Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse introduced an interesting idea into the movie universe's lore -- the concept of a canon event. These moments are supposedly integral to the journey of every Web-sSlinger in the multiverse. They have shaped the heroes, but many of those canon events are tragic in nature.
There are certain tragic canon events that seemingly happen to every version of the hero. Regardless of the differences, there are certain tropes and formulas that seem to be kept to. This is evidenced through the comic book narratives and big screen stories that audiences have seen so far and have been referenced in Across The Spider-Verse.
9 Spider Bite
Being bitten by a spider is a classic trope of Spider-Man's narrative. Of course, how each Spider-Person gains their powers is slightly different. But whether it's through the injection of a strange serum, or an encounter with a radioactive arachnid, each Spider-Person is forever changed by this moment.
It may seem strange to suggest that a Spider-Man origin story is tragic. Regardless of where the origin plays out, from the video games to the amazing animated shows or live-action movies, this moment marks a point of no return for a Spider-Person. After this tragic event, they can never live a normal life. There's no telling how peaceful their world would be without spider problems influencing their every decision.
8 Death Of A Loved One
It seems like losing a loved one is a major tragedy that will play into every Spider-Person's life. Throughout Across The Spider-Verse, it's clear that no Spider is untouched by the canon event. Miles Morales loses his uncle. Gwen Stacy loses her Peter Parker. Even Miguel O'Hara loses his daughter.
This canon event has also been present throughout the comics and live-action adaptations. Uncle Ben is the classic example. Even if the Spider-Man variants are absolutely extraordinary, they can never seem to save those closest to them. However, this usually teaches these heroes an important lesson about the responsibility of their powers.
7 Death Of A Love Interest
Death has a huge influence on Spider-Man's life, and that has extended across the Spider-Verse. Miles Morales has yet to form a really close romantic connection with anyone despite sparks flying with Gwen Stacy. However, other Spider variants have seen the loves of their lives get killed.
Gwen notes in Across The Spider-Verse that there isn't a reality where the romance between herself and a Spider-Man hasn't ended in tragedy. Stacy's death is a big example in the comics that has haunted the Web-Slinger from The Amazing Spider-Man movies as well.
6 First Supervillain
It's a tragic moment to have to face such terrifying evil. But every Spider-Person has to stand up to their first supervillain and come to terms with what this life is really like. Miles Morales had his own major villains in the form of Green Goblin and Kingpin, who murdered Peter Parker on his Earth.
But in the comics, Peter Parker's first supervillain was the Chameleon. On every Earth, there's a slightly different foe for the characters to battle against. Usually, these villains have a personal connection to the characters. While not every first villain is known for the Spiders of Across The Spider-Verse, those encounters will stay with the heroes every time they suit up.
5 Creating A Supervillain
Many Spider-People in the Spider-Verse have actually been responsible for creating their own supervillain. Across The Spider-Verse provides the perfect example, with The Spot originating from Into The Spider-Verse. The character blames Miles for his transformation.
In the comics, Spider-Man has been involved in plenty of villainous origin stories. This personal connection is a fantastic way to up the emotional stakes. Although some might go on a redemptive journey and save Spider-Man, more often than not, their grudge becomes more obsessive. Even on the big screen, Peter Parker was partially linked to the creation of New Goblin.
4 Major Romantic Break-Up
If a Spider-Person doesn't lose their romantic partner, it's likely they'll break up. Peter Parker himself doesn't appear to be able to balance his personal life with his superhero career. Miles hasn't had to make that sacrifice quite yet, even as he pushes his own family away.
In the comics, Peter Parker and MJ have broken up on numerous occasions. On the big screen, this has been adapted in many different forms. Spider-Man: No Way Home, for example, has the couple heartbreakingly getting separated by a memory wipe. Peter B. Parker in the Spider-Verse franchise had his own love life issues with his Mary Jane.
3 Death Of A Police Captain
One of the canon events that Across The Spider-Verse specifically mentions is the death of a Police Captain. The comics use Captain George Stacy as an example, which was adapted in The Amazing Spider-Man franchise. Even the Spider-Man PS4 game features Miles Morale's father getting killed.
A huge portion of Across The Spider-Verse focuses on the potential for this tragic moment to play out. Not only does Miles save the Police Captain of Spider-Man India's Earth from certain doom, but he vows to ensure his own father survives. That is setting up further conflict for Beyond The Spider-Verse.
2 Loved One Becomes A Villain
Spider-Man's greatest secret weapons are his friends and family. They always support Peter, and Miles has had that same level of care shown to him in the Spider-Verse series. However, a tragic canon event features a Spider-Person's closest allies turning on them and becoming a villain.
In Spider-Man PS4, it was Doc Ock that turned. For Gwen Stacy in Across The Spider-Verse,it was Peter that transformed into The Lizard. The Peter Parker of the comics lost Ned Leeds to the Hobgoblin moniker. Perhaps Miles Morales is going to receive the same fate if Ganke Lee changes his persona.
1 Identity Reveal
Spider-Man's secret identity is one of the biggest mysteries in the Marvel Universe. He very rarely takes off his mask, and the Spider-People in the Spider-Verse follow a similar outlook. It's a pretty tragic moment when they have to reveal their identity, considering it could put their loved ones in danger. It's usually in a desperate moment. When volunteered, it can turn friends and family against them.
Across The Spider-Verse depicts the tragedy of identity revealed in excruciating detail. The relationship between Gwen Stacy and her father almost broke down when her mask came off. Miles decides to tell his own mother the truth until he realizes he's actually on Earth-42. It's a canon event that happens to every Spider. No Way Home shows the impact and damage that this moment can cause.