The Blerd Blog

Hey everybody, I hope you’re doing well! With Spider-Man: Brand New Day right around the corner, I’ve been reading some Spidey material that I haven’t got around to (shocking, I know). One series I recently read through that I loved was Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, which was written by Tom Taylor with art from a variety of artists.

This series is truly what I call a hidden gem, and I wish it had either gone on longer, or that someone else would do something with it. As the name implies, this series truly exemplifies all the best aspects of what makes Spider-Man so great, and so inspirational. It highlights Peter’s dedication to empathy, serving others, and being a warm spirit, even in the face of difficulty and strife. It also has some really funny moments and quips, and all the fun action you’d expect.

I’m just gonna dive right in, because I’ve got to talk about this series 🙂

Story and Art

This series continues a tradition of Spider-Man books that act as an addition to the main book, Amazing Spider-Man. This history includes books like Spectacular Spider-Man, Web of Spider-Man, Peter Parker: Spider-Man, and the series I’m talking about here, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Because of the sheer popularity of the character, not only does the main book release twice a month, but you will occasionally get a side book with it! We in the comics community nickname them “B-books”. Like a B-Team, they aren’t the main attraction, but they have a lot to offer, and lots of underrated stories!

This series takes place at the same time as Nick Spencer’s run on Amazing Spider-Man (which was also the first run of that series I was picking up regularly). The status quo of the time is that Peter and MJ are back together. He’s also living with one of his best friends Randy, and one of his lower-tier villains Boomerang, aka Fred Myers (Fred is going through a redemption arc in the main book at the time). Aunt May is working at the F.E.A.S.T. Center, which you may remember if you’ve played the Insomniac games on Playstation.

With all that in mind, this series really hones in on the Neighborhood element of Spider-Man. The stories all have to do with Peter helping someone in the neighborhood, or dealing with a crisis that affects the everyday community he lives in, just with superhero shenanigans involved.

For example, one early story involves Spider-Man helping one of his neighbors’ by reuniting her with her children, and escaping the wrath of her father. It just so happens that her father is in charge of a huge underground city, and is abusing his power! A perfect example of what I mean: combining the everyday relatability with the fantastical and fun!

This series also features some really great art, primarily from lead artist Juann Cabal, and Yildiray Cinar, Ken Lashley, Scott Hanna, Luca Marseca, Pere Pérez, Todd Nuack, Ig Guara, Dike Ruan, and more!

Despite the variety of artists, the book feels consistent artistically. In fact, I wanted to share some of my favorite pages and panels here, so you can see what I mean:

From: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #1, by Juann Cabal

From: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #4, by Juann Cabal

From: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #5, by Yildiray Cinar

From: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6, by Juann Cabal

From: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man # 12, by Pere Pérez

This is just a sampling, but I love how the art team really captures the fluidity and motion of Spider-Man’s movement, and the emphasis on his acrobatic nature, both in combat and just swinging through the city. It’s great stuff!

Favorite Moments and Standout Issues

This series had a number of really great issues, and I’ll talk about them briefly, because I don’t want to spoil anything, but their stories that highlight really great character moments, both comedic and dramatic.

Issue #5 – Not Running

This issue deals with a huge reveal from Aunt May that shakes Peter, and he runs off to be Spider-Man to avoid dealing with it! Through the course of his run-in with a kid, he learns to accept the situation, and support May through her time dealing with her newfound condition! (Being vague about it on purpose ;).

#6 – Spider-Bite

This issue plays around with similar subject matter and themes to a revered story from the mid-80’s, called “The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man“, but does so in a different, but also poignant manner. When I talk about stories that emphasize the humanity and empathetic nature of Spider-Man, this is definitely a perfect example.

#7-10 – Feast or Famine, Pts. 1-4

This is actually a full story arc, and it’s about Spidey re-encountering one of his redeemed rouges, the Prowler (Hobie Brown, not Miles’s uncle, if you’re familiar with the name). Hobie is a really interesting character, especially in how he plays into the themes of redemption, and trying to be better, something Pete has tried to do since Uncle Ben’s death. A major reason as to why he cares and sees Hobie’s potential, and helps him achieve it!

#11 – Friendly Neighborhood Mary Jane

In this story, MJ takes the spotlight, while Peter rests from a long night fighting crime. This issue highlights what makes MJ such a good match for Peter, and also what makes her so great by herself. She holds her own against villains, and is proactive in tough situations, always looking out for others!

#14 – A Night Off

The final (unfortunately) issue of the series has Peter planning on taking the night off, to support Aunt May through an important night. Of course, duty calls, but Spider-Man makes a impassioned plea, and the situation reveals itself to be resolved through empathy and compassion, rather than fighting. This issue really highlights the impact Spider-Man has on the neighborhood he protects, but also on his friends and colleagues in the superhero community like Iron Man, the FF, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and more!

Overall Themes

As I’ve said before, this series really emphasizes Peter’s compassion and empathy, and really what it means to be a good neighbor. Looking out for the people around you, checking in, supporting them through trials.

Another major theme is the idea of conflict resolution and redemption, asking if you can turn something bad into something good? Multiple issues and stories end with Spider-Man not hauling someone off to jail after beating them up, but instead lending a hand to show them how they can put their talents to better use.

The conflicts in this run aren’t world-ending, but instead about trying your best to look our for and help the people around you, which is really the best thing we can do for each other!

Where You Can Read It

If any of this has convinced you to check out this run, you can find it in a couple of ways:

The first way is how I read it, which was through two trade paperbacks – Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man vol. 1: Secrets and Rumors, and Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man vol. 2: Hostile Takeovers.

However, those books are seemingly out of stock, so it’s probably better to get the full run in the Spider-Man by Tom Taylor trade paperback that collects the full run in one volume. You can pick it up online, or search for it in your local comic shop!

Conclusion

I’m so glad, and surprised, that I keep finding new Spidey material I haven’t read yet, and it’s still so much fun! This run has become one of my new favorites for sure, and I hope you check it out!

With all that in mind, talk to me in the comments or via my email, which you can find on the contact page!

If you end up reading this run, let me know what you thought about it? Also, is there any other Spider-Man content you’d like to hear my thoughts on – comics, movies, TV shows, video games, etc.?

I’ll definitely be talking about the new movie, Brand New Day, so stay tuned for that. Thanks for stopping by once again my friends, and I’ll see you in the next one. Bye! 🙂