The Hero's Journey of Miles Morales
The Hero's Journey of Miles Morales [23:10 mins]
In 2011, the character of Miles Morales was introduced to Marvel Comics. But it wasn't until 2018 that the character gained widespread appeal through the release of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse — which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Aside from being a wonderful addition to the Marvel pantheon, this modern incarnation of Spider-Man is also an excellent example of the Hero's Journey.
In this video, we break down how Miles Morales's Hero's Journey takes shape. "Voice of Joseph Campbell" from Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth.
CITATION: Off Screen (2019), The Hero's Journey of Miles Morales, posted on YouTube, https://youtu.be/LMJnpH24W1I
Videos
Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked [1:38:43 mins, Rated PG]
Filled with classic images from DC and Marvel Comics as well as extensive interviews with modern masters of the graphic novel like Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns), this documentary, originally aired on the History Channel, goes far beyond the superficial escapist fantasies to probe the forces that shaped the characters who have become legend. In the adventures of The Incredible Hulk, Spider Man, The X-Men and many more are echoes of American society in the last century, and the art form continues to evolve and innovate today.
SOURCE: History Channel (2003), Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked, posted on ClickView, https://clickv.ie/w/OlFs
MARVEL | What is it, to be a hero? [2:45 mins]
I wanted to send a message that being a hero isn't about having super-powers but it's about our choices. " It's the choices that make us who we are, and we can always choose to do what's right."
Student Activities
- Article: Modern Mythology: What Comic Books Can Tell Us About Humanity
Just as ancient man used stories of gods and monsters to explain the world, modern man uses stories of godlike heroes and monstrous villains to do the same.
- Assignment: Comic book heroes [PDF]
This assignment asks students to analyze a comic book, looking for the heroic characteristics applied to a certain superhero. They must decide who considers their subject a hero, what makes him or her a hero, and also draw a picture of the character. (Requires classroom set of comic books.) - Heroes & the Hall of Heroes [PDF]This introduces students to the idea of superheroes vs. everyday heroes. It also asks them to design a Hall of Heroes where the class must nominate certain figures, whom they feel have changed the world for the better.
Lesson Plans
- Fantastic Characters: Analyzing and Creating Superheroes and Villains
In this lesson, students analyze and discuss familiar superheroes and super-villains to expand their understanding of character types and conventions. Then students consider current social issues and incorporate those issues into the creation of their own superheroes or super-villains.
