What if, instead of Spider-Man's mentor being his fellow hero, Iron Man, it's his biggest enemy, the Green Goblin? That's the question that Disney+'s 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man' seeks to answer.
The series marks the latest of many animated series about Spider-Man and this time, it's tying itself to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While not officially canon to the events of the successful Tom Holland-led Spidey films, the show presents itself as an episode of 'What If...?' stretched out into a full television series.
The premise is an interesting concept given that Holland's Spider-Man has been tied to Stark since his first appearance, and the writers have even faced criticism for the prominence of Iron Man in MCU Peter Parker's life.
The series certainly delivers on focusing on the relationship between Peter Parker and the man who is destined to become his arch-nemesis. That dynamic is well done, as Peter looks up to Norman, but many in his inner circle are (rightfully) suspicious of him. However, Peter doesn't worship Norman like Tom Holland's version sometimes did Tony Stark. However, it, unfortunately, still bears similar flaws that its MCU counterpart is plagued with.
From the beginning, Peter Parker has been a working-class hero. Every iteration up until Holland's has made his own suit, webshots, and persona. His persistent money and relationship problems that happen as a result of being Spider-Man take center stage and serve as the central conflict within the story.
A hero who is primarily driven by the guilt of not stopping the criminal who killed the man who raised him, Spider-Man operates on a grounded street level, facing off against mob bosses, mad scientists, and evil CEOs. Peter Parker has to face living a normal life when his responsibility calls for him to save lives right outside his window, making relationships and holding down a steady job, difficult.
However, Holland's version (and by extension, this series) stray from this concept. Instead opting to ignore Uncle Ben (like in the films) or underscore his importance by killing him off before Peter is bitten by the spider (like in this series). It's a strange decision born out of not wanting to tell the origin again but ultimately losing a core part of the character.
While 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man' has a leg-up on its cinematic counterpart by establishing Uncle Ben as a part of Peter's life and someone whom he dearly misses, having him mention him and look fondly at their photos together. However, having him die before Peter gets his powers strips Peter of his central motivation.
So after watching the 10 episodes of the series, I'm left wondering: Why does Peter do what he does? Why, at the expense of his relationships, dreams, physical safety, and any hope of a normal life is he going out every day and fighting the most dangerous people on the planet?
The show doesn't seem very interested in answering that question, as after opening with Peter getting his powers, it time jumps a few months with his spider identity already established, his web shooters already made, and his hero work already in full swing.
This first episode, while off to a rough start, hints at some real-world issues that serve as great character moments. Spider-Man stops a shoplifter, but instead of webbing her up and handing her over to the police, like he normally does, he lets her go. Learning that she was a desperate woman who had just lost her job.
The premiere ends with an almost shot-for-shot recreation of Tom Holland's introduction as Spider-Man, arriving at his apartment in Queens, but instead of finding Tony Stark on his couch talking to Aunt May, it's Norman Osborn (played by Oscar-nominee Colman Domingo).
Fans of the character will be delighted to see this version of Norman Osborn. He serves as a capable mentor to Peter but shows enough of his sinister nature for you to question his true motives. Domingo plays both sides of Norman masterfully in the show, and I think Green Goblin fans will be delighted by his portrayal.
Norman Osborn and Otto Octavius/Dr. Octopus (played by 'Hannibal' star Hugh Dancy) are easily the best parts of the show. Both feel ripped straight out of the comics in terms of design and personality and are played with such subtlety that it's hard not to root for them sometimes.
Interestingly, the fairly obscure supervillain, Tombstone serves as the deuteragonist of the series. His rise within the ranks of a criminal gang, paralleling Peter's rise to becoming the Spider-Man we all know and love. However, instead of being an albino gangster born with super-strength like in the comics, he is a classmate of Peter's and reluctantly joins a gang to save his younger brother brother.
This could have served to be an interesting dynamic between the two characters, but Tombstone, real name Lonnie Lincoln, never descends into evil or comes into direct conflict with Spider-Man, making his inclusion a bit strange.
The animation style has been criticized for a perceived lack of movement and fluidity. However, in watching the show, I never found it to be an issue. The animation actually shines in fight scenes where Spider-Man is jumping from surface to surface and swinging from his webs across New York City.
It also takes after the 'Spider-Verse' films in employing comic-book style transitions, text on-screen of onomatopeias, and multiple panels within a frame.
The fight scenes themselves are well choreographed, and there is a palpable impact when blows land. This version of Peter Parker, while a bit too much of a pushover for my liking (especially compared to his comics counterpart), is a force to be reckoned with in a fight, defeating numerous powerful villains throughout the show.
While 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man' is a fun time and is sure to be enjoyed by casual fans of the character, it ultimately suffers from a lack of depth that holds it back from being something amazing or spectacular.
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