Miles Morales returns in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, to once again save the world from villains and multiverse-threatening events. The sequel to the critically acclaimed 2018 film picks up a year after Miles defeated Kingpin and saved the multiverse from being destroyed.

This time around, Miles is struggling to balance his personal and superhero responsibilities as he prepares to take early college courses in another state, much to the dismay of his parents. His struggles become even more pronounced as he encounters The Spot, a villain whose many holes have unexpected consequences. The Spot serves as a catalyst to bring Miles back in touch with his extradimensional counterparts.

As Miles navigates the perilous multiverse, he tries to come to grips with his role in upsetting the Spider-Verse as Spider-Man 2099, Miguel O’Hara, leads the multiverse-defending Spider Society. The ideological split between Miles and Miguel is evident in their different approaches to wielding great power.

The sequel does an impressive job of fleshing out existing characters while introducing new heroes and villains. Hailee Steinfeld’s Gwen Stacy plays a larger role in the story and provides a fresh perspective on the themes of accepting one’s potential. The animation is once again a standout feature, with every detail contributing to the overall tapestry of the Spider-Verse.

Although the sequel doesn’t surpass the original, it’s still an exciting addition to the franchise that will satisfy fans. From the frenetic pace of the action to the quieter, character-driven moments, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a wild ride that showcases the boundless possibilities of animation and the enduring appeal of the Spider-Man mythos.