Reporters have discovered a reference to the Black Lives Matter movement in Spider-Man: Miles Morales. The newest adventure in Insomniac's beloved web-slinging video game series releases on November 12th, as a launch title for the PlayStation 5. As the release date looms close, many publications have had a chance to review the game. Screen Rant, for instance, reviewed it positively, citing its compelling protagonist and excellent gameplay, but criticizing its brisk length.
One of the most prominent aspects that sets Miles apart from his predecessor Peter Parker is his race. Miles has an African American father and a Puerto-Rican mother, and the writers have never shied away from that vital part of his identity. Insomniac is clearly no different. Back in October, the company released a tweet showing Miles in-costume celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by posing in front of the flag of Puerto Rico. This level of representation is always welcome in the video game industry, and it's good to see a major developer like Insomniac emphasizing it like this.
Insomniac is clearly invested in keeping this representation going in-game as well. As VG247 reports, there's a very prominent reference to the Black Lives Matter movement in the game. The reference comes at the conclusion of a specific chain of side quests that see Miles protecting the people of Harlem, a historically African American district. At the end of the questline, the people of Harlem present Miles with the Uptown Pride suit and adopt Miles as "their" Spider-Man. Following the unlock, players are treated to a cinematic cutscene showing off the snazzy new black-and-gold suit, concluding with a dramatic pose in front of a tremendous Black Lives Matter mural.
This is a major move for the game. Just about every American is aware of the Black Lives Matter movement, but unfortunately, not everyone is in favor of it. Miles Morales and BLM have already interacted in a somewhat less positive light when Marvel Comics removed the logo from the cover of a 2019 comic starring the new Spider-Man. A movement this prominent is sure to raise controversy and consternation, and Insomniac's decision to feature it so prominently is much braver than it would be in a kinder world.
Time will tell if the new game rises to the same level of fame and success as its 2018 predecessor. Length aside, it certainly has a lot going for it, like Miles' feline companion Spider-Man the cat. In a world with this much political turmoil, it's good to see Insomniac paying such proud homage to Miles' roots. Hopefully fans will enjoy Spider-Man: Miles Morales as much as they enjoyed the 2018 game.
Source: VG247
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