Spider-Verse is back in force with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, a feat of animation that goes far beyond classic Marvel. While the first film established itself with a revolutionary animation style, this sequel deploys no less than six artistic styles to immerse the viewer in six incredibly distinct universes. Sony Pictures Animation pushes the boundaries of technique and visual storytelling here. This bold choice is not only aesthetic: each style serves a narrative purpose and reflects the emotions of the main characters such as Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy. From a futuristic New York to a Earth where Indian influence colors the graphics, this renewed diversity breaks the codes of animated cinema while enriching the complex universe of Spider-Man.
Throughout this article, discover the secrets that make this film an artistic revolution, the concrete benefits of this multi-styles approach, a guide to appreciating this visual richness, as well as the alternatives and constraints to keep in mind before diving into the Spider-Verse.
In short:
- 6 dominant animation styles embodying different universes, enhancing emotional immersion.
- A technical innovation inspired by works such as The Mitchells vs. the Machines, offering an unprecedented visual rendering.
- A star-studded voice cast featuring Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, and others.
- An expanded universe with the presence of 240 characters from various worlds of the Spider-Verse.
- Release and success announced for 2023, Spider-Verse continues to leave its mark at the box office and in fans’ hearts.
A multi-styles animation in service of a strong story
The first installment, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, surprised with its unique visual style, but this sequel multiplies the experience. Producer Phil Lord explains that six different animation styles offer a visual surprise with each new scene while supporting the narrative stakes. Among them, Mumbattan – a Earth with Indian graphic influences – and a futuristic vision of New York, based on the illustrations of Syd Mead. These stylistic choices are not gratuitous: they enhance the psychology of the characters and the atmosphere specific to each universe.
Here’s what this film offers:
- A fusion of 2D and 3D combined with textures inspired by comics.
- A very marked watercolor style for Tierra-65, Gwen Stacy’s world.
- Visual effects that play with the frame rate to break away from traditional animation.
- A range of styles reflecting the artistic evolution of the studio after projects like The Mitchells vs. the Machines.
The technique behind the feat
The talents of Sony Pictures Animation have been mobilized to transform the project into a technical feat. Directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson orchestrated the seamless integration of these sometimes radically different styles. This artistic diversity broadens the visual expression without sacrificing coherence, offering viewers a rich and unprecedented experience. It is also thanks to a remarkable voice cast – with Shameik Moore as Miles Morales or Oscar Isaac as Spider-Man 2099 – that the film gains depth.
Result:
- Total immersion in several parallel universes.
- Intensification of empathy via styles suited to emotional themes.
- Exploration of unprecedented animation techniques to captivate both young viewers and film enthusiasts.
How to best enjoy this visual explosion?
To fully appreciate the visual richness of Spider-Verse, here are some simple tips:
- Choose the high-definition version to not miss any of the details and innovative textures.
- Carefully observe the transitions between styles to grasp the underlying narrative clues.
- Follow key characters like Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy so as not to get lost in the complexity of the universes.
- Take the time to discover the graphic nods from the comics that enrich each scene.
- Complete with a behind-the-scenes exploration through interviews and panels available online.
Alternatives, limitations, and choices to consider
However, this avalanche of styles can be disorienting. The viewer accustomed to a uniform graphic style must accept a certain visual complexity. If you prefer a more linear narrative or a unique style, the film may not be your cup of tea. Meanwhile, other productions like the 2025 animation offer a more classic yet innovative aesthetic.
The technical challenge also requires a significant production investment, which may influence the frequency of such experiences. The project remains to be watched to determine if it opens a new era for animation or remains an exception.
Finally, keep in mind that this film is part of an ambitious trilogy, with multiple characters to discover, such as Spider-Punk or Cyborg Spider-Woman, expanding the horizon of the Spider-Verse.
Spider-Verse: an invitation to shake up the codes
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is not just a waited sequel, it’s a turning point in modern animation. With a renewed graphic palette and a sharpened sense of narrative, the film invites every viewer to experience a visually rich and emotionally intense adventure. For those who wish to immerse themselves in this bold and captivating multiverse, now is the time to dive into this masterpiece from Sony Pictures Animation and co-produced with Columbia Pictures.
To go further, discover our selections of the best cinema newcomers in 2025 and how these innovations contribute to the renaissance of animation among the general public.
