Key Highlights:
- Miles Morales confronts Martin Li over his father’s death and learns to move beyond his hatred without forgiving him.
- Uncle Aaron’s retirement as Prowler allows Miles to rebuild their family relationship.
- The Harlem museum storyline and Miles’ school responsibilities establish an identity beyond Peter Parker’s influence.
Insomniac Games gives Miles Morales a more independent identity in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 through his confrontation with Martin Li, reconciliation with Uncle Aaron and growing responsibility towards his Harlem community. Rather than defining Miles solely through Peter Parker or the animated Spider-Verse films, the sequel places his personal decisions at the centre of his development.
Speaking in a September 2023 interview with MobileSyrup, Insomniac senior writer Lauren Mee identified Miles’ relationship with Martin Li as a particularly important storyline, while narrative director Ben Arfmann highlighted his work alongside Rio Morales at Harlem’s cultural museum.
Spoiler warning: The following sections discuss major developments involving Martin Li and Aaron Davis.
Miles’ most personal conflict involves Martin Li, also known as Mister Negative, whose attack on City Hall in the original Marvel’s Spider-Man resulted in the death of his father, Jefferson Davis.
When Kraven’s Hunters capture Li, Miles becomes increasingly distracted by his desire for revenge. That obsession eventually leads to their confrontation during the No Escape mission, where Li’s powers force Miles to relive painful memories.
However, the turning point comes later when Miles works alongside Li to save Peter Parker from the remaining influence of the symbiote.
Miles acknowledges that he cannot forgive Li for killing his father, but decides that continuing to carry his hatred will only prevent him from moving forward. Li subsequently uses his powers to help save Peter, giving him an opportunity to begin making amends.
What stands out to me is that Miles does not need to excuse Li’s actions to develop as a hero. His decision to abandon revenge demonstrates a maturity that separates him from the younger Spider-Man who was still learning to control his powers.
Miles’ relationship with his uncle Aaron Davis provides another example of his growing independence.
In Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Aaron operated as the Prowler, eventually confronting his nephew while attempting to protect him from the dangers surrounding Roxxon.
Their relationship takes a different direction in the sequel. Having been released from prison, Aaron is determined to leave his criminal identity behind and asks Miles to help recover his hidden Prowler technology.
The optional Prowler Stashes storyline concludes with Room for the Future, revealing that Rio Morales has helped Aaron secure an apartment in their building.
Rather than another confrontation, the story ends with the family beginning to rebuild its relationship. Miles’ willingness to give Aaron another chance contrasts with his struggle to overcome his anger towards Martin Li.
Miles’ independence is also reflected in his connection with Harlem and his responsibilities outside the Spider-Man costume.
The Cultural Museum missions, Bebop and Hard Bop, see Miles help recover stolen musical instruments and support his mother’s efforts to preserve the community’s cultural history.
These missions demonstrate Insomniac’s earlier commitment to giving side missions meaningful stories, allowing Miles to protect something personally important without relying on Peter Parker.
His life at Brooklyn Visions Academy adds another dimension. Miles is preparing his college application while balancing his education, friendships and increasingly demanding superhero responsibilities.
These experiences reflect the everyday challenges that make Peter and Miles relatable, but they also give Miles personal ambitions and relationships distinct from those of his mentor.
This approach did not begin with Spider-Man 2. In an earlier interview published by Disney’s D23, Insomniac developers discussed how research into East Harlem, local music and community life helped shape the 2020 Miles Morales game.
Although the animated Spider-Verse films remain an obvious point of comparison, Insomniac has developed a separate version of Miles through his relationships, choices and experiences.
By the conclusion of Spider-Man 2, that development also supports Insomniac’s decision to give Miles greater responsibility while Peter Parker takes time away from protecting New York.
Miles is no longer simply following another Spider-Man’s example. His decisions throughout the sequel demonstrate why he is ready to protect the city on his own terms.
