Review: Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (2024-2025) #1
Alright, I finally got around to checking out the first issue of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and I have some thoughts. Full disclosure: I binged the animated series before cracking open this comic, and I gotta say, that definitely colored my experience.
This issue jumps right into the action, picking up where things left off after Peter gets his spider-powers thanks to that interdimensional arachnid (courtesy of Doctor Strange’s earlier shenanigans). We get to see Peter getting a handle on his new abilities, which is always fun, and we also start to see the beginnings of his friendship with Nico Minoru. These early moments are pretty solid, and the dynamic between Peter and Nico is something I’m definitely interested in seeing more of.
The plot thickens when they investigate the school where Strange’s magical throwdown went down. Turns out, the explosion wasn’t mystical fallout, but rather some shady mobsters trying to muscle in on the property. This sets up what looks to be a recurring theme in the series, which has potential.
Now, let’s talk art. The style leans towards the cartoony side of the Marvel spectrum. It’s not bad, but it’s definitely a different vibe than some of the more gritty Spidey art we’ve seen. It works for the story they’re trying to tell, though.
The characters are still being fleshed out, but I’m digging the Peter/Nico dynamic so far. They play off each other well, and I’m curious to see how their relationship develops. The writing is also solid, with some snappy dialogue.
Conclusion
Here’s the thing, though. Having watched the TV show first, I couldn’t help but compare the two. And honestly? The show is just better, at least so far. The pacing, the character development, the overall feel… the show just nails it. If I had read this comic before watching the show, I probably would have been way more hyped.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a bad comic. It’s a fun, lighthearted Spider-Man story with some interesting potential. But for me, it’s living in the shadow of the animated series. If you’re a Spidey fan and haven’t seen the show, definitely give this a read. If you have seen the show… well, temper your expectations.
Overall Score: 7/10
What do you guys think? Did you read the comic? Did you watch the show? Let me know in the comments!