Over the past 20 years, the quality of animated shows that feature the likes of comic book characters have risen significantly. Gone forever are the likes of “Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends†and “The Super Friends,†classic shows that have nonetheless left hardcore fans starved for charisma. Replaced by a new breed of show that challenges the audience in ways never before expected, comic-inspired animation continues to grow and push new limits with each new series created.
“Batman: The Animated Series,†“Teen Titans†and “X-Men†are foundational examples of this generation of excellent comic-inspired animation and possess an eclectic duality. Capable of being attentive to the needs of children new to the subject matter and older viewers that have it in their blood, these shows are loved by their audiences and with good reason:
They rock harder than Ben Grimm.
After several solid attempts to bring that type of quality to the Spider-Man series over the years [“Spider-Man†on Fox Kids in the ’90s was an excellent attempt that had its plug pulled way too soon; the same thing goes for the CGI- animated show that was on MTV a few years back], developers Victor Cook and Greg Weisman have finally succeeded with the “Spectacular Spider-Man,†a series whose first season was released on DVD on July 28, manages to combine everything great about the comics and movies and put them into a well-told story with solid animation.
The end result is a can’t miss show that has what it takes to be remembered for years to come.
While the animation gets the job done, it lacks the flash-bang of other animated shows in the past [take Todd McFarlane’s “Spawn†for example]. Less-muscle and lines and more fluid and simplistic, the animation in the show caters to the speed of Spidey and his enemies, producing spirited fighting scenes that truly capture the essence of the character and showcase his cool abilities. Away from the battles, the show’s simple look allows it to pay more attention to the facial expression of its stars, making the stellar writing come alive that much more.
Speaking of the plot, “Spectacular Spider-Man†manages to encapsulate the best moments of the campy, but classic Steve Ditko, John Romita and Stan Lee years, to the now uber-famous “Ultimate Spider-Man†series, as well as the Sam Raimi films. Not introducing any new characters for the show as well, Cook and Weisman have managed to stay true to the lore of this amazing character and have even found a way to seamlessly streamline three different works into one organized masterpiece.
Well, they always say, with great power…
Considering the responsibility they have taken upon themselves, they’ve also responded marvelously with a well-penned story. At times it has a nostalgic feel to it, while at others it is a teen-drama that is fun, yet unpredictable. Through the entire 13-episode first season, you never get bored of any character or any developing storyline. Instead, like a zombie, you hunger for more. Getting that accomplished in 22-minute bursts is an endeavor that would drive the Green Goblin himself crazy.
Casting director also hit the nail on the head with several excellent choices to do the voices of the respective characters. Josh Keaton is hilarious, serious and fun as Spidey/Peter Parker, while mainstays Robert Englund and Clancy Brown are sound as the Vulure, Rhino and Tombstone and create relationships with your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man that can go on for ages. The rest of the voice actors, consisting of talent such as Ben Diskin and Alan Rachins also do an admirable job and give the show so many engaging characters that it’s hard to fathom how so many talented people were crammed on to this one show.
Combine all of these ingredients together and you have a show easier to get stuck on to than the best webbing our title character can conjure up.
Smart, but appealing to younger audiences, “Spectacular Spider-Man†is a reminder of how influential the golden age of comics was while focusing on what makes the hybrid-medium and animation so lively and enthralling today.
Tiger, you just hit the jackpot.
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