SPIDER-NOIR
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Lamorne Morris, Li Jun Li, Brendan Gleeson, Karen Rodriguez, Jack Huston, Abraham Popoola, Lukas Haas, Cary Christopher, Andrew Lewis Caldwell, and Michael Kostroff
Creator: Oren Uziel
AMARÚ
Both the black and white and true color versions of Spider-Noir are absolutely gorgeous, but just like Nicolas Cage and noir, black and white just feels right. The season takes some time to set up its characters and story, but it’s worth it to get invested in the crime mystery that perfectly blends Spider-Man lore with the 1930s backdrop. There’s tons of heart, humor, and high-stakes action, all backed by a top-tier ensemble. Cage, of course, shines in the role, but every cast member matches his star-power, especially show stealer Andrew Lewis Caldwell. The Spider-Verse universe is still undefeated.
QUENTIN
A bold swing for superhero shows, Spider-Noir almost isn’t a superhero show at all. Sure, the main tropes are there, but they mostly take a backseat to the gorgeously shot, hardboiled detective story that conjures memories of James Cagney and Alfred Hitchcock. Nic Cage once again validates my unwavering support for his inspired acting choices by delivering a performance that is equally funny and tragic, capturing Spidey’s famously wisecracking vibe through era-appropriate colloquialisms and moments of noir-driven self-reflection. Admittedly, the story drags slightly in the middle, but you’ll be so intoxicated by the atmosphere that you’ll barely notice, especially with the superior black and white version.
NICK
Adapting the story of Spider-Man into a jaded private investigator from the 1930s is a "swing" I never knew I needed until Spider-Noir. It even goes so far as to offer up the choice between vibrant colour and black and white - although the story is better suited for the latter. You also have Nicolas Cage playing the aforementioned P.I., and he's tremendous. As Ben Reilly, he has the opportunity to act in his sweet spot. He's funny, sarcastic, manic, and a little weird. The series can be a touch too slow-moving (a by-product of the genre), but the cast keeps things entertaining throughout.
