'Marvel's Spider-Man 2' Explained: Who Is Ganke Lee?

Every hero could use the vital support of someone in the chair—to monitor various unfolding crises, offer on-the-spot guidance, and just be someone to share and commiserate with at the end of a stressful day. For Miles Morales, his guy in the chair is his best friend and high school classmate Ganke Lee, who appears prominently in both Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Possessing one of the brightest minds of his generation, Ganke is a constant source of crucial help to Miles as he embraces his role as the new Spider-Man.

Here is everything you need to know about Ganke Lee, the important role he plays in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and the games that come before, and how this compares to his extensive history in the comics.

Ganke Lee’s Impact Before Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Ganke made his debut in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, with Miles having already told him about his secret identity as Harlem’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. With Ganke’s parents out of town for most of the holiday season, Ganke was living at Miles and Rio Morales’ Harlem apartment, crashing on Miles’ bedroom floor in a sleeping bag. When Peter Parker left town for an extended period, he gave Miles his seal of approval to defend New York City in his place. He also gifted Miles his first full Spider-Man suit, which Miles and Ganke immediately began upgrading to improve the suit’s technology and accompanying gadgets.

After a disastrous battle between the nefarious Roxxon Corporation and a terrorist syndicate known as the Underground, resulting in the destruction of Braithwaite Bridge, Ganke gives Miles the encouragement he needed to suit back up as Spider-Man. The two teenagers developed new gear to help Miles take on the Underground and Roxxon, while also analyzing Miles’ evolving abilities after he absorbed the volatile Nuform compound created by Roxxon. After Miles was grievously beaten by the Underground’s leader and his estranged friend Phin Mason, Ganke took him back home where he recuperated under Ganke and Rio’s care.

Ganke Lee’s Role in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

By the start of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Miles told Ganke about Peter’s secret identity as the first Spider-Man and Ganke began to actively help both heroes. Using 3D printers placed on rooftops around the city, Ganke developed a fleet of drones that helped the Spider-Men receive requests for assistance. The requests came in through an online network that Ganke set up for New Yorkers, called the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man App. With his drone network, Ganke provided valuable support to the heroes in tracking the Lizard after the feral villain went rampaging through the sewers under New York City.

After Peter bonded with the Venom symbiote, Ganke was among the first people to notice the drastic and growing change in Peter’s behavior. After witnessing Peter’s heightened aggression and darker mood, Ganke confided in Miles about the changes taking place, with the two learning about the symbiote’s negative influence over their friend. With Miles going up against his mentor, Ganke helped to purge the Venom symbiote from Peter’s body and restored him back to normal.

Ganke Lee’s History in the Comics

Ganke Lee was created by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli in ULTIMATE COMICS: SPIDER-MAN (2011) #2, appearing as Miles’ classmate at Brooklyn Visions Academy and best friend. Because of their close relationship, Ganke was the first person to learn about Miles’ superpowers and encouraged him to take on the mantle of Spider-Man in the wake of Peter Parker’s death in the Ultimate Universe. Working closely as Miles’ confidant with his super-powered secret, Ganke gave his friend timely advice again and again. He also helped cover for Miles and protected his secret identity whenever Miles’ newfound responsibilities made him ditch school at a moment’s notice.

In the wake of the multiverse’s rebirth during the reality-altering event SECRET WARS (2015), Ganke and his history were merged into the main Marvel Universe, along with Miles and his family. In this integrated reality, Ganke befriended the X-Man Egg, revealing to him Miles’ identity as Spider-Man, temporarily straining his friendship with Miles as a result. Ganke grew close to a popular YouTuber named Danika Hart who shared local Spider-Man news on her channel. He initially uses the pseudonym Ned, before admitting his true identity—and Miles’ double life as Spider-Man—to Danika as they began dating.

No matter what universe, Ganke has supported Miles through his endeavors as Spider-Man, helping him to defend New York City from his earliest days as a hero. Matching Miles with his own genius-level intellect, Ganke is one of the brightest minds to come out of Brooklyn and an invaluable ally to Spider-Man and his amazing adventures.

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!

For the latest news on Marvel's Spider-Man 2, follow Marvel Games on X (formerly Twitter)!