Every generation has what they'd consider to be the definitive Spider-Man animated series. From the 60s original and 90s-era Spider-Man to more recent fare like 2008-09's The Spectacular Spider-Man and the ongoing series Spidey and his Amazing Friends, few superheroes have starred in as many animated projects as Marvel's iconic web-slinger.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (YFNSM) is the latest contender for the wallcrawler's best TV show crown. As a big Spidey fan, the first of six Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) TV shows that'll arrive on Disney Plus in 2025 was always going to interest me, regardless of how good or bad it was. Marvel Studios' first animated Spider-Man offering, though, is far better than I expected it to be. It's not as spectacular as last year's universally adored X-Men 97 – and there's one major reason why, which I've dedicated an entire portion of this review to. Nevertheless, it's a largely pleasing reimagining of the legendary superhero's origin story, vast cast of supporting characters, and unmistakable corner of the Marvel universe that most Spider-Man fans will enjoy.
