Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Character Analysis: Miles Morales

Background


At the age of 13, Miles Morales was bitten by a genetically enhanced spider that granted him superhuman strength, speed, and abilities. At first, Miles was reluctant and refused to use his new spider powers until the day his universe's Peter Parker was killed in a fight with the Green Goblin. Feeling as if he could've prevented Peter's death by aiding him in that battle, Miles filled Peter's shoes and took on the mantle as Spider-Man.

Equipment

Web Shooters
A pair of wrist-mounted devices Miles uses to shoot web-like substances, usually to swing from buildings or to trap his foes. While it had been shown that Miles' webbing can be conductive with a high enough charge of electricity, it appears to be somewhat insulate against weaker shocks, as seen when Ultimate Peter webbed up his hands to punch Ultimate Electro (Ultimate Spider-Man 2000 #114)

Visor
In the 2017 Spider-Man cartoon, Miles' visor can detect other heat sources and use them to zoom in on others (Episode 10).

Hacking App
In the PS4 Spider-Man game, Miles can use his phone to hack into other electronics Watch_Dogs style. With the app, Miles can hack into machines, military drones, etc.

Abilities

Wall Crawling
By manipulating the inter-atomic bonds of matter between him and another object, Miles can adhere himself to nearly any surface. While Miles has never displayed this, the wall crawling can be used as an offensive ability in combat.

Spider-Sense
A buzzing sensation in Miles' head that alerts him of upcoming danger. The Spider-Sense can also warn Miles of a person's intent to kill him and even pinpoint which version of someone is from the past and future (All-New, All Different Avengers #6)


Invisibility
The ability to camouflage within his surroundings, essentially giving him invisibility. While invisible, even Peter Parker is unable to detect Miles despite his Spider-Sense, though it could be argued that Peter's sense didn't go off because he wasn't in danger) (Spider-Men #2)

Bio-Electricity Manipulation
Miles possesses the ability to manipulate and weaponize the natural flow of electricity his body produces. With this ability, Miles can electrocute others, transmit electricity through other conductors, create explosions of electricity, and create a form of bio-electric webbing. Miles electricity is powerful enough to overload Electro, someone highly resistant to electricity.

Oz Formula
A formula developed by Norman Osborn. Not only does this formula grant Miles his superhuman attributes and abilities, but it also gave him a minor healing factor and limited immortality. The Oz formula eventually resurrected Peter Parker from the dead. 

Physicality

Strength



  • (Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #5) - Lifts and throws a shipping container
  • (Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #13) - Lifts and throws a police car
  • (Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #18) - Knocks over a giant woman
  • (Miles Morales: Spider-Man #4) - Webbing supports a train 


  • Speed

    Durability
    • Consistently survives massive explosions
    • Consistently endures being electrocuted
    • (Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #12) - Gets blasted by Prowler's shockwave
    • (Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #18) - Is gripped and thrown by a giant woman
    • (All-New, All Different Avengers #1) - Survives an attack that melted Iron Man's armor
    • (Shuri #6) - Endures being electrocuted by his own Venom Sting

    Scaling

    Spider-Man
    Whether it be Marvel-1610's or 616's Spider-Man, Miles has more than enough to support that he is in Peter's ballpark. He's fought and defeat enemies comparable to Ultimate Spider-Man and has even defeated 616 Peter in their first encounter.

    Accomplishments

    • Took on the mantle of Spider-Man after Ultimate Peter's death
    • Defeated classic villains such as Electro, Rhino, Mysterio, Green Goblin, etc.
    • Became a member of the Avengers and the Champions
    • Defeated Earth-616's Peter Parker
    • Into the Spider-Verse


    Character analysis: Static



    All cartoons have their time codes based on watch cartoons online. All are labeled by series except for the original 2003 static cartoon(for that it just says Ep ect). https://m.watchcartoononline.io/anime/static-shock 
    https://www.wcostream.com/anime/young-justice
    https://www.wcostream.com/anime/justice-league
    https://www.wcostream.com/anime/justice-league-unlimited

    Background

    Static’s background has altered somewhat over the years. HE ORIGINALLY was not a DC character, and instead, resided in alt-universe run by Milestone comics called the Dakotaverse. In this universe, he was a nerdy black kid who got picked on by a Gang leader named Francis Stone. He had some protection from a friend named Larry Wade, who tried to convince Virgil to take revenge on Francis using a firearm during a planned gang fight on Paris island.

    Virgil was initially convinced, but chickened out and tried to flee the scene when things turned violent. Unfortunately, the police showed up and released a tear gas laced with a mutagenic compound known as quantum juice. This compound was supposed to be used to track all the gang members, but actually killed over 90% of those present and gave everyone else powers. Virgil happened to get lucky and received electromagnetic powers. Apparently already have a love for heroics he became a superhero named static, often protecting people from the “bang babies” produced at the “big bang” event.

     Most incarnations of the character follow this general premise, with a few minor deviations.

    Now in terms of why how became a "DC" character, it has mostly to due with Milestone facing financial troubles. See when Milestone Comics went under, DC decided to merge the Dakotaverse with the DC universe outright(they had crossovers before that). They handwaved this as a character named Dharma merging both worlds together after gaining cosmic power and destroying most of the Dakotaverse by accident. 
    As far as comics are concerned Static always existed in the DC universe after this retcon. Of course, other retcon events like flashpoint and convergence, also factor into Static's history, but his post-crisis integration is easily the most important.

    Armor


    Static uniform


    Static's original uniforms were mostly homemade or consisted of a jacket and pants combo with his emblem on them. In the n52 he was given a new uniform by the hero Hardware. This uniform constrained holographic displays, a communication device, internet access, map data, GPS, and various misc apps. It can also create maps of areas via radar pulses and track heat signatures. It’s also shielded against Static's own electrical powers and can fit inside a small handheld canister.


    Weapons


    Bo staff
    A collapsible bo staff used for melee attacks


    Zap caps
    Explosive bombs that contain Statics EM energy. Gear uses them mainly as weapons, but static has used them before as emergency batteries to fuel his powers.
    • Being given them and using them in ep 9 2:45


    Pellets
    Metallic pellets that can be charged with electrical energy. 
    • Using them in Young justice s3 ep 16 15:13


    Equipment

    Static saucer
    A metallic disk that Vergil often rides on while utilizing his powers. It can fly freely in any direction and is collapsible. In the cartoon, it’s stated to be comprised of a mylar compound. Static can also control it from a distance, use it as a weapon, or use it to block attacks.


    New 52 static saucer(6 disk flyer)
    Static gained a new static saucer after the new 52 reboot. This version is comprised of multiple hexagonal disks that can be taken apart or reconfigured into multiple shapes based on Static's needs at a given moment. They can be called from a distance, used as projectiles or to block attacks like the original version. The material these are made of is not specified, outside of being a lightweight metal alloy.


    Misc rides
    Static can also control pretty much anything that’s metal to ride on for flight. This includes trash can lids, cars, desks, chairs, and so on.


    Shock vox
    Walkie talkies invented by Gear. They can be used to communicate with him over long distances.
    • Getting them in ep 4 5:43 

    Tracers
    Travers invented by Gear that static can latch onto opponents to track them.
    • Explaining how one works in ep 27 13:00


    Abilities

    Taser punch
    Static can electrically charge his body  for amped up physical attacks. His most common being a punch attack with a similar property to that of a taser.


    Taser cannonball
    A powerful dashing attack where static rams into an opponent while his EM aura is up.


    Electromagnetic force bolts
    Static can create powerful electrical discharges as a form of attack. They can shock opponents, have physical knockback, and come in various sizes and intensities. Static can create an electrical discharge from any part of his body, but he’ll normally use his hands, or occasionally his eyes.


    Nova balls/Ball lightning
    Powerful explosive electric balls. They take more stamina to make but pack a bigger punch.
    • Throwing one at some thugs in static is 1 pg 8 https://readcomiconline.to/Comic/Static/Issue-1?id=79074&readType=0#8
    • In Ep 4 6:28
    • Throwing one at Ebon in ep 8 2:29
    • Throwing one at junior in ep 11 9:25
    • Throwing one in ep 13 10:44
    • Throwing one at a robot in ep 30 11:21
    • Throwing one at in ep 37 17:13
    • Throwing one at ebon in ep 38 16:51
    • In ep 49 17:30
    • Creates a nova alls that spawns several mini balls in ep 47 8:02


    Nova burst
    An explosive energy wave that uses a bit of wire as a conduit. It can harm opponents and or create a burst of light that blinds them.
    • In Ep 21 1:13
    • Can be used to blind opponents in ep 21 17:52


    Magnetic levitation and manipulation
    Static can electromagnetically lift and manipulate objects. Often throwing them as projectiles, and in some cases changing their shape to bind opponents. While this power is used PRIMARILY on metallic objects, Static can lift objects that are not metal. This includes organic beings, solid stone, and so on. Though objects with naturally high levels of insulations are more difficult to manipulate. This ability can also be used to disarm or break any metallic weapons or tech an opponent has on their possession. 
    • It being stated his powers work mainly on metal in ep 2 18:11

    Manipulating metal objects


    Non-metal objects


    Bioelectric aura detection
    Static can release a pulse of electrical energy that makes a person's bioelectric aura visible.
    • Making the electrical auras of several characters visible in ep 36 18:33


    Static cling
    Static has the ability to alter a person's or objects' electromagnetic attraction to other objects or body parts. He uses this most often to cling his opponents to walls or bind them, making it easier to detain them until the police arrive. He can also do the opposite by making objects attract to a person. Static himself can also stick to walls with this ability, and uses it to stick onto his flying saucers while flying. 


    Repulsion fields
    Static can create a powerful EM burst that can damage and knock opponents away.


    Polarity movement
    Static can also place positive electromagnetic charges on objects or people. After which he himself can create a positive EM field that can push them away. Logically I would assume he could also create a negative charge from his body to move them towards his body.


    Force fields
    Static can use EM fields to create powerful shields that can block bullets, physical attacks, physical projectiles, and energy-based attacks. His shields are not infallible and it is possible to break through them with enough physical force. He can also project them around other people or objects should he choose. His shields are not perfect and can be overcome with significant force.


    His shields being overpowered


    EMP creation
    Static can create powerful EMP blasts that cover several blocks that can knock out power and machinery. His powers, in general, can also be used to short circuit machinery.


    EM energy constructs
    Static can shape the size and density of his EM power to form different objects that he can use to interact with the world. Some common ones include cages and nets.


    Em vision/sense
    Static with some effort can see on different wavelengths of the EM spectrum outside normal visible light. UV particularly is confirmed.


    Healing factor
    Static has a healing factor in the new 52. Intaking EM energy and electricity heals his wounds, upwards to fixing a severed arm and reverting it to a mere hairline fracture in seconds under extreme circumstances.


    Electricity absorption
    Static can channel and absorb electricity from mechanical or energy sources. This both replenishes his reserves and can be used as a means to temporarily empower himself.


    Plasma coil generation
    In cases where for some reason a source of electricity or power is incapable of being touched by static, he can use his ability to create en EM plasma coil. This coil can siphon off the energy from a given source while keeping Static insulated from harm.


    Mind control resistance
    Statics enhanced bioelectric aura interferes with most forms of mind control originating from telepaths. It also has a tendency to short out mechanical mind control devices places on him. He also can’t be telepathically tracked and has resistance to the anti-life equation.


    Electricity resistance
    Static naturally has resistance to most forms of electrical attack. Simply absorbing them harmlessly if they hit him.
    • Not affected by jokers electric buzzer in ep 14 19:42 


    Microwave heat generation
    Static can generate large amounts of heat with his EM radiation. He can also heat water in a similar fashion if underwater.


    EM wave manipulation
    Static can alter the course of and influence any EM waves used for communication in his vicinity. For example, he can listen in on conversations, phone calls, or other sound waves by focusing the target waves through himself or a metallic object. He can also amplify his own radio waves and EM signals over large distances.
    • Listening in on people from a distance using a metal object to pick up and transfer sound waves Ep 2 9:32 
    • Sending the signal with the help of kid flash in teen titans 2003 is 84 pg 17 https://readcomiconline.to/Comic/Teen-Titans-2003/Issue-84?id=21277#17 
    • Can play cds with his powers ep 2 2:00
    • Can listen in on radio waves from transverse to hear messages 10:20 ep 2
    •  Can send electromagnetic signals in the form of a phone call in ep 15 9:15
    • Can pick up emergency radio calls with his powers ep 18 2:52
    • Picking up sound waves from a conversation in ep 20 11:30


    Wielding
    Static can use his powers to weld and cut through metal objects.


    Machine manipulation
    Static can control and manipulate various forms of machinery with his EM powers. This includes moving robots, hacking open doors, turning on lights, ect. Since Static also can provide power or empowerment to machinery with his powers.
    • Can power machinery from a distance ep 1 15:44
    • Powering a subway car 18:22 ep 3
    • Powering a pair of lights 19:40 ep 3
    • Hacking open an electronic door in ep 6 13”13
    • Altering traffic lights in ep 9 13:10
    • Controlling a robot in ep 33 2:58
    • Can increase the shock vox's range with his powers in ep 27 4:14
    • Controlling rat machines ep 21 17:56
    • Empowering Batman beyond’s suite ep 40 18:30
    • Taking control of a mall security system in ep 47 6:24


    Stealth mode
    If static sends a low-level charge through his suite it provides an electrostatic interference that renders him invisible to most security cameras.


    Electrical impulse disruption
    Static can use his powers to disrupt a bodies electrical pathways. He’s also been able to knock people out multiple times with electrical charges directly to the brain.

    Electrical homing shot
    Static can attach an electrical charge to an object, after which em bolt shots will home on said object.


    Notable misc


    Other Misc


    Feats

    Strength


    Speed


    Endurance


    Experience



    Scaling



    Weakness

    Recharging
    If Static pushes himself too hard he may lose power and have to recharge from an outside source or wait to recover. 


    Water 
    Water can short him out specifically in the cartoon. In contrast, he's been able to use powers while submerged in the comics.
    • Being shorted our in ep 7 12:39 
    • His shorting out weakness being mentioned in ep 9 6:29
    • Getting hit with water, and the pulse afterward shooting of most electrical devices in ep 9 16:03
    • When being shorted out in the cartoon it has to be a lot of water, something like a rainstorm does not affect him in ep 16 4:37
    • Static in water with no issues in the comic in n52 is 5 https://readcomiconline.to/Comic/Static-Shock/Issue-5?id=19946#3

    Insulators
    Statics powers don’t work well against objects that are insulated. Though Static himself has noted that a big enough electrical charge can overtax any insulators. He's also been able to force some insulators to hold a charge and or get around their protection if they aren't airtight.


    Being shocked(In some circumstances)
    Static is immune to most forms of electrical attack, but there are some exceptions. Characters with abnormal electrical imbalances have shocked him, and he has been shocked on a few occasions in the cartoon when taken off guard. A clone version of himself and some bang babies were also able to harm him with an electrical blast, implying others with electrical powers derived from bang baby juice can bypass his defenses.


    misc
    Sunspots mess with him, making his powers flux between being strong to control and too weak use in a fight. This is shown in ep 19 https://m.watchcartoononline.io/static-shock-episode-19-sunspots