Spider-Man is a constant force of nature who will outlive us all and cause the death of the universe. He is well-known for his work in films, comics, and video games, but he is also well-known for his work in animation. Spectacular Spider-Man is one of the best shows he has ever done. It is as good a time as any to discuss why it is so good.
Spectacular aired on Kids WB! in 2008 before moving to DisneyXD for its second season. Instead of focusing on one aspect of the character as a source for inspiration, Spectacular was a blend of all aspects of the character's comic and film history up to that point. A high schooler with some experience as Spider-Man but still getting into the swing of things is the PeterParker of this universe. All those average crimes he stopped over the summer break will soon be followed by super criminals looking to take him down, and near all of them in some way connected to either Norman Osborn or the "Big Man."
Spectacular has stood the test of time over the course of two seasons because of how much it trusts itself. It has a leisurely pacing and gives itself plenty of time to digest as Peter juggles being a rising superhero with his more mundane life as a high schooler with his friends. Spider-Man stories are at their best when Peter's dual lives are colliding, and Spectacular manages to create this tension without it ever feeling predictable. The supporting cast, even the one who doesn't get a chance to be a person, is all winners.
Young Justice was created by Victor Cook and Greg Weisman, who went on to make Young Justice at Warner Bros., and Spectacular was created by them. There are many plot threads in this series. The idea of time is something that can be felt in some of the episodes. Peter and company growing up and heading towards genuine milestones in their lives gives the show some extra "oomph" that otherwise would've been missing.
Compared to the Spider-Man shows that would follow after Spectacular, this Peter isn't booked to be a great figure in the show. He's Just Some Kid, who has nothing going for him beyond his knowledge and photography skills, but also has a solid support system that he can rely on. Voice acting for Spider-Man across the character's media history can be hit or miss, but Keaton really does stand up as one of the top performers. The show's more emotional beats work can be credited to him and the rest of the strong voice cast. In the same way that The Batman has an under appreciated villain thanks to Richardson, Spectacular has two hidden gems in the form of Steve Blum's Green Goblin and Clancy Brown'sRhino.
There are a lot of other reasons to watch Spectacular Spider-Man, from the way it makes each villain memorable by introducing them as people before they break bad, to the way it manages to make each Spider-Man unforgettable. The show is awesome and you should watch it now.
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