Peter Parker packs a peck of Spectacular
Who doesn’t love Spider-Man? A kid with the constitution to survive being bitten by a radioactive spider, the chops to fight crime and the brains to live long enough to keep fighting crime doesn’t come along every day. Spectacular Spider-Man lasted for two seasons of 13 episodes each, and they were both practically perfect in every way. The show is witty, charming and intricately plotted, with plenty of room for rip-roaring action. The whole screen seems to judder around when Spidey’s swapping barbs with the baddies; when he gets knocked into a wall, you can practically feel it.
Spider-Man/Peter Parker, played with panache by Josh Keaton, is supported by a tremendous cast and top notch voice-acting, with the possible exception of two cheerleaders, one of whom possesses surprising depth. In fact, almost everyone you meet has a tragic flaw or an unexpected dash of goodness – some even grow and change as people. I know, right?
There’s plenty to love about this re-boot: Mary Jane shows up as the next-door hottie who is absolutely “just friends” with Mr. Parker. Showing a refreshing (and really, almost astounding) amount of free agency, MJ breaks no hearts, and isn’t it nice that Pete’s not set up with (or chain-ganged for life to) his highschool sweetheart? There’s some nice complexity in Flash Thompson, the campus football star/bully, for example: he is strangely self-aware, and a big Spider-Man fan besides. I’ll let the other kids unfurl on their own for you, but I will say that Black Cat (not quite a villain) has more chemistry with Pete then is seemly – after all, Pete’s only 16.
The bad guys, too, resist being one-note, many with circumstances that bring to mind the operatic scope of Batman’s Two-Face. And just when you think you know Spidey and his friends, the show is remarkably good at throwing new curves at you. Season 2 kept me guessing throughout, had some lovely call backs to Season 1, and took its time setting up the surprises. Also? The new theme song is just as catchy as the old one.
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Is it suitable for small children? I’m not overly strict about that- Sam has seen all the Star Wars movies except episode 3. I’m making him wait a few years for that one. He’s interested in Spiderman, but I wasn’t sure if he was ready. Suitable in our world is no gore or swear words.
There is no gore and there are no bad words. I think it was probably Y7 or something? Seriously, it’s no worse than a Disney movie. And pretty great!
When it comes to comics I’m more of a Marvel guy, but DC has always kicked Marvel’s ass when it comes to animation. This, however, is awesome! It’s BY FAR the best animated thing Marvel has done.
It reminded me why I love Spider-Man!
Spider-Man is as Spider-Man does. (g) He’s super-great!
Looks like the birthday fairy will be bringing some Spectacular Spider-Man.