If you’re a Spider-Man fan (or even if you aren’t), you’ve likely heard some version of the famous line, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Well, any fan of the old-school comic will quickly emphasize the original line was “…with great power there must also come—great responsibility!”
Just semantics? Maybe. But connecting with a specific version of something is important. Not only when it comes to style preference, but also when it comes to meaning.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, streaming January 29, 2025, on Disney+, spins its own version of the superhero’s origin story. It does so with an effective mix of modern and classic styles.
As for its meaning: For families who are interested in giving this particular version a shot, it too radiates the message of responsibility.
Parents/Marvel Animation
About ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is a 10-episode original series from Marvel Animation directed by Mel Zwyer and written by Jef Trammell. It tells the classic story of Peter Parker’s journey to becoming Spider-Man, but it tells it in a fresh way, with plenty of surprises and an animation style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots.
The series does appear to be a part of the overall Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but this version of Spider-Man is different from the Tom Holland Spider-Man in the films.
The talented voice cast includes Hudson Thames, Colman Domingo, Eugene Byrd, Grace Song, Zeno Robinson, Hugh Dancy, and Charlie Cox. And the series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Dana Vasquez-Eberhardt, and Jeff Trammell.
This Spider-Man Does Whatever the Best ‘Spideys’ Do
As the Spider-Man IP continues to be a deep well of family-centered entertainment–spawning movies, shows, books, games, and more–it’s important that any new offering carries the ingredients that make this world so recognizable and enjoyable. And this new show does just that.
Awkward teen genius Peter Parker, who’s a sarcastic, selfless hero? Check. A group of supportive friends with endless value and some tragic arcs of their own? Check. Intelligent, tech-savvy villains with skin in the game? Check. And of course, colorful, high-flying action. You’re Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man definitely belongs with the others on a taste test alone.
What it also provides is plenty of new takes, surprises, and meaty talking points–particularly for parents to discuss with teens. Here are some of the stickier parts of the show that should capture families in its web. Spoiler-free, of course.
Marvel Animation
Spins story webs any size
One thing I noticed right away was this first season is 10 episodes (about 30-minutes each), instead of what’s been the usual eight episode length for recent Marvel shows on Disney+. I took this as a hint that there was a lot of story meat on the bone, and I was glad to see I was right. There are many story threads in this web and they each hold together fairly well.
By the way, the series schedule of episodes was released in a unique way via the Spider-Man social accounts. The first two episodes are available now to stream on Disney+, with new episodes airing on Wednesdays. See the full “class schedule” below:
Yes, this is a teen show–and that means there’s plenty of teen angst and drama amongst the characters. I would even say this leans more teen story first, superhero story second. That aids the character development and helps you to feel the stakes when they’re in danger or at a decision crossroads. Peter’s story is obviously the center, but the others’ flow out nicely from his and conclude at a clear place, if not totally satisfactory. And the season definitely leaves you asking the good kinds of questions.
Catches themes just like flies
Back to the R-word–the theme of responsibility and how it exists in the context of having power is a clear through line in this series. And as any kid begins to learn what responsibility means during their teen years, it was nice to see the different and relatable ways it showed up for these characters.
Peter of course is given great power–via an interesting route to the spider bite–and he’s tasked with figuring out what to do with it while still trying to maintain the normal teen stuff. Being a genius doesn’t really set him apart (almost all the teens in the show are really smart), neither does it make his job as Spider-Man any easier. What he does have to do is learn how to make the right choices, which is different from finding the correct answers.
There should be plenty for parents and teens to talk through regarding what they’re facing and what to do with any sense of wanted or unwanted responsibility.
Marvel Animation
Look out, [parents] here comes the Spider-Man
As for the action in the series, it’s clear and easy to follow, thanks mainly to the CG animation style that’s going for a comic on screen feel. In fact, actual comic panels show up on screen during fight scenes, which is a cool effect. It was nice to see Spidey fighting and moving fluidly while letting his trademark sarcasm flow. And the action is either tied to something important or leads to something important for the characters, which is a plus.
However, the action is a little more intense than I was anticipating. Some action scenes were pretty violent and resulted in characters shedding blood or dying. Yes, fans of the comics shouldn’t necessarily be surprised by this, but parents who may be thinking of watching this show with younger viewers should beware.
Also, somewhat of a surprise for me was the language. I don’t recall any strong profanity, necessarily, but there were plenty of uses of the word “hell” throughout along with mature dialogue. Again, parents with younger ears around beware.
Marvel Animation
All in all, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is a fun, funny, and thought-provoking series with plenty for the eyes and the ears. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where this goes and how the message of responsibility evolves with the characters. Though, I may wait until my oldest son is 13 before watching with him.
Will classic Spider-Man fans be satisfied? I’m not sure–but they should at least be amused by some of the chances it takes with the classic lore. If nothing else, families who may just be coming on-board the superhero train should have an entertaining entry point.
