Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (Disney+) review: A delightfully refreshing take on this superhero

Marvel Animation’s latest animated series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, offers a refreshing spin on the iconic web-slinger, making it stand out amidst the numerous iterations of Spider-Man we’ve seen over the years. This animated series does not rely on the typical tropes we’ve come to expect from the character, and instead, it delivers a thrilling, unpredictable narrative that is both exciting and surprisingly deep.

One of the first things you notice about the series is the choice of mentor for Peter Parker. Rather than Tony Stark guiding the young hero, the mantle is taken up by none other than Norman Osborn. Yes, you read that right – the Green Goblin himself becomes Spider-Man’s mentor. As a Spider-Man fan, this twist injects the show with an immediate sense of intrigue and tension for me. It’s this bold reimagining of Peter’s journey that sets the series apart from other Spider-Man media. Rather than a mentor-mentee dynamic that leans on support and guidance, we have a relationship rooted in manipulation, with Norman's motivations always lingering in the background, making for a far more sinister form of mentorship.

The series kicks off with a completely remake version of Peter’s origin story. Rather than the usual bite from a radioactive spider that we have all come to know, Peter’s encounter is entangled with Doctor Strange chasing a peculiar creature through Midtown High School, leading to a destructive brawl that sets the stage for Peter’s transformation. It’s a change that immediately signals to viewers that this is not going to be the typical Spider-Man story. The show then smartly fast-forwards three months into the future, skipping over the usual scenes of Peter discovering his powers, and show us how Peter is already in the midst of his dual life – struggling with the typical teen woes of money, relationships, and identity while also embracing his role as Spider-Man.

What truly sets this Spider-Man animated series apart is the way it keeps the essence of Spider-Man intact, while introducing fresh elements that feel daring and new. And the animation style is a big part of this, with the show’s 3D cel-shaded animation evoking a nostalgic feel while still bringing something modern to the table. It’s an impressive blend of old and new, as the fast-paced action and web-slinging sequences capture the kinetic energy of Spider-Man, while the occasional use of comic panels adds an artistic nod to the source material. Overall, I thought the show does a good job of balancing the spectacle with the humour, especially with Peter’s trademark clumsiness and awkwardness adding an extra layer of charm to the animation.

The supporting cast is also a departure from what we’re used to in Spider-Man stories. Gone are the familiar faces of Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacy, and Flash Thompson. Instead, we’re introduced to a host of new characters who bring their own flavour to the show. Peter’s best friend is Nico Minoru, who brings a sarcastic and witty dynamic to their relationship. Harry Osborn, a character we all know and love, is reimagined as a naive and out-of-touch social media star. Perhaps the most notable change is with Lonnie Lincoln, a character who, in this universe, serves as a football star with a kind heart and an unexpected connection to Peter. His storyline, which includes struggling with his football career and getting involved with a gang to help his family, serves as a poignant counterpoint to Peter’s own burdens as Spider-Man. The depth of Lonnie’s character is one of the show’s most pleasant surprises, grounding the narrative in real-world issues like racial profiling and the pressures faced by young black men.

It’s worth noting that Peter’s social life is also given a positive spin here. He’s no longer the outsider, the nerd who faces constant ridicule. In this universe, Peter is accepted, even celebrated, by his peers, and it’s an interesting take on a superhero who has long been seen as the emblem of the underdog. However, while it’s refreshing to see Peter’s popularity, I suspect this new direction does leave something to be desired for some fans. There’s an element of Peter’s original persona – the kid who was constantly overlooked and picked on – that feels absent in this version. The narrative explores new territory, but there’s something comforting about the idea of Peter overcoming adversity through sheer willpower, something that is somewhat diluted in this iteration.

As with most Spider-Man stories, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of responsibility, but it does so in a way that feels uniquely tailored to this version of Peter. Norman’s influence on Peter is key to the series, as his philosophy about power and responsibility mirrors that of Uncle Ben’s, but with a far more sinister twist. Norman, played with impressive gravitas by Colman Domingo, delivers his version of Spider-Man’s moral lesson in a way that is chilling, yet oddly persuasive. Domingo’s performance adds a depth to Norman that goes beyond the typical villainous cackling, painting him as a shrewd businessman with a personal agenda, yet still strangely charming.

There are more. Hudson Thames, who voices Peter for instance, also does a fantastic job of capturing the adolescent vulnerability of the character, giving Peter a voice that’s both earnest and relatable. The interactions between Peter and Norman are full of dramatic irony, especially for fans familiar with the Green Goblin’s eventual role in Peter’s life. The relationship is filled with tension, and the knowledge of what’s to come makes their interactions all the more fascinating.

The series also doesn’t shy away from broader social issues, such as the way power dynamics play out in the world of superheroes. While not as overtly political as some other animated series, it’s clear that the show is making a point about the role of privilege, responsibility, and corruption in the superhero world. Norman Osborn’s portrayal as a wealthy black businessman juxtaposes against the struggles of Lonnie Lincoln, who faces discrimination despite his own success. These layers add complexity to the story, though they are not as fully explored as they could be. There’s certainly potential for deeper storytelling in future seasons (a big if), particularly in terms of tackling issues of race and class more directly.

Throughout its first season, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man succeeds in blending the traditional superhero formula with fresh, bold ideas. It takes risks with its reimagining of Spider-Man’s journey, offering a story that feels both familiar and excitingly new. The animation style is captivating, even if it’s not without its flaws, and the character development is rich and layered. There’s plenty of humour too, but also a genuine sense of danger and stakes that keeps you hooked from episode to episode. For a character as beloved as Spider-Man, it’s no easy feat to make a show that feels both authentic and groundbreaking. But Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man manages to do just that, leaving me eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this compelling alternate reality.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is available for streaming on Disney+ now.

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