Excitement for Spider-Man 3 continues to rise, and with all the signs pointing to it being not only the biggest Spider-Man movie to date, but also one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most ambitious stories, that's no great surprise. Both Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire are expected to return as their respective versions of Peter Parker, but how much will they have changed?
It's been six years since we've seen Garfield's Peter, and thirteen years since Maguire last suited up.
Now, some spectacular fan-art has been shared which imagines what the latter might look like as the "Last Stand" version of the character. Introduced by J. Michael Straczynski and John Romita Jr. in Amazing Spider-Man #500, this Peter had become a killer, and was confronted at his Aunt May's graveside by the NYPD.
Refusing to hand himself in, he was gunned down, and it would certainly be interesting seeing what might have happened to Maguire's Peter had he gone down a similarly dark path.
He doesn't have to be a killer, of course, as that would upset a lot of fans. However, there's no reason why he couldn't have donned a costume like this after going through a tough decade and a half.
Take a look at this amazing fan-art below:
Click on the "Next" button below to check out some
amazing Easter Eggs from Spider-Man: Miles Morales!
10. An Unexpected Nod To The Inhumans
A few years ago, Marvel Entertainment went to great lengths to replace the X-Men with Inhumans (because they didn't own the film rights to the X-Men). It was an Ike Perlmutter idea, and one that backfired horribly as comic book sales plummeted and the Inhumans TV show proved to be a flop.
Now, those characters have again faded into the background, making it particularly surprising that there's a reference to Lockjaw - the team's teleporting dog - in Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
The statue can be found in one of the hideouts you have to infiltrate, and it was clearly thrown into the game as little more than a fun Easter Egg for fans. However, it may also confirm that the Inhumans exist in this world...whether Peter Parker or Miles will ever cross paths with them remains to be seen.
9. Vanessa Fisk
Wilson Fisk remains behind bars when Spider-Man: Miles Morales begins, and The Underground have moved into Fisk Tower and transformed it into their new headquarters. During the "Underground Undercover" mission, you can actually take a look around and inside The Kingpin's old vault.
While the valuables have been pilfered, a huge portrait of Vanessa can be seen gathering dust.
It's a cool nod to the villain's history, and one that actually pays off later in the game when Ganke helps Miles break into The Kingpin's computer system by correctly guessing that "Vanessa" is the password. Honestly, it's hard to escape the feeling that the game may be teasing Fisk's eventual return...
8. Dazzler
We know that The Avengers exist in the world Spider-Man: Miles Morales takes place in, but what about the X-Men? While it's never made clear - in this or Spider-Man - whether a team of mutants is operating out of Westchester, this Easter Egg confirms that at least two of them are part of this universe.
In one of the time capsules the wall-crawler tracks down, there's a couple of ticket stubs from 2015 revealing that Miles and Phin attended a concert for the singer Dazzler, a.k.a. Alison Blair.
Teleporting mutant Lila Cheney also receives a mention, and this is a pretty cool reference for comic book fans. The chances of it actually leading to anything are unclear, but these two exist, at least!
7. Paying Your Respects
In Spider-Man, you could visit the cemetery in Harlem and pay your respects to Ben Parker. In this spinoff, his grave is now side by side with May Parker's, a heartbreaking reminder of her death.
However, if you spend some time exploring, you'll also come across the grave for Jefferson Davis, Miles' father. By approaching it, you unlock a brief bit of dialogue in which the inexperienced superhero pays his respects to the fallen hero. It's a touching moment, and a well-handled Easter Egg.
Oh, and as a bonus, you'll also receive a trophy for paying a visit to this location!
6. Black Cat And Tombstone
During the "Tinker Tailor Spider Spy" mission, you access the villainous Simon Krieger's computer system inside Roxxon and learn more about some mercenaries he's been dealing with.
He outfits Rhino with new armour in Spider-Man: Miles Morales, but also has a history with Black Cat and Tombstone. While the latter remains behind bars, Felicia Hardy's profile notes, "Whereabouts Unknown." This is a reference to her apparent death in the DLC released for 2018's Spider-Man.
As for the third shadowy mercenary, we later learn that it's Prowler, Miles' recently resurfaced uncle.
5. Peter Parker And Otto Octavius
During "Like Real Scientists," players get to experience a flashback with a younger Miles and Phin visiting the Science Center. It's a lengthy diversion from the action playing out during the game's final act, but one which makes sure that the way things wrap up pack a real emotional punch.
As Miles turns to leave near the end of the flashback, he bumps into Peter Parker...who just so happens to be there alongside Otto Octavius, a.k.a. Doctor Octopus.
At this point, they're still firm friends, and if you choose to stick around, you'll get a little more insight into their relationship, while also witnessing the groundwork being laid for Otto to create the arms which eventually drive him mad. It's a cool moment, and one fans of Spider-Man should enjoy.
4. Wakanda Forever
There are a few references to Black Panther throughout Spider-Man: Miles Morales. The most obvious comes at the end of the game in a touching tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman.
A stretch of 42nd Street between 1st and 3rd Avenue has been renamed "Boseman Way" too, another homage to the Black Panther following his death after a lengthy battle with cancer.
One of the time capsules includes a Wakandan flag, though those can also be seen dotted around Harlem.
3. "BKLYNSpider42"
If you're a longtime fan of Miles Morales, then you'll be well-aware of the significance of the number "42."
In Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the number pops up repeatedly, with it later revealed that it was meant to serve as a way of paying respect to Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman playing him on screen, of course, and like Miles, Robinson was something of a pioneer.
In Spider-Man: Miles Morales, the titular character appropriately uses the handle "BKLYNSpider42" on the game's social media message feed where you can see the thoughts on New Yorkers.
2. Spider-Pig
No, we're not referring to The Simpsons!
In the game's opening mission, the two Spider-Men and Rhino gatecrash one of J. Jonah Jameson's podcasts, much to the chagrin of the former Daily Bugle Editor-in-Chief. During one of his podcast episodes shortly after, JJJ is understandably horrified at the prospect of more than one Spider-Man.
He goes on to wonder whether "Spider-Pig" is possible, and that's obviously meant as a cheeky reference to the existence of Spider-Ham, a character we spent some time with in Into the Spider-Verse!
1. Amazing Fantasy #15
Exploring Miles Morales' home proves to be one of the most surprisingly enjoyable diversions in Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and look closely in his bedroom and you'll notice a familiar comic book.
He owns a copy of Amazing Fantasy #15 which, we're guessing, isn't quite as valuable in this world! Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's comic book obviously introduced Spider-Man to the world, and it appears to have been created in this reality, likely as a way of paying homage to the Big Apple's web-slinger.
Talking of "The Man," head to Mick's Diner (where Peter and Mary Jane Watson had their date in the first game and bumped into Stan Lee) and you'll see a wonderful tribute to the legendary creator.