Spider-man - Into the Spider-verse

I first got to know Spider-man through the old cartoons on UK television in the early eighties.  They were a good gateway to the character and Marvel comics.  Over the decades more cartoons have been made, more comic books and also some pretty good live action films.

Into the Spider-verse, is, as far as I can recall, the first animated Spider-man film to make it to UK cinemas.  It's a great film and the cinema is a perfect place to see it.

Spider-verse is knowing and entertaining.  It tells the story of Miles Morales, a Spider-man for the 21st century as well as paying tribute to multiple other versions of Spider-man who have appeared in the past 55 years.  Peter Porker, the spectacular Spider-Ham makes a welcome appearance.

The animation is electric, jumping from style to style.  Kingpin is portrayed in the style of Bill Sienkiewicz, massive with a tiny head and almost photorealistic features, like the Daredevil Love and War graphic novel from the late eighties.  Another character, the Prowler, looks more like a Todd McFarlane drawing.  It's a lively jump cut ride.

There have been a lot of films inspired by Marvel comics over the last decade and Into the Spider-verse is one of the freshest and best.  Worth seeing, even if you would't normally go for a cartoon.  There is also a lovely Stan Lee cameo which provoked a wry smile from me.

I went to see this film with a friend who has been having a difficult time recently and he loved it too.  Marvel characters can certainly brighten up your day sometimes.

Thanks again Stan and Steve.