SHEPDOG TUMBLR

That was the image that ended “Ultimate Spider-Man” #1 many years ago and I wanted to repeat that image because it most defines the difference between the two characters. When Peter made it to the ceiling he was excited and thought it was awesome. Miles first reaction is, “Oh no!” That was very interesting to me. That left us with some mountains to climb. How is a kid who goes “Oh no!” when he discovers what’s happened to him going to end up in the costume next issue? And for those looking to see him in the costume he will be in it shortly.

 Because here’s Miles, who is at the cusp of being a man, then all of a sudden he has this secret that he may have been ready to tell his father at that moment. Then two things happen: Number one, Miles’ father tells him the truth about their family, which involves not just him, but Uncle Aaron, who Miles admires. What that says to Miles — and for people who are looking for a real difference between him and Peter here it is — is that Miles wonders if there’s self destruction hard wired into his DNA. Is greed or whatever it is that makes people do something wrong even though they know it’s wrong part of his genetics? Is whatever it is that’s propelling his Uncle Aaron to be the Ultimate Universe’s Prowler in him?

Miles doesn’t know if he’s a good guy or a bad guy. He doesn’t know what kind of guy he is and than he finds out that his father wasn’t that great a guy even thought he’s trying really hard to be one now. Then it’s his uncle too. So is this in him? Is this who he is? That’s something that Peter never had to struggle with. People who discover that they have alcoholics in their family often wonder, “Am I an alcoholic too? If I drink will I lose it?” So he worries about what kind of person he is. He doesn’t know.

-Bendis on issue #2

(via hotphotography)