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WEISMANSWERS 2009-07 (Jul)
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M. writes...
Another issue I'm not completely clear on is why Xanatos and Sevarius parted ways(assuming they had). I never knew them to be on bad terms, except for the brief moment in "Double Jeopardy". Did Xanatos' moral changes have anything to do with it, or was there some other reason? Again, I apologize if this question had been done over and over. I never found any question quite matching the one I'm asking, or at least I don't think matches it.
Greg responds...
I don't think they've totally parted ways. I just think Sevarius has gone freelance.
Nikolaj Zbikowski writes...
Dear Greg,
I've been trying to locate the original Gargoyles Trailer (or Teaser) featured on VHS from when I was younger (presumably, before the movie/show came out). It's the trailer that shows Elisa's perspective as stones fall from Xanatos's castle, where she comments: "What could be strong enough to leave claw marks in solid stone?" At the same time this is happening, the title "Gargoyles" is being panned across the screen (similar to "The Terminator"). I have not been able to find it on YouTube or Google search, or even this website. If you know of a link or website featuring it, I would appreciate your help locating it.
Thanks,
Nik Z.
Greg responds...
I don't. Sorry. I'd suggest trying to find the Nightmare Before Christmas VHS on E-Bay. I think that's where it appeared. I think.
Daniel Abraham Raviv. writes...
Hey Greg, may i ask you something? What would you do If Disney decided to put Gargoyles In Their Kingdom Hearts Series, or they and Allan Moore decide to Put Gargoyles in The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen? If you know what those series are? Would you want to have anything to do with it? I know they won't be considered canon, but would you want to work on it, after all they're your characters and you're with them to the end, would you want to help with those series, like you'll guide the others on what Goliath would do or what he wouldn't do, or you know just try to put them in the Universes of those two series? What would you Do?
Greg responds...
Well... I'd be all for Gargoyles going into Kingdom Hearts, and I'd be happy to work with those folks. Unfortunately, no one has asked.
As for, LOEG, that's seems an even more unlikely hypothetical. But what the hell? If Alan and Disney somehow made a deal ... and if Alan wanted my help... well, both scenarios are just nonsensical, but, yes, I suppose I'd be game to play along.
Mo writes...
More Spidey questions!
1) Regarding JJJ: I think Daran Norris does an amazing job in the voice role, but i'm wondering if you ever considered having J.K. Simmons reprise the role.
2) With John Jameson, why did you choose him to fill the role of a rival hero? And why did you make Colonel Jupiter rather than, say, Man-Wolf?
3) The influence of Stan and Steve's work, the Ultimate line and the films is clear in the show. Did earlier Spider-Man programs influence it at all?
4) Regarding Green Goblin: Did you ever consider using the Ultimate demonic design or the movie's armored design or did you always want to use the classic Halloween costume look?
5) If you had to choose, who has been your favorite villain on the show?
Once more, I thank you.
Greg responds...
1. It was discussed, but Sony Features vetoed the idea, as they wanted the two casts to be distinct.
2. I love the original Colonel Jupiter story from the Lee/Romita Sr. run of The Amazing Spider-Man. You should check it out.
3. I'm sure the 60s show is a deep influence, as I inhaled that series as a kid. But I consciously chose NOT to go back and rewatch it, so my memories of it are a bit vague. I'm not personally all that familiar with the other animated incarnations. I don't think I've seen more than an episode or two of any other version.
4. Classic. Always.
5. But I don't have to chose.
The MythMaker writes...
The Egyptian term "netjer", which a previous commentor says can be translated as "god" actually means "watcher". There is more to this story...
Greg responds...
...and you're hiding it from me?
AJC writes...
Does Walter Hardy know Spider-man's identity?
Greg responds...
I think he might be able to guess. Maybe.
Joe writes...
this is kinda weird question but when you answer "No comment" is it like "Oh my god, the question is so stupid" (because I've seen some pretty dumb being asked) or "No comment because if I answer I might spoil something"?
Greg responds...
I'm not particularly consistent in my evasions.
Clark Cradic writes...
If you had been able to use Kingpin in the series, would have used something similar to his designs from the 90's animated series or the Daredevil movie? Would you still have cast Kevin Michael Richardson in the role?
Greg responds...
Too many what ifs, my friend. We never got that far.
Martin writes...
In "The Invisible Hand" Foswell tells Peter "rumor is that Big Man aka L. Thompson Lincoln is some kind of a crime lord" after which Spidey goes to confront Tombstone. How does Spidey know that Big Man is in this tall building (the one he goes to)?
Greg responds...
L. Thompson Lincoln is a semi-famous local philanthropist with a number of legitimate businesses.
Vaevictis Asmadi writes...
Hello Greg,
In the past, some posters here have implied that only iron can kill a member of the Third Race. This has never really been confirmed. Yet, when once asked if there were casualties in the war between Mab and Oberon, you said "yes, any war has casualties." If some of the Children of Mab did kill each other in that war, I find it hard to believe they used iron weapons!
So, is iron the only thing that can kill a member of the Third Race?
Greg responds...
No.
Wendy Self writes...
To whom it may concern,
My name is Wendy Self and i am a Second Year Student of Animation and Design at the University of Sunderland, UK. I am currently preparing the research for my dissertation, which i want to base on violence and censorship in children's animation. I was keen on looking at how both aspects are applied to 'message' episodes and mature themed story lines.
I was hoping that i would be able to ask Mr Weisman some questions on the writing and content of the Gargoyles series as it is one of the main examples that i am using for mature writing and intelligent subject matter in a children’s TV show.
I understand that this is probably an unusual request but I would greatly appreciate any help you could offer. However I do realise that Mr Weisman is busy with his own work so if it is inconvenient for me to speak to him directly then I fully understand.
My university contact is wendy.self@sunderland.ac.uk
Thank you very much for looking at my question and I hope to hear back from you soon.
Sincerely,
Wendy Self
Greg responds...
You couldn't post your questions here?
Nelio Belmont writes...
Hi Greg, this time I have a production question about Gargoyles. Given that Youtube has started putting commercial products such as old TV shows and what not, do you think there is a chance that Gargoyles will be put up on it as well? More specifically, do you think the second half of Season 2 may be put up there? And finally, if those episodes gets lots and lots of views, do you think Disney would consider a DVD release of Vol 2?
Greg responds...
I think it's (illegally) on YouTube already. I have no idea if Disney intends to put it up legit. Or how that would effect their DVD plans.
David Blyth writes...
Hi Mr. Wiesman
A question related to "The Batman", it was a very different kind of Batman series, fresh off the gridiron and airing alongside the final seasons of JLU, I'm not sure if it had a chance to really "define itself" in light of such a strong legacy, but part of what gave it it's own identity was the hard work of Duane Capizzi, Alan Burnett, a great voice cast (Mitch Pillegi!), and your own scripts.
"The Everywhere Man" featured the voice acting of "Superman Returns" leading man Brandon Rough, who played the main antagonist, his co-star was Allison Mack, aka Chole Sullivan from long-lasting Superman series "Smallville", so all in all, it felt like a big Hollywood atmosphere
1. Do you have any memories of this beyond just the scripting process?
2. Were you told to write characters that "complimented" Brandon and Allison or did you know they were coming in?
Greg responds...
1. Well, I was at the voice recording, and it was a lot of fun. Both Allison and Brandon were VERY nice. SUPERMAN RETURNS had not hit theaters yet, but was due out soon, and Brandon really struck me as Clark Kent.
2. Didn't know who was going to play the characters when I wrote the script.
David Blyth writes...
Hi Mr. Wiesman
As a folllow-on from something asked of you by "Anonymous" on the issue of growth and evolution in Spider-Man , I would like to, first, argue that the Spider-Man series you have been working on isnt "pinned down" by the problems the comic version of Spidey faces. You have placed Peter, MJ, Gwen, Harry and others into the most innocent kind of "hell" on Earth, High School.
Long before girls fell off bridges, long before clones and long before Peter realized MJ was the love of his life and married her, you don't have to worry about "resetting" there because that only affects the characters outside of High School...where readers expect them to act grown up and responsible for one another, and when they act like rank adolescents as they do in BND (my opinion), or heck, ever since the last ten years worth (Spidey's never recovered since 1999, again, my opinion)
Spider-Girl has now been running for eleven years, with another good few years left in the tank (I don't know how long Tom intends to tell it, right now the word is "indefinatly"), yet Tom recently admited if he so much as fought for an animated series, he'd be shot down. I find this incredibly tragic and disheartening.
And yet...look at what D.C accomplished ten years ago with Batman Beyond.
Terry McGuiness may only have had the golden rule of syndication ("Get 65 and DIE") one movie, and one episode of JLU, but it says a great deal about the higher-ups at WB to risk three years worth on character growth on someone new, whilst balancing that with remarkable doses of growth for Bruce Wayne and Barbera Gordon to that extent than, say, three more years of "The New Batman Adventures"
Hell, let's argue LOONATICS. Done CORRECTLY, this would have made Loony Toon characters DRAMATIC...key word there is "done correctly" of course, but premises like that are ones any writer can eat up with a spoon...again, WB risked it, suceed or fail.
Likewise you have put a lot of risk into Spectacular Spider-Man that has paid off, so maybe it's not a case of marketers being afraid of "growth and change", maybe it's more a case of certain groups being behind the times and just not living in the here and now.
Time will tell. Right now, I like to think those people KNOW that we need something new. Nothing lasts forever.
Not even the relevancy of the "Modern Myth".
My question: Why is it easier for something like Batman Beyond to be favoured over something like Spider-Girl?
Greg responds...
No idea. Not even sure that's true, frankly.
The thing to keep in mind is that the business is fluid and NOT monolithic. Things change. There's much human turnover, and with that turnover comes changes in direction at every studio and every network. What the RULES are this week may not be the rules in six months time.
I've often said we'd NEVER have gotten Gargoyles on the air today, and that's true TODAY. But tomorrow is a whole other story.
Maybe Batman Beyond hit at the right studio and the right network at the right time.
Spider-Girl's situation is complicated by the fact that Marvel and Sony co-control the Spider-Man license. I'd guess (and it's ONLY a guess) that Marvel views Spider-Girl as a separate property. And I'd guess Sony views it as part of the Spider-Man license... and that disagreement (assuming it exists and/or has EVER even come up) would obviously be a roadblock to making a Spider-Girl series.
In any case, you give me credit for taking risks that I don't really think I deserve. Sony and Marvel came to me and ASKED me to do a Spider-Man series set in his High School years that was not in continuity with the movies or the current comics or Ultimate or anything. That's all they gave me, but that fit perfectly with what I wanted to do with the character. And given the fact that Spidey is one of the top marquis characters in the known universe, it wasn't exactly a risky proposition.
I like to think we executed well, but let's face it -- ANY Spidey show would do pretty well just by virtue of it being Spidey. I can't exactly take credit for the character's popularity. All I can do is strive to do him justice. It's for others to judge if we succeeded, though we succeeded well enough to satisfy me. I'm biased, of course, but my standards are pretty high.
Martin writes...
you said that you already have overall plan for season 3. does this mean everything from the begginig to the finale is in your head, including what characters and villains will appear?
Greg responds...
Not to the last detail. Not even broken down episodically. But I know what the four arcs are and who the Big Bads are for each arc, and SOME idea of who the villains are/might be. Nothing etched in stone. But the basics are fairly clear in my head.
Branden Harvey writes...
I'll rephrase my question since I confused you the first time (my fault, of course, not yours):
In The Uncertainty Principle, when Harry was "revealed" as the Goblin, he was switching back and forth between himself and the Goblin persona right in front of Spider-Man and Norman. Since Harry was never the Goblin, what was going on there?
Greg responds...
SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!
What you interpreted as him switching back and forth never happened -- though of course it was what we wanted you to think. Because we told you Harry was the Goblin, you interpreted his drug-addled ramblings as the Goblin persona surfacing. But it was just Harry. All Harry. Look again.
Arthur Jr. writes...
1. To be honest Greg, I may have to agree with Daran Norris doing Man-Wolf if included. I even wonder if Daran can pull of the Man-Wolf vocal effects though.
2. Still, I would recommend Frank Welker and Dee Bradley Baker if another bunch of werewolves (i.e. the Lobo Brothers) were included in a future season. I don't know if you heard of them, but outside of Eduardo Lobo knowing Glory Grant when she worked as a secretary for J. Jonah Jameson, the Lobo Brothers were in a gang war against the Kingpin.
3. I was wondering if you read an earlier comment about Sally Avril later becoming Bluebird in the comics. What is the year that the TV series takes place in since it wasn't specified in the show?
4. As an added bonus, I was wondering if a future season would include the Sinister Syndicate since you already have the Sinister Six and the Enforcers on the show? That which was made up of Beetle (who not only fought the Fantastic Four and Iron Man before becoming a founding member of the Thunderbolts), Hydro-Man, Rhino, Boomerang, Speed Demon, Leila Davis (the getaway vehicle driver before becoming the second Beetle), Blacklash (an Iron Man villain), Constrictor (who was a member of the Serpent Society), Scorpia (she started out as a minion of Silvermane), and Shocker. I don't mind if this is answered as a "No comment."
Greg responds...
1. I wouldn't underestimate Daran -- or our sound effects people.
2. Hm.
3. It's the present day. !962 updated to the present.
4. Many of the villains you mentioned aren't part of the Spidey license.
Jess writes...
Hey Greg! I know you've been mostly dealing with Spidey queries lately, but hopefully you won't mind "kickin' it old school" so-to-speak and answering a Gargoyles question.
I'd been taking a Shakespeare course this semester at school, and I chose to write a paper on Shakespeare's Macbeth's influence on yours. (I got an A by the way). Anywhoozle, obviously this meant re-watching some Of the Mac-centric episodes, including of course the wonderful "City of Stone", which as it alway does, reminded me of how much I love Macbeth's complex backstory and that of the legacy of The Hunter.
Now I did search the archives before asking this, so I know the Canmores in "Hunters Moon" were not aware of Macbeth, but I couldn't find if you had said whether or not HE was aware of THEM.
Was he as of "Hunter's Moon?" And if not, is he aware of them as of "The Rock" in the comics?
Thanks.
Greg responds...
I'd guess Macbeth has encountered a Canmore or two over the years. But it's not canon 'til it's canon.
SpecSpidey546 writes...
Greg, as much as I love Spectacular Spider-Man, I have a complain. "Reinforcement" is, in my opinion, the weakest episode of all. While it had its moments, it didnt feel like "Group Therapy". Who's idea was Sinister Six to attack Spidey in pairs? and the thing that really annoyed me - Electro shooting electricity from his mouth?!?!? what the hell? Other then this, the series is amazing and I hope it lasts 5 seasons.
Greg responds...
SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!
Electro's been shooting electricity from his mouth since his very first appearance. We think it's cool. And your the first person to complain about it.
It was my idea to have the S6 attack in pairs. My feeling was that Ock would feel that in "Group Therapy" they got in each other's way too much, i.e. that Spidey was able to use their powers against each other. So instead he tried to send complimentary pairs, so that it would be easier for the partners to keep track of each other and NOT get in each other's way. In addition, the hope was that Spidey would get progressively more worn out, so that even if he did have some success, by the time he faced the final pair, he'd be exhausted. Of course, Ock was missing a crucial bit of info about the symbiote. And his plan didn't work. But I think it made sense from his point of view.
I'm sorry the episode didn't work for you, but I'm not sorry we did it the way we did. We liked it.
Anonymous writes...
Does the real Gisela have that great spirit and did she ever live in Mexico?
Greg responds...
Actually, I knew a Gisela from Mexico. She and her brother Alex went to the same summer camp, Bear Pole Ranch, as my siblings and I did.
Of course, I have no idea what YOU are talking about here.
Weird, though, huh?
Clark Cradic writes...
Was it your idea to have Black Cat's father to be Uncle Ben's killer or another member of the team? Well who ever did it I can say it was nothing short of a stroke of genius! One of the biggest plot twists I've seen in a Superhero Cartoon in a long while. My girlfriend's a little sad though, she really liked Black Cat and Spidey together.
Greg responds...
It was my idea. I'm glad you liked it.
Lucas writes...
Hello, this isn't a question so much as it is a comment regarding a question Greg previously received. He received a statement from a handle named 'Marn Hierogryph', and I'd like to say that that is me, however I did not send that post in. That was actually a part of a post that was taken out of context from a forum I go to and wasn't in anyway shape or form directed at Greg Weisman or any other crew who work on Spectacular Spider-Man. It was taken from a topic discussing the comparison/contrast of various shows. I'm not sure who sent that in or why, but I'd just like to apologize for whatever annoyance that may have given Mr. Weisman. I'd like to think I have more respect for the people in charge of these shows than to directly write to them critiquing the people who work for the show. It was just a random discussion in a topic. Again, I apologize on behalf of whoever sent in that post to Greg.
Greg responds...
Hey Lucas, I appreciate the apology. And I'm sorry someone used this forum to take your words out of context. That's very uncool.
CONVERGENCE converges with the GATHERING
I just got the following e-mail from a buddy on the staff of CONvergence (http://www.convergence-con.org/), which is taking place NOW:
Hi Greg!
I'm at CONvergence, and I am seeing flyers all over the hotel
advertising for the Gathering. They are having over 40 guests? Wow!
So thanks to those posting our flyers at ConVergence (my second all-time favorite convention). Have a great con!
But don't miss the Gathering, which as of yesterday actually has OVER FIFTY GUESTS attending! Fifty and counting. Soon the guests will outnumber the fans. ( And, dude, I wish I was kidding.) You will NEVER find a better fan to pro ratio at any convention ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!!!! Sign up now at http://www.gatheringofthegargoyles.com/g2009/ !!!!!
abnormalpixarfan writes...
if you could would do a revamped of johnny quest with you at the helm?
Greg responds...
I'm a big fan of Jonny Quest, so if anyone asked me...
Martin writes...
Greg, I was looking at list of Spidey's villains and realized that there are 5 big villains left that you will/should introduce: Hobgoblin & Scorpion (both confirmed), Hydro-Man, Jackal & Carnage. I just hope you dont do like the 90s cartoon and have 3 awesome seasons and terrible 4th season (their season 4 was awful). there are good B and C list villains that deserve to be seen on your show - Spencer & Alistair Smythe, Swarm, Boomerang, Carrion, Jack O'Lantern, Sin-Eater, Spot. Not really a question, just thought I'd share this with you.
Greg responds...
Well, gee, Martin. I was planning to do a lousy fourth season, but since you feel so strongly about it, I guess I won't.
Mo writes...
So I was going over the first season of Spectacular Spider-Man on YouTube, and I noticed something. In "Interactions", Electro cleary sees Spider-Man taking pictures of the both of them for the Bugle. Did he ever put that together with Peter Parker's photos later showing up in the paper(s)? Did he not know the full details of the Bugle's contest? Or was he just too darn crazy to care?
Again, thanks.
Greg responds...
I doubt he made the connection as NONE of Pete's Spidey/Electro pictures made it into the Bugle. When Pete's Spidey/Lizard pictures were published, there was no particular reason to make the connection between Pete and Spidey. Keep in mind that Electro ALSO saw a college student try to take pictures of the Spidey/Electro battle.
MisterDrBob writes...
Hey sorry about spelling your name wrong first off (last time Mr. Weisman)
Do you have any other characters planned for if there's a third season? I understand if you can't say, but I'd love to see Hobie become the Prowler, you seem to set up Hydro-Man and Carnage, and I think you could do great things with Blackie Drago the second Vulture, Will-o-the-Wisp, and Rocket Racer.
I also have a comment. I love what you've done with the Tinkerer. You've made a character who appeared maybe once in ten years a central figure to the underworld. But I also kind of think that you run the risk of making him a plot device. What do you think?
Greg responds...
I think we try to keep all characters as characters first. If Tinkerer starts to become nothing more than a plot device, I'm sure the fans will let me know.
And, yes, I have plans for a third season.
David writes...
Big fan of the show. I've always wondered, how Elisa can afford such a nice apartment. I know she's a detective but no way can a detective make that much money to afford that?
Greg responds...
Your premise is faulty. Stating that there's "no way" she can afford that is patently false. We don't know if she owns, rents or sub-lets. We don't know how she got the place. We don't know who had it before. We don't know what it looked like when she got it, whether it was a disaster that she cleaned up or an empty industrial loft. We don't know if the building is a co-op, rent-controlled or rent-stabilized. We don't have enough information to state what you've stated.
Harlan Phoenix writes...
So, what's Midtown High student Greg Weisman like?
Greg responds...
I know you're kidding, but I'm not quite getting the joke.
Thorgrimur writes...
I would like to ask a few questions about Preston Vogel. For some reason, I actually like him more than Owen.
1. Does Puck have any liking for Vogel?. Did he create the Owen persona more to honour or mock Vogel?
2. How did Vogel and Owen get along when they were both working at Cyberbiotics?
3. Did Vogel get to keep the fee he was paid by Fox for sabotaging the Cybots in "Outfoxed"?
4. (This has been asked before, but not properly answered). In the Silver Falcon story memo, there is a line refering to "Vogel's murder" (the exact line was: "Vogel's murder in the other premise, was never gonna fly". What was that about?
Greg responds...
1. I think Puck was amused by Vogel and wanted to do him one better.
2. Owen got along fine with Vogel. Vogel was somewhat disconcerted by Owen, for reasons he could not quite put his finger on.
3. Good question.
4. I don't recall. But clearly an earlier draft of the writer or story editor's premise had Vogel being murdered, and I was saying that would never get past S&P.
captjack writes...
hey whats up again Greg?
when a mortal becomes an Avatar they have all that child of oberon's powers which i would assume includes their "immortality" correct;then how could the Emir have died in that cave in while still merged with Anubus?unless they somehow seperated at the last possible moment beforehand
Greg responds...
Well, first you have to define "immortality", but in any case, I think the Emir did indeed relinquish his hold on Anubis at the last second.
Lucedo writes...
Since Disney has provided a deal to stream their shows on Hulu, is it possible that the Gargoyles animated series could be on Hulu?
Greg responds...
No idea.
captjack writes...
hey greg was just curious about something.ive read a few times that in the Gargoyles universe the Olympian gods(Zeus,Apollo,Hades etc)are all half mortal,seriously?
Greg responds...
You've misinterpreted what you've read, confusing the Olympians with the New Olympians.
Charles writes...
Hey Greg, first off I'd like to say thanks for Spectacular Spidey. Easily the best animated version of the character, and I find myself watching the episodes time and time again (particularly those with Venom, you certainly did him justice). Got 3 questions/comments.
1) I heard that Spectacular Spider-Man was renewed for a 3rd season, is this true? If so, congrats!!
2) I know you won't be giving any spoilers for the future of the show, but have you heard of or read the Carnage one-shots "Mind Bomb" or "It's a Wonderful Life"? Certainly worth a check imho, makes the character a bit more (if not brutal) interesting, giving him one trait that makes him different from every single villain in Spidey's rogues gallery - he's completely irredeemable.
3) Any plans to introduce the character of Ann Weying into the show? (again, not expecting any spoilers, just wondering if its crossed your mind)
Thanks for your time, keep up the incredible work!!
Greg responds...
1. Not yet.
2. No comment.
3. No comment.
Hal_Emmerich writes...
Hey Greg
In several responses, you have indicated that the events of A Midsummer Nights Dream did occur, albeit in a different manner. This actually leads me to a series of questions surrounding the existence of the Immortal Bard I was wondering if you'd answer.
#1: Was the play itself written in the Gargoyles universe?
#2: Did Shakespeare actually have knowledge/involvement of the events, or was he merely writing from folklore and legend?
#3: We've seen that characters from both Macbeth and Midsummer Nights Dream exist in the Gargoyles Universe and are real. Did any of the other plays occur as well (The Tempest for example)? If so, were they written in Gargoyles Chronology, and did Shakespeare have any special inspiration/connection to writing them.
Thank you for your time.
Craig
Greg responds...
1. Yes.
2. I'm not revealing that at this time.
3. All the plays were written. As I've mentioned before, a version of events in "The Tempest" and other plays also took place at various times. Sometimes Shakespeare had special knowledge. Other times he didn't.
Vaevictis Asmadi writes...
Following up on what Clark asked, how is that such a powerful artifact, the Phoenix Gate, is used by such a simple incantation that even Goliath, certainly no trained sorcerer, quickly learned it? Maybe I'm conditioned by role-playing games to assume that more powerful magic will always be harder to learn than the weak magic, but it seems quite strange to me that the Phoenix Gate incantation, and for that matter the incantation to enter Avalon, are so easily learned when they seem to be quite powerful spells.
Greg responds...
It has to do with the nature of the Gate and of Avalon. I don't want to go into too many details (particularly on the former) when we're so close to the release of the Trade.
ThatNickGuy writes...
Hey Greg,
Long time fan dating back to the beginning of Gargoyles. When I heard you were heading up Spectacular Spidey, I was overjoyed.
I'd just like say and ask a few things. Oh, and of course...
*SPIDEY SPOILERS!*
1) Thank you very much for Spectacular Spidey. I feel that it captures everything about the Spider-Man mythos in every way, shape and form. In fact, I would go as far as to say it's my favourite version of Spider-Man in whatever form (comic, TV, even movie). Some of my favourite episodes seem to be the ones written by Andrew Robinson, so please send along my thanks to him, along with the rest of your fantastic team.
2) My only minor complaint was the mutation of Kraven. Given the set up and payoff in regards to the overall arc (setting up Miles Warren, continuing on the theme of genetic manipulation), I can understand why. I guess I was always a fan of Kraven as he was and was hoping for some more classic Kraven, such as Spidey fighting off a zoo of animals and such. Any chance I could hear your thoughts and reasoning on the mutation? I wasn't crazy about it, at first, but the idea and look has grown on me.
3) You actually had me guessing on the identity of the Goblin. I was literally on the edge of my seat during season 2's finale and the big reveal actually had my mouth gaping. Highest kudos to you and the Spidey team.
4) Given that this is, by far, one of my favourite animated series now, I hope and pray that a third season will be coming our way.
Thanks again, Greg. It's been a great, wild ride that I hope never ends.
That Nick Guy
Greg responds...
SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!
1. I will.
2. Well, (a) we thought it was a cool idea, borrowed from Ultimate Spider-Man and (b) we have long term plans that make the change important.
3. Thanks.
4. Me too.
Anonymous writes...
hi i just want to say that you are doing an awesome job on the spectacular spiderman series! this is properly beast version of spiderman ( Evin the 90s series) that i have ever scene! what i like the most about this that the characters are both close to the original characters and have new feel to them. but their one character that I'm curious of what you are going to do with and that gwen Stacy. most us that she hast a vary tragic history ( Evin the 90s show didn't show her until the last episode) so my Question is what are you going to do to her?
Greg responds...
Uh... hold her hand until we get a pick-up?
DarkFae writes...
Hello Mr. Weisman,
I have read through the FAQ and archives and could not find an answer to why the Third Race is called the Children of Oberon or the Children of Mab. Why are they called these things? Is it to show they follow that leader or is it something more? And what would happen to a member of the Third Race who called themselves a Child of Mab while Oberon ruled? Thank you for any consideration you give this question.
Greg responds...
It seems fairly straightforward to me, so I think you may be overthinking it. Oberon's the leader -- and a very paternalistic one at that -- so his "people" are referred to as the Children of Oberon (which is NOT to say that he is their literal parent). Before him, Mab was the leader, and they were referred to as the Children of Mab. It doesn't seem likely after so much time that anyone would still mistakenly refer to the Children of Oberon as the Children of Mab, so if it happened, it would probably be a political statement of some kind, and Oberon would deal with that depending on the situation.
Comment Rooms
Before I begin, let me make something perfectly CLEAR. The Station 8 Comment Room is NOT my comment room. It is the property of and under the management of Gorebash for him to run as he sees fit. Personally, I like the Comment Room as is. I'm not a big fan of forums. If the vote goes that way, and Gore decides to make a change, so be it. But I voted against the change. My problem/issues with the comment room is about the (occassional) bad behavior of some people who post and what I perceive as the over-reaction of other people (often the same people, I suppose) to what I perceive as innocuous (or only slightly bad) behavior. But to reiterate, I stand by whatever decision Gorebash makes.
So what follows is only my opinion. Not even that really. What follows is my brother's opinion. And it's not even his opinion on the Station 8 Comment Room or on anything Gargoyles related. As some of you know, my brother, Jon Weisman, has a blog: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgerthoughts/
This blog on the Los Angeles Dodgers gets more hits in a day then we get here in a week. Or two. Probably even three. One of the main features of his blog, one of the things that he has told me is a big draw for DodgerThoughts, is the comments that his readers post regularly, their exchanges and their dialogue with him and with each other. So Jon has developed some basic guidelines for commenting that I think are calm and intelligent and worth considering for what we do at Station 8. Here they are:
Dodger Thoughts Commenting Guidelines
Thank You For Not ...
1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with
I think these guidelines are very common sense and with the possible exception of #9, apply directly to Station 8. #12 seems particularly applicable. I'd actually add a #13:
13) thinking that just because no one has responded to your post that you are unwelcome. (Your post may simply have inspired no comment.)
These guidelines seem SO straightforward to me, I was stunned to learn today that some people over at DodgerThoughts OBJECT to them. So here's the post Jon made responding to these objections:
Dodger Thoughts commenting is healed - in practice, if not in spirit
After nearly two months, the folks at Typepad have finally solved the bug that prevented comments at the bottom of a page at Dodger Thoughts from appearing until several had been cached. So in that respect, we're back to smooth sailing. Any of you who departed out of frustration, please feel encouraged to return.
On another commenting note, some have voiced to me, either on the site or in e-mail, dissatisfaction about the commenting guidelines and a feeling that only one point of view at Dodger Thoughts is tolerated. I'd like to address these concerns in this post. ...
Starting with the guidelines ... I realize that they are not everyone's cup of tea, but I still feel they do far more good than harm. Conversation can quickly become heated on the Internet, and I firmly believe the guidelines keep things from getting out of hand. It'd be nice if we were all mature adults -- but we're not. Myself included.
The guidelines are meant for everyone, and they apply to the most diehard regulars. If, for some reason, you feel that a comment has been posted that should be deleted, don't hesitate to let me know, either here or via e-mail. If you find the guidelines too confining, then consider the big picture of what they accomplish. If that big picture doesn't look attractive to you, well, I've learned all too well that I can't please everyone. Believe me, it's been humbling.
There are a few other points I'd like to emphasize:
*Although off-topic conversation is allowed at Dodger Thoughts, it is meant to broaden the discussion and the community here, not narrow it. If someone's talking about television when you want to talk about Chad Billingsley, then make a comment about Chad Billingsley. There's nothing stopping you.
*No Dodger Thoughts rule prevents a point of view. Every point of view is welcome.
*People who agree on some issues disagree on others. We're all human.
*There is no ban on any style of conversation that would be allowed in a civil, offline venue.
One quirk that occurred to me overnight is that the people who complain the most about the site's rules tend to be the people who, frankly, are most protected by them. A primary purpose of the comments is to safeguard those who have minority viewpoints.
Since more than one reader is encountering this problem, I take it very seriously. I want to remind people to treat everyone with respect -- especially those with whom you disagree. This is of the utmost importance.
At the same time, I'd like to remind those whose comments meet opposition that disagreement is not censorship. It's easy to become defensive -- it happens to me, like anyone else -- but if someone is rebutting with you without attacking you personally, the simple thing to do is respond to the rebuttal. Or write it off. The point is, we're all here for the same purpose.
If you feel you are being chased away, let me know. But first, examine if that's truly happening. It's not easy to be in the minority on an issue, but inevitably, someone is going to be.
My transition to The Times has not gone as smoothly as I had hoped, for three reasons that I can name (not counting the requirement to capitalize both Ts in "The Times"). One has been the technical problems, and another has been a bit of a culture clash between readers.
Perhaps the oddest wrinkle in the transition has been the effect of the Dodgers surprising all of us by having the best record in baseball. That itself has led to a divide between those who find some complaints about the team petty, against those who feel that no problem is too small even when the team is winning.
It's not so much that there's heated disagreement on the main issues, as there is disagreement about how to respond to those issues. For example, I would say a minority of readers believe Matt Kemp should bat low in the order, but a majority feel it hasn't been worth losing sleep over. A minority of readers think the Dodgers have a playoff spot locked up, but a majority don't seem to think it's time to panic. And so on.
I can see both sides. The level of negativity this season has struck me as remarkable and kind of depressing, not because I'm a knee-jerk defender of all things Dodgers (another accusation I've encountered more than once lately) but because I simply want to savor the good times as they happen. That being said, I should probably be more tolerant of the negativity and not make such a big deal of it.
But also, maybe that means that some other commenters shouldn't make such a big deal over some things as well. From the site's very first day, long before commenting was even a notion, I've wanted Dodger Thoughts to be a place to seek perspective on the team (and the sport, and life). That doesn't mean a "No Griping" rule. But it does imply that the gripes should have a sense of context -- and sometimes, I feel that is lacking.
In the end, I consider this site my responsibility. As we near the All-Star Break and I look back at the first half of the season, aspects of site management that I could have handled better shout out at me. I am going to do my best to improve over the second half of the season, which may bring us a breezy jaunt to October or a tense pennant race. I hope, win or lose, people continue to find this a nice place to hang out.
Greg again here. What strikes me is that even though Jon is discussing very specific Dodger-related issues above, it's stunning how much this seems to apply to us here at Station 8.
*Griping is totally legit. But griping without any sense of context does get old and leads to temper flare ups.
*The MORE you disagree with someone, the MORE respectful you should be. If you can't be respectful, don't respond. Or at the very least, GO AWAY for an hour or two until you calm down.
*Don't sink to the level of the most obnoxious posters. If we've got a troll, it does NOT help to troll back at him or her.
I think it would be a good idea, no matter what format the comment room takes going forward if some version of the DodgerThoughts guidelines were adopted and POSTED on the sidebar for everyone to see every time they post.
Again, that's merely my opinion. Gore can and should simply do whatever he wants.
Finally, I want to thank my brother, whom I admire to no end. I'm sure he has no idea of the problems we had here last week. It's not like I planned to post anything else on the subject. But there it was. This incredibly well-written common sense response to a problem he didn't even know I was having. Thanks, Jon.
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