The newest Spider-Man has quietly arrived in the form of possibly the best animated movie of the year. Into the Spider-Verse fires on all cylinders and has something for everyone so you should definitely check it out. I mean.. there’s a reason it has a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of this writing. The ensemble cast features some big names like Nicolas Cage and Lily Tomlin; and future superstars like Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld. The rest of the cast is rounded out with familiar voices you’ll recognize along the way. The Lego Movie’s producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller bring the spot motion-esque animation from their previous successes with a comic twist.

For the first time in a feature film, fans are introduced to Miles Morales as the protagonist and get to experience his origins as Peter Parker’s protege. I’m not wholly familiar with his canon origins, so I can’t comment on the authenticity of the original story, but this movie is far from conventional. Miles is a mild mannered high school student who has the normal woes of a teenager. His only escape is sneaking off to learn and create art with his street smart uncle, Aaron. After a seemingly innocent bite from.. surprise, surprise.. a radioactive spider, Miles starts to transform into a superhuman. He notices his similarities to the real Spider-Man and his curiosity leads him to the Queens-based hero. Kingpin has pioneered a particle-collider which rips a hole in the universe. Soon, Morales realizes he and Parker aren’t the only Spider-Men around.

If you have ever followed the famous web-slinger at any point in his long history, you’ll be entertained with a ton of references and familiar faces. Classic baddies from his past pop up in hip, modern versions. Even more exciting, is seeing Spider-Man’s various forms from alternate dimensions. They all have their quirks and backstories that have led them to accept their responsibilities that come with great power. As the youngest and newest to receive his powers, Morales is asked to take the backseat and let the vets handle it; something he won’t do quietly. Of course, after a few minor twists, he overcomes his timidness and saves the day. Like a real hero should.

There’s so much to love about Into the Spider-Verse. It’s modern twist on an old character is wonderfully done. The animation is original and creative. Every action sequence is inventive and captivating. The creators capitalized on the opportunity to bring to the big screen ideas that wouldn’t be possible with a live-action film. That’s why even as a cartoon, it still stands with or even above the highly successful modern franchises. Marvel might not have taken a huge risk, but it was a risk none the less with the saturation they’ve placed on the superhero genre. Morales’s Brooklyn roots shine through with an in-touch soundtrack from hip-hop artists like Biggie and originals from Post Malone. I’ve got a few favorite characters but I’ll keep most of them to myself for spoiler purposes. John Mulaney as Peter Porker/Spider-Ham had funny moments and clever puns. Gwen’s role was badass.

Again, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse has my vote for animated movie of the year, and I doubt I’ll be alone in that sentiment. It’s something the superhero genre has been missing. It’s the freshest production we’ve seen in a long time. Fun, funny, action packed. All of it. If I had a family, I’d be bringing them to the theaters this holiday to check it out. I’m glad it’s receiving the critical reception it has so far, so that many more people will go check it out. See it in theaters, but I’m sure it will carry over to the small screen just as well. Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man delivers once again.