A Spider-Man clone is taking bold steps toward independence, but the question remains: is it the right move? For Spider-Man fans, the word “clone” often stirs mixed emotions, harking back to the divisive ’90s “Clone Saga.” This storyline introduced Peter Parker’s clone, Ben Reilly, who briefly replaced Peter as Spider-Man, along with Kaine, another clone with a darker twist. Miles Morales also faced his own “Clone Saga,” which produced three clones: Selim, Mindspinner, and Shift. Among them, Shift is now seeking a life beyond Miles’ shadow.
A New Chapter for Shift in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #28
The story, crafted by Cody Ziglar, Daniele Di Nicuolo, Bryan Valenza, and VC’s Cory Petit, is part of the “Webs of Wakanda” arc. Miles Morales travels to Wakanda, seeking Black Panther’s help to remove a vampire curse from Blood Hunt. Meanwhile, back in Brooklyn, Shift—a surviving clone of Miles—steps into Miles’ shoes at Brooklyn Visions Academy. Thanks to his shapeshifting abilities, Shift not only attends school but also mingles with Miles’ friends, including his best friend Ganke.
Shift’s interactions at school inspire him to consider creating a life of his own. Ganke even suggests that Shift deserves his own identity, a sentiment that could pave the way for significant character development in future storylines.
Who Is Shift?
Shift is the sole surviving clone of Miles Morales, created by the villainous Assessor alongside his siblings Selim and Mindspinner. While Selim embraced a villainous role and Mindspinner displayed grotesque spider-like traits, Shift inherited Miles’ heroic qualities. Despite his broken English, Shift communicates effectively and shares Miles’ Spider-Man powers.
In Miles Morales: Spider-Man #28, Shift saves a baby from an oncoming car, earning applause and solidifying his role as a hero. This act of bravery hints at his potential to adopt a civilian identity, much like Ben Reilly once did when he created a new life as the Scarlet Spider.
The Risks of Independence for Spider-Man Clones
History shows that Spider-Man clones often face tragic outcomes. Ben Reilly’s story serves as a cautionary tale. Initially stepping in for Peter Parker, Ben’s journey took a dark turn during the “Spider-Man Beyond” arc, leading him to adopt the villainous persona Chasm. Could Shift face a similar fate?
While Shift’s intentions seem noble, the potential for conflict with Miles looms. A rivalry could arise, echoing the clashes between Peter Parker and his clones. However, if Shift successfully builds his own identity, he might defy the tragic legacy of Spider-Man clones.
A Promising Yet Perilous Path
Shift’s journey offers a fresh take on the Spider-Man clone narrative. His efforts to carve out a life separate from Miles present exciting storytelling possibilities, but they also carry risks. As the Miles Morales: Spider-Man series continues, fans will eagerly watch to see if Shift becomes a symbol of success or falls victim to the pitfalls that have plagued Spider-Man clones before him.
The stakes are high, but one thing is certain: Shift’s story is far from over.
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