While the sequel to Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse isn't set to premiere until June 2, 2023, fans still adore the 2018 hit. The film introduced audiences everywhere to fantastic new-to-cinema characters such as Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen and even the ever-lovable Spider-Ham.
But audiences remain confused by the darkly lit, brooding figure known as Spider-Man Noir. With Nicolas Cage voicing the character, many moviegoers were left surprised by the existence of a noir Spider-Man. Meanwhile, comic book readers recognized the character immediately and understood the surprising depth the character has.
Spider-Man Noir Was Given Powers By A Spider-God
While most Spider-Men earn their webs through a bite from a radioactive spider, Spider-Man Noir had a much more eldritch origin. After a Spider-Idol was destroyed, a mass of spiders descended. Their bites caused extreme agony and even destroyed the unworthy.
Peter Parker, though, was bitten and transported to another dimension, where a Spider-God granted him superpowers. It's a completely different origin than most fans would expect, and it's considerably more terrifying. It also plays a major role in Noir's comics, as the Spider-God has sent him on missions before.
Spider-Man Noir Fought in World War II
Given that Noir lives in a very different timeline than many other multiverse versions of Peter Parker, he's had a very different set of conflicts to face. Having grown up during the Great Depression, Noir eventually comes face-to-face with the harsh reality of World War II.
Though Noir didn't fight directly for the Allies, he traveled to Europe and teamed up with a Dora Milaje from Wakanda in his efforts to hunt down an old and magical artifact to keep it out of enemy hands. Though it's certainly a weird story, it shows the depth of his willingness to do the right thing, especially considering that he isn't a big fn of planes.
Spider-Man Noir Dated Black Cat
While the Peter Parker of Earth-616 often has one-off flings with Black Cat, Noir has a close relationship with her. Their bond makes their relationship one of Spider-Man's best, but it also led to considerable conflict between the two. Considering that Black Cat often delves into the darker side of New York than Peter Parker does, the two are often at odds.
Still, as one of the few people fully aware of Noir's secret identity, she often has to protect him from various nefarious enemies. Though their relationship is somewhat strained, thanks to a recent attack on the Black Cat due to her relationship with him, their on-and-off romance remains one of the most interesting aspects of Noir's comics.
Spider-Man Noir Is Politically Active
Despite appearances, Noir doesn't spend his entire life dressed in costume and taking on evil-doers. Before he even picked up the goggles, Noir was just ordinary Peter Parker, trying to help the poorest citizens of New York City, while arguing for massive political change.
Peter often spent most of his time in Hoovervilles, helping the poor and the homeless and even trying to give them as much food as he could make. In fact, even after the spider bite, Noir spends most of his time helping the marginalized and trying to bring about lifestyle improvements for all of Earth-90214.
Spider-Man Noir Hopped Universes For A Living
After being dragged into the multiverse during an attack by the Inheritors, Noir learned of the existence of alternate universes and quickly set about trying to take down the worst of the multiverse's villains. He has visited many of the most important Marvel alternate universes, making him incredibly well-traveled.
For a random kid who happened to stumble across a Spider Idol in the 1920s, it was a major change. That made it all the stranger that Noir elected to remain in the multiverse, solving problems and fixing realities just to help keep his ally, Spider-UK company.
Spider-Man Noir Joined The Web-Warriors
Though it might seem otherwise, Noir isn't all doom and gloom. In his quest to help solve issues across the multiverse, Noir became a member of one of Marvel's coolest forgotten teams, the Web-Warriors. As the multiverse continued to collapse, thanks to various incursions, the team raced to protect universes that had lost their Spider-Men.
While they weren't always successful, they were a team with a great mission and noble goals. As a major member, Noir managed to befriend several of the other spiders, becoming an unlikely ally with Spider-Girl, Spider-UK, and even Spider-Ham, while taking on entire armies of villains.
Spider-Man Noir Returned From The Dead
While deceased comic book characters return from the dead more often than not, it's considerably rarer for alternate universe characters. After all, most of the Ultimate universe characters never returned after their untimely deaths in the Ultimatum event.
So, when Spider-Man Noir met a grizzly end, it was surprising to see the character returned. Evidently, the Spider-God determined that there was work left to be done, and it wasn't content leaving Noir in the grave. To the surprise of even the other spiders, Noir continued his adventures and his work around the multiverse.
Spider-Man Noir Makes His Own Webs
Unlike the mainline Marvel universe Peter Parker, who had to use his own ingenuity to invent the web fluid that propels him across cities, Spider-Man Noir never really had to bother. With the power to produce and shoot his own organic web fluids, he proved to have more power than the typical Spider-Man.
It's a good thing too, considering that Noir isn't the wealthiest character. With considerably fewer resources, it would have likely been impossible for him to invent the web fluid. Even if he had, he would have had no way to get his hands on it. Really, it's no wonder the Spider-God gave him webs.
Spider-Man Noir Is An Investigative Reporter
Considering his noir roots, it makes sense that Spider-Man Noir would need to take advantage of his training as a reporter to get the scoop on the ground. As an investigative reporter, trained under Ben Urich, Peter tracks down the worst of the worst, publishes their names, and then takes them down in a web mask.
It's a great arrangement for him, considering he can make a living off of the same things he does as a spider. Whereas 616-Peter Parker takes pictures of himself, Noir focuses on criminal activity more than Spider-Man's activities. It's somewhat nobler, and it certainly helps him cash a check.
Spider-Man Noir Is A Quiet Genius
Though best known for brooding in the darkness during a rainstorm, Noir happens to be one of the smarter characters from his universe. While he never had to invent web fluid, he shows off his intelligence when tracking down criminals, weaving his way through conspiracies, and handling the great Web of Life and Destiny like a trained pro.
Despite having limited access to funds, Noir even managed to start studying so he could attend college to study science. Considering how difficult it was to get into a good school, it shows the extent of Noir's intelligence — though it would likely be easier to get into a school if he studied in the 616 universe.