Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (2011)

Overview

Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man (2011) marked the debut of Miles Morales, a biracial teenager of Black and Puerto Rican descent who takes on the mantle of Spider-Man after the death of Peter Parker in the Ultimate Universe. Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Sara Pichelli, this series became a cultural milestone, reshaping Marvel's legacy of representation and storytelling.

Miles’ journey is one of legacy, identity, and responsibility, echoing the iconic themes of Peter Parker’s story while carving a new path for a new generation. Set in the alternate Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610), the series explores how a young hero rises from tragedy to become something greater.

Creators

• Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
• Artist: Sara Pichelli
• Colorist: Justin Ponsor
• Editor: Mark Paniccia

Main Characters

• Miles Morales / Spider-Man
• Jefferson Davis (Miles' father)
• Rio Morales (Miles' mother)
• Ganke Lee
• Nick Fury
• Gwen Stacy
• Uncle Aaron / The Prowler

Story Highlights

• Miles is bitten by a genetically altered spider and gains powers similar to Peter Parker—plus a few unique ones like camouflage and venom blasts.
• After Peter Parker dies, Miles grapples with guilt and responsibility, ultimately donning a redesigned Spider-Man suit to honor Peter’s legacy.
• Explores themes of racial identity, family loyalty, and adolescence under extraordinary pressure.
• The story connects with the wider Ultimate Marvel events, including Divided We Fall and Cataclysm.

Why It Matters

Miles Morales quickly became one of Marvel’s most beloved modern characters. His debut series helped expand the Spider-Man mythos in meaningful and inclusive ways, leading to cross-media appearances including animation (Into the Spider-Verse), games, and eventual integration into the main Marvel Universe. This series is a must-read for fans of legacy characters and emotional, character-driven storytelling.