Spider-Man 2, the extremely anticipated sequel to Insomniac Video games’ blockbuster 2018 action-adventure sport, is out in the present day, October 20. And although there’s loads to be stated concerning the impossibly quick fast-travel, the incredible opening scene, and the story to this point, there’s one factor that I can’t get off my thoughts: Peter Parker’s muscle tissue.
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Once I performed via Spider-Man 2’s opening scene, which continuously has Peter and Miles Morales preventing side-by-side, I seen that the previous appeared extra beefed up than within the authentic sport. And I’m not alone: The replies in my publish on X (previously Twitter) questioning if Peter bought on that protein grind are full of individuals remarking on his physique.
The time period “caked up” is being thrown round, and never simply when he’s in that skin-tight swimsuit. Even when he’s not sporting the Spider-Man costume, Peter boasts a neck so thick he appears to be like like a WWE wrestler. There’s actually not less than the phantasm of a buffed-up Peter, however is that this simply the results of the sequel being a PS5-only launch, and subsequently capable of benefit from the current-gen consoles graphical rendering energy?
Or maybe Insomniac, figuring out that there are extra tag-team fights within the sequel, determined to make Peter a bit thicker so you would higher delineate between him and Miles mid-battle. Possibly Peter, regardless of struggling to maintain a job, clear his lately deceased Aunt’s home, and in any other case stay a well-balanced life, determined to up his creatine consumption and begin meal-prepping some floor turkey and rice.
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However hypothesis with out proof is irresponsible, particularly for a journalist. So I attempted to show that Peter Parker is extra muscular in Spider-Man 2 than he’s within the authentic sport. I’m an newbie weight-lifter myself, and I can acknowledge when a lat unfold appears to be like decidedly extra spread-y than earlier variations. However that’s not sufficient—I requested different journalists who’re specialists within the subject (“an actual twink to twunk second IMO,” stated io9’s James Whitbrook, who seen Peter’s neck and chest definition probably the most). I texted an ex who as soon as chided me for not mixing creatine into my weight loss program. I pored over a video evaluating the visuals from the primary and second video games, lingering far too lengthy on his gluteal fold. That final one helped me see the variations in Peter’s base costume (shade modifications, changes to patterns, and many others.) in addition to the slight modifications to his physique, which may very well be the results of him growing older, spending extra time as Spider-Man quite than Peter, or a brand new exercise routine.
Screenshot: Nick930 / Insomniac / Sony / Kotaku
Right here’s what I seen. His neck is unquestionably thicker, which may very well be the results of a rise in weighted shrugs (each dumbbell and Kirk) and/or weighted neck extensions. His lat unfold, or latissimus dorsi (which covers the width of your center and decrease again), is unquestionably bigger and extra outlined, doubtless the results of lat pull downs and/or pull-ups.
Peter Parker’s cupcake in Spider-Man 1 and his precise cake in Spider-Man 2.Screenshot: Nick930 / Insomniac / Sony / Kotaku
Most significantly, his butt and hamstrings are extra outlined and juicy, which may very well be due to Romanian deadlifts, sumo squats, and/or glute bridges. The truth that he’s a superhero doubtless contributes to him having a far simpler time gaining and firming muscle than your common individual—although you’ll undoubtedly see some outcomes should you begin mixing the aforementioned exercises into your every day routine. You’re welcome.
I reached out to Insomniac Video games for remark relating to Peter’s physique, however didn’t obtain a response in time for publication. Regardless of this, I can say with some confidence that Spider-Man 2’s Peter Parker is a little more of a beefcake than he was within the earlier sport. Case closed. I’ll await my Pulitzer.
