Revealed in Marvel Comics’ Ultimate Fallout Issue 4, out Wednesday, the new Spider-Man in the Ultimate universe is a half-black, half-Hispanic teen named Miles Morales. He takes over the gig held by Peter Parker, who was killed in Ultimate Spider-Man Issue 160 in June.
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. In the Ultimate line, launched in 2000 to tell contemporary stories, he received a new origin and a reimagined supporting cast that paralleled the Spidey in regular Marvel continuity.
“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,” says Marvel’s editor in chief, Axel Alonso.
I can already hear the groans of typical comic book fans, who generally hate it when a hero’s back story or image is modified. Still, opportunities abound for this contemporary retelling of a 1962 classic. (I wonder, will the spidey-sense kick in to combat racial profiling?)
And since we already know how Hollywood feels about comic book franchises ($$$), the natural question is, how soon will this be adapted for film, and will it be in 3D?
Feel free to chime in with your thoughts – Will the new Spider-Man be a hit, should it make it to the big screen and if so, which bright young star should play Miles Morales?
Will and Jada are waiting with bated breath.
