» SPIDER-MAN - The New Animated Series DVD Review

SPIDER-MAN - The New Animated Series DVD Review

Posted on March 3rd, 2005 by Azeem

Before I get to the actual review I want everyone to get a very vivid sneak peak. First check out the opening scene for the cartoon: HERE– tell me this is not cool.

Now for the Review:

First some background info. This new animated series was released in 2003 on MTV. For some odd reason MTV decided to drop it. Season One has 13 episodes.

As you can see from these ultra cool still images… this cartoon isn’t your 60s Spiderman nor is it your 90s Spiderman. CGI was used to make this cartoon. There are some matrix style scenes and there is some nifty new school artwork done to make this a truly modern day Spiderman. A very conscious effort was made to make this series hip to today’s realities. For example everyone carries a cell phone, and there are references to modern day pop culture. There are many little things like this which would be unheard of in the prior series but that’s part of what makes this so cool. Also it not just brings spiderman into the cyberage but also stays true to the original spiderman’s character and outlook. He still has that witty Humor.

Since the intended audience is an older one there are some unnecessarily haram things in this new Spiderman. Haram curvature to begin with. Secondly there are some adult like situations which would never be on the 90s cartoon. There are only a handful in the entire first season. But nonetheless its something you can’t dismiss, unfortunately its there. Again this was made for the MTV audience so that helps explain why. Another thing which would be unheard of in the past is that people actually die.

The Action scenes are really smooth and are very entertaining to watch. The graphic work is excellent. I wish every cartoon today met these production standards. Millions of dollars must have went into this. The entire season is available on DVD. I hope that someone will pick up the series so we can see a season two. Especially since season one ended in an exhilarating manner.

The Plot itself is reallly interesting since they introduce some new characters. Peter, Mary Jane, and Harry Osborne are living on campus at Columbia (off the bat) rather than in flushing, queens. Its interesting how they show a student protest going on at campus (like the real deal). I thought that was pretty interesting. Especially since the issue was about social justice. Most old school cartoons avoid the harsh realities of life (completely). While this was made to be a tad more realistic OR more in tune with our reality. I was surprised to see King Pin so early on. The story was changed up quite a bit from the classical versions. Also there was no aunt May (thank god). What’s even more interesting is that peter gets into a situation with a girl other than MJ, ha. Which was really funny, esp since they portrayed her to be….. OK, I don’t waint to spoil it.

I think this DVD is totally underpromoted. Barely anyone knows about it. Esp since MTV ditched it. It doesn’t even have it’s own website. But I commend it, and I recommend it for you to watch.

Check out these screen shots: