The article argues that Spider-Man: Brand New Day finally makes New York City central to Tom Holland’s MCU Spider-Man, correcting what it sees as a major omission from the previous films. It says this matters because Spider-Man’s powers, identity and visual appeal are unusually tied to the city’s skyscrapers, streets and neighbourhood life.

Unlike the earlier MCU instalments’ international or multiverse-focused settings, Brand New Day is described as taking place entirely in New York, with Spider-Man visiting bodegas, using scaffolding and web-slinging through the city. The film reportedly also restores a Raimi-style swinging viewpoint and presents a more interconnected “Marvel’s New York”, including appearances by Hulk and Punisher.