Insomniac’s take on the Spider-Man series carved out a fresh path right from the start. Instead of trudging through the familiar territory of rehashing the hero’s origin story, Marvel’s Spider-Man kicks off eight years into Peter Parker’s life as the neighborhood web-slinger. By this stage, Peter has tussled with a myriad of foes, taken his fair share of beatings, and walked away with some hard-earned wisdom. Launching the game at this point in Spidey’s timeline enabled the developers to dive into less-explored chapters of his story. It also smartly introduced Miles Morales, setting up Peter in a more mature, mentor role.
Now, it seems Peter’s saga in Insomniac’s universe may be drawing to a close. At the conclusion of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Peter steps back, passing the torch to Miles. When Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 eventually rolls around, it’ll likely continue this thread. Some intriguing ideas for Peter’s journey may come from a recent comic storyline that could lend some inspiration for his path forward.
Peter Parker Deserves a Happy Ending in Marvel’s Spider-Man 3
It’s no secret—Peter Parker often faces anything but happy endings. Over six decades, "Parker Luck" has become something Spider-Man fans know all too well. It’s the unpredictability that haunts Peter, ensuring that as soon as life seems manageable, chaos finds a way back in. It could be a simple glitch like running out of web-fluid mid-swing, or a massive dilemma like a villain unmasking his secret identity.
This relentless cycle is central to keeping Peter from reaching a fulfilling life. While his resilience in the face of adversity is a defining trait, it has come at a steep cost. From Gwen Stacy’s tragic death to his broken marriage with MJ, not to mention the ultimate sacrifice Pete makes as a teen in the original Ultimate Spider-Man comics—Peter’s storylines are rarely kind.
The New Ultimate Universe Offers a New Horizon for Marvel’s Spider-Man 3
Yet, there’s a break in the clouds. Starting in early 2024, the new Ultimate Spider-Man series by Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto is rewriting Peter Parker’s fate. Through the Ultimate Invasion event, many of the world’s heroes, including Peter, don’t receive their powers. The Maker intervenes, snatching the radioactive spider away before it bites Peter.
Fast forward to the new series, and we meet a 35-year-old Pete living a serene life at home with his wife, MJ, and their kids, Richard and May. Although content, he can’t shake off a sense of incompleteness—as if a greater purpose is just out of reach. That changes when he has the chance to become Spider-Man, all thanks to a very familiar spider.
Grabbing the opportunity with both hands, Peter finally steps into the suit at 35. With the launch of Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1, we see Pete living the dream: a happy marriage, kids, and a renewed purpose as the hero fans root for. Even as challenges loom, this version of Peter Parker gets a much-deserved slice of happiness.
With Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 on the horizon, it would be a delightful shift to mirror this new chapter from the comics. While Miles Morales, alongside other Spidey heroes, continues to watch over New York, let’s hope Pete also gets his well-earned moment of peace and fulfillment.
