Why Spider Riders Is Worth Your Time

If you were a Canadian kid in the mid-2000s, you might have seen a commercial, or even episodes, of a show called Spider Riders. A Canadian-Japanese anime, the show followed ordinary boy Hunter Steele (yes, it is the most protagonist-y name ever) falling into the Inner World, discovering a people at war with the evil insect-based Invectids, and giant battle spiders that partnered with brave heroes to defend Arachna from its foes. It seems, at first glance, generic if not downright silly.

And don't get me wrong, sometimes it is. Hunter, I would imagine, is a very shounen protagonist, optimistic and impulsive with a mantra of "Never give up!" Sometimes, the transformations can feel a little overplayed, magical girl style. The voice acting in particular can sometimes be very flat, especially with Corona (the girl in pink with the wings).

However, here is why Spider Riders is worth your time — and no, it's not just my nostalgia talking. Also spoiler free, since you deserve to discover as much of this amazing show as you can on your own (or at least with a friend or two).

1) The Worldbuilding

The last thing I expected Spider Riders to have was genuinely good worldbuilding. I mean, the kids ride around on talking giant spiders (most of them, anyway; Flame is a selectively mute spider) and half the villainous characters have silly names. It's even more surprising because so often, shows gloss over worldbuilding entirely, or the world's rules become increasingly convoluted.

Somehow, Spider Riders manages to be both in depth with its worldbuilding, well paced, and consistent. The basic breakdown is this:

Spider Riders are human warriors, each with their own unique bond to a spider — and both must choose each other. Every Spider Rider has a manacle, which marks them as one and holds their spider inside at different intervals. The humans are on the side of the Oracle, the Inner World's goddess, whose power is linked to the Oracle Keys — but neither she nor her incarnations of power are invulnerable. These warriors have been locked in a centuries long conflict with the Invectids, who seek to restore the sun and vegetation on their side of the planet. The Invectids blame the Oracle for taking their sun away for reasons still unknown to them.

The villains having an actual motivation beyond power or world domination is refreshing enough, but perhaps more impressively, the world of Arachna actually feels lived in. There are villages with their own specific rituals, cities with their own history, sacred places connected to past spider riders, and tales of old kings and lost, mythic heroes.

The power creep is consistent, even if the show borrows more from a soft magic system based on feeling at times. For the most part, power ups are very limited, and character backstories — particularly Corona's — is added to naturally over time. So too are the villains given space and depth, with layers of grey added, with the war being equally a clash of ideologies.

But honestly, the worldbuilding is just as good as

2) The Plot

I cannot believe I'm saying this, but I genuinely watch Spider Riders for the plot.

I know, I was surprised too. The first two episodes were very beat-for-beat by the book. Kid (aka Hunter) falls into an unknown world, meets future best friend and battle spider Shadow and future friend implied love interest Corona, gets a lot of exposition dumb, etc. The next few episodes where we get to meet the other Spider Riders and begin to see more of Arachna were specifically better.

Season one, then, comprised of 26 episodes, is largely episodic with filler episodes and then a few smaller arcs. There are consistent plot threads even in the filler, these episodes largely fleshing out characters and the world as well. Some of the most interesting episodes are ones revolving around the acquirement of the Oracle Keys, and the enemy Spider Rider, Aqune (the girl with the mask).

However, season two is almost wholly plot based, comprised of three or sometimes six episode long arcs, the first of which being the group's journey to a human city under siege called Numa, after some delibration. (Because, as characters like Prince Lumen point out, the situation is a bit more nuanced than that: take on a fight that's not their own and leave their own kingdom defenseless, or do they honour their oath as Spider Riders to help any human in need from the scourge of Invectids? An ethical question the show actually resolves in a practical manner, I might add.)

No plot, no matter how surprisingly compelling, though, can work if the characters are unlikeable. And, luckily...

3) The Characters

Are also quite a standout. Although the bulk of them are quite simple and barring that, stagnant, everyone is likeable and gets their moments of comedy and seriousness. Prince Lumen, his younger sister Princess Sparkle, Arachnan Knight Igneous, and initially lone wolf Magma remain largely the same over the course of the series, but their arcs are deepened, particularly in respect to Prince Lumen's attempts at diplomacy with the Invectids.

Speaking of which, the main Invectids we get to know are also a delight. There is Lord Mantid, the final villain who is kept mostly in the shadows, although we learn tiny hints at his history and his resentment of the Oracle to be invested in his presumptive downfall. Boasting more screentime and development are his Big Four, Beeraine, Buguese, Stags, and Grasshop. The latter three are particular standouts, Buguese getting late stage development that turn him into one of the series' most interesting characters. Featured less prominently, Stags is stoic and honour bound, with an unusual set of moral codes for a villain that make him no less ruthless. And perhaps Spider Riders' most surprising highlight is Grasshop, who is wonderfully pathetic and then a shockingly enriched character with probably the best arc in the series.

Last but not least, our protagonist Hunter has a surprisingly poignant arc; always kind hearted and optimistic, we see him mature in small ways as he brings the series' underlying theological conflict to its natural conclusion. Corona is his valuable friend and ally, with a well-paced backstory that slowly reveals more and more of her unique capabilities. Last but not least there is Aqune, the masked Spider Rider fighting for the Invectids, a skilled fighter with a deep well of compassion outside of her mask, although to say much more would risk heavy spoilers.

Beyond character development, however, the main cast are just fun to watch. Grasshop is a reliable riot as he attempts to prove his worth to Lord Mantid and to one-up Buguese; as main spider and rider, Hunter and his battle spider Shadow have an almost brotherly like banter; fond of naps and pretty girls, Lumen is level-headed without ever being overtly serious. Moreover, when the Spider Riders do disagree, there are no petty arguments or drawn out conflict with each other. Instead they talk things over and always feel like a team. Magma and Hunter's bond is a particular favourite, feeling very supportive big older brother and enthusiastic upstart little brother; this holds true as well for Hunter and Corona's bonds with Igneous and Lumen.

The characters are friends, good friends, with one another and their spiders. And really, isn't that all you really want some days?

Conclusion

Clocking in at two seasons and 52 episodes total, Spider Riders is a forgotten gem of early 2000s anime. While the series' — particularly the English speaking dub, which I heartily recommend — has its silly components (catchphrases, random shredding on the guitar in the soundtrack's background, and sometimes odd deliveries) those quickly becoming equally charming as the more serious, thoughtful story beats. To this day, I've yet to watch another show with as thoughtful yet laidback meditation on the concept of god, shown through the evolution of the Oracle, while also never being trite or preachy. If you love fun and non-redundant action scenes, a surprising amount of lore and depth, or even indeed, spiders, then I can confidently say you will love this show.

I know I did.

If you are interested in other articles regarding pop culture and animation, please check out my pieces on 5 Reasons You Should Watch The Dragon Prince, an analysis of Encanto, The Owl House, Villains with Abandonment Issues, and the Legend of Korra Seven Year Retrospect. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!