TV Review: “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” Manages to Put Yet Another Fresh Spin on the Web-Slinger

Could this even be the best Spider-Man series yet?

I have watched a lot of Spider-Man animated series over the years. From catching Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends as a youngster to the 90’s series on FOX Kids to the shows that aired on Disney XD. Each had a unique feel that told the classic tale of Peter Parker in its own way. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man builds upon that legacy, with a show that feels classic and different all at the same time.

The style of the show embraces Spider-Man’s heritage. It feels like a comic book come to life. Not in a limited animation motion comic form, but in a fully animated series with bold comic colors. The show even brings a fresh take on the classic Spider-Man song that meshes a very old style with a modern twist. While the tone is more adult than most previous iterations, it still feels classic. My only criticism is that the adult moments don’t add much and could be a barrier for young new Spider-Man to be introduced to the series.

The show does not take place in the “sacred timeline” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it does take several beats from the MCU. The Sokovia Accords, Avengers, and the multiverse are all referenced. But in this version, Peter Parker is never mentored by Tony Stark and does not participate in the airport battle seen in Captain America: Civil War. This wise decision allows us to feel it takes place in a familiar world, without being bogged down in the chronology of Peter’s MCU appearances.

Taking on the mentor role is Norman Osborn (who’s something of a scientist himself). One can imagine that Norman may have secrets that are not initially apparent, his relationship with Peter is fascinating to watch develop.

This touches on another great feature of the series: with about ten hours of storytelling, the show is able to focus on Spider-Man’s fantastic supporting cast that has been fleshed out over decades of comics. The storyline about Lonnie Lincoln and his relationship with Peter Parker is particularly fascinating. While comic fans may realize where it is headed, I have never seen the story told in such a riveting way.

It takes some time to get used to a new version of Spider-Man as we have seen so many over the years. I was skeptical that I had room to embrace yet another iteration. But I could not stop watching the show. The skills the team used to craft such an exciting new take on a well-worn character is exquisite. It is new yet familiar, dramatic yet fun, and worthy of the Marvel name. I can’t wait for the world to see what may be the best animated Spider-Man series yet.