Certainly, debates persist, and they undoubtedly always will, regarding which Spider-Man is the greatest among the three that have graced the screen over the years. Recently, with the introduction of the Spider-Verse and the arrival of many new Spider-Man characters, people are now debating whether Miles Morales surpasses the iconic status of Peter Parker. Stan Lee’s perspective puts an end to it all, highlighting the diverse and inclusive nature of the Spider-Man character.
Stan Lee’s Take on the Peter Parker Vs Miles Morales Spider-Man Debate
Since the time Miles Morales graced the screen, discussions have been in the air about who the better Spider-Man is and whether Miles should be called one at all, given that the title supposedly belongs only to Peter Parker. Although there is no definitive answer to this question, the creator of Spider-Man, Stan Lee has already shared his stance on the debate. Once in a Larry King interview, he stated,
“You know one of the greatest things about Spider-Man’s outfit? his costume? He is completely covered, so any kid could imagine he’s Spider-Man because no color of the skin shows. He could be black under that, he could be red, he could be yellow, he could belong to any race and that wasn’t done purposely it was done accidentally but I think it was the best thing we did making him. So he could be anybody under that costume”
And thus, it is settled, that Spider-Man indeed is a friendly neighborhood superhero, and anybody who wants to be can become the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. As he revealed, although not done purposefully, his face being covered gives the perfect opportunity to embrace the idea that anyone, regardless of their background or ethnicity, can wear the mask and be a hero.
What Does the Fans Have to Say About This?
Following an X-post, fans started chiming in with their theories and stances on the matter and that is who deserves the Spider-Man title, Miles Morales, or Peter Parker? The Spider-Verse has indeed opened up a multitude of pathways. However, some argue that Peter Parker is being replaced. While it can never truly be done, Miles Morales is creating his own path while shouldering all the responsibilities that the title brings with it.
One user suggested,
Peter Parker is Spider-Man is trending
Can someone explain why people get so offended by this? Miles is cool, but he's not Spider-Man. Spider-Man is a name that belongs to Peter. Just like Clark Kent is Superman.
It's simple, give Miles his own name. Let him be his own hero! pic.twitter.com/qz2bvvAgyA
— Speedy (@_Web_Slinger_7) November 6, 2023
While another suggested,
He already has his own name, Miles Morales, I feel like people could just call him Spider-Miles or Spider-Morales just like we do with Spider-Gwen, no one calls her Spider-Woman irl because that title already belongs to Jessica Drew just like how Peter Parker is Spider-man. 🤷
— 「Shaman★Ram」✝️ (@ShamanRam_) November 7, 2023
It is also important to note that in the interview, Stan Lee was, in fact, talking about fans self-inserting themselves into the narratives. Thus, many still argue that Lee does not support the idea of Peter Parker being replaced. While Parker cannot ever be replaced, the representation of a wide spectrum of ‘Spider-Beings’, as fans recently saw in the movie Across the Spider-Verse, can truly be empowering to many impressionable minds.
He's not talking about replacing Peter though, he's talking about audience self-inserting. Huge difference.
— endogoji (@EndoGoji) November 7, 2023
While some strongly advocated for Miles Morales stating,
Also, I'm not with the back and forth on this, so miss me with the "No it's not" BS. Stop being racist. Miles Morales has been Spider-Man since 2011. 12 YEARS. Cut the BS.
— 𝕌𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕕𝕠𝕘𝔹𝕋: 𝔹𝕃𝕄 ✊🏿 (@B_Rabbit843) November 7, 2023
Others not so much,
Peter Parker is Spider-man. Miles morales is miles morales, a tokenized, derivative, knock-off identity thief cosplaying spider-man
— Woke Repellent (@LsPostingLtakes) November 7, 2023
Thus, although a definitive conclusion can never be reached, Miles Morales is definitely here to stay, carrying the Spider-Man name forward that Peter Parker so gracefully shouldered all these years. Under his mentorship, Miles can reach heights people cannot even imagine.
