Peter Parker is back on our small screens with Marvel Animation’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.
The series follows Peter Parker (Hudson Thames) as he navigates teenage life and incredible new powers. It’s not easy being a teenager. If it’s not a problem with school, it’s a problem with your home life. If it’s not a problem with your home life, it’s a problem with your crush. Most times, it’s all of the above, so imagine adding super-powered Spider traits to the mix. It makes for a world of crazy. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man explores these elements throughout the show, making Peter’s struggles feel relatable and real.
The series creatively explores Peter Parker’s origins by coupling the familiarity of the spider bite while adding a new introduction for audiences to how said spider is encountered. I don’t want to reveal too much about the show’s events because the series is very much the type where you want to know as little as possible. Be prepared for quite a few surprises that happen along the way, adding an element of intrigue and excitement to the viewing experience. These surprises will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to see what’s next.
One of the most compelling aspects of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is the relationships between the characters. The bond between Peter and Aunt May (voiced by Kari Wahlgren) is a staple in the Spider-Man lore, and it’s just as significant in this series. Wahlgren’s portrayal of May is exceptional, exuding a warmth and care for Peter in every scene that will make you feel comforted, which is exactly what you’d expect from the beloved Aunt May character.
In addition, Peter’s pals are perfect. Grace Song shines as Peter’s classmate and friend, Nico Minoru. Not afraid of telling her best friend how she feels, Nico is Peter’s ideal companion, especially when he doubts himself. The series does a great job of developing her character, showing her growth and the evolution of her relationship with Peter. Peter also finds an unexpected friend in high school football star Lonnie Lincoln. Voiced by Eugene Byrd, Lonnie is a star at school and on the football field, but he deals with a lot in his personal life and keeps secrets from loved ones, just like Peter. Lastly, we have Harry Osborn (voiced by Zeno Robinson). A home-schooled genius, Harry is happy when he meets some new friends his age, and he is a perfect addition to the friend group – even if there is a little jealousy between him and Nico. But it’s nothing a heart-to-heart can’t fix.
In Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Norman Osborn (voiced by Colman Domingo) is interested in Peter’s intelligence. Osborn sees glimmers of himself in Peter – a young, scientific mind on the verge of the next breakthrough. Look, I could listen to Colman Domingo read random words and their meanings from the dictionary. He is no stranger to voice acting, having used his voice talents for Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken and BoJack Horseman (amongst others). With his commanding presence and calm, collected nature, Domingo is pitch-perfect as Osborn.
Series creator and showrunner Jeff Trammell does an excellent job showing Peter and his friends’ ups and downs. Each character experiences struggles and tries to navigate them, but the series never feels overstuffed, a testament to Trammell’s excellent storytelling and vision. While the series perfectly pairs nostalgia and newness, the risks it takes throughout will have viewers on the edge of their seats. As previously mentioned, there are many surprises along the way, and watching the multiple webs weave as the story progresses made for some of my favourite moments from the Marvel Animation shows thus far.
The animation in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is a visual treat, bringing the pages of a comic book to life on your television screen. The vibrant colours, dynamic action sequences, and attention to detail make it a must-see for animation enthusiasts. The animation, especially during the action sequences, is not just a treat, but a visual feast that will keep you engaged and excited. Although the style may not be for everyone, it works well with the story and adds some retro comic book flare that sets it apart from the other Marvel Animation series released thus far.
Coupling cool animation, fun action sequences, and great characters with a solid story, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is an exciting animated adaptation everyone can enjoy. Including a fresh take on the beloved wall-crawler, the series is an exciting new addition to all things Peter Parker.
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