Spider-Man 5000 Volume 2 DVD Review

The web-slinger returns for another round of excellent vintage cartoon action...

Spider-Man 5000, Volume 2

Marvel’s release of retro 80s titles continues this month with Volume Two in the Spider-man 5000 DVD series. Following on from last month’s first instalment, this volume continues the story of Peter Parker’s college years and Spidey’s continuing fight with arch-enemy Dr Doom.

Although an episode shorter than Volume One, the series continues to pack a punch as Spidey swings his way into danger to do battle with a series of super villains and evil doers, including the Ringmaster and his Circus of Crime, the Green Goblin, the Stuntman, the Sidewinder, and the already-mentioned Lord of Latveria himself, Dr Doom.

Also making appearances are Spider-Man regulars J. Jonah Jameson, secretary Betty Brant, Joseph ‘Robbie’ Robertson, and the always-oblivious Aunt May. Continuing his freelance photography career at the Daily Bugle, Parker himself continues to dodge the wrath of Jameson, bungle his on again/off again relationship with Brant, while also looking after his elderly aunt and keeping his crime-fighting persona a secret. It all makes for worthwhile viewing and delivers some good, old-fashioned entertainment from one of Marvel’s most popular characters.

"A real treat for retro and vintage animation fans"

It’s a real treat too, for retro and vintage animation fans especially, to see these episodes once more and to appreciate the high level of quality and talent invested in them almost 30 years ago. With fantastic backdrops, artwork and use of colour playing their usual part, this collection continues to deliver where the last volume left off. Still making use of John Romita Sr’s brilliant newspapers sketches, the series continues its earlier success of bringing the web-head to life and really helps Spidey make the leap from page to screen.

Similarly, the scripts and stories do their job too, providing some of the best outings for our favourite wall crawler. Whether it’s having his identity unmasked by the Green Goblin or thwarting Dr Doom from taking control of the U.N., each episode proves a worthwhile adventure for Spidey. It’s worth mentioning that the continuing story arc of Dr Doom features heavily in this release, with two episodes devoted to his ongoing struggle for world domination and with the story set to continue in future volumes.

Those who purchased last month’s release will already know how good this series is, with the animation of old providing a wonderful trip down memory lane for those who grew up in the 80s. Likewise, fans who followed the show in syndication over the years will also know what a worthwhile watch these episodes really are. The writers and producers know their characters well and do them justice at all times, never betraying the original vision of Stan Lee and others who helped create Spidey and his familiars.

"This volume proves to be one of the more enjoyable DVD releases from Marvel"

It’s fair to say that criticism is hard to come by for releases such as this. With the animation and storylines being of their time, one can only marvel (no pun intended) at how well produced and lovingly conceived these episodes really were, and how they are still able to entertain after all these years. They really are a testament to the talents involved and the dedication of those who worked on the show.

Another worthwhile buy and another success for Marvel in their continuing run of retro releases. Fans old and new will really enjoy these Spidey adventures, while Marvel die-hards in particular are in for a treat as this volume proves to be one of the more enjoyable DVD releases from the entertainment company. A welcome addition to the DVD collection, this release is nothing more, or less than a couple of hours of good, solid fun.

4 stars