Revealed today in Marvel Comics' Ultimate Fallout Issue 4: The new Spider-Man in the Ultimate universe is a half-Black, half-Latino teen named Miles Morales, reports USA Today. The famous Peter Parker was killed off by the Green Goblin in "Ultimate Spider-Man" No. 160 this summer.
In his first appearance, he simply breaks up a fight. But readers will learn the true origin of Morales and how he became the new Spider-Man when Ultimate Spider-Man relaunches in September with a new No. 1 issue. "The theme is the same: With great power comes great responsibility," says writer Brian Michael Bendis. "He's going to learn that. Then he has to figure out what that means."
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.
More possible changes in the reboot: "Italian artist Sara 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.'"
Bendis says the change is long "overdue." Even though there's some "amazing African-American and minority characters bouncing around in all the superhero universes," the comic writer says. "It's still crazy lopsided."
Marvel's "Ultimate" universe is separate from it's larger universe of characters, where Peter Parker remain alive and well. Given the history and interaction between Blacks, Puerto Ricans and Dominicans in New York City, the blatino Spidey reboots is spot-on.
