‘SPIDER-MAN MEETS SKYBOY’

Please feel free to comment on my review.

This ‘Spider-Man’ episode introduces a new kind of superhero called Skyboy. I will give the 1960s ‘Spider-Man’ TV series this. Though I criticise the episodes, at least the makers of the cartoon show try to be creative with introducing new villains and heroes. It’s a flawed creativity, but it’s still there.

In the episode, a banquet takes place where a prominent scientist called Dr. Irving Caldwell is about to receive an award for his newest creation – the Astro Helmet. This has the ability to levitate its user into the sky. But very soon, there’s an attack at the banquet and Dr. Caldwell literally vanishes.

The way he vanishes is in a bolt of lightning. It turns out that an oriental psychopath called Dr. Zap (yes, I’m being serious here) has kidnapped Caldwell in order to duplicate the Astro-Helmet for his own evil schemes. Caldwell’s son, Jan, attempts to find his father by using the Astro-Helmet tech! 😀

Thus Skyboy is born! Peter Parker as Spider-Man spots Jan as Skyboy and soon confronts him. By the way, my Dad noticed that Spider-Man said a few ‘holy’ exclamations like Robin did in the Adam West ‘Batman’ TV series. The 1960s ‘Spider-Man’ cartoon show is getting more like the 1960s ‘Batman’. 😀

J. Jonah Jameson makes an appearance in this episode when he accuses Peter for not getting a photograph of Skyboy since his rival photographer got one for his newspaper. Incidentally, the episode has a narrator who comes in and out of the series now and again in certain Season 2 stories.

Spidey and Skyboy soon team up to confront Dr. Zap at Lightning Mountain. Yep! Even the villain bases of operation in this ‘Spider-Man’ series get lamer. I do wonder how Skyboy was able to find Dr. Zap’s hideout of Lightning Mountain since he didn’t direct him to where it was when he phoned him.

There’s a confrontation with Spidey and Skyboy against Dr. Zap at the end. Dr. Zap lures Skyboy into his lair and ‘zaps’ him with electricity. Spidey manages to defeat Dr. Zap by firing the flash of his camera several times, driving our enemy back. Thankfully, our two heroes save Caldwell and escape.

I believe this episode features the only appearance of Skyboy. Just as well. He didn’t have an impressive superhero costume, despite being able to fly. I wonder what would’ve happened if Skyboy had his own series in the comics or on TV. Would he meet our webslinging Spider-Man again?

‘Spider-Man Meets Skyboy’ rating – 7/10