In 2018, Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse was a smash hit. The first animated film in the Spider-Man franchise, it grossed $384.3 million worldwide, won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature and combines computer animation with traditional hand-drawn comic book techniques to create a distinct look.
With the release of the sequel, Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse, five years later on June 2, fans were bursting with anticipation. Not only did the film live up to expectations, it might have topped the original.
Miles Morales has grown into his responsibility of being the new Spider-Man for his universe, swinging around to keep Brooklyn safe. He is also a brilliant student struggling to balance academics, family and being a full-time hero.
When reunited with Earth-65’s Gwen Stacy, Miles learns that the multiverse is facing the threat of collapse and wants to join the elite team of Spider people to save it. However, after learning that the safety of the multiverse comes at the cost of someone he loves, he is forced to question what it means to be a hero.
Once again the Spider-Verse series outdoes itself with the animation. Each Spider person and universe has a distinct look, beautifully blending a multitude of art styles. The live action cameos were a perfect service to fans creating easter eggs even the most casual of Spider-Man fans can appreciate.
I loved the small details like Gwen’s world having a blurry watercolor effect shifting between blues and pinks as her routine as a superhero causes her days to blend into a depressing loop of isolation. Or Mumbattan’s homage to Indian culture with its vibrant colors and niche cultural jokes.
Overall, Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is a well-crafted display of animated excellence. It asks audiences to examine what being a hero means to them, bringing the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man to life in this wonderfully nuanced tale leaving audiences ready for more.
