Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was our biggest expectation of the end of the year with its original graphic style and multiverse approach. It must be said that the film dismisses (in part) Peter Parker to be interested in another “Spidey”: Miles Morales. A new approach on the big screen which obviously arouses the greatest curiosity. In the end, real success or wet firecracker?

Definitely, it’s been a long time since we hadn’t been so thrilled by an adventure of our favorite weaver in the cinema. From the Sam Raimi trilogy to be precise. And we can’t say that her “buddy” Venom left a lasting impression on us earlier this year. But all that is in the past, and by entrusting the production of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to the duo Phil Lord (who also co-script) and Chris Miller, the tandem behind The Great LEGO Adventure, we can say that Sony will have delighted us.

Basically, the project seemed risky. With an original animation reminiscent of comic books, the film focuses on Miles Morales, a young Brooklyn American of Latin African origin who will be brought in to become the new Spider-Man, in place of Peter Parker.

A logical choice for directors who wanted to tell a “more contemporary story”. Except that New Generation also stages the multiverse with the appearance of other Weavers from parallel dimensions: an alternative Peter Parker, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Ham and Peni Parker. Suffice to say that in form and substance, we are far from the classic origin story that we are used to serving in the cinema.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse graphic slap
We are talking about a slap in the singular, but don’t get me wrong, the feature film is a slap dispenser and we have never been so happy to have itchy cheeks. To return to the subject, Spider-Man: New Generation offers us an unprecedented animation, far from the usual 3D, which flirts well on the side of the tribute supported to comics devoted to superheroes.

The aesthetic thus combines synthetic images and paper-specific processes such as bubbles to express the thoughts of the characters, or even the resumption of characteristic onomatopoeias. A mixture of genres found in colorization, inking the play of light, thus giving the sensation of not seeing an animation inspired by comics, but an animated comic, without feeling confused. A technique that had to be invented for the needs of the film, as explained by the creators who spent a year and a half just to give birth to 12 seconds.

We also welcome the staging of the trio Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman, ambitious, twirling, playing with tones and frames. Supported by impeccable editing, the directors charm us with their division into vignettes and their shots of fabulous evocative power.

A declaration of love to Spidey
While one can accuse Venom or the The Amazing Spider-Man diptych of ignoring their subjects, the same cannot be blamed on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Everything there exudes the fiery message for dear Spidey, no matter who is hiding under the mask.

By choosing to rule out – at least in a certain way – Peter Parker in favor of Miles Morales, and to add to him the most… “alternative” versions of his fellows, the scenario aims more at the representation of the hero than his identity. While there is, in the background, the notion of learning and coming of age, the central element remains this idea that Spidey is found in all of us. At a time when Stan Lee has left us – not without still rewarding us with a formidable cameo – the film pays a perfect tribute to his creation.

Whether you are a connoisseur of the Spiderverse or not, you cannot remain insensitive to this love that inhabits every part of the work with the right amount of humor, action and emotion. The dosage of the three is also an integral part of the strength of the feature film. We never get bored and we constantly fill our eyes and hearts. And what about the many references that the film has fun, like the one, from the start, concerning the Sam Raimi trilogy.

If you find that too much is being done, wait until you see it in theaters. We also do not shun the double Kiss Cool effect: offering an ideal gateway to a live film around Miles Spider-Man Morales.