Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: Episode 1 – Amazing Fantasy Review — A classic name, a not-so-classic beginning

Warning: Some spoilers ahead for Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, episode 1, Amazing Fantasy!

Marvel’s new animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man throws out the old “science experiment gone wrong” formula in favor of a multiversal twist, brings in Doctor Strange right off the bat, and swaps out Aunt May 2.0 (from the MCU) for Aunt May 2.1. Will classic fans love these changes? Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing’s for sure—this show isn’t afraid to mix things up. But wait, did you catch that reference in the title?

Disclaimer: This review contains the personal opinions of the writer

So, is this Spidey adventure a worthy addition to the web-slinger’s legacy? Let’s dive in.

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Spidey goes vintage (but not too vintage)

The first thing that stands out is the show’s aesthetic. It fully embraces a classic comic book look, with panel-style transitions, vintage textures, and bold colors without feeling outdated. The result? A visually stunning mix of old-school charm and modern animation that makes it feel like a comic book has come to life.

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A spider with a multiversal passport

Forget the usual radioactive mishap in a lab. This time, Peter gets bitten by a spider that emerges from an interdimensional portal. Right from the start, the show ties Spidey’s origin to something bigger, introducing cosmic and magical elements that might not sit well with fans who prefer a more grounded approach.

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Doctor Strange enters stage left

Peter hasn’t even figured out high school yet, and suddenly, he’s face-to-face with the Sorcerer Supreme. Doctor Strange makes an early appearance, setting up a multiversal mystery before Peter even knows what’s happening. While this adds to the excitement, some purists might argue that Spidey’s early years should be more about friendly neighborhood problems than mystical chaos.

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Aunt May 2.1: A system upgrade

Meet Aunt May—but make her younger, more independent, and totally okay with Peter just calling her “May.” She’s (once more, like in the MCU before) no longer the frail, grandmotherly figure of the past, which brings a refreshing change to their dynamic. Still, die-hard traditionalists might miss the days of the classic, pearl-wearing Aunt May.

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A(n alternate) world shaped by the MCU

The show doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the larger Marvel universe. Small details—like an Iron Man plush hanging in May’s car—hint at a world that has already felt the impact of heroes before Peter steps into the role himself. It’s subtle but effective, making it clear that this Spider-Man exists in a world much bigger than just Queens.

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A high-energy soundtrack that fits the streets of Queens

The series leans heavily into hip-hop influences, perfectly capturing the urban energy of Peter’s world. It’s a natural fit, especially considering the show’s setting, and adds to the youthful, fast-paced vibe that makes this version of Spider-Man feel alive.

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Enter Nico Minoru—wait, what?

Among the new elements introduced early on, one of the most intriguing is Nico Minoru, a character best known from Runaways. Her presence suggests a deeper connection to the mystical side of Marvel, raising questions about whether Peter’s journey will lean more into magic than science.

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No time to breathe—just swing!

The show doesn’t waste a second. Within the first few minutes, we get interdimensional chaos, a school getting absolutely wrecked, and Peter’s fateful spider bite. This rapid-fire pacing is great for keeping things exciting, but if you prefer a slow-burn origin story, you might want to hold onto something.

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Things old-school Spidey fans might grumble about:

A spider with a passport – Instead of a good old radioactive accident, Peter’s powers come from a multiversal spider. Classic fans might not love the detour into cosmic weirdness.

No Uncle Ben, no problem? – The series skips the usual tragedy, meaning no “With great power…” speech (at least for now). Some might feel like Peter’s moral backbone is missing. Me? I'm seriously done with those several versions of the same line by now.

Doctor Strange says hello… early on – Instead of Peter figuring things out on his own, The Sorcerer Supreme shows up right away. Some purists might argue Spidey should struggle solo first.

Aunt May 2.1 update – She’s younger and cooler, and Peter just calls her “May.” It’s a nice change, but traditionalists might prefer their Aunt May a little more… grandma-esque.

A sprint, not a slow burn – School destroyed, mystical chaos, and a spider bite—all in the first minutes. If you like a slow, grounded build-up, well… buckle up.

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Conclusion: worth a swing?

Of course, there are plenty more awkward, hilarious, and very Peter Parker moments. And surprises. And Easter Eggs, well, you know, a lot. The ending gave me The Avengers (2021) vibes—but it's different, quite different. By now, I hope you’ve probably got a solid feel for the show’s vibe. So, I’ll leave the final moments as a little surprise for you to discover.

And hey, if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Spider-Man stories, it’s that sometimes you just have to take the leap. Maybe this show will be your next favorite, maybe not, however, it’s worth a swing.

Wanna know what happens at the end of the episode? Just watch it!

Warning: You might just find yourself itching to watch the next episode.

Rate: 5 out of 5 stars.

Rate with a touch of flair: 5 out of 5 interdimensional spider bites. Because if you’re gonna rewrite Spidey’s origin, might as well go big.