When I first heard the news that Sony was planning on making an animated feature film based on Spider-Man I couldn’t help but think what was the point? Spider-Man had been done 1000 times before in animated fashion for the small screen. What could possibly separate this version from all the other animated Spider-Man shows we’ve gotten before. Plus it isn’t like Sony had the best track record either. They had a good thing going with the Tom Holland MCU films and I guess I initially saw this as a threat especially since it was going to be involving the Multiverse. Was this Sony’s way of pulling Tom out the MCU and sticking him in their Venom-Verse? My thoughts were alleviated a bit once I saw that Peter Parker wasn’t even going to be the main character of the film. Instead, fan favorite Miles Morales was finally going to get the big screen treatment in a starring role in this adventure.

And Miles' popularity has risen pretty quickly in a short amount of time. He had only been introduced in the Ultimate comics in 2011. However, whether it was the costume or Miles' personality as Spider-Man, he quickly became a fan favorite until this film made him a household name. Miles was a character I’ve always loved from day 1. The reason being is quite simple. I see a lot of myself in him. Obviously not the superpowers or fighting crime bit, but his background. A half African American and half Puerto Rican mixed teen is something you don’t see much of in any type of medium. Miles has a Black father and Spanish mother like myself and I always thought the comics sort of nailed the mixed race aesthetic I see a lot in my household. In particular with Miles' mom. Who mid sentence would switch languages quite often like my own mother does. It was for this reason, I was gonna give this movie a chance and was at least hopeful that this story was being told.

And Into The Spider-Verse does change portions of Miles origins but the gist of it stays the same. The Peter Parker in Miles universe dies. In the film Parker has a run in with the Kingpin that doesn’t end well for our wall crawler. Miles is near the scene and finds himself bitten by a radioactive Spider and he too gains the abilities of Spider-Man. Only while he has the traditional abilities Parker has, Miles has the ability to camouflage himself and generate bio-electricity which he calls Venom. But that’s just the start. Kingpin was in the middle of working on a Condenser. This is a way he could bring his late wife and child from another universe to his so he can be reunited with his lost loved ones. The problem is other Spider-Men from other universes get stuck in Miles' universe in the process. The plot of the film is basically Miles learning, embracing and coming to grips with being the new Spider-Man while also helping his fellow Spider-Men return to their universes. So not only does it adapt Miles' comic book origins but it also adapts the famous Dan Slott Spider-Verse run from the comics.

The results of this combination is an utterly fantastic animation film. One that sort of blew me away and shocked me by how emotionally resonant it turned out to be, how much heart it ended up having, and how it transcends the quality of most comic book movies. The stop motion animations the filmmakers go for really give the impression that this is a comic book come to life. With panels like animations, word bubbles, and bright and vibrant colors. The movie is just drop dead gorgeous and the animated style is one we haven’t quite seen on the big screen. The film is filled with interesting characters with each different version of Spider-Man having their own unique personality and traits. With my favorites being 1, Spider-Man Noire. Voiced by Nicholas Cage, (A Combination I didn’t think I would ever need) who I think might be the funniest character in the film. Spider-Gwen, an alternate version of Spider-Woman who turns out to be that universes Gwen Stacy. I love the friendship she and Miles build throughout the course of the movie. I also love the look of the character (Hailee Stenfield’s voice is perfect.) And of course Peter B. Parker. A down on his luck older version of Spider-Man who essentially becomes Miles mentor. He doesn’t seem like the natural mentor type figure at first but his messages stay with you for sure.

“It’s a leap of faith.”

As cliche as it sounds my favorite character in the film is Miles. What a controversial statement right? The main character is my favorite character. But he is. It’s his emotional journey of embracing his new identity, the relationships with his Mom and Dad, Gwen and Peter that provide the emotional backbone to the film. Culminating in one of the most chill inducing moments in a comic book movie ever. The “What’s Up Danger” sequence in which Miles finally becomes Spider-Man with his slick Black and Red suit is sensational and I guess now sort of iconic. The soundtrack to this film is glorious. Some of my favorite tunes from any movie let alone a comic book are present here. From Post Malone’s “Sunflower” to Vince Staples “Home”. Other than Black Panther, this is the best original soundtrack to any Superhero movie I can think of. Even the villains work for me. The Prowler who we learn has a close connection with Miles probably provides some of the more suspenseful and entertaining action scenes in the movie. While Kingpin, as humongous and it turns out deadly he is,he is fighting for a worthy cause and is not this mustache twirling villain.

Going into 2018 I fully expected the Incredibles 2 to be the best animated movie of the year. And let me tell you, I have no problem with Into The Spider-Verse ultimately winning the big prize that year as it was well deserved and just an all around better movie. Now, not to yuck on anyone's yum but I do think the internet can sometimes get carried away with calling Into The Spider-Verse the greatest comic book movie of all time. Myself personally will not go that far. In terms of 2018 Comic books movies I still prefer the live action outings of Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War more. The discourse on this film online I do think at times can get a little too carried away. You’d think this movie cured cancer the way some people speak of it. If you feel that way then good on you, just for myself, yes Into the Spider-Verse is one of the best and most imaginative Spider-Man films Sony has ever made but it’s not a top 5 comic book movie of all time to me at least.

Again that is not to take away from this delightful film, just something I noticed over time. I’m so glad this movie went on to win awards and became a modest success financially. As we know we are now getting a Two-Part sequel and to be honest, I can’t wait to see what adventures await Miles and the Spider-Men next. Do stick around for the post credits scene as well. Not just to listen to some more of that fantastic soundtrack but to see a pretty damn fun cameo. It’s a gag, but also might affect the future for our wall crawlers.

R.I.P. Stan Lee

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Review: boxd.it/4jWKo3