Disney Plus: Iron Man and the 15 best superhero titles to stream at launch
By Mark Lynch
15. Spider-Woman – Series (1979)
It was surprising to find out that Spider-Woman starred in a TV show in 1979. Especially considering how dark Jessica Drew’s past is in the comic books. Like most comic book projects, they didn’t follow the source material 100% as her incredibly grim past was altered to make it palatable for everyone.
In this series, she was bitten by a venomous spider. Her father then saved her with a spider-serum (it was the 1970’s. Just go with it). That serum gave her her spider-like powers that she uses to save the day.
A look at the show’s opening intro will show you what to expect. Considering the year it came out, it shouldn’t be shocking that this looks campy and the animation doesn’t hold up well. Why is Disney Plus adding this a good move? For two very important reasons.
First, this was right around the time that comic books started becoming more progressive. Spider-Woman came out soon after Lynda Carter’s iconic run of Wonder Woman showed the world that women should be included in starring roles. Second, this is a good place to start with Jessica Drew. Younger comic book fans may not be ready for the kind of character she is in the comics. Now, they can see her here. It may be a bit cheesy, but it’s still a fun cartoon. If this becomes popular, we may get more of her in the future. Looking at you, Sony.