Story and tone

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” in 2018 set a new vector of growth for animation and comic books. In the former case, the cartoon demonstrated how artists can style computer graphics after classic animation and comics.

As for the latter, it set the trend for stories about multiverses, telling its story in just one screenplay so brilliantly that the “great” movie comics Marvel and DC never dreamed of.

For this reason (as well as general admiration from critics and ordinary viewers), it was only a matter of time before the sequel was released. We had to wait a long time, but in 2023, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse finally made it to cinemas.

More than a year has passed since the events of the first part. Miles Morales has already settled into his new role as Spider-Man, even if his friends from other universes have left him. His superhero life interferes with his everyday life and creates tension in his relationship with his parents. One day, Miles encounters the villain Stain, who blames Spider-Man for all his troubles. But the return of Gwen Stacy from a different world, with whom Morales has been in love all this time, brings even more trouble to the boy.

Visual imagination

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” has gained popularity due to two main features. We’re talking about a visual style that can only be described as gorgeous and properly implementing the multiverse ideas that have quietly existed in comics for many years. Watching the interaction of radically different Spider-Men was a pleasure, and it was presented in such an artistically impressive way that it was impossible to tear yourself away. The new animated film is based on the two main strengths of the first part but twists them to such an extent that its predecessor needs to be updated. You can devote entire essays to each scene of Across the Spider-Verse because there is something to analyze.

Voice performances

The main characters are bright and unusual, and their chemistry sparkles. And the cameos that regularly cause applause in the audience will please fans of the most popular Marvel superhero.

Music and sound

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” strikes at viewers’ hearts from the very first minute – and it does so literally through Gwen’s stylized drum solo, which begins the story.

Themes

The second half is that Across the Spider-Verse does not rely on fan service for the sake of fan service. This is exactly what Spider-Man: No Way Home, in which all the crucial moments are connected with nostalgia and interaction with the feelings of fans. Yes, Miles Morales’ new adventure has Spider-Men to suit every preference. Still, first and foremost, it’s the story of Miles himself. It’s much more grown-up and severe than the previous movie.

Pros

• A visually groundbreaking animated style that redefines the genre.
• Smart and confident use of the multiverse concept.
• Strong emotional focus on Miles Morales as a character.
• Excellent chemistry between the main characters.
• Memorable musical moments that enhance the storytelling.
• Cameos that feel rewarding rather than forced.

Cons

• The dense structure and abundance of ideas may overwhelm some viewers.
• The ambitious scope leaves parts of the story unresolved.
• Its darker and more mature tone may not appeal to all audiences.

Final verdict

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse expands the boundaries of animated storytelling while remaining deeply personal. It avoids relying solely on nostalgia and instead delivers a more mature, emotionally charged story centered on Miles Morales. Visually daring, thematically rich, and creatively fearless, it confirms that this animated universe is one of the most exciting directions modern superhero cinema has taken.