Miles Morales: Spider-Man (2018) #37-42

 

Miles Morales: Spider-Man (2018) #37-42

Issue #37: The Multiversal Chaos Begins
The story kicks off with Miles Morales continuing to grapple with his dual responsibilities as a student and Spider-Man. However, his world is turned upside down when he encounters an alternate version of himself, known as Shift—a hulking, monstrous clone who has escaped from a secret laboratory. Shift warns Miles of a looming multiversal threat tied to the Beyond Corporation. The two are forced to team up when agents from Beyond attack, forcing Miles to confront his growing unease about the multiverse’s fragility and the consequences of his previous dimension-hopping adventures.

Issue #38: Enter the Spider-Verse (Again)
After receiving a cryptic warning from Shift, Miles seeks help from Ganke and Starling to investigate the Beyond Corporation’s growing interest in alternate realities. Their search leads them to a hidden portal, which transports Miles and Shift into a fractured dimension. There, Miles encounters alternate versions of himself, including a war-hardened, older Spider-Man and a teenage, unpowered Miles trying to survive a dystopian reality. Each version of Miles reveals the devastating effects of tampering with the multiverse, fueling his determination to stop Beyond’s interference.

Issue #39: The Clone’s Redemption
Shift’s backstory takes center stage as Miles learns more about his clone’s tragic origins and the experiments that created him. Despite his monstrous appearance, Shift proves to be an invaluable ally, displaying loyalty and courage that challenge Miles’s initial misgivings about him. Meanwhile, Beyond’s operatives, led by the ruthless Quantum, continue their pursuit of Miles and Shift, escalating the danger. The issue’s emotional core centers on Miles’s evolving relationship with Shift, as they bond over shared trauma and their desire to forge their own destinies.

Issue #40: The Beyond Conspiracy
Miles uncovers evidence of Beyond’s plan to harness the multiverse for profit and control, putting countless realities at risk. To stop them, Miles and Shift infiltrate a Beyond facility, only to encounter a formidable foe: Selim, another Miles clone who has fully embraced his role as an enforcer for Beyond. The clash between Miles and Selim is both physical and ideological, as Selim accuses Miles of failing to live up to his potential. The confrontation ends with Miles barely escaping, but the experience leaves him questioning his purpose and place in the multiverse.

Issue #41: Into the Heart of the Multiverse
Determined to stop Beyond once and for all, Miles and Shift rally their alternate-dimension allies for a final assault on the corporation’s main facility. The mission pushes Miles to his limits as he faces Selim again, this time in a high-stakes battle that threatens to collapse the multiverse itself. Shift’s heroism shines as he sacrifices himself to protect Miles and the integrity of the multiverse. The emotional loss cements Shift as a true hero in Miles’s eyes, and the victory against Beyond feels bittersweet.

Issue #42: Aftermath and Reflection
The arc concludes with Miles returning to his home dimension, forever changed by his experiences. He grapples with the loss of Shift and the heavy burden of protecting not just his city but the multiverse itself. Starling and Ganke help him process his grief, reminding him of the importance of his humanity and connections to others. Meanwhile, Beyond’s remnants hint at future threats, leaving Miles on edge about what’s to come. The issue ends with a quiet but hopeful moment as Miles rededicates himself to being Spider-Man, inspired by Shift’s memory to keep fighting for what’s right.

Thematic Exploration
This arc explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the consequences of power. Miles’s interactions with his clones and alternate selves highlight the complexity of his role as Spider-Man, challenging him to embrace his individuality while recognizing the broader impact of his actions. The arc also emphasizes the importance of found family and the sacrifices required to protect those you love. With its blend of action, emotional depth, and multiversal intrigue, Miles Morales: Spider-Man continues to showcase the unique strengths of its titular hero.