The Timeline of a Web-Slinger: How Long After Spider-Man is Miles Morales Set?
The question of when Miles Morales steps into the web-slinging scene relative to the original Spider-Man PS4 game is a crucial one for fans invested in the Insomniac Games’ Spider-Man universe. The short answer is that Spider-Man: Miles Morales is set roughly one year after the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4). More specifically, the first game takes place in the 2018-2019 timeframe, while Miles Morales’s adventure unfolds in late 2020. This places a significant gap between the two narratives, a period where Miles grapples with newfound powers and emerges as a distinct Spider-Man figure.
The Time Gap: A Closer Look
The narrative of Marvel’s Spider-Man concludes around the 2018-2019 mark. By the end of that game, Peter Parker has faced and defeated numerous villains, and the citizens of New York City are familiar with him. Fast forward to Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and we find Miles having been bitten by a genetically engineered spider at the end of the previous game and trying to make sense of his own developing abilities while Peter is absent. This timeline reveals a gap of about one year, during which Miles has to learn to navigate his powers and deal with various crises in Harlem, where the game is primarily set.
The one year gap is not just a simple passing of time; it is crucial in shaping Miles’s character arc. The story picks up with him actively training to become a worthy successor under the tutelage of Peter Parker. We witness Miles’ growth, both as a hero and a young adult trying to juggle school, family, and the responsibilities of being a Spider-Man. This time jump is essential to establishing his unique identity and setting him up as a co-protagonist in later installments like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Development Between Games
The year separating the two games allows for character development and setting up significant storylines that impact subsequent games. We see the budding of Miles’ skills and also how he steps into his role as the Spider-Man of Harlem. This timeframe is important because it also establishes that Peter is not always available, and Miles needs to learn how to function independently.
Related FAQs
To further clarify the timeline and background surrounding Miles Morales, here are 15 frequently asked questions and detailed answers:
1. What year is Miles Morales born in?
Miles Morales was born in the early 2000s in Brooklyn, New York. His specific birth year is not explicitly mentioned in the game or related material.
2. What year is “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” set in?
The main setting for the animated movie, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” is an alternate Earth, particularly Earth-1610, which has its own unique timeline, although it has a 2018 feel. However, the post-credit scene featuring Spider-Man 2099 jumps to Earth-928 in the year 2099.
3. Where does the game “Spider-Man Miles Morales” take place?
The game takes place in New York City, specifically focusing on Harlem. This area is Miles’ primary patrol area, distinguishing him from Peter Parker, who operates across all of Manhattan.
4. How old is Miles in his solo game?
During the events of Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Miles is 17 years old. He is still in high school at Brooklyn Visions Academy and is actively applying to colleges.
5. Why does Miles use his mother’s last name?
Miles uses his mother’s last name, Morales, instead of his father’s, Davis. This is due to his father’s criminal past, and a decision to give Miles a “clean start” without the stigma. Another reason, in the comics, is to avoid association with the jazz musician, also named Miles Davis.
6. How long after “Miles Morales” is “Spider-Man 2” set?
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 picks up about 10 months after the conclusion of Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which wrapped up in January 2021.
7. How old is Miles in “Into the Spider-Verse”?
In “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” Miles appears to be between 14 and 15 years old. The movie establishes that he has already experienced puberty.
8. Why is Spider-Man 2099 chasing Miles in “Across the Spider-Verse”?
In “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” the main conflict arises because Miles’ refusal to conform to the destined fate of other Spider-Men is seen as a threat to the stability of the multiverse by Miguel O’Hara, aka Spider-Man 2099, who is therefore chasing Miles.
9. How much time passed between “Into the Spider-Verse” and “Across the Spider-Verse”?
Across the Spider-Verse takes place approximately one year and four months after the events of Into the Spider-Verse.
10. How long after “Into the Spider-Verse” is “Across the Spider-Verse” set?
“Across the Spider-Verse” is set approximately one year after the events of “Into the Spider-Verse.”
11. What happened on Earth-42?
In Earth-42, there is no Spider-Man. The lack of a hero has resulted in a city plagued by crime, particularly from the Sinister Six/Sinister Six Cartel. Miles from this universe becomes the Prowler due to the absence of Spider-Man.
12. Does Miles have a girlfriend in any of the stories?
Yes, in some comic book storylines, Miles has a girlfriend named Kate Bishop. However, this is not the case in most of the video game storylines.
13. What is Miles Morales’ full name?
Miles Morales’ full name is Miles Gonzalo Morales.
14. How did Miles get his powers?
Miles was bitten by a genetically engineered spider during a visit to his uncle Aaron Davis’s apartment. This bite gave him similar powers to Peter Parker’s Spider-Man.
15. How old is Gwen Stacy in “Across the Spider-Verse”?
Gwen Stacy was 14 or 15 years old in “Into the Spider-Verse.” Given the time jump between the movies, she is around 16 years old in “Across the Spider-Verse”.
Conclusion: A Timeline of a New Generation of Spider-Man
Understanding the specific timeline between the games, notably the one-year gap between Marvel’s Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, is crucial for comprehending the narratives and character development across the Spider-Man game universe. It sets the stage for a new generation of web-slinging heroics and lays the groundwork for the epic storylines explored in subsequent games, like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. These nuances in timeline and character development show a depth that both comics and video game fans appreciate. By placing Miles Morales about a year later than the original story, the game manages to carve out a unique position for him and ensure his growth is different from that of Peter Parker.