Which Spider-Man do you prefer, the classic original American version, or the tricked-out Japanese model? Let’s take a look at both, won’t you?
Here’s the American ’70s Spidey. I remember watching this show and thinking that the eyes on the mask were just completely wrong. And of course, that opening theme is totally marred by the sleazy sax line over the funky disco groove. Still, as you can see, this Spidey is true to the origin and overall tale. Nicholas Hammond, as you may recall, was in The Sound of Music as well as being in the infamous “Brady Bunch” episode, “The Subject Was Noses.” I also recall his part in “The Martian Chronicles.” He’s done a lot of b-list TV work since the heady days of Spidey.
And here we have Japan’s late-’70s Spidey. That theme kicks ass! How could you not have “Hey, hey, hey…WOW!” stuck in your head for hours after hearing it? I don’t know how true to the original Spidey this is. It looks like the Peter Parker character likes to ride around on a motorcycle. But then…what’s with that huge robot?!! Ah, the Japanese and their love for giant mechs. Also giant is Spidey’s web shooter. Man, that thing looks like it weighs about three pounds.
So there you have it…Classic American Spidey or motorcycle ridin’, giant robot befriending Japanese Spidey? You decide!
