TV SERIES REVIEW- The Spectacular Spiderman (Season 1 and 2)

The first two (and only, for some stupid reason) seasons of Spectacular Spiderman were awesome. They introduced cool and iconic villains, had nice spins on familiar stories, and nailed how I envisioned a Spiderman cartoon to be. This isn’t a dark and gritty telling of the Spiderman story. Instead, it shows Spiderman to be, well, spectacular.

The first two seasons follow Spiderman/Peter Parker in his early days as the web-slinger. During this time, we are introduced to a bunch of Spiderman villains such as Green Goblin, Electro, Dr Octopus, Rhino, Tombstone, Black Cat, Sandman, Venom, etc. For the most part, each of the villains is given their moment to shine and each is treated like a threat to Spiderman. I particularly liked how Tombstone and his “final” fight with Spiderman in the sewers (set to a background of Opera).

And Spiderman is ever the wise-cracking, happy-go-lucky hero in these situations. At least that is how he appears on the surface. Every so often, the viewer is treated to the thoughts of Spiderman and we realise how he uses taunts and wise-cracks as a weapon against his enemies. Plus, it just feels right that Spiderman is swinging around joking with villains rather than being all angsty about it. You really do get a sense that, for the most part, it is fun being Spiderman even with all the power and responsibility.

When out of costume, the show treats Peter Parker’s life as also important. And they give all the characters big, anime-style eyes for some reason. Apart from that, we are treated to helpless and hapless Peter Parker who is a genius but can’t seem to catch a break with women or his friends. Even his job as a photographer comes at a cost to his friendship with Eddie Brock, which helps lead Eddie on the path to Venom.

And really what more is there to say about Spectacular Spiderman. It is easily the best Spiderman cartoon that I have seen. And just when I thought Season 1 would be tough to live up to, Season 2 comes along and meets the high standard that they set for themselves. It is very refreshing seeing Spiderman be, well, Spiderman, as opposed to some angsty teenager. I guess that is the difference between Spectacular and Amazing.

5 out of 5 web-swinging waffles.