The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008-2009)

Do you own an Xbox, with an Xbox Live account? If so, you can currently download this free "Crackle" app (which is similar to Netflix). The entire Spectacular Spider-Man show comes bundled with it.

I don't know how many people are interested in the show (or even own an Xbox). I know Fairbairn-Sykes regards Spec Spidey well, and I think it's worth a watch. This free release is especially nice, considering the complete 2nd season has never been released in a single DVD package.

Anyone else seen the show? It's my favourite version of the character. The stories and character development are very well-mapped, and all the important ground in Spider-Man's world is covered. The show uses the old Lee/Ditko/Romita comics as primary source, but it's not afraid to update where necessary.

Each episode is part of a 3- or 4-episode arc, all of which then fit into a whole season. You can start with any episode, but you'll miss a lot of grace notes (character development isn't kept to single episodes, it's strung out over the entire show). Personally, my favourite episodes are the ones written by Matt Wayne (i.e. "Natural Selection," "The Invisible Hand," "Persona," "Destructive Testing").

I think Sykes hates it.

Hey.

Hey wut, Sharky?

The White Tuxedo wrote:

I think Sykes hates it.

He doesn't, and my endorsement not enough for you? =P

Largo's Shark wrote:

Hey.

Stop spamming this thread. Go away.

Spectacular Spider-Man was probably one of the best superhero cartoons ever, definitely the best Spidey cartoon, cut short only by the Disney buyout of Marvel, which lead to "Ultimate Spider-Man", which is and continues to be horrifically bad.

The main thing with Spec Spidey is that it takes a while to get used to the... unique character designs and art style. Once you get used to that, it has some of the best writing and voice acting of any take on the character ever. The arc-driven storytelling is very rewarding, with individual episodes building to three episode arcs, building to season long plot points. Every character was from the comics, filling the episodes with clues and in-jokes, with every villain or introduced as a regular civillian before becoming their spandex-clad selves sometimes episodes down the line.

65 episodes were planned out, but thanks to the cancellation they only reached 26. A massive shame.

Oh, I was thinking of something you said on Facebook. Must be a different Spidey toon.

Heh, I thought you were being sarcastic on that previous post Tux.

Yeah the cartoon they canceled Spec to produce, Ultimate Spidey, is ultimate crap.

Also, Spec Spidey had the best opening theme song since the 60s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uok3RnF_8Bk