The 2018 comedy superhero movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” was an engrossing story with a lot of drive behind it. The directors, Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti, and Rodney Rothman, all clearly put a lot of passion into their work, as did all the actors, animators, and other staff working on this movie. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse” has won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film.

The film focuses on Miles Morales, a teenager in Brooklyn, New York, who is about to become the next Spider-Man. Playing off of the countless comics and adaptations of the beloved hero, Miles is thrust into the role of hero when the Spider-Man in his universe is defeated and he must work together with… well, Spider-Man, as well as Spider-Girl, Penny Parker, Spider-Man Noir, and Spider-Ham, as they try to get back to their own universes.

One of the most notable qualities of the movie is its unique art style. Since its premise is about all sorts of Spider-Man comics, it’s animated to look like one too. With a jumpy and colorful animation style, it almost looks at times like it was meant to be a comic book instead of a movie, as if the viewer was just flipping through the pages of one. It includes thought bubbles and other little effects to show movements and noises.

The real selling point is the touching story and brilliant comedy, although the art style is a selling point of its own. The story is a dramatic tale of Miles learning to face his fears and not just run away. It’s about becoming the hero he was meant to be. As incredible of a story it is, and as serious of plot it has, the movie is also full of great jokes and comedic moments. My favorites were with Spider-Man Noir and Spider-Ham, who were wacky, fun side characters who helped on Miles’ journey and played off of his universe well. Noir experienced colors with a Rubix Cube, and Spider-Ham was a talking pig in a human world. It would be impossible to pick their best moments, especially when they are voiced by Nicolas Cage and John Mulaney, respectively, two incredible comedians.

This was the superhero experience people have wanted for a long time, but didn’t even know they wanted it. It has everything people love about the Spider-people, an art style that made it feel alive, and one of the best superhero messages in comic history: it could be anyone behind the mask.