Miles Morales is moving into the much-deserved spotlight after big-screen success and increasing comic book popularity. While Across the Spider-Verse might depict an original narrative for Spider-Man, there are plenty of amazing stories from the source material that audiences have to check out.
These Miles Morales comics never fail to entertain and surprise. They feature some of Miles' biggest challenges, as he continues to grow as a web-slinger and learns to balance his personal life with his crime-fighting escapades as Spider-Man. From his early days in the Ultimate Universe to his adventures hopping through the Spider-Verse, these books are integral to Miles' story and may just provide inspiration for future cinematic outings.
10 Ultimate Fallout (2011)
Ultimate Fallout is where Miles Morale's journey really began. The comic certainly doesn't majorly focus on the new Spider-Man, but it does feature his first-ever appearance on the page. The series was written by Brian Michael Bendis, Jonathan Hickman, and Nick Spencer and featured art from an enormous array of talent.
Miles makes his debut in issue #4 of the series, but it's important to check out the entire run. The comic traces the aftermath of the Death of Spider-Man narrative, which saw Peter Parker shockingly die in the Ultimate Universe. Peter's death paves the way for a new and stronger Spider-Man. Miles' narrative needs the context of this story to represent the responsibility on his shoulders.
9 End Of The Spider-Verse (2022-2023)
End of the Spider-Verse technically takes place throughout Spider-Man issues #1-7. The larger event features an array of Spider-People, kitted out in their fantastic costumes and ready to protect the Web of Life and Destiny itself. The comic run was devised by writer Dan Slott and artist Mark Bagley.
End of the Spider-Verse's conflict is launched by the wasp deity Shathra, who has begun to infect spiders throughout the multiverse. Despite being one of the characters impacted by this, Miles doesn't succumb to Shathra's control straight away. He demonstrates his skills as a leader and is integral to finding a cure for his allies' conditions. The story speaks to Miles' ingenuity and selflessness.
8 Spider-Verse (2014-2015)
Massive crossover comics sometimes place Miles in the background of the narrative. But the multiverse event Spider-Verse features Miles front and center and fantastically demonstrates his important role in the multiverse. The event, which has been collected as a bigger graphic novel, largely included work from writers Dan Slott and Olivier Coipel alongside artist Giuseppe Camuncoli.
The Spider-Verse comic includes Morlun as the main antagonist, who is traveling across the multiverse to absorb the life essence of Spider-People. Miles and the Ultimate Earth are heavily featured here, with Morales teaming up with Peter Parker of Earth-616 to defend the Web. Miles is quite the MVP, acting as a brilliant supporting player and elevating his status as a major Spider-Man.
7 Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man (2014-2015)
Miles Morale's popularity in the comics was largely defined by the Ultimate run that established him. Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man is often considered to be an example of the best of Miles' time in the Ultimate Universe. The series was consistently written by Brian Michael Bendis, with art from David Marquez.
Miles Morales faced threats like the Green Goblin, formed a romance with Katie Bishop, and established himself as worthy of the Spider-Man moniker. This ongoing series truly defined how Miles was a different hero from Peter Parker, cementing many of his key character traits.
6 The Champions (2020)
Miles Morales is so often working alone in the video games, comics, and animated shows, that it's refreshing to see him as part of a team. Miles' relationship with the Champions is well-known, and the 2020 run truly speaks to its young target audience. Its creative team is packed full of talents like writer Vita Ayaland and artist Robert Quinn.
This series of Champions includes classic teammates like Ms. Marvel, Wasp, Ironheart, Viv Vision, and Nova working alongside Miles Morales. It's a great opportunity to see the character develop relationships with heroes his own age. But with a new act outlawing underage vigilantes and Roxxon hot on the Champions' tails, there are a lot of challenges to contend with.
5 Spider-Men (2012)
Miles Morales and Peter Parker are well-known for working alongside one another in the current continuity of Earth-616. However, when the Ultimate Universe still existed, these two Spider variants were kept apart in the multiverse. Until Spider-Men from writer Brian Michael Bendis and illustrator Sara Pichelli.
Spider-Men united Peter and Miles with Mysterio posing as the prime antagonist. The narrative is fascinating, as it analyzes the similarities and differences between the two vigilantes while allowing Peter to pass on some of his knowledge. It perfectly sets the stage for future team-ups and acts as a beautiful passing of the torch moment.
4 What If... ? Miles Morales (2022)
What If...? narratives allow Marvel to explore the wackier concepts that they could never get away with in the standard Earth-616. Miles' exploration of the multiverse is certainly one of the weirdest things that happened to him. The book boasts a who's who of brilliant talent from Cody Ziglar to Farid Karami.
Miles is involved in an anthology series of sorts, as each issue of What If...? introduces a new variant. With Captain America, Thor and Hulk all originating from Miles Morales on other Earths, the group teams up to take on Prowler and his nefarious allies. It's fun, fast-paced, and an interesting character study of what makes Miles a hero in every reality.
3 Ultimate End (2015)
Miles Morales was one of the most important characters to have come from the Ultimate Universe. However, the Secret Wars event led to the destruction of the Ultimate reality and thus the removal of the comic line. Ultimate End was designed as a final goodbye. It was written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Mark Bagley.
With the Ultimate Universe and Earth-616 merging, the heroes of both worlds begun to wage war on one another. Until Miles put a stop to it that is. Ultimate End positioned him as a vital member of the Ultimate line and repositioned him in a minor leadership role as the heroes turn to face Doom.
2 Miles Morales: Spider-Man (2016-2018)
With Miles Morales now exploring Earth-616, Miles Morales: Spider-Man was created to allow a new chapter to begin. The series is guided by writer Brian Michael Bendis with art from an array of incredible talents. Figures like Ghost-Spider and Ms. Marvel play bigger roles in Miles' life throughout this run.
Miles Morales: Spider-Man might be massive for setting out this modern version of Miles, but its tie-in to Civil War II is also important to mention. Miles was caught in the crossfire of the superhuman conflict. A potential future suggested that Miles would kill Captain America. With part of the civil war actually based around protecting and hunting down Miles, this run is major for understanding his tense arc.
1 Miles Morales: Spider-Man (2022-)
Miles Morales: Spider-Man might be a rebooted title with an existing name, but it very much feels like a different era for Miles. With major arcs like the Clone Saga behind him, this book goes back to basics allowing new threats to be established and existing relationships to be built up. It has been masterminded by writer Cody Ziglar and artist Federico Vicentini.
The introduction of new villain Rabble is a perfect example of how this Miles Morales book is willing to take risks. Tie-ins to events like Carnage Reigns ensure that Miles is very much present in the modern Marvel Universe. Plus the return to his fan-favorite costume has certainly started the comic on the right foot. Although these arcs will continue to evolve, it's a major book to watch out for.