Essay Questions

Why does Peter Parker decide to retire?

Peter Parker, who fought crime as Spider-Man for many years, was presumed dead by Miles Morales and much of the rest of the world. He, however, was not dead. In fact, after the Green Goblin reemerges, he and Miles Morales fight and defeat him. The two succeed, but Parker has had enough of his life of fighting crime and wants to spend more time with Mary Jane and his family. He wants to, in other words, lead a more normal life. When Parker retires, he passes the mantle of Spider-Man onto Miles Morales, who has similar powers as him.

What is HYDRA?

HYDRA, which is a reference to the mythological Lernaean Hydra, is an international terrorist organization and paramilitary group bent on world domination and subversion. They are the main antagonist of Miles Morales and in many Marvel properties. In Miles Morales, HYDRA is responsible for kidnapping Miles, his father, and Ganke. They are also responsible for changing the world and for fighting against S.H.I.E.L.D., who are doing everything they can to stop HYDRA from succeeding.

Why is Miles Morales/Spider-Man's spider-sense on the fritz?

One day, Miles/Spider-Man is suspended from school for what he calls a "misunderstanding." Miles' spider-sense, which typically alerts him to impending danger, isn't working before he gets suspended, so Miles suspects something is up. To that end, Miles questions whether he is even cut out to be a superhero. After all, his family were criminals. Before he saves anyone else, he should save himself and should have confidence in his abilities and his moral character--only then will his spider-sense begin to work properly once again.