I am an old Spider-Man fan, who has fond memories of watching the very first cartoon series in the late 1960's. In my opinion, "The Spectacular Spider-Man" blows away that version, and every other Spidey cartoon since. I just discovered "The Spectacular Spider-Man" online (I do not own a television), and I have been watching the episodes in order for the past few days. It took me a bit to get past the animation style at first, but now I love it. Spidey's movements are very fluid, and all the characters are distinctive from one another (I assume Liz Allen is no longer a blonde to avoid confusion with Gwen).
The series takes a few liberties with the original stories, but it is done with the intent of creating the best possible show. For instance, Harry and Gwen did not meet Peter until he attended ESU. And Gwen was never mousy as she is shown in SSM, although she was always brainy. The origins of some of the villains have been changed somewhat. But none of this really matters, because the characters are consistent in the SSM universe, and the creators keep the stories moving briskly. In one episode alone (S1E10, "Persona"), we meet Alien Symbiote (Black Suit Spidey), Black Cat, The Chameleon, Quentin Beck (Mysterio), and Phineas Mason (Terrible Tinkerer)! All the elements are there from the comics: the incredible array of villains, a deep supporting cast, Spidey's trademark quips, and Peter Parker's money troubles. The show even works in scenes from the Raimi Spider-Man movies.
What really makes me love "Spectacular Spider-Man" are subtle little touches that hearken back to the earliest days of the comics. Spidey's mask will briefly appear on half of Peter's face, or his eyepieces and red webbing will become the backdrop for a conclusion to a scene. These are bits taken directly from the very early days of the Lee/Ditko comics and really make SSM special. Heck, S2E4 "Shear Strength" recreates what is probably the most iconic moment from the Ditko run, where Spidey lifts the machinery off himself in the Master Planner's lab. All the stories reveal a sincere respect and affection for these characters, even as they are updated for a 21st century audience.
It is a real pity that real-world corporate politics brought the series to a premature end. But I will always treasure these 26 episodes. I doubt they will ever be surpassed. This is not only the finest Spider-Man cartoon series ever, but the finest superhero cartoon series ever, IMO.
The series takes a few liberties with the original stories, but it is done with the intent of creating the best possible show. For instance, Harry and Gwen did not meet Peter until he attended ESU. And Gwen was never mousy as she is shown in SSM, although she was always brainy. The origins of some of the villains have been changed somewhat. But none of this really matters, because the characters are consistent in the SSM universe, and the creators keep the stories moving briskly. In one episode alone (S1E10, "Persona"), we meet Alien Symbiote (Black Suit Spidey), Black Cat, The Chameleon, Quentin Beck (Mysterio), and Phineas Mason (Terrible Tinkerer)! All the elements are there from the comics: the incredible array of villains, a deep supporting cast, Spidey's trademark quips, and Peter Parker's money troubles. The show even works in scenes from the Raimi Spider-Man movies.
What really makes me love "Spectacular Spider-Man" are subtle little touches that hearken back to the earliest days of the comics. Spidey's mask will briefly appear on half of Peter's face, or his eyepieces and red webbing will become the backdrop for a conclusion to a scene. These are bits taken directly from the very early days of the Lee/Ditko comics and really make SSM special. Heck, S2E4 "Shear Strength" recreates what is probably the most iconic moment from the Ditko run, where Spidey lifts the machinery off himself in the Master Planner's lab. All the stories reveal a sincere respect and affection for these characters, even as they are updated for a 21st century audience.
It is a real pity that real-world corporate politics brought the series to a premature end. But I will always treasure these 26 episodes. I doubt they will ever be surpassed. This is not only the finest Spider-Man cartoon series ever, but the finest superhero cartoon series ever, IMO.