10 Best Moments From Spider-Man The Animated Series
9. With Great Power… - Episode “Doom”, Season 5
In this great moment of confrontation with a power-mad Dr. Doom, Spider-Man tries to convince him to give up his power to save them all.
What's great, 'Spectacular' even, about this is Spidey's approach. Rather than his usual quipping or resorting to fisticuffs, he tries to appeal to Doom as a person.
Our favorite web-slinger knows all too well what it's like to shoulder great power, and try to carry that responsibility, and do the right thing. He tries to impart the same lesson he learned from his Uncle Ben. His answer to Doom's question about "Which one of you have ever wanted to give up their super-powers?" with "I have. Because I've learned time and time again, that with great power, there must also come great responsibility" speaks volumes about this hero.
Spider-Man has faced challenges and tragedy (more on that in a bit) that has made him question the responsibility that comes with his powers. For someone like Doom, who has craved power all his life, it's a notion that's lost on him, and that contrast is very cleverly shown.
Nevertheless, Spider-Man's appeal really allowed the character's maturity to shine through, and show that it's not all about the bad jokes (although they are great bad jokes) and the fighting when it comes to taking down the bad guys.