6 Obscure Spider-Man Shows You’ve Never Seen

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Since his debut in the August 1962 Silver Age comic issue “Amazing Fantasy #15” written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Steve Ditko, Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man, has consistently been one of the globe’s most beloved superheroes. Although it took some time for him to receive due recognition in live-action adaptations, his fanbase has always remained dedicated. In the comics, Spider-Man was a pioneer by being the first adolescent superhero who wasn’t a sidekick and didn’t have a mentor; however, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has somewhat placed him back in that role.

For several years, Spider-Man has been featured in numerous television productions, with standout series like “Spider-Man: The Animated Series” from the ’90s and “Ultimate Spider-Man” in the 2010s leaving lasting impressions. The latest addition, “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,” set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has also garnered significant acclaim, appealing to both fans and critics. Unfortunately, some other Spider-Man shows failed to gain traction due to short lifespans, foreign production, or unconventional storylines that didn’t resonate with certain audiences.

6
‘Spider-Man’ (1981 – 1982)

Similar to numerous Spider-Man tales, the character of Spider-Man finds himself balancing his college life, a part-time job as a photographer for the Daily Bugle, and looking after his elderly Aunt May Parker, all while ensuring she’s well taken care of. This was the initial production by Marvel Productions, following in the footsteps of DePatie-Freleng Enterprises, which had previously produced shows like Fantastic Four and Spider-Woman.

Poorly Positioned

In contrast to the comic-accurate character designs, the Spider-Man show struggled due to airing at the same time as the popular series “Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends.” Both shows belong to the Marvel Action Universe, but not the ’90s version; instead, they are separate entities. The concurrent release of these stories led to some confusion among fans, causing them to gravitate more towards the other, better-known storyline.

Even though the studio put forth its utmost effort, the show failed to capture widespread success. For instance, they opted for Doctor Doom as the main adversary due to the popularity of Darth Vader in the late 70s and early 80s, as both characters share a resemblance. However, despite having intricate storylines for this villain, the viewership wasn’t substantial enough.

5
‘Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends’ (2021 – Present)

Spectators enjoy watching Peter Parker collaborate with various Spider-People in live-action, yet this scenario was portrayed years ago on television through “Spider-Man and His Fantastic Allies.” If you didn’t catch Saturday morning cartoons during the ’80s, you might not be familiar with the show, but it has a dedicated fanbase. The series centered around Peter Parker, Bobby Drake (Iceman), and Angelica Jones (Firestar) as they battled classic Spider-Man adversaries such as Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus. Additionally, the show occasionally included appearances from other Marvel superheroes like Captain America, the X-Men, and even the Sub-Mariner.

Marvel’s Mild Answer to ‘Super Friends’

Though Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends may not be as well-known nowadays, it played a significant role in introducing the Marvel Universe to television viewers. Despite the show being known for its limited animation and somewhat corny dialogue, which were common during that period, it compensated with engaging character interactions, an element of adventure, and a depth of Marvel mythology that was unexpectedly rich for its time.

Instead of letting it go by the wayside, you might want to give it another look, particularly if you’re a fan of vintage superhero cartoons. The series was revolutionary in creating a Marvel comic book universe on television, and its impact can still be felt in today’s Spider-Man productions. For old-timers like us, revisiting the early days of animated Spidey adventures is always enjoyable.

4
‘Spider-Woman’ (1979 – 1980)

Hailing from DePatie–Freleng Enterprises and Marvel Comics Animation, the animated series Spider-Woman chronicles the thrilling escapades of Jessica Drew, a magazine editor who shares superpowers similar to Spider-Man. After being bitten by a venomous spider in her youth, Jessica gains these extraordinary abilities. Regular characters in the series include her coworker Jeff Hunt, the photographer, and her teenage nephew Billy, with Peter Parker occasionally making brief appearances.

The Joys of the Bronze Age

Spider-Woman made her television debut just a year following her comic book introduction, leaving many fans unfamiliar with her character. As a result, viewership was relatively low since she was a new character. Marvel actually created Jessica Drew to safeguard copyrights after the TV show, Web Woman, had already been launched.

In my own words: The animated adaptation struggles by portraying Jessica as less powerful than Spider-Man, even having her restrained by ropes, and by imitating the quick costume change move initially showcased by Linda Carter’s Wonder Woman. On a positive note, it excels by being more forward-thinking than typical ’70s shows, embracing the quirky humor that defined the Bronze Age Marvel Universe.

3
‘Spider-Man’ (1978 – 1979)

In an alternate version, we have the character known as Spider-Man, sometimes referred to as Japanese Spider-Man or Toei Spider-Man. Instead of Peter Parker, this version follows Takuya Yamashiro, a skilled motorcycle racer. An encounter with the last surviving resident of Planet Spider results in an injection of Spider-Extract, granting him spider-like powers. Furthermore, the alien provides him with a bracelet that triggers a spider-suit and assists him in managing a colossal robot named “Leopardon.

A New and Refreshing Approach

As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on two different versions of Spider-Man: My Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man provided an engaging origin story that resonated with many, but Toei Spider-Man stands out for its inventiveness. While the suit and powers remain familiar, this series strays significantly from the comics, which might have deterred some American audiences. However, it’s precisely this deviation that caught the attention of critics, praising its creativity.

It’s said that Stan Lee was genuinely excited about the visual effects and action sequences in the series. Notably, this show is credited with being the first to present a superhero battling a colossal monster with the aid of a mechanical giant. This idea would eventually be used by the popular franchises, Super Sentai and Power Rangers.

2
‘Spider-Man Unlimited’ (1999)

In “Spider-Man Unlimited,” John Jameson, son of J. Jonah Jameson, embarks on a space voyage to Counter-Earth. However, during this mission, Venom and Carnage secretly stow away on the spaceship. As communication with Earth is lost, Spider-Man is falsely accused and decides to travel to Counter-Earth in search of answers. Upon arrival, he encounters a startling revelation: John Jameson, initially appearing as a victim, has actually assimilated into the alien society.

Your Friendly Galactical Spider-Man

In my opinion, this series goes beyond the ordinary for even the most devoted fans, as it delves deep into the complexities of our favorite web-slinger’s life. To quote the wise and experienced Nick Fury, “You’ve been to space? Come on!” This isn’t your average neighborhood Spider-Man we’re dealing with here.

Unfortunately, Spider-Man Unlimited struggled to shine amidst the popularity of Pokémon, which debuted around the same time and achieved record ratings. The series, unfortunately, wasn’t created with much enthusiasm either, as both Marvel Entertainment and Fox Kids were compelled to develop a new Spider-Man project to meet contractual obligations. To add insult to injury, the show couldn’t draw from early comic stories or classic costumes due to a deal between Marvel and Sony Pictures Entertainment for a live-action movie. As a result, there was little excitement surrounding it, and the series was never renewed.

1
‘Spider-Man: The New Animated Series’ (2003)

In this new animated series titled “Spider-Man: The New Animated Series,” the story unfolds not long after the occurrences depicted in Sam Raimi’s 2002 film. Here, Peter Parker, Mary Jane Watson, and Harry Osborn find themselves as students at Empire State University. The growth of their relationship is hindered by the presence of other superhero students and Indira Daimonji. Characters like Lizard, Electro, and Kraven the Hunter make an appearance as villains.

The Movies Tell a Better Story

Despite boasting talented actors like Neil Patrick Harris and Lisa Loeb, the animated series “Spider-Man: The New Animated Series” failed to live up to expectations. This was partly because episodes were aired out of sequence, causing confusion for viewers. Furthermore, the promotional efforts didn’t clearly establish that this series was a continuation of Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man”.

Indeed, one aspect that stands out is the breathtaking scenery and exceptional performance by the voice talents. This production has been recognized at the Annie Awards with nominations for Outstanding Achievement in an Animated Television Production and Outstanding Storyboarding in an Animated Television Production.

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2025-02-08 05:32