In the vast Marvel multiverse, it is a recurring theme among various incarnations of “Spider-Man” to endure the heartbreaking loss of a loved one. This pivotal moment of tragedy often serves as a catalyst for their heroic journey or a driving force to become a better hero. For instance, Peter Parker lost his beloved Uncle Ben, while Gwen Stacy’s Spider-Woman experienced the loss of her own Peter. Similarly, Ben Reilly mourned the apparent death of his girlfriend, Janine Godbe. In the film “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” these profound moments are acknowledged as canonical events crucial for maintaining the equilibrium of the universe.
In the animated film, Miles Morales experiences a significant canon event that involves the predicted death of his father, Jefferson Davis. He learns that his father’s ascension to the position of captain in his reality ultimately leads to his untimely demise. This revelation causes a conflict between Miles, Spider-Man 2099, and the Multiversal Spider Society, as the young hero strives to prevent this tragic event from occurring, even at the risk of disrupting the stability of the Multiverse. However, in the original comics, Morales faced a different tragedy. In the early adventures of the Ultimate Universe, Miles tragically lost his mother, Rio Morales, resulting in one of the most heartbreaking storylines for the web-slinger.
Miles Morales’s mother suffered a tragic fate in the comics
In the comic issue “Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man” #22, released in 2011 by Brian Michael Bendis, Sara Pichelli, Justin Ponsor, and VC’s Cory Petit, Miles Morales faces a distressing situation involving his father, Jefferson Davis. The villainous Venom, mistaken in his belief that Jefferson is the real Spider-Man, inflicts a severe injury on him at Brooklyn General. When Miles arrives at the scene, he confronts Venom using venomous attacks in an attempt to subdue the dangerous creature. However, Venom retaliates by ensnaring Miles’ head with his tendrils, prompting Rio Morales, Miles’ mother, to shoot the symbiote in an effort to protect her son. This angers Venom, causing him to envelop Miles in his alien form while Rio desperately pleads for her son’s release. In a moment of distraction, Spider-Man manages to strike Venom with an electric charge, forcing the symbiote to separate from him. Tragically, during the chaos, the police unintentionally shoot and fatally wound Rio.
Witnessing his mother’s bleeding, Miles desperately calls for a doctor’s assistance. As her condition worsens and she continues to lose blood, she imparts a final message to Miles, urging him never to reveal his secret superhero identity to their father. Tragically, she passes away in her son’s embrace. The following day, as Miles awakens, the memory of his mother’s death in the confrontation with Venom weighs heavily on him. Overwhelmed by emotion, he reacts by tearing his Spider-Man costume into shreds, expressing his reluctance to continue being Spider-Man.
The comic serves as a turning point for Miles’ Spider-Man journey, as the subsequent issue of “Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man” unveils his decision to retire as a superhero following the devastating loss of his mother, Rio. This storyline bears a resemblance to the iconic “Amazing Spider-Man” #50 narrative titled “Spider-Man: No More,” in which Peter Parker temporarily relinquishes his heroic duties due to the overwhelming challenges of maintaining a balance between his personal and superhero life.
How Miles Morales’ mother returned in the main Marvel Universe
In “Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man” #22, Miles Morales experienced the tragic loss of his mother at the hands of Venom. However, their reunion wouldn’t be their last encounter. In “Ultimate End” #5, Miles, now back as Spider-Man, found himself in a new reality as the Ultimate Universe merged with Earth-616 during the “Secret Wars” event. Although the heroes emerged victorious against Doctor Doom, the aftermath presented an unexpected opportunity for Miles. By showing kindness to the reality-manipulating Molecule Man and offering him a burger, Miles was granted the reward of his mother’s return when the two universes merged into one.
In “Ultimate End,” readers witness the long-awaited reunion between Miles and his mother, Rio, as he woke up to find her alive after the events of “Secret Wars.” Overwhelmed by shock and joy, Miles embraced his mother, still struggling to fully grasp the reality of her resurrection. This significant development marked a new chapter for Spider-Man in the Marvel Universe, with both of his parents now alive. Miles assumed the role of the second main Spider-Man on Earth-616, and his family dynamics underwent a profound transformation. Accepted as a co-Spider-Man by Peter Parker, Miles quickly proved himself worthy to stand alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, solidifying his place in the superhero community.
The current status quo for Miles and Rio Morales
Since her resurrection, Rio Morales has maintained a significant role in Miles Morales’ life within the comic series. Although she initially lacked awareness of her son’s secret superhero identity, Rio eventually discovers the truth. Despite concerns about the constant danger Miles faces as a hero, she continues to provide unwavering support for her son. Rio’s presence serves as a steadfast pillar of strength in Miles’ life, even as she grapples with the risks he willingly undertakes to protect others.
The Morales family experienced growth with the addition of a new member, Billie, born to Rio and Jefferson. While still an infant in the main Marvel Universe (Earth-616), a future version of Billie from a dystopian dimension emerges as the formidable vigilante known as the Spider-Smasher. During his journey across different dimensions and timelines, Miles unexpectedly encounters his older sister while searching for his uncle Aaron. The upcoming “Edge of Spider-Verse” storyline promises to delve deeper into the character of Spider-Smasher, providing readers with more insight into her role as a revolutionary leader.
In a similar fashion to other Spider-People, Miles experiences the heart-wrenching loss of his mother, Rio. However, the Multiverse and the destruction of the Ultimate Universe offer Miles a rare opportunity that few other spider-heroes have had: a chance to reunite with their lost loved ones. Unlike in the comics, the death of one of his parents does not threaten the stability of the Multiverse, as seen with the potential death of Jefferson hinted at in the films. If “Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse” ultimately leads to the demise of Miles’ father, the comics could present an ideal avenue for bringing the character back to life without risking the collapse of the Multiverse. Additionally, this would enable Spider-Man from Miles’ world to seamlessly integrate into the main Marvel Universe.
