MARCO SPEAKS SPIDEY: Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #3 REVIEW

I know that we have the new Daredevil series coming up very soon, and that’s surely going to break the internet in a few days, but I just can’t help but miss the weekly episodes we were getting from Disney + starring Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. And while the separation anxiety is very real (I’m clingy, I know, I know…), this prequel comic book series should be enough for a monthly fix or so… until the next season arrives. But what people should take note of is the fact that this spin-off comic book is not just filler content. This is actually quite substantial material readers are being treated to, and I might go as far as saying that it is almost essential for the full experience.

OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:

Published

February 19, 2025

Writer

Christos Gage

Penciller

Eric Gapstur

Cover Artist

Leonardo Romero

SWINGING INTO TROUBLE! With a new school, new powers and a new secret identity, Peter Parker’s in over his head as he tries to navigate his double life as Spider-Man. YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN is swinging into a new animated series on Disney+, but you can read about it first as he takes on THE ENFORCERS!

PROS:

• One thing I love about the ongoing comic book prequel is that we are given a deep-dive into how Peter Parker developed his costume, his gear, and his gadgets. While the animated series was more focused on pushing the main narrative forward, quite understandably, this spinoff series takes its time by exploring the numerous ways Peter Parker is a self-made genius, in all aspects of the word. We even get to see his creative juices flowing, as he obviously places so much emphasis and care with the marketing side of being a superhero. It’s just nice taking a peek behind the scenes, getting to know what makes Spider-Man’s mind tick.
• The same goes with the way the comic book shows how Peter Parker discovered his powers, and how he learns how to use them, to control them, and even to name them. Overall, the first three issues really give us a fresh perspective: we see how Peter Parker grows up to be a mature, young man right in front of our very own eyes. And yes, he ran into a huge wall during this latest issue. He was even labeled a coward by media and the public for running away. But more importantly, this third issue demonstrated how Spider-Man is able to bounce back and return even better than ever.
• The art is simply amazing, and it captures the vibe, aesthetic, and energy of the cartoon series. The comic book series feels like such a natural and organic offshoot of the animated show, with seamless transitions, references, and little Easter eggs galore. And for some reason, the action hits even harder in the comic books. Maybe it’s because we get more time to stare at the specific panels, but Spider-Man facing off with the mafia has been thoroughly entertaining so far, with a satisfying mix of brutality, acrobatics, and raw, unbridled power. We also get a taste of the vulnerable side of Spider-Man, as he realizes that going up against professional gangsters is a whole different ballgame compared to his usual escapades.

CONS:

• It’s not really a fault of the comic book, but I will say that I really feel that certain scenes from the comics should have been included or inserted into the cartoon. There is just too much juicy content that I feel should not be missed by Spidey fans and viewers of the animated series.

FINAL GRADE: A++

I don’t actually know how long this prequel comic book series will last, but I am really hoping that it can extend for over more than a year. I got attached to the cast instantly when watching the show, but reading the comics is really making them feel like family. I think the time and care that the creative team is giving to these pages show in a big way, and it is clear that this specific animated franchise isn’t just fluff. Disney and Marvel are going all-in with this new property, and while the wait for Season 2 may feel like forever, the anticipation won’t be as bad anymore, especially knowing that we have the comics to look forward to every month or so. So get out there and grab your copy already, fellow friends in the neighborhood!

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