Disney+’s ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ Is a Refreshing, Fun Spin on Marvel’s Web-Slinger: TV Review

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For over six decades, Spider-Man, initially conceived by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, has remained one of the longest-lasting superheroes within popular culture. This iconic character has been depicted across various platforms such as comics, animated shows, live-action films (including “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” which won an Oscar in 2018), and now, a new take on his origin story is presented in Disney+’s “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.” Jeff Trammell’s fresh interpretation manages to evoke a sense of nostalgia while capturing the realities of being a teenager in today’s world.

In the bustling neighborhoods of Queens, New York, “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” unfolds. Peter Parker (previously played by Hudson Thames in “What If…?”), accompanied by his aunt May (Kari Wahlgren), attends his first day at Midtown High School orientation. However, the day takes an unexpected turn when Peter witnesses a horrifying scene – students under attack by a terrifying creature seemingly materializing from thin air. Despite the situation being resolved, a radioactive spider bites Peter during the chaos, granting him extraordinary powers and abilities at the tender age of 15.

A few months following the event at orientation, Peter adjusts to life at Bales High (as Midtown was devastated in the incident). Maintaining friendships – particularly his close bond with Nico Minoru, his budding friendship with Pearl Pangan, and his admiration for Lonnie Lincoln – proves far harder than anticipated. Additionally, he has taken on a clandestine role as Spider-Man, spending all his free time leaping around New York City in a homemade suit to combat crime. However, Peter often lets down Nico, who is growing increasingly displeased. Furthermore, when Pearl and Lonnie begin dating, Peter must grapple with his feelings for Pearl while preserving their friendship amidst Lonnie’s personal struggles off-screen.

The series not only shows Peter and his companions navigating common adolescent themes such as friendship, acceptance, love, and self-discovery, but also underscores the dangers of ambition, power, and allegiance. Eager for guidance and a powerful male role model, Peter lands an internship at Oscorp, a vast engineering and scientific conglomerate. His enthusiasm spikes when Oscorp’s CEO, Norman Osborn (Colman Domingo), shows interest in him personally. However, Peter later discovers that Osborn has ulterior motives for his mentorship. As “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” unfolds, Peter struggles to balance the desire to please Osborn and uphold his personal principles. The ambiguity between Osborn’s true nature and how he presents himself creates an intriguing dramatic arc throughout the series.

In the world of “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,” Osborn might not appear outwardly wicked, but there’s no shortage of formidable adversaries. For instance, Big Don (Ettore “Big E” Ewen), a gang leader from 110th Street, is causing chaos in Harlem. Meanwhile, Otto Octavius, once an Oscorp employee, has been turning his Gamma-fusion designs over to some of the city’s most dangerous criminals. These designs are so potent that they even challenge Spider-Man’s abilities. It’s important to remember that both Osborn and Octavius were significant villains in the original “Spider-Man” series with Tobey Maguire, which ignited the superhero genre. However, Trammell gives these characters a fresh, contemporary twist in this alternate universe, making them feel novel and unpredictable.

The animation for this series is a blend of 2D and 3D techniques, masterfully executed by Leo Romero and Polygon Pictures. This unique style harks back to ’90s animation and comic book illustrations, lending the show a nostalgic feel. Despite being distinct from contemporary styles, it gives the series a classic charm that places it alongside “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,” “Spider-Man: The Animated Series,” and “The Spectacular Spider-Man” as a cherished addition to the Spider-Man universe. Furthermore, appearances by popular characters such as Daredevil (Charlie Cox) and Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), who will soon star in their own Disney+ live-action series “Daredevil: Born Again,” add an extra layer of enjoyment to the show.

Packed with beloved Marvel superheroes, an exceptional voice cast, and numerous hidden references, “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” encapsulates everything that has made Spiderman fans’ hearts flutter, all while offering a modern twist on the origin story of the teenage superhero. Notably, although Peter Parker’s tale forms the core of this narrative, writers Trammell and their team, under the guidance of Charlie Neuner, broaden the narratives to encompass the multiverse, going beyond just Peter and his close-knit group. Engaging, entertaining, and evergreen, this series is a heartfelt tribute to lifelong Spiderman fans while extending a warm welcome to new viewers joining the adventure.

The initial installments of “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” debut on Disney+ on January 29, and fresh episodes will be released every Wednesday thereafter.

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2025-01-29 11:16