Review: Your Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man is a fantastic new animated series from Marvel Animation, loosely connected to the MCU while embracing classic comic book influences. Some viewers might have been put off by the animation style in the trailers, but once you get past the first couple of episodes, it truly shines. The series feels like a live-action comic book, with strong Steve Ditko vibes and even some Jack Kirby-style crackle, which enhances both the storytelling and artistic direction.
Peter Parker is a great blend of the traditional comic book version and Tom Holland’s MCU portrayal. The show takes familiar MCU story beats but introduces fresh twists—such as replacing Tony Stark with Norman Osborn as Peter’s mentor. Speaking of Norman Osborn, Colman Domingo’s performance in the role is phenomenal. His voice work is chillingly sinister when it needs to be, yet equally charming and calming in other moments. He embodies everything that makes Norman Osborn such a compelling and terrifying character. If Marvel isn’t considering him for a live-action version of Osborn, they’re seriously missing out. Outside of Willem Dafoe, Colman Domingo is the only actor I can see nailing this role.
The supporting cast is also well-developed, particularly Harry Osborn, Nico, and the tragic journey of Lonnie Lincoln becoming the feared villain, Tombstone. The depth of character development is impressive, especially for a show seemingly aimed at teens and young adults.
One of the most striking aspects is its level of intensity. The action sequences, particularly the fight with Scorpion, are shockingly brutal. When you step back and realize a grown man is trying to kill a teenage Peter, it hits hard. It’s rare to see a Marvel animated show push this level of realism in its fights, making it all the more gripping.
The storytelling is fantastic, with compelling twists toward the end that set up an exciting future for Season 2. If you haven’t watched it yet, you need to. This is the easiest five-star rating I’ve given to a Marvel property in recent memory.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is now streaming on Disney+. Don’t miss it!
