'Marvel's Spider-Man 2' Explained: Who Is Rio Morales?

Behind every hero, there are strong figures that they look up to and, for Miles Morales, one of the strongest and most inspirational people in his life is his mother, Rio Morales. Rio and her husband Jeff Davis created a loving familial environment for Miles to grow up in, encouraging him to pursue his interests in science and technology while giving him a strong, moral foundation. This continued after Jeff’s untimely death in Marvel’s Spider-Man, with Rio effectively taking on the responsibilities of being a single parent as she looked to improve New York City however she could in her professional life.

Rio appears prominently in all three Marvel’s Spider-Man titles, including Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, continuing to give Miles the vital support he needs as she makes a difference to the city in her own way. Here is everything gamers need to know about Rio Morales, both in the Marvel’s Spider-Man universe and how it compares to her important role in the comics.

Rio Morales’ Impact Before Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

In Marvel’s Spider-Man, Rio lived in Brooklyn with her husband Jefferson Davis, a respected officer in the New York City Police Department, and her son Miles, a teenager attending Brooklyn Visions Academy. While Jeff was being decorated at City Hall by Mayor Norman Osborn, the ceremony was attacked by Mister Negative and his Inner Demons, with Jeff killed protecting innocents from a massive bomb. Rio encouraged Miles to volunteer at F.E.A.S.T., a local nonprofit headed by May Parker, befriending her nephew Peter Parker and setting him on the course to become the new Spider-Man.

Over a year later, in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Rio and Miles relocated to Harlem where she campaigned for an elected position as a city councilor and Miles continued high school. In the midst of the crime syndicate, the Underground, fighting against the sinister Roxxon Corporation, Rio discovered Miles’ secret identity as Spider-Man when his best friend Ganke Lee brought him back to their apartment gravely wounded from a fight. Despite understandable concerns, Rio supported Miles to continue as Spider-Man while she played an active role in helping Harlem rebuild after the super-powered conflict nearly consumed it.

Rio Morales’ Role in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 begins 10 months after the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, with Rio settling into her recently elected role as city councilor while continuing to live in Harlem with her son. Rio began to move on with her life, venturing out into the dating scene again, striking up a serious romantic relationship with a man by the name of Albert Moon, who has a daughter named Cindy Moon. Rio introduced Miles to Albert while helping Miles prepare his college application to Empire State University as he entered his senior year in college.

Though Rio initially saw Jeff’s brother Aaron Davis as a negative influence on Miles, given Aaron’s extensive criminal record, she eventually forgave him for his troubled past. Rio helped Aaron get an apartment in the same complex that she and Miles lived in, assisting him in reintegrating into society after being released from prison. Rio remained encouraging of Miles’ double life as Spider-Man, reminding him of the power and responsibility that came with his powers as he had to contend with the return of Mister Negative.

Rio Morales’ History in the Comics

Created by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli, Rio Morales debuted in ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN (2011) #1, just as loving and supportive a parent in the Ultimate Universe as her video game counterpart. Rio works as an administrator at Brooklyn General Hospital and believes Spider-Man is doing good for the city compared to her husband Jeff, who saw the webslinger as a menace. Ultimate Rio was killed in the crossfire during a battle between Spider-Man and Venom. In her final moments, Rio revealed she knew her son was Spider-Man and gave him her blessing before dying.

For his assistance during the multiversal crossover event SECRET WARS (2015), Molecule Man not only relocates Miles and his family to the main Marvel Universe after the multiverse is reborn, but resurrects Rio, erasing the traumatic memories of her temporary death. With these tragic final moments erased from history, the revived Rio didn’t initially know Miles was Spider-Man while Jeff did.  Rio eventually relearned her son’s secret and gave him her cautious approval. Some time later, Rio and Jeff have a daughter, which they name Billie Morales as their small, Brooklyn-based family continues to grow and thrive.

No matter what universe, Miles Morales will always have the support of his mother Rio as he defends New York City from all kinds of danger. By no means someone interested in staying on the sidelines herself, Rio actively helps her community, either working in local hospitals or in municipal positions of power. After all, for Miles, heroism is something that runs in the family.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is available now only on PlayStation 5. Order the title on PlayStation Store, PlayStation Direct or your friendly neighborhood retailer!

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