Film Appreciation Mar 15, 2025 11:45:00 AM Full View Productions 3 min read
This week on Full View Productions Film Appreciation we're diving into a move that changed the animation game. In a time when computer-generated animation often strives for hyper-realism, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) swung in with a bold, unapologetically stylized approach that changed the animation industry forever. More than just a superhero origin story, the film was a love letter to comic books, an artistic revolution, and proof that storytelling innovation can be just as powerful as technological advancement.
A Visual Revolution
From the very first frame, Into the Spider-Verse sets itself apart. The film’s unique animation style blends 2D and 3D techniques, using hand-drawn elements on top of CGI models to create a living comic book. The filmmakers embraced halftone patterns, bold outlines, exaggerated motion blur, and even intentional frame rate shifts to make the movie feel like an animated graphic novel.
One of the film’s most striking choices was its use of frame rates. While most modern animated films run at a smooth 24 frames per second, Spider-Verse deliberately animated characters like Miles Morales at a lower frame rate (on twos, meaning one new image every two frames) in early sequences. This gave his movements a slightly choppier, rawer feel—symbolizing his inexperience as a hero. As he grows more confident, his animation becomes smoother, subtly reinforcing his character arc through the very mechanics of movement.
Innovative VFX Techniques
Beyond its distinctive animation, Spider-Verse made groundbreaking use of VFX and compositing techniques to enhance its comic book aesthetic. Instead of traditional depth of field blurring, the film used halftone print patterns and chromatic aberration to simulate focus shifts, mimicking the imperfections of old comic book printing. This technique not only reinforced the graphic novel look but also helped distinguish different planes of depth in a way unique to the medium.
Additionally, the film’s compositing team used exaggerated outlines, offset printing effects, and Ben-Day dots to create a rich, textured feel that made every frame look hand-crafted. The inclusion of thought bubbles, split-screen panels, and onomatopoeic text elements blended animation with comic book storytelling in a seamless way, further immersing audiences in its world.
Storytelling That Breaks the Mold
While many superhero films stick to familiar formulas, Into the Spider-Verse dared to experiment. The movie embraces the multiverse concept in a way that feels fresh, fun, and emotionally engaging. By introducing multiple Spider-heroes—including Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir, and Peter B. Parker—it explores what it truly means to be Spider-Man. The answer? "Anyone can wear the mask." This simple yet profound message makes the film empowering, especially for younger audiences.
The movie also balances humor, heart, and high-stakes action in a way that few animated films achieve. It pays homage to decades of Spider-Man lore while never feeling weighed down by it, making it accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
A Legacy That Continues
The impact of Spider-Verse is undeniable. Not only did it win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, but it also inspired a wave of animation projects willing to take more artistic risks. Films like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem have followed its lead, proving that audiences crave visually distinct, stylized animation.
More importantly, Spider-Verse paved the way for its own sequel, Across the Spider-Verse, which pushed boundaries even further. The franchise is proof that animation isn’t just for kids—it’s a powerful storytelling medium that can innovate, inspire, and resonate across generations.
Conclusion
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse isn’t just one of the best superhero films—it’s one of the most important animated films of the modern era. By redefining what’s possible in animation, pioneering new VFX techniques, and delivering a heartfelt, engaging story, it set a new standard for the industry. It’s a film that reminds us that creativity thrives when we embrace bold ideas, take risks, and, just like Miles Morales, leap forward in faith.