Spider-Man 2, the extremely anticipated sequel to Insomniac Video games’ blockbuster 2018 action-adventure sport, is out as we speak, October 20. And although there’s lots to be stated in regards to the impossibly quick fast-travel, the improbable opening scene, and the story up to now, there’s one factor that I can’t get off my thoughts: Peter Parker’s muscular tissues.
After I performed by way of Spider-Man 2’s opening scene, which often has Peter and Miles Morales combating side-by-side, I observed that the previous appeared extra beefed up than within the unique 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 like a WWE wrestler. There’s definitely at the least the phantasm of a buffed-up Peter, however is that this simply the results of the sequel being a PS5-only launch, and subsequently in a position to take advantage of the current-gen consoles graphical rendering energy?
Or maybe Insomniac, understanding that there are extra tag-team fights within the sequel, determined to make Peter a bit thicker so you may higher delineate between him and Miles mid-battle. Perhaps Peter, regardless of struggling to maintain a job, clear his just lately deceased Aunt’s home, and in any other case reside a well-balanced life, determined to up his creatine consumption and begin meal-prepping some floor turkey and rice.
Learn Extra: Spider-Man 2 Dev Hints Insomniac Is Open To A Venom Spin-Off
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 unique sport. I’m an novice weight-lifter myself, and I can acknowledge when a lat unfold appears decidedly extra spread-y than earlier variations. However that’s not sufficient—I requested different journalists who’re specialists within the discipline (“an actual twink to twunk second IMO,” stated io9’s James Whitbrook, who observed Peter’s neck and chest definition essentially the most). I texted an ex who as soon as chided me for not mixing creatine into my food regimen. 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 adjustments, changes to patterns, and so forth.) in addition to the slight adjustments to his physique, which might be the results of him growing old, spending extra time as Spider-Man relatively than Peter, or a brand new exercise routine.
Right here’s what I observed. His neck is unquestionably thicker, which might 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, possible the results of lat pull downs and/or pull-ups.
Most significantly, his butt and hamstrings are extra outlined and juicy, which might be because of Romanian deadlifts, sumo squats, and/or glute bridges. The truth that he’s a superhero possible contributes to him having a far simpler time gaining and firming muscle than your common particular person—although you’ll positively see some outcomes in the event 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.
