Though many people wondered how an animated Spider-Man movie would compete against the live-action adventures of the web-headed hero, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse blew fans away. While the inventive and eye-catching animation style really helped it stand out, what made the movie truly special were the characters.
The movie brought in many beloved characters from the Spider-Man universe, from new takes of the villains to some unexpected versions of Spider-Man himself. And while they all helped make Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse a memorable adventure, some of these characters were easier to root for than others.
Though Vincent D'Onofrio's take on Kingpin was certainly a fan favorite, this animated version was a terrific version on the iconic villain as well. And he cements himself as an imposing villain and unlikeable character early in the movie when he kills Spider-Man.
Despite that cold-blooded act, the movie ensures Kingpin is a more complex villain than fans might expect. He is a man whose violence cost him his family yet he is unable to recognize his own faults so he seeks to alter reality in order to get them back.
Doc Ock is one of the most beloved of Spider-Man's villains. There have been so many great takes on the character that it is surprising that Into the Spider-Verse managed to find a new and fun approach.
The revelation that "Liv" is actually this universe's Doc Ock is a great surprise. She also brings a strange nerdy energy to the character that is a lot of fun yet still manages to come off as a threat. She makes for a great detestable villain who brings something special every time she appears.
Aaron Davis is one of the most complex characters in the movie. He is introduced as the loving uncle of Miles Morales who has a shaky relationship with his own brother, Miles's father. He is someone who Miles can go to when he needs to talk about things his father doesn't understand.
However, Aaron also moonlights as the villainous Prowler, a henchman working for Kingpin. Though his crimes, including his role in killing Spider-Man, are unforgivable, he ultimately regrets his actions and gives his life to save Miles.
Just as Spider-Man: No Way Home hit a homerun with its team-up of the three Spider-Men, Into the Spider-Verse is at its most fun when the various heroes come together. While the entire team is a blast, Peni Parker gets the least to do in the movie.
The character is inspired by anime characters with this young Japanese girl controlling a giant spider robot. She adds yet another new and intriguing element to the story, but the character doesn't stand out as much as the others.
Another of the wonderfully bizarre Spider-Men to join the adventure is Spider-Man Noir. This reimagining of the hero is pulled right from black-and-white noir thrillers. To make the character even better, he is voice by Nicolas Cage who perfectly plays the role with enough earnestness to make it even funnier.
Some of his comments provide the funniest lines and it's easy to imagine watching an entire movie from the character. But like Peni Parker, the large ensemble makes it so Spider-Man Noir perhaps isn't used to his full potential.
Perhaps the most unexpected inclusion in the team is Spider-Ham which is simply Spider-Man reimagined as a cartoon pig. With popular comedian John Mulaney providing the voice, it is no surprise that he is the most quotable character in the movie.
Spider-Ham is a perfectly ridiculous and hysterical addition to the movie. and he is so bizarre that his character works in the smaller role, not outstaying his welcome yet stealing most of the scenes he's in.
With this being a story about Spider-Man, it was obvious that some version of Peter Parker would need to be included in the movie. However, Peter B. Parker is a very unexpected and compelling version of the classic hero.
He is shown to be an out-of-shape and somewhat depressed Spider-Man who is divorced and disheartened with being a hero any longer. And while he might not always be the most inspiring mentor to Miles, it is really interesting watching him rediscover his path as a hero through Miles's origin story.
In the comics, Miles Morales's origin story as Spider-Man is directly tied to his father, Jefferson Davis. While Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse changes that origin in some ways, Jefferson remains a very important figure in the story.
He is shown to be a loving father who pushes Miles to take responsibility for his life. They do not always see eye-to-eye, but Jefferson is still there for his son whenever he needs him, even if Miles pushes him away.
Though Gwen Stacy has appeared in live-action movies, fans have been waiting a long time to see her popular Spider-Woman persona get a chance to debut in a movie. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse fulfilled that dream for fans and the character did not disappoint.
Gwen is another mentor figure for Miles in the movie yet one who is also a peer. She is the most effective of the Spider-Verse team and a true badass. She is also the most supportive of Miles and pushes him to become a hero.
Despite all the fun characters in the movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is still the story of Miles Morales. He is another fan-favorite from the comics who finally gets his chance in the spotlight.
Miles is a complicated character as he deals with his new role as a hero. He is filled with fear and self-doubt, making him a relatable character, but seeing him overcome that in order to save the day makes his journey in the movie all the more exciting.
