Spotlight on Fanfiction: The "Spider-Nick" Series
Ok, let's do this one more time.
As a kid in the 2000s, Nickelodeon was one of my absolute favorite TV channels. Most of the shows that I watched on there that I loved (aside from their live action shows) were the animated shows. Jimmy Neutron, Danny Phantom, Avatar: The Last Airbender, El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, and My Life as a Teenage Robot were just a few of the shows I tuned into. Even a few shows in the 2010s like The Legend of Korra and the 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series I had the pleasure of tuning in to.
It had been a long time since I had seen or even thought about most of them. Then, not too long ago, I found myself sucked into a fan fiction series that takes many of these beloved shows, and with them, weaves together an interesting web so to speak. I'm taking about the Spider-Nick series!
Co-written by Epiclot214 and their collaborator MajorBrony95, this Spider-Verse inspired crossover series presents seven stories based on seven Nicktoons. Spider-Man and the Ninja Turtles (TMNT 2012), The Web Tech (Glitch Techs), The Spider Spirit (The Legend of Korra), Ectorachnid (Danny Phantom), Sp/dr: Peni and Jimmy's Adventures (Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius), My Life as a Teenage Spider-Bot (My Life as a Teenage Robot), and La Arana (El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera).
In each one, we see a different version or variation of spider-man teaming up with the primary characters of the corresponding show, the adventures that follow, and the bonds they share. Some variants are familiar, like Peter Parker and Peni Parker (SP/dr), while the rest are original characters created specifically for select stories. A couple of changes are made to some of the plotlines and character dynamics, due to the presence of the spider heroes.
Structurally, these are basically insert stories, as they follow the events of the shows (and in the case of Peni and Jimmy's Adventures' first arc, the events of the Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius movie). Still, the writing can be pretty polished to the point where it doesn't feel that way when I read them. The spider heroes, all of them diverse and unique, are worked naturally into each story, so their presence doesn't feel forced. They correspond nicely within the tone, context, and setting of whatever universes they inhabit, and emphasize the idea that anyone can wear the mask, regardless of background or identity. In addition to the great relationship dynamics between the characters, each story is also able to maintain the core themes and ideas that have always been at the heart of Spider-Man.
Of course, there are some other things that also remain a constant, no matter the universe. In addition to the show characters, each story also contains different variations of Spider-Man's supporting cast, which includes a different Uncle Ben or Uncle Ben-type figure for each spider hero. There are different versions of villains like Norman Osborn (Green Goblin), Mysterio, the Lizard, the Rhino, and many other members of the rogue's gallery. Not only that, but we also get a few variations of other Marvel heroes popping up here and there as well. For instance, Season One of The Spider Spirit features alternate reality versions of Jean DeWolff, Daredevil and Black Widow. Meanwhile, The Web Tech features a few heroes and villains as video game characters and/or glitches, which works within the context of that world.
Given the nature of Spider-Verse stories, there is very little doubt that these different spiders and their allies will cross paths with one another at some point. The author has stated that once the individual stories reach their end, all of these heroes will converge in an Endgame-style crossover event, serving as the grand finale to the series. They haven't revealed yet who the big threat is going to be, but I have a feeling that we'll find out eventually. That may seem daunting or obligatory at first to some of you but fear not! You won't get bogged down or overwhelmed on this one.
Since each story takes place in a different universe, it allows them to be more self-contained, focusing primarily on the individual conflicts and adventures of the characters. So far, there are a few moments that hint at the larger story of the Spider-Nick series, but for the most part, they're taking a back seat. This allows each installment to be easily accessible for readers and not feel like homework. If you want, you can even pick or choose specific favorites to follow and not feel lost on what's happening. That being said, exploring each of these titles can be rewarding, not just for the series as a whole, but also for fans of both Spider-Man and Nickelodeon's animation library. Reading these stories truly felt like a blast from the past, bringing me back to the good old days when I was excited to catch these shows on the TV screen.
(Admittedly, the one exception here is Glitch Techs, which is a fairly new show to me. When I heard that it was part of this series, it drove me to watch it, which helped me to appreciate The Web Tech even more.)
Having the idea to incorporate the friendly neighborhood webslinger into all of these shows makes them even more fun. The prospect of seeing them all uniting and interacting in the future is exciting in and of itself. For now, the individual stories, which are all super enjoyable, are still strong enough to stand on their own. In the end, this series is worth getting swept up in, trust me.
Links to all the stories are provided below, along with cover art by internet artist Framraw:
Spider-Man and the Ninja Turtles:
Spider-Man and the Ninja Turtles Chapter 1: Webs and Shells part 1, a Spider-Man + Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Crossover fanfic | FanFiction
The Web Tech:
The Web Tech Chapter 1: Level 1: Let the Games Begin part 1, a Spider-Man + Glitch Techs Crossover fanfic | FanFiction
The Spider Spirit:
The Spider Spirit Chapter 1: The First Thread, a Spider-Man + Legend of Korra Crossover fanfic | FanFiction
Ectorachnid:
Ectorachnid Chapter 1: What a Haunted Web We Weave part 1, a Spider-Man + Danny Phantom Crossover fanfic | FanFiction
SP/dr: Peni and Jimmy's Adventures:
SPdr: Peni and Jimmy's Adventures Chapter 1: Another Day in Retroville, a Jimmy Neutron + Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Crossover fanfic | FanFiction
My Life as a Teenage Spider-Bot:
My Life as a Teenage Spider-Bot Chapter 1: A New Arrival, a Spider-Man + My Life as a Teenage Robot Crossover fanfic | FanFiction
La Arana:
La Arana Chapter 1: The Anti-Hero Web Warrior part 1, a Spider-Man + El Tigre Crossover fanfic | FanFiction
