Meet a familiar friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
Peter Parker is two weeks into having super powers, and he's putting them to the test as Spider-Man for the first time in the premiere of Marvel's Spider-Man, the studio's newest animated series. The two-parter, "Horizon High Part 1" and "Horizon High Part 2," debuts on August 19, 2017 on Disney XD and takes a back to the beginning approach with the character and universe.
Anytime a cartoon featuring a character that's been around for decades is launched, there are challenges to consider. One aspect in a world as large as Marvel's is how or if the story will tie to other characters and series or if it will tip its hat to titles the audience might be especially tuned into at the moment -- like Spider-Man: Homecoming. A more impactful aspect is how the show will serve both longtime fans and those who have never encountered Spider-Man before.
Marvel's Spider-Man strikes a solid balance between the familiar and the new, emphasizing qualities and hallmarks Spider-Man is known for while skipping over well-trod territory like showing the origin story. This series quickly and successfully sets up Peter as a relatable teenager. It's easy to put yourself in Peter's shoes and experience the thrills of exploring his abilities alongside the stress of worrying about how he and Aunt May will pay the bills.
One way this Spider-Man stands apart is by working in more of Uncle Ben. As with most Spidey stories, he's not around in the present, but he has a place in the narrative in flashbacks. Through those memories, we learn more about who Peter is. The emphasis on that relationship and others in the show -- like between Peter and Harry Osborn -- ground the web-spinning and costumed battles.
Between those relationships and the voice cast, there's a steady pulse to Spider-Man. Robbie Daymond gives Peter piles of charm and infuses energy into every beat. Another stand-out is Patton Oswalt as Uncle Ben. He adds layers of wisdom and confidence to Ben's stories and advice and makes how much Ben cares for Peter evident with his inflection.
The dialogue doesn't always match the delivery though. Peter and Spider-Man are known for being verbose and delivering quips, and those personality aspects are leaned upon too heavily in Marvel's Spider-Man. The one-liners don't make you laugh out load so much as groan or roll your eyes. Peter can do better. They also use Peter talking to himself to explain what's happening to excess. The action could be better served by watching Peter do rather than speak.
But, on the other hand, it does tie into a degree with making Peter identifiable. Watching him learn and hearing him problem-solve in the middle of a confrontation with a rogue spells things out clearly for kids. It shows them the process, and that yes, even Spider-Man makes mistakes. For adults though? Peter could be less verbose.
That gets into a continuing discussion about animated series. Yes, cartoons are technically made and targeted to children. However, they can reach both audiences. Marvel hasn't found as much success as other studios or networks at having a foot planted on either side, and it doesn't seem like that's changing with Spider-Man. Not yet, anyway.
Spider-Man does present dynamic action. If you're a fan of creative web-slinging, you'll find it here. They're stretching what Peter can do with his handmade web formula and showcasing how he uses it. By seeing Peter experiment and make improvements, you celebrate every one of his wins alongside him.
The Verdict
Marvel's Spider-Man has enough of a different approach to make it stand apart from other animated takes on the character. Peter learning to be a hero while also attending a new school means prime territory for internal conflict alongside the external conflicts of him trying to stop and capture wrongdoers. The show needs to refine dialogue and humor, but it's made a good start.
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