus two unique abilities that set him apart:
The ability to adhere to and scale any surface, allowing him to climb buildings and stick to walls and ceilings with ease.
Uses mechanical web-shooters to fire strong, versatile webbing for swinging, combat, and capturing enemies. Miles developed his own web formula.
UNIQUE POWER: Miles can bend light around himself to become completely invisible, including his clothing. This stealth ability gives him tactical advantages no other Spider-Person possesses.
UNIQUE POWER: Miles can generate and discharge powerful bio-electric energy through touch, delivering devastating "venom strikes" that can paralyze enemies, overload electronics, and blast opponents away.
Precognitive danger warning that alerts Miles to threats before they occur, though he initially struggled to understand and control this ability.
Enhanced strength allowing him to lift several tons, overpower opponents, and perform incredible physical feats.
Superhuman agility, reflexes, and acrobatic abilities. Miles incorporates his own unique, improvisational style influenced by his personality and creativity.
Intelligent and creative thinker with skills in science and art. Miles brings fresh, innovative approaches to problems that other Spider-People might not consider.
Voiced by Jake Johnson (Spider-Verse films)
An older, more jaded Spider-Man from another dimension who becomes Miles' mentor and friend. Their relationship evolves from reluctant teacher-student to genuine friendship, with Peter helping Miles discover his potential.
Voiced by Hailee Steinfeld (Spider-Verse films)
Spider-Woman from another dimension and Miles' close friend and potential love interest. Gwen understands the loneliness of being Spider-Person and shares a special connection with Miles.
Voiced by Chris Pine (Spider-Verse films)
Miles' universe's original Spider-Man whose death inspires Miles to become a hero. In the comics, Miles works alongside the Earth-616 Peter Parker as fellow Spider-Men.
Voiced by Brian Tyree Henry (Spider-Verse films)
Miles' father, a NYPD police officer who initially distrusts vigilantes like Spider-Man, not knowing his son is under the mask. Their relationship is central to Miles' emotional journey.
Voiced by Luna Lauren Vélez (Spider-Verse films)
Miles' mother, a hospital nurse who provides emotional support and wisdom. She's fiercely protective of her son and represents the family grounding Miles needs.
Comics & Video Games
Miles' best friend and roommate who discovers his secret identity early on. Ganke provides tech support, friendship, and helps Miles balance his dual life (similar to Ned Leeds in MCU).
Various Spider-People across the multiverse
Including Spider-Man Noir, Peni Parker, Spider-Ham, Spider-Punk, Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew), Pavitr Prabhakar, and countless other Spider-People Miles has fought alongside across dimensions.
Wilson Fisk - Voiced by Liev Schreiber (Spider-Verse films)
The crime lord of New York who builds a super-collider to access other dimensions in an attempt to bring back his deceased wife and son. His actions threaten the entire multiverse and lead to Peter Parker's death, making him Miles' first major villain.
Aaron Davis - Voiced by Mahershala Ali (Spider-Verse films)
Miles' uncle who works as an enforcer for Kingpin. The revelation that Uncle Aaron is the Prowler devastates Miles, forcing him to confront the complex reality that people he loves can make terrible choices. Aaron's redemption before his death deeply impacts Miles.
Dr. Jonathan Ohnn - Voiced by Jason Schwartzman (Across the Spider-Verse)
A scientist transformed into a being covered with interdimensional portals. Initially seeming like a joke villain, the Spot becomes an existential threat to Miles and the entire multiverse, blaming Spider-Man for his transformation.
Norman Osborn - Various interpretations
In various storylines, the Green Goblin has been one of Miles' major adversaries, particularly in his early days as Spider-Man when he fought Norman Osborn in the Ultimate Universe.
Voiced by Oscar Isaac (Across the Spider-Verse)
Leader of the Spider-Society who becomes an antagonist to Miles when he refuses to accept the concept of "canon events." Though not evil, Miguel's rigid adherence to fate puts him at odds with Miles' determination to save his father.
Comics
Including Venom, Mysterio, the Ringer, and other threats Miles has faced while protecting Brooklyn and establishing himself as Spider-Man.
Miles Morales brings several groundbreaking elements to the Spider-Man legacy:
Miles Morales has become one of the most significant superhero characters of the 21st century. Created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli in 2011, Miles was initially met with controversy but quickly won over fans with his compelling story and genuine characterization.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) became a cultural phenomenon, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and revolutionizing superhero animation with its groundbreaking visual style. The film's success proved that Miles could carry his own franchise and introduced him to mainstream audiences worldwide.
The phrase "Anyone can wear the mask" has become synonymous with Miles' story, representing the idea that heroism isn't limited by race, background, or circumstances. This message has resonated deeply, making Miles an inspirational figure for diverse audiences.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) expanded Miles' story and became both a critical and commercial success, further cementing his place as a cornerstone character in the Spider-Man mythos. The film's exploration of destiny, choice, and identity elevated superhero storytelling to new heights.
Miles has also starred in popular video games, including the acclaimed Spider-Man: Miles Morales for PlayStation, bringing his unique abilities and story to interactive media. His presence in comics continues to grow, and he has become a member of both the Avengers and the Champions.
More than a decade after his creation, Miles Morales has proven he's not just "another Spider-Man" but a vital, irreplaceable part of the Spider-Man legacy and the broader superhero landscape.