The spectacular Spider-Man is back in action with a new collection from season two of the cartoon series. Actually, “collection” might not be the best word in this case, as this DVD has only three episodes on it. That’s right: in keeping with the previous “volumes,” this one is short on the content and even shorter on the special features.

While I really dig the way this show is handling the overall Spider-Man universe, I can’t stand the way Sony is releasing the episodes in such piecemeal fashion. I suppose there must be an audience for these three-episode DVDs, but if I were you, I’d steer clear until the season collections come out. Season 1 is already out and is only two dollars more (on Amazon.com) than the individual volumes. It makes absolutely no sense to me, but I guess that’s why Sony’s making the big bucks and I’m just reviewing their stuff.

At any rate, the writers of the show are doing a great job of juggling a ton of story threads throughout the Spidey world and that skill is on display here. You get Spider-Man’s on-going battle with the underworld, a surprisingly nuanced showdown with Sandman, J. Jonah Jameson’s storyline with his astronaut son, John…and of course all the necessary drama from Peter Parker’s high school life. The pace of the show is a bit rushed and frantic at times, but on the whole, all the different threads are woven together quite well. Oh yeah and Venom shows up again too, for those of you who love the big black baddie.

So once again, let’s review for the exam: solid cartoon adaptation of a comic book hero, terrible bang-for-your-buck.You make the call.