Every Significant Death in Miles Morales’ Spider-Man Comics

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Becomes the beloved Spider-Man for a generation who discovered the character through Spider-Verse stories. Miles Morales stands out among his predecessor, Peter Parker, due to his unique powers and supporting cast, but they share one significant trait beyond their title and web-slinging abilities: the repeated loss of family members, mentors, and allies.

Similar to Parker, who faced a torrent of misfortune following Uncle Ben’s untimely demise that sparked his crime-fighting journey, Morales has found little respite from emotionally grueling deaths since his debut in Ultimate Spider-Man. Unfortunately, such heartbreaking losses are part and parcel of the superhero lifestyle, as Miles has discovered. Explore the details of each death in Miles Morales‘ comic book history that follows.

Peter Parker Had to Die to Make Room for a New Ultimate Spider-Man

The First of a Few Key Deaths That Gave Birth to Miles Morales: Spider-Man

Peter Parker’s origin story is deeply connected to the death of his uncle Ben. This idea was reinforced in the comics by Brian Michael Bendis, who portrayed it as a series of intertwined sorrows. In the “Ultimate Spider-Man” comic book series, for instance, Peter Parker himself experienced a tragic end when he was killed by Norman Osborn’s Sinister Six, marking the end of the series and paving the way for a new Spider-Man.

In the fourth issue of “Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man,” it was revealed that Miles, although not directly involved, was present when Parker died. Subsequent issues showed that Parker had met Miles before his demise, after Miles gained superpowers. The glimpses of their encounter and the proximity to Parker’s death played a significant role in motivating Miles to take up the mantle of Spider-Man.

With Great Uncles Come Great Deaths in Spider-Man Stories

Miles Morales’ Origin Also Includes the Loss of a Beloved Uncle, With A Twist

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but admire how The Ultimate Comics initiative masterfully reflects classic Marvel stories – and Miles Morales’ tales stand out as the epitome of this approach. Take, for instance, the character of Aaron Davis. Much like Uncle Ben, Miles found a strong bond with his Uncle Aaron, who seemed to truly grasp them in a way no one else did. However, unlike Uncle Ben, Aaron wasn’t the paragon of virtue when it came to his secret identity.

As Miles Morales was fully immersed in his dual role as Spider-Man, the demise of Aaron caused the foundation of his life to crumble. It was later revealed that Aaron, Miles’ uncle, was actually at odds with Miles’ vigilante activities. In issue #12 of Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man, after learning about his nephew’s secret identity, Aaron sought him out to persuade him to join The Prowler’s criminal organization. During their confrontation, Aaron’s vibro-shock gauntlets malfunctioned with fatal consequences. Unlike Ben’s regular advice that guided Peter Parker’s Spider-Man in ethical matters, Aaron left Miles Morales with a chilling uncertainty: “You’re just like me,” a puzzling comment from their villainous relative to the impressionable new hero.

Rio Morales’ Death is One of Miles’ Most Shocking Losses

The Final Foundational Death of Ultimate Spider-Man’s First Year

In issue #22 of “Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man,” Miles was concluding his first year as the web-slinger. He had become a more confident and skilled hero, but he wasn’t ready for the tragedy that struck – the loss of his mother. When Venom launched an assault on Brooklyn General Hospital in search of Miles, his mother, Rio, unfortunately found herself caught in the crossfire. A bullet from the police hit her. Despite Miles’ success in defeating Venom, it was too late for Rio. He held her as she took her last breath, whereupon she revealed a stunning truth: she had been aware of his secret identity all along.

As a devoted fan, I found myself in the heartbreaking position of upholding a heavy secret: I couldn’t tell Dad about Miles’ transformation into Spider-Man. Losing him was a blow that led Miles to step away from his Spider-Man role for an entire year. Yet, her request, veiled as it was, laid the foundation for a fresh interpretation of Spider-Man’s secret identity, a narrative twist that would become integral to many of Miles’ stories, particularly when he resumed his role as Spidey.

The Hulk’s Unexpected Death in Civil War II Upped the Hero vs. Hero Ante

Spider-Man Had a Front-Row Seat on Team Tony Stark

The death of Bruce Banner at the beginning of “Civil War II” established a somber mood for the entire storyline. In this tale about predictive crime prevention, Hawkeye ended up killing the Green Giant prematurely based on a future vision where Banner would once again transform into the Hulk and wreak havoc. Miles Morales didn’t participate in the event that led to Banner’s demise, but “Spider-Man #8” drew him into its emotional fallout. In this issue, Tony Stark consulted with Miles, Ms. Marvel, and Nova on the Triskelion, unwittingly exposing them to the sorrow of losing one of the most potent heroes and a founding Avenger.

The second Civil War comic series was less well-received than its predecessor, receiving criticism for its complex plot and ambiguous ethical messages from both fans and critics. However, the death of Banner, who had been a role model for Miles, significantly impacted his choices afterward. This influence led Miles to align himself with Tony in the conflict, thereby solidifying his position within the moral framework of the Marvel Universe.

Black Widow’s Death Established Earth-616 Superhero Stakes

Secret Empire Thrust Miles Into a Highly Lethal Battlefield

In “Civil War II,” there was a conflict where half of Marvel’s superheroes clashed with Miles Morales. A vision from Ulysses showed Miles seemingly standing over a fallen Captain America, leading to a pursuit to apprehend him. This event left deep scars, and it wasn’t until “Secret Empire” that the shocking revelation was made: Captain America was secretly working for Hydra. During the fight at the Capitol, the prophecy seemed to materialize—but not in the way anyone had anticipated.

In this scenario, when Hydra’s Captain America, Steve Rogers, dealt a lethal blow to Miles, Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff, intervened and received the impact, perishing instantly. As foretold, Miles found himself standing over Rogers’ corpse, but it was due to Black Widow’s selfless act instead of his own actions that led to her demise. The loss left Miles’ moral compass on the brink of shattering. In a fit of rage, he assaulted Rogers, but Wasp prevented him from going any further – an action that Natasha had given her life to uphold.

Spider-Man Undoing Kamala Khan Ended Their Friendship

Miles Had Mephisto Reverse Ms Marvel’s Death

Following his search for a new beginning, Miles Morales stumbled upon something novel within The Champions. Together with Kamala Khan, Miles played a significant role in molding a team that strived to approach things differently. This dynamic group tackled significant dangers, ranging from “Monsters Unleashed” to “Inhumans vs. X-Men,” rapidly earning recognition as a formidable presence in the superhero realm. However, when Kamala and Viv fell in a fight against Zzzax in Dubai, the devastated team dissolved.

In a desperate situation, Miles became an easy prey for Mephisto, who appeared as an ordinary civilian in Marvel Comics. This devil tempted Miles with an offer he couldn’t resist – the opportunity to rewind time and prevent Viv and Kamala Khan from dying. As a result of this second chance, also known as a Zzzax encounter mulligan, both Kamala and Viv survived, although they bore a new, Faustian price. In return for saving Viv and Ms. Marvel, Mephisto reversed the rescue of a girl from the initial battle. Plagued by guilt, Miles confessed to Kamala about the deal and its consequences, but his honesty was not appreciated. Deeply hurt, Kamala effectively ended their friendship, leaving Miles heartbroken.

Miles Morales’ Lost His Uncle Aaron, Again

The Prowler, No More

Upon my arrival at Earth-616, it was astonishing when Aaron Davis, once a menacing figure, resurfaced with an apparent change of heart. This time around, he seemed determined to walk the straight and narrow. The transformed Prowler, in his redemptive phase, was shaping up to be the uncle I had always dreamed of knowing. Our renewed bond became one of the precious rays of hope illuminating my fresh start in this new world.

The selfless act of Aaron during his confrontation with Ultimatum, shielding Miles from a fatal blow and sacrificing himself, made his second demise all the more heart-wrenching. Instead of departing with cryptic final words as in his previous death, this time Aaron died a hero. Tragically for Miles, it wasn’t only the loss of his uncle that he experienced, but also the shattering of their dreams and aspirations they had been working towards together.

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2025-07-07 06:54