Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
- Rated : (★★★★★)
- Running time: 1h 56m
- Target audience: into the 16–26 age range.
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Action, Fantasy, Adventure, Superhero, Science fiction, Science fiction comedy, Animated cartoon
Summary: Miles, the protagonist, stumbles across a spider which turns him into Spider-Man. He later finds other spider people and tries to become the next Spider-Man for his universe. Throughout the film, he tries to stop a villain from collapsing every universe from collapsing.
- Why did I pick this film:
- The art style is what I wanted to do for a few of my game ideas
- I remember watching this film in the cinema, and it’s still one of my favourites because of how unique the art style is and how good the storytelling was.
- I re-watched this film because I wanted to see if I still viewed it the same way as I did when I first watched it.
What did I like + How does it link back :
I loved everything about this film! The animation, the different characters, the art style, the storyline, etc. It’s a film about heroes with supernatural abilities, along with a clear, strong art style I like. It really reminds me of one of my key themes (Magic), so I wanted to see how they conveyed the story.
- How this film influences my game :
- The unique art style
- Character design
- Environment inspiration
- Storytelling
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse
- Running time: 2h 20m
- Target audience: into the 16–26 age range.
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Action, Fantasy, Adventure, Superhero, Science fiction, Science fiction comedy, Animated cartoon
Rated : (★★★★★)
Synopsis: Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, an epic adventure that will transport Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man across the Multiverse to join forces with Gwen Stacy and a new team of Spider-People to face off with a villain more powerful than anything they have ever encountered.
- Why did I pick this film:
- More alternative art styles
- The concept of canon event
- I want to see how they expanded on the previous film
What did I like + How does it link back :
I liked the continuation of the film and how it originally linked back to the previous film. Along with the plot twist that Miles wasn’t actually meant to become Spider-Man, it always leaves you guessing and wanting more. It links back to one of the game ideas with the ‘canon events’; it reminds me of the ‘fate’ idea I had.
- How this film influences my game :
- The unique art style
- Character design
- Environment inspiration
- Storytelling
What storytelling method from the movie could improve the narrative of my game?
- ‘When you look at Spider-Man movies of the past, many share similar stories, particularly, the retelling of Spider-Man’s origin, which is a constant joke throughout the film. Mile’s story is an origin, sharing similar traits to the Spider-Man origin: being bitten by a radioactive spider, losing an uncle, making up for a past failure, etc. But the film tells the story in such a unique and artistic way that it feels like hearing the story for the very first time.’ Comic Book Storytelling in Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse – Cinemablography
- The pacing of the film doesn’t feel rushed, and everything feels in place, too, so I can’t think of anything it could improve on.
What visual styles inspired the game’s art direction?
- ‘By showcasing the various Spider-Men and Women in different art styles, it serves two purposes. One, it reflects Miles’ journey of self-discovery, seeing as he spray paints a Spider-Man costume to reflect his own style, mirroring his earlier graffiti art. Miles adopts a hip hop graffiti aesthetic, finally coming into his own as Spider-Man of his universe. But this diverse mixing pot of styles reflects the diverse art styles and stories that comic books, animation, and film can accomplish. Very few comic books in the market look alike, ranging from cartoony to realistic to impressionistic to retro, and so much more. By each of these styles being put in a mixing pot, it celebrates the diversity and potential refreshment that new styles can bring.’ Comic Book Storytelling in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse – Cinemablography
- The colouring within the film is so mesmerizing, with various colour palettes, unique environmental art.
- I also like how each colour palette suits different Spiderman / Spiderwoman personalities and universes.
What aspects of the movie might I want players to find in my game?
- ‘It represents the possibilities of looking at things through a different perspective. By bringing in comic book storytelling that allows for diverse design, and characters that serves those characters and these stories, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse brilliantly marries animation and comic book storytelling to create a Spider-Man film unlike any other. And when there have already been so many Spider-Mans in live action and animated shows, that’s saying something.’ Comic Book Storytelling in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse – Cinemablography
- I want every player to find my game to be as emotionally impactful as possible.
- Additionally, I want them to find it satisfying, timeless, and something they can return.
Friedell, B. (2019). Comic Book Storytelling in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. [online] Cinemablography. Available at: http://www.cinemablography.org/blog/comic-book-storytelling-in-spider-man-into-the-spider-verse.
Suriya (2023). Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse — a balance between art and technology. [online] EverythingCG. Available at: https://medium.com/everythingcg/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-a-balance-between-art-and-technology-e7b88aab2a56.
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