Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Review: Two Episodes In, All While Web Slingin’

Webs, Vibes, and Feels—Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Review from Your Friendly Neighborhood Nerd!

Disney+’s new addition Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man has released two episodes and I must say- it’s off to a tremendous start! The show has heart, love, and well, beautiful art. That rhyming might be boring but the show definitely isn’t. It has that classic comic book part- it’s like your classic Spider-Man has just joined the screen- but with modern tech and a world that looks relatable. The only difference? Well, the art is what it used to be in the 20th century’s comic books, especially from Steve Ditko. But before I go ahead with this review, I am not a villain– so here’s your warning: Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Review might have some spoilers ahead. Go slow!

The Art Might be Classic, but the Story Definitely is Not

This Spider-Man isn’t something you’re used to seeing on the screen. It makes more sense than all the versions out there to me. While I am not old enough to say I have been a fan of classic comic book series, and never got enough time to dive too deep, I have been following Spidey for a while through modern comics and well, movies. 

And in everything that has come in the last two decades, this one is different. 

Peter Parker of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man looks relatively young and more grounded compared to older takes of the character. He messes up more but has that heart that makes him a hero, well, before he was bitten. It’s not the version that says ‘It’s not my business’. In fact, this Spider-Man feels way more empathetic. 

Why am I saying that? 

Well, apart from doing all the hero stuff like other Spider-Man, this one also took care of animals- even as little as fish. There’s this scene where he is fighting, probably the earliest version of Firefly in an animal store or something- and he saves the dog, hamsters, and even fish. 

That’s cool- right?

I mean, for me, it was a different touch given to Spider-Man’s on-screen story. 

Spidey’s a Cool Guy!

One thing in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is that Peter, shy, awkward, and in one-sided love with Pearl is a little different from his Spider-Man persona. Spider-Man is more confident, more extroverted, and more connected with people.

The best part was when he caught the thief- because of course it was the right thing to do, returned the money- but also requested the money owner to let the thief go because she was in a bad place!

Honestly, I got a little teary-eyed. Not to sound melodramatic- but I did. I am tired of typical kickass shit and love me some humane emotional touches to the story!

Geniuses behind Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man?

Can’t even think about wrapping up my Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man review without endorsing the folks who brought this banger to the screen. 

Jeff Trammell– You GOAT! 

First, accept my imaginary standing ovation for overlooking two kickass episodes as the head writer. Honestly, great start. 

And for those who don’t know Jeff well…..

Jeff wrote Amphibia, Craig of the Creek, The Owl House…. I could keep going!

As for the directors, Mel Zwyer and Liza Singer are the magicians fueling each episode with their magic. Liza has worked on Disenchantment, Harley Quinn, Pantheon, and more such cool shows. While Mel is from the Art department of How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Flushed Away, and more. 

So you see, all the talent that has been brought together by Disney to deliver this one hell of a show?

But wait, There’s More to it!

Season 1 reportedly packs 10 episodes, each around 25 minutes. Short, sweet, and totally snackable for a weekend watch or a quick breather between chores.

As for the Art Style? This 3D cel-shaded technique is basically a love letter to vintage Steve Ditko comics—only shinier and more 2025-appropriate. It may not blow open the multiverse like Spider-Verse, but hey, not every Spider-thing needs to break 50 dimensions to be cool, right?

A Fun Throwback That Doesn’t Try Too Hard

The show leans heavily into its classic Spidey feel, giving all the bright colors and silly-but-not-so-silly cameos. No big gore or mind-shattering crises. In other words, it’s safe for family viewing—Aunt May approved. (I hope she survives this one!)

Lots of Cameos and Easter eggs are coming- so, keep an eye out, and don’t ruin the surprise by reading the plot online. 

Keep your eyes peeled if you’re a Marvel nerd who loves going, 

“OMG, that’s so-and-so from Issue #47!”

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is Just That- Not Another Spider-verse Kinda Stuff!

Don’t expect the visual madness or dimension-hopping escapades of Into/Across the Spider-Verse. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is more “lazy Sunday with a bowl of cereal” than “big screen spectacle.”

And guess what? That’s kinda refreshing. 

Sometimes, all you want is to see Spidey do his friendly neighborhood thing—no existential meltdown necessary.

Bottom Line

If you dig that nostalgic throwback vibe and want something easier on the brain—yet still bursting with heart—give these episodes a swing. You’ll find humor, empathy, and enough Marvel-y references to make you point at the screen like the Spider-Man pointing meme.

Basically, it’s feel-good web-slinging that doesn’t ask you to keep track of 5,000 multiverse variants. 

Sign me up!

That’s all y’all!

I am one of you- so no exclusive screenings! Gotta wait for more episodes to talk more. Until then- subscribe to CineCinnati and let my magic knock on your doors (not literally- I will just send entertainment news, new releases, and you know, reviews via emails, that’s all!).

So, see you around!

🎶🎶🎶Spider-Man, Spider-Man

Does whatever a spider can

Spins a web, any size

Catches thieves just like flies

Look out

Here comes the Spider-Man…🎶🎶🎶