[7.2/10] Anybody foolhardy enough to follow my Spider-Man write-ups here as probably seen me express my fondness for Sandman. Especially in animated shows, it prompts a lot of creative moment and design work, as the particulate effects let animators stretch their inventiveness. Even for a superhero show where the limits of reality are thinner than elsewhere, characters who sluice and waft like Sandman does lets the show really cut loose in terms of unusual poses and shapes. This was no exception, with some sand person on sand person skirmishes, and the symbiote getting into the mix for a little extra oomph. Visually, it’s a cool episode.
And I like part of the actual Sandman story here. It’s nice that Peter hear’s Sandman say “help” and realizes Flint Marko isn’t a monster, despite his appearances. The notion of him a small-time hood who got taken advantage of by Hammerhead is a strong and tragic one. I even like the twist that the daughter he wants to save hates him for the life he led and wrapped her up in. But the angry daddy issues material gets really loud and overblown really fast, and it’s full of narration and exposition. I like the idea the show is going for there, but the execution is a bit too over the top for my tastes.
I also have to admit that I’m a little tired of the symbiote suit story. That is, admittedly, likely just a product of me being on my sixth Spider-Man show. I do appreciate the twist that it’s the science experiment of other Horizon High students. But regardless, Spidey being in danger and having the suit take over to save the day is a beat I’m overfamiliar with, which isn’t the show’s fault, but which dampens the experience for me.
Overall, this is a fun episode in terms of the visuals, but only a decent one in terms of story, although Sandman’s character introduction is done well.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2019-05-07T03:05:55Z
[7.2/10] Anybody foolhardy enough to follow my Spider-Man write-ups here as probably seen me express my fondness for Sandman. Especially in animated shows, it prompts a lot of creative moment and design work, as the particulate effects let animators stretch their inventiveness. Even for a superhero show where the limits of reality are thinner than elsewhere, characters who sluice and waft like Sandman does lets the show really cut loose in terms of unusual poses and shapes. This was no exception, with some sand person on sand person skirmishes, and the symbiote getting into the mix for a little extra oomph. Visually, it’s a cool episode.
And I like part of the actual Sandman story here. It’s nice that Peter hear’s Sandman say “help” and realizes Flint Marko isn’t a monster, despite his appearances. The notion of him a small-time hood who got taken advantage of by Hammerhead is a strong and tragic one. I even like the twist that the daughter he wants to save hates him for the life he led and wrapped her up in. But the angry daddy issues material gets really loud and overblown really fast, and it’s full of narration and exposition. I like the idea the show is going for there, but the execution is a bit too over the top for my tastes.
I also have to admit that I’m a little tired of the symbiote suit story. That is, admittedly, likely just a product of me being on my sixth Spider-Man show. I do appreciate the twist that it’s the science experiment of other Horizon High students. But regardless, Spidey being in danger and having the suit take over to save the day is a beat I’m overfamiliar with, which isn’t the show’s fault, but which dampens the experience for me.
Overall, this is a fun episode in terms of the visuals, but only a decent one in terms of story, although Sandman’s character introduction is done well.