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TNT writes...

Hi Greg,

In the time that you've been working in TV animation, you must have seen many changes in the industry. In terms of the "nuts and bolts" elements of making a show (storyboarding, animation, retakes, sound mixing etc), things must have changed quite a bit.

1. What aspects of production have become easier over time?

2. What has gotten more difficult?

3. Would these changes have more to do with changes in technology, your own level of experience in the industry or to the studio/property you're working with at the time?

4. Is there anything about the industry that was specifically different in the intervening decades with Spectacular Spider-Man or the earlier seasons of Young Justice that wasn't the case before or since?

5. If Gargoyles were to come back with you involved, obviously the most important thing is the continuity of the story, but to what extent would it have to change in its art or animation style to be made today?

Greg responds...

1. I'm not sure "easier" is the term I'd use, but "possible" includes a lot of fixes we can make in editing and post-production on voices, on picture, on effects, etc. There are things we can do now that we flat out couldn't do before.

2. Nothing particularly springs to mind, unless it's the glut of content that makes getting attention for one's project more difficult.

3. Mostly, with changes in technology. I like to think that I'm better at certain things now than I used to be, too. Of course, the flip side of that is that I'm also more demanding than I used to be. Different studios have different strengths and weaknesses, but I haven't noticed one being stronger or weaker overall, and I've worked at a LOT of different places.

4. Post-production visual FX work became much more commonplace since. But it was largely not done previous.

5. That depends on all sorts of factors that are hypothetical. But there's no reason why - at least in theory - we couldn't simply use the same design style, assuming TPTB approved.

Response recorded on September 12, 2022

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wholelottahate19 writes...

Did Gwen know Eddie was Venom by the end of Season 2?

Greg responds...

I don't think so. But it's been a while.

Response recorded on September 12, 2022

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Anonymous writes...

Which of these two would you rather do?

A Spectacular Spider-Man Season 3 or writing the next Spider-Man trilogy for the MCU?

(I mainly ask this because I think you'd be the best choice for writing the next Spider-Man films)

Greg responds...

The hypotheticals attached to these questions are so vast as to make it impossible to answer. I'd love to do additional seasons of Spectacular. And I certainly wouldn't say no to writing anything for the MCU, let alone three Spider-Man films.

Response recorded on September 01, 2022

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Josh writes...

Simple yes or no question with no spoilers. Was Liz going to remain part of The Spectacular Spider-Man series as an important character alongside the likes of Flash? Not saying they would be a major focus, but in terms of character development and the brilliance of the series getting side characters involved with the plot, was she going to get her redemption in season 3 onwards and played a vital role? I liked the way you altered the comic book version by changing a few things (again no spoiler) and bringing a refreshing look to the character. It would be nice if you give a response that is more than just a yes or no to understand your answer, but it’s ok if you choose not to.

Greg responds...

Josh, I like how you preface this with "Simple yes or no question" and then end with "give a response that is more than just a yes or no."

Anyway, we had no plan to drop Liz Allen from the cast of Spectacular. Everyone was still going to the same high school, and no one was disappearing. Screen time always dictates that Peter/Spidey comes first, but we loved our cast and wanted to continue to explore them all. Beyond that, I won't give any details.

Response recorded on August 29, 2022

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Spectacular Spider-Geek writes...

Hi Greg,
I had a couple of additional Spectacular questions.

1. How does the Osberry work? I understand how Goblin’s Osberry was able to show a full layout of the vault considering who Goblin is. I’m more confused on how Black Cat was able to pull up a map in order to navigate through the prison.
2. In Accomplices, how did everyone track Roderick Kingsley for the final battle? It looked like he just parked at a random parking garage but maybe I’m wrong.
3. This is kind of a follow up to my previous post, but was Menken aware of Norman being the Goblin? He definitely knows of Norman’s dealings with supervillains and gangsters since he held the summit in Accomplices. but I’m wondering if he knew that he was being set up by Norman.

Thanks Greg. Looking forward to more Young Justice in the Spring!

Greg responds...

1. She cheated.

2. It was his office parking garage, I think. It's been a long time.

3. No spoilers.

Response recorded on August 11, 2022

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Spectacular Spider-Geek writes...

Hi Greg,

Hope you and your family are staying healthy. I’ve been introducing Spectacular to a lot of my friends and had a couple of questions since rewatching it.

1. What did Ock do to mitigate his powerpack from losing power after his debut episode?

2. In Final Curtain, why does “Chameleon-Norman” need to hire Gargan to find Menken? In the episode, “Chameleon-Norman” is told by the Oscorp employee that the only people that can remove Menken’s address from the Oscorp database would be Norman or Menken. I thought that the real Norman would know where Menken would be since Menken says that Oscorp rented the apartment for him? I’m just confused on why the real Norman wouldn’t know and tell “Chameleon-Norman” where Menken’s location would be in order to lure Spider-Man to Menken.

3. Who came up with the idea to frame Menken? Was it Chameleon or Norman?

My friends are enjoying the show and it’s been a joy to rewatch the show. It still holds up. I’ve been enjoying YJ: Phantoms as well. Finally, I wanted to send my condolences to you for the loss of Dave Schwartz. Hope you are well and stay safe.

Greg responds...

1. Something very smart and clever, I'm sure.

2. It's been a while, but I think the point was to maintain the illusion that Menken was missing and that Norman didn't know where to find him. The real Norman did, of course, know where Menken was.

3. Norman. But it was less a frame than misdirection to lure Spidey into a trap.

Thanks for your kind words. Dave is missed.

Response recorded on August 03, 2022

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Onha21 writes...

Hello Greg !
First, i'am a big fan of your work for years now, the author job is absolutely amazing and you are one of the best for me.
But here I have one question that torture me for weeks since I have seen the masterpiece "Spectacular Spider-Man"
If the season 3 to 5 has happened... Would Peter have left Gwen somehow and ended up with Mary Jane? I dont have to judge your answer I just want to know how I have to see the charaters now... Because one thing that I really love about what you did of Mary Jane, is letting her be a incredible character on her own, not by Pete, and I cant see this Pete with this version of Mary Jane personally, and his relationship with Gwen is for me a masterpiece and one of the major good point of the series.
Deep inside of me I hope that your plan was to do Pete - Gwen the final relationship but I'm not the author here...

With all my respect, thanks for all what you did and will do, we will continue to support you <3

P.S I search for an hour now in the respond and unrespond questions and however I try to formulate the key word of the search bar, I always end with hundreds of question, I read tens of them without fiding one like mine so sorry if this was already post and/or respond, and if it was I will be gratefull to the moderator who is reading me (thanks for this giantfull work that you did for more than 10 years) to link me this post

2nd P.S : My english is really not perfect but I did my best, French are not known for their english talent haha.

Again thanks for all <3 in the past, the present and the future.

Greg responds...

Your English is WAY better than my French, believe me. Thanks for all the kind words.

BUT... I'm not going to say what we would have done with Pete, Gwen, MJ or anyone. No spoilers is the policy around here. Sorry.

Response recorded on August 01, 2022

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Jacob L Goodheart writes...

Hey Greg, huge fan of your work!
I just have a few questions concerning Spider-Man if you don't mind answering.

1.) The 1990's series had a sort of infamy around it for being heavily censcored to the point where Spidey wasn't allowed to punch his bad guys (They couldn't even call the Sinister Six 'Sinister'). Now your spidey throws punches, but did you have to clear any similar hurdles?

2.) I've always seen Spider-Man as a sort of loner superhero, part of that I think is because of Spectacular since there's no other heroes like Daredevil or the Avengers around to help. Do you consider spidey the same?

3.) I'm not sure if you can answer this or not, but did MJ know that Pete was Spider-Man like in the comics? Or was this a version where she, like everyone else, didn't know.

4.) This is more of a statement, but I love the webshooter sound effect you guys used for this show! I have no idea what it is but I'll sometimes hear the same SFX with other shows and think 'Hey! That's Spider-man's!'

Thanks Greg!

Greg responds...

1. No.

2. I suppose I consider him a solo act, but not adverse to helping out or accepting help.

3. No spoilers.

4. :)

Response recorded on July 06, 2022

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Verdragon writes...

Since you've written for the character before, what are your thoughts on the MCU version of Spiderman, and what do you think makes a good Spiderman adaptation as a whole?

Greg responds...

Generally speaking, I like the MCU Spider-Man. There's a lot to like. I like his youth and inexperience. I like his good intentions, not always backed up by his relatively inexperienced actions. I may have quibbles here and there, but they're relatively minor.

What "makes a good Spiderman adaptation as a whole?" Well, for starters, you definitely need a hyphen. It's Spider-Man, not Spiderman.

Beyond that, I think I've answered this question in great detail - over two seasons and twenty-six episodes: it's called THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN. That's my version of the best way to adapt the character. I'll let it speak for itself.

Response recorded on June 15, 2022

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Mr.Felipe Barros writes...

Hi Greg, i wanted to say that i simply love your shows(YJ and Spider-Man are my favourites) everthing that you write specifically attracts me and you are probably one of my favorite writers :D. Anyway, recently i was thinking about characters age in Spectacular Spider-Man timeline so here are some questions:

1. How old is Black Cat? i think i saw some interview podcast that you said she was nineteen(but im not so sure) nevertheless, do you think is weird for her to kiss a 16 year old teenager? even though she problably thought he was older.

2. Did someone besides Flash Thompson in Peter class(like Harry or Gwen, or Peter himself) made 17 in the space of 6 months that the show is pass?

3. When Peter was bitten by the spider in the field trip of his sophomore year, he was sixteen already or was he fifteen and made sixteen after sometime later?

4. How are you theses days?

4a. Sorry for any grammatical mistake, im brazillian and english is a little dificult to write. Anyway, i wish the best for you :)

Greg responds...

1. She's 19. She didn't know Peter was 16.

2. I don't know. Though Kenny and Rand were seniors, so they were probably 17 or 18.

3. I don't believe we ever set a specific birthdate for Peter.

4. Can't complain. I mean, well, I do complain. All the time. But I really shouldn't complain.

4a. Your English is WAY better than my Portuguese!

Response recorded on June 03, 2022

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Andrew writes...

Greetings, Greg, hope you're doing fine. On The Spectacular Spider-Man, as I have been doing a rewatch recently, I have but one question, related to the choices in design: what inspired essentially the looks of the main characters? Of course, the comics, but what iterations were more important, for example, when deciding how Spidey's suit would look?

Greg responds...

It's really more of a question for Sean "Cheeks" Galloway (our character designer) and Vic Cook (my producing partner). I wanted something that looked essentially iconic, but contemporary. But of course in Cheeks' style. I had less concern over locking into some specific comic book issue's take on a character. But of course, our overall guiding lights were the work of Steve Ditko and John Romita, Sr.

As for Spidey's suit, the main challenge is to lock into something that is animatable but still iconic. You have too many weblines on his suit, and those lines tend to get messy when he's moving. Too few, and it just doesn't look like Spidey anymore. I wanted a lean Ditkoesque Spider-Man, not the over-muscled version that I'd seen in many other animated shows. Etc. Lots of factors, really. Hasbro and Marvel weighed in, as well on him.

Response recorded on May 27, 2022

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Michael Broder writes...

Is Henchy an original character, based on someone from the comics, or both?
Have you ever thought of doing a motion comic where the actors read the whole comic?

Greg responds...

1. He's more-or-less original. He's based on a model created for the Green Arrow Showcase short and a specific voice that I love, which actor Steve Blum has used for me in multiple series: Raythor (W.I.T.C.H.), Blackie Gaxton (The Spectacular Spider-Man), Zeb (Star Wars Rebels).

2. Yes. I'd love to do that. But there's no budget for it, generally. The YJ Wiki did a few using volunteer labor and volunteer voice actors. Here's one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42QKFkSy4DU

Oh, and what the heck, here's another: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N3Z2b-UlTE

Response recorded on May 05, 2022

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K1811 writes...

Hello, I was a big fan of your work on Spectacular Spider-Man.

Questions:
1. Have you read some of the new Spider heroes like Miles Morales, Cindy Moon, Anya Corazon, etc. What is your opinion of them, and woulf you have used them if given the chance?

2. Who is your favorite girl to be paired with Peter Parker, or if you can't decide on one, who are your favorite romantic interests of Peter?

Greg responds...

1. I've read quite a bit of Miles, a little of Silk. Not so much Anya. I like them all as characters with potential. Given enough episodes and seasons, we might have gotten to them eventually.

2. You saw them on the show.

Response recorded on March 28, 2022

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Jonathan writes...

Not sure if you will answer me, but I have always being curious about something from Spectacular Spider-Man.

How old was Black Cat in the cartoon?

Greg responds...

Nineteen.

Response recorded on March 28, 2022

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Imaad R writes...

Hi Greg! I'm such a big fan of you and the spectacular team's take on Spider-Man. I grew up with Spectacular, (and young justice!) and it came back as a big inspiration in my life as an artist and writer after insomniacs fantastic games and rereading the classic comics from when I was a kid. You have created my favorite versions of these characters by modernizing them and giving them that classic feel in ways that blow my mind. Im a pretty classic spidey fan (i love lee/ditko/romita) despite being in my teens and I value cohesion like your take did. I have a question however from an aspiring writer to a professional;
If I think that a version long passed (yours) was the best version of something, what can I do to personally find a way to make my own take, despite having a similar mindset? Should I be afraid to be similar?
I would really value your opinion and again, thanks for your fantastic and inspiring work. Really hoping to see more of your stuff!

Greg responds...

Well, first off, thanks.

Secondly, as a professional, I really wouldn't spend much time (even much idle brain time) adapting something that you don't own, unless you're (a) being paid to do it or (b) you have a reasonable hope of being paid to do it. And even for (b), I wouldn't recommend doing very much work until someone said, "Yes! I love where you're going with this. Let me pay you to go further." Instead, I'd recommend coming up with your own original thing. Blow us away with that. And then maybe will want to trust you to adapt something that is theirs, e.g. Marvel with Spider-Man.

But finally, to get to your question, I guess I wouldn't sweat it too much. If I adapt Lee/Ditko or Lee/Romita comics, I'm still borrowing from what came before. And I'm not stopping there, nor am I shy about "stealing" from any of the source material from any era. Because, that's NOT stealing. It's adapting. I'm sure my adaptation had many similarities with others that came both before or after Spectacular. Of course it did. We're all going back to the same source material. So how could it not?

Response recorded on March 08, 2022

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Denis writes...

Hello, Greg. Before I ask my question, I'd like to pay my respects to how Spectacular Spider-Man turned out. I watched it when I was in school and after watching it as an adult, I can say that it was really spectacular.
However, one thing that saddened me as a kid and broke my heart as an adult was how unfairly Peter treated Liz Allan. It was sad, but what saddened me more was that we unfortunately never found out how these events would have affected Liz further, because I think this is a very interesting character whose development and changes I enjoyed watching, and I don't remember anyone having thought that deeply about this character.
My question is this: did you have plans to develop this character in other seasons and how do you yourself feel about Liz?
I'd love to hear your answer.

Greg responds...

I think Liz is a fascinating character and a pretty damned decent human being. We did have plans for her going forward.

Response recorded on February 14, 2022

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Sara writes...

Hey Greg I was wondering in Spectacular Spider Man why was Eddie Brock when he bonded with the Symbiote so much stronger than Peter was when he was using it?

Greg responds...

He fed her more hate.

Response recorded on November 08, 2021

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Todd Jensen writes...

In your "big round of question-answering" earlier this year, someone asked you about why there was never a Christmas episode of "Gargoyles", and you mentioned that it was never a big enough priority, though there'd been some ideas for it.

This reminded me that Halloween was the only holiday to feature in "Gargoyles" (unless you count New Year's Eve in the "Bad Guys" spin-off) - it got in twice, in fact, once in "Eye of the Beholder" and once in "Clan-Building", and from there, a thought I'd had about "Gargoyles", "The Spectacular Spider-Man", and "Young Justice".

Now, though I think that both "The Spectacular Spider-Man" and "Young Justice" were both well done, they never grabbed me as much as "Gargoyles" did. (I suspect that this comes from my having grown up on medieval legends and history far more than on DC and Marvel super-heroes, so that "Gargoyles" war far more a "first language" for me than the other two series were.) But one feature of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" and "Young Justice" that didn't appear in "Gargoyles", a feature that really delighted me, was that sense of the year's cycle, traveling through various holidays, in particular (I recall that "The Spectacular Spider-Man" incorporated Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's , and Valentine's Day, and the first two seasons of "Young Justice" - I haven't gotten around to seeing Season Three, so can't comment on it - covered the year's cycle - if a different year's cycle from New Year's to Independence Day than from Independence Day to New Year's, thanks to the time skip). Of course, I think it makes sense that those series would focus more on that cycle, since their leads were human (with a few alien leads in "Young Justice", of course, but who were interested in Earth customs), while the gargoyles would have less interest in human holidays (apart from Halloween,for obvious reasons).

More musings than an actual question, but it was an observation that I wanted to share with you.

Greg responds...

I think you're right. But I also think it had a lot to do with an evolution in my sensibilities. Keeping track of time for me started to become a priority for me later in my work.

Response recorded on October 28, 2021

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Alex writes...

1. Do you think Xanatos will ever form a club with Lex Luthor and Norman Osborn? I can't imagine he would find Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark fun for long :)

2. Regarding their wealth do you think Xanatos and Luthor are billionaires and Osborn was a multi millionaire in terms of wealth?

Greg responds...

1. I think we touched on this in one or two of the RadioPlays. You can check 'em out on YouTube. There are links in the Gargoyles Wiki.

2. I haven't done the math.

Response recorded on September 01, 2021

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EDWARD ASNER

So...

This is hard.

It's been a bit of a stressful weekend, as my father went into the hospital with chest pains. A stint that had been replaced last year had failed and was replaced again Saturday morning during an angioplasty. I've been concerned, worried. But the procedure seemed to go well, and he was set to go home today. We seemed to have dodged a bullet.

But there was a second gun.

I slept in today. I woke up to two pieces of news:

1. My dad was good. Solid. My sister picked him up at the hospital and took him straight to breakfast. (My mother was annoyed at not being included - but that's a whole other story.) He's home now. I've talked to him. He sounded cheerful. All good.

2. Ed Asner had passed away.

I spent most of the day doing laundry and other mundane tasks. Life goes on, right? It has to. But it's been difficult getting my head around the whole thing. I've gotten many calls and texts today, offering condolences as if I were part of the Asner family. Folks seem to know how close I felt to Ed. But I don't want to exaggerate. Ed was my friend. I hope he knew I was his, as well. But I haven't talked to him in at least a couple of years. (You can partially blame that on the pandemic, I suppose. There are a lot of people I've lost touch with. If anything, this is a reminder to GET in touch. And I'm going to make an effort to do that.) In any case, there are many, many people who knew Ed better than I did, who were closer to Ed than I was.

Nevertheless, at the risk of turning this post into my own self-aggrandizement, I am going to spend a few paragraphs here on the subject of the Ed Asner that I knew and loved.

I was a fan of Ed's long before I met him. Like many, many people, he first entered my awareness playing Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. (Later, I got a kick out of picking him out of reruns, where he usually played the heavy in such series as The Wild Wild West and others.) But as Lou, Ed was simply brilliant. One of the truly classic scenes in all of television is the scene in the TMTMS pilot, where Lou interviews Mary for a job. Do yourself a favor and view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj286uBKCu0

That scene had a major effect on me, even seeing it as a kid.

Now, having just rewatched it, the genius of the writing and the two performances still knocks me out. But there was something else about Lou and Mary. Watching their interactions was a bit like watching my parents. The connection in my mind between Lou and my dad was especially strong.

Ed and my father were two Ashkenazi Jews from the midwest. My dad was from Chicago; Ed, from Kansas City. They were gruff AND loving. They even had mannerisms in common. There was much more, I'm sure, that they DIDN'T have in common. But something connected the two men in my mind. And, meanwhile, my admiration for Asner as a performer knew no bounds. When I saw him in the Lou Grant series, in Rich Man, Poor Man, in Roots, that admiration only increased. When I learned of his activism - and the price he paid for it - that admiration shot through the roof.

Years later, when we had begun pre-production on GARGOYLES, I thought of Ed Asner - or of Lou Grant, at least - as the inspiration for Hudson. In fact, when we held auditions for the role, I wrote at the bottom of the character description that "Hudson hates spunk." This was, of course, a variation on Lou's classic line from the above job interview scene. Now, to be clear, I never imagined we'd get Ed to play the role. I figured he was way too big a star for us to land. But low and behold, a few days later, Ed came in to audition for the part. Later, he told me that when he read the character description, he was initially thrilled. The "Hudson hates spunk" line made him feel like he was a lock to land the role. Then a couple minutes later, he thought that if he didn't land the role it would really be awful. But of course, he immediately understood the character and nailed his audition... only for Jamie Thomason and I to throw him a curveball, asking him to do it again in a Scottish accent. He nailed that, too.

Working with Ed was a joy. He was fun and funny and so supportive. In addition to playing Hudson (and Burbank and Jack Danforth/Dane) on Gargoyles, I also cast him as recurring characters on Max Steel (Chuck Marshak), 3x3 Eyes (Grandpa Ayanokoji), W.I.T.C.H. (Napoleon the talking cat), Young Justice (Kent Nelson) and Rain of the Ghosts (Joe Charone). When casting Peter Parker's late Uncle Ben in The Spectacular Spider-Man, Ed was the only person I ever considered. He always brought so much to each and every role.

And more than that he was a great friend to me. After the first season of Max Steel, when I couldn't find a job for over a year and thought I might have to give up on my writing career, Ed was there, offering me support. We had lunch at Musso & Frank's. He looked at pictures of my kids out of my wallet and told me to laminate them. He introduced me to his son, Matt Asner, a producer. He didn't allow me to wallow in self-pity or to badmouth guys who I believed had done me wrong. He just reassured me that I had ability and would find my way through. He was, in essence, my work dad.

So today, as you might imagine, has been complicated. My dad is home and healthy. And Ed is gone. I'm grateful and sorrowful. And struggling. But life goes on. It has to, right?

Finally, I'm going to quote Hudson from Gargoyles. In "The Price," an episode that spotlighted the character, Ed as Hudson told Xanatos: "A friendly word of advice: True immortality isn't about living forever, man. It's about what you do with the time you have. When all your scheming's done, what will be your legacy, Xanatos?"

I think we all know that Ed Asner did amazing things with the time he had. And though we'll miss him dearly, his legacy is clear and shining.


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Kiddo writes...

Hey, thanks for hours of entertainment through your shows. I just recently finished watching the canon run of Gargoyles on DVD through the library (Me and a friend greatly enjoyed the journey, and had a lot of fun watching it!) after growing up on your other shows, like Young Justice and Spectacular Spider-Man. So, thank you, and as I’m new here, I’d figure I’d try and put a question that isn’t quite so... obvious.
Did Eliza’s palate change much after the Avalon World Tour?

Greg responds...

Um... sure.

Response recorded on August 17, 2021

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Akeem M. writes...

Hi Greg,

I know you are not the biggest fan of hypothetical questions, but I have a question regarding Spectacular Spider-Man that can be considered one. We all know about the untimely demise of the show, and the fact that you and the team had an outline of where you wanted the series to go. If Sony were to do animated movies in Spectacular's universe (as that seems to be the only feasible outcome at this time), would you continue with your plans as they were back when the show was running? Or do you feel that you would include some ideas from comics in the past decade while the show was off the air?

Greg responds...

Akeem, the reason I'm not a big fan of hypothetical questions is because there's no way for me to answer a hypothetical question like this. I DON'T CONTROL THIS STUFF. Given that simple fact (that fans don't seem to want to absorb), there are too many variables for me to answer. How do I know what I would do in the EXTREMELY unlikely event that this comes to pass? It depends on what my bosses want.

Response recorded on August 13, 2021

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Stephan Bowen writes...

Let me start out by saying that I have enjoyed your work on Young Justice and Spectacular Spider-man and anything that I have seen of your work. But my question may be a bit long and/or complicated (probably). So I have watched Spectacular Spider-man for as long as I can remember and enjoy it for what it is, but the way it ended has always made me want more. I have thoroughly looked at the guidelines for the question I am about to ask and couldn't find anything, but I would like permission to make a comic series (if I do) of Spectacular Spider-man. I wouldn't want money for it as for me it would be a hobby, if I were to make it I wouldn't want to harm the fame and attraction that it has gotten in recent years. From what I have heard you say in your Spectacular spider-casts and your interviews that I can source back to you, I have written down in notes and will try to follow as best as I could (at least in a stort standpoint). I'm not trying to disrespect you in any way, in fact it is quite the opposite actually. In essence if there were a season 3 and however far along I am in this (if I go through with it) I wouldn't expect you to (no other way to word this) be inspired by me (I guess) let alone read any of the comic(s). But I would love an answer, if you feel uncomfortable answering here you can email me (stephan.bowen13@gmail.com); in no way is this an endorsement, but I am young (19 yrs old) and am known to make decisions based on an idea

Greg responds...

What you're describing sounds like fanfiction to me. And I'm all for you doing that. And I don't imagine Marvel or Sony would object as long as you're not making any money off it. But I'd never be able to look at it for legal liability issues. In essence, it's none of my business.

Response recorded on August 12, 2021

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A Fan writes...

Hi Greg,
Since it's cancelation, you've shared a lot about what was planned for Spectacular Spider-Man. I was doing a rewatch of the series the other day and finally noticed Flash's sister during the hospital scene. I'm curious as to whether there was going to be some grand overarching narrative with her in later seasons, or if she was just in the scene to serve as window dressing?

Greg responds...

We had plans for EVERYONE.

Response recorded on August 12, 2021

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anonymous writes...

Do you think there is more hope of Spectacular Spiderman coming back after Tom Holland saved Spiderman in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He convinced Disney and Sony to negotiate over the rights for a 2nd time after Spiderman was temporarily off of the Marvel Cinematic Universe after the 1st negotiation. I think Spectacular Spiderman can come back if you help Disney, Marvel, and Sony negotiate over Spiderman TV rights again. If they see the success of the series you've worked in like Young Justice maybe through a portfolio or something, they could give it another shot. Tom Holland showed me that rights issues can be solved if we take action though that might've been because of the big bucks of the movies. Times are different now, maybe if you can help propose those companies to make a deal over the TV rights, they can accept it because it can be financially better for both companies to run something like that. Times are different with revivals nowadays like with Young Justice, companies care a lot about money so maybe you and other people can convince that it will financially benefit both companies. I really believe one day, the series will be revived.

Greg responds...

I don't help with negotiations. EVER. That's way above my paygrade.

(I don't even handle my own negotiations, frankly. My agent does that.)

And by the way, plenty of people have seen my successes on one show or another - and felt very, very free to ignore them. I am FAR from having the kind of clout that you're implying I have.

Response recorded on August 12, 2021

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Wei writes...

Thank you for your time and all the great series over the years.

Like other Spider-Man fans I feel it's unfortunate that it's unlikely for Spectacular Spider-Man to return due to legalities (would love to be proven wrong though).

However would you be willing to helm a new animated Spider-Man series for Marvel?

Greg responds...

In theory.

Response recorded on August 12, 2021

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Anonymous writes...

Hi, Greg Weisman! I was rewatching Spectacular Spider-Man, great show, and I was rewatching Intervention specifically. One thing that caught my eyes was the manager, Sullivan Edwards I believe, and I tried looking for a comic book or movie counterpart for him since in Amazing Fantasy #15 the manager is called Maxwell Shiffman. I found a Mr. Sullivan from Spider-Man 1, and a famous promoter in real life named Edward Sullivan, was the manager based on the SM1 character as a homage to the latter? Thanks!

Greg responds...

The name was an homage to Ed Sullivan, the newspaper and television personality.

Response recorded on August 12, 2021

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Andrew writes...

Were you involved with the creation of The Spectacular Spider-Man intro, and if so what involvement?

Greg responds...

That was mostly Vic Cook and Phil Weinstein, as I recall. Plus The Tender Box, who wrote and produced the show's theme song. But I did have input.

Response recorded on July 26, 2021

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FallenLegend writes...

Hey greg I got one question for spectacular spiderman.

This is something I've always wondered in every version of Venom.

Why did the symbiote covered Peter's face like a "normal mask", but then started to show the scary teeth and the jaw when he became bonded with Eddy?

Thank you, Greg!

Greg responds...

Each relationship was symbiotic. Take from that what you will.

Response recorded on July 26, 2021

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Charlie writes...

1. Is there an in-universe reason that Peter Parker doesn't try to join the Fantastic Four or really think about them at all? I understand they're celebrities who deal with unspecified "cosmic threats," but assuming the Baxter Building exists and is in New York I can't imagine why Peter wouldn't think himself at least worthy of their time. Reed Richards has a nearly god-level intellect and Sue Storm's force manipulation abilities have near-unlimited potential, but Spider-Man is at least in the same league as Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm, right?
2. Why is Kraven working with Doctor Octopus in "Gangland," as evidenced by Doc Ock trying to call him on his comm?

Greg responds...

1. We had a definite plan (before scripts were written) to introduce Johnny Storm as Spidey's frenemy in Season One. And then move their story forward from there. But we weren't allowed to use Johnny or any of the FF, so we abandoned that.

2. They seemed sympatico.

Response recorded on July 26, 2021

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SLI writes...

Hello,

Like many people, I watched Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse recently and found it delightful (don't worry though, SpecSpidey will always be my favourite rendition of the character).

Into the Spiderverse was very clearly a Sony production and not a Disney one, which I take to mean that while Sony gave Disney back the rights to making animated Spider-Man shows, that clearly does not apply to animated Spider-Man films, at least not at the moment.

1) Does that mean that the SpecSpidey art/story assets would be usable by Sony in a film?

2) Could this realistically mean that if a future "Into The Spiderverse" sequel or spin were made and more "Spider-verses" were introduced (which seems like an obvious next step for them), that we could see SpecSpidey as one of those spider-verses?

Given that they brought spider-man noir into 3D space and somehow made that work, I don't imagine they'd struggle with SpecSpidey's art style, if it came to that.

After all, they were willing to bring in the 1967 cartoon as one of their alternate universes, though hopefully in the case of SpecSpidey they'd take it a bit more seriously, perhaps by bringing in Josh Keaton and a writer or two from the original show...?

Greg responds...

1. I don't know, but I doubt it's that simple.

2. I don't know, but I tend to think it unlikely.

One can dream...

Response recorded on July 26, 2021

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Hammerhead writes...

Hey Greg, rewatched Spectacular Spiderman on Blu-Ray and it was great! Two questions:
1. In the episode when the Sinister Six first appear, Toomes wipes some stuff on the prison walls before they escape while bringing Sandman and Rhino their food. What is he doing?
2. In the episode where Norman auctions off his specs for Rhino mercs, there's a moment where Hammerhead headbutts Rhino a couple of times and I think I only noticed it this time because of the blu ray quality, but there's specks of red that appear where Hammerhead hits Rhino in the face. Is that blood??

Greg responds...

1. I honestly don't remember. I'd have to watch it again.

2. Might be. Again, it's been a lot of years. I don't remember. Sorry.

Response recorded on July 26, 2021

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Anonymous writes...

did you know that your show is awesome?

Greg responds...

I kinda feel like it's awesome. It is to me, at least. It's the kinda show I would like to watch. But I'm happy to have you and others confirm that. Very happy.

Um... which show are we talking about?

Response recorded on July 26, 2021

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B writes...

In https://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?qid=22687, where Mo asked "I just rewatched spectacular spiderman and I feel there were a few bits inspired by the Rami trilogy, is that true?" and you said "Since I don't know what the Rami trilogy is, I'm gonna say no.", they must have been referring to the original trilogy of Spider-Man films starring Tobey Maguire and directed by Sam Raimi. The Raimi trilogy.

Greg responds...

Oh, I get it. In that case, the answer is definitely yes. Sorry I misunderstood.

Response recorded on July 23, 2021

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Jacob Levy writes...

Hello Greg,

Congrats on your amazing work on Spectacular Spider-Man, Garoyles, and upcoming season of YJ.

In Spectacular Spider-Man, Uncle Ben dies in the late spring/early summer. Since Season 3 would have taken place during that time period, were there plans either to acknowledge or have an episode centered around the one-year anniversary of Uncle Ben's death.

Thanks again for creating a fantastic series that will hopefully return someday and best of luck with Young Justice.

Sincerely,
Jacob

Greg responds...

Thank you.

1. Sure.

Response recorded on July 14, 2021

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Christopher Rosa writes...

Dear Greg Weisman,

This is Christopher Rosa again. I sent you a message before, and like I said before I'm a big fan of the shows you work on and write for, in particular The Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon. But a part of me feels that you handle Flash Thompson wrong, a part of me feels to that Flash was becoming nice and befriend Peter too fast. I dislike it in the comics that Peter had to accept Flash's bullying because if he tried to fight back he could really hurt him. Though in the cartoon Flash never physically attacks Peter and instead mostly calls him names and pranks him, I feel by Peter easily forgiving Flash like that it was saying that it was ok for Flash to bully Peter. I just wish you show Peter standing up to Flash more, maybe Peter didn't have to fight Flash but he could have stood up to him and told him "I'm not letting you push me around anymore" or he could have told a teacher. But then again, each season only has 13 episodes and there may have not been enough time with that with Peter's life as Spider-Man and social life. That is what I feel, and also me and a friend talk and he told me of an idea of someone telling off Flash and telling him how hypocritical it is for Flash to worship a hero whose example he doesn't have the character to follow in his own life. What do you think of that idea and what I just said?

Greg responds...

I think you have a good point, but our version of the Flash/Peter relationship was more complex than what you're suggesting. They have a history that goes back long before any bullying. Their friendship as little kids was altered by the death of Peter's parents, which scared Flash. Had we had more episodes, we would have explored this in more detail.

Response recorded on July 14, 2021

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Olivier Ouimet writes...

So it's been like almost 10 years and I just watched season 1 and 2 of The spectacular Spider-Man and well you probably know where i'm going with this but this would mean a lot to so many people. I was heartbroken by the ending wich wasn't an ending and I'm 17 and this is a kids show sort of and I just had so many feelings. So much was planned for season 3 and 4 just thinking about it... So as there been anything new? Please tell us.

Greg responds...

There has not. Wish I could say otherwise, but there's not likely to be.

Response recorded on July 14, 2021

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Matt B writes...

I was wondering about Jean Dewolff's change from captain to patrolman and Italian American (I think) to Native American. I like the changes but am curious about the thought process behind them.

Also, what people was Jean from?

Also, does she know Elisa Maza? I'm guessing that Native American NYC cops are a small sorority.

Also, Jean and a few other characters (EG Gwen, Captain Stacy) die in the comics. I won't ask names because of spoilers, but were you planning on some character deaths if the series had continued?

Thanks, and i hope you get to follow up on SSM and Gargoyles someday. I really mss those shows. At least YJ is coming back!

Greg responds...

1. We had long-term plans for Jean, which necessitated her starting as a patrolwoman.

2. We were looking to increase diversity in the show, and the name DeWolff suggested a nice fit with Native American.

3. Never worked it out. Guess I'd lean toward Inupiat and French Canadian/Cree (Metis) ancestry, which matches her voice actor, Irene Bedard. (Or so Wikipedia tells me.)

4. Let's assume that in the Gargoyles Meets The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Young Justice Universe that they do.

5. No spoilers.

Response recorded on July 12, 2021

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Max writes...

Hey, Greg. If you could do your own personal take on the Spider-Man mythos as a TV series (not like Spectacular. I mean a wholly original concept built from scratch.), what would it be like? With new origins for the villains and all that...

Greg responds...

Sorry, but I've done that, and it IS Spectacular. I'm not looking to reinvent the wheel with an existing property. I'm looking to do the best version of that property that I can manage.

Response recorded on July 12, 2021

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Elliot writes...

What can we do to have Disney marvel and Sony’s attention to bring back spectacular spider-man

Greg responds...

Request that they air the show on Disney+, maybe? But honestly, I think it's a virtual contractual impossibility for it to come back. So don't get your hopes up.

Response recorded on July 09, 2021

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Crummy writes...

Just want to say first I fell in love with spectacular spiderman when it aired on teletoon years ago, and recently I rewatched season 1 and 2. Now that I've rewatched it I've become more invested in the characters and I want to know why gwen and peter never had a true relationship, every episode I was wishing for it to happen and it never did. I just want to know if peter and gwen ever did have a relationship in this universe or not after season 3. Thank you for making my childhood great.

Greg responds...

No spoilers. Sorry.

Response recorded on July 09, 2021

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Nathan Scott writes...

Hay greg big fan of your work I was wondering if you could explain to me why you used a mouthlay format for young justice and spectacular spider man.

Greg responds...

I'm assuming "mouthlay" is a typo, but I can't quite figure out what it's replacing. The closest I can come up with is "monthly," but I don't understand what "monthly format" might mean. Sorry.

Response recorded on July 09, 2021

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Alark writes...

As another question , have you heard about the new Spider-Man PS4 video game coming out, what are your thoughts on it? Thank you very much for your time.

Greg responds...

I don't know anything about it.

Response recorded on July 09, 2021

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Anonymous writes...

Hey, Congratulations with Young Justice Season 3! I wanted to ask you a question and how that would have affected the Spectacular Spider-man world. There has been a lot of debate over what kind of scientist Peter Parker is in the comics. In the original Ditko run clearly studied Chemistry, Until ASM #22, when he says: “I wonder if I should specialize in Biochemistry or Physics”. After Ditko left the title, Romita came in and according to the Marvel Handbook, he studied Biophysics. After that, it became a mess, he became Biochemistry researcher, a Chemistry Teacher, Engineer for Horizon Labs, CEO of Parker Industries (with a PHD in Physics) and more recently, the Daily Bugle’s Science Editor. So my question is, what kind of Science he would have studied while in college in the show and what is your opinion about what kind of science major he is in the comics?

Greg responds...

At the high school level, Peter was interested in everything science.

At the Conners' lab, he was studying bio-chemistry.

What he would have ultimately majored in, in college, is a spoiler.

Response recorded on July 09, 2021

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Paulo writes...

Hey, I want to know, what is Tombstone origin story? Is he just albino, like in the comics, or is there something that happened to him, like in Spider-Man Animated Series?

It would be something that would be explored in the future?

Greg responds...

No spoilers. Sorry.

Response recorded on July 09, 2021

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Lewys Tapscott-Nott writes...

How do you plan out a story Spider-Man?

Greg responds...

I'm not Spider-Man.

But basically, there's no difference in planning a Spidey story than planning a story for any show. It involves a lot of index cards, moving beats around until it gels.

Response recorded on July 09, 2021

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Emily The Disney Fan writes...

Hello again Mr. Weisman!

I know you've made Radio Plays of Cross overs with Gargoyles, Spider-Man, and Young Justice! Which leads me to this Question if you don't mind!

Is There by chance any Other Particular Disney Animated Series, Like The ones from Disney Channel or any other the other Disney Afternoon shows, That you would like to Cross Over with 'Gargoyles'?

Greg responds...

W.I.T.C.H., probably.

Response recorded on July 02, 2021

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Anon writes...

Hey, Greg. Love the Spectacular Spiderman and I've noticed some visual references to the Raimi films(quite a few actaully) but I'm sure there are many more that i missed. Can you point them out besides those?:
Pic in the bugle of spidey stiking to a wall like he does in Spiderman 1 festival parade, Him swinging in the like in, landing on the train and jumping on the building twards the train like in Sm2, the arms binding to doc ock's back, spidey throwing a piece from the highscool fountain like he throws that piece of clock at doc ock in 2, falling airfight with venom in the highscool like the one at the building site in 3.

Greg responds...

There's no way I remember all the references. Not even sure if I'M aware of all the references, since our board artists and directors may have also slipped some stuff in there.

Response recorded on July 02, 2021

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BattleBeast writes...

Greetings Greg, as a fan you and your shows I have to ask.
If you could combine Spectacular Spider-Man with Young Justice (or just Marvel and DC in general), what do you think Spider-Man's relationship with each member of The Team and Justice League would be like?
For example:
1) Who would be his best friend on the team?
2) Who would be his Love interest?
3) Who would be his Justice League Mentor?
4) Which YJ villain would be his rival?

Greg responds...

Check out our Gargoyles meets the Spectacular Spider-Man meets Young Justice convention Radio Plays on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggu7lSMXOnM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ9Q4LJ3Lbk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opxWHewfkiA

Response recorded on July 02, 2021

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Chris writes...

Hello Greg.

I know you don't work for Disney, but regarding their upcoming streaming service and Spectacular Spider-man, I am curious about something. Assuming they would want to add the show, could they or would they be unable to since Sony still holds the show's rights.

Greg responds...

I don't know. But to my knowledge, they haven't added it.

Response recorded on July 02, 2021

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Jared. L Powell writes...

What has it been like to work on so many different show that so many people remember fondly?
What was your favorite show to work on out of all of them?

Greg responds...

1. It's very cool, honestly. Though, if I'm being even more honest, I do wish that I'd been able to make more of fewer series than so many different series.

2. Choosing between my "children" is not something I tend to do. Ultimately, I truly enjoyed working on Gargoyles, WITCH, The Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice as a writer-producer. And although it was never "my" show, the writing team on Shimmer & Shine were such great people, that I truly loved working with them on it.

Response recorded on July 02, 2021

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Dakota writes...

Mr. Greg Weisman. I just wanna say that I loved spectacular spiderman, gargoyles (as a very young kid) and young justice. Spectacular and young justice have become my favorite cartoons of all time! You sir are awesome and so are your shows

Greg responds...

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm thrilled you like our stuff!

Response recorded on July 01, 2021

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Chris writes...

Hello Greg. I am curious about Spectacular Spiderman. I know that you have other upcoming projects to focus on, but if Sony were to completely reliquensh all rights for the Webhead including the series and Marvel acquired them, do you believe there would be a chance for you to conclude the series as you planned?

Greg responds...

That's such a huge hypothetical, that I don't know how to respond... beyond saying that I personally would be willing to continue the series in the EXTREMELY UNLIKELY event that all the stars aligned to give me the chance.

But it doesn't conclude. It never concludes.

Response recorded on July 01, 2021

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Warren writes...

First of all, I wanted to say I'm a huge fan of your work on the shows Rebels and Spectacular Spider-Man. Now, I wanted to ask what was the reason behind Eddie Brock's look in Spectacular? I always thought he stood out from the rest of characters somehow. I'd greatly appreciate if you could go as in depth as possible. Thanks for giving us such masterpieces and have a merry christmas.

Greg responds...

I'm really not sure what you mean. He was designed by Cheeks Galloway, just like all the major characters. What seems different to you?

Response recorded on June 29, 2021

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Mohammad writes...

Hey Greg,
I hope all is well~ <3
I just finished The Spectacular Spider man and I can't sleep anymore, my heart aches because of how the show was left off, especially when I enjoyed it so much. It just fills me with negative emotions every time I look at one of Disneys Spiderman cartoon shows knowing well enough that it won't ever be as good as Spectacular Spiderman. I know I won't get any closure no matter what I do. But I do have questions.
My few questions are:
1) How much of Spectacular Spiderman did you write after the end of season 2?
2) Were any of season 3 of Spectacular Spiderman episodes animated?
3) Will you ever work on another Spiderman animated series? Or any other marvel super hero cartoon show?
I just want to add that the way Spectacular Spiderman was created, it was amazing. The character development, the fight scenes, the drama, and of course, the theme song. They were all just perfect. I enjoyed the series greatly but anxiety kept getting stronger every time an episode ended.

Thank you so much for The Spectacular Spiderman, it was great~ <3

Greg responds...

1. None. We had plans. But we wrote no scripts. Did no real work.

2. There were no Season Three episodes.

3a. I'd love to, but it's not up to me.

3b. Ditto.

Thanks for your kind words.

Response recorded on June 29, 2021

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Lately I've been thinking of a villain trope that is decades (if not centuries) old. The maniacal laugh or the evil laugh. When used properly, I love it. When not, it can be hammy, over the top, and out of character.

Several of the villains you've written over the years have used it, and many haven't.

Off the top of my head, Thailog comes to mind first. And I wouldn't want Thailog without it. Granted, I sometimes wonder where he picked it up. It definitely wasn't from Xanatos. And while Sevarius might be hammy, I don't recall him doing it.

Hyena also has a maniacal laugh, and given her name (and personality) it definitely suits her.

The Archmage had a maniacal laugh.

Demona laughed maniacally three or four times. But it's not a trait we normally associate with her.

And let us not forget the Green Goblin in "Spectacular Spider-Man". I think he was the only villain on the show to have one. Likewise, I recall Nerissa doing it on "W.I.T.C.H." at least once.

The Joker aside, I do not recall any of the villains on "Young Justice" doing it. Any of them. Maybe I'm misremembering, it's been a while since I watched through the show, but I am struggling to remember and coming up blank.

Which leads to me to ask. Is the maniacal laugh a dated relic? Especially as we expect supervillains to be more sophisticated in our dramatic fiction, superhero or otherwise.

For example, in "Transformers", the classic Megatron used to laugh maniacally all the time. All the time. More modern takes on Megatron have done away with the maniacal laugh.

I love it, don't get me wrong, but should villains still be doing it. If we ever get more "Gargoyles", I definitely want Thailog to continue doing it. But, had Thailog made his debut in the year 2017, would I still want him doing it?

You have gotten the chance to create your own great supervillains as well as write many of the classic and iconic supervillains. Right now, what are your thoughts on the villainous laugh?

Greg responds...

I haven't exactly studied this issue.

I use it when it feels right in terms of character and situation. Obviously, some characters have more of a sense of humor about what they do than others.

Not all villainous laughs qualify as "maniacal" in my book either.

I would never outlaw the practice, but I think I do use it sparingly, both to avoid silliness and to make it special if and when we do use it.

Response recorded on June 29, 2021

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Dave writes...

Regarding Spectacular Spider-Man (I don't know if you still take these questions but I'm gonna try), I've seen reviewers talk about how season one talks about Consequences, while season two is about Change and maturity, I would only like to know if there is some sort of pattern to these themes, like if both of them are part of stages of some sort of human development or anything, and also what themes would you like to have incorporated in the following seasons.

I don't know if this is a previous answered question but after searching through the archives I wasn't able to find one.

Thank you, love all your work and hope you have a good day.

Greg responds...

The fact that reviewers talk about something doesn't mean it matches with our intent.

I'd say Consequences, Change and Maturity are themes of both seasons, and would have been themes of any other seasons, had we gotten to make them.

The major theme of the entire series was "The Education of Peter Parker". Individual arcs had their own themes, too. Biology, Economics, etc.

Response recorded on June 28, 2021

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Josh writes...

Hi Greg. When Uncle Ben appeared in Peter's mind to help him fight the symbiote, was that Peter's mind manifesting as someone he loved, or was Uncle Ben really helping Peter from beyond the grave?

Greg responds...

The former.

(Or so we've been led to believe!!!!)

Response recorded on June 28, 2021

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FallenLegend writes...

Hey there it's me again. Sorry for asking so many things, but I admire your writing and love your shows.

I have two questions regarding your storytelling techniques.

First How do you manage to always see up us guessing? I know you're very protective on spoilers. But I mean, how do you plan these seeds of questions in our minds?

I have a lot of questions you won't answer because they are spoilers. But how do you manage to make us want to know in the first place.

Your questions are like Hydra. Whenever you answer a question we have as fans (like who are the members of the light) two more questions take their place.

Second

I've heard you mention that you would do series forever if you could. But how would you do that with licensed properties?

Specially after you said you do like characters growing.

Sure with Gargoyles you said you could keep the story after Goliath dies and sure you could make a lot of villains and plots. We already got Alexander Xanatos in the future for one.

But what about Spectacular Spiderman? by season 2 you had already introduced like 90% of his most famous villains. How could you've kept things fresh without creating original characters?

And with Young justice, not complaining about time skips, but eventually all of them will become adults right? Wouldn't you be running out of teenage superheros by time skipping?

I know you're skilled writer. But it seems like theres no way on making these lost longer and keep character growing without creating new characters that aren't part of the franchise.

I'm very curious. Thank you greg!

Greg responds...

1. Planning, I guess. (If I'm understanding your question correctly.) We block out our stories beat by beat over an entire season. Some of it's instinct, I suppose. A lot of it is experience. But our rule of thumb is if it intrigues us, it might just intrigue our audience.

2. The DC Universe has been going for over 80 years. The Spider-Man corner of the Marvel Universe has been going for almost 60. No one's run out of characters yet. And as I believe YJ proves, you can age your original leads and still constantly intro new young leads as you go. (We're not even vaguely close to running out of young heroes that are canon to DC.) If anything, I think our audience is sometimes annoyed that we don't focus enough on existing characters and keep introducing more.

Response recorded on June 28, 2021

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Adam Ahmed writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman,
I just watched Spiderman Homecoming, and many incidents within the movie reminded me A LOT of your beautiful work of the Spectacular Spiderman. I re-watched the entire series again! I love the action, comedy, irony, romance implemented in the series! Needless to say all of us fans of spidey are disappointed of the circumstances, but I want to how will us fans of your work move on from it since we want to see this series revive again? Literally all I see on YouTube are clips from the series and viewers commenting how much they want it back ( and so do I..I am even cried). And also how are your colleagues ( crew members) from Spectacular Spiderman series are doing?
I just want to thank you for creating such an amazing show back in 2008 as many more writers are inspired from your work, and I hope and I hope there will many more work from you

Greg responds...

Hey, Adam, thanks for all the kind words. I think, universally, most of the SpecSpidey cast and crew misses the series. We recently did a reunion podcast you might enjoy:

https://anchor.fm/the-geek-buddies/episodes/The-Spectacular-Spider-Man-Reunion-Interview-with-Josh-Keaton--Vanessa-Marshall--Greg-Weisman--Victor-Cook-and-Sean-Galloway-eifolk

Response recorded on October 27, 2020

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Jack Carpenter writes...

1: Does Peter Parker ever grab fast food/something from a convenience store/food stand/whatever, while in costume?

2: What are the eyepieces of his suit made of? Are they lenses like in all the pre-MCU movies? Mechanical irises like the MCU? Just cloth?

Greg responds...

1. Rarely.

2. Spectacularum. Or is it Spectacularite? I always mix up those two.

Response recorded on October 22, 2019

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Sam Palmer writes...

Hi Greg, big fan of your work and excited for the new season of Young Justice after quite a break.
Now for the questions:
If you could magically pick another one of the shows you've worked on to bring back, but could only pick one, which would it be?
2. Why this one? Unfinished stories, fond memories of working in it, etc?
3. Realistically, considering factors such as all the politics, the fan base, etc, in your opinion which show would you say would be most likely to come back (even if it's a one in a million chance) and which is the least likely?

Greg responds...

1. Gargoyles would be my first choice.

2. All of the above. It's still my baby.

3. Gargoyles is most likely, especially with it appearing soon on the new Disney+ streaming service. Spectacular Spider-Man is the least likely, as the contractual problems between Disney, Marvel and Sony make it nearly impossible.

Response recorded on October 17, 2019

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John Doe writes...

Hey Greg. I have a few questions.
1) I've read somewhere that you stopped reading comics all together in the mid 90s. Not asking why as you've already abetted that but rather did that ever stop. The abstaining from comics that is for lack of a better word. I assume that you've picked up a read a comic every now and then since you quit obviously but was there a time where you went back consistently?
2) How do you determine when you will answer questions. I tend to check this site maybe once a month and sometimes I'll be back and you've answered dozens of questions, a lot of the times in one day. Other times you'll haven't answered a question in weeks. Is it just as simple as whenever you have free time and want to our is there some uniquely complicated schedule that you follow. (The question sounded more silly as I continued.)
3) Do you consider yourself to have a dry sense of humor. I've been told I do and I find some of your replies downright hilarious that to others might seem to come off as blunt. Or on the contrary are you just more of very blunt person.
4) Can you explain the little joke you do every time someone asks you who would win what fight and you reply with that quote about the hulk and the thing.

Greg responds...

1. I started reading comics again when I started working on The Spectacular Spider-Man (around 2007, I think) after about a decade break. By the time Marvel did a soft reboot after Secret Wars in 2015, I was reading nearly everything in their line, in part because I was also writing Starbrand & Nightmask for Marvel. Plus I was reading all their Star Wars Books, in part because I was also writing Star Wars Kanan for Marvel and Lucasfilm. Both those books were cancelled, and Marvel no longer had any work for me. And then the third season of Young Justice began, right about the same time as DC did its own soft reboot with Rebirth. I started reading everything in the DC line at that point, edging out any free time I had for Marvel for the time being. I've continued to read the entire DC line (with very few exceptions) ever since. I'm about three or four months behind in my reading, but I'm still purchasing everything and reading as fast as I can manage.

2. It's just when I have time. Ideally, I try to answer five questions every weekday, but there are some days (many days, really) when even that is impossible. And then there are some (rare) days when I find myself with free time, and I just go to town on the queue.

3. I like to think I have a dry sense of humor. Certainly when I write. My verbal humor may be goofier or more sarcastic or whatever. I may also be blunt. The two things aren't mutually exclusive.

4. I think it's fairly self-explanatory. "Hulk vs. Thing, who would win?" is one of the oldest fan questions in comics. It's all situational, and the question - and those like it (including most hypotheticals) - just doesn't interest me. Fans can decide that sort of thing for themselves. They don't need me to weigh in.

Response recorded on April 30, 2019

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Emeka Uzoh writes...

The Spectacular Spider-Man is my favourite TV series of all time because I liked how it focused on Spider-Man and Peter Parker's early years as a teenager trying to learn how to balance his dual life and also deal with the usual things that teenagers go though.

1. Have you seen Spider-Man:Homecoming?

2. I wanted to know when you were making TSSM did you want people to fall in love with the original Stan Lee/Ditko and John Romita Snr run?

3.What is your favourite run of Spider-Man comics?.

Greg responds...

1. Yes.

2. Yes.

3. Lee/Ditko and Lee/Romita Sr.

Response recorded on April 24, 2019

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DeAngelo Hill writes...

Why don't you have Spectacular Spider-Man in your Twitter Bio? I'm sorry I'm such of fan of the show, And I know you had something to do with it's success being behind the scene s

Greg responds...

I was a showrunner, story editor, writer, producer and voice actor on the series, and I'm very proud of it. You'll see an image from it on my profile page, fully as large as Young Justice, Gargoyles and Star Wars Rebels. So I'm hardly shying away from promoting my involvement in it. As for the bio, "The Spectacular Spider-Man" just takes SO many characters to type, there wasn't room for it.

Response recorded on April 24, 2019

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Mo writes...

I just rewatched spectacular spiderman and I feel there were a few bits inspired by the Rami trilogy, is that true?

Greg responds...

Since I don't know what the Rami trilogy is, I'm gonna say no.

Response recorded on January 09, 2019

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Dorkpool writes...

I have a question regarding Spectacular Spider-Man:
Were there ideas you had that you couldn't do for the show or had originally planned but ended up changing? And no, I'm not asking a "what would you have done for season 3" kind of question. It's more of wondering what original ideas you had for seasons 1 and 2, if those ideas ended up changing or pretty much stayed the same from development to screen, and what they were.

Greg responds...

I've talked about this before. We had plans to use Kingpin and Johnny Storm - and weren't allowed to use either for legal reasons. We reordered a couple things, i.e. saved Kraven for Season Two and moved up Electro. But otherwise, we pretty much did what we set out to do.

Response recorded on May 17, 2018

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Jack Carpenter writes...

In Spectacular 201, who were those... two... random guys with the tire iron on the bridge who tried to attack Mysterio? I didn't really think about it before, but in hindsight, they seem kind of random. Just... two guys, on a bridge, with a tire iron, and a loudmouth dude in a flashy costume shows up, if I recall hasn't actually done anything YET that they've seen, and they just decide to have a go at him.

I though maybe they were the security detail for the TriCorp shipment, but they have neither guard uniforms nor guns.

This is obviously a really tiny, unimportant thing, but... I don't know, it really stood out to me.

Greg responds...

I think it's just clear to these guys that Mysterio is the one who's held up traffic. They're New Yorkers. It ticked them off.

Response recorded on April 09, 2018

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Big Choc Choc writes...

Would you come back for a Season 4?

Greg responds...

Of what?

(But pretty much the answer is always yes.)

Response recorded on April 05, 2018

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A Fan writes...

Greg,

Spectacular Spider-Man ended it's run on November 18th, 2009. It is June 23rd, 2017 as I'm writing this. To put it simply, it has been a while and with the show's successor Ultimate Spider-Man already completed it's run I was wondering if your opinions on the third season had changed. I know that previously you had said that ideas are only as good as their execution, and that you believed that without a show there was no point in spilling your ideas across the internet. I'm asking if you'd ever consider changing your mind and revealing these ideas, at least some of them (perhaps for the show's ten year anniversary)? Normally I would never ask such a question, I want to make it clear that my intention is not to pester or offend you. You are one of the most brilliant creators out there and your execution of ideas is incredible. But I feel I should at least ask. Due to the arrangements between Marvel and Sony changing it is my understanding that Marvel can never revive the series because Sony holds the rights to that particular version of the character. Why pay to use that Spider-Man when Marvel can make their own and milk it for cash? I would be disappointed but I would respect your decision if you choose to hold onto to these ideas, I know your intention is not to hold these ideas over our heads forever. I'm sorry if this question annoys, offends or warrants any negative response from you. I am not only a fan of the series but a fan of your work and that is not my intention.

Thanks for the great two seasons of the series and everything you've done since then.

Greg responds...

I'm not annoyed or offended in the slightest. And, no, my intent is not to hold my ideas over anyone's head. But I'm afraid I'm sticking to my sense that ideas minus their execution aren't worth much and are subject to a ton of second-guessing. I've learned that the hard way. So I'm going to decline. Sorry.

BUT NOT ANNOYED OR OFFENDED, I PROMISE! :)

Response recorded on March 16, 2018

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Alex Costa writes...

Hi Greg, hope you're doing good.

How old would Johnny Storm, Cyclops and Beast have been in the SpecSpidey universe relative to Peter (if you could have used them)? Would they have been 16 too?

Greg responds...

I didn't fix ages for characters I was not allowed to use, i.e. it never got that far. But they definitely would have been on the young side.

Response recorded on December 20, 2017

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Akeem M. writes...

Hi Greg,
While wading through all these Young Justice topics, I must ask a couple things about Spectacular Spider-Man.

1.Confirmation of characters.
So as you know, you and your team decided against creating original characters for the show. EVERY named person had to be from the comic books, even if alterations were made to their race (Ned, Kenny, Kingsley, Debra, Fancy Dan, Ox, Liz, Mark, the Warren bros. etc.) or gender (Mayor Waters). However there are a few characters that you confirmed who they were, but we didn't get to see too much of them since their role in Peter's life had yet to be realized (Jason Ionello, Tiny McKeever), and would have been more active in Season 3, which is a shame we never got. We also got some fun characters like Dilbert Trilby (Bugle obituary writer in comics, newscaster in Spectacular), Matthew Resnick (Officer murdered in "Maximum Carnage", Vault warden in Spectacular) and Trina (barista/cashier in "Brand New Day" and the same in Spectacular)

That said, there are some characters that we never got names for and just need a confirmation that they are who we think they are. We have Hammerhead's chauffeur, who we believe is Myrna, who in comics is Hammerhead's moll from Gerry Conway's "Gang War" arc.

Another character you mentioned is Eddie's roommate at the Empire State University dorms. You mentioned that his name was "Josh something", and he was indeed from comics. The only Josh that we were able to find was Josh Kittling, Randy Robertson's friend in college during Stan Lee's "Crisis on Campus" with students protesting and a plot to steal the Lifeline Tablet. He was a black student during the racially charged late 60's early 70s [when the comic came out])

Now the question is, are we correct about Myrna and Josh? And are there any other characters from comics that who we've seen, but weren't didn't have their names said in the show (much like Tiny, Jason, Myrna and Josh), if so, who were they? Or if you just provide names, I'm sure we could find them.

2.Ned
So as you know, Ned would have gotten much more screen time in season 3. However, it was mentioned that there was ground work with him and Betty laid out in season 2 that was recorded, however it was cut as there were time constraints and the scenes weren't all that important in the scope of things happening in Peter's life. So out of curiosity I must ask what those scenes consisted of? Simple things like Ned flirting with Betty, or starting to have a romance (kind of like Flash and Sha-Shan's scenes but Betty being more receptive to Ned's advances), or was there anything deeper than that? Also what kind of person is Ned? How would you describe him in Spectacular? In comics, he wasn't too much of a character, but just got wrapped up in a major storyline WAAAY after he was introduced, but I'm curious to know your thoughts on Ned Lee(ds). Not to ask what your plans were for him in a hypothetical season 3, but more along the lines of how you described Betty (being someone who can handle someone like Jonah with ease).

3.Character ages
While I think that it wasn't as thoroughly thought out as Young Justice (like the exact dates they were born and all that), I am curious about the ages of a few characters. Don't worry; I'm not going to ask their EXACT ages and blood types, but generally a ball park. We know most of Peter's circle is 16 (Liz, Harry, Gwen, etc.) with Flash turning 17 in the series, Kenny and Rand being high school seniors (which would put them at 17-18), Eddie being a college freshman (which would put him at 18-19), Betty being 20, Debra Whitman being graduate student age (which would put her in her early to mid-20's), I can assume Norman is in his early to mid-40's, with my assumption that May, Vulture, Tinkerer, Silvermane, being in the same generation (Maybe late 50's early 60's?) However, who I'm interested in is Electro… clearly he's older than Pete's high school crew, but he's also clearly younger than someone like Ock, whom I assume in his late 30's to early 40's. I can only assume that Spectacular Maxwell Dillon is in between Eddie Brock and Debra Whitman's ages… So would I be correct about Max?

Greg responds...

1. I won't confirm or deny Myrna. You're correct about Josh. Otherwise, I'm not providing names beyond what was in the show.

2. The Ned and Betty stuff was flirtatious and perhaps a bit more than flirtatious. Beyond that, I'll leave Ned to your imagination.

3. Basically, yes. Max was in his mid-twenties when he became Electro.

Response recorded on December 18, 2017

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Julian Sagan writes...

Hey Greg, congrats on Young Justice Season 3. I have a few quick questions on Spectacular Spider-Man.

1) Peter in the comics is generally considered to be 5'10". Your Peter said he was 5'6". Was the idea to eventually grow him to 5'10" or keep him the same? Sorry if this goes into spoiler territory.

2) Unlike Batman and Superman, Spidey's archenemy is a bit more debatable. Most will point to either GG Doc Ock or Venom but it partly depends on the writer's preference, the era and the continuity. I was surprised by how much equal dedication you guys gave to the Big Three; I feel most Spider-Man writers are somewhat biased to one or the other. So I'm curious, would you say YOUR version of Spidey had an archenemy in the show or did you see all three of them as equals? My instincts tell me it's Norman after Final Curtain but I'd like to hear it straight from the horse's mouth.

Thank you and best regards,

JS

Greg responds...

1. He might have gotten a bit taller. He was only 16 in the show. But I never figure Spider-Man to be tall or brawny. Seems out of step with his character and archetype. And 5'10" seems like a tall man to me. Of course, I'm only 5'7", so perhaps I'm biased.

2. My gut is to say Gobby. But it's not like the others are pieces of cake. I just think it's more personal with Peter when it comes to Norman.

Response recorded on December 15, 2017

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Steven writes...

Hi Greg, did you that there was an avengers cartoon titled avengers earths mightiest heroes which was also cancelled after 2 seasons it was great show and if you didn't watch it I highly recommend it. It also featured spider man who was originally voiced by Josh Keaton but then redubbed by drake bell if you would like to hear Josh's voice in that show I would recommend spreading the #joshkeatonisspiderman and #drakebellisnotspiderman

Greg responds...

I love Josh, but that's not a campaign that would make any sense for me to participate in, unless my goal was to NEVER work on another Marvel show again.

Response recorded on November 06, 2017

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Nathan writes...

So with the sad passing of the wonderful character actor, Miguel Ferrer, I would imagine that the character of Vandal Savage will be recast, but just curious how much, if any interaction do you ever have with the myriad voice actors on your shows? Do you have any noteworthy Ferrer anecdotes to share? Just curious, Im gonna miss that guy being a regular fixture in american media

Greg responds...

I won't comment on what we are or are not doing with Vandal in Season Three.

And I'm afraid I don't have any anecdotes of Miguel, though I can recall (imperfectly) a few anecdotes that he told.

What I will say is that Miguel was always a complete pleasure to work with on both The Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice. He was SO good and a lot of fun.

There are other people, including our voice director Jamie Thomason, who knew Miguel much better than I did. But he is missed.

Response recorded on October 31, 2017

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FallenLegend writes...

Hey Greg, theres something I would like to ask your opinion about.

You see comics have been notorious for being hard on average people to get into. You should know that your cartoons have been much more influential than whatever it's publised on printed form.

For millions of people when they think Young Justice they think of earth 16 and when they think of spiderman they think of spectacular.

Say Teen Titans Tv show' has Starfire as a cute alien and naive girl wich is among the best female characters ever in my opinion. While on comics she is a dumb bimbo with hardly more personalitybthan a brick

Comics on the other hand are harder to get into and well you might jot agree but the quality is much better in cartoons such as yours. I would rather watch young justice that get into the continuity mess that comics are.

It would seem that every continiuity reboot that tries to make things simpler just makes things worse.

In your experience what would you do to make comics as approachable as tv shows are?

Greg responds...

Well, I'm going to start - without going point by point - by NOT agreeing with everything you've stated above. Some comics have issues. Some are both accessible and very well-done. In general, I'm really liking DC's REBIRTH, for example. I'm reading all of it - trying to keep up. I don't love every series, let alone every issue, but generally, I think they're doing a pretty darn good job. I'd particularly recommend Wonder Woman.

And I think there are plenty of crap television series, as well.

It's all about execution. Plenty of good comics series. Plenty of good television series. Plenty of lousy examples of both. But I'm glad you like YJ and Spectacular.

Response recorded on September 25, 2017

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B.W. Morris writes...

Hi Greg,

I wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed Young Justice, Spectacular Spider-Man and the first two books of the Rain of the Ghosts series. Your writing helped inspire me to try my hand at fiction writing and, after a couple of years, I now have my first novel published. So I wanted to thank you for being one of those people who inspired me to try my hand at it.

Looking forward to Young Justice 3 and best of luck with it!

Greg responds...

Thank you. And thanks for posting this. It's very gratifying!

Response recorded on September 18, 2017

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Jack Carpenter writes...

1) Why was Cletus Kasady incarcerated in Ravencroft? I mean, knowing him from the comics, it's not exactly hard to guess, but I figured I may as well ask.

2) Why, in your mind, is Flash Thompson such a big Spider-Man fan?

Greg responds...

1. No spoilers.

2. Spidey is cool! Beyond that, I'll leave it to your interpretation.

Response recorded on August 15, 2017

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Steven writes...

Can you publically encourage people to buy the spectacular spider man blu Ray to help get the show back as well as sign petitions to bring back the show.

Greg responds...

I am happy to encourage people to buy the BluRay, but unfortunately - and unlike YJ - simply making purchases and/or signing petitions doesn't solve the specific complicated contractual roadblock to bringing back the series.

SONY can no longer make animated Spider-Man series, since they gave those rights back to MARVEL.

MARVEL can't make the specific version of THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN without paying SONY to do it.

MARVEL (a division of DISNEY) isn't likely to pay someone else to do a cartoon based on their own (signature) character.

And, yes, SONY & MARVEL cooperated on the recent live-action SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING movie. But SONY paid MARVEL to produce that, not the other way around.

To be clear, this situation doesn't give me any pleasure. And I don't mean to rain on your hope parade. But I figure you'd prefer to know the facts.

Response recorded on August 08, 2017

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Kit Walker writes...

I'm currently wrapping a rewatch of Gargoyles' canonical seasons and preparing to continue the Weisman-lovefest with a rewatch of Spectacular Spider-Man and a thought has occurred to me: Was Coyote's continued use of Xanatos' face, particularly in his 3.0 and 4.0 versions where that face is on a screen, consciously influence by the early Spider-Slayers? Specifically, the ones that usually had J. Jonah Jameson's mug projected on a screen as they fought.

My guess would be that it's a bit of happy coincidence, as the idea's not the most unique, but since you've proven no slouch on Spider-Man lore...

Greg responds...

I don't think it was. I think the Coyote thing evolved out of what we did with him in his first appearance.

Response recorded on August 08, 2017

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Anonymous writes...

1.As a Spider-Man fan, I love stories that push Spider-Man and Peter Parker emotionally.

2. I feel that the Spectacular Spider-Man episodes managed to show that Spider-Man and Peter's choices were determined by whatever emotions he was feeling.

3. I want to know what are your favourite Spider-Man stories?

Greg responds...

1. Me too.

2. Hope so, at least to some extent.

3. I'm not big on ranking things. I love Spidey, and there have been a ton of stories I've loved, and a few that I haven't loved as much. A lot of the stories we adapted in Spectacular are stories I had a particular affinity for, like the Colonel Jupiter story and the Master Planner story, etc.

Response recorded on July 06, 2017

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Emeka Uzoh writes...

1. How did it feel adapting the early 1960s stories of The Amazing Spider-Man comic book that Stan Lee, Steve Ditko and John Romita Snr. had created as a fan when you were working on The Spectacular Spider-Man?

I am also a huge fan of your work and writing style.

Greg responds...

How did it FEEL? Um... Great!

Response recorded on July 05, 2017

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Jack Carpenter writes...

1) So aside from Spider-Man and Young Justice, are there any other comic properties you'd love to adapt?

2) Which one would you like to have the chance to do most?

Greg responds...

1. Yes.

2. I'm so not picky.

Response recorded on June 16, 2017

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Carl Johnson writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman,

I had just a couple of questions.

1. One thing about the animation industry is that once a season is over there is no guarantee that the next season will be picked up. Should some one have a plan B for another profession if the next season does not work out? Or is there plenty of work in California that if you did your job well, finding another one should not take long?

2.If someone has a animation idea they want to pitch and have all the details worked out (pitch bible, characters, story, and pilot script) how would they know when they could pitch the idea?

3. I had a question for attires for animation shows. Does it cost more to have different episodic attires for characters or do characters have only one attire to save time? I know in Spectacular, Peter had a winter attire with the jacket, or that one time he had the black shirt with brown pants during the symbiote removal episode but is there a choice on whether they can change their attire episode by episode to add more realism?
Thanks!

Greg responds...

1. Well, uh... There are no guarantees. I try to have other work lined up, pretty much always. And sometimes I'm just flat-out unemployed for stretches. This gig is not for the faint of heart, I guess.

2. I'm not sure I understand the question. If you're ready, pitch. But my caution would be to be careful not to poison the water. If it's a work in progress, and isn't actually very good (YET), then I wouldn't pitch. Make sure you're only showing the best possible version of what you've got. On the other hand, there's not much point in noodling forever on an idea. If it's solid, go for it.

3. Every design - and new clothes are a new design - cost time, which costs money. So, yes, in animation, we need a pretty good reason to give characters additional wardrobe. But if we need it, we need it.

Response recorded on April 24, 2017

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cristian writes...

hello:

in spectacular spider-man tv series. did norman knows peter is spider-man like the comics?

Greg responds...

He said he didn't. Do you believe him?

Response recorded on April 12, 2017

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Emeka Uzoh writes...

hello,

rephrasing the question, How did you manage to relate to Spider-Man/Peter Parker? that I asked you earlier. I actually wanted to ask you what traits of Spider-Man/Peter Parker's character do you find that you have within yourself?

Greg responds...

He worries about money.

He worries about girls. (I don't do that anymore. Happily married for over twenty years, but I haven't forgotten what that was like.)

He worries about letting down the people in his life.

He worries about stopping super-villains. (Um... well, actually, I do worry about that. Though maybe that's not time well spent.)

Response recorded on April 11, 2017

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Brodie Marschall writes...

Hey, Greg,I've got to tell you something, Josh Keaton, the voice of Spider-Man in Spectacular Spider-Man reprised the character in the Marvel Super Hero Squad video games and Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, And he was going to reprise his role in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, But he was replaced by Drake Bell from Ultimate Spider-Man.
What do you think of this?

Greg responds...

I think Josh is great, and my ideal Spider-Man. So I'm happy whenever he gets to do anything (but especially Spider-Man).

Response recorded on April 07, 2017

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Marquis writes...

John Semper, script writer of Spider-Man the Animated Series from the 90s, has crowdfunded an audio drama epilogue for the show with much of the original cast. Since he's somehow allowed to do that, I wonder if you've ever thought about tying up some of Spectacular's loose ends through a full-cast audio recording of your own?

Greg responds...

I have no idea if he's ALLOWED to do that. Or if he just did it. You'd have to ask him. Personally, I wouldn't risk the lawsuit. And the spectre of getting permission, even for a non-profit venture, from both Sony and Marvel/Disney is nightmarish to me. In addition, since I have no ownership in the property, I'd want to get paid for my work. And finally, I've had my fill of crowd-funding for a lifetime.

Response recorded on March 29, 2017

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Emeka Uzoh writes...

How did you manage to relate to Spider-Man/Peter Parker?

Greg responds...

He's everyman. He's easy to relate to. He has powers AND responsibilities. Doesn't everyone?

Response recorded on March 29, 2017

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Lloyd keh writes...

Its brought a joy to my heart seeing Young justice get renewed for a 3rd season, the fans really acknowledged this series a lot ! You also took a big part in YJ return. GgvvvvvvvvbbbbbbbYou gave 3 ways we could help The series get renewed for a 3rd series. Netflix also took part in this great return so I was Wondering How can we get spectacular spiderman to return for a 3rd season. There's been multiple petition People have created and multiple I've signed (including the one on change.org). There's also been a hashtag #MakeSpidermanSpectacularagain & people have been influencing others to buy spectacular spiderman on blu ray & I myself have bought it and been doing the same.. I just wanna know if we are taking a step in the right direction & if we are, is marvel and Disney seeing this? I mean they should be seeing all this. It's been going on for years and last thing , how do u feel about this whole spectacular Spiderman thing ?

Greg responds...

I'd love for Spectacular to come back, and stranger things have happened. But if I'm being honest, I don't see a clear path for it. Buying the BluRays definitely helps - or at any rate doesn't hurt. But Marvel has its own animation studio now (owned by Disney) and is understandably NOT inclined to PAY Sony (which controls the rights to Spectacular) to produce a cartoon based on their signature character. I'm sorry. Believe me.

Response recorded on March 28, 2017

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RexBlazer1 writes...

Out of curiosity, are you aware that, in the original comics, the initial intent for the Venom symbiote was that, instead of going to Eddie Brock, it would go from Peter Parker to a WOMAN who had a grudge of her own against our friendly neighborhood web-slinger?

From what I've heard, the initial idea was that the woman would be pregnant and in labor. Then, her husband would try to wave down a taxi, and the taxi driver, who is paying more attention to Spider-Man in action instead of the road, accidentally hit and killed the woman's husband. The woman would then give birth on the spot, but the child would be a stillborn, and she'd lose her sanity because of the sudden loss of both her husband and her child, sending her to the Ravencroft Institute. She'd eventually regain her sanity and be released, but would still blame Spider-Man for the loss of her family. The symbiote would be nearby and sense her mutual hatred of the web-slinger, and bond with her to form Venom.

The reason Marvel didn't go this route, from what I hear, was that they felt their readers wouldn't consider a woman to be a physical-enough threat to Spidey. (Never mind the fact that a woman with the Venom symbiote would be, by definition, physically STRONGER than Spidey). Thus, they went with Eddie Brock, whose grudge was based on things that happened because of his own stupidity.

Here's the article describing it, just scroll down the page and you'll find it:
http://www.cbr.com/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-50/

Not to mention, as a result, it came to be something of a self-fulfilling prophecy, as Spidey doesn't have a lot of MEMORABLE female villains. In fact, the only one I can think of is Felicia Hardy aka Black Cat, who is very on/off when it comes to villainy, and is TECHNICALLY a clone of Catwoman when you think about it.

Still, imagine how things might've been had they gone with the female Venom route.

Greg responds...

It's interesting, but I'm not too enamored of the scenario you described. Again, her hatred of Spider-Man is largely irrational. She could hate the cab driver. God. Whatever. I prefer things being more personal. On the other hand, the goal of having more and more powerful female villains is one I'm whole-heartedly behind.

Response recorded on March 23, 2017

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Anonymous writes...

Hello Greg! I hope you are doing well and I want to congratulate you for Young Justice season 3 being commissioned. I cannot wait to see it. Here are my questions:

1. How long was your timeline for Spec Spidey, if you had one? I know you had eventual plans to go into Peter's college years and beyond if you had the chance, so I was curious if you had stories, characters, and events such as deaths, graduations, etc. planned out? I'm not asking what stories you wanted to tell but I am curious if you had a long outline, similar to Garg and YJ.

2. Why did you make MJ and Gwen friends in the series? It was a change I loved and considering where Pete and Gwen end up in the comics and where Pete and MJ end up, I thought it was a brilliant idea.

3. For YJ and Spec, was Jamie Thomasson a comic book fan? I ask because I wonder if him being a possible comic book fan helped him cast parts in the show easier. Did he only rely on your scripts or also on other source material?

Can't wait for YJ season 3 and hoping for Garg comics! And I still hold out hope you can write Spider-Man again in another form! Take care Greg and good luck.

Greg responds...

1. I did have one. But I don't remember how long it was, and I don't have access to it here at my Warner Bros office.

2. I didn't come up with it. They were on and off friends in the comics.

3. You'd have to ask him, but I don't recall him being a hardcore geek like me.

Response recorded on March 16, 2017

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Vincent writes...

Do you know if Tom Holland, or any of the cast/crew of Homecoming, or if Feige are fans and have seen Spectacular Spiderman?

Spectacular was an excellent adaptation which really captured the spirit of Spiderman. I love it so much and hope Homecoming does something similar to it.

Greg responds...

No idea.

Response recorded on March 03, 2017

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Kolty writes...

So in Young Justice, you cast Bruce Greenwood as Batman, but not John DiMaggio as the Joker. Any reason on ditching that match-up? I find it amusing.

Greg responds...

I don't know why it's amusing. We weren't/aren't in continuity with the Red Hood movie. But we felt Bruce was right for our Batman, and that John's interpretation of Joker wasn't right for our version of the character. Love John's work, however, as any fan of The Spectacular Spider-Man must know.

Response recorded on February 21, 2017

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Josh writes...

I was one time rewatching all of The Spectacular Spider-Man episodes and I noticed in the episode Identity Crisis smaller fronted overlapped letters on the word Kevin Michael Richardson on the closing credit. Was that some kind of goof/glitch and if so how can it happen out of curiosity or perhaps are the letters supposed to be some kind of word maybe? I wish if it is some kind of glitch that it could be fixed someday because I seemed to be triggered by OCD/intrusive thoughts/unwanted thoughts on it lately which seems to make me have anxiety feelings.

Greg responds...

I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about. How were you watching the episode?

Response recorded on February 15, 2017

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R.I.P. Miguel Ferrer

Just a few words about Miguel Ferrer, who passed away yesterday. I won't pretend I knew him very well, but he was always a pleasure to have in the booth. He was the voice of Silvio "Silvermane" Manfredi on The Spectacular Spider-Man, and Bo "Bibbo" Bibbowski and Tribune #1 on Young Justice.

Did I forget anything? Oh, yes. His brilliant portrayal of Vandal Savage in Young Justice, making him one of the most interesting and complex hero/villains I've ever had the pleasure of working on.

His talent - both in material I was involved in and in the many, many things I simply watched as a fan - was immense.

He will be missed.


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James writes...

Hey Greg,

I have some more questions about S2 Ep1 of Spectacular Spider-Man.

1) Did you voice anyone else other than Menken?

2) How did Xander Berkeley land the role of Mysterio?

3) What inspired your version of Mysterio?

4) Where did the idea of the little purple bat things come from? Who voiced them?

I liked the Star Wars reference when Spidey said "May the Spidey Sense be with me."

Greg responds...

1. The truck driver, maybe. I'd have to look at it again.

2. I suggested him. He and voice director Jamie Thomason and I had worked together on GARGOYLES, in which he played Coldsteel, so we knew he'd be great.

3. The comics and the core idea of the character.

4. The Homunculi seemed to fit Mysterio's M.O.

4a. Thom Adcox, Dee Bradley Baker, Steve Blum, Phil Lamarr, Cree Summer and James Arnold Taylor. I loved those little guys and wanted to do a spinoff series with them.

Response recorded on January 20, 2017

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James writes...

Hey Greg,

Spectacular Spider-Man is the best Spidey adaptation ever in my opinion. I have a few questions about S2 Ep1 "Blueprints".

1) Who was Eddie's roommate?

2) Where did Eddie live? Was it a dorm on campus?

3) How was it having Stan Lee making a cameo?

4) What all does Liz Allan's father own? Liz says he owns some hotels and in a previous episode they gang ate at his restaurant.

5) Where was Miles Warren before he returned to NYC?

I have more questions so I am going to submit another discussion because of the 5 question rule.

Greg responds...

1. Oh, I used to know this. I really did. But its been so long, I can't remember. It was a character from the canon. I want to say... Josh something. But honestly, I can't remember now.

2. Dorm on campus.

3. F---ing AWESOME!

4. The restaurant was IN one of his hotels. He owns hotels.

5. Elsewhere. (Never bothered to figure that out.)

Response recorded on January 20, 2017

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Victor Valente writes...

Hi Greg,
So a new Spider-Man series was announced yesterday at the New York Comic Con. Are you taking part in this project in any way? If your not, is there any way you could get aboard it because that would be spectacular.
Thank you so much for your time.

Greg responds...

No. And no. I'm busy on Young Justice S3, and in any case, Marvel would have to want me on it. They certainly know how to find me. There's clearly no interest in putting me and the character back together at this time.

Response recorded on January 18, 2017

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Mair writes...

Hi Greg,
First of all I just want to say thank you for every piece of writing you've ever done. You're a genuine source of inspiration to me and i'm continually amazed by the depth of your storytelling.

You've talked in the past about your decision to keep Emily Osborn alive and around in Spectacular instead of being a missing mother. I was thinking recently about how it's not uncommon for writers to imply that Norman's treatment of Harry to the idea that Harry's birth caused or bought about Emily's death.
You're Norman is probably the most explicitly cruel of all the Norman adaptations towards his son, and yet he totally lacks this excuse. I was wondering if that was something you where conscious of when writing the Osborns?

(P.S Spec!Norman is probably my favourite version of the character. He's cold, clever, charming and creepy, but most of all he's an unnervingly believable bully.)

Greg responds...

I never really bought into that as an excuse for Norman. If he had been a decent man up to the point of Emily's death, then he would have treated his son with decency. But he wasn't, so he didn't. So it didn't bother me to "lose" that particular motivation when weighed against other concerns.

Response recorded on January 17, 2017

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Chris writes...

After re-watching "Spectacular Spider-Man" episode "Gangland", I was left wondering... Where did Silvermane get that impressive armour.

Greg responds...

Sears.

Response recorded on January 12, 2017

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Windona writes...

Hey Mr. Weisman, a few random questions about Spectacular Spider-Man (even though it's been a while)

1) Did Gwen ever meet Harry's parents? (I ask because she has a way different reaction than Peter about them in Final Curtain, leading me to wonder)

2) I noticed when watching that Norman Osborn's treatment of Harry has multiple signs of emotional abuse (and of course, was revealed to have physically hurt his son in the s2 finale). Was this something intentional/clear, or just 'let's make Norman Osborn's relationship with his son like this' without thinking 'we want to make Norman explicitly emotionally abusive'?

I just want to say, thank you for creating a lot of wonderful characters, and doing them justice. Harry Osborn has always been one of my favorite, and I feel like not everyone appreciates the complexity of his characterization/does it well. (Though this is probably true of many characters that pass from writer to writer)

Also, since I know you like to include a level of real science (a level since sci-fi and fantasy inherently require breaks from science), 3) Did you ever read up on epi-genetics? It's really cool!

Greg responds...

1. Yeah, she's met them.

2. Like somehow we didn't NOTICE that he was abusive? No.

3. I haven't. At least not yet.

Response recorded on December 22, 2016

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writes... writes... writes... writes... writes...

Why didn't SpecSpidey or YJ have "Previously On" segments? Was it a network or production decision?

Greg responds...

I'm vehemently against using them. I learned painfully from Gargoyles that they actually have the opposite effect then one would think.

Instead of acting as small reminders or hints, they convince people that they've missed too much to join the series now. They were never necessary. Everything you truly NEED to know to enjoy a given episode is spelled out in one way or another within the episode itself.

Response recorded on December 16, 2016

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Zergrinch writes...

Hypothetical question.

ALL of your past and present projects have been renewed, and you have been asked to help them all. Which one would you prioritize, and why?

Greg responds...

Well, as many regular readers of this site know, I'm not big on hypotheticals. Reality is so much more complicated, but I'll give it a shot:

GARGOYLES first, always. We're trying to get another comic book version now. Tweet the hashtag #WeLiveAgain!

YOUNG JUSTICE, second. Season Three is real. It's here. I'm working on it.

I'm also working on the second book in the WORLD OF WARCRAFT: TRAVELER series, THE SPIRAL PATH, and recently completed co-plotting work on THE FALL AND RISE OF CAPTAIN ATOM, w/my old Captain Atom partner Cary Bates.

The third book in the RAIN OF THE GHOSTS series, MASQUE OF BONES, which I still plan to get back to as soon as I possibly can.

Everything else falls into the category of it's just too hypothetical to differentiate. But I'm very fond of THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN, W.I.T.C.H., ROUGHNECKS: THE STARSHIP TROOPER CHRONICLES, STARBRAND & NIGHTMASK, anything with the STAR WARS REBELS characters [especially STAR WARS KANAN], 3X3 EYES, DISNEY'S VILLAINS and many others.

And I'm sure Edmund Tsabard would love to finish Last Tengu in Paris.

Response recorded on December 05, 2016

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Aaron writes...

1 what do you think of the marvel and Sony Spider-Man agreement and do you think this could help spectacular spider man get season 3

Greg responds...

Anything's possible, but it doesn't seem likely.

Response recorded on November 30, 2016

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Daniel writes...

is there still any hope that Spectacular Spider-man could return as a tv show/comic book or movie or is 100% dead?

Greg responds...

I'd never say 100%, but unlike Young Justice, I don't see a path for the return of Spectacular. But I hope I'm wrong.

Response recorded on November 09, 2016

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Green Lantern's Nightlight writes...

Can you name anything noteworthy Stan Lee contributed to Spectacular Spider-Man, because no direspect to him, but it just seems he's credited by default simply because he's associated with the character and nothing more. He's even a producer on the Deadpool film! I did read once his time with Bryan Singer on the first X-Men film, and it seems he has an office at Marvel (well, at least it does when he gets these Marvel interviews from an office).

Anyway, back to Spider-Man, I am curious as to what his contribution was, whatever length it was.

Greg responds...

Stan's Executive Producer credit on The Spectacular Spider-Man was, I'm sure, contractual. But he did contribute.

(And, by the way, saying "he's associated with the character" is both a ridiculous understatement and does a disservice to Stan and his legacy.)

For starters, there's the obvious contribution that he co-created Spidey, and wrote a huge proportion of the stories and characters we adapted. That's why Vic Cook and I chose to give Stan and Steve Ditko the "Created by" credit, which was not contractual.

Then, of course, Stan Lee voiced the character of Stan in the episode Blueprints. He came in to record and it was an inspirational thrill to everyone.

In my career, there have been many people who received credits on shows who really did do nothing observable to justify said credit. But Stan Lee doesn't strike me as one of those. His contributions to SpecSpidey were invaluable.

Response recorded on October 27, 2016

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ShadowKiller2000 writes...

In Spectacular Spider-Man, Dock Ock's power source or battery pack or whatever was called the Megalo Pack. What made you guys use that name. Was it something from the Comics?

Greg responds...

I don't remember.

Response recorded on October 24, 2016

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Spectacular Radio

For fans of THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN, I've been doing a podcast where we go through the series, episode by episode, with guest starts including Josh Keaton (Peter/Spidey), Ben Diskin (Eddie/Venom), Supervising Director Vic Cook and others. The entire first season of "SPECTACULAR RADIO" is up now, here:

http://www.spidey-dude.com/?cat=118

Plus, check out Spidey-Dude.com, which also does the podcasts Mayday Mondays (based on Spider-Girl) and Clone Saga Chronicles!


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RexBlazer1 writes...

Hi Greg,

I've asked before about a matter concerning storytelling in a general sense, and now I'd like to ask about a more specific one. Namely about the symbiote in "Spectacular Spider-Man." What I'm going to ask is not really spoiler-ish, I think, but is more of an issue that I didn't think about until recent months. And, to be honest, it's one that I don't see a lot of people noticing.

Simply put, why does the Symbiote costume look the way it does when Spidey first dons it in the show? The audience recognizes it because of how iconic it is, but what's the in-universe reason for its overall appearance? Admittedly, I may've missed something when I first watched the show, and it could be that I'm not thinking of any reason due to not having seen the full show in a while, but it's a question that I think needs answering. Plus, it's something that wasn't addressed in the 90s animated series either.

In the original comics where the Symbiote first appeared, the "Secret Wars" miniseries, the story did give an in-universe reason for the way Spidey's black costume appeared. The heroes had an alien machine that would repair their outfits or give them new ones. When it was Spidey's turn, he was subconsciously thinking about Spider-Woman's (Julia Carpenter's) outfit, which was mostly black and had the classic white spider symbol. There, it made sense.

Now, obviously, you guys couldn't do the Secret Wars stuff within "Spectacular Spider-Man," but in doing the Symbiote storyline, I respectfully don't think you explained its appearance. It just appears and almost instantly becomes a black suit not long after. Sure, the characters acknowledge the different outfit on Spidey, but, again, there wasn't any apparent reason for the costume's design to look the way it did, aside from it just being iconic to the audience.

So, again, I ask you; was there an in-universe reason within the "Spectacular Spider-Man" show for the Symbiote's costume look to appear the way it did?

Greg responds...

It was a black symbiotic, so it was a black costume. I think maybe you're overthinking it. Also, notice how it evolved over the four episodes it appeared in.

Response recorded on September 20, 2016

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safminako writes...

Do you think Keith David could voice any other of your characters? If so, which ones?

P.S
I am still a fan of the show and totally used jump off of an ironing board trying to fly when I watched Gargoyles as a kid.

Greg responds...

I don't understand what you mean. Keith is amazing, and has done a voice for me on nearly every series I've produced. The list includes Goliath (Gargoyles), Officer Morgan (Gargoyles), Thailog (Gargoyles), Mama (3x3 Eyes), Hades (Kidd/Hero), The Big Man (The Spectacular Spider-Man) and Mongul (Young Justice: Invasion).

Response recorded on September 16, 2016

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Kellen O'Rourke writes...

Hello again Greg,
A couple of things, I read the archives and I got a couple of answers to my previous questions. I'd like to ask your opinions on the Spider-Man film franchise, specifically the two The Amazing Spider-Man films.
1. Do you agree with the general response on those films or not. As you know none of those films were really loved much.
2. What do you think of it ending prematurly and the franchise getting a third reboot? Are you excited for that?
3. Also wondering, how did the sales go for the complete series of The Spectacular Spider-man on blu-ray? I got it as soon as it was released and let me tell you, it's one of the best investments I ever made.

Hope you're doing well and thank you for your time.

Greg responds...

1. I didn't see the second one and thus can't comment on that at all. I thought there was a lot to like about the first one, but felt I didn't really need the origin again.

2. I have no opinion on that specifically. But I did like Spidey's appearance in Civil War. So that's promising. Not sure about hot Aunt May. Seems ageist.

3. I have no idea. They don't give me that information.

Response recorded on July 19, 2016

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Kellen O'Rourke writes...

Hello Greg,
I have recently got into Gargoyles and it quickly became one of my favorite series and I think you're one of the most brillant people in the business. I saw your name in the credits and I looked up your other works and I noticed that you where one of main heads behind The Spectacular Spider-Man, which I think had the potential to be the definitive Spider-Man series. I've come across several interviews of you discussing the series, you covered most of the characters but you didn't really get into Harry Osborn. He was one of the most interesting people in the show.
1. How did you develop him from being one of Peter's best friends to ultimately passing him over for popularity?
2.If the show had continued, where did you see his character going?
3.What was the reason for having his mother being alive?
Thank you very much for your time.

Greg responds...

1. It's mostly all right there in the original Lee/Romita comics. Harry wants to win approval from his father and therefore makes a number of choices that he believes will help him achieve that.

2. No Spoilers.

3. It just seemed like we had too many single-parent families. For both Gwen and Pete, having the lone parent seemed essential. For Harry, it didn't. Plus we had long term plans for Emily.

Response recorded on July 19, 2016

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Anonymous writes...

I've been re-watching Spectacular Spider-Man, and I'm now sure that it's the greatest Marvel show ever. There are a few questions I thought of while watching.

1. What inspired you to have Green Goblin be in a "rhyming mood" in "Opening Night"? I thought it was a really brilliant way to showcase how over the top he is.

2. Since Punisher, Cloak, and Dagger all first appeared in Spider-Man's comics, were you allowed to use any of them?

3. You've talked about where heroes like the Fantastic Four were during this show, even if you couldn't use them, but did you ever consider where Moon Knight, Black Widow, Hawkeye, or Dr. Strange were? Would you have considered using any of those characters if you could have?

4. When you were doing research on Spider-Man to write the show, were there any characters, especially villains, who you discovered and immediately felt like you wanted to use?

5. What made you decide to have Silver Sable be Silvermane's daughter instead of a mercenary? I really liked the change because of her chemistry with Hammerhead and because I think Silvermane is a very underrated villain, so I'm curious about what made you think of making those changes to her.

Greg responds...

1. It was to further equate him with Puck.

2. It didn't come up, but I doubt it.

3. Moon Knight was probably not Moon Knight yet. Hawkeye was probably still a circus performer; Black Widow, a Russian spy. Dr. Strange was probably still in Tibet. Over time - and given enough episodes AND PERMISSION - I'd have used anyone and everyone.

4. Yep. Vulture, the Big Man, the Enforcers, Hammerhead, Electro, Lizard, Shocker, Sandman, Rhino, Tombstone, Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Chameleon, Black Cat, the Sinister Six, the Burglar, Venom, Mysterio, Tinkerer, Kraven, Calypso, Master Planner, Colonel Jupiter, Silver Sable, Ricochet, Silvermane, Molten Man, Hobgoblin, Scorpion, Hydro-Man, Carnage and Kingpin.

5. Initially, their names.

Response recorded on July 12, 2016

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Cheston Bulgin writes...

Was Spectacular Spider-Man set in the same universe as Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes? I ask because when Spidey was brought in to make an appearance, Josh Keaton was suppose to voice Peter before they dubbed him with Drake Bell. I heard they changed up the animation too when Drake was voicing him.

Greg responds...

No to your question. I wasn't involved in what followed.

Response recorded on July 11, 2016

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DJ writes...

Hi,
I noticed that you did a radio show that was basically a crossover between Spectacular Spider-Man and Gargoyles, and I was wondering a few things:

1. I've looked all over the website for the final act, but I haven't been able to find it. Is there a way I can read it and find out what happens?

2. Did you write it as a way of considering trying to merge the Gargoyles universe with the Marvel universe, or were you doing it just for fun?

3. Would you be willing to allow the Gargoyles universe to become part of Marvel or DC if they asked you?

Thanks,
DJ

Greg responds...

1. The production itself is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95V2vAFJmKs
But you couldn't have searched ASK GREG too hard. It took me no time to find it: http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?rid=846

2. Fun.

3. It would never be up to me. But I'd recommend AGAINST it.

Response recorded on July 08, 2016

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Atelson Fitgerald writes...

By the time you answer this, I bet the movie is in quick production or you've been sworn to silence. With all the rumors of Marvel's untitled Spidey film coming up, there are tons of rumors saying that it's pulling from the Spectacular Spider-Man animated series including the title and teen dynamic. By any chance, are you involved in any way with the film?

Greg responds...

No. And that's NOT me being cagey. I'm not involved at all.

Response recorded on July 07, 2016

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CONvergence 2016

I leave tomorrow for CONvergence 2016 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Okay, really Bloomington, MN, but close enough.) CONvergence is one of my favorite cons. And I have the honor of being their first fan-funded guest. Here's my schedule for the long weekend:

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
GUEST RECEPTION 07:00pm - 09:00pm
Atrium 4

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016
"Why Gargoyles is Still Relevant" 12:30pm - 01:30pm
Atrium 6 w/Christopher Jones, Patrick Fisher, Alana Profit, Chandra Reyer.

RADIO PLAY AUDITIONS 02:00pm - 03:00pm
Plaza 3 w/Christopher Jones.

"Physics of Time Travel" 03:30pm - 04:30pm
Edina w/Renate Fiora (m), Dan Berliner, Melanie Galloway, Jim Kakalios.

"Fancy Bastard Pie Competition" 08:30pm - 09:30pm
Garden Court - Southwest w/GPS.

FRIDAY, JULY 01, 2016
SIGNING 11:00am - 12:00pm
Autograph Table B.

RADIO PLAY AUDITIONS 12:30pm - 01:30pm
Plaza 3 w/Christopher Jones, Khary Payton.

"Writing by Ear" 02:00pm - 03:00pm
Bloomington w/Patrick Marsh (m), Emma Bull, Aimee Kuzenski, Jim McDoniel.

"Don't Call Them Sidekicks: The Enduring Power of Teenage Superheroes" 03:30pm - 04:30pm
Bloomington w/ Christopher Jones, Jessa Markert, Khary Payton, Sylus Rademacher.

"Drawing with the Masters" 07:00pm - 08:00pm
Plaza 2 w/Christopher Jones, Ruth Thompson.

"Why Diversity Needs to be Deeper than Marketing" 08:30pm - 09:30pm
Edina w/ Trisha Lynn (m), Kate Norlander, Jonathan Palmer, Dirk Ykema.

"Xanadu Cinema Pleasure Dome Live Podcast" 10:00pm - 11:00pm
Edina w/Windy Bowlsby, Melissa Kaercher.

SATURDAY, JULY 02, 2016
"Building Worlds for Fiction" 09:30am - 10:30am
Plaza 1 w/Michael Carus (m), J.M. Lee, Melissa Olson, Lynne M. Thomas.

"Why We Need Representation in Superheroes" 11:00am - 12:00pm
Edina w/ Christopher Jones, Bri Lopez Donovan, Khary Payton, Lynne M. Thomas.

RADIO PLAY REHEARSAL 12:30pm - 01:30pm
Atrium 6 w/ Christopher Jones, Jim Kakalios, Khary Payton and a cast of tens.

RADIO PLAY PERFORMANCE 02:00pm - 03:00pm
Atrium 6 w/ Christopher Jones, Jim Kakalios, Khary Payton and a cast of tens.

"Superficially Strong Female Characters" 05:00pm - 06:00pm
Edina w/ Crystal Huff (m), Kathryn Sullivan, Chrysoula Tzavelas, Joan Marie Verba.

"One on One with Christopher Jones" 07:00pm - 08:00pm
Edina (m) w/Christopher Jones.

ANIMATION BLUE 07:00pm - 08:00pm
Atrium 6 w/Christopher Jones, Lyda Morehouse, Khary Payton, Jenna Powers, Edmund Tsabard.

SUNDAY, JULY 03, 2016
YOUNG JUSTICE 09:30am - 10:30am
Atrium 6 w/Christopher Jones, Khary Payton.

SIGNING 11:00am - 12:00pm
Autograph Table B.

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS 12:30pm - 01:30pm
Edina.

READING 02:00pm - 03:00pm
Rm 2201.

ONE ON ONE 07:00pm - 08:00pm
Atrium 6 w/Melissa Kaercher.


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Garrett writes...

If you had all the time in the world to work on the second seasons of your TV Series such as:

Gargoyles

Max Steel

Young Justice

and The Spectacular Spiderman,

What exactly (from the specifics to not-so-specific) would you change/alter them?

Greg responds...

Change or alter? Nothing. Even errors and missed opportunities are errors and missed opportunities I can live with.

Response recorded on June 23, 2016

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Rhino Venom writes...

What country did Kraven and Calypso live in before they came to New York?

Greg responds...

I don't remember.

Response recorded on May 04, 2016

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Todd Jensen writes...

I've read the synopsis of the radio play crossover you made for "Gargoyles", "The Spectacular Spider-Man", and "Young Justice" (it'd be neat if you could put up the script for it at "Ask Greg" as you did for "Religious Studies 101", and noted that, near the end, you had Batman asking Goliath to join the Justice League. Now, the obvious reason why you had Batman be the one approaching Goliath was for the joke about Xanatos trying to get both Batman and Iron Man to join his club for rich guys with fancy equipment. But I remember how, back when you were making "Gargoyles", you were concerned that people might see it as a rip-off of "Batman: TAS" (to the point where you even drew up a list of differences between the two series); did you choose Batman for that role as a sort of callback to that?

Greg responds...

Not consciously.

Response recorded on April 22, 2016

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Jacob Kilner writes...

As a fan of Spectacular Spider-Man (I pretty much hold it as THE gold standard for Spider-Man and indeed, adaptations in general) and Young Justice, I like many others were crushingly disappointed by their cancellation.

My question is; as well as focusing on current projects, do you still, if occasionally, look for ways to continue or even complete the stories you started in the past series cancelled?

Even if it has been years since cancellation, do you still hold out hope or even consider options for revival?

Greg responds...

Yes.

Yes.

Response recorded on April 13, 2016

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Anonymous writes...

Hi Greg,
I've really enjoyed all your work. Spectacular Spiderman s one of my "gateway" superhero shows! Thanks for that and Young Justice. This is a retype of my question because I forgot to mention how much I love Rain! I love big mystery/treasure hunts that build on themselves, and the way that Rain and Charlie save the day (no spoilers!) was so fun and cathartic. Rain's relationship with the other generations in her family is such a valuable dynamic that you just don't see elsewhere. :)

One thing still confuses me about Young Justice, though-I'm trying to understand some of the logic behind Dick's decision to keep Wally "hanging back," as you said.

Why would Dick feel there was "no shortage" of heroes? At the least, they were down the six most powerful heroes on Earth with most of the JL off-planet, and in the War World episodes, almost the entire Team was kidnapped. Why wouldn't he call Wally in then? (M'gann is really powerful, but that was a small planet they were fighting. Also, later, the Reach showed that they had an armada with hundreds of ships left over the fight with the War World - surely he'd want all hands on deck, particularly with so much of the League gone?

Why would Wally's appearance be able to catch the bad guys "off guard" after Bloodlines? Wally was already in the game; the nuclear bomb in Central was well publicized; why would his appearance be any more a surprise after that?

On the War World, Dick knew Artemis wouldn't be an issue because M'gann knew she was down under the ocean, so that wasn't a big concern. Even if Artemis did teleport to the alien world, it seems foolhardy in the extreme (almost unbelievably so) that Dick would attempt to take on a planet with only one other hero when another was supposedly waiting in the wings, ready to help whenever.

It doesn't make sense to me that Wally's appearance would be most needed and the biggest surprise only in Summit, when Dick had more backup than at any other point in the entire season and Wally had already showed up in Bloodlines. How was he more useful or a bigger surprise in a huge crowd than in a group of three on the War World, propotionally, when Dick was in the biggest trouble?

It also seems very, very strange that Dick wouldn't let Wally contribute to the efforts of bringing the people who nuked his hometown to justice. No one died that day, but their livlihoods were destroyed and there would be nuclear fallout. Even if Dick was too worried Wally would hurt himself (?), or whatever, Wally showed in Homefront that he was very capable of support - moral and technical - without necessarily getting into the fray. It seems just so strange that, if Wally really *wanted* to help, that he'd shut him out of something that had so ruined Wally's home. It seems strange that Artemis wouldn't have an issue with Dick forcing Wally to stay home, too.

As an aside, why would Dick initially try to keep the truth about Artemis's death from Wally if he *wanted* Wally to hang back for some reason? How would they guy who wanted to kill every alien robot dead in when he really believed Artemis to be dead in Failsafe be easier to control and tell to "hang back" if he REALLY thought Artemis was dead?

Logistically, to me it feels like Dick was more adept and logically minded when he was 13 than 19 with five more years of experience, which is strange. No real judgement against "Dick," really, but none of this seems to hold water at all.
I'm just trying to wrap my head around it.

I enjoyed the rest of the show a lot, though! And Rain is the best!

Thanks. :)

Greg responds...

Dick has learned the value of (1) holding heroes in reserve (for example, in "Failsafe") - and (2) of not making any single squad too big or unmanageable and (3) of keeping people who had trained together working together.

As for Summit, Kid Flash was certainly useful there, but mostly he was there because Artemis' undercover op was coming to an end, and Wally wanted to be there, which at that point was fine with Nightwing.

Beyond that, if it doesn't work for you, it doesn't work for you. But it works fine for me, and I won't apologize for it. Nor do I agree with your interpretation of Dick's skills as a leader, season to season. But your mileage may vary.

Response recorded on April 06, 2016

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B writes...

For The Spectacular Spider-Man, did you have any specific spin-offs in mind or ideas for other series set in its version of the Marvel Universe, and, if so, what were they?

Greg responds...

Well, it was less about spin-offs and more about occasional guest stars. Then if someone (in authority) had said, "HEY, DO THAT!" we would have.

I think I've mentioned we wanted to use Johnny Storm, so that could have led to a theoretical Fantastic Four spin-off.

We wanted to use Beast, Cyclops and Professor X, which could have lead to a theoretical X-Men spin-off.

We wanted to use both Hulk and Captain America, which could have lead to theoretical spin-offs for either and/or for the Avengers.

Oh, and I did have one other spin-off idea that really was a spin-off coming out of Season Three or Four, that would have largely featured characters that had already appeared in the series by that point, including (but not limited to) Flint, Hobie and Felicia.

Response recorded on March 31, 2016


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Raphael writes...

4. I was looking at the TV Tropes 'What Could Have Been' page after someone on Ask Greg mentioned it and I stumbled across this snippet about The Spectacular Spider-Man (SPOILERS for the end of second season pretty much go without saying after all of these years but whatever): "It was planned for a five-season run (ending with Peter's graduation from High School) - the timing of the Disney/Marvel buyout would have limited it to only three seasons, but because the show also switched networks, it only got two. And because of that, we wind up ending with the revelation that all of Peter's friends save Mary Jane are alienated from him, Harry hates Spider-Man, Gwen remains his girfriend after some emotional blackmail from Harry, and Peter didn't even stop the bad guy." Now I'm not interested if a longer run would have resulted in a happier ending because that seems like the kind of thing that you would interpret as SPOILERS. I know this is just a fan run site with no sources and It seems it makes a couple of assumptions right off the bat because it wasn't so much planned for a five-season run as much as there was a long term plan that could have spanned five seasons ideally. But I'm interested in if what it was saying about the switching of the networks limiting the show's run from three to two seasons holds any shred of truth.

Greg responds...

No. What limited us to two seasons was the fact that Marvel got the animation rights to Spider-Man back from Sony, but Sony still held the rights to "The Spectacular Spider-Man" work product. Sony couldn't make more seasons of Spectacular, because they no longer had the animation rights. Marvel couldn't make more seasons of Spectacular because they didn't have the rights to that version of the character.

It had nothing to do with the network switch between seasons one and two. And it had nothing to do with Disney buying Marvel either.

Response recorded on February 25, 2016

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Raphael writes...

Hi Greg, I wrote many months ago about the correct episode order for Gargoyles. I actually live in Australia so getting Gargoyles Season 2 Vol. 2 is hard and because I know I won't be able to finish it, I haven't watched all of what I have of Gargoyles yet. That information wasn't really needed but I figured I would put it there as a precursor to saying I'm practically obsessive about The Spectacular Spider-Man, (as a Spider-Man fan like yourself, albeit a much narrower breadth of knowledge as I am only a teenager) love Young Justice, particularly the second season, and am enjoying Gargoyles (I think I'm only just past City of Stone, which was epic in the literal sense) and Star Wars Rebels, that twist in 'Rise of the Old Masters' in particular was really well crafted, which as I write this is six episodes or seven episodes in, I'm slightly behind.
Before I get started, I want to make it clear that whatever I say in my first question, I have no intention to argue with you about what you put in the show as others have been about Wally West at the time I write this. I actually have a few different questions on Young Justice, one on The Spectacular Spider-Man and one about you which are split up and these two paragraphs sort of serve as an introduction to all of it.
1. I'm fairly certain there's an undeniable change of pacing and generally a slight tinkering in the type of storytelling from the first season of Young Justice to the second. In the first season the episodes were relatively self contained episodes that contributed to larger character arcs but in the second season almost every episode, if not every episode, contributed to a constant driving narrative. I've noticed something like this in all of your shows, between their first and second seasons before they all were sadly cancelled. Gargoyles felt like its first season set up the character dynamics and world before the second season expanded its universe, probably due to such a large episode order. And The Spectacular Spider-Man felt like it just grew more confident and ambitious. If you don't think these assessments are correct I'd be very different to hear why your shows evolved. I believe Young Justice evolved the most though. Was that planned from the start or was the show readjusted due to what direction you and the rest thought the show could best move in? Or was it some external factor like a change in writing staff, or a smaller amount of episode? In conclusion, why was the show's overall pacing changed? And if you think I've answered my own question can you elaborate?
2. Was there any break in production? I know there wasn't much space between the airing of Young Justice's first season and its second, but did you have any break between seasons?
3. I'm not sure if this has been asked before, and it seems like a fairly obvious question so I apologize if it has been, but how far into production of season 2 of Young Justice, if at all, did you know it was your last season and how sure were you? When I say you I mean everyone who worked on the show.

Greg responds...

1. I think much of what you says feels right. But that's a key distinction. It "feels" right. It isn't objectively correct. I do think that on YJ, the second season was without a doubt more driven by narrative than by character, as the first season was. This was in part intentional. We didn't need to intro concepts. But you may be overstating it a bit as well, since every episode was still designed to stand alone and tell a great story that could hook new viewers. One other factor, as you noted, that definitely contributed to this sense of momentum was the fact that we only got 20 episodes for the second season. That forced us to dedicate more episodes (and storylines within episodes) to the main "novel" we were crafting. With a larger order, we'd have had more plotlines that weren't directly tied to the main throughline, and the feel would have been more like Season One.

2. A short break. Nothing significant.

3. I don't remember exactly, but it was before we completed production. I think maybe even before we had completed the final script.

Response recorded on February 23, 2016

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Spectacular Spider-Man writes...

1. Why did Liz and Flash break up, and who broke up with whom?
2. How does Peter stick to walls through his costume? Wouldn't the hairs on his fingers be blocked? And how do his feet stick to walls, especially if he's wearing boots in his costume?
3. What is Hammerhead's real name (first and last)?
4. Were you allowed to use Marvel objects not related to Spider-Man? For example, could you mention Adamantium or Latveria?
5. How did Vulture, Sandman, Rhino, and the Mysterio robot escape from prison in Reinforcement? And why did they bother breaking the robot out?

Greg responds...

1. It was kind of mutual, since Flash was interested in M.J. and Liz was interested in Petey.

2. It's a thin costume (even the boots). That's why he's so cold all the time.

3. NO SPOILERS.

4. It never came up. If I had to guess, I'd assume Adamantium was okay and Latveria was not.

5. I don't recall.

5a. I don't think they knew it was a robot.

Response recorded on February 17, 2016

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Spectacular Spider-Fan writes...

1. Where was Master Planner's lair? What was the building Spider-Man was looking at, how did he know he could enter underwater, how was it built, and how did the villains get in?
2. What did Black Cat do with the stolen jewel from the end of Persona?
3. How did Vulture fire the lasers from the back of his wings in Shear Strength?
4. Why did nobody at the racetrack notice the Green Goblin? It wasn't a very good disguise.
5. What experiment was Dr. Octavius working on that caused the arms to fuse to him? Was it a normal experiment or a supervillain one?

Greg responds...

1a. In the river.

1b. I don't recall.

1c. He got that info from Tinkerer, didn't he? (It's been a while, and my memory isn't the best.)

1d. I think that was more or less spelled out in the episode. At least to the extent one needs to know.

1e. In an elevator from that building, maybe?

2. Fenced it.

3. Hidden controls.

4. If you say so.

5. Define "normal".

Response recorded on February 17, 2016

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Spectacular Spider-Fan writes...

1. Are the symbiote's webs living pieces of the symbiote, dead symbiote matter, or just waste produced by the symbiote?
2. Peter's costume gets ripped or torn in many episodes. How does he repair it?
3. In the Big Sky Billiard Room, there is a sign in the background that says "No gambling". Was this a joke, or does Montana not approve of or know about Blackie Gaxton being a bookie?
4. In Group Therapy, there is a sign that says "Jazzy Gianni: The Musical". In Gangland, the restaurant where the M^3 kids are eating is also called Jazzy Gianni's. Who is Jazzy Gianni, and why are a restaurant and a musical named after him?
5. What are those metal things Hammerhead wears on his hands? Do they enhance his strength?

Greg responds...

1. Fine question. I have no idea. I'll leave that to your interpretation.

2. With difficulty. (Also, he has two identical costumes.)

3. None of the above. What's legal and posted, doesn't always get respected - either by the owner or the help.

4. Jazzy Gianni was our code for Jazzy Johnny Romita Sr., the second artist (after Steve Ditko) to team with Stan Lee on Spider-Man. In universe, we imagined that Jazzy Gianni was a legendary man-about-town in New York City. And who's to say we're wrong?

5. They're the equivalent of brass knuckles. They don't enhance his strength, but they enhance the damage he can do with his fists.

Response recorded on February 17, 2016

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Spectacular Spider-Fan writes...

Since Sony still has the film rights to Spider-Man, could they make a direct to video Spectacular Spider-Man movie? Or would it have to be theatrical? Or could it only be a live-action movie still set in the same universe? Or are they not allowed to do any of this?

Greg responds...

Marvel has the animation rights to Spider-Man. Beyond that, I'm not privy to what they've agreed on between the two companies.

Response recorded on February 08, 2016

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Christopher Rosa writes...

Hello Greg this is Christopher Rosa I have some questions for you,

1. I remember reading you saying that there are no original characters in Spectacular Spider-Man, that got me thinking, I remember in episode Reaction there other cheerleaders appear with Liz and Sally, one with light brown hair, another with black hair who was black, and finally one I think with brown or black hair, are these background characters base on canon characters, or are they nameless characters you just made, and if there are not nameless I like to hear there names?

2. I was wondering if you have a change to continued Spectacular Spider-Man, would you change any plans you had in 2009, like there are new supporting characters, villains, and allis Spider-Man has now that did exist, example L. Thompson Lincoln now has a daughter, Im not looking for a spoiler answer and I hope this is not a spoiler question but if you do start up Spectacular Spider-Man again would you consider using a character that did not exist in 2009?

Greg responds...

1. They were probably nameless, but I don't recall.

2. Yes, I'd consider it.

Response recorded on February 08, 2016


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SpiderManFan writes...

I have a couple questions about Spectacular Spider-man so here goes
1) How is Ox, an ordinary human able to hold spidey in a bear hug without him breaking free? (spider-man is able to escape but only by pulling on Ox's moustache and forcing him to let go)

2)Why is it that sometimes spider-man's webs come out in streams and other times they come out like a net?

3) How was Eddie Brock able to make his own web-shooters?

5) How did Peter make the original web shooters? Is it like the ultimate comics where it was a formula his father had been working on and Peter finished it, or is it more like the original comics where he just came up with the idea on his own?

Thank you for taking the time to read all these questions . I recently tried to watch ultimate spider-man and I only made it through a couple of episodes before I gave up on it. Ultimate isn't bad only because they changed things, I understand that some changes are necessary and even enjoyed the changes that were made in spectacular. The reason I enjoyed your show so much is that despite the changes spectacular spider-man stayed true to the spirit of the characters, while ultimate spider-man has not. So thank you once again for making a show that was able to capture the spirit of the original spider-man stories while updating them to a modern setting.

Greg responds...

1. Ox is strong. Spidey is stronger, but he's no Superman. If he's got no leverage, he can't just shrug the guy off.

2. Depends on how he sets the shooters, which he can do by where he presses down with his finger.

3. I assume you don't mean as Venom. Keep in mind, he has all of Pete's memories from his time as Venom. Otherwise, NO SPOILERS.

4. There is no question 4.

5. No spoilers.

I haven't seen Ultimate, so I have no opinion on it. But I know a lot of very talented people worked on it. In any case, it's not a competition. But I am glad you enjoyed Spectacular.

Response recorded on January 22, 2016

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Spectacular Spider-Fan writes...

1. Was the man with Donald Menken and Chameleon disguised as Norman when the glider was stolen Dr. Stromm?
2. How did Chameleon manage to get Stan Carter tied up, take his uniform, put it on, and get a Stan Carter mask so quickly? And did he have that mask the whole ime, just in case? Also, does he use a voice changer or just imitate people's voices?
3. Does Black Cat have any superpowers? It seems really unlikely that she could have navigated the Oscorp laser maze perfectly, but she might just be that awesome. Were these her probability affecting powers? If so, how did she get them?
4. Where did Dr. Connors get the Colonel Jupiter suit, and how did he know it would fit John after he grew?
5. Does Peter realize the Curt Connors that came into the lab when he was there in Persona was Chameleon? Does the general public think the Spider-Man who broke into the lab was Chameleon?

Greg responds...

1. No spoilers.

2. I'll leave this to your imagination.

3. She's just awesome.

4. He'd been working with John for weeks.

5. I'd have to watch the episodes again.

Response recorded on January 21, 2016

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Spectacular Spider-Fan writes...

1. Do any villains realize that Spider-Man is a teenager?
2. How, if at all, will the Spider-Verse event impact the Spectacular Spider-Man universe?
3. In the Master Planner episode, we see that there are cameras planted all over the city that Doc Ock is watching. We're also led to believe that he's tracking Peter's phone, bu pt later find out he's tracking Gwen. Could Master Planner have seen Peter transform into Spider-Manthrough the cameras like the one near the demolished building, or track his phone?
4. In the episode where wer're introduced properly to Tombstone for the first time, he presses a button to call in Stan and Jean, who immediately burst into the room? How did they get there so fast?
5. In the same episode, Norman is waiting outside the elevator for Harry and tells him to man up. Then he goes back to talk with Hammerhead and apologizes for some reason and acts like he was interrupted. Why was he waiting if he was busy talking with Hammerhead?

Greg responds...

1. No.

2. No Spoilers one way or another.

3. Keep in mind that Doc was being opportunistic. These were existing cameras he was tapping into, not cameras he placed. So Pete's generally pretty careful. He also has the advantage that nobody was literally going through ALL the existing footage live.

4. They were right outside the door.

5. I'd have to see the episode again.

Response recorded on January 19, 2016

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Anonymous writes...

Will you ever post the Spectacular Spider-Man series bible?

Greg responds...

I might. But I don't have it here at my Nickelodeon office.

Response recorded on January 15, 2016

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Anonymous writes...

Was the Michael kid from Gangland Michael Morbius?

Greg responds...

No. He was a contest winner. A real person.

Response recorded on January 15, 2016

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Rhino Venom writes...

Hi again Mr. Wesiman. First of all, I wanted to thank you for creating such great backstories and designs for my two favorite villains: Venom and Rhino. I love how Alex O'Hirn's last name is an anagram for Rhino. I have a few questions, too.
#1. How did the symbiote pick up the spores? Were they from the symbiote's planet? And why was only John exposed? Weren't other people, like Foswell, near it too?
#2. I'm not sure about Sandman's last episode. What caused him to become a hero? Was your plan always to make him a hero eventually? And (sorry if this question bothers you) would he revert back to villainy?
#3. Would John Jameson have been fine if he was shocked with electricity before his transformation, or would it have killed him while not Colonel Jupiter?

Greg responds...

1. John touched the symbiotic, remember, so the spores transferred then. The rest is a mystery.

2. I'll leave the episode to your interpretation. It works for us, as it stands. If it works for you, great. If not, well... sorry? The rest are spoiler requests.

3. Depends how much electricity at what stage, I suppose. But that's a hypothetical. Impossible to answer for sure.

Response recorded on January 14, 2016

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Spectacular Spider-Fan writes...

1. Where did the hospital get Electro's suit? It seems to be pretty high-tech. it can keep him restrained if he wants, but he can also mentally control the opening and closing of the mask and gloves. It also isn't conductive. How did somebody (in-universe) create this so fast?
2. How is Alex O'Hirn strong enough to keep all that titanium armor on top of him without being crushed?
3. In Destructive Testing, how did Kraven get away? The web he was caught in wasn't even broken, but he somehow ended up in his car being driven by his chauffeur. By the way, how did Kraven get the money to afford this and pay Miles Warren?
4. Is Pat Mulligan on the police force in the show?
5. What is the origin of Tinkerer? He is one of the most interesting villains in the series, but it never explains how he manages to make all these advanced devices (I believe you said he made Silvermane's armor) or how he ended up working for Chameleon. By the way, did Chameleon's flat face that can use a mask to impersonate anyone come from Tinkerer?

Greg responds...

1. Cartoon magic.

2. Cartoon science.

3. Calypso magic.

4. No spoilers.

5. No real origin, per se. He's really smart and immoral.

Response recorded on January 14, 2016

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Spectacular Spider-Fan writes...

1. In Blueprints, Mysterio makes a sword appear out of nowhere on the bridge. Since we find out later that Mysterio was just using special effects, where did the sword come from?
2. Did anyone ever find out that George Stacy almost helped Master Planner take over the world?
3. Would Peter be able to save up enough money to buy another camera after his new one got detroyed due to the New Enforcers?
4. Liz's breakup with Peter. Is she over it and happy for him, does she hate him forever now, or will she try to get him back?
5. What does the general public in the show think about the symbiote? One day they discover alien life, then it's stolen, and it seems like nobody cares anymore about the significance of this discovery. (Also, you mentioned that the Fantastic Four were dealing with threats like the Skrulls. Wouldn't this mean that the symbiote is no big deal, or did the Skrulls come after the symbiote and is that why nobody cares? Is Chameleon a Skrull? What does the general public think of Skrulls? Sorry about these Skrull questions, it just opens up so many possibilities.)

Greg responds...

1. I'd have to watch it again to be sure. But basically, it's smoke and mirrors magic. And I'm no magician. How does any magician make stuff appear seemingly out of nowhere? Maybe the sword folds up? Maybe it was up his sleeve? I'll let you decide.

2. No Spoilers.

3. Eventually.

4. No Spoilers.

5. We didn't really show "the public," so the notion that nobody cared about the significance of the discovery doesn't seem supported - one way or another - by what was on screen. Certainly, some people cared. Certainly, others didn't.

5a. I haven't put together any parallel timeline for a Spectacularverse Fantastic Four, so I don't know when various FF events happened relative to stuff in Spidey's life, beyond the mere fact that the FF exists and has gone public before the start of Season One.

5b. The Chameleon is not a skrull. Unless he is. But he's not. Unless he is.

5c. See my answer to 5a. I don't even know if the public knows about skrulls yet. I don't even know if the FF knows about skrulls yet.

Response recorded on January 13, 2016

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Rhino Venom writes...

Hi Mr. Weisman! I recently got into your show Spectacular Spider-Man on recommendation from my friend. I've never been much of a Marvel fan, but thanks to the Amazing Spider-Man 2, LEGO Marvel, and this show, Spider-Man is my new favorite superhero. I'm really devastated that there is no season 3, and I hope that it will get picked up again someday. That being said, I have a few questions.
#1. Under what charges was Molten Man arrested?
#2. What circumstances led to Kraven moving to Africa and developing his skills as a hunter?
#3. How did Master Planner know about and contact Kraven before he came to New York?
Thank you for making such a great TV show! I hope that more seasons will eventually come!

Greg responds...

1. I don't remember. Public endangerment? Attempted murder? Arson? (I'd have to rematch the episode.)

2. That's a question worthy of a novel-length response. I'm not going to write a novel on the subject (unless Marvel decides to pay me to do that), so I'll leave that to your imagination.

3. In certain circles, Kraven is/was famous.

Response recorded on January 13, 2016

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Anonymous writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman. I am a huge fan of your show The Spectacular Spider-Man, and am still very upset that it was cancelled. I have wondered a few things about the series:

1) What was Mary Jane's old school like, and what was her reputation? It seemed like an easy decision for her to go to M cubed.
2) What is Gwen's new social status? I presume she isn't "Nerdette" anymore. Also, does Rand have a crush on her?
3) Why was Morris Bench a demolition expert? Did this have any significance?
4) What was Mary Jane told to get her to go to the dance with Peter? Did she want to go, or was she forced?
5) Does Peter have pheromone powers like Spider-Woman? Is this why Liz, Gwen, and Black Cat all love him?

Thank you.

Greg responds...

1. I don't think Mary Jane was happy at her Staten Island school for a number of reasons. I think the idea of starting over was appealing, as was the idea of going to a magnet program for the performing arts.

2. She's still nerdette. It's hard to change people's opinions once they've stuck a label on you. I don't see any evidence that Rand has a crush on her.

3. Why was Robbie Robertson an editor? Why was the barista a barista? I'm not sure I understand the question.

4. She was probably told Peter was a nice guy her age that needed a date. She wasn't forced.

5. No. He has other qualities.

Response recorded on January 13, 2016

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Caswin writes...

In the Spectacular Spider-Man episode "The Invisible Hand", when Tombstone makes his offer to Spider-Man... did he have a prior engagement with that briefcase full of money, or do you think he just likes to have a briefcase full of money handy?

Greg responds...

I think he had an inkling of what/who was coming.

Response recorded on November 11, 2015

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Spectacular Spider-Fan writes...

1. Why is Rand so much nicer than Flash and Kenny? He never picks on anybody, and helps stop Flash from throwing water balloons at Peter. It also seems to be why he's still Sally's boyfriens. What is the reasoning for this?
2. Why is Liz interested in Peter, and how far dod she want the relationship to go?
3. Why does Roderick Kingsley work at a perfume company? This was very clearly pointed out, but I'm not sure why this is significant.
4. Why was Harry such a jerk in Final Curtain? He is manipulating Gwen into staying in the relationship with him, keeping Peter and Gwen apart, but he has never acted like this in previous episodes.
5. Do Peter and Gwen ever get together? Gwen is extremely intelligent, and will probably realize what Harry is doing soon, giving them a happy ending, but this seems too simple for at least three more seasons of subplots.

Greg responds...

1. I'm not sure I understand the question. That's his character.

2. I'll let you evaluate this from the episodes.

3. It would have been clearer if we had had more episodes, and I'm not one for spoilers. But if you want more info read the original old Spidey comics with Kingsley.

4. I believe what we did with Harry was perfectly in character.

5. No spoilers.

Response recorded on November 11, 2015

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Spectacular Spider-Fan writes...

What was the need for Gwen's redesign in Spectacular Spider-Man? I loved the original appearance and thought it captured the essence of the charachter perfectly. If the show had continued, would you keep the new look of Gwen, switch back to the old one, create an entirely different design, or switched between them?

Greg responds...

Gwen and all the characters would continue to evolve. (Keep in mind that most of the high school characters were only 15 or 16 when the series premiered.) I'm not going to speak to specific design decisions that we never had to make.

Response recorded on November 11, 2015

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Artists Anomalous writes...

This question's been bugging me for years. How did norman osborn survive at the end of 'final curtain'? I'd hate for that cliffhanger to be left unresolved!

Greg responds...

Does the HOW really matter? If it does, make something up. That's all I'd be doing. Cuz the how doesn't really interest me too much.

In any case, I'm not sure what the how has to do with resolving the "cliffhanger". And that's on top of the fact THAT THERE WAS NO CLIFFHANGER.

It's become one of my pet peeves, but the definition of a cliffhanger has been stretched beyond recognition to include any plot thread left unresolved or any little mystery left unexplained. But that is NOT the meaning of cliffhanger.

At the end of Season Two of The Spectacular Spider-Man, no hero was left in jeopardy so there was no cliffhanger. Period.

But again, I don't see how knowing how he survived would resolve anything about the threads we intentionally left hanging. The one thing has nothing at all to do with the other.

Response recorded on October 28, 2015

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Lexikon writes...

Hi Greg.

I saw you at Denver Comic Con on June 13-15 this year, and would like to thank you for answering the questions I asked you concerning Spectacular Spider-Man. I didn't go to your Gargoyles panel, since I hadn't seen the show for ages, but have recently gotten into it. Hopefully you and the crew will be back for the 21st anniversary ;).

Anyhow, after searching the archives, I saw you comment that you didn't want to give your opinion on Spider-Man 3, because you were working with Sony. However, since you are not working with Sony, would you be willing to let us know what you think of the Sam Raimi Spider-man films, both as Spider-Man adaptations and as films on their own? I noticed that in Spectacular Spider-Man there were many references and homages to Spider-man 1, 2, & 3.

Your opinion on the reboot series would also be appreciated, although I haven't seen Amazing Spider-Man 2 due to the bad reviews and being unimpressed by Amazing Spider-Man 1. Plus I'm disappointed that Sony is trying to copy Marvel by making an expanded universe with a Sinister Six and Black Cat movie instead of focusing on Spidey.

Thanks.

Greg responds...

There was tons to admire in Spider-Man 1 and 2. They got a lot right, as far as I'm concerned and even improved things here and there. I didn't love every single creative decision made, but they were both thumbs up movies to me.

I wasn't as enamored of Spider-Man 3.

I was okay with Amazing Spider-Man, but I thought it was a mistake to do his origin over yet again and so soon.

I haven't seen Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Response recorded on October 26, 2015

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Jim Zittlaw writes...

Hi Greg. I've got a question about Spec Spidey.

In a few different responses, you've acknowledged that your Eddie Brock is partly an original creation, with some influence from the Ultimate version. You've said that the show's Eddie Brock is "a little more revisionist" compared to the adaptations of other characters, and when asked if you like Venom, you've said that you "like [Spec Spidey's] Venom."

I find the great difference in the show's Venom is the complete posing of him as a dark mirror to Peter/Spider-Man - as you've put it, Venom has a "dark reaction to the [same] tragedies that Peter faced." Spec Spidey's characterization of Eddie Brock/Venom was the first time Venom worked for me.

Naturally I'm very curious about the show's Venom, as the characterization was unprecedented in some ways. So here comes my question, and I don't mean to ask for spoilers here: Do you see Eddie as a redemptive figure? By that, I'm not hoping to learn whether or not Eddie would have gotten some kind of happy ending. I just wonder if your vision of Eddie is a vision of someone who could have been saved from the darkness. If you'd prefer leaving that to interpretation, that's cool, of course.

Greg responds...

Mostly, I'll leave it to your interpretation, but the short answer is that, yes, redemption is at least possible. Doesn't mean it'll happen.

Response recorded on July 29, 2015

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Gray Dickson writes...

So from a strictly nerd stance, does spidey in your show rely on spider sense to web swing? I ask this because your spider sense abilities were so clearly defined.

Greg responds...

I'm not sure I know what you mean by "rely". I'm sure it helps.

Response recorded on July 28, 2015

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Jenna writes...

hey Greg, i've been a fan of Gargoyles since i was 11 yrs old, i was wondering, how did you come up with the distinct roars, growls and snarls for each clan member? (you can include Demona if you want)

Greg responds...

We worked them out on two levels. First with the various actors and voice director Jamie Thomason. Then with our sound effects editor Paca Thomas at Advantage Audio.

FYI - Advantage Audio is also where we did The Spectacular Spider-Man and where we are currently posting the Rain of the Ghosts AudioPlay.

Response recorded on July 27, 2015

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GAvillain writes...

Hey Greg, I just wanted to say right off the bat that I really appreciate your inclusion of a homosexual character (Lexington) in Gargoyles. I really appreciate that as a viewer and fan of your show.

Secondly, I really appreciate the work you did over in Spectacular Spider-Man. Definitely my favorite Spider-Man adaptation. I just wanted to ask you if there were any characters in Spectacular Spider-Man that you particularly viewed as being homosexual or bisexual.

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on July 24, 2015

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Larin Alexander writes...

Hello mr.Weisman.
  I'm a huge fan of your creations, your espetcially The Spectacular Spider Man, thanks to this show I'm right faith in you found!
  I do a huge fan of Marvel, especially I love spider man! And your the spectacular Spider Man was just manna from heaven, even when it began to show on the Disney XD, it was at that time the highest rating in the history channel!
But when your show is canceled, all dedicated fans mourned as I.Ultimate Spider Man did not meet my expectations and hopes. Show was not bad, but not for a modicum of revolutionary as yours. It does not matter watched it or not, A true insult to even little kids who watch it. The show is SO dumbed down and tries too hard to be funny. There's nothing worse than forced "humor".
We understand you do not want to because it was all over with your TV series, we remember that you told us that Sony returned the television rights "The Spectacular Spider Man'' Marvel back. But why sony retained ownership and all production elements, making for a show: the character designs, story lines????? They that film rights about Spidey was a little???? MR.Weisman What do you think?? - I do not see any sense!Disney's not guilty and Marvel, too, I think that Sony, even if they would have given all that is connected with a the spectacular man on film rights had no effect (and it is on the film rights they totally focused right now, and even threw a television and did not touch )! Disney and Sony are no longer competitors. I think you will not knowingly repeat your show on the Vortexx,and the ratings-your show does not become obsolete, and I think and believe that the show has a chance to be reborn. Well, I believe in your upcoming series of Star Wars Rebels and will definitely be watching!
Please Answer!!
And May the Force be with you and your chance to revive the animated series about Spidey!!!
(I'm from Russia, and sorry if what I have written is not so!)

Greg responds...

Larin, I'm honestly not clear what you're asking.

But as I've said over and over, Sony can't do Spectacular Spider-Man, since they no longer have the animation rights. And Marvel/Disney can't do Spectacular Spider-Man without paying Sony for the rights to do THAT version of the property. And that's NOT going to happen, because they can do their own version without paying anyone.

Response recorded on July 01, 2015

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Jason R. Carter writes...

Have you read this analysis of Eddie Brock?

http://inquisitivewordsmith.tumblr.com/post/60611499239/tssms-eddie-brock-a-nice-guy-or-a-nice-guy

If so, any thoughts?

Greg responds...

I hadn't. I have now. I'm not sure about the terminology, but I agree with the gist of the post.

Response recorded on June 29, 2015

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Adaptation

Bruce Timm and I (and others) were interviewed for a cool little article on adaptation, here:

http://on.mtv.com/1dz9OM9


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WONDERCON 2015

I am fortunate enough to have been invited to be a spotlight guest at WonderCon this year at the Anaheim Convention Center in California from Friday April 03 - Sunday April 05. Here's my schedule for WonderCon 2015:

FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2015
SIGNING
ARTISTS ALLEY - Table A-31, 11:30am - 12:30pm.

As usual, I will sign anything you bring for free. But I will also be signing and selling copies of my two novels RAIN OF THE GHOSTS and SPIRITS OF ASH AND FOAM. ($10 per book, cash only.) If you purchase both books (signed and personalized for $20 cash total), you get a FREE copy of Kuni Tomita's original development artwork designs from when we developed RAIN as an animated series back at DreamWorks in the '90s. I will also be signing and selling copies of my animation and radio play scripts (from GARGOYLES, MEN IN BLACK, STARSHIP TROOPERS, TEAM ATLANTIS, W.I.T.C.H., THE BATMAN, THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN, DC SHOWCASE: GREEN ARROW, BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD, THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN MEETS GARGOYLES, YOUNG JUSTICE, BEWARE THE BATMAN, GARGOYLES MEETS THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN MEETS YOUNG JUSTICE and KIM POSSIBLE). Each signed and personalized script is $20 cash. I'll also be giving away #RainoftheGhosts AudioPlay postcards for free!

WORKING IN THE STAR WARS UNIVERSE
Room 207 04:00pm - 05:00pm
I'm moderating this panel with panelists: Kevin J. Anderson, Sam de La Rosa, Braden Lamb, Mike Mayhew, Rebecca Moesta & John Ostrander.

SIGNING
ARTISTS ALLEY - Table A-31, 5:30pm - 07:00pm.

SATURDAY, APRIL 04, 2015
SPOTLIGHT ON GREG WEISMAN
Room 213, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Gary Mierianu interviews me about Gargoyles, Young Justice, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars Kanan: the Last Padawan, Rain of the Ghosts (novels and AudioPlay) and more. Plus we'll open it up to an audience Q&A at the end.

SIGNING
ARTISTS ALLEY - Table A-31, 1:00pm - 02:30pm.

SIGNING
Mysterious Galaxy Booth 908, 03:00pm - 03:45pm.

MARVEL: NEXT BIG THING
Room 300AB 04:00pm - 05:00pm
I'll be talking about Star Wars Kanan: The Last Padawan, but other panelists will include Sam Humphries, Will Moss & Rick Remender, talking about their stuff.

SIGNING
ARTISTS ALLEY - Table A-31, 5:30pm - 07:00pm.

SUNDAY, APRIL 05, 2015
WARNER ARCHIVE MORE THAN SIDEKICKS!
Room 300AB 01:00pm - 02:00pm
I'll be talking Young Justice and other sidekick stuff with J.M. DeMatteis, D.W. Ferranti, Loren Lester, Gary Mierianu & Matthew Patterson.

SIGNING
ARTISTS ALLEY - Table A-31, 2:30pm - 05:00pm.

That's it. If you're in the area, stop by and say hello!!!


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Anonymous writes...

From where did you get the idea for Electro's origin in The Spectacular Spider-Man? Was it the story team's original idea?

I ask because in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Max Dillon turns into Electro almost the exact same way (gets electrocuted and falls into a vat of special electric eels). I'm interested if the movie blatantly ripped off from the show or if there is some comic book/other source material that you would have gotten this origin idea from.

Thanks - I'm a big fan of your shows, and Star Wars: Rebels seems like it will be pretty great.

Greg responds...

We came up with it - probably inspired to some degree from the origin of the mutates in Gargoyles - to fit our Biology 101 theme for that particular arc. But I don't consider what they did in the movie to be a rip-off. Marvel and Sony own everything that was done in The Spectacular Spider-Man, so they can't rip-off themselves. Frankly, I'm glad they liked it. Though I do wish that if they liked it that much, they would have hired me to write the movie. ;)

Response recorded on February 17, 2015

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Bethany Baldwin writes...

Hey there. I'm a huge fan of The Spectacular Spiderman and I've spent time trying to find out how I can contact one of the writers about a question I have for the show. For the Daily Bugle newspapers on the show, I've noticed they are are the same message but have parts cut off. I've spent my evening trying to figure out the full article but it seems I have hit a dead end.

This is what I have:
"In the opinion of this unassuming and civic-minded publisher and humanitarian, the question is not whether the so-called Spider-man is a hero or vigilante. The question is whether he is a THREAT or a MENACE! How a civilized society can allow a glory-seeking, masked scofflaw to swing through our city - littering it with his sticky leavings - with no fear of the repercussions is beyond the intellect or your humble servant, J. Jonah Jameson. Is it not a fact that criminals like the Vulture, Electro, the Lizard, Shocker, Sandman, Rhino, Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus and Venom did not exist until the presence of the Web-Head created a void that summoned them forth like a plague into our fair town, striking terror into the hearts of our citizenry? Does Spider-man make our city safer? Balderdash. Humbug. Nonsense. Spider-man creates the danger threatening our lives, liberties, and pursuits of happiness. Banish the Web-Slinger, and with him you banish those who seek to knock him from his web - making us all quantitatively safer. As for heroes, we have plenty to inspire us, if only we are willing to seek beyond the showy primary colored carnival suit of the Spider."

I can't figure out the rest from here and I was wondering if you wrote this or know who did and can give me a lead on the full thing. Anything would be appreciated, thankyou.

Greg responds...

I wrote it, and I think you got most of it:

In the opinion of this unassuming and civic-minded publisher and humanitarian, the question is not whether the so-called Spider-Man is a hero or a vigilante. The question is whether he's a THREAT or a MENACE! How a civilized society can allow a glory-seeking, masked scofflaw to swing through our city - littering it with his sticky leavings - with no fear of repercussions is beyond the intellect of your humble servant, J. Jonah Jameson. Is it not a fact that criminals like the Vulture, Electro, the Lizard, Shocker, Sandman, Rhino, Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus and Venom did not exist until the presence of the Web-Head created a void that summoned them forth like a plague upon our fair town, striking terror into the hearts of our beloved citizenry? Does Spider-Man make our city safer? Balderdash. Humbug. Nonsense. Spider-Man creates the danger threatening our lives, liberties and pursuits of happiness. Banish the Web-Slinger, and with him you banish those who seek to knock him from his web - making us all quantitatively safer. As for heroes, we have plenty to inspire us, if only we are willing to seek beyond the showy primary colored carnival suit of the Spider. One need but cast a glance toward the policeman, the fireman, the soldier overseas. The astronaut and the crusading publisher-journalist provide legitimate role models for our children and ourselves. What need have we of the cursed arachnid? A deadline should be set - sixteen seconds seems appropriate - for the Web-Head to end all activity in New York. After that, he must be apprehended and placed in Ryker's alongside the "villains" he claims to have defeated. On this point, I'm sure we all agree. The Spider-Man must go!

Response recorded on February 17, 2015

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Sebastian Vota writes...

Did you happen to see the reinterpration of famous comic covers on CBR today? There is one that was just amazing which you may appreciate.
http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/line5-16-9.jpg

Greg responds...

I did, yeah. It's flattering... and a little ominous.

Of course, the reason listed for YJ's demise isn't quite right. If I had to (oversimplify and) pick only one cause, it was the failure of the toy line.

Response recorded on February 03, 2015

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Anonymous writes...

1) Would you be open to work on other new shows that focus on characters you've already worked on? For example, if you were approached by Disney to work on a new Spider-Man show that isn't in the same continuity as The Spectacular Spider-Man, would you accept? Or would you rather move on to different characters?

Greg responds...

Everything is situational. I'd love to do Spider-Man again in almost any form. (I wrote one issue of Amazing Spider-Man that wasn't in continuity with Spectacular, and would be happy to write more.) But the question's almost too hypothetical to answer. Readers familiar with this site know I'm not big on hypotheticals.

Response recorded on January 28, 2015

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Anonymous writes...

Hey Greg, did you guys ever plan to give Kenny Kong a more significant role in The Spectacular Spider-Man, or was he already given one without the audience knowing? I ask this because to me he seemed considerably downplayed compared to his Ultimate counterpart.

Greg responds...

As with all the supporting characters, we had additional plans for him. But Pete/Spidey was always the lead.

Response recorded on January 28, 2015

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Magic City Comic Con

I'm leaving in a few minutes for Magic City Comic Con in MIAMI at the Miami Airport Convention Center!!

Here's my schedule:

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015
SPOTLIGHT Q&A 02:30pm - 03:20pm
Ballroom 1.

ADAPTING MEDIA FRANCHISES FOR COMIC BOOKS 04:00pm - 05:00pm
Ballroom 2 w/Mike W. Barr, Terry Cronin, Dan Slott.

SIGNING 05:00pm - 06:00pm
Booth #???? - 900 Aisle

AUTOGRAPH SESSION 06:30pm - 08:00pm
Celebrity Autograph Area,
West Hall - Exhibition Room.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015
SIGNING 10:30am - 11:30am
Booth #???? - 900 Aisle

GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND WRITE YOUR
FIRST NOVEL 11:45am - 12:45pm
Ballroom 2 w/Mike W. Barr, Terry Cronin, Philip Lee McCall II.

AUTOGRAPH SESSION 01:45pm - 03:00pm
Celebrity Autograph Area,
West Hall - Exhibition Room.

WRITING SPIDER-MAN 03:15pm - 04:15pm
Room 210 w/Dan Slott.

WRITING: FROM TV TO COMIC BOOKS
Room 202 05:15pm - 06:15pm
w/Mike W. Barr, Terry Cronin.

SIGNING 07:00pm - 08:00pm
Booth #???? - 900 Aisle

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015
SIGNING 10:30am - 11:20am
Booth #???? - 900 Aisle

LEGACY OF GARGOYLES 11:30am - 12:30pm
Room 210

WRITING BATMAN 01:45pm - 02:45pm
Room 210 w/Mike W. Barr, Francis Manapul.

AUTOGRAPH SESSION 03:15pm - 04:30pm
Celebrity Autograph Area,
West Hall - Exhibition Room.

THE BUSINESS OF ANIMATION
Room 210 05:30pm - 06:30pm
w/Christy Karacas, Chris Prynowski, Melissa Warrenburg.

I will be selling personalized signed copies of my two novels RAIN OF THE GHOSTS and SPIRITS OF ASH AND FOAM for $10 in cash each. If you buy both books, you get signed copies of the original development artwork by Kuni Tomita from when we attempted to sell RAIN as an animated television series back in the 90s.

I'm also selling signed copies of my animation scripts for $20 in cash each from series including GARGOYLES, THE BATMAN, BEWARE THE BATMAN, ROUGHNECKS, MEN IN BLACK, TEAM ATLANTIS, KIM POSSIBLE, DC SHOWCASE GREEN ARROW, W.I.T.C.H., THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN, YOUNG JUSTICE and more - including scripts from a couple of convention radio plays.

Autographs from me and photos of or with me are always free.

If you're in the Miami area, I urge you to stop by and check it out!


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Paul writes...

I think you once hinted that you 'didn't get enough episodes' to do a musical episode of The Spectacular Spider-Man. Was a musical episode part of your 5 season plan? And if so, which season did you plan to include it in: 3, 4 or 5?

Greg responds...

I don't think I ever hinted that. Coming up with a legit story excuse to do a musical episode is usually the biggest challenge. Puck would have made a great excuse on Gargoyles, but it's harder to figure out how to do that on SpecSpidey. Nevertheless, we had an index card on my board for the run of the show that said, "Spectacular Spidey - The Musical". It was mostly a joke, but if I could have figured out a solution...

Response recorded on December 19, 2014

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Mike writes...

How was it working with Peter MacNicol? What brought him to mind when it came to playing his characters from Young Justice & The Spectacular Spider-Man? Do you plan to work with him again when possible?

Greg responds...

I love working with Peter. He's a consummate professional, who makes constantly interesting choices. I've been a fan of his since Dragonslayer, and have loved his various T.V. work. Though I had never worked with him before, I suggested him for Doctor Octopus in Spectacular Spider-Man, because I thought he could capture both sides of the Doctor Octavius we were creating, i.e. the shy, nervous man we first meet, and the megalomaniac he becomes. That worked out so well, that I knew he'd give us a great Professor Ivo on Young Justice and a great Tseebo on Star Wars Rebels. I'd work with him again in a heartbeat. Just need a show. ;)

Response recorded on December 17, 2014

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Jack Johnson writes...

Hi Greg,

I noticed that, in one of your previous posts, you answered a fan question by including a schematic of your "pie-in-the-sky" fantasy for the Spectacular Spider-Man (including how you wanted to do movies, certain numbers of seasons, etc. to tell your intended story with a specific road map) and I was wondering if you would do the same for Young Justice (I'm not asking for spoilers or specific details, just information such as how many seasons you would have done, if you would have, like with Spider-Man, done movies or spin-offs, etc.).

Greg responds...

We didn't have the same kind of "Business Plan" for YJ as we had for TSS-M. But we had definite plans for a Season Three and many, many, many story lines for either the show or the comic.

Response recorded on December 11, 2014

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Paul writes...

Hi Greg, I know that one of your goals on The Spectacular Spider-Man was to increase the ethnic diversity in Spidey's cast of characters.

With that in mind, why did you change Rhino from (presumably) eastern-European (since his name in the comics was Aleksei Sytsevich) to American (or Irish-American, since his surname became O'Hirn)?

I felt like it went against what you were trying to accomplish by mixing things up with characters like Liz Allen and Ned Lee(ds).

Greg responds...

We felt we had enough Russian villains without adding Rhino. At some point you gotta wonder why all these Russian natives hate Spidey. It made sense in the Cold War context that Spidey - and much of his rogue's gallery - was created in. Made less sense in a modern context.

The O'Hirn name came from the comics; we didn't create it. I seem to recall it was an alias Rhino used at some point.

For good or ill, it had nothing to do with my desire to add diversity. Again for good or ill, all I did was trade one caucasian male for another. A wash.

Response recorded on November 19, 2014

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Anonymous writes...

First of all, I'd like to thank you for two great seasons of Spectacular Spiderman. I haven't loved an animation this much since BTAS; the character development, story and animation were all of a high standard.

Now onto the questions.

1. In regards to Spectacular Spiderman's cancellations due to complications, did you or anyone part of the creative team attempt to ask Sony or Marvel to reconsider their decision?

2. With the upcoming Bluray release of all 26 episodes of Spectacular Spiderman, do you think sales and new reception may be able to persuade Sony or Marvel to continue production for a Season 3, and perhaps more?

3. Did the ratings and/or toy sales for Spectacular Spiderman impact its eventual cancellation or was it purely based on specific ownership rights?

I really appreciate you and your partner's work on Spectacular Spiderman, and your contribution and willingness to interact withe community.

Thank you.

Greg responds...

1. Yes. But at the time, it was almost corporately impossible.

2. I think it's unlikely. But I hope I'm wrong. And certainly if it sell poorly, that'll doom it for sure.

3. Mostly the latter. Our ratings were stellar during Season One on Kids WB. Less stellar during Season Two on Disney XD, though I believe there were extenuating circumstances to explain that. Toy sales were okay but not great, which didn't help either. But mostly it had to do with Marvel having the rights back to make an animated Spidey series, but Sony still holding the rights to the specific Spectacular version.

Response recorded on November 14, 2014

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Jordan writes...

1. In the spectular spider-man what would've been the legal status/civil rights of mutants?

2. Did you have any idea for magneto backstory in the spider-man story?

Greg responds...

1. Early days in the Spectacular version of the Marvel Universe. First someone would have had to have heard of mutants.

2. Nothing specific. There were no plans to bring him in back in the day. Did have plans for Professor X, Cyclops and Beast.

Response recorded on October 23, 2014

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SBluemonkey writes...

Hi Mr Weisman

Out of curiosity, given your response about handling Spectacular Spider-Man's school term timeline here: http://s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?qid=19596

One of my favorite things about Spectacular was the approach to episode names (along with everything about the show), each individual episode serving as the "Lesson Plan" for a "Subject". Biology 101, Economics 101, Psych 101 etc.

Since you were planning on factoring M³'s scheduled breaks and other holidays into the show, if more episodes had been possible would they have factored into the name scheme as well as other or "Advanced subjects"? As an example if the movie hadn't gone through would season 3 have started with "Spring Break" before moving onto the next subject? And later on would there have been "Winter Break" or "Fathers Day" episodes in between Peter's senior year subjects?

Greg responds...

The short answer is yes. I like title schemes. I wouldn't have abandoned this one.

Response recorded on October 16, 2014

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Presto writes...

So I asked Jeph's assistant about what went down. Would Sony have been able to negotiate Spider-Man's animation rights had they shown evidence to Disney that the show had a viable audience and keep the show on the road? I mean did Sony even try to appeal on that matter or did they just outright give them up.

Greg responds...

I don't pretend to know what went on behind closed doors at a level WAY above my paygrade. All I know is that Sony gave the animation rights to Spider-Man back to Marvel. Sony, however, retains the rights to the specific version of Spidey that we did on the show (those stories, those designs, etc.). Marvel was never likely to pay Sony to do a show with MARVEL's signature character, when Marvel had the resources (and desire) to do their own version. Add in the fact that Marvel was purchased by Sony's competitor Disney, and the problem is exacerbated.

Response recorded on October 16, 2014

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Avi writes...

Hi Greg, How are you? You may know me from twitter as I tend to have converstations with you at times.
1. Spectacular Spider-man has gotten me into Spider-man. Other than Stan Lee's run, what Spider-man stories do you recommend? I have Kraven's Last Hunt, Death of Gwen Stacy, and all of Lee/Ditko, and will get the rest of Lee's run with Romita soon. Just wanted to get your thoughts on which Spidey stories to buy as you are a big Spidey fan.
2. Did you like the Peter/MJ relationship from the comics? I ask because some writers accuse that relationship as causing sales and quality of Spidey titles to drop, so I wanted to hear your opinion.
3. Since you said you are now working on the third book in the Rain series, did you get the green light for the third book or are you just working on it, in hopes it will be greenlit?
Thanks and hope everything is well!

Greg responds...

1. I can't pinpoint things for you. Might have been able to when I was in the thick of writing/producing SpecSpidey, but that was years ago. I always start at the beginning and work my way forward.

2. I like how some writers/artists/editors handled it. Didn't like how others did. It's all about execution.

3. I have not gotten a green light from St. Martin's Press on Masque of Bones (i.e. Rain of the Ghosts, Book Three). And I have NOT started writing it. I have begun doing some of the research.

Response recorded on October 14, 2014

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Presto writes...

I am meeting with Kaitlin Dahill Jeph Loeb's assistant. Anything I can say which would help the Spectacular Spidey cause in any way?

Greg responds...

I doubt it.

Marvel Entertainment has its own Spidey show now, which is doing VERY well. They don't need Spectacular. Plus they couldn't do Spectacular without paying Sony for the rights to it. And you can imagine how enthusiastic they'd be to pay Sony to do Spidey.

Response recorded on October 09, 2014

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Matt writes...

Hi Greg, I am a huge fan of spectacular spider-man. I'm not sure if you've ever heard of a companies called telltale games, if you haven't maybe take a few seconds to check out their work. I think a game developed by them would be the perfect way to continue the series, seeing as this is a little to none possibility, hypothetically would you ever consider continuing the show in that way?

Greg responds...

I'd be interested, but you have to understand that it's not up to me. I own neither Spider-Man (obviously) or the rights to The Spectacular Spider-Man series.

Response recorded on October 09, 2014

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Presto writes...

Spider mans usually 5'9"/5'10" yet in your series he's around 5'6". Was your intention to have him eventually get to this height as the years progressed?

Greg responds...

I'd question the premise of your question to begin with.

In any case, he'd have gotten a bit taller, but I personally think it's a mistake to make Pete a big guy. That seems to miss the point.

Response recorded on October 07, 2014

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GAvillain writes...

This has been bothering me for a while, but, in regards to Rhino in SSM, how does he use the bathroom with that suit grafted to his body?

Greg responds...

I've answered this before. (Checking the archives gets your question answered faster.) Plumbing is built into the suit. The results are voided through the bottom of his feet.

Response recorded on October 03, 2014

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13th Dimension Interview

In anticipation of my FIVE panels at Long Beach Comic Con, here's a nice little article/interview on 13th Dimension:

http://13thdimension.com/greg-weisman-from-gargoyles-to-young-justice-to-novels-and-more/


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Azon writes...

How old is Adrian Toomes in Spectacular Spider-man?

Greg responds...

If I ever set a specific age for him, I don't recall. I did not create an entire timeline for The Spectacular Spider-Man the way I did for Gargoyles and Young Justice. Mostly, because SpecSpidey was more contained and easier to keep track of.

Response recorded on September 24, 2014

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Preston writes...

Spider-Man question. Why didn't Spidey just tell Eddie and Gwen he was going to die on the streets if he didn't have the money to pay off the bills from the pictures of the lizard and spidey fight?

Greg responds...

"Die on the streets"?

Gwen knew about his financial trouble, and ultimately forgave him. Even Eddie was willing to forgive him at that early stage. But neither felt that that excuse justified how he behaved.

Response recorded on September 24, 2014

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Hulkie writes...

1. How far did you get to making Spectacular Spider-Man season 3? Were you writing scripts or doing concept art?

2. Will there ever be a time where you'd reveal the full story of what could have been with season 3 of Spider-Man or will you leave it to our imaginations?

Greg responds...

1. Neither. We never began. But we had plans.

2. Probably the latter, unless I get the opportunity to return to that world in some medium or another.

Response recorded on September 24, 2014

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My Long Beach Comic Con Schedule

Stop #6 on the Gargoyles Twentieth Anniversary Tour is LONG BEACH COMIC CON: http://longbeachcomiccon.com/

The full schedule can be found here: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=55700

But here's MY schedule. I'll only be there the one day - Saturday, September 27, 2014 - but as you can see, I'm certainly keeping busy, with five panels and three signings!

LONG BEACH COMIC CON
Saturday, September 27, 2014

11:30am - 12:20pm - Room 102B/C
GARGOYLES TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Moderator: Greg Weisman (Creator, Producer, Writer)
1. Thom Adcox-Hernandez (Voice of Lexington, Brentwood)
2. Vic Cook (Storyboard Artist)
3. Elisa Gabrielli (Voice of Obsidiana & Maria Chavez)
4. Frank Paur (Producer, Director)
5. Dave Schwartz (Development Art Director)

12:30pm - 01:30pm - Signing Area
GARGOYLES SIGNING
I won't be attending this signing (because I have to rush off to another panel), but the rest of the Gargoyles panelists will probably be there.

12:30pm - 01:50pm - Hero Complex Theater, Room 104A
WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION PRESENTS YOUNG JUSTICE
Moderator: Jevon Phillips (Los Angeles Times)
1. Phil Bourassa (Emmy Winning Character Designer)
2. Cameron Bowen (Voice of Robin/Tim Drake)
3. Kris Carter (Composer)
4. Nicole Dubuc (Writer, Voice of Iris West-Allen)
5. Oded Fehr (Voice of Ra's al Ghul)
6. Kevin Grevioux (Voice of Black Beetle)
7. Kevin Hopps (Writer)
8. Bryton James (Voice of Virgil Hawkins/Static)
9. Josh Keaton (Voice of Black Spider)
10. Curtis Koller (Talent Coordinator)
11. Eric Lopez (Voice of Blue Beetle/Jaime Reyes, Scarab)
12. Michael McCuistion (Composer)
13. Jay Oliva (Director)
14. Mark Rolston (Voice of Lex Luthor, Jonathan Kent)
15. Jason Spisak (Voice of Kid Flash/Wally West)
16. James Arnold Taylor (Voice of Flash, Neutron, Topo, Burton Thompson)
17. Brandon Vietti (Producer, Writer)
18. Greg Weisman (Producer, Writer, Voice of Lucas Carr)
19. David Wilcox (Line Producer)

02:00pm - 03:00pm - Signing Area
YOUNG JUSTICE SIGNING
I plan on being here for only the first twenty minutes or so - before I have to run off to yet another panel. But for as long as I can stay, I will sign for free, anything you put in front of me. I will also be signing and selling copies of my animation teleplays for $20 cash. Among the series you'll have to choose from are Gargoyles, Men In Black, Team Atlantis, W.I.T.C.H., The Batman, The Spectacular Spider-Man, DC Showcase/Green Arrow, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Young Justice, Beware the Batman and two radio-plays: The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Gargoyles and Gargoyles Meets The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Young Justice. All while supplies last, and for as long as I can stay. So show up promptly at 2pm.

02:30pm - 03:20pm - Room 102B/C
THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN
Moderator: Greg Weisman (Supervising Producer, Writer, Voice of Donald Menken)
1. Kevin Altieri (Director)
2. Kris Carter (Composer)
3. Victor Cook (Supervising Producer, Supervising Director)
4. Nicole Dubuc (Writer)
5. Elisa Gabrielli (Voice of Ashley Kafka)
6. Sean "Cheeks" Galloway (Lead Character Designer)
7. Kevin Hopps (Writer)
8. Josh Keaton (Voice of Peter Parker/The Spectacular Spider-Man)
9. Andrew Kishino (Voice of Kenny Kong, Ned Lee)
10. Phil LaMarr (Voice of Fancy Dan/Ricochet, Joe "Robbie" Robertson, Rand Robertson, Homunculus)
11. Joshua LeBar (Voice of Flash Thompson)
12. Eric Lopez (Voice of Mark Allen/Molten Man)
13. Michael McCuistion (Composer)
14. Daran Norris (Voice of J. Jonah Jameson, John Jameson/Colonel Jupiter)
15. Deborah Strang (Voice of Aunt May Parker)
16. James Arnold Taylor (Voice of Harry Osborn, Frederick Foswell/Patch, Alan O'Neil, Homunculus)
17. Wade Wisinski (Line Producer)

03:30pm - 04:20pm - Room 102B/C
DISNEY AFTERNOON: THE CONTINUING LEGACY
Moderator: Aaron Sparrow (Writer of Darkwing Duck: The Duck Knight Returns)
1. Jim Cummings (Voice of Darkwing Duck, Bonkers, etc.)
2. Jymn Magon (Creator/Producer Talespin)
3. Greg Weisman (Creator/Producer Gargoyles)
4. Mark Zaslove (Story Editor/Producer Talespin)

04:00pm - 05:00pm - Signing Area
SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN SIGNING
I'll have to miss this one too, as I'll be in the Disney Afternoon Panel, followed by the Disney Afternoon signing.

04:30pm - 05:20pm - Disney Afternoon Reunion Booth/Signing Area
DISNEY AFTERNOON SIGNING
I'll be at this one for the entire signing. Again, I'll sign anything you bring along for free. And I'll also be signing and selling my teleplays.

05:30pm - 06:20pm - Room 102B/C
RAIN OF THE GHOSTS
Greg Weisman (Author)

06:30pm - 7:30pm - Booth 104 on Show Floor
MYSTERIOUS GALAXY SIGNING
I'll be selling and signing copies of my two novels, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS and SPIRITS OF ASH AND FOAM.

(Whew!)


Bookmark Link

LONG BEACH COMIC CON - The Full Schedule

The Full Schedule for Long Beach Comic Con can be found here:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=55700

Note the Gargoyles, Young Justice, Spectacular Spider-Man, Disney Afternoon and Rain of the Ghost panels. More details coming soon. Because as many panelists are already listed at the above CBR website, that's NOT everyone!


Bookmark Link

More LBCC NEWS!!

I'll put up a big master-ramble on Long Beach Comic Con soon. (Monday at the latest.) But there's more information on the FIVE panels I'm doing on Saturday, September 27th, 2014 at the convention here:

http://13thdimension.com/animation-maven-greg-weisman-talks-young-justice-spidey-more-at-lbcc/

and here:

http://longbeachcomiccon.com


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Presto writes...

Spectacular Spider-Man Blu-Ray box set got announced yesterday. If we make those sales skyrocket, is there any chance we can bring it back or are we done? Let us fans know and we will get on it.

Greg responds...

Let me put it this way: if the BluRay set doesn't do well, that's another nail in the coffin.

Response recorded on September 18, 2014

Bookmark Link

Animation Fascination Podcast

Did another podcast with Mark and Tom at Animation Fascination. We talk Gargoyles, Spectacular Spider-Man, Young Justice, Rain of the Ghosts and Spirits of Ash and Foam. Here's the link:

http://animationfascination.wordpress.com/2014/09/17/animation-fascination-episode-75-the-spectacular-greg-weisman/


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Miikka writes...

Before I ask my question, I should warn you that I'm from Finland and while my English is pretty good, I make mistakes all the time. So excuse me, if my text is completely unreadable. Anyway, onto my question!

You have always said that SSM takes place in the larger Marvel Universe, even thought you couldn't do any direct references to that in the actual show. So I was wondering, that while the concept of Venom Symbiote makes perfect sense in the universe full of Cosmis beings, time travel, made-up science, magic and whatnot, it kinda sticks out like a sore thumb when you place it to Spidey's more down to earth (pun not intended) "personal universe." So were there ever any plans (even in very early development) to update Venom something more realistic?

Greg responds...

Well, first off I don't agree with the premise of your question, but basically, what you saw on Spectacular Spider-Man, is what you got.

FYI, your English seems pretty flawless.

Response recorded on September 03, 2014

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My MechaCon 2014 Schedule

The Gargoyles Twentieth Anniversary U.S. Tour continues. Stop #5 is MechaCon in New Orleans, LA: http://www.mechacon.com

Here's my schedule for the weekend:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014
04:00pm - 05:00pm: VOICE DIRECTING PANEL
Panel Room 1. With Jonathan Klein and Andrea Romano.

06:00pm - 07:00pm: OPENING CEREMONIES
Main Events.

08:00pm - 09:00pm: GOLDPASS MEET-N-GREET
Tertiary Events.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2014
11:00am - 12:00pm: SIGNING
Signing Room, Secondary Events. I'll be selling and signing copies of my new novels RAIN OF THE GHOSTS and SPIRITS OF ASH AND FOAM. $10 cash for each book, which includes the book and a personalized signature. But if you buy both books for $20 cash, you also get free signed copies of the original development character designs by Kuni Tomita for the television version of Rain that never was. In addition - and by popular demand - I am selling and signing an array of my animation teleplays for $20 cash from such series as Gargoyles, Team Atlantis, DC Showcase (Green Arrow), Men in Black: The Series, The Spectacular Spider-Man, The Batman, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles, W.I.T.C.H., Young Justice and even the 2009 Radio Play "The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Gargoyles". I'll also sign anything else you bring and put in front of me for FREE - especially if you buy my book. ;).

02:00pm - 03:00pm: STATE OF THE ANIMATION INDUSTRY PANEL
Panel Room 1. With Jonathan Klein, Andrea Romano and Steve Yun.

03:00pm - 04:00pm: SIGNING
Signing Room, Secondary Events.

05:00pm - 06:00pm: GARGOYLES TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY PANEL
Panel Room 1.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2014
10:00am - 11:00am: THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN PANEL
Panel Room 1.

11:00am - 12:00pm: SIGNING
Signing Room, Secondary Events.

12:00pm - 01:00pm: RAIN OF THE GHOSTS PANEL
Panel Room 1.

02:00pm - 03:00pm: YOUNG JUSTICE PANEL
Panel Room 1. With Khary Payton (voice of Aqualad, Black Manta, Brick, Black Lightning).

03:00pm - 04:00pm: SIGNING
Signing Room, Secondary Events.

If you're anywhere near NOLA, stop by and say hello!


Bookmark Link

RADIO PLAY

Alex Bishansky recorded and posted the 2014 CONvergence Radio Play ("Gargoyles Meets The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Young Justice: Recruits") on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggu7lSMXOnM

Hope you like it!


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J.J. writes...

Hey Greg, have a few questions on the business side of things:
You've said that Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. insist that Young Justice is NOT cancelled, just not picked up. Even if they do pick it up how would that work?
1. You've obviously moved on to work on Star Wars: Rebels along writing Your Rain of Ghost series. If they were to approach you on continuing the show would you be able to? I mean you've said that you and the production team created a bible of sorts for future story lines and character arcs, so you wouldn't have to start from scratch… but that is a lot of work.
2.Would you continue on doing Star Wars Rebels while someone else worked on the show?(The Goliath Chronicles) Or would you still be allowed to juggle both shows? (As unrealistic as that sounds)
I ask this because unlike Spec-Spidey, which was cancelled for legal reason, YJ had no real reason to end. I'm sure most of us would have been more than content with a continuation of the comics set during season 3.
Lighter stuff:
3. Now that you've finished Spirits of Ash and Foam, are you planning out and writing book 3 currently or are you waiting on the sales numbers on the first two books to get the go ahead and get seriously started?
Thanks for the time. Don't have Disney XD so I'll have to wait to catch Star Wars: Rebels online.

Greg responds...

1. It is a lot of work, so it would all depend on timing. I often have windows of availability, and when these windows open, I'm usually at one or more places trying to get something going on Young Justice or Gargoyles, etc.

2. This is all too hypothetical to answer. I can generally do a comic or two while working on a series, if the schedule isn't too brutal on one or the other (or both). But I can't answer these questions in a vacuum.

3. I probably should wait, since the third book has not been ordered. But I have begun doing the research for Book Three of Rain, i.e. Masque of Bones.

Response recorded on July 15, 2014

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beck writes...

if you had a choice what superhero show would you like to do

Greg responds...

Honestly, I'm not too picky. But my preference would be to return to a series I did before, whether Gargoyles, W.I.T.C.H., The Spectacular Spider-Man or Young Justice.

Response recorded on July 15, 2014

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My CONvergence 2014 Schedule

So the #Gargoyles20 U.S. Tour continues. Stop #3 is CONvergence in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Well, actually in Bloomington, Minnesota, but close enough.) http://www.convergence-con.org

This is a big one for us. It includes a number of events that we used to do at the old Gathering of the Gargoyles Conventions, which ran from 1997-2009. And I know a bunch of Gargoyles fans will be attending, so it'll also be a reunion of sorts.

My schedule for the long weekend is quite packed - which is just how I like it!

THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014
2:00pm - 3:00pm GARGOYLES RADIO PLAY AUDITIONS
Ever wanted to be in a radio play? Now is your chance! We are holding auditions for a live performance at CONvergence! You don't even have to be a fan of Gargoyles to enter. You just have to know how to read! Casting: Myself and Jennifer Anderson (Talent Coordinator on The Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice). Casting decisions will be posted by 7:00pm on Friday, July 4th. ATRIUM 7.

3:30pm - 4:30pm BUFFYVERSE TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Okay, so Gargoyles ISN'T the only show celebrating an anniversary. The Buffy/Angel universe has been off the air for ten years. Let's reminisce and talk about the impact these shows have had on TV fantasy since their cancellation. Panelists: Myself, Tim Lieder, Cetius d'Raven, Madeleine Rowe, Mark Goldberg. EDINA.

7:00pm - 8:00pm OPENING CEREMONY
If it's not exactly a magical invocation, it is nonetheless our official kick-off for the convention! Join CONvergence mascot Connie as we welcome our Guests of Honor, give out some awards (including the Mark Time and Ogle winners), and get this party started. Panelists: Myself, Amy Berg, Emma Bull, C. Robert Cargill, Sarah Clemens, Scott Lynch, Marina Sirtis, Frank Paur, Matthew Ebel, Dawn Krosnowski, Greg Guler, Rob Callahan, Windy Bowlsby, Michael Lee. MAIN STAGE.

9:00pm - 10:00pm GREG WEISMAN'S FANCY BASTARD PIE COMPETITION
Geek Partnership Society is excited to host the Greg Weisman Fancy Bastard Pie Competition at CONvergence 2014! It is open to all CONvergence members who wish to participate. The goal is to make a pie that Greg Weisman, herein to be known as "Fancy Bastard", likes best. The winner will be told super-secret Young Justice spoilers. Find out [some of] what would have happened in Season 3! (But winner must swear to secrecy to claim prize.) See below for some helpful hints.* CABANA 110.

FRIDAY, JULY 4th, 2014
11:00am - 12:00pm GARGOYLES RADIO PLAY AUDITIONS
Ever wanted to be in a radio play? Now is your chance! We are holding auditions for a live performance at CONvergence! You don't even have to be a fan of Gargoyles to enter. You just have to know how to read! Last chance to audition! Casting: Myself and Jennifer Anderson (Talent Coordinator on The Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice). Casting decisions will be posted by 7:00pm on Friday, July 4th. ATRIUM 7.

12:30pm - 1:30pm FROM TV TO COMICS
We'll discuss the TV shows that expanded into the comicverse, such as Buffy, Smallville, Young Justice and Gargoyles. Did they succeed? Were any of the comics improvements on the shows? How did canon change during the transition? Panelists: Myself (Gargoyles, Young Justice), Shawn van Briesen, Jonathan Palmer, Greg Guler (Gargoyles), Karine Charlebois (Gargoyles, Bad Guys), Christopher Jones (Batman Strikes, Young Justice, Bad Guys). PLAZA 2.

2:00pm - 3:00pm SIGNING
Myself, Christopher Jones (Young Justice, The Batman Strikes, Parallel Man) and Greg Guler (Gargoyles, Phineas and Ferb) will be holding a signing session. Both Chris and Greg always have an array of stuff (books, prints, etc.) to sell and sign. But this time I'm pretty darn prepared as well. First off, I'll be selling and signing copies of my first novel RAIN OF THE GHOSTS for $10 cash, which includes the book, a personalized signature and signed copies of the original development character designs by Kuni Tomita for the television version of Rain that never was. In addition - and by popular demand - I am selling and signing an array of my animation teleplays for $20 cash from such series as Gargoyles, Team Atlantis, DC Showcase (Green Arrow), Men in Black: The Series, The Spectacular Spider-Man, The Batman, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles, W.I.T.C.H., Young Justice and even the 2009 Radio Play "The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Gargoyles". I'll also sign anything else you bring and put in front of me for FREE - especially if you buy my book. ;) CONVERGENCE CENTRAL.

3:30pm - 4:30pm CREATING GARGOYLES
This is what we used to call (at the Gathering) the Rocky Horror Gargoyles Show. The creators of Gargoyles show clips and tell stories of how the show came to be. Lots of visual aids. Panelists: Myself (Creator, Supervising Producer/Story Editor, Writer), Frank Paur ( (Supervising Producer/Director), Greg Guler (Lead Character Designer). ATRIUM 6.

7:00pm - 8:00pm TIME TRAVEL THEORY
Let's assume for a moment that Time Travel is possible. This panel will explore the theories behind such technology. We'll explore quantum realities, temporal anomalies and all other challenges our theoretical time travelers will be face! [Now, I suggested this panel, but then they went and put some actual scientists on the damn thing. So I may quickly be embarrassed into silence.] ;) Panelists: Myself, Nicole Gugliucci, Jim Kakalios, G. David Nordley, Amy Berg. ATRIUM 4.

8:30pm - 9:30pm GARGOYLES Q&A
Join the cast and creators of the "Gargoyles" series and SLG companion comic books to ask and talk about the property. And, as always, Cosplayers are welcome! Panelists: Myself (Creator, Supervising Producer/Story Editor, Writer), Christopher Jones (Bad Guys guest artist), Marina Sirtis (voice of Demona and Margot Yale), Frank Paur (Supervising Producer/Director), Karine Charlebois (Gargoyles Guest Artist, Bad Guys Artist), Greg Guler (Lead Character Designer, Gargoyles Guest Artist). MAIN STAGE.

SATURDAY, JULY 5th, 2014
9:30am - 10:30am GARGOYLES SIGNING
Myself, Marina Sirtis (voice of Demona and Margot Yale) and Frank Paur (Supervising Producer/Director) will be holding a signing session. Again, I'll be selling and signing copies of my first novel RAIN OF THE GHOSTS for $10 cash, which includes the book, a personalized signature and signed copies of the original development character designs by Kuni Tomita for the television version of Rain that never was. In addition - and by popular demand - I am selling and signing an array of my animation teleplays for $20 cash from such series as Gargoyles, Team Atlantis, DC Showcase (Green Arrow), Men in Black: The Series, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles, W.I.T.C.H., The Batman, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Young Justice and even the 2009 Radio Play "The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Gargoyles". I'll also sign anything else you bring and put in front of me for FREE. CONVERGENCE CENTRAL.

11:00am - 12:25pm GARGOYLES RADIO PLAY REHEARSAL
This is a closed session - for those who were cast in the Radio Play - led by Myself, Jennifer Anderson (Talent Coordinator on The Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice) & Marina Sirtis (voice of Demona, Margot Yale and Queen Bee). ATRIUM 6.

12:30pm - 1:30pm GARGOYLES RADIO PLAY PERFORMANCE
Fans and professionals - including Myself (voice of Donald Menken and Lucas "Snapper" Carr), Jennifer Anderson (Talent Coordinator on The Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice), and of course, Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi from Star Trek TNG and the voice of Demona, Margot Yale and Queen Bee) - perform a LIVE, ORIGINAL Gargoyles radio play! ATRIUM 6.

2:00pm - 3:00pm GARGOYLES BIOLOGY AND CULTURE
A "what if" panel about the biology and culture of the Gargoyles universe. Creators and performers speculate about anything and everything going on outside the frames of the TV series. Panelists: Craig A. Finseth moderates Myself (Creator, Producer) and Greg Guler (Lead Character Designer). ATRIUM 7.

3:30pm - 4:30pm RAIN OF THE GHOSTS
I'll be reading from and talking about the world and characters of my novel "Rain of the Ghosts" and its sequel, "Spirits of Ash and Foam," which comes out July 8th, 2014, one week after the convention! ATRIUM 3.

7:00pm - 8:00pm ONE ON ONE WITH GREG WEISMAN
Hal Bichel will moderate a one-on-one panel with Myself. PLAZA 2.

8:30pm - 9:30pm SIGNING
Once again, I'll be selling and signing copies of my first novel RAIN OF THE GHOSTS for $10 cash, which includes the book, a personalized signature and signed copies of the original development character designs by Kuni Tomita for the television version of Rain that never was. In addition - and by popular demand - I am selling and signing an array of my animation teleplays for $20 cash from such series as Gargoyles, Team Atlantis, DC Showcase (Green Arrow), Men in Black: The Series, The Batman, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles, W.I.T.C.H., Young Justice and even the 2009 Radio Play "The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Gargoyles". I'll also sign anything else you bring and put in front of me for FREE. CONVERGENCE CENTRAL.

10:00pm - 11:00pm BLUE MUG
Ever wonder about the sexual habits of Gargoyles? Ever wonder who was sleeping with whom among the Young Justice Team or the cast of Spectacular Spider-Man? Join us for for a late night peek at your favorite animated series. This panel will get blue! (So attendees will be carded!) Panelists: Myself, Christopher Jones, Mara Cordova (Last Tengu in Paris Artist). It is also rumored that Edmund Tsabard (an unfancy bastard and Last Tengu in Paris Writer) may make an appearance. EDINA.

SUNDAY, JULY 6th, 2014
11:00am - 12:00pm PROTOFEMINISTS IN SHAKESPEARE
Shakespeare portrayed several intelligent, independent, and self-aware women--Juliet, Lady Macbeth, Katharine, Beatrice, Viola, Rosalind. We'll discuss the problematic and the remarkably (for the era) fleshed-out aspects of their representation. Panelists: Myself, Elizabeth Bear, Ashley F. Miller, Joseph Erickson, Alexandra Howes. EDINA.

12:30pm - 1:30pm GARGOYLES FAN PANEL
It's the 20th Anniversary of Gargoyles. Come share your favorite moments from the show. As always, Cosplayers are welcome! Panelists: Daniel Mohr moderates Myself, Ryan Alexander, Robert Wagner, Maggie Schultz, Jennifer Anderson, Karine Charlebois. ATRIUM 6.

2:00pm - 3:00pm SIGNING
Myself and Greg Guler (Gargoyles, Phineas and Ferb) will be holding one last signing session. Greg G. always has an array of stuff (books, prints, etc.) to sell and sign. And I'll be selling and signing copies of my first novel RAIN OF THE GHOSTS for $10 cash, which includes the book, a personalized signature and signed copies of the original development character designs by Kuni Tomita for the television version of Rain that never was. In addition - and by popular demand - I am selling and signing an array of my animation teleplays for $20 cash from such series as Gargoyles, Team Atlantis, DC Showcase (Green Arrow), Men in Black: The Series, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles, The Batman, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, W.I.T.C.H., Young Justice and even the 2009 Radio Play "The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Gargoyles". I'll also sign anything else you bring and put in front of me for FREE - especially if you buy my book. CONVERGENCE CENTRAL.

3:30pm - 4:30pm YOUNG JUSTICE
Creative minds behind the Young Justice TV and comic book series will talk about this fan favorite. We're planning some special surprises as well. And, as always, Cosplayers are welcome! Panelists: Myself, Marina Sirtis (voice of Queen Bee), Christopher Jones (Artist YJ Comic). MAIN STAGE.

5:00pm - 6:00pm CLOSING CEREMONY
It's not over 'til the gynoid sings - or something like that. Join CONvergence mascot Connie and our Guests of Honor as we say farewell to another convention. Shenanigans may ensue. Panelists: Myself, Amy Berg, Emma Bull, C. Robert Cargill, Sarah Clemens, Scott Lynch, Marina Sirtis, Matthew Ebel, Frank Paur, Dawn Krosnowski, Greg Guler, Windy Bowlsby, Rob Callahan, Michael Lee. MAIN STAGE

SEE?!! I told you there was a lot. And that's only the stuff that I'm doing. CONvergence is jam-packed with all sorts of pop culture nutritional goodness. So stop by and say hello!!

*In the interest of Full Disclosure, Fancy Bastard would like all to know that he especially likes the following pies:
APPLE
BERRY (pretty much any kind of berry or a mix of same)
PEACH
APRICOT
PUMPKIN
BANANA CREAM (herein to be known as the funniest pie)
Combinations of some of the fruit pies can be great. Contestants are welcome to try other pies at their own risk.

Fancy Bastard does NOT especially like the following pies:
PECAN
Anything with Chocolate or Lemon or Meringue
Raisins in Apple Pie
Almost never Cherry, though he has tasted the rare exception...


Bookmark Link

DENVER COMIC CON REVISED & UPDATED #3

ONE MORE TIME!! This looks to be as final a revision as it's going to get for Denver Comic Con website (http://denvercomiccon.com/), before I head for the airport in a couple minutes. But, again, follow me on TWITTER @Greg_Weisman to stay up-to-the-minute on when and where I'll be.

DENVER COMIC CON LATEST PANEL, INTERVIEW & SIGNING SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, JUNE 13th, 2014

10:30am - 11:20am - ART OF THE PITCH in ROOM 110/112.
Victor Cook, Greg Guler and myself will be talking about pitching and selling animated telvision series to the Powers That Be.

11:30am - 12:30pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
I'll be signing my novel RAIN OF THE GHOSTS throughout the weekend for $10 cash. (That $10 includes the book, a personalized signature and copies of the original development art by Kuni Tomita for the television version of Rain that never was.) I also have a half-dozen copies of Young Justice teleplays, which I'll sell (and sign) for $20 cash. I'll also sign anything else you bring and put in front of me for free - especially if you buy my book. ;)

12:50pm - 1:20pm - INTERVIEW with Tim Beyers of MOTLEY FOOL in the MEDIA LOUNGE.

1:30pm - 2:20pm - CARTOON VOICES I in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM.
I'll be moderating this panel, which features Kevin Conroy, Jim Cummings, Michael Dorn, Jennifer Hale & Veronica Taylor.

3:30pm - 4:30pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.

4:45pm - 5:35pm - YOUNG JUSTICE in the MINI-MAIN ROOM.
This one includes myself (writer-producer, voice actor) & Christopher Jones (YJ companion comic book artist).

5:35pm - 6:05pm - OPENING CEREMONIES in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM.

7:00pm - 10:00pm - FOUR COLOR MIXER at Breckinridge Brewery/Hilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown.

SATURDAY, JUNE 14th, 2014

9:35am - 10:00am - INTERVIEW with BEYOND THE TROPE at my table at Booth 122.

10:00am - 10:20am - INTERVIEW with WESTWORD at my table at Booth 122.

10:30am - 11:20am - RAIN OF THE GHOSTS in ROOM 201.
I'll be reading from and discussing my new novels, Rain of the Ghosts & Spirits of Ash and Foam.

11:45am - 12:35pm - ANIMATION PROFESSIONALS in ROOM 201
I'm moderating this panel, which features Chris Beaver, Victor Cook, Greg Guler, Derek Hunter, Christy Marx, & Jan Scott-Frasier.

3:00pm - 3:50pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.

4:00pm - 4:50pm - GARGOYLES 20th ANNIVERSARY in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM.
This is a big one, with me (writer-producer-creator), Victor Cook (storyboard artist), Jim Cummings (voice of Dingo), Jonathan Frakes (voice of David Xanatos), Greg Guler (character designer), Salli Richardson-Whitfield (voice of Elisa Maza) and Marina Sirtis (voice of Demona) .

5:00pm - 6:00pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.

SUNDAY, JUNE 15th, 2014

9:30am - 10:20am - INTERVIEW with EXAMINER.COM at my BOOTH 122.

10:30am - 11:20am - THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN in the MINI-MAIN ROOM.
Includes myself (writer-producer-voice actor), Victor Cook (director-producer), Jim Cummings (voice of Crusher Hogan) & Greg Guler (artist).

1:30pm - 2:30pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.

2:45pm - 3:35pm - CARTOON VOICES II in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM.
Again, I'm moderating for Robert Axelrod, Kimberly Brooks, Jennifer Hale & April Stewart.

4:00pm - 5:00pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.

In addition to the times listed above, I'll often just be hanging out at my table, so stop by. Attend a panel, buy a book, say hello!


Bookmark Link

DENVER COMIC CON REVISED & UPDATED #2

Okay, so I just took a look at the Denver Comic Con website (http://denvercomiccon.com/), and the schedule there doesn't always match up with the schedule I was sent. I'll make adjustments below, but what this really means is that I'm not 100% sure where I'll be at any given moment. I will be tweeting throughout the weekend though, so follow me @Greg_Weisman to stay up-to-the-minute on when and where I'll be.

DENVER COMIC CON LATEST PANEL, INTERVIEW & SIGNING SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, JUNE 13th, 2014

10:30am - 11:20am - RAIN OF THE GHOSTS in ROOM 201
I'll be reading from and discussing my new novels, Rain of the Ghosts & Spirits of Ash and Foam.

11:30am - 12:30pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
I'll be signing my novel RAIN OF THE GHOSTS throughout the weekend for $10 cash. (That $10 includes the book, a personalized signature and copies of the original development art by Kuni Tomita for the television version of Rain that never was.) I also have a half-dozen copies of Young Justice teleplays, which I'll sell (and sign) for $20 cash. I'll also sign anything else you bring and put in front of me for free - especially if you buy my book. ;)

12:50pm - 1:20pm - INTERVIEW with Tim Beyers of MOTLEY FOOL in the MEDIA LOUNGE

1:30pm - 2:20pm - CARTOON VOICES I in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM
I'll be moderating this panel, which features Kevin Conroy, Jim Cummings, Michael Dorn, Jennifer Hale & Veronica Taylor.

3:30pm - 4:30pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.

4:45pm - 5:35pm - YOUNG JUSTICE in the MINI-MAIN ROOM
This one includes myself (writer-producer, voice actor) & Christopher Jones (YJ companion comic book artist).

7:00pm - 10:00pm - FOUR COLOR MIXER at Breckinridge Brewery/Hilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown

SATURDAY, JUNE 14th, 2014

9:35am - 10:00am - INTERVIEW with BEYOND THE TROPE at my table at Booth 122.

10:00am - 10:50am - INTERVIEW with WESTWORD at my table at Booth 122.

11:45am - 12:35pm - ANIMATION PROFESSIONALS in ROOM 201
I'm moderating this panel, which features Chris Beaver, Victor Cook, Greg Guler, Derek Hunter, Christy Marx, & Jan Scott-Frasier.

3:00pm - 3:50pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.

4:00pm - 4:50pm - GARGOYLES 20th ANNIVERSARY in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM
This is a big one, with me (writer-producer-creator), Victor Cook (storyboard artist), Jim Cummings (voice of Dingo), Jonathan Frakes (voice of David Xanatos), Greg Guler (character designer), Salli Richardson-Whitfield (voice of Elisa Maza) and Marina Sirtis (voice of Demona) .

5:00pm - 6:00pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.

SUNDAY, JUNE 15th, 2014
9:30am - 10:20am - INTERVIEW with EXAMINER.COM at my BOOTH 122.

10:30am - 11:20am - THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN in the MINI-MAIN ROOM
Includes myself (writer-producer-voice actor), Victor Cook (director-producer), Jim Cummings (voice of Crusher Hogan) & Greg Guler (artist).

1:30pm - 2:30pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.

2:45pm - 3:35pm - CARTOON VOICES II in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM
Again, I'm moderating for Robert Axelrod, Kimberly Brooks, Jennifer Hale & April Stewart.

4:00pm - 5:00pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.

In addition to the times listed above - and especially since I'm no longer 100% sure of my schedule - I'll often just be hanging out at my table, so stop by. Attend a panel, buy a book, say hello!


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DENVER COMIC CON UPDATE

I've got an update on the #GARGOYLES20 tour, stop #2: DENVER COMIC CON (http://denvercomiccon.com/). Here's my schedule, which now include all my panels, plus the times I'll be at my table on the main floor, signing:

FRIDAY, JUNE 13th, 2014
11:30am - 12:30pm - SIGNING at my table on the main floor.

1:30pm - 2:20pm - CARTOON VOICES in the MAIN ROOM
I'll be moderating this panel, which features Michael Dorn, Kevin Conroy, Jim Cummings, Jennifer Hale & Veronica Taylor.

3:30pm - 4:30pm - SIGNING at my table on the main floor.

4:45pm - 5:35pm - YOUNG JUSTICE in the MINI-MAIN ROOM
This one includes myself (writer-producer, voice actor), Andrew Robinson (writer) & Christopher Jones (YJ companion comic book artist).

SATURDAY, JUNE 14th, 2014
11:00am - 11:50am - RAIN OF THE GHOSTS in ROOM 201
I'll be reading from and discussing my new novels, Rain of the Ghosts & Spirits of Ash and Foam.

12:15pm - 1:05pm - ANIMATION ARTISTS in ROOM 201
I'm moderating this panel, which features Jan Scott-Frasier, Derek Hunter, Christy Marx, Greg Guler, Victor Cook & Chris Beaver.

2:45pm - 3:35pm - GARGOYLES 20th ANNIVERSARY in the MAIN ROOM
This is a big one, with me (writer-producer-creator), Jonathan Frakes (voice of David Xanatos), Marina Sirtis (voice of Demona), Salli Richardson-Whitfield (voice of Elisa Maza), Jim Cummings (voice of Dingo), Greg Guler (character designer) and Victor Cook (storyboard artist).

4:00pm - 5:00pm - SIGNING at my table on the main floor.

SUNDAY, JUNE 15th, 2014
10:30am - 11:20am - THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN in the MINI-MAIN ROOM
Includes myself (writer-producer-voice actor), Victor Cook (director-producer), Jim Cummings (voice of Crusher Hogan), Greg Guler (artist) & Andrew Robinson (writer).

12:00pm - 1:20pm - SIGNING at my table on the main floor.

1:30pm - 2:20pm - CARTOON VOICES in the MAIN ROOM
Again, I'm moderating for Jennifer Hale, Robert Axelrod, Kimberly Brooks & April Stewart.

2:30pm - 3:30pm - SIGNING at my table on the main floor.

In addition to the times listed above, I'll often just be hanging out at my table, signing my novel RAIN OF THE GHOSTS throughout the weekend for $10 cash. (That $10 includes the book, a personalized signature and copies of the original development art by Kuni Tomita for the television version of Rain that never was.) I'll also sign anything else you bring and put in front of me for free.

So stop by. Attend a panel, buy a book, say hello!


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Jordan writes...

In the spectular spider-man were mutants hated and feared?

Greg responds...

Mutants were largely unheard of at that time.

Response recorded on June 05, 2014

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Up Next: DENVER COMIC CON

Frank Paur and I had a great time at the GARGOYLES 20th ANNIVERSARY Panel at Califur this past Sunday. Saw a couple old friends, and talked for TWO HOURS on the creation, development and production of Gargoyles.

Up next on the #GARGOYLES20 tour, stop #2: DENVER COMIC CON. http://denvercomiccon.com/

Here's my schedule (which pretty much includes all my favorite things):

FRIDAY, JUNE 13th, 2014
1:30pm - 2:20pm - CARTOON VOICES in the MAIN ROOM
I'll be moderating this panel, which features Michael Dorn, Kevin Conroy, Jim Cummings, Jennifer Hale & Veronica Taylor.

4:45pm - 5:35pm - YOUNG JUSTICE in the MINI-MAIN ROOM
This one includes myself (writer-producer, voice actor), Andrew Robinson (writer) & Christopher Jones (YJ companion comic book artist).

SATURDAY, JUNE 14th, 2014
11:00am - 11:50am - RAIN OF THE GHOSTS in ROOM 201
I'll be reading from and discussing my new novels, Rain of the Ghosts & Spirits of Ash and Foam.

12:15pm - 1:05pm - ANIMATION ARTISTS in ROOM 201
I'm moderating this panel, which features Jan Scott-Frasier, Derek Hunter, Christy Marx, Greg Guler, Victor Cook & Chris Beaver.

2:45pm - 3:35pm - GARGOYLES 20th ANNIVERSARY in the MAIN ROOM
This is a big one, with me (writer-producer-creator), Jonathan Frakes (voice of David Xanatos), Marina Sirtis (voice of Demona), Salli Richardson-Whitfield (voice of Elisa Maza), Jim Cummings (voice of Dingo), Greg Guler (character designer) and Victor Cook (storyboard artist).

SUNDAY, JUNE 15th, 2014
10:30am - 11:20am - THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN in the MINI-MAIN ROOM
Includes myself (writer-producer-voice actor), Victor Cook (director-producer), Jim Cummings (voice of Crusher Hogan), Greg Guler (artist) & Andrew Robinson (writer).

1:30pm - 2:20pm - CARTOON VOICES in the MAIN ROOM
Again, I'm moderating for Jennifer Hale, Robert Axelrod, Kimberly Brooks & April Stewart.

In addition, I'll be signing my novel RAIN OF THE GHOSTS at my booth throughout the weekend for $10 cash. (That $10 includes the book, a personalized signature and copies of the original development art by Kuni Tomita for the television version of Rain that never was.) I'll also sign anything else you bring and put in front of me for free.

So stop by. Attend a panel, buy a book, say hello!


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hmmaster writes...

Hey, Greg, what an amazing show in Young Justice. I have a couple of questions for you.

1) I was hoping you could comment on this, because you've answered variations of this question at different times, but never this specific one. I thought of an idea that would make a lot of sense for where a certain character's situation would go after the events of Summit and Endgame, but I won't share it with you to avoid getting a spoiler. You've talked in interviews/answers before about Roy and Jade having to get married off-screen in order for CN to approve Lian being born. Were there any story-lines of similar controversial topics that you and Brandon had planned that could have created tensions between you and the network?

2) I recently rewatched JLU, specifically JLU's season 1, and I noticed a striking similarity in the way the format works there and the masterfully-crafted interwoven network of plot-lines of YJ. It seemed like you may have been inspired by that format where there were several stories being told all at the same time, as opposed to other shows that have a more episodic nature (like the first JL cartoon, before JLU). Was it a conscious decision to draw heavily from that idea, or was it something that just happened independently?

Thank you for a wonderful show.

Greg responds...

1. None spring to mind at the moment. We didn't have a lot of fights with S&P.

2. I haven't seen all that much of JLU. (Started to when we were in the development phase, but ran out of time once pre-production got started. [I'm really not much of a binge watcher. The most of any show I can stand to watch in any one sitting - no matter how good it is - is two episodes, and for me, even that's pushing it.]) The way we plotted YJ is really more in line with the way I've done other series in the past, such as The Spectacular Spider-Man and Gargoyles. And all of that goes back to lessons learned from reading and writing comic books, and, of course, from Hill Street Blues.

Response recorded on May 13, 2014

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Mysterious Galaxy Signing

Once again, I'm hoping people in the Southern California area - especially those who live in and around San Diego - might come to my signing at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore.

I'll be reading, answering questions and signing copies of RAIN OF THE GHOSTS at the Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore in San Diego on May 10th, 2014 at 11am.

Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore is at 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302, San Diego, CA 92111

If you buy a book, I'm also happy to sign whatever other memorabilia (Gargoyles, SpecSpidey, Young Justice, whatever) that you feel like dragging into the store.

It's a big birthday bash for the bookstore, so there are other events all day long, and I'm told they're serving cake at 3pm.

Info here: http://www.mystgalaxy.com/event/MG-SD-21st-Birhday-Bash-051014

Please stop by - check out RAIN - and say hello!


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B writes...

What's the status of S.H.I.E.L.D. in the Spectacular Spider-Man universe? If it exists, how old and influential is it?

Greg responds...

You know I figured out the basics for SHIELD back when we were working on the series, but unfortunately, I can't remember much... SORRY. Probably didn't stick because we weren't allowed to use SHIELD, and so I never went into any depth with it in my head.

Response recorded on May 09, 2014

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fallenlegend writes...

Hello Greg!

Just a quick question this time. The other time I asked you something about gargoyles and you said that you wouldn't write it for free... wich came as a bit of a shock to me as you have said before that it is your baby proyect.

It's understandable as this is your job and main source of income... But I have to wonder if you would ever have or if you have a personal proyect wich you would do for free.

You deserve every cent you get paid but.. Many (amateur/fanfic) writters write stories for fun and I wonder if this is the case with you. thank you!

Greg responds...

I don't write for fun anymore. To be honest, it's too much like work.

I don't write for free, though I do (occasionally) write "on spec". That is, I'll write something that has the chance of paying off later, even if no one is paying me for it immediately. For example, my first novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, was written on spec. (And took over a decade to pay off - minimally.) The second book in the series, SPIRITS OF ASH AND FOAM, was not written on spec. My publisher, St. Martin's Press, ordered it. The third, MASQUE OF BONES, which I've barely begun researching, will also be written on spec, unless St. Martin's Press decides to pick it up.

But the big difference with those books, over something like GARGOYLES, for example, is that I OWN the RAIN property. I don't own GARGOYLES or YOUNG JUSTICE or WITCH or THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN. It would, frankly, just be foolish for me to invest my time (which is money to me) in something that isn't mine.

GARGOYLES is without a doubt my baby. I feel that strongly. But it doesn't change the hard, cruel fact that I hold no ownership in it at all.

Response recorded on May 01, 2014

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Vance Michael Justin writes...

Were there ever any plans to release the music tracks for Spectacular Spider-Man? Certain songs, like the Sandman's theme, were really catchy! Would you know where someone could listen to them free of the show's sound effects and dialogue?

Greg responds...

Vance Michael Justin!!! Haven't seen you in years!

Anyway, Dynamic Music Partners was planning to release a soundtrack for The Spectacular Spider-Man before the same corporate politics that derailed the series derailed the album, as well. I'm afraid I don't know where you could go to listen. But I'll tweet DMP and try to find out.

Response recorded on May 01, 2014

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Greg Bishansky writes...

While re-watching "Spectacular Spider-Man" as it has been re-run on the Vortexx, I wanted to talk a moment about what a wonderful job you did with Gwen Stacy on the series.

Obviously, Gwen's time in the comics was before my time, but I had read all those old Lee-Ditko and Lee-Romita and Gerry Conway stories years and years before Spec Spidey was a glimmer in anyone's eye, but for me... Gwen was a standard Silver Age girlfriend, and all that entailed. Mary Jane was more interesting, and I couldn't fault Gerry Conway's decision to have Green Goblin toss her off a bridge... it made for a classic story not just for Spider-Man, but for all of comics.

But I never liked seeing Gwen sidelined as all other adaptations seemed to do. For me, Spider-Man was a story about growing up and Gwen represented First Love to me. Yes, he dated Betty Brant first and flirted with Liz Allan, but Gwen was his first Great Love, and most people don't end up with their first Great Love.

So, for years, Gwen was a Silver Age girlfriend and a Stepping Stone in Peter's journey to manhood from my point of view, and little more than that.

And then your show came along, and while that's how I was looking at Gwen at first, she very quickly grew on me... to the point where I really didn't want to see that classic Gerry Conway story adapted into your universe on an emotional level. Although, to this day, my brain still tells me that sooner or later it needed to happen... and while you have dropped hints that it might happen, you've never confirmed it (and I'm not asking you to)... it's not something that I was looking forward to seeing happen. Something I was dreading, in fact.

So you got this guy who never cared for Gwen outside of intellectually believing in her importance to the mythos to fall in love with Gwen Stacy, and a lot of credit goes to Lacey Chabert, too. While I still love Mary Jane more than Gwen, I think you and your team did your job.

Greg responds...

Hard not to love the double-whammy of Cheeks' design and Lacey's stellar performance as Gwen. Add in some fashion design advice from Jennifer Coyle, particularly with regards to Gwen's make-over, and you can easily see why Peter fell for her.

Of course, I grew up with Gwen and Peter as a couple, and her death in the comics was devastating. So we wanted to do her character justice.

So we just tried, as I've said before, to extrapolate backwards for Gwen. She was always the smart girl in Pete's life. The only one who compete with him for understanding science. And her relationship with her single-parent father was also key. There was plenty for us to work with.

Response recorded on May 01, 2014

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Paul writes...

1) Did Eddie Brock meet Debra Whitman during the events of "Identity Crisis"? She took his job after all, and then when he came back briefly and was offered his old job back by Martha, I wondered where that would leave Debra (though of course his return was obviously not going to be permanent).

2) Why didn't Kraven go after Spider-Man again in the weeks after "Reinforcement", since he presumably could just follow Spidey's scent at any time (like he did when he led Vulture and Electro to the ice rink)?

Greg responds...

1. No.

1a. Since the lab was doing better, rehiring Eddie would not have effected Debra's status.

2. Other plans took precedent.

Response recorded on April 28, 2014

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Anonymous writes...

In The Spectacular Spider-Man season 2, how old is Debra Whitman?

Greg responds...

Grad student age. Early to mid twenties.

Response recorded on April 18, 2014

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Anonymous writes...

In "Shear Strength", when Norman asked Spidey where Peter was, did he (Norman) really have no idea or did he have an inkling?

Greg responds...

I'll leave that to your interpretation.

Response recorded on April 18, 2014

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Anonymous writes...

Hi, Greg. A few questions about The Spectacular Spider-Man:

1) Regarding Gwen without glasses (in the last four episodes), was her character model completely redesigned for those episodes? It just seems that if you compare her character model for the previous episodes to the way she looks in those last few episodes, she looks completely different, it's not just that the glasses that are missing.

2) Were there plans to give Peter a new set of clothes at some point in the series? I ask because by the time he was in college in the comics, he was dressing with more confidence, though I think there was a bit of that in the later high school issues. Not that Peter in seasons 1 and 2 looks 'uncool' or anything, but I'm curious as to whether he would have started wearing a different set of clothes as the series progressed, like Gwen starts to at the end of season 2.

3) Speaking of Gwen and her clothes, when she's on the phone to MJ in "Opening Night", we see her wearing a black outfit that she doesn't wear to the play, or in any other episode. I doubt that this look was designed just for one very quick scene, so I was wondering if we would have seen more of Gwen in this outfit in season 3?

4) At the end of "Final Curtain", does Harry still consider Peter his friend, knowing that he was planning to take Gwen away from him?

5) Regarding the Hobgoblin, did you have a plan to sidestep potential complaints of the Hobgoblin mystery being too similar to the Green Goblin mystery? I'm not fishing for spoilers here, I'm just interested to know whether you had some kind of twist in mind to make the Hobgoblin mystery feel fresh and not just derivative after the Green Goblin mystery.

Greg responds...

1. Well, we made a new model, but her face and body were basically a trace of the old model. The only things that changed - besides her clothes, depending on the setting - were the lack of glasses (contact lenses, dontcha know) and her hair. And we had been gradually lengthening her hair over multiple episodes anyway. So the change in model that you perceive is... mostly in your head. But that's good. It had the same effect on you that it had on Pete and much of the rest of our cast.

2. We had no immediate plans, though of course on an episodic and seasonal basis he would have gotten additional clothes, as you already saw. And I did have one specific plan for the last episode of the series, i.e. his high school graduation.

3. Honestly, I can't remember.

4. I'll leave that to your interpretation.

5. Yes.

Response recorded on April 18, 2014

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My WONDERCON 2014 Schedule

I'll be attending WONDERCON 2014 in Anaheim, California for one day only: Saturday, April 19th, 2014.

http://www.comic-con.org/wca

I've got no official panels this year - though, STAR WARS fans should definitely check out the STAR WARS REBELS panel on Saturday from 2-3pm in Room 300AB. Executive Producer Dave Filoni and Vanessa Marshall (the voice of Hera Syndulla) will be taking your questions.

But I do have a couple of events scheduled:

1. 11:30am - @1pm: ASK GREG LIVE, a.k.a. YOUNG JUSTICE MEET-UP, a.k.a. GARGOYLES 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, a.k.a. SPEC SPIDEY BLU-RAY CHEERFEST, a.k.a. RAIN OF THE GHOSTS ISLAND TOUR, a.k.a. whatever geeky thing you like...
This is a casual fan get together where I'll be answering questions. Vanessa Marshall (voice of Mary Jane Watson, Black Canary and many more) and Nicole Dubuc (writer/producer of Transformers: RescueBots, writer on W.I.T.C.H., SpecSpidey & YJ, voice of Iris West-Allen) have both said they'll stop by too. And we may have a few other surprise special guests, as well. Note: that although I'm notoriously anti-spoiler, I'm way more likely to drop a few hints in person than on-line. We'll be meeting in Lobby B of the convention hall, behind the escalators, more or less opposite of where DC Comics and Graphitti Designs have their booths if you were going to walk into the hall. (I've posted a map on my twitter account @Greg_Weisman) If the weather permits, we will probably head outside around 11:45am and continue the meet-up there. We'll also be posing for photos, so I encourage cosplayers to attend, etc. I will also be bringing copies of RAIN OF THE GHOSTS to autograph and sell. For a mere $10 in cash, you get a signed copy of the book and signed copies of the original inspirational character designs (drawn by Kuni Tomita) for the animated series version of Rain that we never made back at DreamWorks in 1997-98. (While supplies last.) I'm in no real hurry, so I can pretty much hang out as long as folks want.

2. @1pm - 3pm SIGNING
After the Meet Up, I'll be heading over to Artist's Alley, specifically Table 186, where Thom Zahler of the amazing Love & Capes series has graciously allowed me a place to sit. Once again, I'll be selling and signing RAIN OF THE GHOSTS. Still $10 (CASH ONLY) for a signed copy of the book and signed copies of the Kuni Tomita inspirational designs. (Again, while supplies last.)

So please, stop by and say hello!


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Anonymous writes...

When Doc Ock allowed May Parker and Anna Watson to get away in "Group Therapy" instead of just taking Rhino's suggestion to "plough through 'em", was it because he was just being a gentleman or because he was a little bit smitten with one or both of them? Or was it both him being a gentleman AND him having a crush?

Greg responds...

Mostly, I think he was being a gentleman. Put it this way, Octavius is not enamored of carnage and mayhem for the sake of carnage and mayhem. No point in ruling over a ruin and/or a burg of dead subjects.

Whether he found Ms. Parker or Ms. Watson attractive... well, I'll leave that to your interpretation.

Response recorded on April 09, 2014

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Anonymous writes...

Hi Greg! A question about The Spectacular Spider-Man: when it came to the arc subject titles (like Biology 101, Engineering 101, Drama 101), I noticed that you didn't revisit any of the same subjects i.e. you didn't get as far as Psychology 102 or Criminology 102. But I was wondering if you were planning on doing any 102s in season 3, or later down the line?

Greg responds...

Not if I could avoid it. But given enough seasons, who knows?

Response recorded on April 08, 2014

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Anonymous writes...

Who was the first super-villain to discover that Spider-Man was Peter Parker in The Spectacular Spider-Man?

Greg responds...

The obvious answer is, of course, Venom. Did you have something else in mind? Or is this like a trick question, trying to get me to admit that more than one super-villain knew Spidey's secret i.d.?

Response recorded on April 08, 2014

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Zer0C00l writes...

Greg! What's going on, man? Happy New Year and all that good stuff. Before I say what I say... please let it be known that I'm not trying to offend you or anyone in any kind of way.

Cool?

So I hear you got a new gig. Congrats! I knew you would. Now here's the thing, bro. I'm a bit worried about Rebels and I need you to set my fears aside. Can you do that? Can you promise the same Weisman QUALITY? Will YOU be leading the ship of Rebels? I know you have partners. You always had team mates from past shows. But YOU were always the head writer. The one with the series bible. The million index cards all over. That was YOU. Everyone else worked under you.

I ask this mainly because of a recent show that totally turned me OFF in a big way. The show was HORRIBLE. What show? That would be "Ultimate Spider-Man". Have you seen this? Greg, I tell ya, I was looking forward to this. I was. Why? Because of the name Paul Dini. Paul Dini! OK?.

Dini is an incredible writer. A huge force that most of his credibility came from working on the DCAU aka the Timmverse. Namely... "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker". Just incredible stuff all around. So when I heard he was apart of this show, I was like, wow, I need to check this out. I knew he had partners but why would that matter when he's writing tons of scripts and is part of the writers room?

Yeahhhh. Basically, Greg, it's clear as day that he's not in charge of anything there. He's there in name only. His partners (Man of Action) are obviously running things. Every episode that I watched (stopped after episode 7 or so) was so over the top and ridiculous. A true insult to even little kids who watch it. The show is SO dumbed down and tries too hard to be funny. There's nothing worse than forced "humor".

My point? IF the talented writer isn't leading the pack then the show will never be what it could be. I just want to make sure that's not going to be the case for "Star Wars: Rebels". I'm about to invest a whole bunch of money to get into the Star Wars universe. Believe it or not, growing up, I never really got into the Star Wars craze. I didn't. I've seen the movies when I was little but don't really remember much. I went to the movies to see Episode One and that was all right. I just never really gave it a proper chance. I feel I can get a better enjoyment out of it today, though. I'm actually looking forward to it.

Just know, I'm mainly doing this for YOU. To fully get myself well versed in the Star Wars universe and prepared for Rebels. I'm going to buy the complete saga of Star Wars on Blu-ray and then I will pick up the CGI Clone Wars animated series as well. I want to be ready for this.

That's why I need to know, Greg, will Rebels be another "Ultimate Spider-Man"? or will it be the QUALITY of a "Young Justice"? Who's truly in charge? Who's the head booker? I hope it's you and I hope Rebels will be everything it can be and should be.

May the force be with you, man.

-ZC

Greg responds...

Okay, let's start here: EVERYONE ELSE DID NOT WORK UNDER ME.

I had PARTNERS, not minions.

Frank Paur was a full partner on Gargoyles. I was NOT his boss.

Vic Cook was a full partner on Spectacular Spider-Man. I was NOT his boss.

Brandon Vietti was a full partner on Young Justice. I was NOT his boss.

I have two partners on Star Wars Rebels, Dave Filoni and Simon Kinberg. I am NOT their bosses. I'm flattered that you think so highly of me, truly. But by overstating my contribution/authority, you're being misleading and unintentionally dishonest. It's a collaborative medium. And THANK GOD for that.

I haven't seen "Ultimate Spider-Man". That's not a value judgement. I just haven't watched it. So I have no comment on it at all.

And, yes, I get that you're not trying to insult us here. But then please just think about what you're asking for just a moment. Do you really think we'd set out to make a BAD show? What exactly do you expect me to say to that?

"Why, yes, actually. We were hoping it would suck."

I mean, seriously.

EVERYONE involved in it, myself included, is doing his or her absolute best to bring you a terrific Star Wars series. If that's not enough, I don't know what to tell you. Because I'm NOT the "head booker" (whatever the heck that means). As with every series I've ever produced, I'm simply part of the team.

Response recorded on April 07, 2014

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Anonymous writes...

I think you once hinted that you "didn't get enough episodes" to do a musical episode of The Spectacular Spider-Man. Was a musical episode part of your 5 season plan? And if so, which season did you plan to include it in: 3, 4 or 5?

Greg responds...

The musical episode aired only once before being retooled for Broadway by Bono.

CTD

Response recorded on April 01, 2014

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Podcasts...

Well, I'm about to head out of town to tour colleges with my wife Beth and my son Benny...

But before I go, here are a couple of podcasts to keep you entertained...

On the first, I discuss everything from Gargoyles to Rain of the Ghosts.

http://www.funnyrobotgames.com/podcast/?name=2014-03-22_episode_2___greg_weisman.mp3

On the second, the focus is on the development and first episode of The Spectacular Spider-Man:

http://www.spidey-dude.com/?p=1326

Had fun doing both! Hope you like 'em!

I'll be back at ASK GREG on April Fools Day!


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Anonymous writes...

Hi Greg, a quick question about The Spectacular Spider-Man. I believe you've said in the past that your plan was to do 5 seasons which would culminate in Peter's high school graduation. The thing is though, since Peter was still in his first year at the end of season 2, I'm wondering how you would have managed to reach the graduation by the end of season 5. Would you have skipped over the Summer holidays to accomplish this?

If season 1 was September to November, and season 2 was December to early March, and if each month of the Summer were to still get the usual 3-4 episode coverage, then logically a 65 episode, 5 season run would not quite reach the end of Peter's second year, so I'm wondering whether you were thinking of skipping over things like the Summer holidays to reach your goal?

Greg responds...

The following was our pie-in-the sky hope:

We wanted to do a direct-to-DVD Spring Break movie between Season Two and Season Three, set in Florida. If that was not approved, it would have been incorporated into Season Three.

We also wanted to do another direct-to-DVD movie to cover Pete's summer vacation between Junior and Senior year (and also between Season Three and Season Four).

We then felt we could cover Pete's senior year over Seasons Four and Five, with at least one more movie between those two seasons.

And then we'd follow up the series with a series of movies covering his college years, etc.

If the movies hadn't been approved, then the series would have gone on for more seasons (in this hypothetical scenario) so that we could cover the same ground on television.

Of course, none of this was to be...

Response recorded on March 21, 2014

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Peter P writes...

Spidey's a pretty skinny dude at the beginning of your series which is great since it makes him more relatable as our underdog hero. I was wondering though, was your Idea of his gradual growth going to reflect in the physical aspect as we'll with his muscles growing larger and him getting gradually taller as well?

Greg responds...

We talked about him getting a little bigger and taller, but Vic and Cheeks and I all agreed that Spidey works better chiseled and honed, not buff or ripped.

Response recorded on March 21, 2014

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Johnny Bond writes...

I was wondering what aspects of Peter and Mary Jane's characters would lead them to becoming closer together if Stan Lee as well as you believed that Gwen was always the perfect girl for Peter.

Greg responds...

Keep wondering...

Response recorded on March 20, 2014

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Diversity

Diversity in pop culture has always been an issue that concerns me greatly. I've tried to do my share to increase diversity on series like Gargoyles, W.I.T.C.H., The Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice.

Now, that I've entered the world of publishing, my sister Robyn brought this article to my attention:

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/opinion/sunday/where-are-the-people-of-color-in-childrens-books.html?referrer=

The article asks valid questions, and - yes, to toot my own horn - I'm going to provide at least a piece of the answer with my new books, Rain of the Ghosts and Spirits of Ash and Foam. Both feature protagonists of color. Rain Cacique is Native American, as is her grandfather Sebastian Bohique. Her best friends are Charlie Dauphin, who's African American and Miranda Guerrero, who is Hispanic-American. Many - if not most - of the other characters are also of color. This reflects the Caribbean setting of the novels, i.e. the fictional Ghost Keys and the actual mythology of that region.

The books are available here:

http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791

and here:

http://www.amazon.com/Spirits-Ash-Foam-Ghosts-Novel/dp/1250029821/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379977280&sr=8-1&keywords=spirits+of+ash+and+foam+a+rain+of+the+ghosts+novel+by+greg+weisman

I urge you to check them out, and to suggest them at schools and libraries.


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Carlito writes...

What was your reason to initially have MJ be a "free agent" and then suddenly be into Mark?

Greg responds...

Seemed to fit.

Response recorded on March 13, 2014

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Tahu writes...

How does the Rhino perform basic bodily functions such as excretion if he's sealed in the suit?

Greg responds...

The functionality is built-in, like in an astronaut's suit. Waste is secreted incrementally through the soles of the feet.

Response recorded on March 13, 2014

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Giant Boy writes...

I've been rewatching The Spectacular Spider-Man, mostly the second season so far, and decided to rewatch "Subtext".

I really like Molten Man's character and looked him up. I also by chance happened to come across Blackie Gaxton in Betty Brant's page on the Spider-ManWiki.

It said that her brother was put in a similar situation with Blackie that ended similar to what happened between Spidey, Mark, and Liz in "Subtext".

After thinking about it, I'd have to say it was brilliant that you decided to do that story with Mark and Liz, whether or not Betty's brother would have appeared since Molten Man had his story.

Looking foward to Young Justice Legacy, Rain of Ghosts, and Star Wars Rebels.

Greg responds...

Yeah, we conflated Betty's brother with Liz's half-brother.

And by now, I assume you have YJ Legacy and Rain. What did you think?

Response recorded on March 12, 2014

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Giant Boy writes...

In the non-canonical Spectacular Spider-Man/Gargoyles three act radio play crossover, was Mary Jane Watson starting to fall in love with Peter?

By the way, enjoyed reading the script for the radio play. It was amusing.

PETER: That was almost the Look! :D

Greg responds...

Not particularly.

Response recorded on March 12, 2014

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DanM writes...

Hey Greg... DanM again...
No stories just questions now.
1 - In Rebels is the Producer title of yours a Glorified Title once more or are this the real deal?
2 - In developing characters. Do YOU ever consider how a character name would sound in another lenguage, when you are in the process of naming them? (I ask this because of Count Dooku. Here in Brasil he was renamed Count Dookan, 'cause phonetically speaking it sounds to us as "From a**h*le").
3 - About the toyline. Do the show producers have any say in the development of the toy line? (Like approve or not the design, number of articulations, etc.. That kinda stuff...)
4 - Have you ever considered making a podcast about the show production, while producin it (now, that would be Rebels)?
Thats it for now.. Thanks again for your time
Later

Greg responds...

1. I'm an Executive Producer on Star Wars Rebels. I'm not sure I know what you mean by "once more". I don't think any of my producer titles were "glorified" from my point of view. I did the work; I earned the credit. Sony and Warner Bros may not have needed me to truly produce either SPEC SPIDEY or YJ, but that doesn't mean I didn't produce them.

2. No.

3. No.

4. That's beyond my technical capacity. And I doubt that Lucasfilm would approve anyway.

Response recorded on March 04, 2014

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Stephen Murphy writes...

Hey Greg. First off just want to say I'm a big fan of your work I've loved everything you've done and I thank you for all your hard work. My favourite of your shows is Spectacular Spider-Man because for me anyway this series and Mark Webb's Amazing Spider-Man movies are what truly captured Spider-Man for me which is a teenage boy trying to balance out a duel identity that is Spider-Man to me and like everyone else I was sad it was cancelled but things happen. I'm a big Star Wars fan too so I look forward to your work on Star Wars Rebels next year. I actually watched the interview you did with The Everything Geek podcast and it was very fascinating to listen too. I'm also a good friend of the people who run the podcast so seeing some of my friends interview one of my inspirations as a writer was cool to me. Anyway onto my 3 questions all Spectacular Spider-Man related:

1. What was it like getting the voice cast together and finding the right voices for these characters?

2. Were there any actors you had already considered to voice a new character for Season 3 before the show was cancelled?

3. Were there any actors you wanted for the show but were unable to get so they were replaced by someone else?

Anyway thank you for your time Greg. Can't wait for Rebels and whatever work you do next

~Stephen Murphy

Greg responds...

1. A dream, really. We held a ton of auditions for a huge quantity of characters, but there wasn't any real disagreement. Myself, Vic Cook, Jamie Thomason and executives at Sony, Marvel and Kids WB all loved the cast we chose.

2. We didn't get that far.

3. Well, the obvious was Keith David, who was originally our Big Man but then became unavailable. But we think Kevin Michael Richardson did a great job too.

Response recorded on February 20, 2014

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SBlueMonkey writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman,

You've shared some of the pitches for Gargoyles spin offs such as Dark Ages and 2198 without potentially spoiling anything if they ever get a shot at being made. Would you ever do the same with the bibles for Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice? That would make for fun reading, but if they contain anything you wouldn't want judged out of context it's understandable why not.

Greg responds...

I'm not ruling out the possibility.

Response recorded on February 20, 2014

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Aaron writes...

I've noticed you've refused (repeatedly) to confirm or deny whether Cletus Kasady would have eventually become Carnage in The Spectacular Spider-Man, but can you reveal what he was talking about during his cameo in the group therapy in "Reinforcement"?

Greg responds...

Probably his desire to kill.

Response recorded on February 07, 2014

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cyber-xanatos writes...

I was wondering back then some one asked a question about the spectular universe specifically what heroes were active and you answered that this took place a few months or years before donald blake found mjolnir but you were mum on anyone else i was wondering was the Fantastic Four active

Greg responds...

I don't think I was mum. The Fantastic Four were active, but dealing with threats on a much larger scale. Ant-Man was active but was very much under the radar. The Hulk was jumping around the American Southwest, more legend than anything. Professor X had just opened his school, but only had two students so far, Scott and Hank.

Thor didn't have his hammer back yet. Tony Stark had not yet been injured. Namor was still a bum. Captain America was still frozen. (I felt that Uncle Ben had a big collection of World War II Captain America memorabilia in the attic, which in part inspired Peter to put on a costume in the first place.)

Had we been given our druthers, we definitely had planned to have a Human Torch guest appearance. (Always loved the Johnny/Pete dynamic.) And eventually some of the others. Though, as I stated before, we never planned to make it a Marvel Team-Up show. Maybe one big guest star per season.

Response recorded on February 05, 2014

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NoOneSpecial writes...

1.After the events of Identity Crisis, did the general public become aware that it was venom who was behind the crimes as the black suited spider man?
2.How could Gwen remain so obilvous to the growing hostility between peter and eddie? I mean she saw immediataley that something was wrong with harry, so why couldn't she see what was happening to eddie? How does she feel about eddie's mental breakdown?
3.Is anyone aside from peter and eddie aware of what happened to the symbiote since it disappeared from conners lab?

Greg responds...

1. Basically.

2. She's concerned for Eddie. I think it's fairly clear that she knew something was wrong, but I don't think it ever occurred to her that he was Venom, until maybe after Identity Crisis.

3. It's been a while. I'd have to think about it.

Response recorded on January 28, 2014

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Laura 'as astra' Sack writes...

Now that I've posted all my episode thoughts...(in theory I still plan on doing the same on the comics, but...) I want to say thank you for the series in general. (I'd go into details, but it seems redundant after posting all those responses.) I've thoroughly enjoyed it in all its parts. Well, by the time you read this the video game will be out. [Yep!] I probably will have to sit it out. Pathetic as it is, I have to admit to some motion sickness from a lot of video games. I'm assuming I'll be able to get some pretty detailed descriptions from the good folks here. I hope that there will be other continuations as well. (Also good luck on your new Star Wars series.)

I have to admit to more than a little annoyance that another show I enjoy is canceled, but also some confusion. If I understand correctly one of the major factors, if not the major factor in the cancellation is that the merchandise didn't sell as well as they companies had hoped. Good viewership numbers are almost inconsequential. If this is true, (big if, I admit), I don't understand the business model. Why continue making cartoons targeting the older demographic at all? I know the show aimed for a broad audience, but it aimed for each part directly. A lot of cartoons aim themselves at kids directly, and place bonus references and jokes for the older viewers. I've loved many shows like that. But the complexity of characters and plots in shows like Young Justice is not a bonus for older viewers, it is integral. (IMHO) A relationship like, for example, Guardian and Bumblebee is more relateable to a college or adult viewer than a kid. (I would have gone to Babs and Dick, but that was mainly expanded upon in the comics.) A kid would gravitate to the first season romances, or the M'gan/L'gan/Conner triangle. All the relationships were interesting and important to the show, and none were simple, it's just different parts resonant (from experience or at least plot type familiarity) better to different age sets. (Or for out of YJ examples- In Green Lantern- the complexity of Razor and Ia's relationship- given his past lost love, her resemblance, his survivor guilt and rage issues and her ultimate sacrifice is not something that targets the younger viewers of the show. They'll just accept the two are a couple and enjoy the fight scenes. It was perhaps more integral to the show than any Hal based plot. In Tron the entire looks of the show was aimed older, high teens and 20s would be my guess, and not particularly conducive to action figures to my eye.)

Older fans are less likely to buy toys, (or have toys bought for them), but they also have control over their own finances to buy what is actually advertised during broadcast. Between the 24 hour cable tv cycle and dvrs, grown ups will be watching when kids can't, allowing for targeted ads of the none happy meal/stompies/pillow pet variety. (For the record, my 4.5 year old adores her stompies. ~she's 5 now~) I get that a franchise like DC or Marvel or Star Wars can expect some cross product sales, and even a show not squarely aimed at a small kid can have a cool iconic action figure that sells well. But no one expects Smallville or Arrow to survive on toy and apparel sales, they stays on air based on the number and demographics of viewers, just like Birds of Prey did not last for the same reason. Have cartoons, or at least the beautifully animated ones, become loss leaders for merchandise like comics have become loss leaders for movies? And is that a reasonable burden to place on a show that does not squarely target the audience that will buy those toys? Is a high level video game an attempt to tap into an action figure equivalent of older viewers?

I don't want to turn this into a rant about how annoyed I am that YJ was canceled....er, not renewed. I will admit to being mightily confused why DC Nation isn't aiming to expand into more than an hour of programming. I just assumed it was planned to become a 2 or 3 hour block like the old Disney Afternoon, with perhaps a rotating stable of shows. But I am interested on your more insider insight on what the none creative aims are when a new cartoon is unleashed upon the world nowadays and whether they are reasonable. Thanks,

Greg responds...

I think one thing to keep in mind is ratings these days are NOT what they used to be.

Ducktales was a ratings smash. It made it's money by itself. Any merchandising was gravy.

Our numbers on Gargoyles, back in the day, puts the ratings of many of today's quote-unquote top-rated animated series to shame. (And Gargoyles was a hit, but never a home run, ratings-wise. Just a single or double.)

So with lower numbers overall, that means less income is coming in from advertising. Meanwhile, the costs of production have either held steady or gone up. That's pretty simple math, isn't it?

So to pay for the production of these shows, you're counting on other streams of revenue to balance the books - and for an action show that mostly means TOYS.

So if the toys don't sell - for whatever reason - how do you pay for the series?

Whether that's reasonable or not is somewhat immaterial. It's just the cold, hard truth of the situation.

So EVERY show I've ever been asked to produce has a core target that it's trying to reach, and usually that's BOYS 6-11, because the belief is (whether you agree or not) that Boys 6-11 drive toy sales for action figures. Doesn't mean the networks object to other demographics (girls or younger kids or older kids, tweens, teens and adults) ALSO watching. But you still have to hit the target.

Picture it like a bullseye. Concentric circles. You MUST hit the center. But hopefully in hitting that sweet spot, you are also reaching the other demos. Back on Gargoyles, I was farely successful at hitting that target audience AND reaching other demos too. And that has always been my goal on these shows. We didn't quite manage it on W.I.T.C.H. We did on Spectacular Spider-Man. And our success was mixed on Young Justice. Ratings were decent overall (by today's standards though not by any absolute standard at all), but our ratings in our target demo were inconsistent at best. (We could go on forever about why, but it doesn't change the FACT of the numbers.)

Throw in Mattel's decision to abandon their YJ line (again, without going into the reasons behind it), and frankly it's no surprise we weren't renewed.

Because how could Warner Bros afford to make it?

After experimenting for two seasons and 46 episodes of YJ, why wouldn't they take the chance on something new that might bring in more money? Or at least pay its own way?

Frankly, we need a new business model. But the studios haven't landed on one that works yet. So they still chase hits.

Response recorded on January 10, 2014

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Avi writes...

1. You write strong female characters with skill(Demona, Gwen, MJ, Artemis, ETC). Since women can be portrayed weak sometimes, how do you do it?
2. Other than Stan Lee's run with Romita and Ditko, what era of Spider-man comics did you enjoyed reading the most?
3. What is your opinion on Spider-man: Kraven's Last Hunt, by JM Dematteis? Most people generally like it but others think it may have been too dark for Spider-man (Dematteis was actually going to have the story be a Batman and Joker story at first)

Thanks for the amazing shows! Spectacular Spider-man (I was looking forward to Season 3-5 and DTV's) was absolutely amazing along with Young Justice (I was so looking forward to the next season). I am only up to Avalon part 1, but Gargoyles has been tremendously fun to watch so far. I don't love Star Wars, but Rebels seems great so far and I can't wait. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you.

Greg responds...

1. I like to think I've portrayed some female characters as strong and others as weak. Some who stay strong, some who weaken. Some who stay weak, some who gain in strength. As to the 'how'… I don't have a magic formula. I'm sure it helps that I've always known, loved, admired and respected strong women all my life, starting with my mom. But really, I don't know any other way to do it.

2. There was some fun stuff for me in the 80s.

3. I haven't read it.

Response recorded on January 08, 2014

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Endless Strategy writes...

Does Sandman age or contract disease?

Greg responds...

We talkin' Spectacular Spider-Man's Sandman? If so, it's too soon to know.

Response recorded on January 07, 2014

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Anonymous writes...

On TSSM Doc Ock represented the top of the super villain chain, Tombstone the mobsters and Venom was the personal nemesis. Naturally Green Gosborn combined all these elements and worked within them, is that he was the Biggest Bad?

Greg responds...

I'm not exactly sure what you're asking here. But I don't feel the need to rank things arbitrarily. GG is certainly Big Bad enough.

Response recorded on December 13, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Hello, Can you tell me who is the interpreter of ''Ella Mi Fu Rapita'' in Gangland? I loved much that voice

Greg responds...

I don't know. I'm sorry.

Response recorded on December 06, 2013

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Voice Acting Fan writes...

Dear Greg:

Thank you for answering my previous questions!

You have made reference to SAG before, so presumably Young Justice has to abide by SAG rules or get boycotted. I have a few questions related to this and the voice acting part of the production process:

1. How do the voice talent get paid? A flat rate? Are they paid by the hour? By the line? By the episode? Or some variable rate?

2. When you voiced Lucas Carr, did you have to join the SAG union? Or is production allowed to hire non-SAG personnel as long as they pay them differently?

3. You have stated that getting a second character out of an actor entails no added costs. Since it is free, I am wondering why a few actors (Jesse McCartney comes to mind) doesn't get to voice a character other than Dick Grayson. Was it a matter of actor preference, producer preference, or a mix of the two?

4. How long does a typical recording session last? Do you sit in throughout the whole session, or leave it up to the voice director? How many episode(s) are typically recorded in a sitting?

5. When one of the voice actors sing a song (Reach for a Reach, Hello Megan), they get separately credited. Is this subject to a different rate, or is the singing part simply added as a "character" in determining pay?

Thank you, and I hope by the time you are reading this, you've already got several gigs lined up!

Greg responds...

0. I'm not sure "boycot" is the correct word. The major studios sign contracts with SAG, that prohibits them from contracting non-SAG labor for their acting needs. They can get around this by SUB-contracting, but most don't on major projects.

1. I don't want to speak for EVERY show. In my experience, a voice actor gets paid a flat fee for four hours of work and up to two character voices. For a tiny additional fee, you can get a third voice. But this holds per episode. So for example, even if you could record one guy playing four roles over two episodes in a single four hour session, you'd still owe him two payments. The fee is negotiable, as long as it's above union minimum. But most series pay the union minimum plus 10% and have favored nation clauses in their contracts, which prohibits them from giving any individual actor a raise without simultaneously giving raises to EVERY actor on the series.

2. I first joined SAG to play Donald Menken on Spectacular Spider-Man, and am still a member in good-standing. No union shop can hire non-union actors.

3. Well, Jesse often DID voice additional characters, like Thug #2 or whatever. But generally, there are some actors who have the ability to change their voice enough that they can convincingly play multiple characters without the audience balking. Others really - as talented as they are as performers - only have their own voice.

4. Sessions typically go three to four hours. But often we'll be there all day. We can only keep each individual actor for four hours without incurring overtime, but we could start one actor at 10am and have him until 2pm. And we could start another actor at noon, and have her until 4pm. And a third at 1pm and keep him until 5pm. That way, we have overlap to record their scenes together, but we also have more time to get everything done.

5. Singing is a separate rate. And it's also an additional character, unless they are singing IN CHARACTER. That is, if Nightwing suddenly burst into song, we'd have to pay an additional fee to Jesse for his singing. But we wouldn't have to count that as a second character (or third, since he's also doing Thug #2).

Response recorded on December 06, 2013

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Everything Geek Podcast INTERVIEW

I was interviewed on the Everything Geek Podcast here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idfnqNo-rn8

I discuss my "secret origins", The Spectacular Spider-Man, Gargoyles, Star Wars Rebels, Young Justice and more.

Check it out!

(But of course I totally forgot to mention Rain of the Ghosts at all, darnit!)


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FallenLegend writes...

Hello greg

You previously said that you don't like gran finales and you don't intend to really give closure to any of your shows/stories. Not even gargoyles that as you described it is your "baby" even if you don't own it.

Does that mean that we will always get cliffhanger endings from your tv show when they get canceled?

What about your new book series, will it end in a cliffhanger too?

As much as I am a fan of your stories Greg, It feels empty not to have any closure at all.

No offense but basic story telling has beginning-conflict-resolution and as fans we never get to see a resolution of the overall plot.

I mean having an ending that gives the illusion that "the story never truly ends" is great (that's not what I am critical of).

But I think that not having an ending that acknowledges that the story has to end for real life reasons(maybe becuase you simply can't write stories forever, becuase you aren't getting more episodes, becuase you have to move on etc)... is disrespectuful to your fans that expect to have a complete story.

Take JLU unlimited ending. It even ended with wonderwoman saying "...and the adventure continues" and even left two unresolved plot points, But at the same time it ended the main plots and acted as a send off/good bye to it's fans and it didn't feel empty.

Sorry for being so critical, you are a big inspiration and even if I don't agree with you always I think you are a fantastic story teller (an inspiration for me in fct) and I am planing on buying our new book.

Greg responds...

I NEVER leave a season with a cliffhanger.

I ALWAYS leave a season with open-ended closure.

I don't mean to sound disrespectful to you or any of my fans, but that's how my mind works. If you don't like it, I can't really help you, because you'd be asking me to change the way I tell stories.

But perhaps we're not so far apart. You cite the JLU ending, which I haven't seen. But you state that, in essence, it has open-ended closure, even noting it had unresolved plot points. That's EXACTLY what I do at the end of EVERY season. Not everything is going to be tied up into a neat knot, but every major plot point of that season will be, as happened at the end of Gargoyles, WITCH, Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice.

So what exactly are you looking for from me that's any different?

And thank you for buying RAIN OF THE GHOSTS. It's much appreciated! Sincerely!!

Response recorded on November 26, 2013

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ANIME VEGAS 2013 - Corrected Schedule

Let's try this again with the correct dates:

As I've mentioned before, I'm a guest at ANIME VEGAS this weekend, November 1-3rd, 2013, at the Renaissance Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada:

http://www.animevegas.com/

Here's my schedule:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013
01:00pm - 02:00pm - OPENING CEREMONIES
Cosplay Ballroom.

02:00pm - 03:30pm - GARGOYLES/THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN Panel and Signing
Cosplay Ballroom.

05:00pm - 06:30pm - YOUNG JUSTICE Panel and Signing
Paramount Room with Yuri Lowenthal, the voice of Lagoon Boy, Tempest, Icicle Jr. and Tommy Terror.

06:30pm - 08:00pm - IKKI TOUSEN Panel and Signing
Paramount Room with New Generation Pictures Voice Director and Producer Jonathan Klein.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2013
10:00am - 11:30am - "WRITER'S ROOM" Panel and Signing
Summit Room.

06:30pm - 07:30pm - SIGNING
Summit Room with Jonathan Klein.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2013
09:00am - 10:30am - 3X3 EYES SCREENING, Panel and Signing
Paramount Room with Jonathan Klein.

10:30am - 11:30am - VOICE DIRECTING Panel
Paramount Room with Jonathan Klein.

12:30pm - 01:00pm - SIGNING
Paramount Room with Jonathan Klein.

As you can see, I'm doing a LOT of signing. I'll sign anything you bring along for free. But I'm also bringing a single copy of EVERY one of my Young Justice teleplays (i.e. the ones that I personally wrote), which I'll be selling for $20 per script (cash only) - autographed and personalized to the buyer's taste - on a first-come, first-serve basis, starting with the Young Justice signing at 6pm Friday evening.
So if you're in the vicinity, plan to be there. As you all know, I'm not big on SPOILERS, but I'm WAY, WAY more likely to tease a few things in person than I am on either Twitter or here. So come and be (slightly) better informed!!!


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Anime Vegas - Schedule!

As I've mentioned before, I'll be a guest at ANIME VEGAS this weekend, November 1-3rd, 2013, at the Renaissance Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada:

http://www.animevegas.com/

Here's my schedule:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
01:00pm - 02:00pm - OPENING CEREMONIES
Cosplay Ballroom

02:00pm - 03:30pm - GARGOYLES/THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN PANEL and SIGNING
Cosplay Ballroom

05:00pm - 06:30pm - YOUNG JUSTICE PANEL and SIGNING
Paramount Room with Yuri Lowenthal, the voice of Lagoon Boy, Tempest, Icicle Jr. and Tommy Terror.

06:30pm - 08:00pm - IKKI TOUSEN PANEL and SIGNING
Paramount Room with New Generation Pictures Voice Director and Producer Jonathan Klein

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2013
10:00am - 11:30am - "WRITER'S ROOM" PANEL and SIGNING
Summit Room

06:30pm - 07:30pm - SIGNING
Summit Room with Jonathan Klein

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013
09:00am - 10:30am - 3X3 EYES SCREENING, PANEL and SIGNING
Paramount Room with Jonathan Klein

10:30am - 11:30am - VOICE DIRECTING
Paramount Room with Jonathan Klein

12:30pm - 01:00pm - SIGNING
Paramount Room with Jonathan Klein

As you can see, I'm doing a LOT of signing. I'll sign anything you bring along for free. But I'm also bringing a single copy of EVERY one of my Young Justice teleplays (i.e. the ones that I personally wrote), which I'll be selling for $20 per script (cash only) - autographed and personalized to the buyer's taste - on a first-come, first-serve basis, starting with the Young Justice signing at 6pm Friday evening.

So if you're in the vicinity, plan to be there. As you all know, I'm not big on SPOILERS, but I'm WAY, WAY more likely to tease a few things in person than I am on either Twitter or here. So come and be (slightly) better informed!!!


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Nicky Wan writes...

With the 5th anniversary of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" series I thought I'd ask another question especially since it's been about 4 years since I last asked one. Even now it's not possible to buy a disc copy of season 2 in the UK.

1. Is there anyone or group that fans could lobby in regard to having the series released properly e.g. a complete boxset or even better an HD release?

2. Similarly is there anyone or group fans could lobby in regard to releasing some of the behind-the-scenes footage that was recorded? I noted while reading some of your responses that they had asked you guys to record things but it was never used and it would be a shame for this to never see the light of day.

I hope you're keeping well. I loved the Young Justice series and was sorry to see that one stop too!

Greg responds...

1. I don't know.

2. Ditto.

Sorry. The folks I worked for at Sony aren't even there anymore. I wouldn't know who to contact.

Response recorded on September 19, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

This isn't a question, but I felt I had to write about this. I just saw your post about the site 'kickstarters' and I just want to assure you that I, at least, would DEFINATELY throw money at any of the three shows you mentioned (Gargoyles, Spectacular and Young Justice). Initiatives like that, where audience and creator 'cuts out the middleman' have always been my vision for the future of entertainment. Your shows in particular would have top priority for me.

Greg responds...

Thanks.

Unfortunately, I think Veronica Mars is proving the exception to the rule. Studios don't seem too anxious to go this route with properties they own and control.

Response recorded on September 18, 2013

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Anayeti writes...

Hello greg,

Two words to say about young justice episode summit:Intense & Incredible!! However, words cannot do justice on how good that episode really is!! Summit was full of surprises!!

Although, i have a few questions as well:

How did the light know about the reach and the scarab?

When did the light became aware of the meta-gene? Cause that's what their goal is about; evolving.

Why did the reach abduct young people?

Plus, i loved how you brought diversity to spectacular spiderman! :).

Also, i hope you, brandon and team can comeback to young justice!! I fully support the 5 year gap, its about growing up, its so realistic. Dc comics should do a comic based on the earth-16 you created!! You successfully reinvented the superheroes by combing old elements from the comics along with new elements and original ideas!! I salute you for that!!

Greg responds...

In the future, please number your questions.

1. They have various alliances.

2. Some time ago.

3. To experiment on them. (This was STATED in the series.)

4. Um, thanks.

5. And thanks again!

Response recorded on September 09, 2013

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blacksuitspider43 writes...

Hi Greg,
What do you think of the Ultimate Spider-Man TV series?Honestly I am not to impressed even though I tried to give it a chance. I hate how the creators say it is for kids but that isn't an excuse for a poor qaulity tv series. I loved what you did with Spectacular Spider-Man bceuase you made the characters seem real and have devlopment. I fell in love with all the characters in way I never thought I would with a cartoon. Your series also didn't shy away with having some mature themes and plotlines but without making it to intense for kids. That is why I don't like USM because there is zero countiation o episodes and the characters are boring and have no development. The series is also doesn't seem like Spider-Man because the humor is forced unlike SSM where the humor comes natural and was funny. His humor in USM is more like deadpool than Spider-Man because he always breaks the fourth wall. So I really don't get why the creators think it is all right to dumb done a tv series because kids are not stupid they are smart and can enjoy good stories and characters. So what are your thougts?

Greg responds...

I haven't seen it. On purpose. If it's great, I'd just be very jealous. If not, it would just make me crazy. So, you see, there's no upside for me in watching.

I do know that there are a LOT of great creators working on it. So I'm guessing that if I did watch it, I'd be jealous not crazy.

Response recorded on August 09, 2013

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webslinger4ever writes...

What your favorite incarnation of Spider-Man besides the comic version? So that would be cartoon or movie.

Greg responds...

Is it horrible if I admit that it's The Spectacular Spider-Man?

Response recorded on July 11, 2013

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GARGOYLES NEWS - DVDS and CONvergence/Gathering

Well, I've been out of the country and OUT OF THE LOOP, but we have some REALLY BIG news on the GARGOYLES front.

Season Two, Volume Two of Gargoyles has been released on DVD as a Disney Movie Club exclusive. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm planning on getting at least a couple copies, as I'm told by reliable fan sources who have already received their disks that these are the uncut and correct versions of the last twenty-six episodes of Season Two, including such fan favorites as "M.I.A.", Future Tense" and all three parts of "Hunter's Moon".

Wish I knew more. I've e-mailed a Disney contact for more info but haven't received a response yet. But you can probably find all the information you need by asking the fans in the comment room:

http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/comment/index.php

Anyway, as always, I'm not asking you to spend money you don't have. But if you can afford it, please help us prove to Disney that Gargoyles is a viable property with a strong fanbase. You can do that in two important ways. (1) Buy the DVDs, of course. And (2) SPREAD THE WORD! Use Tumbler, Twitter, Pony Express, whatever. Just help us let people know that these DVDs exist and are out there for sale.

AND MORE BIG NEWS...

I was waiting until CONvergence was over on Sunday to announce this, but it seems they've already made the announcement here:

https://twitter.com/GargoylesNews/status/353393780675715074/photo/1

Next summer, one of my favorite conventions, CONVERGENCE in Minneapolis, will be dedicating their annual convention to the theme of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". And a major part of that theme will be the celebration of the TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF GARGOYLES!!! I'm going to be a guest of the convention, and we've already begun discussions to create a Gargoyles convention within the convention. That's right, folks, the GATHERING OF THE GARGOYLES is back!! There will be a RADIO PLAY! There will be a BLUE MUG!! There will be the ROCKY HORROR GARGOYLES SHOW-ING OF THE TRADITIONAL VIDEOS!! There will be ASK GREG LIVE!! And there will be other Gargoyles related guests to be announced!!!

If you came to any one of the thirteen Gatherings that we held between 1997 and 2009, you know how much fun this can be. You'll want to be there again! If you missed the Gatherings and always wished you had had the opportunity, now is your chance! If you've never heard of the Gathering, but like Gargoyles (or any of the other shows I've done or am doing - including W.I.T.C.H., Spectacular Spider-Man, Young Justice, Rain of the Ghosts and/or Star Wars Rebels, etc.) then this is an opportunity to talk with me and other like-minded fans about them. (We'll probably have panels on them all!)

And if you're interested in just attending a great comic book and science fiction and fantasy and genre convention, then Gargoyles aside, you just can't beat CONvergence:

http://convergence-con.org/

The camaraderie of the Gatherings was truly something wonderful, and the closest I've ever come to that outside the Gatherings is CONvergence. I honestly can't think of a better con to merge with, even if it's just for one year. (For starters, the ENTIRE hotel is rented to the convention, and the parties go on all night. No more being told by management that we have to stop talking and/or move to some other location. We can and will continue until we drop!)

Now, let's think. Let's strategize. CONvergence is going on NOW. As I type this. And it will last through the end of this July 4th weekend. Next year's convention is exactly one year away. That's plenty of time to plan, to save up money, make travel and hotel arrangements etc. But mostly, what we've got to do in that year is SPREAD THE WORD!!! I want to see a HUGE GARGOYLE FAN TURNOUT at CONvergence 2014. Let's stun CONvergence, the world and DISNEY by showing them how immensely popular Gargoyles still is. And for sure, I don't want any Gargoyles fan saying, "Gee, I didn't hear about it."

So help me, please. I'm sure there are a lot of old fans out there that long ago stopped reading ASK GREG. Contact them. Contact EVERY Gargoyles fan you know, young and/or old. (Don't assume they must already know.) I want to see all my old friends. And a lot of new ones. So, please. Help me. SPREAD. THE. WORD!!!!!!


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Whedonite writes...

I loved your Spectacular Spider-Man TV series. It was far by the BEST interpretation I've seen of Spdier-Man in any of the movies/Televison

1. have you seen The Amazing Spider-Man? Did you notice the little elements they used from SpecSpidey? Like the satchel and the blue shirt? What are your thoughts on that?

2. Would you work on a Spider-Man or a MARVEL show in general again?

Greg responds...

1. I don't know if it's fair to cite the blue shirt. I mean, it's a blue shirt. You might as well say "shirt". Even the satchel is pushing it. I did notice little things that seemed to come from our series, but the operative word is SEEMED. Everyone is working off the same source material, so the notion that two groups of creators might independently come up with similar approaches makes a lot of sense.

2. I'd love to. I love those characters. All Marvel has to do is ask.

Response recorded on May 16, 2013

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TheSuperiorSpiderMan writes...

Were there other superheroes that existed in the Spectacular Spider-Man universe? Like, Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men etc.

Greg responds...

In theory, yes.

Not the Avengers, not yet. (If you mean as a team. Some of the individual members existed.)

The Fantastic Four were in business.

The X-Men had also not yet been formalized as a team. Though Professor X had recently opened his school.

I've answered this in more detail previously. Check the archives.

Response recorded on May 14, 2013

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Beck writes...

Hi Greg,
I was wondering in the final episode of SSM (final curtain) was that really Norman Osborn at the airport? I am so sad that the series never got it's third season it was such a good show, but because it was cancelled that cliffhanger will never be resolved.

Greg responds...

Yes. (Were you REALLY in doubt?)

Response recorded on May 06, 2013

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EXALT writes...

Some questions about SpecSpidey...
Did you have any plan to reveal the origins of A)Hammerhead's... well, hammer-head
B)Tombstone's durable skin
c)the Venom symbiote?

Greg responds...

A. Nothing specific, but I know exactly how it happened, and it was in fact hinted at in "Accomplices".

B. Not confirming or denying that he has that.

C. It came from outer space.

Response recorded on May 06, 2013

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MasterGhandalf writes...

I've recently been reflecting on your shows, and one thing that's really jumped out at me is that every one of them I've seen is extremely arc and continuity based, but also has, rather than a single "Big Bad", at least two core villains who contrast with and play off each other- Xanatos and Demona, Nerissa and Phobos, Tombstone and Norman Osborn, the Light and the Reach. Even the unproduced Stargate spin-off you posted about a while back had Osyros and Anubis. I was wondering if this was a conscious decision on your part to deliberately include this element in your shows, or if it's just something that flows naturally while designing a series?

Greg responds...

Huh. You know, it's clearly not conscious, since I never noticed it before now.

Maybe it's about trying to world-build something convincing, something that logically plays out the consequences of the world created, which therefore sets up multiple responses from different antagonists to a set of circumstances. And perhaps it also comes out of my belief that nothing is truly monolithic. Even the bad guys aren't just a unified mass of evil. They have agendas of their own.

But honestly, you're guess is as good as mine at this moment.

VERY INTERESTING POST THOUGH.

Because I think I've done the same thing in RAIN OF THE GHOSTS without trying.

THANKS!!

Response recorded on April 30, 2013

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Tom McC writes...

Hello Greg!

I have watched both seasons of the Spectacular Spider-man last year and I honestly loved every minute of it, I thought it was both written and animated very well andbecause of this its a real shame the series never continued from where it was left off (imagine the possibilities!). Now its officially my favourite Spidey continuity, hats off to you and the team.

But there has been something thats been bugging me, just one small thing that I wouldn't mind your feedback on. Throughout the series Norman Osborn has been portrayed as a no-nonsense character who never apoligizes for any faults from his company, his son or even himself, a trait which becomes very important on the last episode. However in the episode "Market Forces" Norman apologized to Hammerhead for being interrupted by Harry which seems to be breaking character given the hype about it. What I want to know is was there a reason for it? Are Tombstones lackeys special in some way that they need special treatment or was this simply a continuity oversight?

Hope you can answer my question and good luck in your future endevours!

Greg responds...

It's been a while. I don't remember Norman - the REAL Norman - ever apologizing. But if he does, it may have slipped past us. Or maybe back then we had some reason for it. I just can't remember.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

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Jaden writes...

You're probably tired of these types of questions by now but I was wondering how old Tye, Eduardo Jr, Virgil and Asama are?

Also, I heard from an insider that Ultimate Spider-man might be replaced after this season. I hope Marvel is smart enough to bring you back for a new series

Greg responds...

At the very end of Team Year Five, i.e. right before the start of Season Two:

TYE LONGSHADOW - 15
VIRGIL HAWKINS - 14
EDUARDO "ED" DORADO, JR. - 13
ASAMI "SAM" KOIZUMI - 13

I have not yet had a reason to calculate their exact birth dates, so I have no idea whether each of them had one during the six months of Season Two or whether one or more of their birthdays came after the end of the season. So, for example, in the episodes you saw, Tye might have been 15 still, or he might have been 16. Or he might have been 15 in his first appearance, but 16 by his next. Or whatever. You get the idea.

As for Spider-Man, I haven't heard what you've heard. Quite the reverse. And certainly, no one at Marvel has said anything to me about it. Nor would I expect them to. My understanding is that Ultimate is doing quite well.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

What are your thoughts about:

1- The Gargoyles fandom?
2- The W.I.T.C.H. fandom?
3- The Spectacular Spider-man fandom?
4- The Young Justice fandom?

Greg responds...

I'm not sure what exactly you're looking for here. Generally speaking, I love all four fandoms (and there's a lot of overlap). My life has - without a doubt - been enriched by my associations with the fandoms of the series' I've worked on. Some of the Gargoyles' fans are some of my best friends.

In person, the fandoms are almost without exception fantastic.

Sometimes on line, less so. I think that the anonymity of the internet does at times encourage bad behavior. And I think that's gotten progressively worse with each passing year. But that has more to do with the internet than with any individual fandom. And, yet, even with that caveat, I love interacting with fans on line. At least most of the time.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Which fandom do you honestly appreciate the most:
1- Gargoyles fans
2- Spectacular Spider-Man fans
3- Young Justice fans
4- Greg Weisman fans

Greg responds...

See, now, the Hulk is more powerful because the madder he gets, the stronger he gets. But the Thing can still beat him if he keeps his wits about him.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

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Clark Cradic writes...

Was Norman's attitude and quirks as the Green Goblin all an act to intimidate and mislead people or was it a bit of his own true nature leaking out while in costume?

Greg responds...

Does it have to be either/or?

Response recorded on April 12, 2013

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SSM Fan writes...

A few SSM questions:
1. The titles: I think it was incredibly clever of you to come up with "theme" titles for each arc. How did you come up with it? And more importantly, how did you make each title's double meaning perfectly suit the plot of its respective episode?
2. Why did the Vulture dip his fingers in what looked to be smashed potatoes and smeared it on the wall in "Group Therapy"?
3. You said the Scorpion was slated to appear in season 3. Could you give us a taste of his involvement in the plot? Would he already be a super villain, or would he become on à la Sandman and Rhino?

You are a genius and it makes me sad you are not as appreciated as you should. Networks should fight over you and lock you to a 10 years contract per show. And it makes me sick how some crappy shows get renewed and milked forever and your shows get cancelled in their peak.

I really hope on day you can get to do movies or at least TV series.

A Big Fan.

Greg responds...

1. The theme of the entire series was "The Education of Peter Parker". And originally, the plan was to release a DVD movie version, every three or four episodes, that would include deleted scenes and that would play as one film. So every mini-arc had it's own title, such as "Biology 101". Then for the episodes, we'd look for a title that fit the "course work" but also the episode. Titles came from myself and/or the writers. It wasn't all that difficult. The English language is wonderfully flexible, with nearly every word containing multiple meanings or connotations.

2. Wasn't potatoes. It was a glow-in-the-dark solution to mark the escape route.

3. He'd have become one.

Response recorded on April 02, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

1. Alot of the times in the comics when conners becomes the lizard, he always changes back because there are still trances of the formula in his system. Did the gene clenser completely remove all the lizard dna from his body, so that this isnt the case?
2.If peter had taken the gene clenser when he still worn the symbiote, would it remove both it and his powers?
3. Why was marco selected for ocks experiment first?

Greg responds...

1. The gene cleanser did remove all the lizard DNA, but unfortunately, the sample was contaminated with N'Kai DNA, so expect to see Conners transform into a Moai shortly. (How's that for obscure?!)

2. No, he'd need to go to a dry cleaner for that.

3. He wasn't. The first person selected was the Archmage. It turned him into a beach, until he used the Phoenix Gate to travel to Endor.

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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FallenLegend writes...

Hey Greg I just wanted to ask you if you have ever thought on finishing writing all your stories in case you never got to finish them in your life time?.

I don't want to be pessimistic. But just like Moses wasn't able to be on the promised land...

I recall Tolkien had the same issue with his unfinished tales. It would be cool if you at least considered finishing gargoyles. Many of your fans would be grateful if we got to know the full story :)

Greg responds...

I'm not sure what you mean by "finishing"...? I mean, just for starters, what medium are you referring to? It's not like I can just magically whip up some cartoons for ya.

But (1) let's start with this notion: it can't be done. Because my mind doesn't work that way. No matter how much I wrote on Gargoyles or Young Justice or SpecSpidey or WITCH or whatever, those stories and those characters would simply inspire new stories and yet more characters. To me, the universe (any universe) doesn't come to an end, so how could I ever bring any of theses sagas to an end?

(2) I gotta earn a living, pal. I don't own Gargoyles. For me to spend unpaid time writing stories that I can never publish, is, I hate to say it, even dopier than a doing post-production on a series for free. And there are limits to even my dopiness.

Response recorded on March 22, 2013

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EXALT writes...

Is your writing of Snapper Carr in any way influenced by the fact that you know that it's gonna be you playing him (the question may also be applied to Donald Menken in SpecSpidey)?

Greg responds...

Probably a little. But that's probably true of every character that's already cast. We learn to play to our actors' strengths. (Of course, I have very few strengths as an actor, so maybe that doesn't apply to Carr or Menken.)

Response recorded on March 21, 2013

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masterbow writes...

One of my favourite thing you have a tendency to do is have recurring background characters. I really liked the one in spectacular Spider-Man, where Spidey webs up a nerdy guy and a pretty girl to keep them out of the way of a runaway car. A season later, we see them again when she accepts his proposal on Valentine's Day. I was wondering do you have little stories in your head about these types of characters and if you'd be willing to share them with us?

Greg responds...

I do occasionally have stories about these characters, but this isn't the forum for me to tell them.

Response recorded on March 14, 2013

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VERONICA MARS on Kickstarter

VERONICA MARS on Kickstarter

So I've always been fairly dubious about Kickstarter. I found the websites overwhelming and off-putting.

But my brother Jon just sent me the link below, and I actually found myself pledging $50, which is WAY out of character for me.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/559914737/the-veronica-mars-movie-project

In part, it's because my daughter Erin and I are both massive Veronica Mars fans. And in part, it's because if this works, it opens up a whole new realm of possibilities.

Gargoyles on Kickstarter? Spectacular Spider-Man on Kickstarter? Young Justice on Kickstarter? Today it seems just a little less nutty than it did yesterday.

So check out the link. If you love Veronica Mars like I do, pledge what you can - because, damn, I want to see that movie - but even if V is of no interest to you, check out the link anyway. It's definitely giving me... thoughts...


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Abigail writes...

Is the character Sha Shan Nguyen based on any pre-existing character in the Spiderman comics?

Greg responds...

Yes. She's based on the character Sha Shan, who was Flash's girlfriend for awhile - and then wanted to kill him - and then didn't, and then dumped him cold when he cheated on her - and then pretty much disappeared until I brought her back in an issue of Amazing Spider-Man as his physical therapist. And then... um, I don't think she's appeared since.

Anyway, she was always a favorite of mine. And I always thought that she was THE ONE for Flash.

Response recorded on February 28, 2013

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Arthur Lias writes...

This will be risking DELETION huh?S
Spectacular spider-man ended...but it was an awesome show that adapted the great elements about spider-man.I don't have a problem with Ultimate spider-man but your show was amazing,SPECTACULAR even. Also love Young Justice!The five year time skip was surprising but the writing is great.Hope superboy doesn't punch reality;)That would be really surprising.Anyway, in a vain attempt to not get DELETED I will ask a question:
1)How do you feel about 52 joker
2)How about him,um,uh,losing face
Yours questioningly,
A.Lias

Greg responds...

1. Haven't seen it.

2. I don't know what you're referring to.

Response recorded on February 21, 2013

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Huge GW Fan writes...

One of my favorite episodes of SSM is "Gangland" because of the awesome fights mixed with that beautiful opera score. Ever since I've been obsessed with finding out the name of each piece, and after a thorough research, I think I got it. It would mean a lot if you could confirm this:

- "Pari siamo": The meeting turns sour; Hammerhead turns coat.
- "Ella mi fu rapita, Parmi veder le lagrime": Silvermane suits up. The fight moves downstairs.
- "Scorrendo uniti remota via": Ock and Silermane fight Tombstone. Ock turns on Silvermane.
- "Pari siamo": Spidey catches chandelier. Fight ensues.
- "La Donna é Mobile" (duh) Fight continues outside.
- "Ella mi fu rapita, Parmi veder le lagrime": Ock closes in on Spidey, Fat Lady sings, Tombstone saves Spidey. Spidey disassembles Silvermane. Sable threats Hammerhead. Ock tries to vivisect Spidey.
- "Cortigiani, vil razza dannata": Fight moves to the sewers.

I hope YJ gets a third season and we get to see something similar like this!

Greg responds...

I'm sorry. I tried to find some document on my computer that might confirm or correct your assumptions, but I couldn't find anything. There might be something in my hard copy files, but those are currently boxed up, and I can't get to them right now.

Response recorded on December 14, 2012

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gaiachild writes...

It isn't really much of a question, but all in all, I just wanted to say "Thank you". Thank you for all the high quality shows you produced that enriched my childhood and still give me intelligent and gripping entertainment in my favorite media, animated shows, as an adult.
Most off all, I also wanted to express my admiration for your resolve. While privately I may often joke bitterly about the "Weisman curse" whenever one of your shows gets unfairly canceled way too soon despite (arguably) having the best quality in the entire program. You will always have my gratitude for continuing to produce great shows despite all the stones placed in your way.

As for questions:
1. If you had the means to, would you do a Young Justice/Gargoyles Crossover?
2. Sorry to bring up this unfairly missed opportunity gain, but if you had remained on the staff for "The Roswell Conspiracies", do you think that show would at some point crossed over with Gargoyles?
3. In the spirit of question one, do you think Demona would make a good Red Lantern?

In any case, once again, thank you. Thank you for raising the quality and complexity of the already great W.I.T.C.H. cartoon, thank you for producing the best animated Spider-Man series to date, thank you for bringing Starshiptroopers to the screen in the way it should have been in the first place, thank you for doing such a great job with Max Steel, thank you for doing a huge part in keeping animated DC material extremely high quality, especially at the moment, and of course, thank you for Gargoyles, probably my favorite franchise ever, and I am rooting for you to one day get it back and do more wonders with it.

Greg responds...

1. I don't think so. Maybe as a radio play. But I don't see the two universes as being particularly compatible.

2. No. Two different companies.

3. See, this kinda thing doesn't interest me much. If you think so, great.

Thanks for all your kind words.

Response recorded on December 14, 2012

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Connor writes...

Hi Greg! I wanted to ask about your methods of storytelling. For adapted shows like The Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice, you seem to have planned out certain events and arcs in advance and seem to include nothing if you aren't going to follow up on it later. Do you have a personal set of rules or guidelines for when you work on projects like these?

Greg responds...

It's no different on any project. We try to plan as much in advance as possible, while still leaving ourselves open to discoveries along the way.

Response recorded on December 12, 2012

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Kyle writes...

Hi Greg,

Can i say you're quite unlucky because first you're show Spectacular Spiderman was awesome and critically acclaimed then it gets cancelled and left on a cliffhanger (which people got so upset and frustrated) and then young justice is on hiatus when it gets better and better. Why does bad things happen to things that are going good?

Greg responds...

Dude, if I only knew...

Response recorded on December 10, 2012

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C. David Cole writes...

Hi Mr. Weisman,

First I like to tell you that I'm a big fan of your work, especially Gargoyles, I sad that the series ended and that you didn't get chance to create the season 3 you envisioned; I hope that you get the opportunity to work with the series again someday and tell the rest of the stories you had in mind. Secondly, I like to thank you and the moderators in advance for taking the time out of your schedules to read my questions.

I read that when you worked on Spectacular Spider-Man you had a central theme for the series "The Education of Peter Parker." So I was wondering:

1. Did Gargoyles have a central theme? If so what was it?
2. Do you think that a series has to have a central theme?
3. Do you think that each episode within a series has to have its own theme? Can some episodes be non-theme oriented? (Ex: Can the heroes try to stop the villains from committing some terrible act without there being a deeper meaning to it.)

Greg responds...

I hope you've picked up our three Gargoyles Trade Paperbacks, which contains at least a portion of our Season Three.

1. I'm not sure I had it boiled down quite as clearly, but it was probably something along the lines of: "Don't judge a book by it's cover."

2. No. Not every series.

3. No. Not every episode. But most benefit from one, even episodes that are mostly one big fight.

Response recorded on December 10, 2012

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W.C.Reaf writes...

I've been rewatching Spectacular Spider-Man over the summer, as well as introducing it to some friends who loved it, and I noticed some interesting subtle things that I hadn't picked up on before.

Such as Adrian Toomes and Otto Octavius worked together as scientists and they each have tech that relies on some form of mental control interface. Otto's is obviously more advanced because it needs to be since it controls extra limbs, but they have the same basic control principle. So I assume they worked together on a project that required such an interface with the brain.

And Dr Curt Connors was doing the spider experiments, combining different traits from many spiders into one super spider, as possibly a stepping stone for his research into combining lizard traits with humans.

Were these intentional or am I seeing connections where none were intended?

Greg responds...

That was all intentional. Among the villains, we didn't want them to all be generic bad guys, who would work together or feud, simply as the need arose. We wanted to show that there were complex histories, alliances, friendships, rivalries, etc. between them all.

In short, we had backstories in mind.

Response recorded on December 07, 2012

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Peter writes...

hello grieg i would like to ask you just a few questions
1.why did you chose "Spectacular Spider-Man" instead of "Amazing Spider-Man"?
2.it seems like you you building up to the Peter & Mary jane relationship if you don't mind may i please get your thoughts on that?
3.and the origanal con.jupiter suit was built by Tony Stark dose Stark and Earth's mightiest heroes have a place here and is this inline with Chris Yosts Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes? oh and by the way you and chris yost are big time geniuses thank you the both of you.

Greg responds...

1. Actually, that was Marvel's decision. Our original plan was to call it Amazing, but Marvel told us to change it to Spectacular. The reasons for the change were above my paygrade. But I'm not sorry about it. I like the alliteration, and it gave us our great theme song.

2. No, you may not. At least not at this time.

3. We weren't in continuity with any other series, period. We had our own plans for how the rest of the Marvel Universe fit into our Spectacular corner, but since we weren't allowed to use any non-Spidey related characters, those ideas were largely moot. But if you check the archives you can get a taste of them.

Response recorded on December 07, 2012

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Tim S writes...

First off, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for Spectacular Spider-Man, which is, IMHO, the finest superhro show ever created. Now, for a few questions!

1. Did you have any influence over choosing the art style for the series? Because I absolutely loved it.

2. Do you have a favorite Spidey villan that DIDN'T appear in the show?

That's really all I have to say, other than thanks for working so hard to make such great shows. Looking forward to more Young Justice!

Greg responds...

1. Vic Cook and I both agreed that Sean "Cheeks" Galloway was the guy for us. So did everyone else on the series.

2. I have many.

Response recorded on December 04, 2012

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Motti writes...

When I was young i watched Gargoyles. My reaction? Meh. Fast forward, year 2009. TvTropes recomended The Spectacular Spider-Man as best animated Spidey show. I hate Spider-Man, but hey, let's give a try. My reaction? AWESOME!!! Hm, lets check other stuff this Weisman guy did. And i rewatched Gargoyles and W.I.T.C.H. My reaction? THIS WEISMAN GUY IS AWESOME!!! He's funny, creative and his villains are amazing. Hm, he's gonna produce Young Justice. Let's check it when it comes out. My reaction? GREG WEISMAN IS OFFICIALLY DEITY IN MY EYES!!! So thank you, Mr. Weisman for giving human kind such awesome cartoons! And now some questions:
1) If you have a billion dollar budget what movie or show would you create? (Shakespeare excluded. We know you would do Kennet Branagh style, 4 hours long, Hamlet)
2) Did you ever met Alan Moore or Neil Gaiman or Grant Morrison?
3) Did you ever considered writing again comics? P.S. Loved Captain Atom both in YJ and comics
4) Whom do you preffer: DC or Marvel? As world, not as a employer
5) Ever been in Europe?
Also, I'm kinda worried for YJ. It seems TV network can't endure your awesomeness, so they ruin 3rd seasons for your shows. That, and Teen Titans are back and new Batman show is in production. Of course, i could be paranoid. No matter what, your work will be always epic! Once again, thank you Mr. Weisman for your awesome work!
P.S. Steve Blum as Green Goblin and Josh Keaton as Spider-Man? BEST. CHOICES. EVER.

Greg responds...

1. I don't know. Too many options. Too hypothetical.

2. I met Alan Moore once VERY briefly, in 1985 in San Diego. I've never met Gaiman or Morrison.

3. I'd love to write more comics. No one's asked.

4. ASKED AND ANSWERED. I have no preference. I grew up on both, love both and initially - when I was a kid - didn't even realize there were two different companies.

5. Yes.

Response recorded on December 04, 2012

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Bridge writes...

hi greg its me again, i made an error on the comment about spectacular spiderman, what i meant to say was conceal dr conners's identity as the lizard instead of using disclosed.

Sorry

Greg responds...

Um... okay. Thanks for the correction.

Response recorded on December 01, 2012

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Bridge writes...

hi greg,

I would love to say thank you for providing us with shows like young justice and spectacular spiderman with all the twists and turns in the story line.

For spectacular spiderman, i was fooled that harry was the green goblin when it actually norman. Just when i thought i had the Green Goblin so played out (making the harry seem so obvious) and yet so deviated (making it Harry instead of the traditional Norman), I was wrong.

I loved how the show kept with the original story of the Green Goblin AND found a surprising and original way to tell it. That's what i call killing 2 birds with stone.

Same goes for young justice, how Red Arrow accuses Miss martian, Artemis and Superboy of being the mole when it was Roy. I admit myself i thought it would be artemis which roy was suspicious and when i found out he was the mole, i thought to myself hypocrite but when i found out he was a clone and a sleeper agent?! Oh my....

I love surprises like these keep it up!

Greg responds...

We'll try!

Response recorded on November 29, 2012

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Andy G writes...

Hello Greg and welcome back,

i would like to say in my opinion that spectacular spiderman is the best adaption since the 90's with great storylines and character development such as flash thompson's sense of honour in sports (Probably Cause) which really surprised as he is portrayed as an arrogant jerk.

I liked the themes of character development such as "defrosting the ice queen" e.g. Liz Allen warms up to Peter and becomes open minded (Interactions) and Sally Avril because concerned with peter's safety (Probably Cause) and showing a bit of compassion. Not to mention about Harry's transition from friend to a jerk when he becomes popular which i like to call "Acquired social narcissism".

The characters hated towards spiderman are well understandable e.g. J jonah jameson's anger towards spiderman after rival papers sold well with front covers of spiderman than the bugle's front cover of his son miraculously and heroically piloted the shuttle to safety against impossible odds of survival. I would be annoyed if that happened to me.

I liked how the series show a more human peter parker and how he can be portrayed as a sleaze and quite an opportunist as would be willing to take any opportunity which would benefit him and other people he knows in the long run if how could avoid the consequences e.g. Taking photos of the lizard but disclosing Dr conners as the lizard from the public to win the prize money for his aunty, however that minor consequence can build up major consequence e.g. miles warren managed to get a that pic of the lizard to uses to blackmail Dr conners into giving up control of his lab to miles after dr. conners said his research was a "dead end".

I would like to say thank you for producing a spectacular series of spiderman and even though it's cancelled i continue to use my imagination.

P.s. Ignore the haters and continue doing what you do best.

Greg responds...

Thanks.

Response recorded on November 29, 2012

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Rex Dawson writes...

Hello greg,

I would like to say thank you for producing animated series like young justice and spectacular spiderman especially. I'm sorry to hear about your loss and i hope things will get better.

There are a few questions if you don't mind me ask but:

1) In spectacular spiderman, why did peter chose liz instead of gwen first and did he even like liz at all? is it because peter is seen as a nerd and liz is popular and attractive and he chose to be with Liz because it would boost his credibility and change peoples perceptions of him?

2)Why did mary-jane decide to give gwen stacy a makeover? is it because to help her self-confidence or to make peter notice gwen more and make him realise that gwen is the girl for him? or is it because even though peter was with liz, she never gave up on helping gwen to get with peter because she believes there's a connection between them? Because this love triangle between peter, liz and Gwen caught my interest.

Thank you

Greg responds...

1. I think Peter was immature. Liz was there and kissing him. She declared she was his girlfriend, and he wanted a girlfriend, and he got... distracted by her. I don't think it had anything to do with popularity. And I do think he liked Liz. I think he still does. He just LOVED Gwen.

2. Yes.

Response recorded on November 29, 2012

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Todd Jensen writes...

I've seen a few more episodes of Season Two of "The Spectacular Spider-Man", up to "Growing Pains", and continue to enjoy them. "Growing Pains" was my favorite because of all the Shakespeare quotes in it, which I had a lot of fun identifying, and which fitted the story so well. (Not to mention that Flash and Sally's attempts to do "Hamlet" were hilarious.)

And talk about a cliffhanger ending! I'm looking forward to the next episode after Venom's big revelation.

Greg responds...

Thanks. Keep me posted on your thoughts!

Response recorded on November 06, 2012

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MLP FAN writes...

Hey greg I just watched your work on spectacular spiderman and needless to say I think you did a great job, as an old fan of the 90's seires I think you surpassed it in many ways.I still I can't believe I liked tombstone as a villain

On to my question.

1.- I saw some character worrying for the steriotypical "social hyerarchy" stuff like football players and cheer leaders being "popular" (example Flash). Personally I never experienced such a thing as everyone just hanged out with whom ever they liked it.

My question is Do you believe that social hierarchy of populars, not populars does exist? or you portrayed it due to tradition (many shows portray that)

Thank you for your time

Greg responds...

1. Yes, I believe it exists. It certainly existed (back in the dark ages) when I went to high school, and at least to some extent I observe it in the environment of my children.

Response recorded on October 30, 2012

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Todd Jensen writes...

I recently got to watch the first two episodes of Season Two of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" on YouTube (I hadn't seen them before now, since I don't have cable) and enjoyed them.

I noticed at the end the MasterPlanner's line to Kraven about "hunting in packs". While it works in its own right as a hint of things to come (presumably super-villain team-ups), I thought "pack" was appropriate. Kraven was hunting Spidey for the same reason that the Pack initially hunted the gargoyles - the "Most Dangerous Game" motive - and, like Wolf, had himself upgraded into a mutate (though feline rather than canine). He even got photographs of Spidey at the start of the episode from the MasterPlanner, just as the Pack got the photographs of Goliath at the start of "The Thrill of the Hunt". I don't know if the "hunting in packs" line was intended as a "Gargoyles" hommage or in-joke or not, but I liked it and thought it appropriate.

Greg responds...

I can't remember for sure. But it probably was.

Response recorded on October 30, 2012

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Akeem M. writes...

Hey Greg,
At the end of Spectacular Spider-Man, Norman going into costumed crime is public knowledge. The question is, how many people know about his strength enhancing formula, Globulin Green and how it affects people? Norman showed his family (Emily and Harry) and Donald Menkin; and by extension Peter and Gwen know about since Harry told them about the formula and what it does to people. Is the Gobulin Green formula public knowlege in New York City? Or is it one of the only secrets the Osborn family has about Norman goblining it up?

Greg responds...

Good question. It might go a long way toward creating a more sympathetic public image...

Response recorded on October 29, 2012

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Zach writes...

Greg Do you think The Spectacular Spider-Man would ever be continued in a comic?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Greg Weisman says:

"I did propose a Spectacular Spider-Man comic book, but Marvel didn't bite."

[Response recorded on August 28, 2012.]

Response recorded on September 29, 2012

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Bad Lyre writes...

If (somehow) you were given one final 13-episode season in which to wrap up the Spectacular Spider-Man, how would you do it?
How, if at all, would you try and resolve hanging plot threads, like Gwen and Peter's relationship and Norman's Houdini act?
Would you take advantage of being owned by Disney by introducing other Marvel characters that you didn't have the rights to use before? If so, would you bring more Spidey-related characters in, like Kingpin or Daredevil, or better-known heroes, such as Iron Man?

Thanks for taking the time to answer.

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Greg Weisman says:

"I had many specific ideas, some of which would undoubtedly have changed over the course of production. But I'm just not too inclined to reveal them. It's not that I'm trying to torture you, it's just that there's no way I can do them justice in this format. I write 'X' would have happened, and that one statement will get dissected across the internet. And any idea is only as good as its execution - which you'll now never get to see. It may sound stupid here, but I might have been able (with the help of Vic Cook and all my other many collaborators) to pull it off on the series and have everyone think I'm a genius. Or not. But at least it would have had a shot. I just don't feel like opening myself up to potential second-guessing based on raw notions as opposed to executed episodes."

[Response recorded on August 5, 2010.]

Response recorded on September 29, 2012

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Phillip writes...

Do you know of any plans for a complete second season release of Spectacular Spider-Man?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Greg Weisman says:

"I have no control or influence over this. Believe me, no one's more frustrated than myself."

[Response recorded on March 11, 2011.]

Response recorded on September 26, 2012

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Xanatos writes...

I was just recently watching "Destructive Testing" from Season 2 of the Spectacular Spider-Man, and I was wondering, what was the creative decision to make Kraven a genetically altered human rather than just him being a "normal" guy?

Also, did you have any plans on MIles Warren creating clones or becoming the Jackel later down the line had a season 3 been made?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Greg Weisman says:

"The mutated Kraven idea was borrowed/adapted from Ultimate Spider-Man. The short answer is that we thought it was a pretty cool idea and visual. Plus we have long term plans for Kraven that I won't get into now."

[Response recorded on August 4, 2009.]

"I had many specific ideas, some of which would undoubtedly have changed over the course of production. But I'm just not too inclined to reveal them. It's not that I'm trying to torture you, it's just that there's no way I can do them justice in this format. I write 'X' would have happened, and that one statement will get dissected across the internet. And any idea is only as good as its execution - which you'll now never get to see. It may sound stupid here, but I might have been able (with the help of Vic Cook and all my other many collaborators) to pull it off on the series and have everyone think I'm a genius. Or not. But at least it would have had a shot. I just don't feel like opening myself up to potential second-guessing based on raw notions as opposed to executed episodes."

[Response recorded on August 5, 2010.]

Response recorded on September 26, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

A couple of years ago, I heard that some deleted scenes from The Spectacular Spider-Man had been shown at Comic Con. The details surrounding those deleted scenes have been kept under wraps for so long now - is there any chance you could give a breakdown of the sequences that didn't make it into the episodes, please?

I know that one deleted sequence was Shocker being rescued by Fancy Dan and Ox in Group Therapy, and that another was a line by Norman in Final Curtain that he hated how vulnerable Vulture had made him, but could you elaborate on the other stuff that was cut for time please?

Greg responds...

I no longer remember, I'm afraid.

Response recorded on September 25, 2012

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Jonathan writes...

Do you have any plans to further the plot of Spectacular through means outside of television? Like, something written, perhaps in the way of a script or in a more novel-like style of writing?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

"It's just not up to me. I can't create a 'fan film' with someone else's property.

For starters, who would pay for it? Even if I and everyone else involved were willing to donate services for free - which honestly I'm not - who would pay for the materials? None of us have the hundreds of thousands of dollars that it would take to do even one episode at the quality level you'd expect. And why would we want to produce something at a lower quality level? Why would you want to watch it at a lower quality level?

And that's aside from the fact, that I'd never be allowed to work for Marvel, Disney, Sony or probably any other studio again ever. I'm a pro. They know that. I can't make a fan film, stealing someone else's characters, and just get away with it.

For this to happen, Sony would have to make a deal with Marvel/Disney to do this - and then they'd have to reassemble the key players from the original cast and crew. I'd LOVE for this to happen, but I don't see that as realistic.

I mean, don't get me wrong. I'd love to do more SpecSpideys. But it's less likely than me doing more Gargoyles, even."

[Response recorded on August 16, 2012.]

Response recorded on September 19, 2012

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The Question writes...

Since it appears that it is unlikely that your version of spider-man won't finish it's storyline, did you already know how it would have ended if given the chance? If so, was there any major storylines you wanted to address during you're intended run? This is in case father time catches up with you and you don't take your vision to the grave. :)

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Greg Weisman says:

"I had many specific ideas, some of which would undoubtedly have changed over the course of production. But I'm just not too inclined to reveal them. It's not that I'm trying to torture you, it's just that there's no way I can do them justice in this format. I write 'X' would have happened, and that one statement will get dissected across the internet. And any idea is only as good as its execution - which you'll now never get to see. It may sound stupid here, but I might have been able (with the help of Vic Cook and all my other many collaborators) to pull it off on the series and have everyone think I'm a genius. Or not. But at least it would have had a shot. I just don't feel like opening myself up to potential second-guessing based on raw notions as opposed to executed episodes."

[Response recorded on August 5, 2010.]

Greg Weisman says:

"All I can say - or rather all I FEEL like saying - is that we had (pipe-dream) plans to do five 13-episode seasons that would have taken us through Peter's graduation from High School. After that, our hope was to do a series of Direct to DVD movies that would continue the story into Peter's college years and beyond."

[Response recorded on August 23, 2012.]

Response recorded on September 17, 2012

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Todd Jensen writes...

The first season of "Young Justice" takes place over the course of half a year, starting on the Fourth of July and continuing to New Year's Eve in the Season One finale (with episodes set on Halloween and Thanksgiving along the way). I remember that the first season of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" similarly stretched from the start of the school year in September to Thanksgiving (with a Halloween episode along the way), and that the second season got up at least to Valentine's Day. The time progression in "Gargoyles" was more vague, but we had two Halloween stories ("Eye of the Beholder" and the Double Date story) and three wintry episodes in New York ("Her Brother's Keeper", which ends with a snowfall, "Re-Awakening", and "The Price"), as well as a clear timeline for the Stone of Destiny story.

I like this sense of the year's progress through the seasons and landmark days (like the Fourth of July and Halloween), but it doesn't seem that common in animated series outside your own work. I've seen two speculations on why that element is so rare in animated series. One is that a lot of the people who engage in such creative work aren't big on continuity and change, far less than you are. Another is that most people involved in creating animated television series live in or near Los Angeles and other parts of California, where the climate is pretty much the same year around and there's less a sense of four seasons than in other parts of the United States. I was wondering what your thoughts were on these theories.

Greg responds...

Both these theories seem valid to me, but they probably pale from the economic explanation: if you progress through the seasons then you have to redress backgrounds and characters, and that's expensive. Me, I believe it's WORTH the expense. But that's only true if you're really going to DO something with it. If you're not, then there's not much point. (We also did it on W.I.T.C.H. by the way.)

Response recorded on September 12, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

You said before that there isn't any recorded, on camera footage of the voice actors for Young Justice. Why did you record behind the scenes stuff for The Spectacular Spider-Man but not for Young Justice?

Greg responds...

The Sony folks recorded stuff and encouraged us to record stuff on Spidey. Then they didn't use any of it.

No one at Warners ever claimed they were going to use that kind of footage, and none was recorded or requested.

I'll leave it to you to decide which scenario is most frustrating.

Response recorded on September 04, 2012

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Michael writes...

Hi Greg!

Like many fans, I was deeply saddened to see Spectacular Spider-Man get cancelled after only two seasons. The show had so many good stories left to tell and really left a lot of open plot threads (Peter and Gwen's relationship, Norman Osborn's future plans, the Venom symboiote's whereabouts etc.) that were just begging to be explored.

With that in mind, have you given any thought to proposing a Spectacular Spider-Man comic book that would continue the storylines you and your creative team had planned? I know that you've gone this route with Gargoyles, and I think a Spectacular Spider-Man comic would really excite and satisfy fans who wanted to see where the series would have gone without incurring the expense of continuing the show (since I realize a lot of your talent has moved on to other projects -- incidentally love Lacey Chabert as Zatanna in Young Justice!). Marvel is already producing an Ultimate Spider-Man comic based on the new animated show -- would it really be out of the realm of possibility for them to produce a Spectacular Spider-Man comic and/or miniseries? After all, DC produced new issues of the Batman The Animated Series comic book, The Batman comic, and Batman the Brave and the Bold long after the cartoons were cancelled.

Best wishes

Michael

Greg responds...

I did propose a Spectacular Spider-Man comic book, but Marvel didn't bite.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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6f6ea3 writes...

Hey again, Greg. Hopefully this question will catch you while you're at your office or Beverly Hills office, but I'm just dropping by a follow up inquiry about posting the SpecSpidey bible.

Sorry if I'm being a pest, I know by the time you read this you'll have slogged through a couple hundred questions about Red Tornado's shoe-size or the like since you answered my last question. Keep the faith, you're made of sterner stuff then I.

Greg responds...

Sorry, I'm at Warner Bros. today. And I'm still not sure if I WANT to post the SpecSpidey bible.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Miten writes...

Hey Greg it's me again and I was wondering
how did you get the role of spectacular spiderman.

Greg responds...

You mean the job producing it?

I interviewed for it - like five times - and they chose me, I assume, based on the ideas I pitched them for it, all of which wound up in the show.

Or did you mean how did I get the role of Menken in SpecSpidey?

I cast myself.

Response recorded on August 23, 2012

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Eagle-Owl writes...

YJ questions:

1) Clancy Brown as Agent Faraday, and Faraday looks A LOT like George Stacy. Spectacular Spider-Man reference?

2) Parasite was working for Intergang. Does this say anything about the current whereabouts of Bruno Mannheim or Whisper A'Daire?

Greg responds...

1. Not particularly. Again, keep in mind that the designs are done by Phil Bourassa under Brandon Vietti's art direction, and neither worked on SpecSpidey.

2. Not particularly.

Response recorded on August 23, 2012

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Codeman1992 writes...

Hi Mr. Weisman, I just wanted to give you props on developing one of the most interesting and creative superhero series on television. Young Justice is one of the greatest superhero series I've watched. I put it up there with the great Batman The Animated Series and all the Timmverse Shows. So, like I said before, I give you props and you are a extremely well versed writer and it's proof in your work. With the new Spider Man movie coming out soon, I've noticed it's very reminiscent of The Spectacular Spider man. At least in the case of turning Gwen into a potential love interest in High School, who both her and Pete intern somewhere. That's my first question, have you noticed that? My second question is regarding The Spectacular Spider Man. I'm in my Spidey Obsession phase and always turn to your show whenever I'm in that phase. Since there's not gonna be a Season 3 of the show, can you drop any potential storylines or where the show was gonna go after the finale of Season 2? I know this is really long, but I'm a huge fan and hope I can be as great of a writer as you are one day. Thank You Mr. Weisman for your time.

Greg responds...

1. I did notice similarities, but we're all working off the same source material, so there are bound to be similarities.

2. ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on August 23, 2012

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ILikeSpiderMan writes...

Hi Greg!

Obviously I'm a huge fan of your work, since I'm, y'know, posting on your site. I've just been sitting and listening to your Spectacular Spider-Man podcast interviews, which are offering some "spectacular" insight (haha, ha).

You talk about Gwen Stacy being the first (one?) true love of Peter's life, and her incredible importance to him. You've also discussed your desire to adapt the feel and general story of the original comics as faithfully as possible. Given that Gwen is most famous for being killed by the Green Goblin, what does that mean for Gwen's future in the series? I'm not asking what your plans for the show were (I don't want spoilers, as some small part of me still hopes that somehow this show will have a future), but I'm wondering if you and the other writers were even considering including Gwen's death in the series. Would it warp the show's tone irreparably? Would it still be possible to write a fun-loving, wise-cracking Spider-Man after this? Would the CW/Disney allow this on a children's program?

Or did you and the other writers/producers decide upfront to veto the idea?

I understand how this could easily be seen as a spoiler request. I'm less curious about the potential plotline of future SSM episodes, and more wondering about the considerations you and your writing team take when adapting material from the comics, especially grittier, less-child-friendly stuff.

Thanks profusely!

Greg responds...

All I can say - or rather all I FEEL like saying - is that we had (pipe-dream) plans to do five 13-episode seasons that would have taken us through Peter's graduation from High School. After that, our hope was to do a series of Direct to DVD movies that would continue the story into Peter's college years and beyond.

Response recorded on August 23, 2012

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Justin F. writes...

Hey Greg. I wanted to let you know that I, and a large portion of the internet community, absolutely loved Spectacular Spider-Man. The show accurately portrayed who Peter Parker was, his troubles, his difficult choices, and his life as Spider-Man. Me, being a teen in high school, thought Peter was someone I could relate to, even though he had these extraordinary powers. Being able to relate to Peter Parker is something that should be constant (and for the most part, has been constant) in every Spider-Man story. I know I'm not the only one who thinks that the series should have went on for much longer. However, I know that the series' ending had to do with Disney/Marvel purchasing the animated series rights from Sony. Since this was pretty much out of your hands, I'm here to propose an idea.
Since the rights to the theme song, character designs, etc. for The Spectacular Spider-Man are locked by Sony, and you couldn't possibly resume the show even if you wanted to at Disney/Marvel, I suggest making, if you'd be fine with doing so, an INDEPENDENT episode (about 45 min. or an hour long)of The Spectacular Spider-Man and release it online. Sean Galloway could come back to do the designs, and you could get the voice actors who would agree to it back if the scheduling works in the favor of both parties. This is more than a scheduling thing than anything, when you're not busy with Young Justice and they're not busy with anything, but it may be able to work. And since it wouldn't be
released under the Sony or Marvel banner, and if you make it perfectly clear that it's a "fan film", no breach-in-contract would occur at all.
I'm sorry if I'm sounding selfish, but the show had a HUGE, HUGE fan base, and most of this HUGE fan base, when tuned in to watch Ultimate Spider-Man on Sunday, all cringed in unison (no offense to Marvel or anyone who likes the show). It just doesn't match the charm that your interpretation of Spider-Man had. So I would definitely like for you to take this into consideration. Would you be able to make an independent "final" episode of Spectacular Spider-Man exclusively for online, one that is a "fan film" of sorts? Thank you for your time.

-Justin

Greg responds...

Justin, it's just not up to me. I can't create a "fan film" with someone else's property.

For starters, who would pay for it? Even if I and everyone else involved were willing to donate services for free - which honestly I'm not - who would pay for the materials? None of us have the hundreds of thousands of dollars that it would take to do even one episode at the quality level you'd expect. And why would we want to produce something at a lower quality level? Why would you want to watch it at a lower quality level?

And that's aside from the fact, that I'd never be allowed to work for Marvel, Disney, Sony or probably any other studio again ever. I'm a pro. They know that. I can't make a fan film, stealing someone else's characters, and just get away with it.

For this to happen, Sony would have to make a deal with Marvel/Disney to do this - and then they'd have to reassemble the key players from the original cast and crew. I'd LOVE for this to happen, but I don't see that as realistic.

I mean, don't get me wrong. I'd love to do more SpecSpideys. But it's less likely than me doing more Gargoyles, even.

Response recorded on August 16, 2012

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

Wow! Is it hard to keep up with even the questions to post new ones. Thanks for reopening the queue!

Condolences on the lose of your Grandmother. I remember the months before my grandmother died how she had retreated into herself and was all but unrecognizable, than all of a sudden came back to herself for a week or two at the end. I still treasure it as a great gift that we were reminded who she was before the end. She was a good deal younger than 100 so we were not quite expecting the end, but I can understand what you mean by feeling that the person you love is already on the way somewhere else. I am glad you have so many years and so many wonderful memories to look back on.

1- I see someone already asked if you can explain some of the terms you used when you broke down the stages the of episodes in progress. He mentioned ‘online’ in particular. If you didn’t already do so, can you also define ‘slug’?

2- I know you prefer to record the voice actors together in conversation, unlike many other cartoons that record the voices in isolation. In live action tv and movies are recorded out of order, that’s the most efficient way to use the sets and actors. Since there aren’t sets for cartoons, and you prefer to have all the actors together anyway, are the scenes more or less recorded in order?

3- You mentioned in the past moments when stories just come together and surprise you- when the next event seems to announce herself, unplanned but seemingly totally organic to the story. Like when “Owen is Puck!” announced itself. Or when you kept hearing “Thailog” when the video was being rewound. Did you have any such moments for Spectacular Spiderman and the other shows you worked on? Have you had any with Young Justice yet? Can you share any if they’ve already happened?

4-One last question for this catch-all batch... what do you think of the new DC Nation shorts? I’m not crazy about loosing the opening credits, but I love shorts and think it is an easy trade. I love that they are all different and playful and yet often also a series. My favorite so far is the one with Batgirl and Supergirl trying to convince Wonder Girl to ‘borrow’ Wonder Woman’s invisible jet. (Oddly I have become used to (and approve) on Dianna being portrayed as someone from another country, with a light to strong intonation of something foreign, but it never occurred to me the same would apply to Donna.)

Begin pontification: I’ve never loved the Teen Titan cartoon, (plenty to like, but never loved), but I love the fact it is turning up in the shorts. Back when Disney XD was Toon Disney I wondered why they didn’t run shorts. (To be fair I didn’t have a TiVO at the time and it was possible they were already running the “Have a Laugh” abridged classic shorts as well as Shaun the Sheep. But they weren’t running any new material.) It seemed odd to me they were trying to compete with the Cartoon Network’s reach into the older demographic and didn’t, for instance, declare one night a week the 10 o’clock older folks movie night, (say a Miyazaki flik), and intersperse it with shorts- gorgeous, varied, counter expectation shorts like they gleefully did for Fantasia 2000. (I had the idea a long time ago.) If some of those shorts were back door pilots...great. It worked for the Simpsons They could have led to another late evening night of new programming of new shows. They couldn’t compete with cheap nostalgic cartoons or crude adult ones because that just isn’t Disney. Disney can never put out a Family Guy type show under the Disney label. Maybe they could do it on ABC, but not something with Disney in the name. (Even Miyazaki’s Princess Monenoke had to be released in the US under the Miramax label because a PG-13 cartoon would be problematic under the Disney label.) It a rather obvious route for a high end cartoon station to go and might have netted a few Oscars away from Pixar. Or perhaps more for Pixar. End pontification.

Of course it would have been an ideal place to run a little Gargoyle related short. :)

Greg responds...

1. A "slug" is the section of action BETWEEN lines of dialogue. A "slugged board" is a board that's been timed, i.e. the time for each action has been calculated - and since each line of dialogue has also been timed - you have an exact length, and you know whether or not your episode is going to be long, short or right on the money. If it's long or short, we need to cut or pad to get it to time.

2. Generally, yes. But for example, I poked my head in at a recording on Monday for "Beware the Batman". And there was one actress at the record who was only in one scene, and it happened to be the last scene. So after the rehearsal, they recorded that last scene first, so that the actress wouldn't have to sit through the entire record. It's a courtesy thing. Other times, it may be a scheduling thing. But, again, generally, we record the whole episode from start to finish.

3. It happens all the time. I wish I could remember a specific example from Spidey, but nothing immediately comes to mind. And it's too soon to discuss this stuff on YJ.

4. I love DC NATION. Sincerely. I think some of the shorts have been great, and some have fallen a little flat, but in general, I LOVE the FACT that they're doing the shorts. I just wish they'd expand DC Nation to two hours or something.

5. I'm game for ANYTHING that brings me back to Gargoyles.

Response recorded on August 16, 2012

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JayBe writes...

Hi Greg, first off I just wanted to say you're awesome. Spectacular Spider-man was THE best Spider-man cartoon/interpretation of all time and IMO the best superhero cartoon of all time (although YJ is now a close second for me). It still pains my heart that it didn't reach past a 2nd season. And despite not being interested when I originally heard about Young Justice, it's quickly become one of my favorites due to the awesome character development/continuity that seems to be your trademark. Having just seen the new Ultimate Spider-man (which I read you won't be watching), I can safely tell you that although it's not the complete crap-fest I thought it would be, it's nowhere near the level of greatness of Spectacular Spider-man.

So anyway, my question is actually about SpecSpider-man (and sorry if it was asked already, I went through as much of the 600+ search results as I could). Could you possibly go into the general idea of what we were going to get out of the next few seasons if it hadn't been cancelled? I know there's probably a thousand details you could give (which would be awesome), but was there any overall story concepts you had that were going to blow our minds? For instance, were we actually going to see Gwen Stacy die?

Thanks for reading even if you can't/don't want to answer.

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED. But thanks for the kind words.

Response recorded on August 16, 2012

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SpideyFan writes...

I've just gotten a chance to sit down and watch Spectacular Spidey, and it was absolutely mind-blowing. Between it and YJ, I am totally sold on your work. I love the way you structure your stories (on an episode-by-episode basis, and the way you build up longer arcs), and how you manage to present only the most pertinent/interesting information, and trim the narrative fat. It makes your shows a total joy to watch; the stories have such a deliberate sense of movement, everything seems to have purpose. Watching your work inspires me!

Here's the "Ask" part:
In the series finale (S2E13 "The Final Curtain"), Spidey's big confrontation sees him fighting pumpkin-headed grunts in little flying goop-shooting ships. Was this something the creative team was gung-ho about putting in the series, or was it more related to pressures from the powers-that-be about opportunities to sell toys?
Also, how often is marketing, or promoting the DC/Marvel/what-have-you brand a consideration for you when you're creating a show?
Finally: how did you start writing? I don't mean on the level of occupation (i.e. what jobs got you started), but how did you establish for yourself the discipline and confidence in your skills necessary to write professionally?

And I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. It sounds like it was her time. My own great-grandmother just passed on, and I can tell you she was as ready for it as we were resistant to it. It certainly made the mourning process a lot harder to initiate, since there was this enormous sense of relief that she wasn't in any more pain, or so lonely anymore. I think a sort of hollow initial response is natural. Hope this is some condolences.

Thank you and adieu,

SpideyFan

Greg responds...

1. These were our creations, and as far as I know Hasbro never made any toys based on them. Which is too bad, don't you think?

2. I don't know how to answer this. It doesn't go into the development of our series at all. But I'm hired to do these shows, and whether or not this was a factor in what shows the studios and networks and comic book companies choose to do, is not something I'm privy to.

3. In sixth grade, I started writing my first (of many) unfinished novels. Most of the time I need a real deadline to get work done. By nature, I'm both lazy and a procrastinator. But with a deadline, I get the job done.

Thank you for the condolences.

Response recorded on August 15, 2012

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akif writes...

the new spider man show isn't that good i wish that you can continue the show anf young justice at the same time

Greg responds...

I haven't seen "Ultimate Spider-Man", but it's got some real great people working on it, so I'd suggest giving it a chance.

Response recorded on August 15, 2012

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The Greenman writes...

Hi Mr. Greg Weisman,

I have been a fan of yours since Gargoyles. One of the things that interest me is the basic structure of the themes and world building in the series. One of the styles I see continue to pop up in your series is the relationship between science and sorcery. This is something I have been a fan of in comics like Iron Man and Fantastic Four (specifically Dr. Doom versus Reed Richards). I love the simple explanation that energy is energy.

1. Now I didn't see much of this argument come up in your Spectacular Spider-Man series, because Peter debunked Mysterio, but can you say that you ever planned to and who you would've used to explore that science versus mystic aspect?

2. I am upset that directors such as Jon Favreau and Shane Black have knocked down the very idea of Mandarin showing up as not to approach the so-called mystic aspect. Though, it could be be alien in origin or something, as they claim and prove that even super-science isn't allowed in the MCU. Have you read and understand the Iron Man comics specific to Mandarin and Tony's relationship to science versus sorcery? Was it influential at all in your writing?

Greg responds...

1. Well, we had Calypso. I'm not going to get into much beyond the fact that we would have explored her character more.

2. I'm not sure specifically to what you're referring. I've read comics from the 60s, 70s and 80s with Iron Man and Mandarin. Probably nothing more recent than that. In any case, I don't think it influenced me much if at all.

Response recorded on August 15, 2012

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Mike writes...

1. How did the Rhino overcome his hydration problem?
2. What are the names of Tombstone's bodyguards?
3. Is Tombstone the Big Man or is it someone else entirely?

Greg responds...

1. I don't recall, I'm afraid.

2. I don't think we ever gave them names.

3. Tombstone is the Big Man. (Wasn't that obvious?)

Response recorded on July 26, 2012

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FanMan writes...

Being that the Spectacular Spider-Man was cancelled almost two years ago now, are you yet able to reveal details of what you had planned for season 3? Or do you still intend to keep that information back in order to use it on a later show or if Spec-Spidey gets (against all odds) renewed at a later time?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Greg Weisman says:

"I had many specific ideas, some of which would undoubtedly have changed over the course of production. But I'm just not too inclined to reveal them. It's not that I'm trying to torture you, it's just that there's no way I can do them justice in this format. I write 'X' would have happened, and that one statement will get dissected across the internet. And any idea is only as good as its execution - which you'll now never get to see. It may sound stupid here, but I might have been able (with the help of Vic Cook and all my other many collaborators) to pull it off on the series and have everyone think I'm a genius. Or not. But at least it would have had a shot. I just don't feel like opening myself up to potential second-guessing based on raw notions as opposed to executed episodes."

[Response recorded on August 5, 2010.]

Response recorded on July 03, 2012

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Derek writes...

I'm a big fan of continuity as I gather you are too based on your use of dates, your shows in general and an interview you did years ago critizing the X-Men for not evolving and moving forward. I think DC has some fantastic characters and concepts, which is one of the reasons I like Young Justice. However, I've found that without fail whenever I start reading their books and enjoying them, they erase characters and storylines I've become fond of from existence in a big reset or reboot in an effort to become “new reader friendly” e.g Linda Danvers, Helena Bertinelli, Stephanie Brown, Cassandra Cain, Team Titans, Infinity Inc etc.

In the end, this practice alienated me as a reader and I no longer buy DC books because as a reader I find this extremely irritating. So first of all, I'm glad that your not doing that with Young Justice. The characters in show have already greatly progressed through season 1 and I'm very optimistic about the Season 2 based on the first episode.

I'm curious though as a comic book reader what do you make of DC comics and their practice of the "reset"?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Greg Weisman says:

"As you noted, I have NOT had the time to read the New 52, so I will not comment on that specifically. Whether or not it works creatively depends more than anything else on execution. Since I haven't seen the execution, I can't respond to how it works creatively. But I KNOW that commercially it's been a HUGE hit. I like to believe that it wouldn't have done quite so well, if it wasn't executed well too.

But generally, on the idea of reboots, I do have a handful of thoughts:

1. I don't want to be a hypocrite. When we started Spectacular Spider-Man and again on Young Justice, we were effectively doing a continuity reboot. I feel when adapting something to a new media, that's essential, but it doesn't change the fact that (a) we did it and (b) I was relieved to be able to do it. Relieved to be able to jettison elements that I felt didn't work or were redundant or confusing, etc. Our goal, particularly on Spider-Man, was to come up with something Classic, Cohesive, Coherent, Contemporary and Iconic. So how can I object if the comics themselves want to do this?

2. In the end, whether or not either SpecSpidey or YJ was/is successful depends on our execution of our ideas, additions and cullings. I like to think both shows are successful, but that's a judgement each individual viewer would have to make for him or herself.

3. I was working on staff at DC Comics during the publication of the original Crisis on Infinite Earths. In fact, during my very first editorial meeting, I raised the question as to why we weren't starting ALL our books over (with the numerical exceptions of Detective and Action Comics) with issue #1. I remember very clearly a collective groan rising up from the conference room table. (They had dealt with this question for months before my arrival.) On the one hand, they wanted Crisis to be a real sea-change, a true reboot (before we knew that term). On the other hand, if you truly reboot Batman, then Robin doesn't exist yet. No Robin, no other sidekicks either. So no Teen Titans. And at the time, the New Teen Titans was the company's best selling book.

4. So the end result was that some things got rebooted and some did not.

5. This was complicated by the fact that certain creators came late to the party, and certain characters got reboots too long AFTER Crisis.

6. And so, as a READER, I couldn't help feeling that - rather than simplifying the continuity - Crisis made it more complicated. This will happen in general, naturally, as time passes and more and more comics are produced by a variety of creators and editors, but Crisis seemed to exacerbate the problem for me personally.

7. In part this was because, I really liked the DC Multiverse. I agree that it was abused to the point of confusion. (And I think it was nuts that Earth TWO had the forties heroes and Earth ONE had the sixties heroes. Just the odd backwards numbering itself created additional unnecessary confusion.) But if limits had been placed on the number of parallel earth stories and crossovers, I think it could have been fine.

8. ESPECIALLY, if they had created a new Earth-THREE, starting over with heroes of the eighties, with Superman and Batman (being new to the hero thing but) remaining relatively constant. But with a new Green Lantern (for example) as different from Hal Jordan as Jordan was from Alan Scott.

9. But that didn't happen. And in fact, though I've read very few comics since 1996, my understanding is that reboots have hit over and over at both DC and Marvel. That negates reader trust in the worth and weight of the stories they're reading. It's more insidious than obvious. And you risk alienating old readers, even as you may or may not attract new ones. You'll always get a short term gain off of a reboot, because everyone wants to check it out. But long term...

10. And going back to my first point - which is that most everything depends on execution - I personally didn't love the execution of some of the post-Crisis rebooting. Some people may have loved it. And that's totally legit. But some of the rethinking on certain individual characters didn't work too well for me.

11. Though personally I think the Bates-Weisman-Broderick reboot on Captain Atom from his Charlton incarnation was brilliant. ;)

12. So, personally, my feeling on reboots in general is that you either do them or you don't. You've got to be thorough and ruthless about it, or don't bother, because otherwise - long term - you're creating more problems than you're solving.

13. And still and all, ultimately, it all depends on execution."

[Response recorded on February 15, 2012.]

Response recorded on July 03, 2012

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Miten Dama writes...

Hey Greg I'm a huge fan of your work and
I'm a huge fan of the spectacular spiderman
out of curiousity could you tell me what would have happens in season 3
if the show had continued I'd really appriciated
from your biggest fan Miten Dama

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Greg Weisman says:

"As I've stated MANY times before, I don't see any advantage TO ME in vomiting out what my plans would have been absent the execution of said plans. All that accomplishes is to hold the ideas out for all sorts of second guessing."

[Response recorded May 5, 2011.]

Response recorded on May 16, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

If spectacular spider-man continued would you have mention any other Marvel heroes like the fantastic four?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Greg Weisman says:

"I would like to do the occasional team-up. I think I've mentioned Spidey/Human Torch and Spidey/Hulk in the past, just to start with. But one or two per season is plenty for me. I've got more than enough to explore in Spidey's corner of the Marvel Universe."

[Response recorded on April 7, 2009.]

"All answered before, but now rendered moot."

[Response recorded on April 26, 2010.]

Response recorded on May 15, 2012

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Spen writes...

Hi Greg! First off, I'd like to thank you for posting all those old production memos from "Gargoyles". I love reading 'behind the scenes' stuff, and seeing the way the story develops over time. It kind of reminds me of Christopher Tolkien's "History of Middle-Earth" series, albeit on a smaller scale.

Now, I have a few questions that I hope can be considered to all fall under the general category of "series development". A couple of them might be stretching it a bit, but I think it'll be okay (and if not, you'll tell me).

1. You started posting production memos for your "Re-Awakening" ramble. Are there any surviving memos from "Thrill" to "Her Brother's Keeper"?

2. When you wrote "The Journey", did Scott Thomas send you a prod. memo?

3. Are there any memos from "Spectacular Spider-Man"?

4. One thing that really struck me when reading some of the notes from early '92 was just how early the Pack came along in the development. Which got me to thinking about another early villian. Was Tony Dracon's involvement planned all along, and he just happened to first appear in "Deadly Force", or was he created specifically because "Deadly Force" needed a new villian? (Awkward sentance, I know, but I can't seem to get this phrased quite right. Do you get what I'm saying?)

Thanks for taking the time to answer these. We will now return to our regularly scheduled "Young Justice" questions.

Greg responds...

1. I'm sure there are. But there are difficulties in posting them, including but not limited too: (a) not enough hours in the day (b) most of those memos were only preserved as documents - not electronically, so that it's not as simple as cutting and pasting (c) most of those documents are at my private office in Beverly Hills, and I'm almost never there, since producing YJ here in Burbank keeps me pretty busy.

2. No.

3. Very few. Those were mostly done via e-mail, and I didn't keep a record of that. Also, I was personally story editing SpecSpidey, so I wasn't writing memos to my story editors, as I was on Gargoyles.

4. I get what you're saying, but I honestly can't remember. My vague guess is that we always knew we'd need a "crime boss" of some kind, but that we probably didn't develop Tony until we got to his episodic premiere.

Response recorded on May 04, 2012

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DmarvelC writes...

If you could, would you have put your Spectacular Spider man on the team?

Greg responds...

I'm afraid that kind of hypothetical just has no meaning to me.

Response recorded on May 03, 2012

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Zach Baker writes...

Hey Greg!

I recently saw this line from an interview with Steven Bochco in the early 80's, talking about Hill Street Blues (which currently has its first two-and-a-half seasons on Hulu Plus, by the way):

"Maybe the biggest problem with Hill Street, in terms of popular success, is that it is a show that demands to be watched. And most people do not watch television. They simply are in its presence."

I love that quote. What an insightful way to encapsulate about what was essential and great about Hill Street Blues, without going into all the details of what made it so outstanding. Just leave at this: unlike nearly anything before it, in many ways it was a show that demanded to be watched. I think that characteristic also applies to Gargoyles as well, no doubt due to the major influence Hill Street Blues had on the show (as you've often mentioned).

Nowadays, that quality, of being a show that "demands to be watched," is characteristic of so many excellent shows that appear on HBO, Showtime or AMC (before hitting DVD boxsets and iTunes), places where popular success isn't the one and only yardstick. And again and again, we've seen how this kind of series can flourish in the atmosphere of creative freedom offered by these outlets.

Can viewers hope that someday soon, that kind of environment will produce an animated serial drama that has the same level of quality, complexity and acclaim as these channels' current headline series? If so, what might it take for that to happen?

Greg responds...

Hey, Zach. Long time no see. I'd heard that quotation about Hill Street before, and couldn't agree more.

I appreciate you think Gargoyles falls in the same category. It's flattering and certainly what we strived for. I don't pretend that we were as good as Hill Street Blues, but no one can accuse us of not going for it.

As to your question, I like to think that W.I.T.C.H., Spectacular Spider-Man, Young Justice and Young Justice: Invasion also qualify. At least at Gargoyles' level. So I think it's already possible. But that's just my - apparently not so - humble opinion.

Response recorded on May 03, 2012

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SIGNING ON FCBD

SIGNING ON FCBD

This Saturday, May 5th, 2012 is FREE COMIC BOOK DAY. (It's also the premiere of YOUNG JUSTICE: INVASION's second episode, "Earthlings", on Cartoon Network.) Victor Cook and I will be signing copies of issue #1 of MECHA-NATION (and whatever else gets stuck in front of us) at MELTDOWN COMICS from 12 noon to 2 pm.

Meltdown Comics
7522 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA. 90046
http://www.meltcomics.com/blog/

So if you're in the neighborhood of Los Angeles, come on down. Check out the Mecha-Nation. We've completely finished the final issues of the mini-series, which will see print in time for ComicCon this summer in San Diego. (Mecha-Nation was created by Vic, developed by Vic, Greg Guler and myself, written by me, illustrated by Antonio Campo and published by Ape/Kizoic.) We're very excited to finally get this great project out to everyone. So stop by and take a peek. You can harass me about the time-skip (but please keep the language clean). Or you can just say hi. Plus, hey, Vic Cook!! The SpecSpidey partners together again!

Hope to see you there!


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Fluttershy writes...

Hey greg what's up I would love to ask you a questions regarding your story telling techniques

You have said in the past that you could go be telling stories forever if you wanted and in fact sometimes not even the tv show is enough for them hence the comics.

But have you ever considered in giving your characters and stories a Grand finale?.

I think something that has made me a bit sad is that in your past shows you have been cut short due to executive decitions out of your control and we have been unable to get anything resembling an ending that actually gives closure (w.i.t.c.h,Spectacular spiderman, gargoyles etc)

However it is always nice when a tv show character directly says goodbye to te audience(like batman the brave and the bold) or when every major plot point is solved at the end.

A big trait of western media in it's majority like tv shows and specially comics is that the characters "are frozen in time".

Spiderman for instance will always be a young man that fights crime and the story won't go beyond that,same for superman and batman. When the story gets after a certain point we as fans tend to get reboots reapeaing the smae story.

I would like to ask you if given the chance will you give us a finale to your works like gargoyles.

Will we ever see the closure of them?
Do you believe in "grand finales"?

Or do you want simply to never give them a real ending o your shows and simply give the idea that the story will be around forever?

Greg responds...

Yeah, I'm not so much into Grand Finales. Probably why I'm more of a television or comic book guy than a movie or graphic novel guy. I believe (whole-heartedly) in the on-going story. That's what LIFE feels like to me.

Gargoyles is a perfect example. Characters come; characters go and some even die, but the world goes on. I even know (but don't ask) how Goliath dies, but I don't see it as the end of that world. It's only A FINALE, because there is no THE FINALE.

I suppose if one was writing a story with a single lead, a la Spider-Man, and either (a) one killed him off or (b) one really ran out of stories to tell, then I could see staging that big Grand F before you waved goodbye forever. But that assumes there isn't a new Spider-Man waiting in the wings and/or that a guy like me would actually run out of stories. And that hasn't happened to me, at least not yet.

Response recorded on May 01, 2012

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Sam writes...

You've said before that you like to partake in mental casting for characters that you never got to animate in Gargoyles. Did you do this as well for Spectacular Spider-Man's unmade third season, and if so, any chance you could tell me what voice actors you had in mind for the new characters?

Greg responds...

Well, Marina Sirtis for Emily Osborn. I can't think of any others off the top of my head. And mostly, I don't do that 'mental casting' until after I've written (or edited) a script, so that I have a character's 'voice' in my head. Since we never wrote any scripts, I probably didn't pre-cast much.

Response recorded on May 01, 2012

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Lavariel writes...

Dear Mr. Weisman,

Thank you for all the wonderful work you've done from Gargoyles, to Spiderman, to Young Justice. Been a fan for years.

1) From your experience, what was more enjoyable to work with? Working on a show that was completely yours to control - Gargoyles - from character development, plot, and storyline? Or Spiderman and Young Justice where the basics has already laid out?

2) Was there more pressure to succeed working on Gargoyles because it was original and the creativity was your to control? Or was there more pressure to work on an adaption on Spiderman and Young Justice because the bar has already been set?

Greg responds...

1. They're different. Gargoyles is my baby. But in terms of the actual work, I don't think I had any more or less fun working on SpecSpidey, W.I.T.C.H. or YJ.

2. I think the pressure rises with each series, but I blame the internet more than anything inherent in the series. (I blame the internet for a lot, which is not to say I could go back to living without it.)

Response recorded on April 24, 2012

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Peter Parker writes...

Is spiderman the mole ??

Greg responds...

Really? You thought this was funny enough to clog the queue?

Response recorded on April 13, 2012

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Greg Bishansky writes...

One of Tombstone's first lines of dialogue was "In my life I've been known by many names, my favorite is Tombstone." So... would his least favorite be "Lonnie?" ;)

In all seriousness, I have to agree that Lonnie is a pretty undignified first name for a character of the stature that you reinvented Tombstone into. But I did enjoy that his middle name was "Thompson" making one of Spidey's biggest enemies and Peter's nemesis at school both Thompsons.

Greg responds...

Well, it's my least favorite, anyway.

Response recorded on April 12, 2012

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Akeem M. writes...

Hello Greg,
A couple questions about Emily Osborn's inclusion in the series (don't worry, nothing having to do with un executed plans)

Anyway, when asked about keeping Emily Osborn alive, aside from having plans for her later down the road, you also decided out of the three friends who had single parent households (Peter, Gwen, and Harry) Harry would be the one where it wasn't fundamental to his character compared to the others. One of Harry's biggest traits is his messed up relationship with his father. It was also said that Noman's disdain of Harry came from losing his wife in exchange for Harry. Would you say that in Spectacular Spider-Man that Harry's problems came from his messed up family life in general with Emily being alive? Basically Harry's issues aren't solely on Norman, but Emily as well (whether directly or indirectly).

Also, it's of course a given why Peter has a single parent household, however, when choosing out of the other two when it comes to who HAD to be in a single parent household, what stopped you from letting Gwen's mother still be alive? Does it mainly have to do with the fact that Capt. Stacy was going to live throughout the series run, but Norman was going to 'die'?

Also, would you say that Emily Osborn loves herself an extemely tough steak?

Greg responds...

1. Yes.

2. Gwen being her daddy's girl seemed fundamental to who she was.

3. I'm not getting this reference at the moment. Wasn't she cutting a carrot or something on screen?

Response recorded on April 12, 2012

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Roy writes...

What is the name of Hammerhead's chauffeur?

Greg responds...

SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 11, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

You have said in the past that if you were ever allowed to use guest appearances in spec spidey(if it had continued) there was a particular Hulk story you wanted to adapt. Was it the story from Amazing spider-man annual 3? If not which story was it?

Greg responds...

Did I say that? A particular story?

I don't recall saying that. I definitely wanted to adapt that era when Hulk was practically a force of nature - and a bit of a Bigfoot-style legend, with very few people absolutely knowing for certain that he existed.

Response recorded on April 11, 2012

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Algernon writes...

Hey again, hopefully the queue hasn't become to full by now. Anyway, I remember asking you once if you'd ever be willing to post the TSSM series bible online. As I recall, you said you'd think about it.

Just wondering if you've given the idea any further thought?

Greg responds...

Well, Algernon, as I respond to this, there's over 800 questions in the queue. EIGHT HUNDRED!!!

And I haven't even gotten to the airing of YJ episode 119 yet.

Anyway, I'm open to posting the SpecSpidey Bible, but the problem is I don't have it here at Warner Bros (for obvious reasons). So I need to be reminded either when I'm home or at my office in Beverly Hills.

Response recorded on April 11, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

When Miss Martian defeats Psimon, we see his "pupil" crack into a web-shapped crack that resembles a black web. Was this an intentional nod to SSM?

Greg responds...

No.

Response recorded on March 08, 2012

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Finister2 writes...

In the final shot of The Spectacular Spiderman, we see what appears to be Norman Osborn boarding a plane.

My question is: Was that really Norman Osborn or the Chameleon in disguise?

Greg responds...

It was Mr. Roman.

Response recorded on March 06, 2012

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

I was wondering your opinion on the New 52. Not the execution, I have a hunch you don't have the time to read much of any of it, but the idea of it.

Although I have found a few books I really like, in general I object to heaving aside continuity and trying to rejam the history back into a too short time frame while wiping out character development. The idea of accessibility is a red herring because if they were capable of sticking to self contain arc inviting to new readers they wouldn't need a reboot to do so. Then again, I came into comics after Crisis on Infinite Earths and am conditioned into thinking it was necessary.

Greg responds...

As you noted, I have NOT had the time to read the New 52, so I will not comment on that specifically. Whether or not it works creatively depends more than anything else on execution. Since I haven't seen the execution, I can't respond to how it works creatively. But I KNOW that commercially it's been a HUGE hit. I like to believe that it wouldn't have done quite so well, if it wasn't executed well too.

But generally, on the idea of reboots, I do have a handful of thoughts:

1. I don't want to be a hypocrite. When we started Spectacular Spider-Man and again on Young Justice, we were effectively doing a continuity reboot. I feel when adapting something to a new media, that's essential, but it doesn't change the fact that (a) we did it and (b) I was relieved to be able to do it. Relieved to be able to jettison elements that I felt didn't work or were redundant or confusing, etc. Our goal, particularly on Spider-Man, was to come up with something Classic, Cohesive, Coherent, Contemporary and Iconic. So how can I object if the comics themselves want to do this?

2. In the end, whether or not either SpecSpidey or YJ was/is successful depends on our execution of our ideas, additions and cullings. I like to think both shows are successful, but that's a judgement each individual viewer would have to make for him or herself.

3. I was working on staff at DC Comics during the publication of the original Crisis on Infinite Earths. In fact, during my very first editorial meeting, I raised the question as to why we weren't starting ALL our books over (with the numerical exceptions of Detective and Action Comics) with issue #1. I remember very clearly a collective groan rising up from the conference room table. (They had dealt with this question for months before my arrival.) On the one hand, they wanted Crisis to be a real sea-change, a true reboot (before we knew that term). On the other hand, if you truly reboot Batman, then Robin doesn't exist yet. No Robin, no other sidekicks either. So no Teen Titans. And at the time, the New Teen Titans was the company's best selling book.

4. So the end result was that some things got rebooted and some did not.

5. This was complicated by the fact that certain creators came late to the party, and certain characters got reboots too long AFTER Crisis.

6. And so, as a READER, I couldn't help feeling that - rather than simplifying the continuity - Crisis made it more complicated. This will happen in general, naturally, as time passes and more and more comics are produced by a variety of creators and editors, but Crisis seemed to exacerbate the problem for me personally.

7. In part this was because, I really liked the DC Multiverse. I agree that it was abused to the point of confusion. (And I think it was nuts that Earth TWO had the forties heroes and Earth ONE had the sixties heroes. Just the odd backwards numbering itself created additional unnecessary confusion.) But if limits had been placed on the number of parallel earth stories and crossovers, I think it could have been fine.

8. ESPECIALLY, if they had created a new Earth-THREE, starting over with heroes of the eighties, with Superman and Batman (being new to the hero thing but) remaining relatively constant. But with a new Green Lantern (for example) as different from Hal Jordan as Jordan was from Alan Scott.

9. But that didn't happen. And in fact, though I've read very few comics since 1996, my understanding is that reboots have hit over and over at both DC and Marvel. That negates reader trust in the worth and weight of the stories they're reading. It's more insidious than obvious. And you risk alienating old readers, even as you may or may not attract new ones. You'll always get a short term gain off of a reboot, because everyone wants to check it out. But long term...

10. And going back to my first point - which is that most everything depends on execution - I personally didn't love the execution of some of the post-Crisis rebooting. Some people may have loved it. And that's totally legit. But some of the rethinking on certain individual characters didn't work too well for me.

11. Though personally I think the Bates-Weisman-Broderick reboot on Captain Atom from his Charlton incarnation was brilliant. ;)

12. So, personally, my feeling on reboots in general is that you either do them or you don't. You've got to be thorough and ruthless about it, or don't bother, because otherwise - long term - you're creating more problems than you're solving.

13. And still and all, ultimately, it all depends on execution.

Response recorded on February 15, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

Did mutants exist in the spider-man show?

Greg responds...

If you're talking Spectacular Spider-Man, then they might have if we had had more episodes and permission...

I definitely had plans for Cyclops, Beast and Professor X, at least. Iceman too. Heck, maybe Firestar, eventually.

Response recorded on February 14, 2012

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Ronnie L. writes...

Have you considered pitching Religious Studies 101 as a one-shot, now that Disney and Marvel are one and the same?

Greg responds...

No. It would be impossible, even if I liked the idea (which I'm not sure I do).

See my recent post on why SpecSpidey went away for an explanation why Marvel/Disney couldn't use SpecSpidey materials.

Response recorded on February 09, 2012

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PEJ writes...

Hey, Gregory,
I really REALLY want the Spectacular Spiderman series to continue. I want to see what happens next. Is there anything you can do to help it come back?

Greg responds...

Nope. Wish I could, but I can't. See my previous response.

Response recorded on February 09, 2012

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Michael J. Eilen writes...

Hey greg, my name is Michael. I was a huge fan of your spectacular spiderman series. And I'm not sure if you're gonna know the answer to my question or not, but I'm just gonna shoot for it. Question: Do you have any idea why Marvel canceled it? I mean, both season 1 and 2 had decent reviews and many fans liked it. So, I gotta ask,Do you have any idea why Marvel made that decision.

Greg responds...

Marvel DIDN'T cancel it.

It's all very complicated, and we were certainly the recipients of bad corporate luck, but no single company cancelled the series. We just wound up with a situation where no single company could proceed with it.

I'll try to break it all down:

1. Sony had originally produced SpecSpidey as part of their overall entertainment license of the Spidey property (which of course included the extremely lucrative live action films).

2. But in order to win some concession on those live action feature films, Sony returned the animation rights to the character back to Marvel.

3. So now only Marvel could produce a Spider-Man cartoon. Sony no longer could, which meant SpecSpidey couldn't continue at Sony.

4. I have no idea whether Marvel was interested in continuing Spectacular Spider-Man or not. But let's assume for the sake of argument that they would have liked to.

5. They couldn't.

6. Why? Because Sony owned all the specific elements (designs, storyline, etc.) to the SpecSpidey VERSION of Spider-Man. So Marvel would have had to license all that BACK from Sony.

7. You can imagine how unlikely THAT scenario was. Marvel finally gets the rights back to do an animated version of their marquee character, and then they have to pay Sony to do it instead of just starting from scratch. That was never going to happen.

8. Of course, all this was complicated by the fact that Disney purchased Marvel, and Disney and Sony are direct competitors.

9. And I'm sure Marvel was excited to put their own stamp on an animated Spider-Man. Who could blame them?

10. So that was it. We were toast through no fault of our own. The folks at Marvel, Sony and even Disney all seemed to like our show, but the corporate mess made it impossible for us to continue.

11. And, yes, it is a bummer. (For me, at least.) But it's no single person or single company's fault. It's just how things shook out.

12. And finally, though I have no involvement with the upcoming Ultimate Spider-Man, you can't deny that a lot of great people have worked on it. There's no reason to think it won't be as good or better than SpecSpidey. To a certain generation, SpecSpidey will always be THEIR Spider-Man cartoon. But to a new batch o' viewers, I'm sure their Spidey of choice will be the Ultimate.

Response recorded on February 09, 2012

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Eagle-Owl writes...

Have you seen the trailer for Ultimate Spider-Man? I'm asking because it looks horrible. I mean seriously, a Spider-toaster?!? I miss Spectacular Spider-Man. You know better than to give us Spider-toasters.

Greg responds...

I haven't seen it. So I don't know what you're talking about.

But I'm not opposed to Spider-Toasters on principle.

I miss Spectacular Spider-Man too, but I wouldn't count Ultimate out. There are some great people working on it.

Response recorded on January 20, 2012

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Thank you for your informative reply on my Betty Brant post. Now, and this is a question I've been pondering for a while, how did you go about your approach to Aunt May?

I love Stan Lee's run on Spidey, but this is one of the few cases where I have to admit that I greatly preferred other writers' takes on the character. Stan's Aunt May was constantly in and out of the hospital... and constantly, dimwitted. I preferred Roger Stern, Tom DeFalco, J.M. DeMatteis, and J. Michael Straczynski's takes on the character.

I can forgive and understand her being overprotective. It's been mentioned later that she had lost a child, and Ben's death was just as traumatic for her as it was for Peter. But what always seemed unreasonable for me was how she thought Dr. Octopus was a good and nice man. She didn't realize that she was being held hostage, that he was a dangerous supervillain, or even that he had these giant metal arms attached to him. And then there was the story where she took him on as a border. I'm not even going to get into that weird story where she almost married him... but that wasn't Stan, that was Gerry Conway.

Your Aunt May, while being protective of Peter, wasn't overprotective to the point of absurdity. And one of my favorite Aunt May scenes was in "Group Therapy" where she stood up to the entire Sinister Six to prevent them from attacking Spidey. And Ock's almost gentlemanly approach insisting that she step aside was, I think, a nice nod to Ock liking her in the comics. I also loved that she never referred to Spidey as "that awful Spider-Man!"

So, what did you think was the core truth of Aunt May? How did you go about interpreting her in your show?

Greg responds...

Our May Parker was a single parent due to a couple of horrible tragedies. That informed how she behaved both in her own life and toward Peter.

We leaned toward making her a little more savvy... but also somewhat unprepared. Uncle Ben did not leave her in a great financial position. (Because if he did, why would Peter constantly need money?) We kept a bit of her naivete, but tossed in some inner strength and acuity, especially when it came to Peter's love life. She could take action (or give solid advice) - not just relative to the Sinister SIx, but more relevantly when it came to some of the ladies in Peter's life: Betty Brant, Mary Jane Watson, Liz Allen and Gwen Stacy.

She wasn't a young woman - certainly older than the parents of most of Pete's friends - but we didn't want to make her ancient. And we figured one trip to the hospital was plenty, i.e. once she had one heart attack, she would begin to take better care of herself.

And since she was always a great cook, we figured she'd build on that when she needed money, which gave us the cookbook that she authored.

Her life did revolve around Peter but wasn't exclusively his. So she had her friend and her theater and her cooking and her work, etc. We just tried to make her a fully realized character.

And... I should give a TON of credit to DEBORAH STRANG (as directed by Jamie Thomason), for truly bringing May to life. Couldn't have done it without her.

Response recorded on December 13, 2011

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Eagle-Owl writes...

I don't know if this would count as spoiler request (please tell me if it is), but had The Spectacular Spider-Man continued and had Pete looking at different colleges, what other colleges (aside from ESU) would he have looked at?

Greg responds...

I don't know. He'd have wound up at ESU though.

Response recorded on December 12, 2011

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Patrick writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman! I'd first like to say that I'm a big fan, and I'm thankful that you take the time to answer all of these questions despite how frustrating it must get at times.

Since I can't think of a non-spoilerific YJ question, here's a Spectacular Spider-man related one: In "Reactions," why did Green Goblin try to kill Otto? Did he know that he was creating another supervillain?

Greg responds...

No, he thought he was getting rid of a witness and weak link.

Response recorded on December 12, 2011

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Out of curiosity, how old was Silver Sable in season two of "Spectacular Spider-Man." She doesn't seem older than thirty... I'm just curious, because if Hammerhead worked for her dad before he went to prison, twelve years prior was she above the age of consent when they had a relationship?

Greg responds...

I don't think so. Which is part of the reason Hammerhead (1) now has a new skull and (2) why he no longer is working for Silvermane.

Response recorded on November 17, 2011

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MasterGandalf writes...

Quick Spec Spidey question- is Silver Sable an albino? I was just wondering because in addition to her white hair, her skin's notably paler than anybody else's (except for Tombstone, who of course *is* albino) and her eyes are an odd pale violet. Not a huge question, I know, but I was just curious.

Greg responds...

I don't think so. And is her hair truly white or platinum blonde?

Response recorded on November 17, 2011

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Antiyonder writes...

Rewatched The Spectacular Spider-Man Season 2 this year, and I have to say that Growing Pains after several more viewings has really grown on me, especially having read many "Spider-Man has been framed" stories.

Now of course whenever said frame up occurs, Peter tends to recall them. But New Yorkers (whether they are civilains or fellow heroes) barely seem to recall that someone like the Chameleon or Mysterio posed as Spider-Man before.

Growing Pains on the other hand takes the more plausible route of having someone question whether Spidey's gone bad. Captain Stacy's comment towards Jonah sums it up: "This isn't the first time that the Bugle got it wrong when a copycat dressed up as the webslinger. Now do you really want to embarrass yourself and your paper! Again?"

Greg responds...

Thanks. We tried as much as possible to play the world consistently and let the many points of view there be voiced.

Response recorded on November 15, 2011

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Harlan Phoenix writes...

Though I know your mind isn't the kind to play favorites, but given how you acknowledge The Mirror as your favorite/the best episode of Gargoyles, I think this might be able to fly.

Do you have any particular episodes of WITCH or The Spectacular Spider-Man that, if it wasn't your favorite necessarily, you felt was the best of those shows? And for what reasons, if so?

Greg responds...

At the moment, I can't think of just one for either series. But it's been a while since I've watched them.

Response recorded on October 31, 2011

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Greg Bishansky writes...

I realize you're still not keen on revealing future plot points for what would have been season three and beyond of "Spectacular Spider-Man." But this question is about the first two seasons, although if the answer ever came, it would have been later. Which I guess places this in a murky gray area. Anyway, because I've been dying to know...

During the two seasons of the show, did Mary Jane Watson know Peter Parker is Spider-Man? In the comics, she knew since the night Uncle Ben died, so I ask if this was the case in "Spectacular Spider-Man" as well. A lot of her behavior towards Peter seems to point towards this.

Greg responds...

NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on October 27, 2011

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Matthew writes...

This is about pretty much all the series you've worked on. I've noticed that most of your series has a large cast of recurring characters (and that despite this characters tend to be very well delineated.) Now for Young Justice, WITCH, and Spectacular Spiderman that may be just because they were pre-existing properties and already have large casts. However, Gargoyles also had a large cast.

Was this a because of conscious choice?

Do you perfer working with a large cast of characters?

Greg responds...

I do. I like creating worlds that feel real and populated.

Response recorded on October 12, 2011

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Another Spidey question. This one is both Spectacular related, and about your Amazing Spider-Man back-up story.

When you wrote and produced "Spectacular Spider-Man," you tried to get to the core truths of who each and every character was. Well, I need to ask you about who Betty Brant was in your series. We've never seen much of her besides Peter trying to ask her to the Fall Formal, and Ned asking her out on a date. She didn't even have a single line of dialogue in the entire second season.

I ask, because in the comics, and this is something that often seems forgotten by most people, Betty Brant is a pretty horrible human being. It's not something I was even really conscious of until my friend, Josh Bertone, started writing a series of articles documenting the history of this character.

She was pretty bipolar when she dated Peter. Constantly flipping out at him if he so much as glanced at Liz Allan, or another human being who lacked a penis. And then, turning around and playing around with both him and Ned Leeds.

She later married Ned and then abandoned him on their honeymoon. Had a one-night stand with Peter, and was later on having an affair with Flash Thompson that lasted for months and months. Which was driving Ned nuts, although, his brainwashing at the hands of the Hobgoblin arguably made things worse. But the affair started well before this Hobgoblin business. Hell, she had the nerve to ask him if their marriage meant anything to him as he was walking out on her, and he replied with "more than it means to you" and he was right.

Of course, Betty now blames the Hobgoblin for all of her marriage's problems and never once really acknowledged any wrongdoing on her part. It's almost Demona-esque how neatly she's able to deflect any feelings of guilt.

And finally, there was Betty's appearance in the back-up story for Flash Thompson that you wrote (loved that story), and when Betty first sees Sha Shan, she is mad. I think I'll quote my friend Bertone, who said it better than I could:

"The icicle speech balloons are a cool callback to the Ditko days but take a look at that scene again. Betty isn’t responding to Sha Shan…Betty starts it! Betty doesn’t greet Sha Shan with an apology or any remorse. No! She’s mad at Sha Shan! Why? What did Sha Shan do to her? It’s not like they had a Betty/Veronica relationship. Betty stole Sha Shan’s man! Sha Shan has a right to be mad! Betty doesn’t!

"Betty Brant is the only woman who will have an affair with your boyfriend and then somehow be mad at you as if she was the victim. What a horrible person."

The above isn't a criticism of the story, or how you used Betty. It's a criticism of Betty as a person.

So, I have to ask. Would your interpretation of Betty, had the series gotten more in depth with her have been this terrible, awful individual? In the comics, she makes Sally Avril look as cool and fun to be with as Mary Jane by comparison! If so, I'd say Peter dodged a major bullet there, when Aunt May put a stop to this in "The Invisible Hand." Come to think of it, May never liked Betty in the Lee/Ditko run either. Betty is definitely not the girl you bring home to meet mom.

Greg responds...

I think the thing to keep in mind about ANY character in a shared corporate universe is that multiple writers, editors and artists have had at him or her, with different agendas - often agendas that had little to do with the character him or herself - and more to do with how that character plays with, in this case, Spider-Man/Peter Parker.

Me, I'm fond of Betty. Probably originates with her being THE girl in the 1960s Spider-Man cartoon. I clearly like her more than either you or Bertone, but I haven't tracked each and every appearance. I just try to get to the heart of who I think she is. To me, in the Lee/Ditko era, she was a high school age girl who dropped out to work, because she had to. So she wasn't mature, but she was extremely competent. One of the few human beings who could handle J. Jonah Jameson. That to me is the fundamental TRUTH of her character. Anyone who can hold her own with Jameson and put up with his... crap, has to have something solid in her. The fact that Lee/Ditko occasionally played her as a jealous harridan ... seems more indicative of the tropes of romance comics of the day than with anything inherent in who she was. And what other writers did with her in the post Lee/Romita era (after she had already been reduced to the fourth or fifth most important non-Aunt May girl in Peter's life) carries even less weight with me.

Is that selective on my part? Damn straight! But we were always selective on SpecSpidey. Had to be. Too much inconsistencies in the canon for us to do otherwise.

So, what did we decide?

Well, first of all, we wanted a sixteen year old Peter, as he was in the early days of Lee/Ditko. But no one's going to buy - in a modern context - a sixteen year old Betty working full-time for Jonah. So we made her nineteen or twenty (can't remember, but something like that). So we gave a nod to the original Betty/Pete relationship, but as you saw made it awkward because of an age gap that would be insignificant in ten years (at age 26 and 29) but is just too wide at 16 and 19. We had fun with that. But we also started to build the Betty/Ned relationship too. We did have a couple Betty/Ned scenes written and recorded for Season Two, but they wound up getting cut for time before being animated... mostly because (a) we were long and (b) they were scenes we could sacrifice. Ned and Ned's relationship to Betty would have been important in season three, and we wanted to set it up, lay some pipe, etc. But there were always things we needed for Season TWO that were more important. So we figured we'd worry about Season Three if and when we got there. And of course we never did.

As for that one Betty and Sha Shan scene in the comic, I think you're overthinking it. The two are both cold to each other. They have an unpleasant history. No one's apologizing. No one's asking for an apology at this point. Neither "started it". Looks must have come before words. And looks said it all. The words were simply the "icing" (pun intended) on the cake.

Personally, I can't see Betty with Flash long term... though I guess that's the longest relationship she's ever had - mostly by default. Now, I see them as good friends. Maybe occasionally friends with benefits, but these two are never going to be much more than that in my mind.

Of course, to me the perfect girl for Flash was always Sha Shan. (Someone who could kick his ass - at least figuratively, if not literally.) So what do I know...

Response recorded on September 29, 2011

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Zeke Hero writes...

Greg,

First of all, I'd like to say I'm a huge fan of your work since Gargoyles made my young mind snap from "short attention span" to "give me more character-driven serial fiction!" during the Disney Afternoon days (jeez, I'm old...). When I heard you were doing Spectacular Spider-Man, I knew I was going to be in for a treat and while the show only got two seasons, DAMN were they exactly what I needed out of a Spider-Man show.

I've read the questions posted and have sat here making sure I won't ask an *eye-roll*-worthy one or something that will inspire the "no comment"-of doom, so here goes:

Gargoyles and Young Justice both have a family quality to the teams of characters that are our protagonists. We're introduced to a small band of 6-7 heroes by the writers and over the course of adventure after adventure we the viewer comes to feel as much as a part of that "family" as they do with each other. My question is (and I am in NO WAY fishing for spoilers or hints or what have you) what are your feelings on shows that expand these bases down the line? I remember, for example, that when Avatar added Toph her initial episodes didn't seem to gel with the audience I was viewing the show with and it felt like (to us) that the character didn't fit into a narrative we'd become accustomed to, yet by the end of the season (and this was our fault for not trusting the writers), Toph was a great piece of a larger cast that grew organically. Do you feel that adding, say, Angela as a new member of the Gargoyle family can hurt the narrative established with an audience burned time after time by artificial 90's cartoon storylines or does the idea of getting to add, say, the Wonder Twins (again, not fishing hence why I use these guys) offer up an opportunity to you as a writer for a left turn in the plot that you get to have a "trust us, we know what we're doing" stance with your audience?

(man that was a huge run-on senence...)

second question

When you and Brandon were mapping out the season (I saw the great behind the scenes video from SDCC), what was the best ah-ha moment (related to something we've already seen, not a spoiler or fishing trip) that you as a team came up with? Mostly I'm just looking for an anecdote about working as a team, you could even be vague and pronouny.

Third and final quesiton

You've now gotten to work on Marvel's Spider-verse, and the entire DC universe. I've noticed that in both cases you've gotten to go your own way on certain characters you've gotten to use (e.g. Silver Sable was a villain on Spider-Man with a relationship to Silvermane). Which comes first in cases where this occurs? Do you riff on story ideas and go, "we need a psychic badass" and then go, "let's use Psimon, but let's tweak him a little" or do you (or someone on the team) say, "Man, we REALLY need to use Abra Kadabra and I think I know how we could do that!" Since both shows have shown you dipping into a huge pool of characters, what about a character makes them a "semi-blank canvas" character that you can take as an opportunity to fit within your storybeats versus a character that you feel is fully-formed and just needs an artistic tweak to fit your plot?

Again, thank you so much for this board, your time, and this show. You've contributed so much to quality animation and, I hope you see the compliment here, but when I and my friends push Gargoyles on to newbies, we usually describe it as, "It's like the Wire, but with Shakespere, monsters, and the NYPD"

Greg responds...

1. I don't see how expanding the cast ORGANICALLY hurts the narrative.

2. I don't know that we had a single "Ah ha!" moment on YJ. But when things are working, they just begin to come together.

3. We've worked it from both directions. Ultimately, we ALWAYS try to be true to the spirit of the character - though sometimes we are intentionally introducing the character at a pre-classic stage. Silver Sable is a perfect example. We had long term plans for her that would have eventually brought her closer to the Sable from the comics. But we liked this backstory for her - and connecting her to Silvermane helped preserve the coherence of our universe.

Response recorded on August 09, 2011

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SO WHERE HAVE I BEEN? Updates & Debunks

Hello everyone,

Haven't posted here in a while, and since I did a bit of message board lurking this morning, it seems to have led people to believe all sorts of odd things, so...

Where have I been?

Well, in early June, my family and I went to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon.
We saw seven plays in four days. Six of them (Henry IV, Part Two, The Language Archive, To Kill a Mockingbird, Julius Caesar, Love's Labours Lost and Measure for Measure) were just stellar productions. Everyone was great, but I'd like to particularly single out Susannah Flood in both Language Archive and Mockingbird, Dee Maaske in Mockingbird and Michael Winters as Falstaff in 2HenryIV.

Coming back from that, I was understandably swamped and didn't have time to post.

Next, I went to Minneapolis for the always great ConVergence convention. I did about thirteen panels. Some of which, like Gargoyles and Spider-Man and Young Justice, I felt qualified to be on. And some, like Dexter and Galaxy Quest, my only qualification was being a fan of whatever we were talking about. This was my third ConVergence, and it continues to be the best run convention I've ever attended. And now that the Gathering of the Gargoyles is no more, it has become my FAVORITE convention to attend.

Returning from ConVergence, I then got quite ill. In fact, I'm still home sick today. (Home sick as opposed to homesick, clear?)

So THOSE are the reasons I haven't posted. Nothing nefarious.

Next topic: YOUNG JUSTICE UPDATE.

We have aired episodes 101-109 (i.e. Season One, episodes 1-9).

(Yes, episode 110 accidentally was posted on Cartoon Network's website, but I'm going to pretend that never happened.)

Episodes 110-115 are in the can, i.e. they are completed and ready to air.

Episode 116 awaits only the final on-line, i.e. the final review of the episode. This has been delayed ONLY because I've been out sick this week.

Episode 117 will have it's sound mix on Friday. (I hope to be back at work by then.)

Episode 118 has been edited and work progresses on scoring and sound effects.

Episode 119 is ready to begin post-production.

Episodes 120-123 are being animated in Korea.

Episodes 124-126 are in layout in Korea, while we finish the final color models here in the States.

Episodes 201-202 (i.e. Season Two, Episodes one and two) - Are fully recorded and are in storyboard. (201 was written by me. 202 by Nicole Dubuc.)

Episode 203, written by Kevin Hopps, is almost fully recorded. We have one actor left to pick up, who has been out of town. It is also in storyboard.

Episode 204, written by me, will record this week. It is also in storyboard.

Episode 205 - Brandon Vietti, has turned in his draft of the script. I have to read and edit it.

Episode 206 - The outline, written by Peter David and edited by me, went out Monday for notes, which are due tomorrow.

Episode 207 - Kevin Hopps turned in his outline, which I need to read and edit.

Episode 208 - I'm writing this one. I'll start the outline, after I've edited the outline to 207.

Episode 209 - Jon Weisman turned in his outline, which I need to read and edit.

Episode 210 - Kevin Hopps is working on his outline.

We do NOT yet have a pick-up beyond episode 210, but our bosses have told us to start blocking out episodes 211-220 in anticipation of one.

Episode 211 - We've broken this story. I still need to find time to write up the Beat Outline, though I have it all on index cards.

Episode 212 - We've got the basics of this one down, but we (i.e. myself, Brandon and Kevin) still need to finish breaking the story.

Episodes 213-220 - We've got a very clear sense of the arc and what things need to happen, but we haven't started on these yet.

NEXT TOPIC: DEBUNKING YJ RUMORS

False Rumor #1: YJ IS A GREG WEISMAN PRODUCTION
Everywhere on the Internet, all I see is that YJ is Greg Weisman's show. That's just blatantly false. This is a VIETTI/WEISMAN production. Just as Spectacular Spider-Man was a COOK/WEISMAN production and Gargoyles was a PAUR/WEISMAN production. I am not, nor have I ever been, a one-man show on ANY project I've EVER worked on. EVER. And in particular, on YJ, it's extremely unfair to Brandon to leave him out of consideration. Brandon is heavily involved in every aspect of production, INCLUDING SERIES DEVELOPMENT AND STORY. He's been right there with myself and Kevin Hopps breaking every single episode. It's been a team effort from day one. Many of the series' best ideas came/come from Brandon. And this is aside from the fact, that of course, Brandon can write - but I cannot draw, which arguably makes him MORE important to the production than I. I am exceedingly proud of this series and my own work on it - though certain very vocal fans seem to think I shouldn't be - but that doesn't change the fact that Brandon and I are a team.

False Rumor #2: YJ WAS RUSHED INTO PRODUCTION
Another blatant misconception. Look, Brandon and I are both perfectionists. Neither of us would deny that we'd LOVE to have more time on each and every episode. But that's not the same as being rushed. Let's make a comparison: on Spectacular Spider-Man, I basically had one week to develop both the series and the entire first season. Then Vic Cook came aboard, and we raced to get into production in less than two months. Brandon and I had seven months to develop the series, break the first season (which granted had twice as many episodes as the first season of Spidey) and head into production. The show isn't and never has been rushed. That's not to say the schedule isn't tight. But we haven't aired a single episode that wasn't ready to air. And we won't.

False Rumor #3: YJ ISN'T AIRING NOW BECAUSE WE'RE REWORKING EPISODES BASED ON INTERNET CRITICISM
This is my favorite. I love it the most because the first person I saw who posted this rumor also said that I'd deny it. So here I am denying it, which of course serves to PROVE that he or she was correct, see? Let's be clear: for better or worse, this series is COMPLETELY unaffected by internet criticism BECAUSE of schedule. Everything of any significance was set and DONE before even the pilot movie aired last November, so we couldn't address fan concerns even if we wanted to. And, honestly, we don't want to. We don't in part because there is way less consensus than some people seem to think. For example, for every post I see expressing hatred for "Hello, Megan!", I see a post that likes it. And personally, I like it. Brandon likes it. So why would we change it, even if we could? In fact, even Season Two is moving forward more or less disregarding "fan" criticism. Brandon and I always had very clear ideas for what we wanted to do in Season Two (and even Season Three, should we get one) and those ideas haven't changed. As with every series I've co-helmed, all we can ever do is write and produce to OUR OWN passions - and then just cross our fingers and hope enough people share our passions to make it a success. Anything else is doomed to failure, because if we're not passionate about it, it'll show in the work, and then no one will like it. And just to make it clear: WE LIKE OUR SHOW!! Doesn't mean you have to - but don't try to tell me I don't.

So why aren't we airing new episodes now? That's a fair question that I don't have an answer for. After all, we have six unaired episodes in the can, with four more on the verge of completion. It's a Cartoon Network decision. Some fans have argued that they shouldn't have started airing ANY episodes until ALL episodes were in the can. But that too is a decision above my pay grade.

My best guess - and that's all it is - is that CN will air new episodes - starting with 110 ("Targets") - in September. The good news is that the later they wait, the more weeks they can go uninterrupted by reruns. I do know that Season Two (i.e. "Young Justice: Invasion") will begin airing as part of DC NATION in March of 2012. And by then ALL of Season One will have aired. So do the math.

People have asked me if I'm bummed about losing momentum by this delay. But the thing is we've ALREADY lost all momentum. So as long as they PROMOTE us whenever they finally do start airing us again, then pragmatically I'm good. Yes, I'll admit to a certain level of frustration in that I want our stuff to get out there, but if CN has a plan to make the most of the episodes, then more power to them.

Anyway, I think that's it for now. I'll get back to answering questions on ASK GREG as soon as I can find the time. (But keep in mind that San Diego Comic-Con is fast approaching. Note: Young Justice has a panel scheduled for Sunday, July 24th at 10am, with a signing to follow. I'll also be signing Gargoyles comics (and whatever else anyone might want) at the SLG Booth from 11:30am to 12:30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (July 21, 22, 23).


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Matthew writes...

Not a question, but I thought you might want to read a very positive review of Spectacular Spider-man:

http://www.intergalacticmedicineshow.com/cgi-bin/mag.cgi?do=columns&vol=spencer_ellsworth&article=042

Greg responds...

THanks!! That really was a great review!!

(I'm on a roll today!)

Response recorded on June 08, 2011

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

Silly little question- Do you ever feel the urge, (or give into the urge), to slip something into a script purely because you know something about the actor? Like writing a song into a scene because you know the actor sings, (but maybe not telling them that they're going to be doing Sondheim or Gilbert & Sullivan till after they agree to sing 'some ditty'), or make them speak a foreign language because someone is fluent (but perhaps has a horrid accent)? Someone has a great cackle? Find a reason to have it come up. Someone is afraid of canaries? Put on on the character's shoulder for the whole episode. etc The only example I can think of now would be to have M'gan spout a long series of made up equations to see if Danica McKellar's head explodes in the face of nonsensical math. (Or replace of a series of made up equations with her own theorem at the last moment and wait for her to notice.)

Or does "Jalapeno!" qualify as such evil?

Greg responds...

Jalapena definitely qualifies.

Thailog qualifies in general. (How can I write for Keith David and never give him the chance to laugh?!)

I would have loved to do musical episodes of Gargoyles and/or Spectacular Spider-Man, but in the former I couldn't think of a smart way to make it work (pre-Joss Whedon's "Once More With Feeling") and in the latter, we didn't get enough episodes...

But it was fun doing the two musical episodes of W.I.T.C.H.

Response recorded on May 16, 2011

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The Spectacular Spider-Man Season 3 writes...

Can't you just talk to Sony, so that they would let you supervise the Spectacular Spider-Man, Season 3? So that they could change their mind to let Marvel use Spider-Man for the Super Hero Squad Show season 2 finale, Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes season 1 finale, and main character for season 2 of Avengers and season 3 of Super Hero Squad, i'm tired of him being in just comics and video games, please bring back The Spectacular Spider-Man!

Greg responds...

There's no one left at Sony for me to talk to. They closed the entire television animation division there.

You'll just have to talk to Marvel about all of the above. I've got ZERO pull, believe me.

(I mean, really, if I did, don't you think I would have done a third season of SpecSpidey?)

Response recorded on May 16, 2011

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Jeff writes...

First of all, many thanks for bringing us a great Spidey series. Just a few questions to put my mind at rest, as it bothers me to have my favorite stories left unfinished. Since the show is unfortunately canceled, I wanted to ask how would it have ended for the following characters.

1. Eddie/Venom (Would he have made peace with Peter: brothers again? Anything else?)
2. Gwen or MJ
3. Norman
4. Harry
5. Carnage: was he planned for an appearance?

Please I'd really appreciate if you can go into detail with these, especially first 3.

Greg responds...

As I've stated MANY times before, I don't see any advantage TO ME in vomiting out what my plans would have been absent the execution of said plans. All that accomplishes is to hold the ideas out for all sorts of second guessing.

Response recorded on May 05, 2011

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Jamie writes...

Hey greg,first of all, you're awesome, i remember when i was only 5 and i would re enact your gargoyles haha good times.

If you were to compare Young Justice and your other works, would young justice be in the top 5?

How many views are you having on Young justice ?

Greg responds...

Wow, did you just make me feel old...

Yes, YJ would be in my top five, along with Gargoyles (of course) and in no particular order, Spectacular Spider-Man, W.I.T.C.H. and Captain Atom.

Response recorded on April 21, 2011

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Edward writes...

Is the Green Arrow short in continuity with Young Justice since you were/are involved with both?

Greg responds...

I was also involved with W.I.T.C.H., Starship Troopers, Gargoyles and the Spectacular Spider-Man, and none of those are in continuity with Young Justice.

Response recorded on April 07, 2011

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nacnud writes...

Dear Greg,

In a question long back by a different poster, you said that in Season 2 of The private Spectacular Spider-Man, Charles Xavier was just a professor of a private school. If the X-Men portion of your "Spectacular" universe are as well dedicated to the comics as Spider-Man's show was, does this mean the X-Men in your universe are currently:
Cyclops
Beast
Marvel Girl
Angel
and Ice Man?
Or would there be a different line-up?

Greg responds...

At this stage, only Cyclops and Beast. The others had not joined the school yet. Of course, these are all MOOT notions that were only in my head.

Response recorded on April 06, 2011

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Anonymous writes...

I really like Robin's jokes, I've always been a fan of wordplay.

Oh Young Justice is the first of your show's that I've watched, but it was so good that it made me want to look into Spectacular Spiderman, and WoW it's really good I'm only a couple episode in but I love the way you have all the villains kinda developing into villains instead of just villain of the week type of set up.
Haha and the theme song is pretty entertaining.

Greg responds...

Thanks!

Response recorded on March 17, 2011

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tomi writes...

I really enjoyed these first preview episodes of Young Justice. And perhaps even moreso than that i enjoyed to hear Crispin Freeman to return back to your services: i think he made fantastic work as both Speedy and Guardian, and eventhough you can still hear a bit that it is the same actor, he made it possible for those two characters to be divided and personified from one and another.

He was excellent as Electro, and i was fan of him before that(i came hooked sometimes around i first saw first few episodes of Wolf,s Rain).

From what i,ve been able to gather, he seems to be not only true professional, but also smart, intelligent guy with great thoughts, coupled with sharp and delightful sense of humor. I have seem him to appear in many of Gatherings(often paired with good old Thom Lexington Adcox), and i,ve heard that he was fan long before your paths crossed, often discussing with his fans about serie,s themes.

If it isnt too much trouble, could you give little bit of greenlight how you two met, and how your cooperation began?

Hopes for better to your work from fan from far-off-land Finland: maybe there arent too many Finnish Gargfans, but i am one of them.

Pidä lippu korkealla!/Keep your spirits high!

Greg responds...

I met him through the Gathering, actually. 2001 in Los Angeles, I believe. He was a guest of the convention, giving his mythology seminar. We first worked together on a pitch for Mecha-Nation, i.e. he did us a favor and recorded a bit of dialogue for us. The first paying job I could offer him was on the very last episode of W.I.T.C.H.

Response recorded on March 17, 2011

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Chris writes...

Please forgive me if the following questions were asked.
1. What was your comment on the video game Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions? How did you like that they used some of the actors from Spectacular which were Josh Keaton, Thomas F. Wilson, Jim Cummings, Steven Blum, and John Dimaggio (not sure if I spelled that right)?
2. I know you don't like to answer questions about future plans for Spectacular, but did you pick any actors for Scorpion and Hobgoblin?
3. Did you know that a few of your ideas were taken from the 1994 Spider-Man cartoon? Such as the symbiote coming from John Jameson's space shuttle. Although TAS used a space shuttle crash instead. Another example is Vulture going after Norman Osborn in his first appearance. Another is Spidey hanging upside down and looking at the black suit at a tall building.
4. When you look at the Spectacular Spider-Man, do you believe that you have done a good job for the show?
5. What is your view on the Scarlet Spider? Would he have been worthy of being in the Spectacular Spider-Man if given the chance?
That's all I have for you. Please make the DVD company that makes the DVDs for Spectacular Spidey make a complete season 2 DVD. That would be greatly appreciated.
Your fan,
Chris

Greg responds...

1. I'm all for those guys getting work, since they're fantastic. But I haven't seen the game.

2. No comment.

3. Well, those ideas weren't "TAKEN" from the 90s cartoon, cuz I never saw it. Now anything from that cartoon that seeped back into the comics or the movies may have influenced me -- and/or great minds think alike, especially when similarly influenced by the same source material.

4. I do, actually. I'm very proud of the finished product.

5. No comment.

Response recorded on March 11, 2011

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Alan writes...

Dear Greg,
When is season 2 of the Spectacular Spider-Man coming out on DVD? I've been patient for like a month after the volume 8 DVD was released. Now I can't wait any longer! Please try to make the company that makes the DVDs make them make season 2 of TSSM. Please?
From,
Alan

Greg responds...

I have no control or influence over this. Believe me, no one's more frustrated than myself.

Response recorded on March 11, 2011

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Anonymous writes...

Hey Mr. Weisman, love your work! First and foremost, thanks a ton for taking the time to answer the many questions of us crazed fans, I haven't heard of many who care enough to do this. Secondly, congrats and best of luck on Young Justice, it looks like it has just tons of potential, and I look forward to seeing more.

My quick question is a pretty insignificant one I suppose, but for some reason it's always bugged me (I apologize if it's been asked already, I checked the archives and searched). In the Spectacular Spider-Man episode 'Catalysts', there's a bit where Spidey's web-shooters run out, and he reloads one of them during free-fall. After this, t first it seems like he's going to be, understandably, shooting webbing only from the one he reloaded, but then he can be clearly seen firing web from both web-shooters, even when he has only reloaded one. Was this merely an animation goof, or was there a specific reason?

Greg responds...

I feel pretty confident that you're either remembering or interpreting this wrong, but I can't check it at the moment.

Response recorded on March 11, 2011

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Craig F writes...

Hey Greg,

I'm a huge fan of Spectacular Spider-man and I was heartbroken when it was cancelled. On the flip-side, I'm loving Young Justice, so I have to ask... If it weren't for Spidey getting cancelled, would you still be working on YJ?

Greg responds...

Probably not.

Response recorded on February 25, 2011

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BonnieB21:-) writes...

Long time lurker, first time poster!

I've been trying to think of some questions I know no one else has thought of before. It's taken me a while, but I finally got them.

I've been a fan of Spiderman all my life and have watched EVERY cartoon version either in syndication, on cable, or when they originally aired. I was rewatching "Along Came Spidey" the origin of Spiderman from Spiderman And His Amazing Friends last night (a gorgeous episode, one of the best of the series and the BEST of his various origin stories (present company excluded)). But I believe this was the last time his full story was told. As in before Spiderman became a crime fighter, he was a "plain, old, SUPERSTAR!!!!!". I saw your Spectacular Spiderman origin and I had to ask you this:

I know you had to/wanted to keep towards Spiderman's live action movie origin which rushes through all the pre-crime fighting stuff. But if you could've, would you have explored Spidey's fame-whoring past? Cause I've always wondered why no one else in New York City, no other fans, or no one else remembers Spidey's pro-wrestling, personal appearance making, TV show guest starring past. If J. Jonah Jamision had a reason for hating Spiderman, I would think that would be it.

I used to watch '60s Spiderman every morning in syndication before going to school. But I hadn't seen it in a very long time until ABC Family/Disney reran a bunch of old Spidey episodes, but only one of '60s Spidey. The interesting thing about Peter Parker/Spiderman is that Peter talks in a mild mannered, soft spoken voice in his real life but once he dons the mask, his voice got deeper and more authoritative. That was the only series that had such a huge differnce between Peter and Spidey.

On Spectacular Spidey, there doesn't seem to be a huge difference between the way Peter sounds and the way Spidey sounds. Was there a reason for that? For the most part, Peter's and Spidey's lives don't connect too much (as in Spidey doesn't have to have long conversations with Peter's friends). But I would think at least of one person be it Aunt May, Gwen, or M.J. would be able to tell Peter's voice over a cell phone and Spiderman sound an awful lot alike.

Thanks for taking the time to answer fan questions!

Greg responds...

1. I'm more than happy with the origin we used.

2. Josh Keaton DID change his voice to differentiate between Pete & Spidey. It's just (intentionally) very subtle.

Response recorded on February 09, 2011

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Anonymous writes...

Was Carnage and Shikata to appear on "The Spetacular Spider-Man" before it was canceled.

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on February 07, 2011

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Dan writes...

In the theme song of the Spectacular Spider-man under one of the photos there is a headline reading " the final, fateful photo by Peter Parker". Was this hinting at something?

Greg responds...

I don't recall that, so I'll say... no.

Response recorded on February 07, 2011

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Sree writes...

1.When coming up with the theme song for spectacular spiderman, how many bands and how many versions of the song did you have to go through? Did you n Victor Cook have much input into selecting the ulimate song?

2.Do you know what Victor Cook is currently working on?

Greg responds...

1. We listened to about seven or eight submissions. Four of those, including the Tender Box song you're all familiar with, we liked a lot and wanted to use on the DVDs, but couldn't afford to. And, yes, Vic & I picked the song, though of course we needed approval from a whole bunch of folks at Sony, Marvel and KidsWB. Fortunately, everyone agreed with our choice without reservation.

2. Yes. Scooby-Doo, plus he's guest directing episode 20 of Young Justice.

Response recorded on January 28, 2011

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Akeem M. writes...

Hello again, another spec spidey question here.

In comics Tombstone had a connection to Robbie Robertson, making him more of one of Robbie's personal enemies. Is there a reason you decided to disregard that when making Tombstone the "Big Man". OR was it not omitted, and you just didn't have enough time to show anything concerning Robbie's relationship with Tombstone (or it didn't have enough impact on Peter/Spidey's life...yet)?

Also, we all know why you decided to get rid of Herman Schultz, but of all the people to be Shocker, why Montana of The Enforcers? Was there something that you saw in Montana that would plant him as a great match for the Shocker suit?

Also...if there is ANYTHING you want to give me for your discontinued plans for the future like "you would have liked this to happen" just spill it out... Just kidding...

Thanks

Greg responds...

Tombstone/Robbie would fall under the category of discontinued future plans, which I've pretty much decided there's no upside in me revealing.

As for Montana becoming Shocker, it just seemed to fit. Montana got away at the end of "Survival of the Fittest" and would be at loose ends without his Enforcer buddies. And he had a fun personality to inhabit the Shocker suit and gear. It worked for us.

Response recorded on January 28, 2011

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Baron Ultron writes...

Few thing have bugged me since cancelation of Spectacular Spider-Man.

1)Does Marvel hate Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon or not.I ask this because they are making new Ultimate Spider-Man Cartoon and Spectacular Spider-Man was canceled and there was lack of promotion in Marvel.Com(While Avengers or Super Hero Squad have many promotions).Also in one of your answers you said that Marvel are not planning to make comic book based on your show or something like that.So does Marvel hate your show or not?

2)This might be stupid question but worth a shot.Will you ever work for Marvel or Disney again due to cancelation of your show and Disney retooling Gargoyles into Gargoyles Goliath Chronicles.

3)What do you think about Avengers:Earth's Mightiest Heroes Cartoon.Do you think it is as great as Spectacular Spider-Man or bad.Also in your opinion which show is better:Young Justice or Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

4)Will you watch Ultimate Spider-Man Cartoon?And also is there a chance that you will work on Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes or some Marvel Comic Book?

Good Luck

Greg responds...

1. I hope not. Ask Marvel.

2. I'm perfectly willing.

3. I haven't seen Avengers, but Frank Paur is producing it, so I take it for granted that it's great. But in any case, I don't see YJ as being in competition with Avengers. There's room for both.

4a. No. There's no upside in me watching Ultimate. If it's great, I'll be jealous. If it sucks, I'll be frustrated.

4b. No. I'm plenty busy on YJ.

4c. I hope so. Ask Marvel.

Response recorded on January 21, 2011

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Ian Whitcombe writes...

I'm curious about the philosophy behind recieving episode premise approval for a show from DC (and I'm assuming Marvel too for SSM?). I wonder which would describe it better:

1. You submit the episode premise as a checks and balances procedure working in good faith that the episode will be approved provided there aren't any legal or logistical oversights that would make the episode impossible to produce. What I think I'm asking is if they recognize your desire as producer to make the episode, and they would only veto a premise if there was some sort of hassle.

2. You submit the episode premise in the hope that DC likes it and sees value in the episode's production. This would imply that the episode could be approved or vetoed based on the creative "whims" of DC.

Greg responds...

It's both or neither. The main concern for both companies (not including the legal ramifications, which separate LAWYER-TYPES deal with) is to make sure we are being true to the characters. Some DC and Marvel people focus on specifics. Some focus on the bigger picture. Some both.

But basically, they don't reject premises out of hand. Just the way we are dealing with their characters. And even that is fairly rare. Both Marvel on SpecSpidey and DC on YJ have been great partners in the process.

Response recorded on January 18, 2011

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Algernon writes...

Hey Greg, how's it hanging.

Not a question so much as a request but I was wondering if you'd ever considered posting the "Spectacular Spider-Man" series bible online like you did for "Gargoyles"? I've always been impressed by the amount of thought you put into your shows, and it'd be a great insight into the creative process behind such a fantastic toon.

Greg responds...

Hmmm...

I don't have it here at Warner Bros to look through it and see if it's post-worthy. But I'll think about it.

Response recorded on December 30, 2010

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John Derrick writes...

I hate to say it, but I was extremely disappointed in the Young Justice premiere. Don't get me wrong--the animation was gorgeous, the dialogue entertaining, the story intriguing. But the gender imbalance was a huge turn-off for me.

Why was it that the women of the Justice League were only shown in the last five minutes of a two-part pilot? Why did the male sidekicks get to go on a rebellious adventure and force the League to accept them as a team of their own, while the first girl is only added to "Young Justice" at the very end, introduced by her uncle and guardian like some sort of token?

I expect that the women will have a lot more to do in the episodes to come, but I still find it profoundly problematic to introduce the characters in such an unequal manner. I believe there are too many men in the world as it is who see women as mere supporting players in their stories. Why reinforce this stereotype for a whole new generation of superhero cartoon fans?

Greg responds...

It's a legitimate gripe. And I doubt my answer will satisfy you, but it came down to a couple factors that we at least found important: (1) practicality and to a lesser extent - but intertwined with - (2) tradition.

Let's start with practicality.

You asked why there were no female Leaguers until the end. But where would they have fit? There are no female Leaguers with traditional first generation sidekicks. So Batman, Green Arrow, Aquaman and Flash could not be replaced by Wonder Woman, Black Canary or Hawkwoman. That leaves the four Leaguers introduced at the Hall of Justice. I needed Martian Manhunter to be there to set up Miss Martian. I needed Red Tornado there to set up his interest in the teens. I needed Superman there to set up Superboy. That leaves only Zatara. He was certainly replaceable. But then I would have had to hire another voice actress to read ONE LINE. I couldn't afford to do that. We have budgets. (And you'll notice that Red Tornado never speaks in the episode. Couldn't afford giving him a line either. None of which had anything to do with gender.)

There was NEVER any intent to introduce Artemis this early in the season for story reasons. Wouldn't make sense for her character. And I think the reasons why will become clear as the season progresses.

As for Miss Martian, yes, in theory, we could have introduced her sooner. Manhunter COULD have brought her along at the beginning. But then I'd have had FOUR characters running around the first half hour and FIVE in the second. That steals screen time and characterization from everyone. I think the entire production would have been weaker for adding another character -- ANY other character (gender notwithstanding).

Of course, that begs the obvious question - why not ditch one of the boys in favor of her to create a little balance.

But it seemed to us that would create balance at a cost.

There are FOUR TRADITIONAL sidekicks: Robin, Speedy, Aqualad and Kid Flash. To leave one out seemed wrong to us. Which brings in the Tradition argument, which I'll admit is somewhat feeble, but as an old comic book geek, I'll also admit it matters to me and to everyone else here.

The very first Teen Titans story ever in Brave and the Bold featured only THREE heroes: Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash. Wonder Girl did not join until their second adventure. So we felt there was a precedent for beginning with Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash and saving the real introduction of Miss Martian (beyond hellos) for OUR second adventure.

For what it's worth, if you give the series another chance, starting with episode three (i.e. the one immediately following the pilot "movie"), I think you'll see that female characters including Miss Martian, Black Canary, Artemis, Wonder Woman and MANY others will be playing ESSENTIAL roles in the show as we progress. I think the balance - and then some - is absolutely present in the first season when viewed in its entirety.

Yes, the pilot was very boy-centric, but that's not the rubric for the series. Personally, I love writing female characters, and if you're at all familiar with my past work, you'll know I have a history of doing them justice. (At least, I think so.) Gargoyles, for example, is FULL of strong female characters, including Elisa, Demona, Angela, Fox, etc. WITCH was nearly ALL female leads. Even Spider-Man had a strong female supporting cast, in my opinion at least.

If we did "reinforce a stereotype" (which I think is overstating it) then perhaps we've lured in kids that we will reeducate over the course of the season - organically without forcing it.

So I'd beg a little patience, a little indulgence... maybe even a little trust that we'll do right by this issue.

But judge for yourself.

Response recorded on December 21, 2010

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SoundForSound writes...

Any reason for Disney to not just do a digital only release of Gargoyles via iTunes? Would not that be cheaper to release than DVD, or who knows? Any word on if YJ will be available on iTunes? Keep up the great work. Spidey was amazing, so am looking forward to YJ.

Greg responds...

I just have no idea on either front.

Response recorded on December 17, 2010

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SLG writes...

Hey Greg,

Really liked the Young Justice pilot, very solid stuff. I especially like the line Robin had about how Batman would "have his head" for taking so long to get out of those shackles. Robin seemed pretty capable, and I'm sure he'll get closer to Batman's level as time goes on, but I do hope we'll get to see the master at work every once in a while.

I also really have to say that I loved the action sequences (and the writing, of course). They had a great flow to them and a great sense of pace. I was also a bit surprised at how hard hitting some of the fights were, by which I mean they seemed to be fairly violent, even compared to something as recent as SpecSpidey, though that's just my take on it.

So anyway, you say that your brother, Jon Weisman, is writing for Young Justice, which got me thinking about how that was also the case during your time on WITCH. Since someone was nice enough to upload the entire series onto YouTube it has been easy enough to go back to. One of my favorites of that show was "S for Self", mainly because of the songs "Demon in Me" and "Will to Love" that played during it, for which you and Jon wrote the lyrics.

So this is a bit out there, but do you suppose that original songs, like those produced for WITCH, are something that would ever have a place in Young Justice?

How about an entire episode in the form of a musical? Buffy style, you know you want to.

Greg responds...

I do want to. But I'm not sure I'm smart enough to come up with an original reason for it to happen -- that WORKS with the tone of this show. Way back when, I wanted to do a musical episode of Gargoyles, but could never come up with a justification. Then Joss Whedon did "Once More With Feeling". And of course, the answer was obvious. I could have used Puck to force everyone to sing. Trouble is... I wasn't smart enough to figure that out first. Yes, that's right. Joss Whedon is smarter than I am. Now, taking that approach would REALLY look like I was ripping off his idea. I'm not 100% sure I'm above that. But I'm about 87% sure, so...

Even on Spidey, which was a show with a way less realistic and grounded tone than YJ is, I struggled to find an original reason to do a musical episode. And I couldn't figure one out. So the odds of me figuring one out on Young Justice seem slim, I'm afraid.

Response recorded on December 17, 2010

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Akeem M. writes...

Hello again sir,
Once again I have a few Spec Spidey questions
Now, as you know, in Spectacular Spider-Man, the extra arms that Doc Ock has are detachable. The harness itself is stuck to Octavius, yet the arms can be removed. My question is, what was your reasoning for doing this? From my knowledge this was never done in the comics. Was it so Ock could be feasibly locked up without those tenticles having to be locked up as well?

Now, we all know what people thought of Mr. Lincoln in the show, but what would you say the public's opinion on Hammerhead? Obviously criminals know who he is (much like every crook knows who the Big Man is (which is how the rumor surfaced up multiple times), but what about the public. Is Hammerhead a well known criminal?

Also, when choosing minority races for minor characters what factors made you choose that specific race. For example, you wanted Rhino to be South African (I suppose to go with the whole "Rhino" thing. Ned Leeds and Kenny "Kong" McFarlane had names that could easily be changed to more Asian sounding without changing too much (Leeds to Lee and the nickname Kong as a literal last name.)So what influenced you to pick certain races for certain minor characters? For example did Roderick Kingsley's love for the carribean influence you to making him black? Did Gwen's Debra Whitman look influence you to make Debra Whitman black because of her extreme similarities to Gwen look wise. If Belladonna were to appear would she have been Latina since she already is a Carmen Sandiego homage?

Greg responds...

1. Basically, yes. We figured the authorities wouldn't allow him to have the arms in lock-up.

2. Yes. But he's got no official ties to Lincoln.

3. There weren't any rules, though I think you hit on the name thing influencing me. Same with making DeWolff Native American. The name suggested it a bit. Other times it was just us trying to diversify the cast. So Liz became 1/2 Puerto Rican and Kingsley and Whitman became African-American. Etc.

Response recorded on December 03, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

is there going to be a spectacular spiderman season 3

Greg responds...

Nope.

Response recorded on December 01, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

Who would you rather be trapped in an eight hour car ride with; Demona; Nerissa; or Green Goblin?

Greg responds...

Nerissa, I guess. She'd have less reason to kill me at random. She might even appreciate the company.

Response recorded on November 23, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

In Young Justice, are we going to see police and some villians use real guns like in Batman: Brave and the Bold?

If yes, do you actually take your time and effort to draw them in great detail similar to the ones from Batman: Gotham Knight?

Greg responds...

I guess it depends on your definition of "great detail". They are as detailed as anything else in the series, based on our design style. They're not photo-realistic, but that's not the style of the series. But the style's more realistic than, say, SpecSpidey was. (Which is not a VALUE judgment, as I'm a huge fan of BOTH Sean and Phil.)

Response recorded on November 23, 2010

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Jackson writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman,

my name is Jackson, and I am an avid fan of The Spectacular Spider-Man. So the first thing I would like to say, even though you've probably heard it heaps of times over, is that The Spectacular Spider-Man was the best adaptation of Spider-Man to date, and in my opinion the best cartoon I've ever seen (and I've seen a fair few). I could go to great lengths to describe just how amazing a thing it was. I was devastated beyond belief when I heard that TSSM was cancelled. It truly was masterpiece.

And now that I've said that, my question. It concerns a character I believe you should be quite familiar with; Donald Menken. Being the fan that I am, I have watched the episodes many times, and Mr Menken interested me. My main question about him is, in the episodes that he appears, is he meant to be a character who really just does what he's told, or does he have any sort of initiative? I mean, for Norman to trust him enough to show him globulin green AND host the rhino specs auction (which are both pretty dangerous things to share), there'd have to be something about him that Norman recognised as making him a trustworthy confidant. What was this quality?

Thanks so much for your time. Maybe more questions in the future.

Greg responds...

Well, I'll mostly leave this for your interpretation, but I think Menken demonstrated various qualities to Norman Osborn (not all of which may have been visible in the limited screen time we could afford the character), including loyalty, intelligence, steadfastness, initiative, unperterbability, etc.

Response recorded on November 18, 2010

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Javier writes...

Hi Greg, first of all i want to say that Spectacular Spiderman was the best incarnation of the character i have seen outside of the comic books, and its a shame that it lasted only two seasons. i have a couple of questions if you dont mind, hopefully you will be able to answer them, if not i understand, you are a very busy man after all.

1) I was really amazed by the quality of the animation and the character designs, it looks even better than the other DC movies that i have seen. How do you maintain that standard of quality in a weekly series? All tha animation is done in the US?

2) Is Josh Keaton voicing Barry Allen? It sounded like him but maybe im wrong, he did an outstanding job as Peter Parker, hopefully he will have a role in the series

Thank you for your time, as a fellow animator im really glad that we can still have some classic 2D animation to look foward to, Best of luck Mr Weisman

Greg responds...

I'm a little confused if we're discussing Spider-Man or Young Justice here...

1. For both series, all the animation was done/is being done in Seoul, Korea. The pre-production was/is all done in Los Angeles. (Though on YJ, some storyboards are being done in Korea.) Final word on quality control was with myself and Vic Cook on Spidey; myself and Brandon Vietti on YJ.

2. No. George Eads is our Barry Allen, though I'm a huge fan of Josh's, of course, and hope to use him on YJ.

Response recorded on November 18, 2010

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Clark Cradic writes...

Does Felicia Hardy in your series wear a wig or die her hair? I'm guessing the white hair isn't natural in your world.

Greg responds...

It's a cartoon TV version of platinum blonde in my mind. Others might disagree. Like, say, Storm of the X-Men.

Response recorded on November 12, 2010

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Mo writes...

Forgive me for being dated, but I have a Spidey question. In rereading some of my collected editions of the Lee/Ditko era, I realized that Peter Parker was established as a high school senior. In Spec. Spidey, he is an underclassmen (I forget if he's a freshman or sophomore). Why the change?

Greg responds...

He's a junior actually. As for the reason, it's fairly simple. Stan and Steve kept Pete a high school senior for a LONG time. Years. Since we wanted to play the passage of time as an element in the series, but still wanted the opportunity to tell many of those stories (and more) while Pete was still in high school, we started him as a junior to give us some breathing room.

Response recorded on November 12, 2010

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Neil writes...

Do you still listen to that Spectacular Spiderman theme song (full version)? It's so catchy!

Greg responds...

Uh... I've heard it. And it is very catchy.

Response recorded on November 10, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

i know this is gonna be a "im not inclined to tell" or "no comment" but this really has been bugging me. Emily Osborn literally did nothing on the show so what exactly were your plans for her. my only guess would be that she takes over oscorp since harry is too young. if im right PLEASE tell me.

Greg responds...

I'm not going to tell you. But we did have plans.

Response recorded on November 06, 2010

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nygma619 writes...

Hey Greg, a couple Spectacular Spidey ?'s that I hope you'll be able to answer:
1.) Someone asked a question on whether you had plans for S.H.I.E.L.D., and you said "No", not "No comment". So I'm curious, where do you see Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. at this point in time? Have the government approved the group, or has there not been a reason to create the group yet?

2.) The Lizard in his first appearance was not seen as talking, but was seen as a mute, savage beast. I'm curious, what was the thought process behind making him that way?

3.) What happened with MOI animation in the second season? Blueprints, Shear Strength, Growing Pains, & Gangland are in my opinion the weakest animated episodes of the series. Their season 2 work just felt alot less fluid than their season 1 work, and compared to Dong Woo and Hanho their animation from season 2 was alot more fluid looking than what MOI was doing. I know there's a camp of people who complained about Hanho going off model, but I always accepted the squash and stretch being used alot more, since that's how Victor Cook intended the animation to be.

These next 2 questions are tricky to ask since I'm not sure if they break the "won't spoil because their better off being revealed in execution" code you've gone by, but I'll give it a shot anyways:
4.) You said that Roderick Kingsley owning a perfume company would be brought up in his next appearance. Does that mean you had plans to introduce Belladonna?

5.) You said you know who the main villains of each arc would be in season 3, but you didn't have everything planned out beyond that. Hobgoblin sounds obvious, Scorpion, Maybe. So are the main villains of each season 3 arc, something you'd be willing to reveal(at the very least), or not?

6.) About the radio play, when Cleatus says to Demona, "I'll have what he's having.", how come Eddie wasn't saying "YES, YES, OH GOD YES" when he became Venom again before that?

Looking forward to Young Justice!

Greg responds...

1. I don't have my Spec Spidey research notes with me here at Warner Bros. But as I recall, Nick has not yet been recruited to run SHIELD yet. But in any case, at the time I'm sure I didn't have access to Nick or the SHIELD characters. Spidey Universe only.

2. It seemed right. He seemed more dangerous that way. More Lizardy.

3. I really don't remember.

4. No comment.

5. Not really.

6. For whatever reason, I didn't have quite as firm a grasp on "When Harry Met Sally" as you seem to. I was in a rush.

Response recorded on October 15, 2010

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Jim writes...

You may or may not have followed the hubbub earlier in the summer when Donald Glover (young and very charismatic black comedian/actor) was campaigning on Twitter for a chance to audition for the role of Peter Parker in the new Spidey movies. Nothing ever came of it, but it sparked a huge internet debate over whether a black Parker was true to the character.

I myself was very open to the idea. After all, nothing about Peter's character or circumstances dictates that he has to be white. Heck, May isn't even related to him by blood; the only characters that would need to be adjusted are his parents, Uncle Ben, and Ben Reilly-- assuming any of those even make it into the new film.

Given that SpecSpidey is my very favorite version of the mythos, and given that the show was notable for, among other things, mixing up the races of various (mostly minor) characters, I was curious as to your thoughts on the subject. Not to the point of any conclusion, but just a reasoned opinion. Are there some things about Spidey that are just TOO traditional, too sacred, that changing them dilutes people's perception of the character? Is his race one of them? You went with the classic white-with-brown-hair interpretation, and I don't think there are many arguments that you succeeded quite well at adapting Parker.

I'll admit I'm wary of making this post, as I don't mean for you to look like you're choosing sides or giving some definitive answer. After all, I've already made up my mind on the issue; I'm sure most people have. Or they sure seemed to have when this controversy was still fresh. But being that you are something of an expert at adapting this specific property, as well as someone who was willing to add diversity where it was appropriate, I'd really like to pick your brain and hear any thoughts you might have regarding this issue.

Greg responds...

I think of Peter Parker as Everyman, so I can see why Mr. Glover and others would identify with him and have no trouble changing his ethnicity.

I myself KNOW that Pete is (whether practicing or not) of the Christian persuasion, because I've seen him celebrate Christmas over and over, but it always struck me as window-dressing to make the character appeal to the widest possible American audience. Because he's ALWAYS seemed Jewish to me. Perhaps that's because Stan Lee was/is Jewish and wrote him that way. Or maybe it's just me, being Jewish, reading it in. I toyed with the idea of having Pete's late mother being Jewish on Spec Spidey. But really, what would be the point? (And that was without asking Marvel if they'd have an issue with it.)

So I don't in a theoretical sense have any problem with an African-American Peter Parker. If Nick Fury can look like Samuel L. Jackson, etc., etc., etc.

The question of course is one of ICONOGRAPHY. Is the caucasian, brunette Peter to iconic to change. I certainly felt that M.J.'s red hair and Gwen's blonde hair were too iconic too change (which at least suggests that they needed to both stay Caucasian). But what about Peter?

As you guessed, I don't have a definitive answer for you. Stan and Steve (and maybe Jack) designed the costume so that it would hide race and ethnicity completely. Then WROTE Spidey's dialogue as if he were a Borsht Belt comic. (See why I thought he was a Jew from Queens?) So maybe all that matters is the nebbish -- not the color of it.

But maybe not...

Response recorded on October 14, 2010

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Alan Gavinchki writes...

Hey Greg
When you look at the Spectacular Spider-Man, you realize there are a lot of important villains. Which do you consider the main villain of the whole show. I thought of some possibilities.
1. Tombstone because he is a crimelord and was the first to want to kill Spidey.
2. Hammerhead because he is Tombstone's assistant and made the most appearances out of any villain.
3. Green Goblin because he is Harry's dad and he made supervillains for Tombstone and wanted to take over his enterprise. He did once and he made Spidey's life turn upside down.
4. Doc Ock because he was a victim of the Goblin and was the leader of the first Sinister Six and organized the second one. Him alone during the Master Planner and Gang War saga would make him the main bad guy.
5. Venom because he was once Pete's best friend and he possessed the same suit Spidey had. Afterall he was the one who pointed out that Peter loved Gwen. He also revealed his identity to Jameson!
I hope one of these villains I chosed are correct for their major role.

R.I.P. Spectacular Spidey

Greg responds...

I'm not sure I understand why I'd need to pick just one?

Response recorded on September 29, 2010

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Emily writes...

I imagine that you had to read alot of comics when making shows like Young Justice or Spiderman. So did you get those comics for free from the Marvel and DC saying you needed them to help with the shows or did you have to go out and buy?

Greg responds...

Mostly, I went out and bought. Alan Burnette had a backlog of Young Justice comics he lent me, i.e. a bunch of individual issues, not always consecutive. Maybe a couple other things here and there. But mostly, I'm outlaying on my dime to do the research.

Response recorded on September 29, 2010

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ALL CAUGHT UP

Hey gang,

I'm finally all caught up on the ASK GREG queue. Gonna take a short break, but we'll open the queue again on September 27th, 2010 in preparation for the release of Superman/Batman: Apocalypse which also contains the DC Showcase Green Arrow short that I wrote.

As always, I urge you guys NOT to flood ASK GREG with questions. Check the archives. Check the FAQs. Ask questions of the loyal fans in the Station 8 comment room.

AND, please, THINK BEFORE YOU POST. I am NOT, for example, going to SPOIL "Young Justice" before it airs. I'm not going to SPOIL "Gargoyles" either since I still have hopes of bringing that back. I'm not even going to "SPOIL" Spectacular Spider-Man, because I don't see any real point in revealing future plans and ideas independent of their execution.

Happy to talk process. Happy to talk about what's ALREADY aired or been published. Happy to talk about Mecha-Nation and many other things. But. NOT. GONNA. SPOIL.

Thanks,

gdw


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Clark Cradic writes...

What comic universe would you say you're more knowledgeable about: DC or Marvel?

Greg responds...

I'm pretty equal on both companies.

Fairly knowledgeable (all things considered) on pre-1970s stuff.

More knowledgeable on the 70s.

Extremely knowledgeable on the 80s.

Less knowledgeable on the early and mid 90s.

Almost completely ignorant of the mid 90s through 2006.

Somewhat knowledgeable but with huge gaps on 2006 through the present...

Of course, I worked at DC as a freelancer from 1983-1991, and on staff from 1985-1987, so I have more INSIDE knowledge of that company, but during that period I was reading ALL the Marvel books too, so if we're talking CONTINUITY and CHARACTERS, I know both companies pretty darn well. I certainly grew up reading both. And when I was a little kid, I didn't even get that there were different companies that made comics. I'd see Green Lantern team up with Superman in one book. And Spider-Man team up with the Fantastic Four in another. And I didn't know that next month I might not see Captain America team with Batman. It took me a while to get the whole competing companies idea.

Response recorded on September 21, 2010

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

I'm sorry to hear you are feeling some vitriol coming your way for the differences between the Young Justice comic book and coming cartoon. As a huge fan of YJ I was hoping for a Spec Spidey type treatment of the original source material and I bet others were too. That said, I just keep repeating to myself that that is not to be so I should just look forward to a different great cartoon.

I did have the thought of, 'then why not use a different name?' If I can come up with a couple more ridiculously bad ones to balance the numerous "Blah" ones I may post some names that came to mind...

Greg responds...

It IS a very Spec Spidey treatment of the source material. It's just that our definition of the source material is BIGGER and more EXPANSIVE than yours seem to be. Just as on Spec Spidey, we developed YJ to combine characters from different eras to create a cohesive, coherent yet contemporary whole, without losing what's classic and iconic about these teen characters. That meant borrowing from classic Teen Titans as well as Young Justice and other arenas as well. Just as we borrowed from Spidey's high school years, his college years and more recent arenas as well. On Spec Spidey, we said it was early days in the Marvel Universe (recast as 2008). On YJ, it's early days in the DC Universe (recast as 2010).

It's the exact same thing -- from my point of view at least. It's adaptation with a starting point. Where it goes from that starting point...? Time will tell.

Response recorded on September 21, 2010

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Oscar writes...

Hi i am a big fan of spider-man and i have a few questions

1)Will the new show for spider-man be starting all over or continue where you left off on the spectacular spider-man?

2)Do you think the new spider man show will better?

3)Are y'all going to use the same characters?

4)Why did the Spectacular spider-man show get canceled?

5)Do you think y'all could have gone far with the spectacular spider-man more than the 1994 series?

6)Last question Do you think there will be ever a chance that they could bring back the Spectacular spider-man if the the new one won't receive good ratings or it crashes like other shows that lasted 13 episodes or less?

Thank you for your time

Greg responds...

1. Ask the new creators. I have no idea, but I can't imagine they'll be picking up where we left off.

2. Not for me to say.

3. I did Spectacular. Ask the new guys about the new show.

4. See the archives.

5. If given the opportunity, we could have kept SpecSpidey going pretty much indefiinitely. But I'm not in competition with any other series.

6. It seems highly unlikely.

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

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Algernon writes...

Hey again Greg,
I've recently started rewatching "The Spectacular Spider-Man", and I thought I'd test the waters with a question you probably would never have answered while the show was on the air. If every character from the show was taken from the comics, then who was Hammerhead's female chauffeur?

Greg responds...

We did have some thoughts on that subject, but I'm not too inclined to go into them...

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

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Alan Gavinchki writes...

Dear Greg,

I forgot to ask, when will season 2 of TSSM be released on DVD? I am not patient as you can see. Would the DVD feature any plans you had for a possible season 3? Sorry I forgot to ask you that question in my previous question.

Your fan,
Alan

Greg responds...

I have no idea about the release schedule, but I don't see how it could have any "plans for a possible season 3" since I wasn't involved in the extras (if any) at all.

Response recorded on September 08, 2010

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Alan Gavinchki writes...

Dear Greg,
I was really looking forward to a season 3 of TSSM, but due to recent news, I am a little disappointed that we won't see that show again. I have a few things I want to say. Firstly, I want to thank you for this great show. The two year run was my favorite two years yet. I have a few questions.

1. Would we have seen the Punisher? I'm a huge Punisher fan and I would've loved to see him.

2. I already know Scorpion and Hobgoblin would appear, but what other villains would we have seen?

3. Would Sandman become a good guy?

4. In the episode "Accomplices", Roderick Kingsley got away from the fight with Spidey, Silver Sable, and Hammerhead and ended up running away without a coat. But at the parking garage, Kingsley is seen in a different car (his limo was destroyed and appeared to have no other form of transportation) and had his coat back. When he saw Rhino, he seemed less surpirsed rather when he was attacked by Silver Sable. Was this Roderick's identical twin brother Daniel?

5. Speaking of Rhino, I loved seeing him and Spidey team-up. Would Spidey team-up with any other villains?

6. When the symbiote went into the sewer, was it possible that it reproduced and would create the Carnage symbiote?

7. Final question, would Miles Warren become the Jackal? If so, would he do something like the clone saga and make Ben Reilly? I'm a huge Scarlet Spider fan and I was really hoping we'd see him.

That's all I have, thanks again for a great 26 episodes.

Your fan,
Alan Gavinchki

Greg responds...

Alan, I appreciate your obvious enjoyment of the series. But I've pretty much made the decision that there's nothing in it for me to just spit out ideas I had for future seasons. Absent the execution of said ideas, they just become fodder for debate on whether or not they were good ideas. A debate that has little to do with whether they MIGHT have been good ideas if we had had the chance to execute them. So...

1. As I've stated MANY times before, we weren't given access to characters like Punisher. And at this point, it's a little moot to theorize what we might have done had Punisher become available. It was never considered.

2. Some are obvious, given the fact that we had already introduced them in their civilian identities or other hints we dropped. Beyond that, I'm not saying.

3. Things aren't black and white.

4. Again, I'll leave that to everyone's interpretation.

5. I wouldn't rule it out, but that's so specific. We never got into detail breaking down Season Three.

6. And STILL, I'm not interested in using this forum to reveal unexecuted ideas.

7. Ditto.

Response recorded on September 08, 2010

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GEOGNE writes...

WHY DID YOU GUYS CANCEL SPECTUALR SPIDERMAN PLEASE BRING IT BACK ITS SUCH A CLEAN SHOW WHY DID YOU i HAVE A LOVE FOR THAT SHOW SIGNED GEOGNE

Greg responds...

It wasn't my choice to not renew the series. I would have loved to do more. The combined forces of Disney, Sony and Marvel chose to discontinue it.

Response recorded on August 31, 2010

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Clark Cradic writes...

If the series had continued long enough for you to include the Scorpion, would you have made the source of his powers like the Rhino or like Kraven?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on August 31, 2010

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Tyler writes...

Hey Greg ,

I have another question about the episode storytelling in the Young Justice cartoon. Is the cartoon's episodes going to be told similar to The Spectacular Spiderman and Gargoyles with one long story arc, that ends each season with a big bang, But in each season the characters still recall what happened in the first season or will the show be told similar to Teen Titans and JLU where each episode has its own story?

Greg responds...

Like all my shows - including SpecSpidey - Young Justice is both episodic and sequential, with building arcs.

Response recorded on August 30, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

Man, every Spidey question you answer that ends with some form of "it's moot now" or "we'll never see it" is depressing. I miss the show so much, miss anticipating what great new direction you guys were going to take it in, miss the awesome surprise of each new design by Cheeks, the great voice acting and sharp writing, the structure of the seasons and the way you were organically growing Spidey's world, etc. I'm really excited for Young Justice and think it looks great, but at heart, I'm mostly a Marvel, and specifically Spider-Man, fan. So basically, just thanks for the show. I loved it, it's a credit to your great talent in the field, and it was unquestionably the best animated Marvel adaptation ever made, series, movie, or otherwise.

Greg responds...

Thank you.

Response recorded on August 30, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

in the future where u know for a fact that spectacular won't get renewed-even though it was made pretty clear-would u ever consider posting something talking about some of your plans for the characters on the show. no every single character because that will take forever but some of the thing that ended on a cliffhanger like one question about man-wolf and kraven...and what you might've been planning for hobgoblin and scorpion. also, do u think the sales of the second season dvd's could have anything to do with sony not renewing the show because it kind of seems like they're waiting for that to get money out of the people who want a third season and think buying the dvd will help? the reason i ask that is because i read on marvel animation age that spec spidey is still a sony production and its up to them.

Greg responds...

Marvel says its up to Sony. Sony says its up to Marvel. Either way, the show's not coming back. But a new Ultimate Spider-Man series is currently in production with a number of good people on board.

As I've said RECENTLY, I probably will not be revealing much of what my plans might have been.

Response recorded on August 26, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

"I had plans for both John and Kraven -- in fact those plans were connected. But I'm not inclined to go into detail on them at this time. "

You, sir, are a horrible tease. If you ever are inclined to go into the plans you had for certain characters, etc. in the series, please, please do not hold out on us. :) For some of us, it's all we've got left to keep experiencing the greatest Spider-Man adaptation every produced. :)

Greg responds...

Thanks. But ideas divorced from execution are subject (particularly on the internet) to a level of second-guessing that I just think would be unpleasant.

Response recorded on August 25, 2010

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

Interesting background on Flash... You say that part of Flash's development would be becoming more aware of and dealing with his long held grudge to Peter. Does Peter have any inkling of why Flash turned on him? Not that he's given any indication of it openly, but was Flash's abandonment an emotionally scarring event, or was it lost in the greater trauma of his parent's deaths?

Greg responds...

Largely the latter, but I'm sure it felt like piling on. There was no way for a young Pete to understand why he couldn't see Flash anymore. One gets the sense that Flash's mom and Aunt May had many conversations about this. But Peter's sense of abandonment - and thus his emotional dependency on May and Ben -- would have only been heightened by Eugene. But that pales in scope to the loss of both parents.

Response recorded on August 25, 2010

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Greg Bishansky writes...

You know I loved "Spectacular Spider-Man" and I am sad that it is gone. Your recent answer on how Flash's enmity for Peter began fascinated me and depressed me at the same time. That was quite deep.

I'll admit, the element of the show that has been fascinating me the most is Emily Osborn. Mostly because this is the only continuity where she's actually alive (and thus a completely blank slate), and the few teases we got made me wonder what is up with her. What kind of mother is she? What kind of wife is she?

She was just so mysterious. We know why Norman and Harry missed the school play, but why didn't she go? That couldn't have been a coincidence.

And then, while I know it was non-canonical, when she finally did speak, and presented this mysterious tape from Norman, along with "the Green Goblin is not what your father wanted for you" it raised even more questions.

So, I need to ask. What role was she playing? Did she know Norman was/is the Green Goblin?

Greg responds...

I had very specific plans for Emily. But I'm just not seeing the benefit (to me) of elaborating on them at this time.

Response recorded on August 18, 2010

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Greg Bishansky writes...

I wrote this blog entry up a few months back, and I thought I'd share it with you. I'm curious as to your thoughts on the matter:

Ever since Disney bought Marvel, people have been asking Greg Weisman if he has any interest in integrating the "Gargoyles Universe" (which would be the first sixty-five episodes of the series, and the two SLG comic series "Gargoyles" and "Gargoyles: Bad Guys") into the Marvel Universe, and Weisman keeps saying no. Yet people keep asking him.

I love "Gargoyles" and I love the "Marvel Universe." I love "Gargoyles" more, and I'm not afraid to say it. But this is a terrible idea, and I'm going to talk about why it's a terrible idea.

First of all, the two universes are pretty incompatible. Time travel works differently in both universe for one. In "Gargoyles" you cannot alter history, and that series is so much better for it. If it were a part of Marvel, it would be too easy for Goliath to, let's say, go back in time and prevent the massacre of his clan back in 994 Scotland.

I suppose you could retcon away those Marvel time travel stories like "Age of Apocalypse" and "Days of Future Past." While I would not mind that, it wouldn't be fair to the fans and creators of those stories.

Second, while I have no doubt the existence of gargoyles would be shocking to the people of the Marvel Universe, it wouldn't have the same impact it should. Not in a world where mutants, super-beings, Atlanteans, Inhumans, Eternals, Norse gods, and Fin Fang Foom are already known to exist with Galactus stopping by every other Tuesday.

Third, okay, Marvel's Odin is now a Child of Oberon, as are the Asgardians. Okay... how well do you think that's going to go over with the fans of Jack Kirby's Thor who have been reading it for nearly fifty years now? Hell, there are still some people who are uneasy about Odin being subject to Oberon in "Gargoyles." I'm not one of those people, but I understand where they're coming from.

Now, I know some people are bound to mention the NON-CANON Radio Play from the 2009 Gathering, that was a crossover between "Gargoyles" and "The Spectacular Spider-Man," so let's get this out of the way. That wasn't actually the Marvel Universe. It was a re-imagined, and stream-lined version of it. It also helped that both shows were created or developed by Greg Weisman. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed it, but I don't think anyone wants this to be a regular, or even a recurring occurrence. I think it worked well as a pandering love letter to fans of both franchises, and the voice actors who brought these characters to life.

Finally, and perhaps most important, the Marvel Universe is not really going anywhere. It is very cyclical. Things come, things go, status quos change and are restored. Spider-Man is married for twenty years, then he is single again. Magneto reforms, then is a villain again, then reforms, etc, etc.

For example, I respect a lot of what Joe Quesada has done for Marvel. However, the notion of him having any kind of creative influence over "Gargoyles" scares me. "Goliath and Elisa were more interesting before they finally declared their love and got together. The core of it was always impossible love, so now we have to split them up." You know it would happen.

"The Gargoyles Universe" is going somewhere, even if we're currently not getting any new fiction, it was always evolving. Never going backwards, but moving forwards. It was an evolving tapestry, and change was constant. Marvel, on the other hand, lives and breathes on the illusion of change, while actual change is non-existent. Death is meaningless. Characters don't age, and the status quo may shake up on occasion, but it is always eventually restored.

The Marvel Universe was built by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko, and maintained by many very talented and creative people acting as custodians of that work. But, for better or worse, it is a soup with hundreds of cooks. Many great chefs, and more than a few fast food fry cooks.

"Gargoyles" was co-created by Greg Weisman, and while he had a lot of help, he was the only co-creator, and the one who never stopped working on it. He was the first author of "Gargoyles" and more than likely he will be the last author of "Gargoyles." For the better. We saw "Gargoyles" without Greg Weisman, and it was nothing good.

Both universes have their place, but you couldn't merge them without one of them being significantly altered in the process. Now, I will admit my bias again and say that I wish the "Marvel Universe" was more like the "Gargoyles Universe" but, there's no real point. It's been around for nearly five decades (over seven if you want to talk about Timely Comics), and it's not going to change. As I've made clear, I think that's kind of the problem, but an understandable one given the nature of Marvel Comics. DC too, for that matter.

Now, I realize a lot of the above makes it look like I'm saying "Gargoyles" is great and Marvel is awful, but I don't feel that way at all. I just don't think such a thing would work without one of the universes suffering for it.

Greg responds...

I agree.

The Radio Play was a ... lark, a goof. But even if we were ONLY talking about the Spectacular Universe merging with Gargoyles, I'd be opposed.

Response recorded on August 18, 2010

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Mo writes...

Hello again Mr. Weisman. First, let me say how sorry I am that Spec Spidey was cancelled. It truly was the best show Marvel ever produced and was the first I honestly felt told stories of the web-slinger and didn't talk down to it's audience. Bravo on making an excellent program.

This does, however, make me all the more excited about Young Justice. I never read that specific series, but i've been a fan of Teen Titans for a while (including the trippy TV series) and am really looking forward to this series. I have a few questions, though:

1) Why the change in Aqualad's character? Was Garth just not interesting enough or was Jackson just cooler? And did the idea for him come from the comic first or did you guys make it up?
2) Why add Ms. Martian to the roster? She's a fun character to be sure, but doesn't exactly scream classic Titans/YJ member (It sort of seems like she's a stand-in for Starfire as the 'alien immigrant' of the team).
3) Will any voice actors from Spec Spidey be working on Young Justice?

Thanks again.

Greg responds...

Just to be clear, Marvel did not produce Spectacular Spider-Man, though of course they were very involved. But Sony produced the series, not Marvel.

1. The idea came from myself, Brandon Vietti and Phil Bourassa, though we had many, many conversations with the folks at DC, including Geoff Johns, obviously. And obviously, we think he's an interesting and cool character, or we would not have put him in there.

2. She's not a stand-in for Starfire at all - not in our minds. She's not a stand-in for anyone. To be honest, you need to get out of the mindset of some kind of fixed team, where all we did was substitute a few characters here for a few characters there. That wasn't our process AT ALL. We began with a list of over fifty teen heroes (male and female) and chose the ones that worked best for us on a number of different levels, ranging from chronology, power mix, personality, iconicness, dynamics, etc. We really started from scratch, with no preconceptions. It would be best if the fans did the same.

3. Yes, some.

Response recorded on August 18, 2010

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Edgar writes...

Hi I am Edgar and I am a fan of spider man and the cartoons they are of it. I have been watching the new show "The Spectacular Spider-Man" and is going good and i think you should keep going with. If this is a real website that Greg Weisman reads him self please continue the season 3, the last two where great and since you are making this show i thought it would be best to find a way to tell you. I know this is out of topic here in Gargoyles but this is the only way i found of contacting you so far. Please continue with the show don't stop like they did with "Spider-Man - 1994 animated series". So hopefully you will read this and change our mind. Thank You for making does two episodes so for i would give them 9.5/10 and you will continue with the work. Thank You for your time if you reads this.

Greg responds...

This is a real website that Greg Weisman (me) reads, but I have no control over whether or not a Season 3 was ordered, and unfortunately it was not. It's just not up to me. Sorry.

Response recorded on August 16, 2010

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AJC writes...

Very excited for your new series! Its good that you can move on to something else, especially after how spec spidey ended.

My questions are, how much have you watched of teen titans and justice league and JLU?

Will you watch the new ultimate spider-man cartoon when it comes out?

Greg responds...

I've watched many Justice League, Justice League Unlimited and Teen Titans episodes (particularly from the early seasons of each) but not every single episode.

And, no, I won't watch Ultimate Spider-Man, though that's not a dig at it. If it's great, it'll just drive me crazy with envy. If it's not, it'll just drive me crazy with frustration. It's a no win proposition for me. So I might as well just avoid it.

Response recorded on August 16, 2010

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Ming writes...

Hi. First, I heard about what happened to the Spectacular Spider-Man. I'm sorry you didn't have a chance to do all the things you wanted to do. I would have loved to see stories Venom vs. Carnage, Harry Osborn as the New Green Goblin, the Hobgoblin, the deaths of Gwen Stacy and Harry Osborn or a shortened version of the Clone Saga or the return of Norman Osborn. Ah, well, so much for possibilities.

Anyway, I'd like to ask about Young Justice:

1) Will you be adapting Young Justice or Teen Titans storylines (i.e., Young Justice: A World without Grown-Ups)?

2) I heard that Red Arrow (or at least, the Roy Harper before Cry for Justice and "Rise" of Arsenal, which I don't know if you've heard of) and Tempest will show up. Any other Titans or Young Justice characters that will show up as the show progresses?

Greg responds...

1. You'll have to wait and see.

2. Yes.

Response recorded on August 16, 2010

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Alex writes...

Dear Greg,
You may remember my name. I wrote to you twice concerning if I could help write the third season of the Spectacular Spider-Man. Yes I realize taht was stupid but I don't care about that anymore or if you even reply the two earlier messages. Yes I realize there won't be a third season and we'll never see possibly grestest Spider-Man TV show yet. I only have a few things to say. I want to thank you for two years of seeing this show. They have been the best two years yet. I just want to say that this is probably by far the greatest Spider-Man TV show. Why? It wasn't because of the first animated appearances of the Enforcers, Tinkerer, Colonel Jupiter, Ricochet, or Molten Man. Or the other villains I've come to love in this show (most notably Hammerhead, Electro, Sandman, Rhino, Tombstone, Green Goblin, Kraven, Silver Sable, and Silvermane). I like it because in a way I am Peter Parker. Not physically, but with his love interests. I became friends with a girl who had glasses. She recently got contacts. But yet she went to a different school in the same district. I haven't seen her in a year. I rely on Facebook or e-mail to talk to her. But yet I sometimes get the feeling I may lose her to someone else. This is in a way like Gwen Stacy. The reason why I wish there was a third season is because I want to know how Peter would finally be with Gwen. (If he would.) If I don't know what happens, then I don't know what could happen to my own relationship. I know I shouldn't rely on a TV show to solve girl problems, but I think this show could make it possible for me to go all the way with her.

Right now, I don't care if this series becomes the longest Spider-Man TV show, I just wish if the third season could at least explain how Peter would get to be with Gwen. Also I would to see Spidey fight new threats. (The villains I would've loved to see were Scorpion, Hydro-Man, Tarantula, Beetle, Green Goblin II, Hobgoblin, Prowler, Carnage, and Jackal.) If possible, could tell me how Peter would be with Gwen and if any of the villains I listed would've made their appearances or if there were others I didn't list? If you can't do it here, you may feel free to e-mail me at luckygalucki@bellsouth.net. Once again, thank you for a great 26 episode series.

Your fan,
Alex Galucki

Greg responds...

I've already mentioned that Hobgoblin and Scorpion would have appeared in Season Three. Beyond that, I'm not inclined to reveal much... and certainly not to help you "go all the way" with a girl. (Even assuming I had that kind of power, which of course I don't.)

Response recorded on August 13, 2010

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Richard Jackson writes...

Hi Greg,

I'm a big fan. I work in South Korea teaching English and I thought you would be interested in your creations' progress over here.

I did some research on the internet and Gargoyles: The Movie and some season 1 episodes were released on VHS over here. What a collector's item those would be? The official translated name of the show is "Champion Goliath", but happily enough online Korean fans just call it "Gargoyles."

Channel surfing, I did see The Spectacular Spider-Man on the cartoon channel, 5:30, Saturday morning. That's actually a good time, since Korean children have Saturday school and 5:30am would be just the right time they're waking up.

Keep up the good work and hopefully I'll see Young Justice in Korea.

Greg responds...

Very cool! Thanks, Richard.

Response recorded on August 13, 2010

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mick jones writes...

What's with the Cindy Crawford mole on Pete's cheek in SSM?

Greg responds...

It's a Cheeks signature.

Response recorded on August 11, 2010

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Bill Friedman writes...

First, thank you for making both of your shows. I loved Gargoyles, but The Spectacular Spider-Man somehow managed to be even better, and I think was probably my favorite animated superhero story ever, and I await Young Justice eagerly.

Second, I had a question. If you had known at the start of the second season that you were certainly not going to get a third, what would you have done differently, if anything?

Thanks!
Bill

Greg responds...

Nothing different. Nothing at all.

("Both" my shows? Only two? Been a few more than that.) ;)

Response recorded on August 11, 2010

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Dan writes...

Hi Greg!
Even though the Spectacular Spider-man has been untimely canceled do you think it's possible that it could continue in some capacity? Perhaps in a comic like Gargoyles did?

Greg responds...

Someone JUST asked this. Check the latest responses.

Response recorded on August 11, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

Hello,Mr.Weisman.I want to ask some questions about Spectacular Spider-Man.

1)I know you originally wanted to use Kingpin as main crime lord in your show,but you couldn't due to rights to him tied to Fox,but you replaced him with Tombstone.But if you were allowed to use Kingpin,would he have same role as Tombstone(sending Enforcers to kill Spider-Man,creating super villains,allying with Norman Osborn,meeting with Venom,and obviously being in Gang War)?Would voice actor be different if you were allowed to use Kingpin?

2.When your show was canceled due to business and legal issues or something like that,i heard such things like "Disney/Marvel didn't care about show" or "Disney intentionally tried to ruin the show" or "It's Sony's fault that show was canceled" or similar things.Do you think that Disney/Marvel or Sony INTENTIONALLY tried to ruin the show or that they tried to save it? Do you blame them for show's fate or not?

3.One thing has interested me in your Gang War Arc.It's about Doctor Octopus henchmen.I know that he runs powerful super villain empire and that he is sort of Big Man Of Supervillains and he has bunch of supervillains to do his job,but i wanted to ask you,did Dr.Octopus had any normal,regular thugs in his employ?.In Reinforcements when Blackie Gaxton told Spider-Man about Master Planner,he mentioned that he(Master Planner/Doc Ock) hire thugs,crooks and construction workers.Also did you planed to use or take closer look to Doc Ock's empire in Gang War Arc?

4.I have question about Silvermane's robot suit.How did Silvermane got it?I mean,he just has it without any explanation.Did Tinkerer had something to do with it or he stole some technology from Oscorp Or Tri-Corp?I loved his suit,but still interesting how he got it.

5.Is there a chance that you could make Spectacular Spider-Man continuation in Comic Book?Did you approached Marvel about it?I know you are working on Young Justice,but still if were are some chance about Spectacular Spider-Man continuation.

6.In your show Jean DeWolff seems to distrust Spider-Man and saying that he goes to far in fighting crime.Is it simple distrust or something happened to Jean in past that she doesn't trust vigilantes.The Punisher is vigilante who goes to far and kills criminals.So did Jean DeWollf had met Punisher and had something to do with each other or she just simply distrusts Spider-Man?

And i will ask some important things

7.Did you and your crew intended episodes we have now to be different or they were made how you wanted?I mean did you had many ideas for current episode or you had different ideas for some episode but those ideas were dropped and you used current ideas.For example:I read that some fans thought that Gangland would be big battle between forces of each crimelord,but in Gangland only bosses fought with each other and their bodyguards played minor role.In other words,what were your original ideas for your episodes.

8.This question is similar to question 7.Did you and your crew planed to include some storylines or characters in seasons 1 and 2,but weren't include or made?For example did you wanted to include Scorpion in season 1 and 2 in some way or another or did you planed to include villains who appeared in season 2 to appear in season 1 or vica versa?And did you planed to make some episodes in Season 1 or 2 but they weren't made?

9.And most important question:Will you reveal your ideas for Season 3 any time soon?

I'm sorry if my questions bothered you.Good Luck

Greg responds...

1. The basics would be the same, I suppose. But I'm sure there would have been differences. No way to know about the voice actor. The thing to keep in mind is that the verdict that we couldn't use Kingpin came VERY early on in the process. It's not like we had fully formed ideas for Kingpin and then slotted Tombstone instead. We wanted a crime boss, and were told we couldn't use Kingpin and so chose Tombstone. THEN we came up with all the ideas.

2. No one intentionally set out to ruin a multi-million dollar investment. I think we had some bad luck and multiple corporations participated in some mismanagement of the series (in my opinion). But no single company is at fault, and no one had it "out" for us.

3. He used what he needed to use. And given enough episodes, we would have gone into greater depth on everything.

4. Tinkerer is my bet.

5. I'd love to, and I did approach Marvel about it, but they didn't respond. At this point, I'd guess they're pretty much focusing on the new show.

6. Punisher is not an issue.

7. What you saw on screen was what we wanted to put on screen. Anything else is OBVIOUSLY groundless rumors.

8. The answer is largely no. Again, what you saw is what we wanted to produce. I had some notions VERY early on to include Kraven, Kingpin and Human Torch in Season One. But we didn't have access to the latter two characters, and everyone (including me) eventually agreed that Kraven made more sense as a Season Two villain (after Spidey was better known). But again, all these decisions happened SO early in the process that we hadn't broken down the stories yet. They were just notions. What you saw is what we wanted you to see.

9. Probably not.

Response recorded on August 10, 2010

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garg and spidey fan writes...

Long time reader first time poster. Something that I found odd in season two of spectacular spider-man was how apparently Norman set up this mentor thing with Pete up in the season opener yet we hardly saw anything of it. There was the teaser for shear strength and that thing with Pete having an osberry prototype in a later episode but beyond that there wasn't really anything else we saw with this mentor thing. I wonder why was that? Did you originally intend to have more of it as a bigger lead in for Osborns reveal as the goblin and simply found there wasn't enough room for it in most episodes, or were we going to see some of this in flashbacks in a later episode where it would be relevant to the story? I ask because it really had me intrigued when i saw this in blueprints and I was slightly dissapointed with the end result not really being much of anything. Although for the record I really loved the show over all and was dissapointed it ended when it did.

Greg responds...

I think we got less of it in than we would have liked, mostly from issues of space. Only so many minutes of screen time in so many episodes.

But it also would have had long-term implications that now we'll never get to.

Response recorded on August 06, 2010

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Akeem M. writes...

Hey Greg,
Thank you for the two Spectacular seasons of what may be the best Spidey series ever. Unfortunately it was cut shorter than it should have been because of things that were beyond your or any of us fans’ control. I have a few questions about the show.

1) What race are Miles and Aaron Warren in the show? They are clearly tanned and a darker shade from the white characters in the show. Also, they are voiced by Brain George, who normally plays South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, etc) characters. So I’m wondering what specific race you made them. And hey I might as well throw Ox from the Enforcers as well, who is also clearly tanned and his voice actor is Latino (Mexican to be specific), so is it right to assume that Ox is Mexican?

2) You said you had plans for Emily Osborn as she is dead in the comics and has been dead since Harry’s birth. My first assumption is to have someone to run Oscorp while Norman is “out of the picture” as Harry is too young to be a CEO of a business. Is this the case, or were there other things behind her inclusion. She just seemed to be there in the scenes we’ve seen her in; she was either cutting food or walking away. Was she in on the identity and antics of her husband’s costumed criminal alter ego?

3) You have also mentioned you had long term plans for Kraven the Hunter in his beastly form. Since we won’t be seeing those plans come to the small screen at all I would like to ask what those plans were. Most people think that you were just going to make him human again, either via Calypso, or some other way. Were your plans for him about regretting his choice to become mutated in order to beat Spidey? Please let us know what your plans were, as it is an intriguing departure from the comics (and you tesased us about it).

4) Now, according to you in, your Spectacular universe it is now well known to the public that Norman Osborn is the Green Goblin after his “final” fight in Season 2. In the comics, the Green Goblin’s identity was a mystery to the general public in the comics until real recently in Spidey’s comic history. In fact, before Norman came back from the dead, Norman’s hobby was the leverage that Roderick Kingsley had on the Osborn family for blackmail during his stint as the Hobgoblin. I’m curious to know why you made this decision and how the Hobgoblin story would have been handled with the information that Roderick had just out in the open to everyone in New York like that.

5) Also, even though it's all moot now, I need to know, what were your major plans for the show had it continued...provided that what you answered above wasn't all of it. You don’t need to give any SPECIFIC details since aside from Hobgoblin and Scorpion showing up in season 3 and Peter graduating high school at the end of the series' run, nothing was ever really set in stone. However you did have some ideas about where you wanted the series to go, and I can assure you that the many other fans and I would love to hear any of your ideas about where you were headed with the show. And...the fact that I'm kinda desprate for ANYTHING Spidey related now that there is nothing on TV until next year....

Greg responds...

1. Yes, we were thinking Indo-European for Aaron Warren and Indian-American for Miles Warren. (The theory was that the Warren moved to the U.S. while older brother Aaron was young and before Miles was born - to explain their differing accents.) Ox is Hispanic. We never specified beyond that.

2. I'm not in the mood to reveal this at this time. (See the answer to #5 for why.)

3. Ditto.

4. Tritto.

5. I had many specific ideas, some of which would undoubtedly have changed over the course of production. But I'm just not too inclined to reveal them. It's not that I'm trying to torture you, it's just that there's no way I can do them justice in this format. I write "X" would have happened, and that one statement will get dissected across the internet. And any idea is only as good as its execution - which you'll now never get to see. It may sound stupid here, but I might have been able (with the help of Vic Cook and all my other many collaborators) to pull it off on the series and have everyone think I'm a genius. Or not. But at least it would have had a shot. I just don't feel like opening myself up to potential second-guessing based on raw notions as opposed to executed episodes.

Response recorded on August 05, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

For some reason, Man-Wolf is a very cool villain to me. I loved what you were doing with John in the show. Did you have a plan to make him Man-Wolf? It seemed like Professor Warren was going to be the perfect catalyst/enabler for that transformation.

Also, you once said that even if one didn't like the transformation of Kraven, to bear with it because you had some really cool plans extending from that. Would you be able to give us an idea of what those plans were?

Greg responds...

I had plans for both John and Kraven -- in fact those plans were connected. But I'm not inclined to go into detail on them at this time.

Response recorded on August 04, 2010

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

one last question:
In response to my appreciative ramble on your portrayal of Flash Thompson in the cartoon you answered that you had specific ideas about when and why Flash stopped liking Peter and being friends but you were on the fence about revealing them. Similarly on when he transitioned to actually tormenting Peter and whether all this took place before or after Peter’s parents’ deaths. If you have come off the fence in whole or in part I’d love to hear more.

You also said that Flash’s well timed hauling of Peter over the coals for his bad treatment of others was the reason he was went to the hospital and not to visit Aunt May. (Though I suppose he may have visited as well.) If despite all the animosity he believes he justly holds towards Peter he still came and did that, it speaks all the more highly of him. Also kudos to the animators for giving him that annoyed look that fits very well with: ‘I have to be doing this right thing here, but you really don’t deserve it’.

Greg responds...

Hmmm...

Okay. Here's my thinking. Peter and Flash were best friends at age @4. Then Peter's parents died. Flash's dad was a soldier and then a cop (both dangerous jobs). Young Flash couldn't deal with being that close to death. He didn't want to play with Peter anymore. And in his own YOUNG mind he had to find a way to justify/rationalize his decision that wasn't about his fears. So he convinced himself that Peter was a stuck-up egghead (or somesuch) who deserved to be dumped as a friend.

By the time WE meet Flash and Peter at the beginning of their junior year of high school, Flash's mindset is fairly well entrenched and the original reason for it is lost to him. Somewhere deep down, he knows better and given enough time and episodes we would have eventually dealt with this objectively in the series. Not to be, I'm afraid...

Response recorded on August 03, 2010

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

This is touching on the type of theoretical questions you hate, but I’ll attempt it…

Are there any shows you watch that you wish you were involved in? Any shows you are glad you weren’t involved with because you wouldn’t want it any other different than it is? Any shows you didn’t enjoy, but think you could have made the concept shine? I don’t necessarily mean something you worked on and it didn’t work out, (like when you wrote the series bible to Roswell Conspiracies or the like), I mean even seeing a cartoon as an adult that you enjoyed as a child and thinking ‘if I were doing that…’. That creative itch that sometimes hits when watching a show and really wanting to play in that sandbox.

I figure either you'll hate this question or one or two examples will suddenly spring to mind.

Greg responds...

Yeah... I would have loved to work with Joss Whedon on Buffy or Angel or Firefly. Not that I think I would have improved on it, but I would just have loved to play in that world with the master.

There are cartoon series I was really jealous of, like the MTV Spider-Man series. But (no surprise) I'm over that now.

I haven't seen anything but a few clips of the upcoming series, so this isn't a comment on it per se, but I would have loved to do an Avengers series. Frankly, I would have loved to have taken what we did on SpecSpidey and widened it, building an entire Marvel Universe. It's one of the things that's so fun about Young Justice. We're not just adapting YJ or Teen Titans, but the entire DC Universe (or one of them (#16) anyway).

The Highlander TV series was one where I thought it had moments of greatness, but was also a bit of a mess at times. I would have loved the POWER (Bwahaha) to grab the reins of that one.

I'm sure there are plenty of other examples, as I have generally -- and I'm not proud of this -- lived a professional life filled with (and marred by) tremendous ENVY. I just can't think of any others at this time. At least not any others that wouldn't get me in some trouble. ;)

Response recorded on August 03, 2010

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

I read an interesting article arguing that Ditko walked away from Spiderman because of an affront to his Objectivism principles. Specifically that he was setting up Norman Osborn to be Peter’s mentor and an exemplar of Objectivism. I was wondering what your thoughts were on the theory, and if there was ever a thought about it when working on Spectacular Spiderman?

Greg responds...

I won't pretend I'm an expert on Objectivism or even on the reasons why Ditko left Spider-Man.

We did set Norman up as a mentor to Peter... but this was in line with how we had interpreted the character. Whether or not Mr. Ditko would like our interpretation is a question, I cannot of course answer.

Response recorded on August 03, 2010

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lamberto writes...

i was wondering how your production team came to the decision on how to pronounce sha shan nguyen's last name. it is also my last name and since i was young i have always pronounced it "new-win". yet others pronounce it "new-yen". just curious. you don't see "nguyen" much in the media.

Greg responds...

Basically, I knew someone with the last name "Nguyen" and she pronounced it "wen". So I assumed that was how it was pronounced.

Response recorded on July 14, 2010

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Z_n_a_k writes...

Dear Greg,please tell me,when will we see third season Spectacular Spiderman?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

There won't be a third season. Please check the archives for more information.

Response recorded on June 30, 2010

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anonymous writes...

Hello,
I checked the archives and didn't see it asked, so if it was, sorry. I'm confused. You said that the timeline for "The Spectacular Spider-Man" is basically the 1962 era, when Spidey first meets his foes and when he first meets the early Marvel heroes, like Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, and Ant Man as examples. You mentioned Donald Blake hasn't gone to Norway yet and become Thor, but I thought Thor was from 1962 and made his debut before Spider-Man? Anyway, I wanted to ask, when does this show go into the "1963" era of your show? Season three, if there is one? Has it basically started since the January and on episodes of season two?

Thanx for reading. :)

Greg responds...

Spidey and Thor both debuted in August 1962. But you're taking my statement too literally. It's not a one-for-one ratio, i.e. 2008 = 1962 and 2009 = 1963. We were adapting a huge, sprawling work -- and as you know -- bringing in characters from multiple eras to do it. So in my mind, Donald Blake had not gone to Norway yet. Just a decision I made, basically.

Response recorded on June 29, 2010

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Frederick writes...

Hi, Greg. I wanted to know if there's a website or magazine or SOMETHING that has ratings/updates for Spiderman in it? I'm sure you get a lot of questions asking for the status of the series, and I wanted to know if we can be proactive and check a source or something.

Greg responds...

Well, by now, you probably know that the decision has been made not to renew Spectacular. In any case, no, I know of no website.

Response recorded on June 29, 2010

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Yotam writes...

Dear Greg,

I suspect you are not permitted to give out any information regarding the matter about which I'm about to ask, but seeing as how I have nothing to lose by simply asking, I'll just go ahead and hope for the best:

What can you say regarding the current status of The Spectacular Spider-Man TV status? Has the show been officially cancelled? I've figured that might be the case considering it's been a while since the last time anything was said about the show, but I wanted to get an official word before losing hope.

Best regards,
Yotam.

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

It's been cancelled.

Response recorded on June 28, 2010

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AJC writes...

Hi

Sorry this isn't about the ASM comic you wrote, although I will read it soon. This is a question I was surprised no one has asked and I'm wondering if you thought about it. My question is concerned with the Spectacular Spider-man show. What's unique about your series is that well, its serialized. We're seeing Peter grow up month by month and were watching the seasons of the year change. I'm assuming you aren't going to do a time jump or anything so finally here are my questions: did you vic, or cheeks ever question how you were going to show pete age visually? Considering this is not like other tv shows where there is no strict chronological time line, did you talk about having peter's design change every year, every mid season etc. to reflect that he is getting older? What about other characters?

I hope I remember to come back and find this question in your blog many months (or years!) ahead because I am intrigued by how you will answer this.

Greg responds...

We talked about it a bit. But our entire first two seasons took place over seven months. And you wouldn't necessarily expect to see much of a change in such a short time. Not that it couldn't happen. Teens certainly shoot up, but as we saw it, Peter would not. As for what might have been... we'll never know.

Response recorded on June 28, 2010

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John writes...

Love Spectacular Spider-Man, great show. Personally, I like it because it reminds me of Lee/Ditko and Lee/Romita, rather than the increasingly complex and twisting story lines of the present.

1) Will Gwen die? I have to know. You've said that you wanted to "stay true to the themes" from the comics, but I always thought Gwen's death was sort of unnecessary.

2) On imdb, I read that you wanted Venom and Spider-Man to settle their differences and become allies. That seem so completely implausible that I had to ask about it.

Greg responds...

All this is pretty moot now, but...

1. Everyone dies eventually.

2. I never said that. Gotta love the internet.

Response recorded on June 25, 2010

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Rohan writes...

Okay, whether or not it actually happens, are you in support of a third season for spectacular spiderman? I know it's based on ratings (and we have a lot of signatures on the petition site), but do you want it to happen?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

It's moot now. Check the archives.

Response recorded on June 25, 2010

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Matt writes...

Greg,
I noticed that almost every single villain gets an episode or two (sometimes more) to be introduced to the audience before taking on Spider-Man in Spectacular Spider-Man. Rhino, Sandman, and the Enforcers were thugs, and Hammerhead has had a few bits of his past revealed as well. So why did you choose the opposite course of action for Tombstone?

Also, excellent issue of Amazing Spider-Man. Flash Thompson seems to be a hard character to really understand, but you truly understand Flash. Thank you.

Greg responds...

I didn't. Tombstone appears in episode one.

Thanks. I'm glad you liked the Flash story.

Response recorded on June 24, 2010

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Greg Bishansky writes...

This is a question I've been sitting on for a while. But, does Mendel Stromm exist in "The Spectacular Spider-Man" Universe? Part of me would think that he does, but at the same time, the more I think about him, the more redundant he becomes.

Obviously, in the comics, he was the creator of the formula that transformed Norman Osborn into the Green Goblin. Although, in this series, Norman claims that he invented the globulin green... and, while he's not exactly trustworthy, I haven't been given a reason to doubt him.

Yeah, he could fill the role of the scientist partner that Norman screwed over, but we've got that in Adrian Toomes... sort of. Granted they weren't business partners, but Norman screwed him over and stole his invention. Otto also fills a role as a scientist in Osborn's employ who Norman stabbed in the back.

And, as a supervillain, Stromm was the self titled, Robot Master. Which would feel redundant if the much more interesting Spencer Smythe and his Spider-Slayers ever pop up.

Like you, I try to think of the core truth of who these characters are, and Stromm's role seems to be filled by other, more interesting characters.

So, I'm curious, does he exist? Or has he gone the way of Herman Schultz?

Greg responds...

It's kinda moot at this point, but in my mind... Stromm's been Schultzed.

Response recorded on June 23, 2010

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Mo writes...

Hi. No questions this time, just had some quick comments:

1) I read your issue of ASM. Fun stuff. I liked the use of the framing device; it was a nice story to go along with the Morbius feature. I hope you write some more issues in the future.
2) I read on Wikipedia that Boomerang will appear in the 4th season of Spidey as a new member of the Enforcers. I'm not asking if it's true, I just thought you might find it funny.
3) If the show's renewed by the time you get this, congrats. If not, i'm pulling for ya.

Thanks again!

Greg responds...

1. Me too.

2. Well, that was certainly not based on anything I ever said. But it's all moot now.

3. Thanks, but...

Response recorded on June 10, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey Greg! I was just rewatching a couple of episodes of TSSM and a few more questions came to mind.

1. In Opening Night, why didn't they confiscate Spidey's webbing when they locked him in the Vault? If he was a real prisoner, they surely would have....
2. Also, I noticed that in the end of said episode, Hobie says "Goblin shall restore amends" instead of "Robin shall restore amends." Obviously this was intentional, but what was DEVERAUX's motivation for changing the line?
3. Had Nick Bottom not been cast before Flash got the part?
4. In Subtext, Hobie is seen at the rehearsal with MJ and Liz. Though I don't Midsummer's by heart, I assuming that meant that he already had a part (he at least had lines - he was cut off by Deveraux again). What was his original part and who replaced him when he became Puck?

Greg responds...

1. True, but that wasn't the point of the exercise. You can't confiscate Rhino's skin. Or Sandman's sand. Some villains just HAVE their powers. So they wanted to see if they could hold a powered hero.

2. Devereaux had clearly modeled the costumes of Cobweb and Puck after Spider-Man and the Green Goblin. He thought that would give the play more resonance for his audience. It was one of the conceits of the production, so he made minor changes to the text to emphasize his choices.

3. No. Devereaux hadn't found anyone in the audition who seemed capable of it. My guess is he was considering "having no choice but to play the part myself"... until he saw Flash's, uh, performance and knew he had the perfect ass for the part.

4. Philostrate, and he still played both parts.

Response recorded on June 09, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

Hey Greg, The Gargoyles/Spectacular Spider-Man Crossover You Wrote For The Radio Play At The Gathering is Canon Right? Or it will be once Disney approves to make it right? i mean since Disney now bought marvel comics and that's what you intended for it?

Greg responds...

As I've said many times before: NO. Not canon for either series. Just a bit of fun.

Response recorded on June 09, 2010

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PPL writes...

Hi Greg,

This isn't about Amazing Spider-Man #622, but is sort of related, and something I was wondering about for a while.

How did it come about that Tricia Helfer was cast as the voice of Black Cat on TSSM? I think most people would have known her from Battlestar Galactica, in which she plays a somewhat similar role*.

I noticed that she also voiced Black Cat in a Spider-Man game from 2008. Do you know whether she first did recordings for TSSM or for that game?

I ask because it doesn't seem like she's best known for her voice acting, but also that I wouldn't expect you to allow the casting of voice actors on one of your show solely based only on their reputation as a live-action actor.

*Or multiple roles, if one wants to get into that kind of discussion, but that hardly seems like the right thing to bring up here.

Greg responds...

Actually, we often cast voice actors solely on their abilities on-camera. (Not on their reputations, but on the evidence.) On rare occasions, we're disappointed. Usually, we're not.

I never watched the new Battlestar Galactica, so I was unfamiliar with Tricia's work on it, though I've since seen her in many other things, including Burn Notice and Chuck. But I believe voice director Jamie Thomason suggested her for the role of Black Cat. I also believe that she did Black Cat for us first, before the video game. I know I didn't know about her playing Cat in the game when we cast her, so that's either a remarkable coincidence or else the game followed our lead.

Response recorded on June 08, 2010

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Alex writes...

This is a question about Spectacular Spider-Man, have you guys actually started on season 3 and beyond or are you waiting for the ok from the network executives?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

I've already answered this one. Please check the archives.

Response recorded on June 07, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

I recall that you've only seen a couple of episodes of Spider-Man TAS, and from your descriptions, I believe they were Season 3 episodes. But the curious thing is that in Alien Costume Part One, a Season 1 episode, the symbiote came to earth via John Jameson's space shuttle, much in the way as in TSSM. So my question is: Is this a simple case of great minds think alike, or was the idea of bringing the symbiote in that way proposed by someone else on the crew who may have seen more of TAS?

Greg responds...

It was my idea and I haven't seen the TAS episode, so I think it's just a logic thing. Watching Spider-Man 3, the coincidence level of the symbiote striking so close to Spidey and his scooter just was a bit much for me. If TAS used the same method than I assume we were using the same logic. Whether that makes our minds great is another matter.

Response recorded on June 04, 2010

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Merc with a Mouth writes...

1. In an episode of SSM Spidey says this side of Vlad the Impaler what does that mean? Did Vlad have split personalities or something?

Greg responds...

I'm afraid I don't remember the line - let alone its context - but I'm guessing you're misinterpreting it.

Response recorded on May 28, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey Greg!
Don't know if you'll know this, but when Sony relinquished Spider-Man TV rights, did that include the theme song? In other words, assuming TSSM comes back (and I'm also assuming that it will have already been renewed by the time you get this), then will you be able to use the same theme song, or will you have to make a new one? 'Cause I LOVE that theme song!!!!!!! (Although I'm sure you could another one just as good....)

Greg responds...

I love the song too, but your question is unfortunately moot now.

Response recorded on May 27, 2010

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Merc with a Mouth writes...

1. What's Season 3's status as of the end of Season 2?

2. Will you be able to use any Spidey/Punisher team up arcs?

3. If you use Human Torch will you be able use the rest of the FF?

4. Also will you have Sandman and Electro join the Frightful Four and use the arc where they ambush Spidey on the Statue of Liberty?

5. Also will Sandman reform?

6. Will we see Daredevil? I doubt it but just wondering.

7. Sorry about all these questions

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

This is all moot now. Please check the archives.

Response recorded on May 26, 2010

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Lauren writes...

When we see Felicia drive up to Ryker's in "Opening Night," her ID says Selina Drew. Is the Selina bit a reference to Catwoman, or just a coincidence?

Greg responds...

Call it an homage to Catwoman and Spiderwoman. Or an in-joke.

Response recorded on May 25, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

Hi Mr.Weisman,i love your Spectacular Spider-Man show.It is a fantastic show which i recommend for everyone to watch and i hope Marvel/Disney will renew series.I am very worried that this show may not be renewed or may be there will be some major staff and writer changes and show will become like Gargoyles:The Goliath Chronicles which you consider non-canonical and fans don't really like it.Anyway i have some questions.
1)First of all i know you planned everything from day one(i mean about plotlines,character development,episodes and etc).So i want to ask you do you felt the pressure when you and your team made episodes,do you felt that fans might have considered your show a mediocre one or just they wouldn't like the episodes?
2)What's your opinion about other Marvel shows like Wolverine And X-Men,Iron Man Armored:Adventures and Super Hero Squad Show?
3)Are the chances that there might be release of Spectacular spider-man soundtrack?
4)I'm bit confused,since Disney owns Marvel and Sony returned tv rights of Spider-Man to them,can we fans expect appearance of Wilson Fisk,The Kingpin Of Crime?And does Kingpin exist in Spectacular Spider-Man universe?I mean you can't use other superheroes in your show(yet) but they exist in Spectacular Spider-man universe,so i wonder,does Kingpin exist in Spectacular Spider-Man universe?
So this all my questions,sorry if i made some grammar errors.Bye

Greg responds...

1. Well, you always worry. But we liked what we were doing, and we hoped others would too.

2. I haven't seen them.

3. I'd love it, but I don't know if there are any plans for that.

4. All moot now.

Response recorded on May 24, 2010

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Whatsit Tooya writes...

Sorry, I missed part of the guidelines, my mistake, please forgive me.

P.S.
Why does Disney XD promote "Zeke and Luther" so much instead of TSSM?

Greg responds...

Do they?

Response recorded on May 24, 2010

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Jason R. Carter writes...

1. "Reinforcement" question: if Vulture and Electro were the appetizer and Sandman and Rhino were the main course, what did that make Kraven and Mysterio?

2. Have you seen this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeMnUuoeCwI

Greg responds...

1. Uh... dessert?

2. The link didn't take me to any specific video, and I don't have time to watch all the ones on the page.

Response recorded on May 20, 2010

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The!!? writes...

In, "Subtext" Molten Man put Spidey in a bear hug basically and the only thing that was burned was Spidey's suit, I would think there would be more damage...maybe you can explain this for me?

Greg responds...

It's a cartoon.

But seriously, you didn't SEE what damage there might have been under the suit. And we know Pete heals relatively quickly.

Response recorded on May 20, 2010

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Romi Ramirez writes...

Hi sir i have to no im a very huge big fan of spectacular spiderman please you have to make season 3 just like the rest of ur fans we want see more..thank you i just had to tell u. ps would peter get baq liz she really seem to love him?

Greg responds...

Sorry, but it wasn't up to me... and all the various companies (Marvel, Disney, Sony, Hasbro) decided against it.

Response recorded on May 20, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

So.... Just who WAS Patch's mystery employer in Accomplices? I'd think it was triple J, but I'm not 100% certain....

Greg responds...

Yes, Jonah was fronting him - with the caveat that he had damn well better NOT win the auction.

Response recorded on May 19, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

"IGN: This week he quickly revealed himself to what was left of the Sinister Six. Why did he want to keep it a secret from them last week? "

"Weisman: I think what we saw this week was his inner circle. Tinkerer, Electro, Vulture â€" that's the inner circle. Those people were in on it. But not every member of the Sinister Six was part of that inner circle. So although Sandman, Rhino, Kraven are all free, on the loose and still affiliated with the Master Planner, none of the three of them were part of the inner circle, so they didn't know that Ock was the Master Planner. But the other three did know. So that's what we were trying to show by keeping specifically those three in â€" to tell you the hierarchy. "

1. Now correct if I'm wrong, but I got the vibe that Electro had no idea. In Reinforcement, though I don't remember the exact line, he said something along the lines of how the Doc has changed and isn't the same man anymore, and that he was really disappointed. Then in Shear Strength, he was completely confounded by Ock's revelation! "I don't get it, Doc...." So.... can you explain to this confused fan?
2. Why those three? I've always kind of gotten the feeling of kinship between Ock and Vulture - in Survival of the Fittest, though is Toomes is yelling at Octavius, he also says that Otto recommended Oscorp, so they must've been acquainted beforehand. But Electro? I can understand why he looks up to Otto (I've done a whole character analysis on Electro, in fact), but I can't imagine that Ock would just keep him in the loop to have a good, loyal henchman.... And I mean, Tinkerer's great at, y'know, tinkering and all that, but so's Ock himself, so it's not like he really NEEDS the squealer!

As always, thanks for your time!

Greg responds...

1. He was in on it. Play-acting in Reinforcement. But just because he was in on it, doesn't mean he understood why the subterfuge was necessary.

2. Otto & Adrien are old friends. Maxwell is ridiculously loyal AND powerful. And Tinkerer was useful and necessary since Otto was in Ravencroft.

Response recorded on May 19, 2010

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Robby Barrows writes...

I wonder, how would you handle Carnage and Cletus Cassidy in [i]Spectacular Spider-Man[/i]? Are there any plans for season three for them to appear?

And are more Marvel characters going to appear? Like Thor, the X-Men, Captain America, Black Panther, Iron Man?

Greg responds...

Cletus already appeared.

The rest is moot, though as I've said MANY times, we were not given permission to use other Marvel heroes, so it wasn't up to us.

Response recorded on May 19, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey, again, Greg!
So, I recall you saying somewhere (I think on the Season Set) that the reason you redesigned the Vulture was because you didn't want too many green villains....
So, and I'm not sure if you can say this, but I don't really see it as a spoiler, when you guys design Scorpion, do you want to use his blue suit? Or have you not yet decided yet?
Thanks Greg! Good luck tomorrow! (I'm writing this the day before the finale airs - you'll be able to tell me how it went by the time you get this!)

Greg responds...

I think Hasbro didn't want too many green villains. We didn't mind, but I do think our version of Vulture turned out very cool. And he's still a bit green (what appears mostly black is really very dark green, I think).

But Scorpion's design is a bit moot now.

Response recorded on May 19, 2010

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adam g writes...

so is there any news on spiderman i know its a faq but i just want to know if they have given you the green light?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

I've already answered this. Please check the archives.

Response recorded on May 18, 2010

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Rottieboy writes...

Greg-Spetacular Spider-Man is a great show! I hope it has been renewed by the time you read this. Anyways my question is why did Pete try to destroy the symbiote by freezing it when it came from the vacuum of space? How could anything on Earth top the cold of space?

Thanks to you and all your staff and actors for the best Spider-Man adaption ever.

Greg responds...

Very good point. I think at the very least he hoped to contain it.

Response recorded on May 17, 2010

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nicholas writes...

im a big fan of the spectacular spiderman who is the man in the airport in the last episode of season 2 and why did you all show him
if the season 3 is aloud to be aired would it come out next year
AND PLZ PLZ PLZ PLZ BEG THE TO ALLOW IT TO HAVE A SESON 3 PLZ PLZ PLZ PLZ

Greg responds...

Not up to me. Sorry.

And I think you know who the man in the airport is: Vic Cook!

Oh, you meant the OTHER man: Curt Connors.

Or were you talking about Mr. Roman?

Response recorded on May 17, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Arthur Jr. writes...
* I got your response for the Sinister Syndicate question. While Boomerang, Hydro-Man, Leila Davis (who became the second Beetle), Rhino, Scorpia, and Speed Demon are Spider-Man's enemies, you might be right about the other three. Outside of Beetle first appearing to fight the Fantastic Four and later fighting Spider-Man when getting revenge on Human Torch, Blacklash is an Iron Man villain who Spider-Man helped fight in Marvel Team-Up #72 and #149. Constrictor first appeared in Incredible Hulk #212 and fought Spider-Man and Moon Knight alongside Ringmaster in Marvel Team-Up Vol. 3 #7. Just giving any side info there in case you gain some inspiration for one of the possible future seasons.

Wow.... I have just been out-geeked....
I am going to tell myself that he looked that up....

Greg responds...

Hey, it out-geeked me too!

Response recorded on May 17, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Paul writes...
2) Is there a voice modulator in the Green Goblin's mask? (Surely there must be, since it's hard to believe that Norman puts on the Goblin's voice himself).

Greg responds...
2. I believe so.

Now how come when I asked that same question, you wouldn't answer? :(

Greg responds...

When did you ask? What had aired at that time?

Anyway, don't take it personally. This site is totally dependent on my whim, my mood, etc. Catch me on a good day, and I can be quite cooperative. On another day, not so much.

Response recorded on May 17, 2010

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Fred M. writes...

Not really a question but something I thought of today... I absolutely love the fact that Doc Ock continues to refer to Spider-Man as "arachnid" and Shocker continually refers to him as "bug"...Obviously Doc Ock is a doctor and an extreme intellect and Shocker is portrayed as a little more of a "good ol' boy" type who wouldn't worry about such detail.... I thought of that today and thought "Hmm, that's a very interesting layer to the series" Kudos on the depth of this "kids" show!!

Greg responds...

We tried our best to give each of Spidey's opponents his or her own voice, and not just give them generic villain dialogue. Thanks for noticing.

Response recorded on May 17, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

Do you know if they plan to make season 3 of "The spectacular spider-man"?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Check the archives.

Response recorded on May 17, 2010

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Arthur Jr. writes...

Mr. Weisman, I just read your response about the amalgamizing of characters. I have some other questions here:

1. Though the Ringmaster and his Circus of Crime is one of Spider-Man's enemies, they first appeared in "The Incredible Hulk" #3. I was wondering if that will prevent you from using Ringmaster and his Circus of Crime in any episode of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" in case you don't get the rights for the character.

2. I read on the archives that someone asked if Stan Lee will have more cameos in any proposed season of "The Spectacular Spider-Man." He's also voicing the Mayor of Super Hero City in "The Super Hero Squad Show" which is voice directed by Jamie Simone (who provided Akamaru's vocal effects in "Naruto"). In case you've seen the episodes that feature his characters, what do you think of Stan Lee's performance in that show?

3. If Courtney B. Vance reprises Roderick Kingsley in the proposed Season Three, will you use another voice actor to voice Hobgoblin like you did with Alan Rachins voicing Norman Osborn and Steven Blum voicing Green Goblin? I think something like that also occurred when you and Jamie Thomason casted Clancy Brown to voice Ox in "Survival of the Fittest" and later casted Danny Trejo as Ox in "Probable Cause." Do you have any comment on that?

Greg responds...

1. All moot now.

2. I haven't seen it. But Stan is great.

3. All Clancy did for Ox was grunt a couple of times. He was NEVER the voice of Ox. As for Alan and Steve, we ALWAYS intended to have a separate actor for Goblin, so as not to let casting reveal his true identity. The rest of your question is obviously moot.

Response recorded on May 14, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

First, to answer a previous question (my geek sense is tingling!): Ultimate Kraven was first shown in his mutated form in the first issue of Ultimate Six (an in-canon mini-series which is usually considered as an arc of USM and is even present in USM reprint volumes).

And now, on to the question!
When exactly did Captain Stacy deduce that Peter is Spider-Man? Was it just after Venom revealed that he realized, "Oh, yeah! Duh!" Or did he know before then? (I get the feeling from his ending monologue that he only just figured it out in Identity Crisis.)

Greg responds...

Venom was the catalyst.

Response recorded on May 13, 2010

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Clark Cradic writes...

I know during Electro's debut he couldn't drink a cup of coffee, but I'm still curious: Does Electro still need to eat or drink to survive or does his electricity somehow sustain him? And if he does have to eat, how does he do it?

Greg responds...

He's learned more control since then.

Response recorded on May 12, 2010

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Mark C writes...

I noticed a lot of the Voice actors from Gargoyles appear in Spectacular Spider-Man. Once you finally get the chance for more episodes, do you plan on getting more Gargoyles actors to play a role in the show? If so, which do you have in mind?

Greg responds...

A great actor is a great actor, so you'll see me using folks I've used before constantly. But with Spec Spidey over, you'll just need to wait and see whom we use on Young Justice.

Response recorded on May 07, 2010

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

Small ramble on the character of Flash Thompson (noticed over time, but prompted by his behavior in Gangland)...

I haven't read the comics so I don't know how much of this is original to you and how much of this is from Lee/Ditko/Romita, but he really is an amazing character, (and is backed up with some fine voice work). He could just have been a jock/bully/buffoon cipher, but he isn't.

The first glimpse we got was when Peter was acting as a jerk under the influence of the Symbiote. Flash is in the hospital, presumably visiting Aunt May, and gives Peter whatfor for mistreating his friends and family. We learn later that they had once been friends, but there doesn't seem to be any love towards Peter prompting him. One can assume that he gave the advice for the benefit of Aunt May, and maybe even Gwen and Harry. He has an innate sense of ~something~ that made him actually angry to see Peter mistreating others. A very strange thing to see in a bully. All this amusingly and believably followed with an insistence that no word of this kindness be known by others.

Later we see that he has the good grace to wear a cheerleader outfit with pride after a lost bet, and enough respect of his teammates that they joined in the costume. We find out that for all his bluster about being quarterback and BMOC he is justifiably proud of his accomplishment and for the right reasons - he feels a responsibility to his team, on and off the field. He hates Harry later, not for being a wimp, but for disappearing when the team needed him.

He displays bravery - From what we learn as the series progresses, messing up his knee is an acceptable trade for winning the Championship. Had it just been about him, and not his team and school, that would not be the case. As funny as it is to see his adulation of Spiderman, he ran out in spandex and crutches and stood up to armed bad guys. And, though my memory is faint with the months since the episode aired, I think he also tried to help Spidy against Venom.

Back to his interaction with Harry- another surprise; Flash's strong sense of honor. It's one thing to be honest enough not to juice and even be horrified that a teammate did, but to immediately realize that it taints his own accomplishment and have the moral strength to go to the authorities and lose that championship despite absolute certainty no one would ever have found out?. Add to that he may well have sacrificed his own athletic future to get that championship? Very impressive. It's no wonder Shashen (sp?) finally agreed to go out with him.

Speaking of Shashen- he originally went after her just because she wasn't interested, but the change in his voice (kudos to the actor) when she explained why she agreed to go on that date further impressed that he is at heart a very fine human being and probably will be a impressive adult.

So not so small a ramble...oh well.

A few questions-
1-Given all these positive characteristics, how did he become a bully? I get how he got the swelled head, but actually picking on Peter, Harry, Gwen and presumably others? (I think I remember you writing that he saw Peter as somewhat of a fake, but Harry who was such a... 'nebbech' to be pitied and Gwen?) {mmm…spellcheck suggests nebbish for nebbech- I have to ask a Yiddish expert what the nuance between the two words actually is.}

2-When did he and Peter stop being friends? I gather it was a long time ago or else Harry and Gwen would not have been surprised. Was there a particular reason or did they just drift apart as Flash grew into a big strong athlete and Peter became a brain?

3-When did he start picking on Peter? (If I remember what you wrote correctly; when did he start seeing Peter as a fake?) Was 'Puny Parker' a long standing animosity, or did they spend years just not being anything to each other after the friendship ended?

4-Extrapolating from his visit to the hospital I'm assuming that despite not liking Peter, Flash retained a fondness for Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Was he hit hard by Uncle Ben's death? Did he in anyway reach out to Peter or conversely become less sympathetic in some way as a result?

5-Or am I completely off base and the friendship was so long ago Peter's parents were still alive?

thanks

Greg responds...

1. We had a very specific reason in mind for why Flash disliked Peter... and I'm on the fence whether or not to reveal these things now that the show is over. His feeling about Gwen and Harry were less pointed (at least until Harry ditched the team, as you noted). He just had no use for them in his world. He also bought into the high school caste system that Sally's always going on about. He's still evolving in my mind.

2. Specific. I just need to make an overall decision about whether I'm going to reveal this stuff or not.

3. Ditto.

4. He was there for Peter, not May, which is not to say that he dislikes May. But specifically he was there to do what you saw him do on screen.

5. Not saying.

Response recorded on May 07, 2010

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Merc with a Mouth writes...

1. Will we see Cloak and Dagger, Tarantula, and Black Tarantula? (different people Tarantula a South American criminal, Black Tarantula's a crime boss

2. Also what do you mean most members of the Sinister Syndicate because last time I checked, Beetle,
Boomerang, Hydro-Man, Shocker, and Rhino are all Spidey villains so the only non Spidey villain is Speed Demon

3. What about Jack O Lantern?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Check the archives.

Response recorded on May 03, 2010

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Mark C writes...

I actually have a question a friend wants to know...

If Marvel and Disney are so pleased with your work on The Spectacular Spider-Man and give you the opportunity to make another Marvel series when your 65 episodes are done (Note I said WHEN because I have higher hopes for this show than I did with Futurama) would you, Victor Cook and the rest of the crew be willing? If so, which other of Marvel's superheroes would you like to work with?

Greg responds...

I would definitely be willing. And at the moment, I can't think of a Marvel hero I wouldn't want to work on.

Response recorded on April 30, 2010

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Autumn Leaves writes...

1. Why did Electro go from "I want to be normal again" to "Being Electro is awesome!"?

2. You mentioned Ock only revealed he was the master planner to his inner circle. Why the tinkerer if he's a freelance agent?

3. Why does Sandman exclusively work for the Master Planner? His powers were paid for by the Big Man, yet Hammerhead had to pay a services fee.

4. Is Doc still at Ravencroft or have the staff caught on to his act?

*Spoilers*

5.The only named villains not in jail/Ravencroft are Lizard, Vulture, Sandman, Goblin, Chameleon, Mysterio, Kraven, Hammerhead, Tombstone, and Silver Sable. Correct? No escapes have been cut for time right?

6. What are Mark's chances of Parole? He hasn't done that much compared to some of the other villains, (destruction of public property) and can't really do anything without Goblin's remote. (Not that anyone knows that)

Awesome show and I really hope you get more seasons.

Greg responds...

1. I don't think he ever went to "Being Electro is awesome!" I just think he's insisting that until he is cured, he IS Electro and not Max. He doesn't (in his way) want the two confused.

2. Guess he needed Tinkerer and/or trusted him.

3. Ock managed to corner the super-villain market, with the exception of the Enforcers.

4. Still.

5. Uh... no. None cut for time.

6. He hasn't even come up for trial yet.

Response recorded on April 30, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

Spider-Man editor Steve Wacker was doing a 24-hour live Twitter-cast today on Newsarama.com and he mentioned that you had written a "very emotional" Flash Thompson story for Marvel, though he didn't mention if it was for Amazing or Web. Either way, I was glad to see that they were at least acknowledging how good Spectacular Spidey is, and just wanted to say congrats, can't wait to read it, and I hope it leads to more (especially if the show doesn't come back).

Greg responds...

The issue is out (Amazing #622) and I'm pretty proud of the story. I hope you check (checked) it out.

Response recorded on April 30, 2010

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Jonathan writes...

Hey Greg,

I know you've gotten quite a few questions concerning the third season of Spidey but I'm afraid I'll have to add another one.

The last substantial "news" I heard about it was when I attended Comicon 09, where we were told it was basicly still up in the air, awaiting the ratings of season 2. Now, quite some time has passed since Comicon and a major event has occured: Disney has bought Marvel.

Now my question is: Since the Disney buyout, has anything changed concerning the renewal of The Spectacular? Do you feel Spideys chances have grown now Disney is involved (the show was airing on DisneyXD after all)? Or has there been any update on the season 2 ratings?

Thanks Greg, I will remain hopefull.

- Jonathan
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Greg responds...

Check the archives, please, for your answer.

Response recorded on April 29, 2010

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AJC writes...

What issues of amazing spider-man have you read? Do you follow the current comics and if not, why do they not interest you?

Greg responds...

I've read a lot over the years, but I couldn't give you specific issue numbers. All the early stuff of course, and pretty much everything in the 80s and the early to mid-90s. And, yes, I've read Brand New Day (or most of it).

Response recorded on April 28, 2010

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MARVEL-FAN writes...

Greg, I know that Spectacular Spider-Man needs to get enough ratings for a season 3. But how come the fans couldn't vote for season 3, besides getting enough ratings. Plus some people dont have "Disney XD",so they wont give any rating for the show.

So thank you for your time, and have a nice day.

Greg responds...

I don't know what you mean by "vote". But, again, all moot now.

(Ohhhh, this is gonna be fun...)

Response recorded on April 26, 2010

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Arthur Jr. writes...

Hey Greg, here are some questions:

1. If Season Three is announced upon the ratings for the "Final Curtin" episode that aires on Disney XD, I would think that Bill Fagerbakke would reprise Morris Bench if you plan an episode that brings about the introduction of Hydro-Man. Right?

2. If the series is successful after Season Three and you managed to make it to a season that deals with Peter Parker attending Empire University, what season do you predict that will occur in?

3. I have seen your Rambles of the Spider-Man/Gargoyles crossover that Keith David reprised Goliath and Tombstone in. Now that was humerous in some parts, don't ya think?

4. I was wondering if you have seen "The Super Hero Squad Show" (adapted from the "Marvel Super Hero Squad: toyline) yet? Though Spider-Man doesn't appear in the TV series yet, he will be featured in video game adaption.

Greg responds...

1-2. All moot now.

3. I thought so.

4. I haven't seen it.

Response recorded on April 26, 2010

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Mike P. writes...

1. So now that Marvel/Disney has the rights to Spectacular Spider-Man could you, hypothetically speaking, use the Kingpin as a character now or does the Fox deal still prevent this? I'm confused on how it all works as I'd read before that you planned to use the Human Torch on an episode in the future, but wouldn't he also have been just as unusable due to the FF still being under the ownership of Fox?

*Spoilers*
2. Harry Osborne's character has developed from being the wimpy friend to the "steroid" using wannabe athelete to now being a vindictive schemer who enjoys watching his former friends (Gwen and Peter) suffer by keeping them apart. Often times it's easy to look at characters with rough upbringings and attribute that as the root of their personal defects, but I get the feeling that a good portion of Harry's actions are from inside regardless of the fact that he was raised by the Green Goblin himself. In your opinion: do you think it's just in Harry's nature to progress this way or has having Norman Osborne as a father figure slowly warped him into being just as Machiavellian and cruel?

Greg responds...

1. All answered before, but now rendered moot.

2. Nature vs. Nurture. I'll leave that to interpretation.

Response recorded on April 26, 2010

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spider man fan writes...

i hope you make season 3 and plus you guys are doing a great job at the spectacular spider man and i hope to see season 3

Greg responds...

Thanks for the kind words. Unfortunately, it now seems clear that Spectacular Spider-Man won't see a third season.

Response recorded on April 26, 2010

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The Spectacular Spider-Man

So...

I've heard nothing directly from Marvel, Disney or Sony, but I think the recent announcement that an "Ultimate Spider-Man" animated series is in the works at Marvel Animation, makes it fairly clear that The Spectacular Spider-Man is over.

I can't say that I'm surprised, but that doesn't mean I'm not disappointed. But guys... all of you so quick to rush to my defense (sometimes in the most heated of terms)... it's appreciated, of course, but not necessary. This is the business I've chosen to work in. It comes with the job.

Sure, I think Spectacular kicked some ass! But there's no reason to assume that Ultimate Spider-Man won't kick ass too! I'd recommend giving it a chance. I remember when we were first announced, a bunch of MTV Spider-Man fans were screaming about why they were creating a new series and not continuing that one. Heck, there were even a bunch of 90s Spider-Man the Animated Series fans who felt they should still be continuing THAT show. Some of those folks wound up giving us a chance. Some didn't, I'm sure. Some of those who loved those and other old Spidey series found they liked or loved Spectacular. Others didn't, I'm sure. But we found our audience, and now we've got nostalgia working on our side. But I wouldn't want Ultimate Spidey to be judged on anything other than itself. Because that's all I wanted for Spectacular.

It's just the way of things. I try to take the long view and be philosophical about it. Don't always succeed, but I try. I had more stories I was dying to tell, but anyone who's familiar with this website due to a certain series beginning with a "G" knows that this isn't the first series I've felt that way about. I rarely run out of tales to tell. I had more Spidey stories to tell. More Gargoyles stories to tell. More W.I.T.C.H. stories to tell. More Captain Atom stories to tell. More Starship Troopers stories to tell. Even more Max Steel stories to tell. And if and when I get a new series -- no matter how long it lasts -- I'll probably STILL have more stories of that puppy to tell too.

So I try to be grateful for what I did get. I got to tell 26 fun stories. And those led directly to me writing for The Amazing Spider-Man, which puts me in some pretty august company and fulfilled a life-long dream, even if it was only half of one issue. So it's all good.

For those who loved and will miss, alongside me and pretty much all of its cast and crew, The Spectacular Spider-Man, I appreciate all your support and kind words. Let's celebrate what we achieved and not stress over what we didn't get to do.

Thanks, everyone.

Greg Weisman
April, 2010


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JJJ writes...

Why does Tombstone in Spectacular Spider-Man look the way he does? I know his origins in the comics, but he has yet to have an origin in the show - is it similar? I always wondered why the public does not question why he looks the way he does - does he tell them it's just a skin condition? Also, his strength is unbelievable - he took down Spidey for crying out loud! Will Tombstone's history be explored in the future if given the chance - or do you think it's best to keep it a mystery? I know that you said Tombstone with superpowers is left for us to interpret - I just would like to know if you have a definite answer for us in the future.

Thanks!!! I love the show!! Fingers crossed for a renewal!!!!

Greg responds...

I have a definite answer, but part and parcel of it is leaving it open to your interpretation.

Response recorded on April 01, 2010

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

I couldn't understand why so many commentators were gushing about Hammerhead. He just seemed a generic, Dick Tracy villain type. Now I've seen Accomplices. FUN!

Greg responds...

Uh... thanks?

Response recorded on March 31, 2010

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Akeem M. writes...

Hello again sir, in the episode of Spectacular Spider-Man Accomplices I was wondering something about what happened to Mr. Kingsley. When the police arrive to make an arrest for the distribution of the illegal expirement that made Rhino they clearly see that the man they are going to arrest is Kingsley, so would he be in hiding now because of his exposure to the police during the start of the Gang War?

Greg responds...

No evidence. They could prove he was there. Not that he ever possessed the goods.

Response recorded on March 31, 2010

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DYlan Grant writes...

Hello, Greg!

I was wondering in that episode where spidey's villains escape from that prison, I saw most of them there except for one! Where was Dr. Octopus? Was he still in that prison "The Vault" or not? You included Ox, Molten Man, Sandman, Mysterio, but DR. OCTOPUS was missing. Also, what do you intend to do with Doctor OCtopus in the future?

Greg responds...

Doc Ock was at Ravencroft.

Response recorded on March 25, 2010

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Laura 'ad astra' Ackerman writes...

Please ignore this if it is a double posting. There was a paragraph I'm afraid my be flagged as an original idea. That isn't my intent, (and frankly, it wouldn't be a particulay original idea on my part), so I'm posting a slight altered version of the post (also fixed some typos;)-

More on Spidy, two slightly negative comments:

1- Mysterio's little 'gargoyles'. (I know they are homocu..., er, can't spell it.) Are they a direct lift from the comics? I know they are supposed to be funny, but giving them little personality type quips, generally right before they get destroyed, irks me. If they are autonotoms and get destroyed, (like Steel Clan robots) I'm fine with that. If they know enough to think 'oh crap!' before smashing into the wall, it is a little disturbing.

(Please correct me if I am wrong about each appearence being an entirely new homocu..er.. thing that looks like a mini gargoyle.)

2-I know you've defended this in the past, but I still don't see the Venom transition. When he first showed up I remember thinking, "How fantastic, he is destined to become this nasty personal villain, and yet he's such a fantastic stand up friend now!" It's not that I don't buy the transition could happen. And after the transition he is a great villain. But it seemed too sudden and out of the blue.

Your comments on the scene he took MJ on the motercycle helped a bit, but not completely. I was incorrectly reading it he was trying to kill her and not just being an ****. With that correction I think I can sum up my problem with the moment in that scene where he runs a red light. Running the red light and living dangerously to scare MJ makes sense. Almost running over the old lady in the crosswalk was too soon in his development.

Being nasty to Peter with his anger amped up by the symbiote makes sense. Like trying to scare the girl Peter seems to like. Jumping from that to nearly killing Gwen in the space of one episode... too soon. Gwen was his friend too, a close friend. I would have expected a transition period when he may be increasingly vicious going after Peter but rationalizing putting others he once cared about in danger.

IMHO

Greg responds...

1. They have some pre-programmed responses. That's all. Like a talking G.I. Joe doll that you can pull the string and it'll say one of several set phrases. The homunculi (there, was that so hard) have a slightly larger repertoire than your average G.I. Joe and the ability to relate there sayings to the situation. But they're a long haul from anything approximating Artificial Intelligence, if that's your concern. They're just fun.

2. Well, we'll just have to agree to disagree.

Response recorded on March 24, 2010

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

Sneaking in a question or two at work lest I start falling far behind again. I apologize if I overlap anything already asked, I've been trying to avoid Spiderman spoilers. I have a stack of set aside responses for after the rest of the season airs. (Though I wonder if I should have bothered; what I didn't pick up just skimming I probably read checking the 'waiting to be asked' que. Oh well...)

First- Love the show.

I did have that first reaction to still art some did thinking it looked a little young, but between prioritizing fluidity of motion for the web slinger on the one side, and not getting that overly static look from being too faithful to the comic art on the other, I am completely won over.

Also, I am not terribly well versed in Spidy lore. (It's too expensive to get hooked on two major comic universes and I started on DC first.) Despite not getting all the references, the deference shown to the history, right down to mining the comics with the intent of not creating a single new character, really shows. Very impressive.

Second-
I thought it was particularly classy to post the credits of the episodes because they went by too quickly to be seen on screen. I assume people like working with you because they know they are not taken for granted. (Just like changing the "Staring..." in the opening credits shows respect to the characters. Love that.) I do wonder -

1- If each episode is written by a particular person or team, what do the staff writers do?
2-If you already have a voice director, what does 'casting' do? Or does the voice director not choose talent too? (I think this question was more involved when I scribbled it on my note sheet months ago, but I didn't write out the details and no longer remember.)
3- How did Cheeks Galloway end up with that nickname? I took a glance at his website and saw his autobigraphy is named "Cheeks Unclenched" Much mirth followed.

Greg responds...

1. Most of the writing is done freelance. That is, they get paid a fee to write a script. And they don't have offices with us, but work out of their homes or wherever. Our staff writer on Spidey, Kevin Hopps, was paid by the week and had an office at Sony TV Animation. He's still writing scripts, just like the freelancers, but he's also there to bounce stuff off, which given the way I work, is a hugely important resource. He also did things like writing the audition sides and other small tasks, and he really helped break the entire second season with me.

2. Well, in our case, our voice director and our casting director were the same person: Jamie Thomason. But you could have a casting director (in charge of casting various roles) who doesn't actually direct the actors' performances, which is what the voice director does.

3. That's really not my story to tell - and I couldn't do it justice. But "Cheeks" refers to the anatomy you think it does.

Response recorded on March 24, 2010

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SpiderFan89 writes...

Hi, Greg. Two Spidey questions:
1) Since Norman stole Toomes' tech flight technology, did he used it to create the Goblin glider?
2) Do you have plans for Peter's parents?

Greg responds...

1. Yes.

2. Yes.

Response recorded on March 23, 2010

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Derek writes...

Was it a conscious decision to not give Black Cat bad luck powers in Spectacular Spider-Man?

Greg responds...

As opposed to a SUB-conscious decision?

Anyway, yes, it was. I don't understand them. And it seemed a needless add-on to an already fascinating character. *Just my opinion.*

Response recorded on March 18, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

I just got in to SSM when Season 1 hit DVD, so I'm a bit sad to learn that S3 is basically a big *IF* at this point. I've done what I can-- I've bought the Season DVD and the other 4 DVD releases, and I'm going to watch the new episodes when they hit. Is there anything else I could do? I'd like to write a letter (postal or email) if it would help, but I wouln't know where to send it. Disney is a pretty big place, after all. Would you be willing to ask for and provide an address / email address / fax number / anything where fans could send notes of their support for the show? I think you've got an army of people watching this Q&A and wishing we could do more. Maybe if you pointed us in the right direction, we could help.

Greg responds...

I don't have that info, but you might check in here: http://keepspideyalive.ning.com/

Response recorded on March 15, 2010

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Todd Jensen writes...

In your Gargoyles/Spectacular Spider-Man crossover Radio Play, the Spear of Destiny's head was buried beneath Ravencroft Institute. While this obviously suited the needs of the story, was this also intended as an in-joke reference to Trevor Ravencroft, who wrote one of the best-known books about the Spear?

Greg responds...

It was a happy accident that I discovered when I started researching the Spear for the Radio Play.

Response recorded on March 08, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey Greg!
Just wanted to say - please don't be frustrated and upset that I saw Season 2 on YouTube and am not watching it on Disney XD! I don't HAVE Disney XD! :(

Greg responds...

What I didn't know...

Response recorded on March 08, 2010

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Merc with a Mouth writes...

I read that Carnage will appear in Season 3 of The Spectacular Spider-Man voiced by Quinton Flynn. Is this a rumor because there was nothing about who will voice Scorpion and Hobgoblin ands they're the only villains you confirmed. Thanks Greg!

Greg responds...

Yes, it's just a rumor. We haven't even gotten a pick-up for Season Three, so beyond Hobgoblin and Scorpion, we haven't planned what villains would appear yet, and obviously we haven't done ANY voice casting for new characters yet.

Where did you hear this? Is this really a rumor or a suggestion masquerading as a rumor? If the former, assume anything else that comes from this source is, frankly, crap. And if the latter, please don't play these games.

Response recorded on March 08, 2010

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Graham writes...

Hey Greg, love the show! Anyway, I wanted to know what the guitar chords were for the Spectacular Spider-Man theme, because I searched for them online, I couldn't find them anywhere, and would love to learn the song. I really hope you guys can get the show renewed, it's the best animated show I've seen in a long, long time.

Greg responds...

I'm afraid I don't know the answer.

Response recorded on March 08, 2010

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A Big Fan writes...

Hi Greg, I have a Spider-Man question.

Do you have a storyline planned about Peter's parents, Richard and Mary, or have you not thought that far ahead?

Greg responds...

I've thought that far ahead ... and/or that far behind. 'Nuff Said.

Response recorded on March 08, 2010

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Matt writes...

What was Sandman talking about when he said "I've had bad experiences with cats" upon meeting Kraven? Something in the show that I missed or something from the comics or something you are not revealing yet or what?

Incidently, this is my first Spectacular Spider-Man question. I want you to know that I'm a big fan of this series as well, though I don't talk about it much. Great stuff!

Thanks Greg!

Greg responds...

It's a joke. Think about it, and you'll either laugh or cringe or maybe both.

Response recorded on March 08, 2010

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DarkZide writes...

Hi! I had a difficult time making out if this question already had been questioned in the archives so...

Who raised Eddie Brock? In the last episode of season 1 Eddie mentions that Pete always had his precious uncle and aunt while he had nobody. Could that really be true? Wouldn't Eddie have to be a little boy when his parents died?

Greg responds...

Foster homes. Various foster homes.

Response recorded on March 08, 2010

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Red_Aviary writes...

First, let me say that SSM is probably the best adaptation of the comic and film mythos there is. It's definitely surpassed the nineties Spider-Man show in terms of animation and storytelling - and that's the show that got me into superheroes (with Batman: TAS :D) in the first place. I wanted to thank you for your work and dedication to Spider-Man.

I have a few questions, actually.

1) Harry's mom. We barely ever see her. As far as I know, she gets very little time in the comics as well, and she was killed off early in Ultimate Spider-Man. Is she a kind of trophy wife for Norman? Does she resent him at all? Does she care at all for Harry?

2) Peter's web fluid. He mentions that it costs a lot a few times, as I recall, but where did he get the formula for it? I don't really know where he got it in the mainstream comics. He seemed to just know how to make it. But, as I'm sure you're aware, in Ultimate Spider-Man he based it off of a formula his dad had been working on. Something similar here?

3) We know Peter's a science nerd and all. And that he makes quite a few pop culture references when he's bantering. I know he's probably limited from making too many references on the show and all, and that the episodes are really just flashes of Peter's life, but... how much of a geek is he, in your version? Does he play video games or use the internet a lot in his downtime? Is he a science-fiction or fantasy novel fan or anything? And to what extent? Being a geek myself, I'm interested. >_>

4) And a big one... you've said numerous times that you're not allowed to use the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, the Punisher, Daredevil, etc. in the show. Not even a little bit. I get that, despite how much it kills me inside. But if you could, hypothetically, use them... HOW would you use them? Would the Fantastic Four be based more off of the mainstream version, or the Ultimate version? How would you go about handling Spider-Man's relationships with these heroes? Would Daredevil disapprove of Peter's activities when he's so young and inexperienced, as in the Ultimate universe? Would Nick Fury be black and the Avengers/Ultimates a government project?

I'll understand if you can't/won't answer them. I just thought I'd ask anyway. And I did consult the archives before I posted, but, well, they're big and I might have (probably) missed something. So, sorry in advance.

Greg responds...

1. We have definite plans for Emily, which I'm not revealing here or now.

2. Not saying, but there's a story behind that too.

3. I'd say you have to view his geekatude in a B.B. and A.B. sense (i.e. Before Bite and After Bite). Pre-bite - Massive Geek. Post-Bite - Not so much free time for geeking.

4. As always, my basic plan would be to go back to the original Lee/Kirby interpretations of these characters and adapt from there, pulling in whatever good ideas from more recent incarnations seemed to work the best.

Response recorded on March 08, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Just felt like throwing this out there:
TSSM's cast are all BRILLIANT Shakespearean actors! Pass it on.

Greg responds...

Thanks. I thought they did a great job too!

Response recorded on March 08, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

How come The commission for further episodes relies solely on Disney XD's season 2 ratings?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Spectacular_Spider-Man_(TV_series)

At this time can somebody else commission more seasons of more spectular spiderman tv series?

Will The Spectual Spiderman Tv series end after 65 episodes?

Greg responds...

What else would it rely on besides ratings? Or besides ratings and corporate shenanigans, I guess?

And I have no idea whether it will end after 26 episodes or 65 or what...

Response recorded on March 03, 2010

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H.E. Jovel writes...

My dad recently passed away and I wanted to thank you for this brilliant show and for reminding of the memories I shared with my dad, who loved Spider-Man. He did watch a couple of episodes and loved your take on the Rhino, his favorite villain. Thank you Greg and Co., here's hoping for a third season.

Greg responds...

Thank you. And my condolences.

Response recorded on March 02, 2010

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Mark writes...

Hi,

Longtime Spider-fan over here, and I wanted to let you know that after finishing the season one DVD set I think Spectacular Spidey is by far the best interpretation of the character in any medium since the heady days of Lee/Ditko/Romita. I've read reams of the comics, watched the various cartoon series, seen the movies, and I really do believe your take is the best in a long while. Bravo! The first two Spidey movies came close to being perfect distillations of Spidey for me but you guys outdid them in my opinion by remembering that Pete's romantic *journey* is more fun to watch than the destination; I love the fact that Gwen, MJ and even Liz have all been presented as possible romantic interests and you guys are simply keeping all your options open.

Which segues into my question: without looking for spoilers, how locked into the comic book mythology do you intend to be? I don't want story specifics, I'm just wondering about your "creative philosophy" I guess; I'm wondering if you would be willing to take a hypothetical big left turn where the comics took a right. There have been signs already that you're willing to think outside the box and play with the mythology and the continuity: I thought combining Montana and Shocker was a deft move that made him a much more interesting character, and I also enjoy the Rhino/Sandman friendship. But these are still comparatively minor alterations. To give an example of the kind of big left turn I'm talking about, I was fooled for a bit when Harry was "revealed" as the Goblin, but I have to admit I was disappointed with the eventual reveal that no, it was Norman after all; I say this not because the story wasn't satisfying but that it was thrilling to consider a Spidey mythos where anything can happen: where we're not locked into Pete/MJ, where Gwen doesn't necessarily have to die, where Harry could've been the Goblin instead of Norman (and I would argue, at least based on season one, that Harry made just as much sense psychologically as Norman to be the Goblin.) Again, I don't want story specifics, just wondering if (assuming the show lasts a good long time, fingers crossed) you'd be willing to make major changes to the story of Pete's life as we have all known it for the past 45 years, or if you feel that you must follow the major story beats laid down by the comics.

Thanks, and here's hoping for lots more Spectacular Spidey seasons to come!

--Mark

Greg responds...

I can't really answer this, because one person's major left turn is another person's minor course correction. I try to stay true to the spirit of what Stan, Steve and John did, while feeling free to bring in good stuff from all the many, many people who followed, including, well, me.

Response recorded on March 02, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

Dear Greg,
Did you know that a third season of The Spectular Spiderman can occur if royalties are paid lets say by a tv station or another production company to use The Spectular Spiderman name and use all real spiderman characters and other material as long as they are different enough to make sure that you are going to not be considered copyright infringement and if need be find another production company that would be willing to produce The Spectular Spiderman?

Greg responds...

I really have no idea what you're asking, but in any case it sounds so hypothetical -- i.e. SO unlikely to happen -- that there's really no point in attempting to answer. Either Marvel/Disney will want more episodes or they won't.

Response recorded on March 02, 2010

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Mike writes...

Not a question (so no need to answer)...just wanted to say that I've recently discovered this site and am tremendously impressed with your fan accessibility. I have found Spectacular Spider-Man to be THE best interpretation of Spider-Man - continually making smart decisions about what to take from the various iterations (original, Ultimate, Raimi) to make something that is both classic and new at the same time. Also - the show's casting decisions are genius. I will do everything I can to encourage my friends to find Disney XD and watch all they can in the hopes that the series continues.

For every person who asks you a question on this site, there are a hundred people like me who have no questions, but DO have an immense appreciation for your work. Good luck to you and I hope to see more of your Spectacular work!

Greg responds...

Thanks!!

Response recorded on February 25, 2010

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Todd Jensen writes...

And the release of the trade paperback allows me to say something that I'd wanted to say for over a year, but can mention here at last.

In the spring of 2008, I learned that the solicitation for "Bad Guys" #5 involved Dingo meeting an old acquaintance on the robot-guarded island, and hoped that it would be Falstaff (because of his name). I even mentioned that hope (now fulfilled, so I can mention it here) in the Station 8 comment room.

A few days later, the Sinister Six episode of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" aired on Kids WB for the first time, and in it, Aunt May and Anna Watson went out to see a performance of "The Merry Wives of Windsor", specifically mentioning Falstaff in their conversation. I was flabbergasted with the timing - so soon after my speculation! (And then, St. John Devereaux, who was playing Falstaff, made a phone call to a friend of his named Sydney - and Dingo's from Sydney - was that an in-joke?)

It's a pleasure to be able to share that with you at last.

Greg responds...

I don't think Sydney was an in-joke, just because I didn't write that line.

But Falstaff was clearly on my mind, and when I saw a picture of Devereaux, it seemed a natural.

Response recorded on February 24, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey Greg! I loved the Radio Play - thanks for posting it!
Now, I know that it is not canon with either series, but I still have to ask: do the ideas present in the crossover indicate your ideas for either series in any way? Now, I know that it isn't very likely for them to REALLY team up, but, for example, are the reactions of all the Spidey characters to the Peter/Liz break-up indicate of what may actually happen, or did you just invent entirely new material?

Greg responds...

Both... up to a point, i.e. I won't be held to anything that appears in that Radio Play. But I tried to characterize the players honestly.

Response recorded on February 24, 2010

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Todd Jensen writes...

Thanks for the final act of the Radio Play, Greg.

The ending, with the Illuminati getting their hands on the Spear and the Crown of Thorns, surprised me. Well, apart from the fact that a part of me thought that, in light of the Illuminati's links to the Holy Grail, it would be appropriate if they eventually got the Spear of Destiny, which turns up in the medieval Grail romances a number of times (in the role of the spear that crippled the Fisher King). And so Tombstone's an Illuminatus as well - pity that it can't be canon.

I was also surprised at Dominic Dracon's death - killing off a canonical character in a non-canonical script!

A few other highlights: more people telling Margot to "give it a rest", the "Casablanca" quote at the end, and Demona stuck at Ravencroft - though I doubt that she'll be there long.

Thanks for such a delightful piece, Greg.

Greg responds...

You're welcome!

Response recorded on February 22, 2010

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Matt writes...

My Review For Gargoyles #10, "The Gate"...

- Having the next chapter a page turn away but forcing myself to refrain from proceeding until I write up a review is really good motivation for writing said review. So even though I'm not feeling well and just want to read the next chapter and go to sleep, I'm gonna write up my #10 review instead. Who knew I could be so disciplined?

- So, lets start with the cover for this one. A cool cover, though I wonder if it is a bit bland. I'm not sure it would do a great job of catching the eye and bringing in new fans, though I suppose that criticism is moot given that it never hit the stands anyway. Being an old fan (and knowing what the Phoenix Gate is and why Brooklyn's hand is reaching for it), I thought it was very cool. Very exciting.

- Beyond the cover we find ourselves in a new adventure quite separate from the last couple chapters. A different setting, a different bunch of lead characters and, most strikingly, a different artist. Like many others I've greatly anticipated Greg Guler's art in this issue. And, to no one's surprise, he didn't dissapoint. Like Karine Charlebois, Guler's style here really echoes the TV series. This, of course, isn't a shock since Guler designed many of these characters for the series in the first place. It's impossible not to like Guler's work here since it feels so Gargoyles. That doesn't mean I don't like Hedgecock's (or other artists') work on the book, because many people know I liked Hedgecock's work a lot. But one thing I greatly enjoyed about Hedgecock is that he kept well-known characters recognizable while still maintaining his own style. With Guler, the style is the same style as the show. I think both are great, honestly. The ironic thing I noticed immediately when reading this chapter is that some characters not directly designed by Guler (such as Broadway) are spot on, while others he did work on extensively (like Angela) seem a little off at times. All of it looks great though.

- So our story starts back in Manhattan where the oh so melancholy Brooklyn endures the Broadway-Angela relationship. This must be especially tough with Lex and Hudson off in London. Clearly, Brook wants them back for their company. He seems so lonely. I wonder how much he hangs out with Goliath. Who else can he hang out with? How many times in these reviews have I said "Poor Brooklyn"?

- Anyway, the three young gargs are hanging out and a portal opens and out pops the fiery Gate. I wonder if this is where the Gate immediately came after Goliath tossed it in "Future Tense". And if so, why here and why now? Did Goliath's mind have some influence? Or did the Gate come here and now completely on its own accord? Hard to know, though the events that happen next make me suspect the latter. Before anyone has a chance to do anything, the Gate seems to... evaporate or something and out from the ashes (how neat is that?) comes one huge flaming Phoenix. Woah! Thats a big bird. I wonder what nearby New Yorkers thought of that pyrotechnic display. I really like how the Phoenix seems to single out Brook. I wonder why, but no one gets any answers here. The bird gobbles him up as if it didn't have a moment to spare (haha). This leads to one of my favorite moments in this chapter; Broadway and Angela. Now, having the general idea of this moment spoiled to me nearly ten years ago, I've had a lot of time to imagine how it goes down. In ways I'm not too far off, in other ways I was surprised how I reacted. As I suspected, Broadway and Angela do what they can to rescue Brook from the flames and are not successful, but after he is gone and the flames have died out we get one great little panel. Broadway says, "We've... we've lost him..." And Angela responds, "Maybe forever..." How chilling that was! I'm serious, the first time I read it, I got chills from Angela's line. And I think I know how this sort of ends even! Broadway has this sad moment of fear and helplessness and frustration and Angela responds with this great line that contains this mix of pragmatism and sorrow. Like she is trying to comfort Broadway, reassure herself, but ultimately face reality all at once. Leave it to Greg Weisman to deliver such powerful moments in such little dialogue. I mean I am really impressed. A couple frames to look at and no voice actors and I still totally feel for these characters. Great stuff. Really great.

- And what about our poor Brooklyn? Well, he seems to barely have time to catch his breath before he faces danger yet again. This chapter just keeps moving forward, which contrasts greatly with the last three issues. As fun and interesting as the non-linear storytelling was, it really is a relief to get back to a more standard format. One big catch is that I seem to read through these issues even quicker. Anyway, Here we are again in the tenth century, much to the delight of many fans, I'm sure. Flashbacks and time travel and other adventures in the past really are one of the great things about Gargoyles. It is no surprise to me that nearly all the multi-part episodes contain them as they seem to be bursting beyond the seams of a normal length tale. There is so much neat stuff going on in (the year of our lord) 997 that I barely know where to start. Some of the cool things that come to mind include the use of tenth century 'slang' and viewpoints, the natural alliance of Gillecomgain and Constantine, the appearance of one of Constantine's aforementioned sorcerers, and Mary and Finella's continued life on the run. All these characters are so fascinating. I look at Finella and wonder if she has ever seen a real gargoyle before. She seems so amazed that they actually bleed. I love that Constantine is a jerk, but a smart one, he knows his enemies will seek the help of gargoyles and moves to destroy them. I like how he kills the gargoyles out of strategy and maybe a bit of evil joy, while Gillecomgain's destruction of them is pure anger and vengeance.

- And how about the gargoyles themselves? Naturally, I'm thrilled to see a new bunch of Scottish gargoyles, especially since they include females and a beast! They didn't last long though, and boy is Demona pissed about that. Of course, she hasn't been named Demona yet, right? But damn isn't she getting an awful lot of non-speaking cameos in the comic. Isn't this the fourth or fifth book we've seen her, but not heard from her? I know thats about to change, but it strikes me as interesting. Like Greg is baiting along those diehard Demona fans! Haha.

- And as for Brooklyn himself, we see here so clearly how he, more than many other Gargoyles characters can lead his own spinoff. He is a warrior and has issues and aspirations and problems and a keen mind. But most of all he has that sarcastic humor we all love him for. He really had me laughing out loud in this one. Kudos Greg! Some great lines: "Okay, now that I've set back human-gargoyle relations for the next millennium..." and "Look, I know you've never seen Star Trek or Quantum Leap, but I need you to understand - I'm from the future." Great, great stuff.

- One other scene I want to point out is the meeting between the rightful heirs of the Scottish throne. There is a lot of cool stuff going on here. You've got this new character called "The Grim". The moniker is such a contrast to how he seems to actually be. I like him. He seems wise and kind and good-natured. A really good guy in a really ugly world. I love how he knows from his own family history that gargoyles can be powerful allies. He makes me wish that his wisdom and optimism about gargoyles would lead to a good future between the species, though we know this is not to be. Not yet. The other three characters are not new at all. We've got Maol Chalvim just as brooding as ever. Findlaech, who has always been such a great mix of "look at the bright side" and "face reality". And then young Bodhe. Bodhe was a fun surprise. I was surprised he was the Grim's son, I was surprised at his relative youth next to his future friend Findlaech, and most of all I was surprised by his eagerness to follow his father into battle. This is very different from the somewhat cowardly man we know he grows to be. I have to wonder what changes him down the road?

- One final note before I wrap this review up. The "wanted posters" that Constantine is displaying all over Scotland... they seem to have been drawn by the same artists that are designing the characters in Spectacular Spider-Man. Tom especially has a strong resemblance to Peter Parker. I find myself looking for the mole... Anyway, kinda funny. I guess now that references to the other show goes both ways.

- This issue was just awesome. One of the best of the ten chapters, in my humble opinion. The art, the plot, the writing all of it was perfection. My only gripe would be the cover, but one message of this series has always been to not judge a book by its cover and that axiom certainly bears truth for me here. This chapter really leaves me desperate for more, so I'm off to read #11!

Greg responds...

If Greg Guler was consciously trying to ape Sean Galloway's style for those wanted posters, it's news to me...

Response recorded on February 22, 2010

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Todd Jensen writes...

Thanks for the second act of "A Handful of Thorns". I enjoyed it, especially all the in-jokes (Brooklyn's spin-off remarks, the Green Goblin thinking of calling up Disney about the gargoyles, Elisa repeating her "street pizza" line from "Awakening Part One", Demona's remark about the stage being crowded enough, etc.). You must really have had a blast writing it.

So how good would a couple of gargoyle beasts be at looking after an egg? (At least nobody is going to try stealing it with Bronx and Fu-Dog on guard duty!)

On the more serious note, I liked your exploring of the impact of Brooklyn's Timedancing adventures upon the trio.

A great cliffhanger ending (I hope it won't offend any of the readers). I'll admit that I would expect the Spear of Destiny to be in a different location in the Gargoyles Universe - I won't say where, because it would break the "no original ideas" - but I've read enough about the medieval legends concerning that same spear to guess.

Looking forward to Act Three (I hope the weekend won't seem too slow).

Greg responds...

I'm not sure "blast" is the word I'd use for the writing process. (Too many characters; too little time.) But we definitely had a blast performing it.

I think you asked and answered your own question re: Beasts and egg.

Response recorded on February 22, 2010

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Todd Jensen writes...

In Act One of "Religious Studies 101: A Handful of Thorns", when Jameson's handing out assignments to everyone at the Daily Bugle, he sends Foswell to investigate the Dominic Dracon part of the story with the words "You know that world!" Now, while I'm not an expert on Spider-Man, I picked up from the discussions of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" in the Station 8 comment room that in the comics, Foswell had apparently lived a double life as a reporter and a crime boss. Was Jameson's line an in-joke about that?

Greg responds...

In OUR (Spectacular Spider-Man) continuity, Foswell lead a double life as a reporter and a small-time stooge named Patch. He also had (long ago) a pulitzer for an expose on the gangster Silvermane. That's what that reference refers to. Not an in-joke.

Response recorded on February 19, 2010

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Todd Jensen writes...

I read Act One of the Radio Play and enjoyed it (it might be second-best to actually hearing the voice actors reprise their roles, but I could still imagine their voices while reading it). I enjoyed the way you wove the two universes together. A few moments that especially stood out to me:

1. Peter's mention of the "Cliff Notes version" of "A Midsummer Night's Dream".

2. Dominique reminiscing about the founder of Ravencroft (these kinds of speeches by spectacularly long-lived characters are generally a lot of fun).

3. The portrayal of Dominic Dracon as still crushed by the denouement of "The Silver Falcon". (I know that this isn't canon, but I think this is exactly the way he'd have gone after the marbles disappointment.)

4. Jonah Jameson getting Travis Marshall on the phone.

5. The meeting between Captain Stacy and Captain Chavez, especially Chavez's "Twilight Zone" remark.

6. The echo of "The Mirror" when Demona's smuggler delivers part of the Spear of Longinus to her home.

7. Demona's meta-reference to the first act at the end.

I look forward to the next instalment tomorrow.

Greg responds...

Glad you like it. Tried to make it fun for fans of both shows.

Response recorded on February 17, 2010

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MARVEL-FAN writes...

Wow, I just read the first act of the Spectacular Spider-Man Radio Play. And it was very good, I really cant want for act 2. But I was wondering, if season 3 is a yes, will you make this into a stright to dvd movie? I'll buy it, if it come on dvd.

Greg responds...

No.

Response recorded on February 17, 2010

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Just a couple of questions about "Opening Night"

1. How did Norman Osborn manage to contact Spider-Man so he could request that Spidey help test the Vault?

2. Well, we know where Harry was. We know why Norman was "occupied". But why didn't Emily Osborn go to the play? How was she "otherwise occupied?"

Greg responds...

1. Does it matter? Pick your poison.

2. Such a good question.

Response recorded on February 11, 2010

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AJC writes...

In the season one finale introduction, why did you decide to not have spidey speak during the battle? I loved that battle scene though. I felt like it was a thank you to all the hardcore fans who knew about this show from the very beginning and saw the first teaser trailer.

Thank you!

Greg responds...

DIsney messed up the sound.

Response recorded on February 03, 2010

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Chris writes...

Hey Greg,

Just wanted to both thank you for the sheer awesomeness of Spectacular Spider-Man, which I think is both the best Spidey cartoon ever and your own best work (not that I don't love Gargoyles, mind you), and ask a couple (non Season 3 related, I can assure you) questions:
1. In "Gangland", what recording of Rigoletto did you use?
2. There are a couple moments in the series where the Green Goblin seems to break the fourth wall: in "The Uncertainty Principle" when he turns to the camera and says, "Anyone else getting deja vu? Oh well, let's run with it!" and in "Opening Night" when he looks up at the camera and says, "I'm in a rhyming mood tonight." Were these meant to have any larger significance or were they just fun breaking-the-fourth-wall jokes?
Thanks again!

Greg responds...

1. The one provided by Sony, because they had the rights to use it.

2. Mostly they're just fun, but it's also being done to show what a Trickster the Goblin is.

Response recorded on February 01, 2010

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SpecSpidey546 writes...

You said that there's going to be new Sinister Six every season. That's great, but do you plan to make the original line-up?

Greg responds...

Not saying.

Response recorded on February 01, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

Question 1: When can you tell us if there is going to be a third season or not of TSSM at the most and the least.
Question 2: Is there any other possible plot details that you can tell us about the third season if it gets comminsioned besides that the Scorpion and the Hobgoblin are going to be in it and the Human Torch might be in it.
Question 3: Can you tell us if the story on Spiderman wiki about the third series of TSSM (tv series) is true or not.

Greg responds...

1. No idea.

2. "Can"? Yes. "Will"? No.

3. I just went to check Wikipedia and saw no story about the third season. But any story that said anything more than "We don't yet know if there will be a third season." is most likely false.

Response recorded on January 28, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

Hi, I checked the archives and I didn't see these questions asked, but if they were and you have answered them already, sorry. I had some questions in regards to "The Spectacular Spider-Man". Please keep in mind, I'm asking you this on September 1st, but it'll be a while before this reaches you, so if any of these are answered in between the time it takes these questions to reach you to be answered, sorry for the repeat questions.

Warning, SEASON TWO SPOILERS herein:

1.) Now that Disney and Marvel have merged, does this mean you CAN use forbidden guys like Kingpin, The Incredible Hulk, Ant Man or anyone else like that? I hope so. I'd imagine the X-Men or Daredevil or any Marvel characters Fox owns might be tricky, but still, you never know, right?

2.) Now that Sony has given the Spider-Man TV rights to Marvel and Disney, do you think when (not if) you get a third season, you might be more restricted by Disney or less restricted on what you can and can't do on the show?

3.) Why is the Rhino an American? I know on the show he's Alex O'Hirn, but in the comics, he's a Russian named Mikhail Sytsevitch. Why was the nationality changed? I find it weird Rhino's a Russian but never has been on any Spider-Man cartoon series.

4.) You listed Ian Bassett as the voice of Cletus Kasady/Carnage for the Gargoyles/Spidey crossover, so I guess you do like Carnage after all. Stupid internet rumors and false reports. Would you be interested in having Mr. Bassett reprise the role of Carnage on "Spectacular", or maybe have him as another voice if he's available?

5.) Do you know when Season Two comes out on DVD? Have you been told yet?

6.) Can Doctor Octopus improve his harness now that he's bonded to it? Like can he add some kind of security system to keep Spider-Man from stealing his power packs, like he did in "Gangland"?

7.) This isn't a question. I just want to say that I hope you guys get a third season and that I hope to see multiple episodes with all of Spidey's returning and new foes in season two (Scorpion, Doc Ock, Mysterio, Hobgoblin, Electro, Lizard, Rhino, Sandman, Tombstone, etc., etc.).

8.) Last question: If Disney and Marvel can work out a way to have Spider-Man on Cartoon Network's "The Super-Hero Squad Show", what would you think of Spidey being on there if he's allowed to appear? Do you think Josh Keaton could guest voice on there when he's not busy on a third season of "Spectacular"? I know this is speculation right now, but even so, I just wanted to know what you thought.

Thanks so muc for reading, sir. Best wishes with the series and I hope you guys get a pick-up for season three sooner rather than later. 'Nuff said.

Greg responds...

1. You never know.

2. I wouldn't think there'd be any change. We've been on Disney for almost a year now with no change.

3. It felt like we had enough Russians. I actually wanted to make him South African and black, but Marvel nixed that.

4. Ian was a member of the Gathering Players, not a pro. He did a great job, but I don't even know if he lives in Los Angeles.

5. I don't know.

6. Eh...

7. Me too.

8. I'm fine with it. And I'd never begrudge Josh the work.

Response recorded on January 28, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey Greg!
I am really upset that I couldn't make it to the Gathering (no seriously, I am - and it was THE LAST ONE??? ;_;), but unfortunately, plane tickets ARE kind of expensive.... And I'm somewhat broke.... (No seriously, I really DO wish I could've gone! I don't care that I would've been a newbie there! I ACTUALLY wanted to go!)
What I most regret missing is that Spidey/Gargoyles crossover. I would've LOVED to be able to see that! (In fact, it was when I heard about that that I was convinced I wanted to go.) But then, just last night, I thought of this: Is there any chance that you could post the script here on Ask Greg?
I understand if you can't, but I would REALLY appreciate if you did, and I'm sure a lot of other people would too.
Thanks for your time!

Greg responds...

Already done.

Response recorded on January 27, 2010

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The Fox Bandit writes...

I see there are two other questions about Disney buying Marvel - but I'm going to ask two other related questions:

(1) Were you aware ahead of time that Disney would be purchasing Marvel?
(2) I'm sure the legal complexities involved in this transaction are very... well, complex... as they interface with your show. However, to your knowledge, how does Disney's purchase of Marvel impact the possibilities of using previous off-limits characters on Spectacular Spider-Man? (Especially Kingpin, but also other characters you said you wanted to use on rare occasion, such as Human Torch.)

Greg responds...

1. No.

2. No idea.

Response recorded on January 22, 2010

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Paul writes...

Did you ever seriously consider leaving Venom and/or Mary Jane Watson out of season 1 of The Spectacular Spiderman? I heard that you didn't want to use one of them (but I forget which) in the first season.

Greg responds...

Seriously, WHO did you hear this stuff from?

Response recorded on January 21, 2010

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Joltman writes...

Now that Disney is buying Marvel, do you think will affect, positively or negatively, The Spectacular Spider-Man's future?

Greg responds...

I really don't know.

Response recorded on January 21, 2010

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RSG(again) writes...

I also was wondering if you get the go ahead to produce a 3 season do you already know the fate of gwen stacy? like you have it all planned out on what will happen to her?

Greg responds...

I know what I want to do next with her.

Response recorded on January 20, 2010

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Tomi writes...

I have heard a rumor that if Spectacular Spiderman continues, Tony Todd would possibly play Hobgoblin. Have you ever considered this possibility yourself?

Greg responds...

Where did you hear this rumor?

Response recorded on January 20, 2010

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RSG writes...

Hi
I was just wondering if you get the go ahead to season 3 will you announce it on that same day? and if so how will you announce it?

And a side note I'm buying the season 1 DVD for support

Greg responds...

That's up to the companies involved.

Thanks for buying the DVDs.

Response recorded on January 20, 2010

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey again Greg! Got a few more TSSM questions here.
1) You have said in the past that you have a general map for the entire series. But of course, since there's no finite end, I was wondering how far your ideas stretched. Since you've set 5 seasons as your goal, is that where your plans end or do you have plans stretching into the possible DTVs/Season 6?
2) Regarding the potential DTVs, would you be allowed to get away with more things in there? I mean, you obviously manage to get away a lot in the series itself ("Don't get your goop in my hair!"), but there are some plots, like Kraven's Last Hunt, for example, that they would NEVER pass for TV. But would you be allowed to tackle these darker plots in DTVs, or would they still be censored to the same level?
3) Also regarding DTVs, how many do you think you'll aim for?

Greg responds...

1. The latter, but they are vaguer the further out you go...

2. I have no idea, but I would think so.

3. No idea.

Response recorded on January 19, 2010

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Anton writes...

Greg wrote:

"We have a Radio Play (that has nearly killed me to get ready in time) that presents an ORIGINAL Feature-Length crossover between Gargoyles and The Spectacular Spider-Man, with EVERY voice actor guest performing with fans."

Question, is it canonical to either side?

Greg responds...

No.

Response recorded on January 19, 2010

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Jim writes...

So now that you've released the cast list/title of the Spidey crossover radio play, I have to ask: Is "Religious Studies 101" out of the running for arc titles?

Greg responds...

Probably, but not because of the Radio Play.

Response recorded on January 18, 2010

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Clark Cradic writes...

Have Peter and Aunt May ever seen the Cat Burgler after Uncle Ben's murder? I assume they would have been there for the his conviction.

Greg responds...

I imagine they went to his trial -- or more likely his elocution.

Response recorded on January 15, 2010

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Aidin writes...

Hi Greg,

I didn't know it until a few weeks ago, but I'm a pretty big fan of your work (Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, The Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot, The Batman, Men in Black: The Series, Gargoyles and the Spectacular Spider-Man).
I was very excited last year when The Spectacular Spider-Man premiered on the CW, and I thought the first season was beyond fantastic.

I have a few questions for you and I hope you don't answering them.

First off, I've noticed that there seems to be a lot of doubt and uncertainty regarding future seasons, is there anything we as fans can do to help?
I'd hate for tSSM to die like the last spider-man series I enjoyed (Spider-Man Unlimited; which while heavily panned I enjoyed greatly.)
(Then again my opinion may be tainted being that I just a younger kid while that was still on the air;but I digress)

How long does it take to produce one episode, and a complete season?

What kind of animation is being used? Traditional pen and paper? Computer? or Hybrid?

Why is the airing of season two in the US being delayed? I just noticed that the next episode has been delayed until October 5th; which adds two months in between episodes.

What is your stance on creating original characters for the series? I do believe that every character has appeared in the comics in some form, and I'm just curios as to see whether you'd consider creating any new characters.

Will the series get any "darker" in tone and style as in progresses? Or will it remain mostly up-beat?

Would the series adapt the One More Day/Brand New Day (the greatest Spider-Man FAIL ever in my opinion) If the series were to continue that long?

Next to last, I'm starting to view tSSM as a series not unlike Batman Tas; that being said, do you thing tSSM could become the starting point for animated series based on other Marvel comics Characters; not unlike the way Batman Tas "spawned" Superman:Tas, Batman Beyond, Static Shock, Justice League, etc.?
So Basically, Is tSSM to Marvel as Batman: tas was to D.C.?

And lastly, I've read several times that there won't be any cross-over with characters from other parts of the marvel universe because you don't have the rights to them. IF you had access to any Marvel character(s) in the Marvel Universe, would you have cross overs and what kind of cross overs would you have?

Greg responds...

You hope I don't answer them? Hmmm....

1. See the archives.

2. It takes between eight to ten months from start to finish to produce an episode, add a week or two per additional episodes and you'll get the total time for the season.

3. It's cel animation, but with computerized color and a few toon-shaded computerized elements, like vehicles or the occasional building.

4. I think they saved the later episodes for sweeps.

5. We made the decision early on not to have any original characters.

6. It is what it is.

7. I liked Mr. Negative a lot.

8. I'd be all for it, but no one's asked me.

9. Check the archives.

Response recorded on January 06, 2010

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Anicomicgeek writes...

Hey. I wanna start off by saying I love our work, Greg, especially on Gargoyles and Spectacular Spider-Man. Anyway, I know why you decide to diversify the cast and think it's okay.

So, it may be a stupid question, but was Jean DeWolff one of the characters whose race you'd changed? I mean, her skin seems darker, so I thought I should ask.

Greg responds...

We made DeWolff Native American.

Response recorded on January 04, 2010

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Natan writes...

Hi Greg!
I'm a big fan of Spectacular Spidey, and just like everyone else here, I really hope the show gets renewed and lasts for a really long time.

My question is, IF the show is not renewed, or IF the show ends earlier than you anticipate - will you continue the show in comic book form (similar to how you did with Gargoyles)? Or maybe continue the show with a series of straight to DVD movies?

Thank You!!! Best of luck with the show!!

Oh yeah - I was at the Spidey panel for Comic Con - great stuff.
Unfortunately I couldn't make it to The Gathering - is this a yearly convention also, or is it just a one time thing?

Thanks again!!!

Greg responds...

The Gathering WAS an annual convention, but it's over now... at least for the foreseeable future.

As for continuing Spec Spidey, it's not up to me. But I'd love to.

Response recorded on December 18, 2009

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amazing spider-man writes...

1.What type of animal is Kraven? I thought lion but he then I saw stripes on his face so is he a tiger or a combination of both?

2. You notice his animal form looks like Scar from Lion King? Was that intentional(since it's a Disney show) or no?

Greg responds...

1. Watch the episode again. He lists the animals he's been "built" from.

2. You'd have to ask Cheeks if it was intentional on his part. It wasn't on mine. The idea was to key off his original costume and the animals he was genetically borrowing from.

Response recorded on December 17, 2009

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Josh writes...

Could you be more polite? I admire you, but every answer that you give to someone, you clearly seems irritated... we are fans.... just that.. we like what you do... by the way congratulations... i loved the first and second season from SSM.. maybe a third in the next three months?

Greg responds...

Okay, let me be frank. I find your post irritating. I do. I find a LOT of posts irritating. I try to be civil AND polite, but I also try to be honest, and I won't deny that sometimes my irritation is palpable. And frankly, though this isn't per se my intent, I'm okay with that.

And, yes, I get that people who post here tend to be fans, but there are certain categories of posts that do get on my nerves. These include (but are not limited to):

1. People asking questions that I've already answered ad nauseum, because they are too lazy to check the archives -- but feel I'm supposed to just put up with it, as if somehow I'm supposed to be okay with the fact that they're wasting my time even as they refuse to spend any of theirs.

2. People who seem to be asking me to confirm that me or my team screwed up in some way. (Especially when the real story is that their tastes and ours simply don't coincide.) I'm fine with someone who says, "That's not to my tastes." [For example, the previous poster wrote that she doesn't like it when characters break the fourth wall and address the audience directly. Personally, I think it's fun. But I have no problem with her having different tastes than I do. She wasn't telling me it was a mistake. Just that she didn't like it. Which, of course, is her 100% prerogative and just fine.] When someone instead says (even a more polite version of), "Admit it, Greg, that sucked," I do find it annoying. [I'm supposed to change MY tastes to match theirs? I don't think so.]

3. People who state something as fact that is either (a) dead wrong or (b) really just their opinion. Even if I AGREE with them, I find this approach grating on principle.

So yeah, sometimes answering questions here grinds on me. It does. THAT is a fact. But I keep at it, because I value the fans and want to at least try to give something back in some small way. If my means of doing it isn't to your liking... don't read it. That's not defiance. It's just common sense. But telling me to be more polite makes me want to tell you to be less presumptuous. And how does that make you feel? (My guess is, it makes you feel about how I feel right now. Irritated.)

Meanwhile, thanks for your kind words about Spider-Man. Of course, there's no way you'll see a new season in the next three months, or even in the next eight. But here's hoping that sometime in the next year...

Response recorded on December 17, 2009

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Halo Child writes...

Greg what happened? Why did they stop airing the rest of TSS-M season 2? Why? The Gang War and the Return of GG arc will make it to Disney XD in October. Does this mean that we have to wait until November for season 3?

Greg responds...

November of what year?

Response recorded on December 16, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey Greg!
What's Dr. Bromwell's first name?
Thanks!

Greg responds...

I forget.

Response recorded on December 16, 2009

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Spawn Guy writes...

Hey Greg,

I've always wondered how building a writing team works exactly. Obviously Sony liked your pitch for Spectacular (and I'm very glad they did)and we wound up with great efforts from Matt Wayne, Kevin Hopps, Andrew Robinson and Randy Jandt. But did you hand pick these people or were they provided for you by Sony? Or did they have their own takes on Spidey that convinced you that they, out of the many people who must have been vying for a spot on the show, had the right stuff for the series? And you guys had a pretty solid rotation system, so how does whatever selection process used differ from freelancing for a show?

Greg responds...

Hmmm.... the order of things...

I think it started with Randy, who had been my script coordinator on many previous series. We offered him the job of apprentice writer, a union position that would allow him to be a script coordinator but also take the next step up and write one script per season.

My next hire was Kevin Hopps, who was brought on as a staff writer. Kevin and I go way back to my Disney days. He's given me work; I've given him work. He's great and someone I can count on.

The rest of the "staff" was in fact freelance. Andrew Robinson was an obvious choice. He had done great work for me on W.I.T.C.H. I didn't know Matt Wayne, but my boss Michael Vogel was big on Matt's stuff... so I gave him a try (with great results).

Having chosen these writers, we did start something of a rotation.

I wrote the pilot and reserved the twelfth (origin) episode for myself. Then staff writer Kevin, was followed by freelancers Matt and Andrew for episodes 2-4 and 5-7. Randy took episode 8, a middle episode that would give him a chance to get acclimated on the series. 9-11 were taken by the "rotation". I did twelve. Kevin did 13.

For season two, I added Nicole Dubuc (another W.I.T.C.H. success story) as a freelancer to give us a another voice. While Nicole got acclimated, we began with the same Kevin, Matt, Andrew rotation for episodes 14-16. Randy did 17. Then we had planned to start the rotation again, with Nicole added in. (So the PLAN was to have 18-21 be Kevin, Matt, Andrew, Nicole). But by this time, Matt was getting pretty busy on other series. So Nicole also jumped in and took Matt's spot in the rotation, and 18-21 became Kevin, Nicole, Andrew, Nicole. We then started a new rotation without Matt. And Kevin, Andrew and Nicole took 22-24. I had reserved 25 for myself. And Kevin again finished out the season with 26.

That's the way I like to work. Have a small "staff" (mostly freelancers for budgetary reasons) that do multiple episodes. That way the writers really learn the show. We all break episodes together, helping each other out pre-outline. It really becomes a team.

Response recorded on December 11, 2009

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Akeem M. writes...

Hello once again, I just wanted to ask you did Chameleon know that Norman was the Green Goblin when he was hired? When Norman was unmasked, Chameleon had a look of shock that seemed like "THIS is what I was hired to pose as him for?!" before he turned to look at Harry. Or was his look just "The cat's out of the bag"?

Greg responds...

I don't think he was told or knew when he was hired, but I'm guessing he must have figured it out sometime before the mask came off.

Response recorded on December 11, 2009

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Mr. Nobody writes...

My post had a typo. It supposed to say and not an. I'm sure you'd figure it out but just thought I'd let you know anyway.

Greg responds...

THanks. My post has a typo too.

Response recorded on December 09, 2009

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Mr. Nobody writes...

If Spencer an Alistair Smythe appear what race will they be?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on December 09, 2009

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James writes...

If we get future seasons of The Spectacular Spider-Man, do you plan for the Spider-Slayers to appear at some point, or are they too redundant of Scorpion?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on December 08, 2009

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Akeem M. writes...

Hello once again sir, I have some small questions yet agin for the Spectacular Spider-Man series.

Roderick Kingsley is a CEO of a perfume company rather than a fasion designer, what inspired this change in occupation? If is something that will come up with his Hobgoblin stint, feel free to reply with "No Comment".

Same with Morris Bench, he's a demolitions expert rather than a crewman. Same rules apply, if it something that will come into play as Hydro-Man, just say "no comment".

Greg responds...

If you reread Kingsley's VERY first appearance in the comics, the answer should be fairly obvious.

As for Bench, yes, it's something that will come into play.

Response recorded on December 08, 2009

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Alex Galucki writes...

Dear Greg,
My name is ALex Galucki, I am a thirteen year old from Georgia (USA). I already watched all of the epiosdes of the Spectacular Spider-Man Season 2 from both Disney XD and Youtube. And let me just say that it blew my mind away! It was that awesome! This is by far my favorite Spidey series! I thank you for making a great series.

Anyway, I know there is a chance you might be doing a season 3. And I have some good storyplots for a possible season 3. Which leads to my only question; could I possibly send you scripts for the episodes of season 3? If you say yes, please e-mail me at luckygalucki@bellsouth.net. If you say no, that's alright. I mean they're just ideas.

Thanks,
Alex "Lucky" Galucki

Greg responds...

Sorry, Alex, but no. I don't look at unsolicited submissions or ideas to protect myself from lawsuits.

Response recorded on December 08, 2009

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spidey450 writes...

Can you make Venom's Voice a little deeper and scarier ?

Greg responds...

We're very happy with Venom's voice as it is. (And by the way, it's pretty deep and scary now.)

Response recorded on December 07, 2009

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Phil writes...

Dear Greg I have a lot of questions around Spectacular Spiderman

There are plans for other villains appearing in the third season?

Other characters such as Ben Reilly, Captain America, etc?

When you think that the third season for this year or next?

What will happen to harry who is now discovered that his father?

And Peter and Liz?

The Hobgoblin's costume will be the same as the Green Goblin only color it orange?

If the fox loses the rights of the Kingpin, as I see it happening, could have a place in the series?

And finally, thanks for making this great series I hope to continue to develop even more

Greg responds...

1. Yes.

2. See the archives.

3. Huh?

4. I'm not spoiling.

5. Ditto.

6. Don't know yet.

7. See the archives.

You're welcome.

Response recorded on December 07, 2009

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randomspideyfan writes...

1.How much of the 90's Spidey series have you seen?

2. Do you like it?

3. Isn't Dr. Ashley Kofka originally from that show because I don't recall her being in the comics. If she is then that means you've seen its Venom and Carnage story arc correct?

Greg responds...

1. Very little.

2. I haven't seen enough to judge.

3. She's originally from the comics. I have no idea if she's in the 90s show, and, no, I haven't seen their Venage arc, though I think I did see the one scene (as a clip) where Carnage first appeared.

Response recorded on December 04, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Hi again, Greg! Thanks for answering the Goblin mystery question...although it just made me realize how stupid I was for not remembering that...lol....this ain't a question, I really want to say want an AMAZING job you've done with this show, every idea, every twist, is just spectacular (no pun intended) I really hope there is a season three, I can't wait to see what ideas await! Thanks again!

Greg responds...

You're very welcome!

Response recorded on December 04, 2009

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Kyle S. writes...

Do you have any restrictions on New York locations you can use in Spider-Man? Obviously, you probably can't make any references to Ground Zero/World Trade Center, but I don't recall ever seeing the Statue of Liberty. While on the other hand we've seen Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, Flat Iron (disguised as the Daily Bugle), etc.

Greg responds...

We licensed the Flat Iron. Other buildings we can use as part of the scenery, etc.

Response recorded on December 04, 2009

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BackLash writes...

Hello again,

1. Considering he was J. Jonah Jameson in one of the previous two Spider-Man series he took part in, did Ed Ansner try out again for JJ?
2. Without spoiling anything for S3, what's up with Miles Warren's brother Aaron? Was he created for the show or was he in the comic? I don't remember him from the comic, but then I didn't know Mr. Devereaux was from the comic either so.
3. Was Mayor Waters in the show a homage to the one from Spider-Man: Reign?

Greg responds...

1. Nope. But I always knew I wanted him for Uncle Ben.

2. Aaron Warren was in the comic, as, yes, Pete's high school science teacher.

3. I'm not sure "homage" is the right word, but that's where we got the name.

Response recorded on December 04, 2009

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David Sky writes...

This time I'm sure I have come up with a question unasked. Did Eddie like Gwen? He captures Gwen in the season one finale with the words "we know who you love the most" to Peter. Peter pleads with Venom with the words "c'mon bro you've always liked her.let me save her." Did Peter mean like as in LIKE? Furthermore Venom replies along the lines of "Oh you'd like that wouldn't you? to get to be the hero" which seems to imply the bitterness he has of Gwen's feelings towards Peter. Remember also that Eddie offered to take Gwen to the dance. Eddie obviously was aware that Gwen loved Peter each and I think that made him jealous. Am I right?
Or am I reading too much into all of this?
At any rate Gwen is my favorite character in the series. Her cutest moment is when she giggles at the rumor of Peter being Spiderman.

Greg responds...

Pete just meant like, not LIKE.

As to Eddie's feelings, I'd rather leave that to everyone's individual interpretation.

Response recorded on December 03, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Greg writes...
"Norman's survival was a purely creative choice. Don't you get tired of characters "dying" and then inevitably returning. To me, it cheapens the very concept of death. So I didn't want our series to try to fool you on that subject (for more than a few minutes). You'd know right up front that he was alive and well, even if the cast all thought he was gone. That way no one feels cheated, right? I mean face it, if he had eventually returned would you really have been stunned? "

YAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!
I am sooooooooooo happy you said that, Greg, 'cause that is EXACTLY how I feel! That the constant revival of dead characters diminishes the concept of death and takes all the meaning out of it! And you're right - really, NONE of the revivals in the comics came as a shocker (some as a temper tantrum, but none as a shocker).
Which is why I completely, whole-heartedly agree that to prevent that, there needs to be some level of foreshadow shortly after they died (even it's something as simple as "they couldn't find the body").
So yeah, just writing to tell you how happy I am that you said and ecstatic to see you're above that.

Greg responds...

Thanks. I try to be above most stuff. But the air is so thin up here...

Response recorded on December 03, 2009

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Martin writes...

Two Spidey questions:

1) Does Norman know who is Master Planner?
2) I'm sorry, but aren't you like, pissed off because there are no news about season 3?

Greg responds...

1. At this point, I doubt it's still a secret.

2. Sure, as if that helps.

Response recorded on December 03, 2009

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BlkAngl Bradshaw-Koo writes...

I just wanted to say that I like the new Spectacular Spider-Man Animated Series concept. At first, I was skeptical; being that I am a fan of the 90's cartoon Spider-Man, but I like it..and so does my son. Secondly, I personally do not care for the idea of Peter Parker in a romantic relationship with Gwen Stacey. She's too drab for him. Yes, they are kind of cute together in an all too predictable way. And so, makes for boring T.V. drama. I'd prefer it if Gwen ends up with Harry instead. That would actually make for a more interestingly dramatic twist. The concept of Peter with Liz is not so bad. But being that this versions Mary Jane Watson is soo much more intriguing, I would love it if Peter ends up with her; or at very least, Spider-Man with Black Cat. Either or is fine with me. ^_^ I just hope that Mary Jane does not suddenly turn into a scaredy cat type. (Shudder...) ~_~
Thank you for your time in reading this and allowing me to submit our comments. Best wishes on your journey. Peace. - A Fan ^_^"

Greg responds...

Thanks.

Response recorded on December 02, 2009

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Jose Aranzamendez writes...

I made some mistakes when I asked a question earlier.I'm reasking the same question again with corrections

What will happen to Gwen Stacy in Spectacular Spiderman?Will She die just like she did in the comics?Or will she live and become Peter Parker's girlfriend?I curious because I'm a big fan of Gwen Stacy and wish she never died in the original comics.I hope that you will not portray her death in this excellent cartoon adaption.I'm getting tired of Gwen Stacy always dying in many new Spiderman comic series and adaptions;I would like to see something different for a change.I would like Gwen Stacy to live and actually marry Peter Parker!I also would like to see Peter Parker have aa wonderfully successful happy marriage with Gwen Stacy!

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on December 02, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

So yeah, I know how all the titles of TSSM are based off a common concept (like Lizard is Bio), and, by that way, that's REALLY awesome, but there are a few which I can't figure out how they relate to the episode. So, how do the titles of Catalysts, Nature v. Nurture, and Shear Strength relate to their episodes?
Thanks in advance!

Greg responds...

I'm sorry, but I think it's obvious. And if I'm wrong, then my trying to justify it won't help. Look up the meaning of those terms and if it's still not clear, then assume we screwed up.

Response recorded on December 02, 2009

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radioactivespiderman writes...

1. Will we see B list villains like Tarantula and Jack O Lantern? What about newer villains like Morlun or newer allies like Ezekiel?

2. Will you use Rocket Racer and Morbius as students and have them become villains later?

3. I heard you can't use Beetle why not?

4. Will Morris Bench become Hydro-Man and I doubt this but will Hobie Brown become Prowler?

5, Who is your favorite Spidey villain?

Greg responds...

1. No comment.

2. No comment.

3. Check the archives.

4. No comment.

5. I don't just have one.

HEY, HOW HELPFUL WERE those ANSWERS!!!

Response recorded on December 01, 2009

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webhead writes...

1.Any chance you could grab Mark Hamill to play Carnage? Carnage has always been one of my favorite Spidey villains and one of my favorite villains in general and we all know Mark Hamill has the best animated Joker so I recommend him.

2. What the heck is going on with Kingpin? Is it fixed so you can use him? I mean the Daredevil movies are going nowhere so they seriously shouldn't hog him and let you borrow the rights. We don't need a lot of him like in the 90's series just for a season. Speaking of the 90's series when the James Cameron Spider-Man movie fell through they got to use Electro so do whatever it takes to get him. Don't give up

3. Will there be any other heroes in Spectacular Spider-Man? Again I don't mean like in the 90's series where the was a whole bunch of guest heroes. Just one like hopefully Daredevil he is best friends with Spidey after all. I heard a rumor that Thor was supposed to guest star in Season 2 but didn't. Was that true and will he appear in a future season? Just Wondering

Thanks Greg!

Greg responds...

1. Let's see if we get any more episodes first, before we discuss casting, 'kay?

2. I have no news on this front either.

3. There was NO truth to the Thor rumor. I've answered this HUNDREDS of times. Check the archives.

Response recorded on November 30, 2009

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wall crawler writes...

Is there going to be to a Spectacular Spider-Man video game?

Greg responds...

I don't know. Is there?

Response recorded on November 30, 2009

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Derek writes...

Just wanted to say I love The Spectacular Spider-Man, and consider it the most true interpretation of the character in any media outside the comics. Spidey has been my favorite fictional character pretty much since my first issue at the age of 6, a reprint of Amazing #2, and is one of only two comic characters I grew up on (the other being Archie), so he holds a pretty special place in my heart.

I did have a few things I was curious about though:

1) What was your motivation in basing the burglar parts of the origin in "Intervention" on the movie version rather than the comics? To me, Peter refusing to stop the burglar out of pure selfishness and self-righteousness makes his comeuppance (in the form of Uncle Ben's death) more powerful than him doing so to screw the promoter over for not getting paid. However, I'm torn about Ben's death via carjacking vs. break-in. The break-in never geologically made sense, and I love that Ben dies waiting for Peter outside the arena (in essence, it adds another layer of him dying BECAUSE of Peter). But I still feel the carjacking takes away the sheer randomness of the break-in... sure, it's unlikely the burglar would break into Peter's home of all places, but that unlikelihood gives me a sense of this being fate as consequence for Peter's inaction. What was your take on each?
2) Was there a reason we have yet to see spider-tracers, and is this something you'd like to include in (potential) future seasons?
3) Do you have a plan in mind for how Peter developed his web fluid? I've always been one of the ones who found it unlikely that a teenager, even one as intelligent as Peter, was capable of singlehandedly inventing the stuff, although I vastly prefer the mechanical webshooters. I really love the Ultimate explanation for this, in that Peter based the fluid on his father's work for an experimental adhesive.
4) For that matter, are you able to say whether Peter's parents in this series are scientists or S.H.I.E.L.D. agents? I would assume the former, based on Eddie's explanation of how his and Peter's parents died.
5) I'm a little confused on Vulture's motivations as a villain. He started just wanting to get revenge on Osborn, and joined the Six to get rid of his opposition Spider-Man, both of which make sense, but then he's suddenly blowing up a facility in "Shear Strength" and helping Doc Ock take control of the underworld in "Accomplices" and "Gangland." Have Vulture's goals and plans broadened since the pilot?

Again, thanks for a great show, thanks in advance for any answers, and best wishes on getting another season!

Greg responds...

1. There's something to be said for Spidey being simply too arrogant to stop the burglar. But that's still in there with the movie version, and the motivation seems less random to me. And frankly, I think the carjacking is a huge IMPROVEMENT to Spidey's origin. Put's much more of the blame on Pete's conscience.

2. I do eventually have plans to intro the spider-tracers.

3. I have a VERY specific idea for Spidey's web-fluid.

4. Dad was a scientist.

5. I think for better or worse he's tied his boat to his buddy Otto's pier.

Response recorded on November 30, 2009

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Nick Piers writes...

Hey Greg,

I've been a big fan of Spectacular Spider-Man from the beginning and truly belive it's the best rendition of the character in ANY medium.

I'm happy to report that I've bought my copy of Season 1. Additionally, I've been on various forums that I visit to report of its release, several people have already made plans to buy it if they haven't already. So, I very much hope these efforts will help bring about a third season.

Finally, one big question. Everyone else is jumping on the "will bring in Character X" but the answer is usually "Nuh uh! We can't because that character had a movie and we don't have the rigths." Which brings me to:

When will we see Moon Boy and Devil Dinosaur? Season 8? 9?

Thanks!
Nick Piers

Greg responds...

<sigh> I don't even have a funny comeback or smart-ass remark.

Response recorded on November 30, 2009

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MasterGandalf writes...

I've been loving Spectacular Spider-man, and I've got questions about two of the most important villains:

1. In "Final Curtain", Osborn says that the version of the Green he took prevented the same kind of instability that Harry exhibited- but throughout the episode Norman exhibits instability of his own, albeit more tightly controlled. Was he wrong about the formula not making him nuts, or did aquiring superpowers simply give him an outlet for pre-existing psychosis?

2. In his first appearance, Tombstone was shown to be able to easily defeat an off-guard Spider-man. Later on, he shows no real pain from taking a bunch of the Goblin's weapons in the back and is shown to be able to go toe-to-toe with three opponents who were all enhanced in some manner. Do you see him as having some degree of superstrength, or simply as a very well trained combatant with a high pain threshold? Or was it deliberately ambiguous?

3. Just for fun- what exactly was going through Tombstone's head when Venom crawled in through his window? Sure, this is a guy who never loses his cool and finds a way to make use of everyone, but still- a hideous perversion of Spider-man isn't something one sees every day:).

Greg responds...

1. I'll leave that for your interpretation.

2. Deliberately ambiguous.

3. No, it isn't.

Response recorded on November 25, 2009

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Todd Jensen writes...

I've heard that the radio play at the Gathering this year will be (or was, by the time you read this) a crossover between "Gargoyles" and "The Spectacular Spider-Man", which apparently you wrote. If this is true and you did indeed write it, I wonder how you felt about writing that encounter between two sets of characters you've worked on. (I do suspect that it wasn't hard to get them to meet, since both series are set in Manhattan!)

Greg responds...

It was fun, but, frankly, a brutal chore as I did not have nearly enough time to write the script.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Robby writes...

My brothers and I are impressed by the fluid animation in Spectacular Spider-Man. We imagine it must be very expensive. How much does it cost to do those cool action scenes?

Greg responds...

I can't spit out a number for the action scenes in a vacuum. SpecSpidey had a fairly standard "per episode" TV Animation budget. We tried to get as much bang for our buck as possible.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey Greg! Quick question, though I'm not sure if you can answer it (you might be able to though): Since the Connors left for Florida, what's the news on Electro's cure? Is Curt still working on it or did he pass the job onto Miles?

Greg responds...

Curt's still working on it. I don't think he'd trust anything with Miles.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

So, I noticed someone asked about why included Emily and that made me thinking: Why did you include Joan Jameson? Is it just because you weren't taking the "My wife was killed by someone in a mask, so now I hate people in masks" angle on JJJ or is there another reason?

Greg responds...

I definitely wasn't taking that approach. But it had more to do with the effect having a wife has on JJ's character. I think the effect is demonstrable, so I won't comment further.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

this is a random question but you said daredevil doesnt exist yet...i understand punishers family not being dead, and the fantastic four only dealing with cosmic things or whatever, and tony not doing his demonstration and all of that but how doesn't DD exist yet, he was around the exact same time spidey was in the comics, i just wanted to get your excuse.

anyway great shows, loved gargoyles and love spectacular spiderman, and the episodes you were involved in the batman were great too:)

Greg responds...

It's not an "excuse." Frankly, you haven't done your homework.

Daredevil #1 appeared in 1964, two years after Spider-Man's debut. If you're asking me if Matt Murdock exists, than of course the answer is yes. But he hasn't put on a costume yet.

In contrast, the FF pre-date Spidey, premiering in 1961. Spidey premiered in 1962. Iron Man (for example) in '63. Daredevil not until '64.

So in OUR continuity, Spidey first appeared in public (at the Venue) in May or June of Peter's sophomore year. Our two seasons take place between September and March of his Junior Year. So the FF are around already, fighting COSMIC BIG BADS. (They probably made their debut in November of Pete's sophomore year.) But guys like Iron Man, Thor and Daredevil have yet to debut.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Greg Rhoads writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman, (I like the first name! ^_-)

First, I'd like to congratulate you on doing an truly spectacular job with the Spectacular Spider-Man and am crossing my fingers for seasons 3, 4 and 5! Having said that, I do have some questions. Some Spidey spoilers below!

1. I heard that you originally wanted to use Kingpin for the role served by Tombstone. If you had been allowed to use Kingpin from the beginning, would you have found a way to use Tombstone in a different capacity and if so, what?

2. I was most curious at those who were chosen to give interviews. I practiculary noticed the touch on Norman's face, who immediately answers "No", but you can clearly see a little bit of curiousity has been pipqued in his mind.... foreshadowing? Heh. I noticed though that due to time restraints, not everybody could get an interview. Was it planned for Mary Jane, Sally, Randy or anybody who wasn't asked in the episode that were cut for time?

3. Somebody said to me that Norman is lot like Xanatos from Gargoyles. Did you base this version of Norman off of Xanatos in some way?

Thanks for your time and keep up the good work!

3.

Greg responds...

1. Probably, but we never got that far in our plans for him, since we learned early on we couldn't use Kingpin.

2. No.

3. I've answered this before. Check out this IGN interview: http://tv.ign.com/articles/103/1034739p2.html

QUOTED here:

IGN: Another reader email here from C.R., who writes,

"Was the Incarnation of Norman Osborn in this show inspired by David Xanatos from Gargoyles? He seems very similar to him. He even has an Owen Burnett like assistant! Was this intentional of you?"

Weisman: Well, I can see why people feel that way. He's not the first person to bring that up and I get it and god knows Xanatos is so in my head that there's some influence there. But the truth is that Osborn predates Xanatos. I was reading Norman Osborn in comics long before Xanatos was a glimmer in my eye, so to speak. Even the thing about having an assistant… Osborn had that assistant in the comics. I didn't come up with him and stick him in. Donald Menken played that exact role in the comics â€" one in fact might argue that Owen was slightly influenced by Menken, although I don't actually think that was true, because Menken was pretty obscure. But when I went back and re-read the Spider-Man comics, after I got this gig, Menken was there.

And as for how similar Osborn and Xanatos are, I think the similarities are somewhat surface. Yes, they're both incredibly wealthy, incredibly smart businessmen. But I think of Xanatos as being amoral and I think of Osborn as being immoral. And I think there's a big difference in that. Xanatos has said revenge is a sucker's game. I think Osborn kind of likes the revenge idea. Osborn is a really, really crappy father. And I think David is actually a really loving father. He's got lots of flaws, and I'm not saying some of those flaws won't impact how he raises his son, but David is going to do his damndest to raise that boy in an environment that's loving and warm and supportive, and it's obvious that's not Norman's point of view on things. Norman refuses to apologize or take responsibility for anything at all, and David's not like that either.

It makes it sound like I think David's great and Norman's awful, and that's not how I feel at all. I think they're both great characters, but I do think that in real, fundamental ways, they are very different personalities. What they have in common is they're both very, very smart.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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GreenGoblin45 writes...

In "The Uncertainty Principle" when the Green Goblin steals the Inhibitor prototype, there is a man with orange hair standing next to "Norman Osborn." Is that Donald Menken? Also, in Blueprints, there is a Chinese girl who looks like Sha Shan talking to Gwen and Mary Jane right before Pete arrives. Is that Sha Shan?

Greg responds...

Yes, that's Menken and Sha Shan.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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MARVEL-FAN writes...

Greg, if we get more then 3 seasons, will Spider-Man appearance change? Like being bigger, and less skinnier. I'm not saying I dont like him skinny. Just when he gets older.

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Paul writes...

Hi, Greg! Just a few more questions for you, if that's OK:

1) How did Beck and Mason escape from police custody after being apprehended in "Persona"?
2) Kraven acquired the ability to track Spidey's scent in "Destructive Testing" and told Miles Warren that he could smell Spidey's scent in the ESU lab. Why didn't Miles put two and two together?
3) By tracking Spidey's scent, Kraven could ambush him again in no time. So why hasn't he sought out Spidey since their last encounter on Christmas Eve?
4) In "Opening Night", the Green Goblin quoted A Midsummer Night's Dream by saying, "Lord, what fools these mortals be!". But how does he know the line, since it turns out that he's not Harry?
5) Will Peter ever feel guilty about Eddie's transformation into Venom or Norman's apparent demise at the end of season 2?

Greg responds...

1. That was revealed in a scene cut for time that we showed at the 2009 Comic-Con in San Diego. They used holograms to escape prison.

2. Who said he didn't?

3. Other things keeping him busy.

4. It's a pretty famous line.

5. He already does.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

SPECTACULAR SPOILERS

Okay, I watched "Final Curtain" again, and something Harry said at the end got me thinking.

"Dad was sick, a victim of the green. No one knows how that stuff can change you better than I do."

And, considering that Harry obviously did not hear his father's confession to Spider-Man about framing him, it makes me wonder.

Does Harry believe that he was the Green Goblin before his father? Or does he know it was dear old dad all along.

SPECTACULAR SPOILERS

Greg responds...

I think the latter.

Response recorded on November 23, 2009

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Kyle S. writes...

Hey Mr. Weisman, love Spectacular Spider-Man. One of my favorite episodes was Opening Night. I loved the Shakespeare interwoven with the story. Now, my friend just played Flute in a community production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. I thought it was fantastic, but it was very untraditional. The play opened with the 'How now spirit' line, and then broke into song out of the fairy's speech, and then proceeded to Act 1. Theseus entered setting up a hole of golf and Hippolyta was reading a fashion magazine. This was all very funny, but the one quirk I almost didn't like was that Puck was a puppet. Seriously, he was a little green muppet-looking guy operated by a girl wearing black to blend in with the background (even though her head and hands could be seen since it was outside in broad daylight). In a lot of cases, it worked out for the best, but it was odd. The dialogue was mostly unchanged (some parts were abridged), but my mom was able to understand the entire thing because it was so untraditional.
Which brings the question: what is your favorite adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream? Oh, and are the guys who played Lysander and Demetrius named characters from the comics? Were any other minor name characters given roles?

Greg responds...

Jason Ionello played Lysander in the M-cubed Dream. We never had to figure out who played Demetrius.

I've seen the play MANY, many times. I don't have one favorite production.

Response recorded on November 23, 2009

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GreenGoblin45 writes...

"There were many reasons, but the main inpetus was being attacked and kidnapped by Vulture. He (Norman Osborn) did not enjoy being that vulnerable. There was a line to that effect in Final Curtain, but it was cut for time."

Could you post that line in the archives, or is that a legal issue in that you can't post it.

Greg responds...

No legal issue, but I'm afraid I don't remember it off the top of my head.

Response recorded on November 23, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

So I've been sitting here watching and loving my first season Spidey box set (I bought all four single releases too, just doing my part) and pining away for season three. If the world turns upside down and this fantastic show does not get renewed, just how far in depth are you willing to go with us about what your plans would have been for it? On the one hand, it would be like torture hearing every cool story/character bit we might miss out on, but on the other, it would be equally hard to not know. :) Is that something you'd be willing to share with all us nerds? :)

PS: Here's hoping that by the time this gets answered, it's rendered moot by a third season pickup.

Greg responds...

I'm not going to make any decisions now.

Response recorded on November 19, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

Another question: In Final Curtain, there was one line which no one seems to be able to understand. It went like this:

Peter: "You framed your own son??"
Norman: "I was protecting Harrry! If I'd gone to jail, who would've made a man out of him? Just look at what he's done today - I've never been prouder of the boy!"
Peter: "Oh, please! You were saving your own sorry butt!"
Norman: "Po-tay-to, po-tah-to. Once you're out of the picture, I'll make everything right."
Peter: "You had no/wouldn't know right to/if it blew up your ----!"

So.... What WAS Peter's last line there? It was just as he was putting the pumpkin bomb in the glider.... 'Cause we fans are STUMPED!

Greg responds...

Didn't I answer this one already too?

"You wouldn't know right if it blew up your glider!"

Response recorded on November 19, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

And NOW I realize that I already asked about Electro and the gene-cleanser! Silly me!
FORGIVE ME, ALMIGHTY GREG WEISMAN!!!!!

Greg responds...

Wow. Not only did you not check the archives to see if someone else had posted your question, you didn't even check your own memory to see if YOU had already posted the question?

And people wonder why it takes me so long to catch up on the question backlog.

But you're forgiven. <grumble, grumble>

Response recorded on November 19, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

I was really surprised when the gene-cleanser worked on Venom. I figured that since he was technically two entities, it wouldn't make a difference, but I guess that since they're bonded I was wrong.
First question: If/When the symbiote tries to rebond with Venom, would it work normally or will the gene cleanser in Eddie's system create an obstacle? Similarly, should Dr. Connors get more injections of the Lizard serum for whatever reason (not asking if that will happen, just hypothetically), would the gene-cleanser again prevent from working? Or is all that "No comment" territory?
After the gene-cleanser worked on Venom, it got me wondering about the other super-dudes runnin' around.... So here's a load of others:
2) Would the gene-cleanser be able to cure Electro? My guess is "no", since you once (a loooong time ago) said that Connors is still looking for a cure.
3) Would the gene-cleanser work on Sandman?
4) I'm going to operate by the assumption that it wouldn't work on Rhino since he's technically wearing a suit. But I've got to ask anyway: Would the gene-cleanser work on Rhino?
5) Would the gene-cleanser work on Gobby?
6) Would the gene-cleanser work on Ock?
7) Would the gene-cleanser work on Tombstone?
8) Speaking of Tombstone, are we ever going to hear his origin story? Or is that "No comment" territory?
9) Would the gene-cleanser work on Kraven? (I'm assuming so....)
10) Would the gene-cleanser have worked on Colonel Jupiter? It would've been a much cleaner resolution for sure....
11) Would the gene-cleanser work on Molten Man?
Thanks for your help, Greg!
(PS: You rock!)

Greg responds...

1. No comment territory indeed.

2. It doesn't seem to work.

3. No.

4. No.

5. No.

6. No.

7. No.

8. Maybe.

9. Yes.

10. Obviously, it didn't.

11. No.

Response recorded on November 18, 2009

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Will Keaton writes...

Greg:

:Spidey Spoilers:

1. Spectacular has a very large cast. Was there any particular character you had an especially hard time casting?

2. During the Gargoyles World Tour arc you introduced a lot of characters on the off chance they may get their own spin off series. If you could make a spin off from Spectacular Spider-man starring any character you wanted who would it be?

3. There are a lot of nameless extras in Spider-man and many characters with little to no dialogue. Is there any one person who has received way more fan attention than you expected for their almost microscopic role? I am personally a huge fan of Hammerhead's car door. That thing KO'd both the Green Goblin AND Silver Sable. At this rate by season 4 it'll be single-handedly defeating Galactus.

4. This is probably better suited for Stan to answer but I'm sure you've considered it at some point. What exactly does Pete wear on his feet underneath his spider-onsie? Shoes? Really thick socks? Is he barefoot when he takes off his suit? Exactly how much danger are his feet in when he runs around New York city?

5. Some of the villains in Spidey's rouges gallery have some origin stories that not only spit in the face of science but beat it up with a large blunt object. Is there any villain that made you say "okay, there is no way anybody in this day and age is going to believe that is even close to possible. We need to make this slightly more realistic"?

6. "Who ordered the chopper?'
"Oscorp kinda thinks you did."
"Where's the pilot?"
"You're the one who insisted I get my pilot's licence."
"But how did the chopper get all the way here from Oscorp with no one flying it?"
"I don't know dad. Maybe you should ask Greg Weisman."

7. In episode one there was indication that Octavius and Toomes knew each other for quite a while before the series began. Any other sciency type people know each other? Did Otto ever bump into the Connors at a science convention or something or both get invited to the Osborn's for dinner one evening?

8. Back in Persona Chameleon spoke on the phone with a (possibly Russian) general who wanted the symbiote. Do you ever plan to reveal his identity or was he created solely to give Chameleon a reason to be there that night? Cat was also trying to steal the symbiote for a "captain of industry" and dialogue from the opening of Accomplices suggests it may have been Tombstone; though Osborn is another likely candidate. So, who was it? Or is that classified info that would spoil the surprise later?

9. Did Norman ever take any theatre courses in high school? Acting like a nut while in the Goblin costume helps divert suspicion away from the dower Osborn; when people are there to see him act crazy. But quoting a Midsummer Night's Dream and speaking in nothing but rhyme while hundreds of feet in the air with no witnesses? Obviously he's just doing that for fun. Or he's in denial about the gas not having any side effets.

Back in the 90's Spider-man series that aired on Fox Spidey would occasionally hang out with a (always stone) gargoyle named Bruce whom he claimed was a "great listener" and to whom he would confess his frustrations at leading a double-life. Now, 15 years later you're head of the newest Spider-man show. Funny little coincidence that. And ya know if you ever need Pete to verbally express his frustrations to someone who won't reveal his identity to the general public, well I wouldn't mind seeing Bruce again. Plus the guy can totally keep a secret.

Greg responds...

1. Nope.

2. The Homunculi.

3. No surprises for me.

4. He wears boots with soles. They're on the softer side, but he's tough.

5. Shrug. We do our best to adjust as we go. You could argue that about most of the characters, including Spidey himself.

6. It was dropped off, and the pilot left. I mean, really, that required a trip to ASK GREG to figure THAT out?

7. Shrug.

8. No comment.

9. A little from Column A. A little from Column B.

10. That would be a bit odd coming from me, I think. But I won't rule it out.

Response recorded on November 18, 2009

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Michael Byrne writes...

If Season 3 returns, do you think that the villainously eccentric Green Goblin might like his own musical number? :)

Greg responds...

Who wouldn't?

Response recorded on November 18, 2009

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Ming writes...

With Green Goblin (Norman Osborn) presumed dead, what's the current situation with the rival factions in the underworld, especially Tombstone?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!

Pretty much the way we left it.

Response recorded on November 16, 2009

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GreenGoblin45 writes...

"We've seen Felicia out of costume and probably will again."

Could you point out which episode and which scene Felicia is out of costume? I don't think I could find that tidbit myself.

Greg responds...

"Opening Night" - It's not hard to find if you watch the first act. (It's not a case of us being subtle.)

Response recorded on November 16, 2009

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Derek writes...

Hey Greg -

I've been watching the Spectacular Spidey First Season DVD-set, and I realized that the laser sound effects haven't been replaced with gunshots, like you said the plan was. What happened? I've read in interviews that you didn't really have much input in the DVD (which is why the extras were so scarce...and I'm really sorry for that, because I'm sure you and the others on the show would have provided some entertaining material!), but I had just been under the impression that the gunshot thing was a sure deal.

Greg responds...

We remixed everything for the MOVIE edited DVDs, not for the Season One set of episodes. Unfortunately after the first release, Marvel and Sony scrapped the Movie edits, so now ALL the DVDs have their original as aired sound mixes, including effects.

Response recorded on November 16, 2009

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Bazell writes...

You have a strong Shakespearian background, so hopefully you'll see where I'm going here. About Romeo and Juliet, there is discussion as to whether it is a tragedy of character or situation. That is, was the tragedy the circumstances in which the titular character found themselves caught in, or was it the characters' own folly in their youthful rush for love (seemingly damn the consequences)?
A similar argument could be made about Spidey. Although Spider-Man is the iconic hero, the story is largely the tragedy of Peter Parker. Over and over through the decades the fabled Parker Luck (though I don't think you use the phrase in your show) has always been there, overshadowing Spidey victories with Parkers personal woes (be they emotional, social or something more serious). How would characterize the situation? Is the Parker Luck a product of Pete's own foibles or is it more entwined with his surrounding circumstances?

Greg responds...

My thinking is more... holistic than an either/or answer can provide. We act, we react, etc. to varying stimuli -- some in our control and/or range of influence, some completely outside it. And then all that gets mixed together. We blame ourselves for things we can't control. We shift blame for things we might have. And everything in between. That's how I view life: as a mess, basically. So when I read about either Romeo & Juliet or Spidey/Peter my thinking runs the same way. Not either/or but characters (hopefully recognizably HUMAN characters) struggling to make sense of the mess.

Response recorded on November 13, 2009

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Paul writes...

Will the events of "Identity Crisis" be referenced again in future seasons, since a lot of people in Peter's life ought to think of the whole incident with Peter and Venom whenever they think of Spidey? I'm asking this because "Accomplices" almost felt like a fresh start after "Identity Crisis", as though it was avoiding the subject of people pondering the connection between Peter and Spidey.

Greg responds...

So the Captain Stacy stuff felt like avoidance to you?

Everything is part of the background radiation of the show. And more specific repercussions will also be present in future seasons, assuming there are future seasons.

Response recorded on November 12, 2009

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Paul writes...

1) Eddie's transformation into Venom in season 1 felt a bit sudden; he had been shown to be a warm and friendly person in other episodes, like "Interactions", when he's trying to calm Max Dillon down at the hospital. It seemed a bit strange that he would go after Aunt May in "Nature vs. Nurture" not long after checking up on her at the hospital in "Intervention". Would you say that Eddie was just masking his anger with a 'nice side' all along, and that the theft of the symbiote in "Persona", him getting told to "shove off" by Peter in "Intervention" and Spidey trying to kill the symbiote at the end of "Intervention" brought out his nasty side? It's just that Eddie going from liking Gwen and Aunt May to trying to hurt them seemed like a bit of a leap. It made me wonder if it's more a case of the symbiote having him in its thrall (giving him the 'love' that he can't get from anyone else, since his parents are dead and he didn't have a replacement father figure like Peter's Uncle Ben) than Eddie really despising Peter enough to hurt people that both he and Peter like.

2) When Gwen thought that Peter had lied to her about going to the Fall Formal in "Catalysts", Eddie looked pretty mad that Peter had upset her. Did Eddie harbour feelings for Gwen at any point in time, or were they always just friends?

3) At the end of "Identity Crisis", Eddie claimed that he was Venom. Did Gwen find out about this claim? If so, did she believe him?

4) Why did Doc Ock's motivation go from wanting to kill Spiderman (in "Reaction" and "Group Therapy") to wanting to conquer the world ("Shear Strength") to wanting to rule the criminal underworld ("Accomplices" and "Gangland")? Is it a case of the formerly weak-willed Otto Octavius wanting to make up for lost time by demonstrating his power to as many people as possible and making his name known and feared far and wide?

Greg responds...

1. Well, let's start with the notion that I don't agree with the premise of your question. I think if you watch carefully, Eddie's descent (or whatever you want to call it) is laid out with many, many clues planted along the way as to his true character and his many issues. Which is not to say, it MUST work for you. If it didn't, it didn't. But that doesn't mean I have to agree with you. But, yes, generally you're last sentence is correct. The influence of the symbiote is paramount.

2. I'll leave that to your interpretation.

3. Yes, she found out. As to whether she believed it, I'll leave that to your interpretation.

4. His motive never changed. In "Reaction", Spider-Man was incorrectly perceived as an immediate threat. In "Group Therapy", he was perceived as an obstacle that must be taken out of the way. But Ock's megalomaniacal motivations are established pretty much from moment one in "Reaction". He had a big plan in the first arc of Season Two, which was thwarted. After that, he simply is asserting his place in the world of crime, collecting fees for super-villain services, etc. I'm sure he has more BIG PLANS in the future, but not every hour of every day is filled with that. But again, your last sentence makes sense to me.

Response recorded on November 11, 2009

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The...!!? writes...

I hope to God that by the time this question gets to you season 3 is commisioned.
I wanna believe that there is gonna be a season three but everybody keeps saying given enough episodes, all depends on the ratings on disneyxd (that frightens me the most). The Spectacular Spiderman is my favorite tv show and i will hate to see it get taken off the air for crap like...whatever they are airing.
anyway, if there is a season 3 i do have questions...

1. on wikipedia it says you guys expressed interest in using heroes like cyclops, beast, ant-man, hulk, etc. is this true?

2. are hobgoblin and scorpion already drawn and if so are you happy with there looks?

3. is there a possibility that you will ever be able to use kingpin at all.

this all i can think of right now...

Greg responds...

1. Yes, we expressed some interest in all the characters you listed plus Human Torch, Captain America and Professor X. Others too, I suppose. But if allowed guest heroes, we'd start with Human Torch and work from there.

2. No, they have not been drawn yet for the show.

3. Anything's possible.

Response recorded on November 10, 2009

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Doceinholeite writes...

HI Greg I like all your Spectacular Spider-Man work i whant to know what do you plan on doing after all 65 episodes?

Greg responds...

Right now, I'm just hoping we get an episode 27...

Response recorded on November 10, 2009

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Paul writes...

Does the timeline of The Spectacular Spiderman follow this pattern?

Biology 101: September
Economics 101: October
Chemistry 101: October
Psychology 101: November
Engineering 101: December
Human Development 101: January
Criminology 101: February
Drama 101: March

I'm asking because it's hard to pin down which month some episodes take place in. "Market Forces" and "Competition", for instance, could be set in September or October, but it's unclear which, and "Accomplices" could be set in January or February, but it's unclear which. Likewise for episodes like "Subtext" as well.

Greg responds...

That's basically right.

Response recorded on November 10, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Also, in a previous post, someone asked about your thoughts on the Crimemaster, and you responded, "I do not not like him." (or something like that - not verbatim.)
Was this a typo, meant as "I do not like him." or did you intentionally use the double-negative?

Greg responds...

Intentional use of double negative.

Response recorded on November 09, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hi, again, Greg!
Just wondering: Why is it that so many characters are all in the same bio class? Clearly Midtown doesn't separate its grades as much as mine does, but shouldn't Peter and Gwen and Sha Shan at least be in an advanced class, without Flash and Liz? And didn't they already Bio last year? 'Cause if so, shouldn't they be taking a different science now?
It probably doesn't matter (and I wonder if anyone else ever even noticed), but I was just wondering.
Thanks in advance!

Greg responds...

It's advanced bio, a class designed to be taken by Juniors. Flash and Liz are taking it ... and doing poorly. Pete and Gwen are taking it ... and doing very well. Sally's taking it, and it's not clear how she's doing. Sha Shan has clearly skipped ahead to take it. (She'd normally be a year too young.) We assume she's doing well, but not as well as Pete and Gwen, though given the fact that she's a sophomore, I'm sure her work is still impressive.

You'll notice that neither Kenny and Rand (both seniors) nor Hobie (a sophomore) is in the class. Neither is Tiny, though he's a junior too. (Obviously, not the type to even try and get by in that class.)

In any case, we tried to be consistent.

Response recorded on November 09, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

*** SPECTACULAR SPOILERS ***
*** SERIOUSLY! ***
*** I WARNED YOU ***

So, I've recently been debating Norman's mental state. Specifically his sanity or lack thereof. Mostly because I've seen a couple of individuals saying that you gave Norman Osborn Roderick Kingsley's personality. Norman was insane, Roderick was stone cold sane.

Naturally, I disagree with them. Sure, Norman doesn't come out and say he's insane. He even says he's in control. But don't most of those suffering from insanity and megalomania feel that way?

Psychopaths lack empathy and guilt, are egocentric and impulsive, and do not conform to social, moral and legal norms. They may appear to be quite normal and often even charming, a state of adaptation that psychiatrist Hervey Cleckley named the "mask of sanity".

Or, as Gobby himself said, "We all wear masks, Spider-Man. But which is real? The one that hides your face or the one that IS your face?"

That's how I see Norman. Your Norman as well. And while we haven't seen much of Kingsley yet (and I'm not asking for spoilers on plans for him), I am sure that they're both very, very different people. Just as different as they were in the comic books.

*** END SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

I agree they're different.

I feel Norman's more of a sociopath than a psychopath, but maybe I'm splitting hairs.

Response recorded on November 09, 2009

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Stephen writes...

In a question i asked about using tombstone you answered "Have you seen Tombstone?"
Yes, I have of course i have i seen every episode like 30 times, and i love him i was just wandering why, my only reson was fosswell couldn't fight spidey and tombstone has the kinda muscle and speed, agility, etc. so that's why you used him, but seriously don't get me wrong he's one of my favorite characters in your show...maybe 6 or 7 in the top ten

Greg responds...

Okay...

Response recorded on November 09, 2009

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akif khan writes...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/90/Spectacular_spider-man_animated_cha-1-.jpg
In this picture. Eddie has a case/prosthetic limb. Why was it like that and what made you change your mind to make him normal/perfect condition.

Greg responds...

Curt Connors has a prosthetic limb, not Eddie. We never intended for Eddie to have a prosthetic anything.

Response recorded on November 04, 2009

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Jim writes...

At what point would you say Stacy deduced Spidey's identity?

I always figured his "I know who you are, Pete" at the end of the Master Planner arc as having a double meaning. I can't decide if he knew during Thanksgiving dinner, it seems like it could go either way. But while he had certainly been studying him prior to "Persona," I didn't get the vibe that he had figured it out at that point.

So is there a definitive moment or time period you can point to that says, "He has figured it out now, we just won't let the viewer know for sure until 'Identity Crisis?'"

Greg responds...

I don't see how I can comment on this one way or the other, as it seems to take for granted the idea that Stacy knows Spidey's secret identity.

Response recorded on November 04, 2009

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friendlyneighborhoodspidey writes...

1. While Kraven was stalking Spidey I noticed his spider-sense didn't go off. Is that an OOPS or what?

2. Is Kraven turning into an animal supposed to be similar to Puma? (look him up if you don't know who I mean)

3. May I suggest asking Robert Englund to play Carnage? He'd do a great job because Freddy Krueger's personality is a lot like Carnage's.

Greg responds...

1. Stalking doesn't activate spider-sense in our show. As I've said before, Pete was bitten by a genetically altered spider, not a genetically altered psychic. We limited spider-sense in our series to incoming blows.

2. I know who Puma is, thank you.

3. Robert is already our Vulture. I'm not ruling out your suggestion, but I wouldn't want the voices to be too similar.

Response recorded on November 04, 2009

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Spidey#1fan writes...

1. If you can't borrow Kingpin what crime boss will you use? Owl?

2. I heard something about Beetle and Boomerang being in SSM is it true?

3. You think you will use Morbius and Manwolf?

4. How heavily "toned down" does Carnage have to be to be in the show?

Greg responds...

1. As of the end of Season Two, I couldn't use Owl either. But I've got plenty of crime bosses already.

2. Seriously, WHERE did you hear that? Or did you just make it up? Anyway, Beetle's currently unavailable: officially he's not a Spidey villain. I'd have to check on Boomerang.

3. No comment.

4. How heavily toned down did you want him to be?

And just curious? Is there one question above that I haven't already answered? Let's check the ASK GREG Archives.

Hmmm... Nope. All been answered before. Some of them multiple times.

Response recorded on November 03, 2009

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Big Boy writes...

I have some questions considering the censorship of Spectacular Spider-Man. I don't think they will reveal any spoilers (I hope not). If they do, then you don't have to answer them.

1) Can you get away with Carnage being a serial killer in the show?
2) Can you get away with Morbius being a vampire that bites people and drinks blood in the show?
3) Can you get away with someone like Morlun in the show?
4) Can you get away with someone dying?
5) Did you keep Norman alive because you weren't allowed to keep him dead or did you keep him alive for the future?

Greg responds...

1-3. Hasn't come up yet.

4. Yes. We already have.

5. Why would I kill off Norman?

Response recorded on November 02, 2009

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Rinso writes...

Hi, Greg.
I must say that “The Spectacular Spider-Man” is the best superhero show I’ve ever seen. I totally love it. But I have two questions about it that has been sort of bugging me lately.

In Season 1 episode “Intervention”, after Peter rejects the symbiote, he returns it to Connors’ laboratory and tries to kill the alien by freezing the camera where it’s held. Eddie Brock sees him doing this and is enraged, because by killing the alien, Spider-Man destroyed his last chance to get back his job and thus his education in college. But less than a minute later, it turns out that the symbiote is unharmed and it’s actually fine. My question is â€" why did Brock had to free the alien and bond with it in order to pursue vengeance against Spider-Man? I mean, since it turned out that it was apparently alive and healthy, why couldn’t he just leave it in the camera? He would have gotten his job back and everything would have been fine with his life.

And my second question. Spoiler alert!

In “Final Curtain”, the final episode of Season 2, the identity of the Green Goblin was revealed for real. He was (of course) none other than Norman Osborn and it turned out that Harry’s unmasking in Season 1 was a red herring meant to throw Spider-Man (and the fans :P) off. Back in Season 1, during his last fight with Spider-Man, Norman faked a leg injury before escaping and later he found Harry unconscious, dressed him up in the Goblin costume and injured his leg, so he would limp in front of Spider-Man. My question is â€" why did he faked the injury in the first place? Did he knew before the fight with Spider-Man that Harry was laying unconscious back at home and planned to frame him as a back-up plan? Or did he found him when he came back after the fight? The latter doesn’t make much sense, because in such case there was no explicit need to fake an injury, but still, I wonder.

Sorry, these are probably annoying questions whose answers are “Just because!”, but still, they’re nagging me.

Fingers crossed for Season 3 happening. And 4, and 5, and…

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS...

1. The "camera"? Anyway, Eddie heard the symbiote calling to him... and released it... pretty much in a semi-trance. At which point, it twisted his already semi-twisted thought processes.

2. He faked an injury with a plan to find a scapegoat later. Harry presented the perfect opportunity.

Response recorded on November 02, 2009

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Arthur Jr. writes...

Mr. Weisman, here are the following questions for you:

* I got your response for the Sinister Syndicate question. While Boomerang, Hydro-Man, Leila Davis (who became the second Beetle), Rhino, Scorpia, and Speed Demon are Spider-Man's enemies, you might be right about the other three. Outside of Beetle first appearing to fight the Fantastic Four and later fighting Spider-Man when getting revenge on Human Torch, Blacklash is an Iron Man villain who Spider-Man helped fight in Marvel Team-Up #72 and #149. Constrictor first appeared in Incredible Hulk #212 and fought Spider-Man and Moon Knight alongside Ringmaster in Marvel Team-Up Vol. 3 #7. Just giving any side info there in case you gain some inspiration for one of the possible future seasons.

* When it comes to other heroes appearing, the closest any series has got is when Peter Parker is a student at Empire University. If your show is successful, what season would have Peter attending attending that university?

* When it comes to your part on the show's characters, it would appear that you've amalgamated some of them to make the show interesting like when you had Montana become Shocker or making Walter Hardy the burglar that shot Uncle Ben (referred to as Dennis Carradine in the Spider-Man films). A similar thing occured in "Wolverine and the X-Men" where Nick Fury was an amalgam of the Earth-616 version and the Ultimate Marvel version (the latter version was also a supporting character in the Ultimate Spider-Man comics). If one of the other Marvel villains in the future season (the one I described in the note above) includes a certain Latverian monarch, would you do the same for Beetle (meaning combining the Earth-616 version and Ultimate Marvel version like you did with Doctor Octopus and Electro) and make him a mercenary to the Latverians? Of course we haven't heard anything in the development of that since the issue before the "Ultimatum" storyline.

Greg responds...

1. Thanks.

2. After Season Five, I suppose. If each season is 13 episodes.

3. Again, I do NOT have access to either Beetle or Doctor Doom, so I certainly haven't made any plans for them. And by the way, this comes VERY close to an idea posing as a question, so please reread the rules here at ASK GREG.

Response recorded on October 29, 2009

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Geoff writes...

I enjoy your work a lot, Greg. But, a few things have been bugging me about Spectacular Spiderman:

Why didn't anyone ask Peter why Spiderman supposedly makes time before fighting lethal supervillains to call a teenager to come take pictures of him like he said in "Identity Crisis"?

Did you ever feel the animation for Spectacular Spiderman was too simple and, for lack of a better term, goofy? I read that the animation style used was to make the fight scenes more fluid, which they were, don't get me wrong. Yet, a couple of moments in the fight scenes began to look very wacky. And, I mean the Donald Duck & Goofy in a boxing match kind of wacky.

Greg responds...

They did. Pete said Spidey was a "gloryhound".

The animation is fantastic. I think you're referring to the design style, which is something entirely different, but nevertheless, to my mind, also fantastic. I think your Donald and Goofy comparison is pure hyperbole -- and yet NOT a bad thing per se.

Response recorded on October 28, 2009

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Paul writes...

1) Did Tinkerer escape after Spidey interrogated him in "Shear Strength"? (Since he appeared again in "Probable Cause", I'm guessing he did.)

2) Is there a voice modulator in the Green Goblin's mask? (Surely there must be, since it's hard to believe that Norman puts on the Goblin's voice himself).

3) Would you say that the Norman Osborn in The Spectacular Spiderman is more influenced by the Norman of the 60s comics or the post-"resurrection" Norman of the 90s comics?

4) Would you say that the Green Goblin in The Spectacular Spiderman is more influenced by the Green Goblin of the 60s comics or the post-"resurrection" Green Goblin of the 90s comics?

Greg responds...

1. Asked and answered.

2. I believe so.

3. Some of each. But mostly the earlier stuff.

4. Mostly the earlier stuff.

Response recorded on October 28, 2009

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Nick writes...

I love this Spidey series, the animation, fight scenes, character and story development, and the theme song is just, well, Spectacular.

Can't wait for a Season 3 and 4, 5, hope it gets as many as possible, and I do have a couple of questions...

1. In the DVD things you have planned after this series is over are they gonna be more mature and maybe show an older peter ya' know him going to college and everything like that?

2. would you still need permission to use kingpin in the dvd's?

3. would you consider your venom more ultimate or amazing.

Greg responds...

1. There's nothing "planned". There's just a bit of wishful thinking on my part. But yes, I'd like the series to cover the high school years. And then do DVDs of the college years.

2. Yes.

3. It's a meld of many canon sources.

Response recorded on October 27, 2009

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MARVEL-FAN writes...

Greg, how come in the Spectacular Spider-Man it doesent use realistic gunshot sounds? But, Batman: The Brave and The Bold it uses realistic gunshot sounds, other Batman cartoon shows.

Greg responds...

Different networks have different rules, I guess.

Response recorded on October 27, 2009

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Pete writes...

forgot a few things...

1.) You said you couldnt think of anything u couldnt do beyond realistic gun shots, so can you say the word die, death, kill, killing, etc. (because the 90's series couldn't) and it seem you have been avoiding like electro saying i'll fry you for that freak, and Walter Hardy saying the night i ended ben parkers life.

2. Are you aloud to kill people, even if it is off screen.

3. Who is your favorite Goblin? (Green Goblin, Green Goblin II, Hobgoblin, Hobgoblin II, Demogoblin, I'll even count Mad Jack, etc.)

4. Who is your favorite symbiote?

5. In The Uncertainty Principle, was that a Man-Wolf cameo, and if it was, whos idea wass it.

6. In Destructiv Testing what did Calypso say to Kraven when he awoke in the car and said this change I...? All i got out of it wa "then I suit you love."

7. I love how these battle scenes are from the comics like Mysterio in the warehouse, Kraven in the park (when he trapped him in the webs in the trees), How he defeated Venom by tricking him, and others. Also love the other battle scenes, so my question is are you for making animated series and movies as close to the comic as possible?

this is all i can think of, hoping for a season 3, 4, 5, 6,....100, lol

Greg responds...

1. "Kill" is still, I'm guessing, verboten. I didn't even try to use it though, because I'm so used to the answer being no. So, who knows?

2. Yes. And we did.

3. No comment.

4. No comment.

5. No comment.

6. Something like "The eyes suit you, my love."

7. When it makes sense for us.

Response recorded on October 27, 2009

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Pete writes...

back again, just want to rephrase some of my questions and ask a few more, hope its not to much...

1.) If you could use any one else in the marvel universe for his or her own show who would it be?

2.) Same as question 1 but DC?

3.) Have you ever read Amazing Spiderman To Die a Hero, when F. Fosswell dies? I just want to know what you think of it, I personally think it's one of the better comics from the Lee/Romita stories right next to Spiderman No More.

4.) Which issue was the Kraven mutation I've read a few Ultimate comics. I just ordered Issues 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. I already have 1,2 and 6.

Greg responds...

1 & 2. The list is nearly endless for both Marvel and DC. I've been reading those comics since I was a kid. Not every character has as rich a history as Spidey, but even the ones with less canon... leave me free to develop them more.

3. Yes. I like it.

4. I don't remember off the top of my head, and I don't have my Ultimates with me at this moment. Besides, that's research you can do on your own.

Response recorded on October 26, 2009

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Big Boy writes...

Who's idea was to use the flashbacks with Uncle Ben and all that in "Intervention"? THAT EPISODE WAS PURE GENIUS!!!!!! I LOVED IT!!! BEST EPISODE EVER MADE!! That episode alone blows the whole Spider-Man: TAS right out of the water. Congratulations! I can't believe they didn't use that idea in Spider-Man 3 and in TAS.

Greg responds...

Thanks. It was my idea.

Response recorded on October 23, 2009

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Jim writes...

Is your version of Eddie Brock named for his father? Both the movie and Ultimate editions of the character were juniors, and yours obviously borrows a lot from the Ultimate line. I don't think his full name has ever been stated on the show, which of course doesn't confirm it either way.

Greg responds...

I'm thinking he's a junior.

Response recorded on October 23, 2009

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Chris Krause writes...

Hey Greg.

First off, Kudos for finally making a media incarnation of Spider-man that really captures the essence of the character. I haven't enjoyed any of the other cartoons, nor the movies as much as your show.

Moving on, I had a question concerning both the Stacy's. I've really enjoyed the relationship you've set up with Peter and Captain Stacy. It reminds me very much of a Gordon/Batman-esque relationship, with Stacy all but saying he knows who Spidey is (much like Gordon has done throughout the years with Bats.) Now, I think we all know the future of Captain Stacy in the comics, but I was wondering if you were toying around with the idea of sparing this particular Stacy that fate.

Being a comic fan, I naturally shy away from changing big events like that, but I can't imagine Batman without Gordon, and after seeing the relationship you've established between Stacy and Pete, I'm not sure I want to see a Spider-man without a Captain Stacy.

Leading into that, we all also know the fate of Gwen in the comics. I've read that you were toying around with doing this in a direct to dvd format, after you get to do a full run of the series, which I think would be a great idea, because I personally think The Death of Gwen Stacy story could be great material to rival other great animated superhero movies like "Mask Of The Phantasm."

Going off the first question, I was wondering, if you do decide to do a Gwen's Death movie, if you've considered leaving Captain Stacy alive for that as well. Watching how Stacy has (apparently) deduced Spidey's identity, it made me wonder how he would react to Peter since Peter's involvement in his daughter's life lead to her death.

Any who, thanks again! I really hope you get picked up for a third season. Watching Spectacular Spidey makes me wish they had picked up you to write the movies. When they reboot the Spidey series (probably 20 years down the road) you should jump on that!

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on October 23, 2009

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adham writes...

When will the spectacular spider-man season 3 come?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Please check the archives.

Response recorded on October 21, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

You know, normally I don't do this, but this recent answer about Xanatos and Norman Osborn tickled me on a fanboy level:

"I think he would have been appalled at Norman's parental approach. He'd of course have to admire his business acumen and respect his machiavellian bent. But I find it hard to imagine the two has friends. "

The comparisons between Xanatos and Osborn are obviously easy. But comparing and contrasting Demona and Osborn seems to intrigue me a little more... especially on a parental level.

Now, I don't think it's a stretch to say that both of them love their children... albeit in a twisted, almost possessive way.

This is almost tough since we've gotten really only one episode of Demona and Angela ("The Reckoning") and several episodes of Norman and Harry... not to mention forty three years of comic books delving into them. But, for now, I think I'll stick to "Spectacular" in this topic.

Up front, one key difference is that Demona never got to be a parent. She met Angela for the first time when Angela was already an adult. Contrary to Norman, who raised Harry since birth but was never a good father to him.

Both Norman and Demona are willing to commit unspeakably horrible acts and rationalize them by saying they're in their children's best interests. In Demona's case, she cited protecting Angela in "Hunter's Moon Part Three" and Norman justified framing Harry because if he'd been sent to prison, who'd have made a man out of Harry.

Would Demona risk herself to protect Angela? We know she would. We've seen her do it. Would Norman risk his life to protect Harry? In the current comics, the answer is definitely no. In SSM, I'm... not sure. I'm really not.

I tend to think that both of them see their respective children as property. There are several instances of Norman treating Harry like property. And Demona did use the phrase "she belongs to me" when Thailog threatened Angela.

I definitely think Demona loves Angela more than Norman loves Harry (Hell, Norman doesn't even like his own kid). But even there, Demona was more than willing to risk Angela's life at the end of "Hunter's Moon Part Three" to escape... there was no guarantee Goliath would have been able to catch that vial.

Now, I realize I'm answering a lot of my own questions and I have my own interpretations here, but I'd be curious to read your thoughts here?

Greg responds...

It still feels a bit like Apples and Oranges to me. Let's face it: Demona is really f***'d up. Norman isn't. He knows his options and is doing exactly what he wants, is being exactly who he wants to be.

As for parenting, Norman rationalizes... a little. Demona's entire life is a rationalization, with Angela being only a part. If Angela could meet the Demona that Demona and Goliath met in "Vows", we might see a very different dynamic. But at best now, D's playing catch-up.

Response recorded on October 20, 2009

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Aldrius writes...

Just to clear one thing up before writing my little ramble on Criminology.

You said in response to my ramble on Engineering 101:

"We were absolutely NOT going for the idea that his arms were the Master Planner. What we were going for was the idea that Otto was a big, fat faker in "Reinforcement". And I would think that his conversation with Electro in "Shear Strength" made that pretty clear."

Just to be clear, I was speaking about when the arms show up during Reinforcement. *Prior* to watching Shear Strength, I didn't believe that the arms themselves were responsible for what was going on, which is what other people I spoke to seemed to believe, I wasn't even sure what the show was trying to imply with that scene. It was just to confuse us, wasn't it? All I was saying was that, that didn't particularly confuse me. I mostly just thought it was a big red herring.

Anyway, hope that didn't sound harsh, not my intention. Trying to spread clarity not disparity!

Now, on to what is arguably my favourite arc of this season.

**Spider-man spoilers**

Criminology!

Love Captain George Stacy. Everything he says is cool, everything he does is cool. My only real complaint (and this is barely a complaint, it's certainly not legitimate) is that we're not seeing enough of Norman Osborn to see the contrast between Peter's two father figures, but I guess there just wasn't room.

Speaking of people not appearing, I personally thought Tombstone took a little too long to show up, and his limited role in his grand return, as well as his sudden disappearance an episode later were both a bit disappointing. I know that there's just so much stuff to cram into 13 episodes, but as someone who's only mildly interested in Peter's love life, and who's very interested in the shenanigans of the mob bosses, I didn't particularly appreciate this.

Anyway, now that I've got my very minor complaints out of the way! Time for the praise. I really did enjoy Tombstone's lines and demeanor as usual. And Jeff Bennett's Shocker is as always a real treat. (Josh Keaton's reaction and mockery of "Squash the Bug" had me howling with laughter.)

Also really liked Silvermane. Loved his voice, made me think of an old tough, street thug. Also really liked Silver Sable. Nothing in particular, but the design, voice and personality really added up to a pretty cool character. Also loved the history involved in the gangs. I wonder what Tombstone's story is. Probably something to explore in season 3.

All the fights were good, and I loved the opera music and the Black Cat cameo. Though when I originally watched this I wondered if that was all we were going to get of her this season. I figured we'd see her again, though.

George Stacy and Foswell made nice narrators for this arc. And I liked that we got to see a bit more into Foswell's history here too. Just as it's nice to see Stacy behaving like a real detective, it's nice to see Foswell as a real investigative reporter. And I love Stacy's 'something wrong, Son?' to Peter. Also the muscial theme that plays whenever Stacy implies he knows Spider-man's secret is unintentionally hilarious, but I love it anyway.

Oh, and though it's unlikely, I'd love to see an OST of the series. The Green Goblin's theme, the theme that played through out Accomplices and George Stacy's theme are all awesome.

Overall, by far my favourite arc so far (that I've reviewed) of this season, and nothing but good episodes therein.

Couple of questions this time.

1) Would you say that Venom is something of a bastard? I initially thought of him as more of a trickster (especially when he was posing as Spider-man) but then it struck me that maybe he was more of a failed trickster (i.e. attempting a tactic that somebody else has already tried, and doing a not very good job at it.) so I've come to the conclusion that he's actually just a bastard.

2) Why the fusion between Silvermane's daughter and Silver Sable? As I said I enjoyed the character, so this isn't a complaint. (Though I was a fan of the Silver Sable in the Ultimate Spider-man video game as well)And I'm not actually familiar with the 616 version of the character, so was this a large change for Sable? Was it a large change for for Silvermane's daughter? Was it a case of needing an identity for Silvermane's child, or was it a way to make Silver Sable more relevant to the events of the arc? (Or more likely, was it both?)

3)Was there a specific reason for Tombstone's absence during most of the season? Or was he just occupying his usual role of manipulating things from the shadows?

I had more questions, but I can't remember them right now, so look forward to those in future rambles!

Thanks a lot for taking the time to respond, Greg.

Greg responds...

1. More of a sonnovabitch than a bastard.

2. In a cohesive world, like the one we're trying to create on this show, it just didn't work for us to have Silvermane and Silver Sable not be related. Nearly fifty years of continuity gives the two comic book characters enough breathing room to have no connection, but a mere 26 episodes did not. So we conflated Silvermane's offspring and Sable. Having said that we also extrapolated BACKWARDS for Sable, to show her origins. This is where she starts, folks. Not where she ends up.

3. He's exactly where he needs to be in our opinion.

Response recorded on October 20, 2009

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Paul writes...

1) Will the deal between Tombstone and Venom in "Nature vs. Nurture" be brought up again in future seasons? I was surprised that it wasn't referenced in season 2.

2) When the gang war arc for season 2 was being scripted, was it originally intended for the Fisks to be used as the crime family attempting to reclaim their power, instead of the Manfredis? The way Silvermane was written in season 2 strikes me as though his role was originally intended for Kingpin, just as Tombstone's role was originally intended for Kingpin. So were you hoping to use Kingpin in the gang war arc, only to find that you couldn't? (I guess this is 2 questions, rather than 1.)

Greg responds...

1. Kinda was cancelled when the Symbiote was concreted.

2. No. By this time, we knew that Kingpin was off-limits. And Silvermane was always slotted to be Silvermane.

Response recorded on October 20, 2009

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fred writes...

hey greg, huge spectacular spiderman fan, loved it since day one. although i have some questions...
1. are ratings the only thing this show needs to continue?

2. is it possible that spiderman could be commisioned for a season 4 and 5 at the same time as 3?

3. if someone approached you and asked will you come up with a story for a spectacular spiderman game would you accept?

4. if norman's body was found and everybody knows he's the goblin inside and outside the animated universe than there is really no possibilty he will come back is there?

5. would you like stan lee to have any more cameos?

6. how big of a fan are you of carnage, i know you like him but is he like goblin level or shocker level?

7. last question, the DVD things after this show is over, are they a for sure or just a maybe?

thanks!

Greg responds...

1. As far as I know, that'll be the main deciding factor.

2. Anything's possible.

3. Sure.

4. No comment.

5. Yes.

6. I'm not big on quantifying subjective things.

7. Just something I'd like to do.

Response recorded on October 19, 2009

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Clark Cradic writes...

Typo in one of my previous question. Instead of typing "call Blackie" I typed "a simple Blackie". I was at first going to say a simple Bookie, but I just ended up changing the question without editing the line. Didn't want that to be misunderstood by anyone to mean something else.

Greg responds...

Uh... okay...

Response recorded on October 15, 2009

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Big Boy writes...

Hello, your highness (you deserve to be called that because you are AWESOME). I know you plan on continuing Spectacular Spider-Man with DVD movies once the show is over but have you also considered continuing the show with a comic book just like you've continued Gargoyles with a comic book?

Greg responds...

I'd love to. But it's not up to me. Though I have made the suggestion to Marvel.

And to be clear, I don't "plan" on continuing Spec Spidey w/DVDs. I just would like to... AFTER we've done 65 episodes.

Response recorded on October 14, 2009

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Big Boy writes...

Have you watched The Goliath Chronicles (season 3 Gargoyles)? If yes, what did you think of it?

P.S. The Manhattan Clan is the best super hero TEAM ever made. It's better than the Justice League, better than Teen Titans, better than the Avengers, better than the Autobots, better than the ninja turtles, BETTER THAN ANY SUPERHERO TEAM EVER!!!! Also, your version of Spider-Man is the best super hero ever!!!

Greg responds...

Check the archives for the answer to your question.

Thanks for your kind words.

Response recorded on October 13, 2009

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Timothy Fackler writes...

Hello again,

you asked "But -- and this is the key question -- are you public domain?"

I'm not really sure what you mean by that, but I'm definitely not copyrighted.
So, I guess, sure, I'm public domain.
If you feel so inclined you could email me at: fackler.timothy@gmail.com

I'd love to hear from you and see if there is any possibility.
Thank your time again.

Greg responds...

I've forgotten what we're talking about, but if you are an individual then in fact you own you. So you're not public domain and not free for me to put into the series (if that's what this is about).

Response recorded on October 12, 2009

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MARVEL-FAN writes...

Greg, if you could do this, would you make a video game of The Spectacular Spider-Man. And if you do what would it be about?

Greg responds...

I'd be happy to participate, but I have no experience in that medium, so I'd be looking to collaborate with someone who did. And before one of you guys volunteers, remember also I'd be looking to get paid.

Response recorded on October 12, 2009

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Adam Jameson writes...

is there really a yet to be commissioned third season as it says on wikipedia or are audiences having false hope?Have the season 3 characters been really designed?

Greg responds...

There is in a very theoretical sense a "yet to be commissioned third season" in that I have a number of ideas and plans for said third season. And I wouldn't call rooting for it "false hope". It's all about ratings. Killer ratings and we'll probably get a pick-up. Deadly ratings and we probably won't. Anything in the middle... is a toss-up. As for character designs, no, those don't exist, as the season has NOT been greenlit, so there's no one to pay the designers to design anything.

Response recorded on October 12, 2009

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rayray writes...

hi greg. i love your show of The Spectacular Spiderman.
So i just wanna know if you've gotten any data on the ratings for season 3?
if so i'd love to know how its doin

Greg responds...

There are no ratings on Season 3 as there is no Season 3 for there to be ratings on.

Response recorded on October 12, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Hey Greg why do you and other people always call the green goblin's comic look classic Halloween style the movie one armored and the ultimate one demonic, the ultimate one is monstrous but it's not demonic, the movie one is not Armored it's just a way of trying to reproduce the comics version, and the comics version is just classic, so i'm just asking why you guys just call it that? i'm just asking that?

Greg responds...

Who exactly are these "you guys" you're referring to? I don't recall saying anything that would include me in that group. But in any case, you seem to be splitting hairs. For example, one person's monster is another person's demon. In this case you could view them as synonyms.

Response recorded on October 12, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

You stated Hobgoblin will be in season 3. Do you know who will voice the hobgoblin persona. I personally think Kevin Michael Richardson will do great. The voice he did for the Joker in Batman was incredible, and you do have him included on the show already so...Anyway can't wait for more Spectacular Spiderman.

Greg responds...

We haven't discussed something THAT hypothetical.

Response recorded on October 09, 2009

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Mo writes...

One more I forgot to ask: How does the process of casting voice actors work? Do you have a specific actor in mind when a character is concieved? Is it an open audition process? Or does it vary from role to role?

Greg responds...

We auditioned eleven roles at the beginning of the SpecSpidey process. After that, with the exception of Mark Allen, we didn't hold auditions, we just cast people. This usually involved a discussion between myself and voice director Jamie Thomason. And obviously, actor availability played a huge roll in whom we ultimately cast.

Response recorded on October 09, 2009

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Mo writes...

Me again, with just a few more Spidey questions:

1) Where/when/how did Tombstone get powers? I'm assuming he has powers (enhanced strength, durability, reflexes) (if this is Season 3/No comment territory, I understand).
2) In "Identity Crisis", where did Flash get a Spider-Man costume? How did he put it on with a toe-to-thigh cast?
3) How much does the average Mysterio machine cost? More specifically, how much money does Spidey burn through every time he destroys a robot or a homonculus?
4) How do you come up with story ideas? Is it like "It would be cool if..." or is it more like "This villain should show up" or "This facet of Peter/Spidey's life should be established"? Or does it vary?
5) Does popular television personality/presidential candidate Stephen Colbert exist in the universe of Spectacular Spidey?

Thanks again.

Greg responds...

1. No comment.

2a. At a costume shop. 2b. With difficulty and some ripping.

3. No idea.

4. It varies, but we build it. Most ideas are inspired by the source material and/or come out of character.

5. Is he public domain?

Response recorded on October 09, 2009

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Bazell writes...

In a previous response you wrote, "I like to think we executed [The Spectacular Spider-Man Animated Series] 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."
In a very brief conversation I once had with Tom Defalco at a convention this year, he told me that it was his opinion that writers' particular runs with an established character come and go, but what the job of each writer is, regardless of the individual direction he or she wishes to take things, is to fully inhabit the character. I think this is in keeping with what you said. I just want you to know, my standards are pretty high as well and I think your show, as a portrayal of Mr. Peter Benjamin Parker, is a success no matter what the future holds.

Greg responds...

Thanks. I appreciate it.

Response recorded on October 09, 2009

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Clark Cradic writes...

When the crimelords where fighting and attempting to call for backup why did Tombstone try calling for his Blackie? I mean Doc Ock called for Kraven and Silvermane tried to call Sable, why would he call a simple Bookie?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!

Blackie has many skills, including coordination of "talent".

Response recorded on October 07, 2009

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greg dewolf writes...

will gwen stacy die in the spectacular spider man

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on October 07, 2009

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anonymous writes...

Why do you only have story arks for The Spectacular Spider-Man and not single episodes.

Greg responds...

We have both.

Response recorded on October 06, 2009

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Paul writes...

Why is it that the lost footage (like Shocker's escape at the end of "Group Therapy") isn't being reinserted on the season sets?

Greg responds...

I don't know.

Response recorded on October 06, 2009

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Frank writes...

Hello Greg, I would like to say The Spectacular Spiderman is one of the most entertaining shows I have ever seen. The best Spiderman adaptation ever. (including the movies) I do have a few questions though...

1.) In Shear Strength Morris Bench made a cameo, not as Hydro-Man, so I was thinking he might be in Season 3 or something, but there was a question that stated something about the sinister syndicate and you said most of those villains aren't even spiderman villains. So I was wondering is Hydro Man declared a Spiderman villain or someone like fantastic four.

2. Just to clear things up, The correct answers to these questions are, You do like Carnage, Shocker is Montana on a creative decision, Kingpin is Daredevil's villain so you can't use him, and this is the best show ever, right.

3. Why did you make gwen well like me, ya know a geek. I actually prefer her this way, she still is beautiful and more likeable than someone who is completely perfect in every way shape or form.

4. Did you say Norman's body was found? How, because that Mr. Roman dude was at the airport unless he cloned himself. P.S not a big fan of the clone saga too confusing.

That's it basically, So thank you for Spectacular Spiderman and hope the following seasons are as great as the first two.

Greg responds...

1. Hydro-Man is a Spidey villain.

2. Yes, to the first three. As to the fourth, I'll leave that to others to decide. But I am quite fond of it.

3. I've answered this before, but the short answer is Gwen was ALWAYS a brain. We're just seeing her in high school. For a fuller answer, check the archives.

4. No clones involved in this one. A body was found that was formally identified as Norman's.

Response recorded on October 06, 2009

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Mara writes...

Spidey question:

One of the things I notice upon rewatching the series is the awesome background music- did the show have a composer, and if so, who?

Greg responds...

The series wonderful composers were the Dynamic Music Partners: Lolita Ritmanis, Kristopher Carter and Michael McCuistion.

Response recorded on October 06, 2009

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Noah Wotring writes...

If the show is not renewed, would that be the end of TSSM, or could you possibly get away with dvd releases?

Greg responds...

I can only do what they hire me to do.

Response recorded on October 06, 2009

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THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN is back!

THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN is back!

Disney XD is bringing "new" second season episodes back starting Wednesday, October 7th. Check local listings for times! Tell your friends, spread the word, watch the episodes (especially if you're a Nielson Family)! It's good stuff, I swear!!


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MARVEL-FAN writes...

Greg, will there be a season 2 box set of the Spectacular Spider-Man. That would be cool, because the season 1 box set comes out July 28th.

Greg responds...

I assume there will be.

Response recorded on October 02, 2009

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Noah Wotring writes...

Dude, Mr.weisman, I totally didn't read the archives and didn't realize how many people asked about season 3 of TSSM, totally sorry. But I was wondering how frustrating it is to deal with idiot fans like me on a daily basis?

Greg responds...

Semi...

Response recorded on October 02, 2009

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Noah Wotring writes...

I'm very nervous about the renewal of the show. I want a season 3! Any words of comfort?

Greg responds...

"Chicken Soup."

Response recorded on October 02, 2009

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Matt Drake writes...

Hey Greg,
As with everyone else who has posted a question concerning Spectacular Spider-Man, I wish to both congratulate and thank you from the very deepest reaches of my heart for creating what is the best adaptation of a superhuman into any other media as well as the greatest show on television. I have several questions/comments that I really hope you will answer.
1. When One More Day/Brand New Day came out in the comics, I completely gave up on Spider-Man. It was such a terrible plot, with so many holes and destructive ideas that the character seemed to die in front of my very eyes. But then your show came along. It was so perfect that I had to pinch myself. So thank you for bringing Spidey back to me the right way. And PLEASE, don’t do anything like BND on the show, I know several good snipers.
2. I have been searching at least once a week to see if any episodes of Spectacular Spider-Man have been put up for purchase on ITunes. As of yet, they haven’t. But if they were, aside from making many fans happy, it would increase the profits of the show and make it more likely for a 3rd, 4th or 5th season. If you have any power to that extent, please use it.
3. Doc Ock has been ridiculed by Spidey many times for mistakenly calling him an “insect”, but on your show he uses “arachnid”, thank you from all the biology nerds out there.
4. I was absolutely blown away by the season 2 finale, and I cannot wait to see more Norman Osborn (Spidey’s #1 villain by far). I was wondering if you were thinking of giving him government status or power like he currently has in the “Dark Reign” storyline in Marvel Comics.
5. I realize that you won’t give out any spoilers, but I was wondering if you have some sort of hidden, future plans for Harry’s mom. She’s dead in the comics, so it crossed my mind that you may have a plan for her (Menace?).
6. In all official sources regarding Spider-Man, it is said that his webbing is several times stronger that steel, but in your show it is shown a substantially weaker. Hopeful he can make some upgrades to the serum and increase its strength.
7. Many TV series have gone on the air with their creators/producers harboring an idea for the series finale. Is this the case with you? If not, the death of Gwen Stacy seems perfect.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my queries. If you have any questions or comments unfit for your forum, you can contact me at mgarofalo19@q.com. Good luck with season 3!
(PS: Sorry if some of my questions are found in the archives. I looked through as many as I could, but you’ve been asked many questions.)

Greg responds...

1. Uh... thanks?

2. I hear the first season IS now available on iTunes. I don't use iTunes, so I don't know much about it. But that's what I was told. (And, no, I had nothing to do with it and have no power or control over ... well, anything.)

3. You're welcome.

4. Not in the short term.

5. I do have plans for Emily.

6. Maybe... but why would I want to let him do that?

7. Peter graduates high school.

Response recorded on October 02, 2009

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Bob writes...

Hello there Greg Weisman. I have a question about the "Reinforcement" episode of Spectacular Spider-Man. It was a great episode but there was something that confused me. What was the point of those 3 pair fights? I've already read your answer on how Doc Ock thought pairs would do better because it would exhaust Spider-Man and other members won't get in the way (you know, it was that question asked by a guy who didn't like Reinforcement). But I don't understand why they did it? Did they do it to try to destory Spider-Man or was that just to distract Spider-Man while Doc Ock would escape from Ravencroft?

Greg responds...

It had nothing to do with the escape. That happened later.

The idea was to destroy Spidey if they could (and splitting up seemed like the best method given their previous experience), but to at least distract him at least temporarily from hunting down the "Master Planner" at the very least (which they succeeded in doing.

Response recorded on October 02, 2009

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Harlan Phoenix writes...

"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."

Ah, that's fine. I was making a little gag about the minor cameo you had with your name on the Midsummer Night's Dream cast list in season 2 of Spidey. I thought it would've made a fun candidate for a Smart Ass Response.

Greg responds...

Life is full of disappointments.

Response recorded on October 01, 2009

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spidey570 writes...

Hi Greg . I have some questions about the Spectacular Spider-man . So i wanna ask if you will make Peter be with Mary Jane after being with Gwen . Aslo will you make Gwen's death happen by the Goblin like in the comics ?
I will be very pleased if you can answer me . Thank you for your time.

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on September 30, 2009

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Podcast

Hey gang,

Josh Keaton, the voice of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, and I did a podcast with spidermancrawlspace:

http://www.spidermancrawlspace.com/wordpress/2009/09/26/podcast-80-spectacular-spider-man-interview-of-keaton-weisman/

Check it out!


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Moritz writes...

Failté

I wanted to ask a question: When is the Spectaculart Spider-Man Series scheduled for release in Germany? I really want to support this show. I saw some episodes while I was out of my country and I have to say: BAM! Das ist das Beste was ich je gesehen hab! It captures EVERYTHING I like about the webslinger. It's better than the original universe, better than the Ultimate Universe and better than everything else related to Spidey. Why is that so? Well you took the best from every incarnation and made an awesome cocktail out of it. Add a ton of excellent storytelling and you have a masterpiece.
I hope and pray that you will get to make as many seasons as you think you'll need to finish what you want to tell about our favourite Wallcrawler.

Hopefully the Studios won't "Squash yer bug".

Moritz out.

Greg responds...

Thanks. I'm afraid I don't know when the series is coming to Germany.

Response recorded on September 29, 2009

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Joe I. writes...

Hey Greg,

Listen before I ask my Spidey-Question TM I just want you to know this......Spectacular Spiderman is the greatest thing that has ever happened to Spidey out of the comics.

Better then the movies.
Better then that 60's show.
WAAAAAY better then the 90's show.
And overall just......AMAZING.

Okay......now on to my questions.

1. First off: You said they found Osborn's body. Now I hate to brag about my incredible detective skills but.....I deduced that Mr. Roman is actually Norman Osborn. I KNOW I KNOW its a bit far-fetched....but I have a gut feeling. So what? Did Osborn clone himself.....*cough*clonesaga*cough* or what?

2. Which villian have you not yet used that your DYING to get on the show?

3. Which spidey-villian TM can you safeley say you will NEVER EVER EEEEEVER have on your show?

Thanks

Greg responds...

1. No.

2. Hobgoblin. Scorpion. Many others.

3. There are none that fit that category.

Response recorded on September 29, 2009

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john writes...

if season 3 is confirmed by the time this question gets to you congrats and thank god, if not then i have some reasons it should.
the best animated show ever.
spiderman 4 rolls around the time season 3 will get done.
the ratings will be through the roof.
i know its all about the money and just think how much they would get.
the cliffhanger yous had just made us want it more.

these are only some, there is a lot more than this i can name, this series is amazing, hope this series gets at least 5 seasons and at most non-stop. i do have a question.

in the direct to dvd things you have planned if you get 5 seasons and you do a direct to dvd "death of captain stacy" or "death of gwen stacey" will you continue the story or just make these dvds for the thrill of it.

Greg responds...

I don't get to do much in this business just for "the thrill of it".

Response recorded on September 29, 2009

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SPONGEBOB writes...

Mr. Weisman, I love Spectacular Spider-Man. Best show ever!!! Thank you so much. This is how "The Batman" should have been from the start. Well, I have a question. You will probably answer it with "no comment" but I'll give it a try:
Since the theme of the show is "The Education of Peter Parker" what classes will season 3 be based on?

Greg responds...

Don't know yet.

Response recorded on September 25, 2009

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L. Thompson Lincoln writes...

Hi Mr. Weisman. First of all thanks for the best show ever. I've enjoyed every single second of it. Your show beats the 90s one by a longshot. The funny part is that not only you've created a gang war within your show (with Tombstone, Silvermane, and Doc Ock) but you've also created a gang war in real life (Spider-Man: TAS fans vs. Spectacular Spider-Man fans lol). I don't really think fans should fight on which show is better. Both your show and the 90s show are great (but yours is better lol). Anyways, here are my questions. They're not really questions on "Spectacular Spider-Man" but rather questions on the Spider-Man character. I've been asking myself (and others) these questions ever since I was a little kid but no one gave me a good answer. I want to hear your opinions.

1) Why is Chameleon's face all white and doesn't have a nose, ears, hair, etc.? Did he get a surgery and made his face like that or was he born like that?

2) Why is Spider-Man the only one to fully control the symbiote? In every single Spider-Man adaptation, when a symbiote bonds with a human, that human transforms into a Venom-like monster with a mouth and teeth and all that. Spider-Man is the only one who can "survive" a symbiote. Whenever Spider-Man bonds with a symbiote, he just gets a replica of his suit rather than turning into some Venom monster. Why do you think that is? Is it because Spider-Man's mind can control it? Why? I really want to find out the answer to that question. Even heroes and villains stronger than Spider-Man would still turn into a monster.

3) Do you think people like Mac Gargan and Angelo Fortunato are worthy to wear the Venom symbiote? I think no. The only people worthy enough to wear it are Peter, Brock, and maybe Cletus.

4) Does Debra Whitman have any connections with Morbius in the comics?

5) Even in the comics, Rhino's suit is permanent. How does he use the washroom?

Thank you, once again, for the best show ever and for answering my questions.

Greg responds...

1. I think it's a mask that allows him to put any kind of persons features over a flat surface.

2. Well, I think you're putting the cart before the horse. Spider-Man and the symbiote bond to create the dark Spidey. Later, the symbiote bonds with Eddie and the result reflects the combination of their two mindsets. Carnage is clearly influenced by Venom. And etc. It's not like the natural form of the symbiote is a bipedal guy with teeth. The natural form of the symbiote is black ooze. It's the human that influences the specific form.

3. No comment.

4. In the comics? I don't recall.

5. You mean the toilet? I think waste is expressed through tiny vents in his feet.

Response recorded on September 25, 2009

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Bibg Bob Letus Boy writes...

Continuing...

Mysterio - Great accent. I love how he always replaces himself with a robot before getting arrested. This Mysterio is more of a "magical crook" which is a great idea. Mysterio in this show is way better than he was in the 90s where he got blown up in a cave with a disfigured girl (What the heck?!! so random!!)

Tinkerer - I love his white suit or whatever and I also like how he's not a grandpa like in the comics. And Finally!!! Tinkerer adapted on the screen!

Master Planner - Great way to trick us. I was sure Doc Ock was the Master Planner at first because he was in the comics but after seeing him in "Reinforcement" I was having second thoughts. Then in "Shear Strength", everything made sense.

Kraven - Most people will complain about his transformation into a lion or whatever. I think that's a great idea and that's how Kraven should have been all along from the start. It was always a little weird how a human dressed like Tarzan could overpower Spiderman. Thebest part about Kraven is that he is for once like in the comics. In the 90s show, he was a good guy (Which was a little weird).

Calypso - We haven't seen a lot of her so far but she's still better than the scientist Calypso from TAS.

Colonel Jupiter - Well, he was pretty good. I was expecting Man-Wolf but I'm pretty sure he will become Man-Wolf in the first episode of season 3 (I don't know why I think that; I just have this feeling he will be in the first one). That will probably set up for the Scorpion.

Silver Sable - I like her better as the daughter of Silvermane than some crazy Russian lady leading a bunch of soldier or whatever.

New Enforcers - I like the Enforcers better as human but the New Enforcers are also pretty good.

Silvermane - The mecha suit was a little off character but he is still way better than the Silvermane from the 90s who used some magic tablet to restore his youth and then being strong enough to fight the Lizard. And don't get me started on hiim being a toddler with an adult mind.

Molten Man - Mark makes a better Molten Man than the scientist one from the comics. But I have a question: Since the Green Goblin had the remote and now he is defeated, did Spidey find the remote somewhere in the stashes and gave it to Mark or something? In other words, what happened to Mark after the Goblin's "death?"

Walter Hardy - I like how he's connected to Black Cat with this. Great choice!!

Greg responds...

Thanks again. As for Mark/Molten Man -- you'll just have to wait and see.

Response recorded on September 24, 2009

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Big Bob Letus Boy writes...

Hey Greg. First of all, thanks for Spectacular Spider-Man. Not only it is the best Spider-Man adaptation ever (even better than the Spider-Man movies) but it is also the second greatest cartoon in the history of cartoons. Your show has pretty much surpassed every single show out there. The only show it did not surpass yet is Batman: The Animated Series. When Spectacular Spider-Man will reach 65 episodes, it will definitely surpass Batman: TAS and then it will be the best show ever. But until that day comes, Spectacular Spider-Man will stay as the second best show ever. I have no question but I have some opinions about the villains you created that I want to share:

Vulture - I was never really a big fan of the Vulture so I wasn't really excited to see him but he turned out great. Way better than the Vulture from the 90s show who sucked out youth from people (what the heck?!!)

Enforcers - Finally! The first Spider-Man show to have the Enforcers! I've been waiting for this for a long time.

Hammerhead - His voice and attitude are incredible. This is how Hammerhead should have been done from the beginning.

Electro - AWESOME LOOK!! I've always hated Electro's look with the stupid star mask. His new look is sweet. Beautiful look! BEAUTIFUL!!! And I'm so happy he is not the Red Skull's son like in the 90s show.

Lizard - I love how Connors keeps experimenting on himeself from the start of the series and eventually turns into the Lizard. I've never really liked the idea of Lizard having a human mind. It love how he is all brainless in this show.

Shocker - Many people hate Shocker because you he is Montana. I personally think Montana makes a way better Shocker than Herman. Great choice!

Sandman - Here are the 3 reasons why I like Sandman in this show:
1. He was introduced as a bank robber always humiliated by Spider-Man and later turned in by him every single time until he becomes Sandman
2. Him not being uncle Ben's killer like in Spider-Man 3
3. For once his personality is like the one from the main comics

Rhino - Two things I will say:
1. Great design and voice actor
2. He is really funny and that's why I like him

Tombstone - Once again, grat voice actor and design. I like him better as the king of New York crime than as a hitman.

Green Goblin - I won't say anything. This villain is so awesome that I'm speechless. I don't know what to say. It's hard to believe taht a human can create such a character. Words don't even describe what a great job you did.

Doc Ock - Just like the Green Goblin, I'm speechless.

Black Cat - This version of Black Cat is 100% like the one from the comics. I love how she flirts with Spidey and I'm also happy that she's not a supersoldier with a six pack(which was a ripoff of Captain America). She's also the hottest girl in the show so far.

Chameleon - Once again, amazing, no! SPECTACULAR job! I love his accent and how he is for once based on the original Chameleon (with the masks and not the magic belt)

Sinister Six - Great line-up for both and great teamwork. I'm glad Doc Ock's the leader and not Kingpin like the 90s show.

Venom - Same as GG and Doc Ock - SPEECHLESS!!! I love how Spider-Man's suit starts out as the one from the movie and then changes more and more like the one from the comic. I also like how the symbiote slowly takes over Peter's life instead of him being taken over right when the symbiote bonds with him. The flashbacks with Uncle Ben in "Intervention" makes that episode my favorite one out of all 26 episodes. As for the character Venom, as I said earlier, SPEECHLESS!!!

I am going to stop right here because it's late and I'm tired. I'll continue tommorow with the season 2 villains.

Greg responds...

Thanks. I'm really glad you like the show!

Response recorded on September 24, 2009

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a spider-man fan from sweden, writes...

Hi greg, when is season 3 coming out?, why do you hate carnage? and why is kingpin offlimits? hehe just joking. ;) I didn't really want to ask any thing. i just want to thank you, and say that i love the Spectacular Spider-man. so keep upp the good work. :)

Greg responds...

Thanks.

Response recorded on September 23, 2009

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Phoenician writes...

Well, having seen "Reinforcement," I've got to say that at this point it is my favorite of the first three. Though to be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if my favorite keeps changing as the season progresses.

And this one is off to such a great start, with Spidey doing a little Q&A with Blackie Gaxton and company at the local bar . . .

"Wow Did your parents have foresight or what?" . . . why do I feel that this line MAY have went over Patch's head?

Reading this will no doubt show I loved every minute of this episode, but what was really notable for me was the fact that I really began to love the Electro character here. Despite me enjoying the previous episodes with Electro, the guy just didn't really appeal to me like the other villains have. Maybe it was this dynamic turn of "Enough with Max, I'm Electro!" . . . it just really stood out.

"I've had bad experiences with cats" . . . I hope we get some more elaboration on that one day d:

Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Square . . . this is so New York-y I love it . . . not really for New York City's sake, but the fact that the crew ir really taking advantage of the setting.

And I have to be honest -- my thought of the Christmas Tree lighting up DID throw my mind back to Home Alone 2 . . . oh I can hear the John Williams music now X-)

Flash's face is hilarious when it looks like Kong is about slam him.

And then Gwen/Peter hit the fan . . . ouch. Totally don't blame Gwen here . . . Peter's eyes have been EVERYWHERE these last few episodes.

And as if Mary Jane could read my mind, she totally calls out Peter for being 'too distracted' . . . THANK YOU, MJ :) This is no doubt my favorite scene with MJ . . . even knocking the classic "Face it, Tiger" back in season one. She's only seen Pete ogle at Gwen, Liz, and herself . . . if only she knew of Black Cat d:

"Spider-Man . . . come out to play!" -- Not a remarkable line, but Electro really delivered it well. Kudos to Crispin Freeman (and by the end of the ep, probably the entire cast as well)

And then Spidey's tongue is burnt . . . he just can not catch a break this winter, can he? First its too cold and now its too hot -- hilarious!

Flash not getting shocked -- that was cool.

"Yu burwnt da Cwistmas Twee? DEE Cwistmas Twee? Hawrsh!" I wonder if Home Alone's Kevin is crying his eyes out at this very moment.

"Sign my cast?" -- Spidey should . . . he could use the good PR :)

"Sparks and Flaps were just the appetizer!" . . . Wonder what he calls the rest of the Six?

Rhino trying to be clever . . . let's just say I really appreciate Spidey's banter all the more :)

"Can't we put our differences aside for one night?" SMACK "No" . . . another reason why this Christmas episode rocks so much (shame it couldn't come out at that time last winter)

"I hate you. SO much." Perhaps my favorite moment in the series ever.

"ARACHNID!!" I know it was Kraven as it was shouted . . . but I can see how he was trying to impersonate Doc Ock (especially with the hologram projection).

Speaking of which, I also like how Shocker was in the hologram . . giving Spidey the false sense that its the same Six he's beaten (or not beaten, given the symbiote's role) before.

Speaking of which, why WASN'T Shockey hired to the new Six? Did he get the Knicks tickets this time around?

"Yikes. Lock your chimneys folks!" -- Still haven't seen JJJ in person yet, but it feels like he's around, doesn't it?

"The pack wears prey down . . . For Alpha-Male to crush" -- Kraven seems quite content, doesn't he?

And then we hit the mall for some last minute shopping . . . with some wonderful background music.

"Nullae satisfacionis potiri non possum!" . . . love that line.

Other great quips:
"Well you ARE expert of premature glotalation"
"Call my lawyer / NO Christmas Spirit!" These little guys are seriously growing on me.
"Aw, Fudge" . . . its been a long night, Spidey . . . I think you're allowed ONE swear word before the year ends. d:

And then Mysterio gets called out for wearing both a Fishbowl AND a snowglobe . . . Spidey's really been on a bantering role tonight. You know, while finally pounding and defeating the Six on his own.

Creepy ending with Ock being kidnapped like that . . . can't wait for the next ep.

And just as this awesome and action episode come to a close, we are reminded that, hey, it is the holidays . . . and the first one without Uncle Ben . . . what a great way to end the episode.

Greg responds...

Shocker still is way more in the Big Man's camp than the Master Planner's.

Response recorded on September 22, 2009

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SpideyFan100 writes...

I'm not sure if this has been asked before, but it appears not.

If you don't wish to comment, that would be okay, but:

Are there plans for Gwen's death? If not, then how would you feel about it?

Sorry if you don't really care to answer this...

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

I've answered this one before. Please check the archives.

Response recorded on September 19, 2009

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Chryse writes...

Hey Greg, I have a quick question regarding the episode "Subtext" from Spectacular Spider-Man Season 2. I've watched the episode on my DVR a couple of times now (I'm from Canada, so I've seen 'em all already), and I've noticed that the animation is little off from all the other episodes. It seems a tad jerky and unpolished, and I was wondering if there was some sort of mishap when it came to animating the episode? Off course, you have every right to deny me an answer in case that Sony gets the wrong impression, and that's completely understandable. I am merely curious.

Other than that, the episode was well-written as always, and I especially enjoyed the fact that it starts in medias res (an artistic technique that I am quite fond of). If the scripts for Season 3 maintain such a high quality I'll tune in every week -- even if the show is animated using xerography (like "Marvel Super Heroes" back in the 60's...a Canadian-made show, sadly). Best of luck to you and your team and I hope that you guys get that 3rd season!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

I'm not denying you an answer, but I don't in ANY way agree with your assessment of the animation. I noticed no qualitative difference between "Subtext" and any of our other episodes, and I've been doing this for a LONG time.

Response recorded on September 18, 2009

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Clark Cradic writes...

Was Gulyadkin's DNA used in the formula to transfrom Kravinoff into Kraven? I can assume Warren had his own supply of animal samples, but I've wondered if Kraven would have wanted a sample of Gulyadkin's DNA just so he knew what he was getting.

Greg responds...

Uh... sure. Sounds good.

Response recorded on September 18, 2009

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adham writes...

when will the spectacular spider-man season 3 come?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

I've answered this one before. Please check the archives.

Response recorded on September 18, 2009

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Nicky Wan writes...

Hi again Greg,
A couple of questions inspired by Clark Cradic's question and by the numerous "Death of Gwen Stacy" questions:

1) Would you ever consider killing off characters in The Spectacular Spider-Man that have never died in the Marvel canon?
2) Were/are you allowed to do the above?

It would be pretty interesting watching any future episodes of the show as a long time fan if you said yes to both!

Cheers,
Nicky

Greg responds...

1 & 2) It hasn't come up.

Response recorded on September 17, 2009

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LOL writes...

hey dude how come you have to take all this "WILL THERE BE A THIRD SEASON?! WILL X THING OR Y CHARACTER BE IN IT?!" crap. i mean seriously. this is GARGOYLES. SPIDER-MAN has no place here. if i were you i'd just put on the front page to stop asking spiderman questions especially about future seasons and characters. this is for GARGOYLES only and frankly i'm sick of them burning you out with questions unrelated to GARGOYLES. so please dude, do yourself a favor and stop answering spiderman questions. thanks and you rock.

Greg responds...

This site is for people who want to ask me questions. The Spectacular Spider-Man is a perfectly legitimate thing to ask me about. I love the show and I'm happy to discuss it. I'll admit some of the questions have gotten repetitive, but that's certainly been true of Gargoyles as well, so I'm not going to rule out questions on Spidey on THAT basis.

Frankly, your heart may have been in the right place, but it's fairly presumptuous of you to declare what is and isn't a legit topic here.

Response recorded on September 17, 2009

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Chris England writes...

If (This is If) you can continue TSSM Show; would you dare to do the death of Gwen Stacy and the Clone Saga.

Greg responds...

"Dare"? It's not a question of daring.

Response recorded on September 17, 2009

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D writes...

Since harry and peter have known each other for "years" did Norman ever have any interaction with Ben and May? They're practically opposites as far as parenting goes.

Greg responds...

Maybe a little, but Norman's not exactly that "involved" in Harry's life, let alone spending quality time with the "parents" of his friends.

Response recorded on September 16, 2009

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Bobby Drake writes...

Hey, Greg. I heard some scenes in Gargoyles were censored by Disney. In one episode in season 1, I remember a part where Hyena says "Would you like an autograph?" a girl (forgot her name) pulls out a knife on the guy and says, "Maybe I should sign it on your face!" And that's when Jackal says, "Might as well get in on the fun." And I heard there were a few more episodes that had censors.

I would say Spectacular Spider-Man is a little violent for a children's show. So far, your show has had drug addiction, Tombstone getting stabbed in the back by the Green Goblin, Doc Ock promising Rhino the "permission" to impale Spiderman's heart, George Stacy saying the F word in "Shear Strength", a funeral, and also violent fights. I've considered most of the fights in this show (especially the season 2 fights) a little bit violent for little kids.

So here's my question: Will Spectacular Spider-Man suffer from censors the same way some scenes of Gargoyles have? Were there any censored scenes in the show so far in Spectacular Spiderman on Disney? If yes, which scenes? Also, I heard the "Natural Selections" episode had censors. Is that true?

Thank you for answering my questions.

Greg responds...

GARGOYLES wasn't censored in the traditional sense of the word when the shows first aired. Since then, I'm told, ToonDisney/Jetix/DisneyXD may have made some cuts. But I haven't watched their versions of the shows.

George Stacy never said the "F-word" unless you and I have VERY different ideas of which F the F-Word stands for. I don't think THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN is too violent for kids. Of course, I grew up on Coyote and Roadrunner cartoons.

You're sort of throwing the c-word (censorship) around willy-nilly. I'm not sure you really get what it means in a practical sense. But in any case, the 1st Season and half the second season have all aired on DisneyXD, and nothing has been cut from the versions we made.

And, no, nothing was censored out of "Natural Selections". Where did you hear that?

Response recorded on September 15, 2009

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Todd Jensen writes...

In the Shocker episode of "The Spectacular Spider-Man", when Peter Parker asks J. Jonah Jameson whether he wouldn't have a photograph where Spiderman's getting the upper hand over Shocker rather than one where Shocker's winning, Jameson replies "The people want to see their heroes fail! It makes them feel good about themselves!"

Was this line intended, in part, as a reference/commentary on Spiderman's familiar depiction in Marvel as particularly fallible (carried out well, I thought, in the show, whether on a serious level - getting fired from his internship in Dr. Connors' lab after the Lizard incident - or comedic - the spectacularly unsuccessful attempt at cooking Thanksgiving dinner)? Phrased, of course, in a more cynical way than you'd probably normally do it, to fit Jameson's character?

Greg responds...

It's all part of the package.

Response recorded on September 15, 2009

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Stephen B. writes...

The Spectacular Spiderman was something I was really looking forward to since I saw the trailer in the Frien or Foe video game. The wait was killing me, the only real problem I had was the look of Doc Ock because of the action figure. When the series first aired though I was really impressed, it was even better than I thought. While reading the description saying Vulture and Electro were the villains to be first introduced my only thought was nice...keeping it simple, I like that. (simple as in they were two of his first villains in the Lee/Ditko books, and well not introducing someone as big as Doc Ock like the trailer hinted) The first episode seemed to be intended for kids, and kids only...not that I mind, I am only 13. The as the episode went on it kinda got a little deeper especially with that one line, "I can't let Harry lose his dad the way I lost Uncle Ben" a little creepy. Also, I was extremely happy and shocked to see the Enforcers in the series because they were only in a few comics from what I have read, thankfully I picked up some essentials before watching the series. Big Man and Hammerhead are also an extremely nice touch to the series. Plus, the new looks for these characters rule, Vulture reminded me of a falcon, most likey because of the Atlanta Falcons. The next episode was even better more mature, but still appropiate for kids. The lab job was pretty cool and the the Curt Connors thing with the Lizard DNA was being explained well. (which reminds me, have you played any of the games because you referred green goblin as "Emerald Elf", Curt Connors' needle like thing was portrayed like in the games, and some other stuff I can't remember at the moment.) Electro was the best thing that happened to this episode though, the Max Dillon had a nice back story (if that's the correct term) Electro's suit was just awesome, he is by far one of my favorite characters in the series. Natural Selection is where it got perfect for me, Lizard was awesome, and the story was a little dark with Billy and all but that just increased the awesomenes lol. The story arc "Rise of the Supervillains" was just the ammount of incredible as "Attack of the Lizard" (Going by DVD names) Shocker as Montana is something I really enjoyed, I find him to be better than Herman Shcultz. (Especially in Ultimate, except in "The Worst Day of Peter Parker's Life" story that is when he got sadistic) Sandman and Rhino were great, and the revealing of the Big Man as Tombstone was neat. I mean F. Fosswell was Big Man in the comics but Tombstone posed more as a threat because he is your main crime boss because Kingpin wasn't available. Green Goblin is my favorite character in the series however, and Steve Blum's voice nails it. He is exactly how he was in the comics. Doc Ock is shockingly (again because of the toy) awesome, another character exactly like the comics. Plus everything else that's happening like with the Daily Bugle and Pete's personal life is a great story as well. Chameleon isn't one of my favorite characters in the comics, I found him to be dull, but this series made me kind of pay attention to him more, also the use of Tinkerer and Beck before he becomes Mysterio is awesome (there's that word again) Black Suit Spiderman was cool. I liked how his costumed changed every episode. Sinister Six was nicely put together alot better than the 90's version, they didn't even give them their right name. The Intervention episode was pure briliant. Finally a series that explained his origin in a liking and the guy who voiced Uncle Ben, Ed ... was awesome, and he was briliant in "UP". Finally the last episode Venom was incredible best version of him ever. And the last scene with the kiss was a nice cliffhanger to season 2. Again the story behind the Spiderman fights was incredible as well. The best adaptation to Spiderman EVER!!! Season 2 did just air and they had them on youtube now but I refuse to watch them I wanna be suprised. Thanks for this beast (yes i spelled it correctly BEAST) version of Spiderman.

Greg responds...

I'm not much of a gamer myself. Glad you liked the show!

Response recorded on September 15, 2009

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GreenGosborn267 writes...

Hey Mr. Weisman, awesome job with the Spectacular Spiderman, by far the best adaptation of the character. The main reason I'm writing is about the Green Goblin. You said this story was planned since day one, I had a feeling. When I saw Harry taking the green I still knew Norman was the Goblin. Except when Goblin was unmasked to be Harry which completely through me off. Then when season 2 came around I knew Norman was going to be the goblin but in a what was his curse became my gift kinda thing. Then when he was telling the story Goblin's facial expressoins became clear, the Chameleon thing was well put together everything was just nicely done. I still have a hunch Norman will comeback before Harry does anything with the green goblin. I think Norman is more darker than Harry ever was so I think he's gonna come back and unmask the Hobgoblin, go through the whole Gwen story (if allowed) I don't know I just feel that way...which proves this story was incredible because I'm still guessing. Goblin has become my favorite Spidey character thanks to this series (he was always number 2, right behind venom and in front of carnage) so thanks.
and a question just so you can add something more to your to-do list:
which is your favorite green goblin story arc in the comics? (Amazing, Spectacular, Ultimate, any comic just pick an arc.)

Greg responds...

I'm partial to the Lee/Ditko and Lee/Romita days, myself.

Response recorded on September 15, 2009

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G2009 Radio Play

G2009 Radio Play - Act Three

672. NARRATOR
Act Three.

673. DEMONA
Norman Osborn was a fool. So obsessed with the power of science, he kept the Crown of Thorns in this vault as if it was just another souvenir â€" albeit an expensive one â€" to hang upon his wall. But with the Crown and the Spear of Destiny together, I now have the power to force all of humanity to its knees.

674. GOLIATH
These are Christian icons, Demona. Not every human being is a Christian.

675. DEMONA
Not every human being speaks Latin, but that didn’t stop me from using a Latin spell to turn a city-full of humans to stone. The magic I wield is potent beyond measure. Mine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory. No human may resist. No human will be spared. None will be spared who oppose me. Just look at this fool…

676. GOLIATH
Her name is Obsidiana.

677. DEMONA
Of course it is. For she wears the mystic Obsidian pendant fashioned by human sorcerers. Even that is enough to put her in my thrall. She has relinquished her gargoyle birthright.

678. GOLIATH
I have relinquished nothing.

679. NARRATOR
Demona waves the Spear of Destiny, and Electro rises and blasts Goliath back into the wall.

680. GOLIATH
<impact>

681. DEMONA
Yes, I’m surprised you’re unaffected… since you reek of humanity. The stink of your human whore is in your hair, on your lips, everywhere. And nothing in this world will give me more pleasure, Goliath, than watching your detective on her knees to me, as she draws her service revolver and thanks me with tears of joy in her eyes… before gratefully blowing out her own brains.

682. GOLIATH
(coldly furious)
That will never be.

683. DEMONA
No? My power expands with every second. I doubt she’s far away.

684. GOLIATH
You will not harm Elisa.

685. NARRATOR
Goliath advances on Demona. Electro blasts away, but Goliath will not be stopped…

686. DEMONA
No one ever said you weren’t persistent, Goliath. But what do you hope to gain?

687. GOLIATH
(through gritted teeth)
I will turn these forces back upon you.

688. DEMONA
Impossible. I am the last true gargoyle left on this world. The Crown’s magicks cannot touch me.

689. GOLIATH
So you believe. But I am not the only one who reeks of humanity. Am I… Dominique?!

690. NARRATOR
Goliath grasps the crown. The thorns bite into his hands, drawing blood. They struggle for control of the immense power…

691. GOLIATH, DEMONA
<roaring to the heavens>

692. SPIDER-MAN
<moan>

693. NARRATOR
Goliath’s intervention â€" and his complete immunity to the Crown’s effects â€" creates the smallest of fluctuation in Demona’s control. In a haze, Spider-Man lifts his arm…

694. SPIDER-MAN
Thwip.

695. NARRATOR
He shoots off a web, yanking the bloody crown from Demona’s head.

696. DEMONA
Noooooo!!!!

697. NARRATOR
There is a massive explosion of mystic energy and light! Demona, Goliath and Electro collapse.

698. GOLIATH
<moan>

699. SPIDER-MAN
Goliath…

700. GOLIATH
The Spear… the Crown…

701. SPIDER-MAN
Gone. I think they… blew up. Calypso’s gone too. But I’m betting that’s just a talent of hers. And I’d guess she’s taken Kraven and the pussycat with her.

702. DEMONA
<unconscious moan>

703. SPIDER-MAN
But the Big Bad’s still here…

704. GOLIATH
(sadly)
Leaving behind, as always, nothing but a handful of thorns…

Goliath, Spider-Man and Demona sit. Jonah, Elisa, Matt and George STAND.

705. NARRATOR
While Goliath helps Obsidiana, Spidey webs up Demona, Electro and Ock. In the outer vault, Zafiro and the Trio recover, finding only an unconscious and de-venomed Eddie Brock. Outside, the bad guys have all been beaten. Goblin and Vulture, their tech badly damaged, barely manage to fly away. Carnage and Jupiter are once again Cletus and John.

706. JONAH
I’m here, Johnny. Your old Pop’s here…

707. ELISA
Matt…

708. MATT
Call an ambulance, Elisa. Old Man Dracon said something about seeing a light. Then he collapsed. A stroke or something. I’ve been giving him C.P.R.

709. ELISA
Matt… Matt! You can stop. Stop. He’s gone.

710. GEORGE
You’re gargoyles are flying off, Detective.

711. MATT
(breathing hard)
Really? Not sure I see ‘em myself. But is that Spidey web-slinging away?

712. GEORGE
You think? I must have missed him?

Margot STANDS.

713. MARGOT
Are you all blind?! They’re right over there!

714. GEORGE, MATT, ELISA (UNISON)
Oh, give it a rest, Margot…

Elisa, Matt, George, Margot and Jonah sit. Peter, May, Harry and Gwen STAND.

715. NARRATOR
Back at the bus…

716. PETER
I’m back. And not a single decent picture to show for my efforts.

717. MAY
Well, you tried your best, Peter. I’m sure Mr. Jameson will appreciate that.

718. PETER
Oh, yeah. He’s a sweetheart that way.

719. NARRATOR
Emily Osborn watches as her son finally emerges from the bathroom.

720. GWEN
Harry?

721. HARRY
Hey, Gwen. I feel much better.

Harry, Gwen, Peter and May sit. Jonah and Robbie STAND.

722. NARRATOR
Later that night, at The Bugle…

723. JONAH
Whaddayou mean I can’t publish it?! How else can I make them all pay for what they did to Johnny!

724. ROBBIE
You can’t publish because the authorities refuse to comment. We have no pictures or statements to corroborate a story that includes gargoyles, a dead Green Goblin and everything except the kitchen sink. No one will believe it. I was there, and I don’t believe it! Print this, Jonah, and The Bugle becomes the next Daily Tattler.

725. JONAH
Ms. Brant, call the bomb squad. BECAUSE I’M ABOUT TO EXPLODE!!

Jonah and Robbie sit. Gwen, Peter, Kong, Curt, Harry, EMILY OSBORN and Mary Jane STAND.

726. NARRATOR
Later still, aboard OsCorp’s private jet en route to Miami…

727. GWEN
I still can’t believe we ran into you in the airport parking lot, Doctor Connors.

728. PETER
Yeah, and we’re so sorry you got mugged.

729. KONG
Dude, they took your shoes?! That’s hilarious! <laughs>

730. CURT
Yes, well, I just really appreciate the ride back to Florida…

731. HARRY
Anytime, Doctor C. Anytime.

732. EMILY
Harry, could I have a moment… in your father’s office?

733. HARRY
Uh, sure, Mom.

Curt, Kong and Gwen sit.

734. MARY JANE
Pete, help.

735. PETER
What’s wrong?

736. MARY JANE
Tiny. Cute enough, but it’s like talking to a tree stump.

737. PETER
Tried to warn you.

738. MARY JANE
Just say we’ll spend the week as a threesome, okay, Tiger.

739. PETER
Sure!

740. MARY JANE
Not that kind of threesome.

Mary Jane and Peter sit.

741. NARRATOR
Meanwhile, Harry follows his mother Emily into the jet’s private office.

742. EMILY
I know you were playing at being the Goblin, Harry.

743. HARRY
What?! Mom, that’s crazy! I was in the bathroom…

744. EMILY
Don’t lie to me, baby. You hired the worst chauffer in the city to delay our progress. You had a secret hatch installed in the bus bathroom, so you could slip in and out undetected. And you left a pre-recorded “vomit tape” with voice recognition software. All very impressive for a sixteen-year-old. But you need to understand… the Green Goblin is not what your father wanted for you.

745. HARRY
I have no idea what Dad wanted for me…

746. EMILY
Then let him tell you…

747. NARRATOR
She slips a DVD into the computer and Norman Osborn appears on screen…

NORMAN OSBORN STANDS.

748. NORMAN
Harry, my son. If you are watching this, then I am dead. And I have instructions…

Norman, Emily and Harry sit. Big Man, Blackie and SHARI STAND.

749. NARRATOR
Meanwhile at the Big Man’s office, he and Blackie Gaxton are visited by Shari, a young woman wearing a pendant depicting an eye atop a pyramid…

750. BIG MAN
Thirty-six.

751. BLACKIE
Thirty-five.

752. SHARI
Nine. Any problems?

753. BIG MAN
Not particularly. Ms. Destine was ready to believe I could find Dracon and the others useful.

754. BLACKIE
And that faux Goblin was happy to believe I’d been fooled into thinking he was the real thing.

755. NARRATOR
Blackie removes his false face, revealing that he is actually the Chameleon in disguise.

756. CHAMELEON
Just as he was happy to believe I was the real Blackie Gaxton. But I’m still not sure why the Society wanted all this…?

757. SHARI
Isn’t it enough to know the Illuminati appreciates your efforts?

CHAMELEON and Big Man sit. THAILOG, BRENTWOOD, Homunculus #1, Homunculus #2 And Homunculus #3 STAND.

758. NARRATOR
Shari leaves Lincoln’s office and pulls out her cellphone…

759. SHARI
Dial Nightstone Unlimited.

760. THAILOG
Alexander Thailog.

761. SHARI
The Spear? The Crown?

762. THAILOG
Waiting for you to send to Duval.

763. BRENTWOOD
Brentwood capture little robot. Use it to control other little robots. When bright light shine, robots take spear and crown.

764. SHARI
Lovely.

765. THAILOG
What should we do with the Homunculi?

766. SHARI
Set them free. Maybe they’ll get their own series some day.

767. HOMUNCULUS #1
Free, free, set them free…

768. HOMUNCULUS #2
On basic cable and DVD…

769. HOMUNCULUS #3
Jazz hands!

Homunculus #3, Homunculus #2, Homunculus #1, Shari, Thailog and Brentwood sit. Elisa and Goliath STAND.

770. NARRATOR
At the castle, Elisa’s cell rings.

771. ELISA
Maza… Yeah, Captain Stacy said you might call. Sure, he’s right here.

772. NARRATOR
She hands the phone to Goliath, who doesn’t quite know how to hold it. She takes it back and puts the call on speaker.

773. GOLIATH
Hello…?

Spider-Man STANDS.

774. SPIDER-MAN
Hey, Goliath. It’s your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.

775. GOLIATH
You protect your… neighborhood.

776. SPIDER-MAN
Just like you do the super-hero thing without the tights.

777. GOLIATH
Spider-Man, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

778. SPIDER-MAN
Hey, I was just gonna say that. You saw that movie too?

779. GOLIATH
Movie?

780. ELISA
God, I love you… <kiss>

Elisa, Goliath and Spider-Man sit. Kafka STANDS.

781. NARRATOR
And finally â€" yes, finally â€" we end where we began. In the offices of Dr. Ashley Kafka at Ravencroft. She’s on the phone to her Board of Directors.

782. KAFKA
After all that tsuris, little has changed. Otto and Eddie are still disassociative. Max still needs a cure, and John still wants power. Cletus? He just keeps repeating, “I got a taste now,” over and over. Yes, we lost Dominic, I’m afraid. But we do have a new patient…

Dominique STANDS.

783. KAFKA (CONT)
…Dominique Destine.

784. DOMINIQUE
Just wait until the sun goes down…

Dominique and Kafka sit.

785. NARRATOR
The End.

THE END

NEXT: I finally get back to answering questions...


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G2009 Radio Play

G2009 Radio Play - Act Two

BIG MAN STANDS.

247. NARRATOR
Act Two. The Big Man of Crime enters his offices, but finds he’s not alone…

248. BIG MAN
You spend so much time here, I’ll need to buy you your own chair. So you’ll stay out of mine.

Green Goblin STANDS.

249. GREEN GOBLIN
Surprised to see me?

250. BIG MAN
Not particularly.

251. GREEN GOBLIN
Then you won’t be surprised to learn I’m still running things…

252. BIG MAN
If you can run them from a hospital bed…

253. NARRATOR
Catching Gobby off guard, Lincoln punches him right through the window…

254. GREEN GOBLIN
<impact grunt>

255. NARRATOR
The goblin-glider swoops in and catches the Goblin, who pulls out a Pumpkin Bomb.

PUMPKIN BOMB STANDS.

256. GREEN GOBLIN
Ever the gracious host. And ever the gracious guest, the Goblin must show his appreciation. Here. I brought a gift.

257. NARRATOR
Gobby throws his “gift”, but Goliath swoops in, catches it and throws it back.

Goliath and Spider-Man STAND.

258. PUMPKIN BOMB
<shriek>

259. GREEN GOBLIN
<impact>

260. NARRATOR
Not far away…

261. SPIDER-MAN
No, no, no, no, no… I was hoping I’d never hear that trademark Pumpkin Bomb shriek again…

262. NARRATOR
Spidey swings in to find Goliath and a recovering Gobby together…

263. SPIDER-MAN
So that’s what these gargoyles are… more of the Goblin’s Halloween creations…

264. NARRATOR
Spidey swings into action against Goliath.

265. GOLIATH, SPIDER-MAN
<ad-lib battle sounds>

266. GOLIATH
The Bugle was right about you: you are a threat and a menace!

267. SPIDER-MAN
Wait, you can talk? And read?! And what you read is the Jolly One’s editorials?!

268. GREEN GOBLIN
I know I should assassinate Mr. Lincoln. But I’m so enjoying the show. Really, someone should make more Gargoyles. I know: I’ll call Walt Disney.

Green Goblin, Spider-Man, Goliath, Pumpkin Bomb and Big Man sit. ANGELA, BROOKLYN, BROADWAY and LEXINGTON STAND.

269. NARRATOR
Meanwhile, atop the Eyrie Building, Brooklyn, Lexington and Broadway watch Angela playing with Brooklyn’s son Nashville…

270. ANGELA
That’s great, Nashville. This time try the axe…

271. BROADWAY
Wow, Angela looks so adorable playing with Gnash. I mean, Gnash is cute too…

272. BROOKLYN
Thanks. I know he hatched in another decade, but Katana and I discussed it, and we want the whole clan to be Gnash and Egwardo’s Rookery parents…

273. BROADWAY
We’d be honored…

274. LEXINGTON
I still can’t quite take it all in. I go to Britain for a few weeks, and everything changes…

275. BROADWAY
At least you were gone for weeks. Try adjusting in forty seconds.

276. BROOKLYN
Hey, I had forty years to get ready for this, and it’s still strange…

277. LEXINGTON
But, dude. You’re so… old.

278. BROOKLYN
Thanks.

279. LEXINGTON
Older than Goliath.

280. BROOKLYN
Yeah.

281. LEXINGTON
Almost Hudson’s age.

282. BROOKLYN
I get it. I’m old.

283. LEXINGTON
It’s not that. Everything about you is different.

284. BROOKLYN
Oh, come on…

285. BROADWAY
No, he’s right. The way you talk. The way you move. All those weapons you carry now. It’s like you’ve outgrown us.

286. BROOKLYN
That’s not fair. I can’t tell you how much I missed you both.

287. LEXINGTON
We get that. And we’re not mad. But…

288. BROOKLYN
Look, this isn’t all on me. As I recall, things were already changing. Broadway spent all his time with Angela.

289. BROADWAY
Not all my time.

290. LEXINGTON
Uh… pretty much.

291. BROADWAY
Yeah, well, you’re practically on the internet non-stop.

292. LEXINGTON
It’s addictive! Do you know they have porn on that thing? There’s this one website, Blue Mug Prodâ€"

293. BROOKLYN
I don’t wanna know. The point is we’ve all gone through some changes. That’s just life.

294. BROADWAY
I guess our Three Musketeer days are over…

295. LEXINGTON
Yeah…

Zafiro and Obsidiana STAND.

296. ZAFIRO
Gargoyles of Manhattan!

297. OBSIDIANA
We need you’re help!

298. NARRATOR
At just that moment, the sun rises, turning Brooklyn, Lexington, Broadway, Angela and Gnash to stone. Obsidiana and Zafiro are unaffected, thanks to their mystic Mayan pendants.

299. ZAFIRO
Mierda.

300. OBSIDIANA
Nuestro cronometraje apesta hoy.

Obsidiana, Zafiro, Lexington, Broadway, Brooklyn and Angela sit. Spider-Man, Green Goblin and Pumpkin Bomb STAND.

301. NARRATOR
Across town, Goliath also turns to stone.

302. SPIDER-MAN
What the heck?!

303. GREEN GOBLIN
Well, that was… unexpected.

304. SPIDER-MAN
All right, that’s enough. I know you’re not the real Gobby.

305. GREEN GOBLIN
Yes, yes, “It’s not the voice; it’s the words. Not the tech, but the moves.” I’ve heard it all before…

306. SPIDER-MAN
Then I know exactly who you really are: Chameleon!

307. GREEN GOBLIN
That would ease your conscience, wouldn’t it? To think I’m Chameleon â€" and not the ghost of the man you killed!

308. SPIDER-MAN
I don’t believe in ghosts.

309. GREEN GOBLIN
Then maybe you’d prefer I was the Spawn of Goblin.

310. SPIDER-MAN
Oh, you’d just love to shift the blame to Harry. Sorry, Gobby â€" I mean, Chammy â€" but we’ve been there, done that. Besides, no matter who you are, there hasn’t been time for the Globulin Green to kick in and truly Goblify you. So I’m gonna take you down now while you’re still just a cheap imitation.

311. GREEN GOBLIN
You could do that… or you could save stoneface over there.

312. NARRATOR
Gobby throws a pumpkin bomb at Goliath. Instinctively, Spidey webs it away…

313. PUMPKIN BOMB
<shriek>

Pumpkin Bomb and Green Goblin sit.

314. NARRATOR
By which time, the Goblin is gone, leaving a confused Spidey perched on Goliath’s head…

315. SPIDER-MAN
So in hindsight, I’m thinking maybe you weren’t part of the Gob-Squad, right?
(beat)
Fine. Stonewall me.

May STANDS.

316. NARRATOR
That morning in Forest Hills, Spidey sneaks in through his bedroom window, hoping to catch a few Zs.

317. MAY
Peter, are you awake.

318. PETER
Uh, sure Aunt May. Just getting dressed.

319. MAY
Well, hurry up. I’m… “conferencing” with all the other parents.

Robbie, ROSIE THOMPSON and George STAND.

320. ROBBIE
Are you sure you don’t mind, Mrs. Parker? Cuz I gotta say, what you’re proposing would be my worst nightmare.

321. MAY
<laughs> Oh, I don’t believe that for a minute, Mr. Robertson. It’s a joy to be around Peter and his friends. And I won’t be alone. Anna Watson and Mrs. Osborn will be with me.

322. ROSIE
Emily? She’s so… odd. I don’t think she’s ever said one word to me…

323. MAY
Well, I don’t know her very well, Rosie, but Harry is Peter’s best friend â€" no offense to your Eugene â€" so she must be doing something right.

324. ROSIE
May, you never change. Always seeing the best in people.

325. MAY
I’ll take that as a compliment, dear girl.

326. GEORGE
In any case, I’m glad to get Gwen out of Manhattan for a few days. The streets are looking pretty grim right about now.

327. MAY
Oh, I’m sure your officers will have things under control in no time.

328. PETER
Aunt May, what’s going on?

329. MAY
Oh, didn’t I tell you, Peter. I’m chaperoning your trip to Miami Beach!

330. PETER
Wow. Great.

Peter, May, George, Rosie and Robbie sit. Big Man and Dominique STAND.

331. NARRATOR
Meanwhile, back at L. Thompson Lincoln’s office…

332. BIG MAN
And how can I be of help, Ms. Destine.

333. DOMINIQUE
I think I can help you, Mr. Lincoln.

334. BIG MAN
What makes you think I need any help?

335. DOMINIQUE
Oh, little things. The shattered window, that unusual statue on the ledge outside…

336. BIG MAN
Point taken. How about you cut to the chase?

337. DOMINIQUE
Fine. Tony Dracon. Tomas Brod. Silvio Manfredi. All in jail. Hammerhead. Sable Manfredi. On the run. This gives you a unique opportunity to reclaim what was lost.

338. BIG MAN
I’m sure L. Thompson Lincoln has no idea what you’re talking about. But go on…

339. DOMINIQUE
You have three problems. Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus and the government watching your every move.

340. BIG MAN
And you have the solution…

341. DOMINIQUE
I have the manpower. Three… “super-villains” to take down the competition and Dominic Dracon to use as a figurehead.

342. BIG MAN
The old man? I heard he was shy a few brain cells.

343. DOMINIQUE
It’s easy enough to spread the word he was faking insanity to avoid prosecution. And easy enough to assign him a keeper. Meanwhile, he’s a Dracon. And that name still carries weight, I believe.

344. BIG MAN
It does. But what would you want in exchange?

345. DOMINIQUE
Nothing extraordinary. Just the services of the Tinkerer.

346. BIG MAN
I believe that can be arranged.

347. DOMINIQUE
Lovely. But let’s not allow the moss to gather. You’ll want to move fast. Before the Octopus retrieves his arms…

Dominique and Big Man sit. SILVER SPOON MANAGER, Vulture, DOCTOR OCTOPUS and Electro STAND.

348. NARRATOR
The weather has turned cold. At the Silver Spoon, three men in trench coats and hats wait for their coffee.

349. SILVER SPOON MANAGER
Sixty-nine!

350. VULTURE
Yes. Here.

351. NARRATOR
Vulture sits down with Electro and Doctor Octopus.

352. DOCTOR OCTOPUS
Thank you, Adrian. Now. My arms?

353. VULTURE
In an OsCorp vault.

354. ELECTRO
At Rykers?!

355. VULTURE
<shhhhh> Not THE Vault. A vault. Still very high security, and the police are bound to expect our arrival, but…

356. DOCTOR OCTOPUS
Indeed. <sigh> OsCorp. Even in death, Norman Osborn torments me. But it cannot be helped. I must have my arms. We go in under cover of darkness tonight.

Doctor Octopus, Vulture and Electro sit. Silver Spoon Manager remains standing. Peter and Mary Jane STAND.

357. NARRATOR
The three men exit through one door. Two teenagers enter through another.

358. SILVER SPOON MANAGER
Seventy!

359. MARY JANE
Try to understand, Tiger. I just can’t do that to Gwen. She’s really become my best friend at Midtown.

360. PETER
But it’s not like we’d be making out or anything, right? Uh, right?

361. MARY JANE
Right.

362. PETER
Right, right. We’d be going as friends. Hanging out when the couples were … you know, coupling.

363. MARY JANE
And that would be great. But look at it from her point of view. She took all the risks, and you still wound up with Liz. There’s no way, she’d see me as anything but a threat. Wait, that sounded really conceited.

364. PETER
Have you looked in a mirror? Not conceited. Just fact.

365. MARY JANE
Ooh, nice one. Such a player.

366. PETER
Yeah, right. The world’s loneliest player.

367. MARY JANE
Stop it. I know you don’t want to hurt Gwen either. Not after all the two of you have been through.

368. PETER
Yeah… I wonder if Ms. Brant likes Miami. Kidding, kidding… Wow, pretty good. That was practically the Look.

369. SILVER SPOON MANAGER
Seventy-One!

SEYMOUR O’REILLY stands.

370. PETER
So you’re just not going?

371. MARY JANE
Oh, I’m going. It’s 48 degrees outside and 82 in Miami. I asked Tiny to be my plus one.

372. PETER
Tiny?! Tiny McKeever?! The guy’s got the brain of an amoeba. He makes King Kong look like a genius. Hell, he makes Flash look like Stephen Hawking!

373. MARY JANE
(shrugs)
He’s cute.

374. PETER
<argggh> I just wish I could skip the whole thing. But Aunt May’s going, and after her heart attack, I really think she could use some fun in the sun--

375. SEYMOUR
Sorry to interrupt. Couldn’t help overhearing.

376. PETER
Oh, hey, Seymour.

377. SEYMOUR
Just wanted to let you know Harry invited me too. And I’m totally going stag. I mean who wants a ball and chain when Miami Beach is full of hotties, right?

378. PETER
Uh…

379. SEYMOUR
Just don’t expect to hang out, okay. You’d fully cramp my style.

380. PETER
Of course I would…

381. SILVER SPOON MANAGER
Seventy-two!!

Silver Spoon Manager, Peter, Seymour and Mary Jane sit. Dominique and TINKERER STAND.

382. NARRATOR
Meanwhile, the Tinkerer arrives at the Destine Mansion…

383. DOMINIQUE
You have the devices?

384. TINKERER
Five was all I could put together on short notice. Unless you want to bring Mysterio in…?

385. DOMINIQUE
Our stage is crowded enough. And five should do quite nicely.

Dominique and Tinkerer sit. May, Mary Jane, GREG BISHANSKY, Sally, Gwen, Harry, Kong, Rand, Flash, Liz, Jason, Peter and Seymour STAND.

386. NARRATOR
Later that afternoon, Harry’s rented a party bus, and the gang is en route to the airport, stuck in heavy traffic on the expressway. A very prepared May Parker has a clipboard…

387. MAY
All right, we have three adults and sixteen children â€" sorry, sixteen teenagers. That’s nineteen sojourners bound for Florida. So why did my headcount come to twenty?

388. MARY JANE
I think you counted the bus driver, Mrs. Parker.

389. MAY
Oh, that I did.

390. BISHANSKY
Hey, twist my arm! I’ll go to Miami with you guys!!

391. SALLY
Was anyone talking to you?

392. BISHANSKY
Uh… no.

393. SALLY
Then eyes front.

394. BISHANSKY
Eyes front.

395. GWEN
Harry, are you all right?

396. HARRY
I dunno. All this stopping and starting. My stomach’s a little queasy…

397. KONG
Dude. Does this bus rock or what?!

398. RAND
‘Scool.

399. FLASH
Damn right it’s cool. Wouldn’t mind taking this baby all the way to Florida.

400. SALLY
Excuse me?! It’s a bus.

401. LIZ
Sally’s right. We’re not ditching the private jet for a bus. Right, Jason?

402. JASON
Uh…

403. SALLY
Right.

404. PETER
It really is a very nice bus though.

405. BISHANSKY
Hey, I’m not offended. I still can’t believe the Osborns hired me again. The last time, I got in two-- <impact grunt>

406. SEYMOUR
Dude, you totally rear-ended that guy at the tollbooth!

407. BISHANSKY
Not again…

408. SALLY
Wonderful. Now, we’ll be stuck here forever!

409. MAY
Everybody stay calm.

410. HARRY
Ah, man, gotta use the john…

411. KONG
<laughs> I think Osborn’s gonna hurl!

412. SALLY
Oh. My. God! If my hair starts smelling like vomit, I’ll sue you for bus-driver malpractice!!

413. BISHANSKY
Sorry, sorry…

Bishansky, Sally, Kong, Harry, May, Seymour, Peter, Jason, Liz, Flash, Rand, Gwen and Mary Jane sit. Brooklyn, Lexington, Broadway, Zafiro and Obsidiana STAND.

414. NARRATOR
The sun sets. At the castle, the gargoyles awaken…

415. BROOKLYN, BROADWAY, LEXINGTON
<awakening roars>

416. BROOKLYN
You must be Zafiro.

417. ZAFIRO
How did you know?

418. BROOKLYN
Strong family resemblance.

419. ZAFIRO
¿Perdón?

420. BROOKLYN
Long story. Time travel. The future. A whole other spin-off. Two actually…

421. OBSIDIANA
We don’t have time for your “spin-offs”. ¿Donde esta Goliath?

422. BROADWAY
He didn’t sleep here.

423. LEXINGTON
But I’m sure he’ll be back soon.

Elisa STANDS.

424. ELISA
He’d better. We have trouble. Demona trouble.

425. OBSIDIANA
Elisa!

426. ELISA
Hi, Obsidiana. I’m betting you have trouble too…

Elisa, Obsidiana, Lexington, Broadway, Brooklyn and Zafiro sit. Kraven, Calypso, Curt and Gulyadkin STAND.

427. NARRATOR
And while the clan awaits Goliath’s return…

428. KRAVEN
It is time, Calypso.

429. CALYPSO
Yes. The forces gather. We can make this one our own.

430. CURT
I demand you let me go!

431. KRAVEN
Hold your tongue, American dog. Or Gulyadkin will hold it for you.

432. GULYADKIN
<low lion growl>

433. CALYPSO
Calm yourself… This change will not be difficult. The primitive bound within is barely skin-deep…

434. CURT
I-- I don’t know what you’re talking about.

435. CALYPSO
I think you do. You see my companion. The details may have been created in a laboratory…

436. KRAVEN
But the soul of the Hunter â€" the beast inside â€" was always my own.

437. CURT
What are doing with that doll?

438. CALYPSO
Turning it inside out.

439. CURT
Listen to me, please. Even if you can release the “beast inside”, you don’t want to! It can’t be controlled.

440. KRAVEN
<laughs> Nyet. Not by you perhaps. But my Calypso is not so easily trifled with.

441. CALYPSO
It is time…

442. CURT
Noooo!!!! <transformation scream>

443. NARRATOR
Curt Connors is transformed by Calypso’s magic into the Lizard.

444. LIZARD
<roar>

445. KRAVEN
Now… to the Hunt!

Kraven, LIZARD, Calypso and Gulyadkin sit. Obsidiana, Zafiro, Angela, Elisa, Goliath, Broadway and Brooklyn STAND.

446. NARRATOR
Back at the Castle, Goliath has returned, and the entire clan has gathered. Elisa’s revealed what she knows about Demona. Now, it’s Obsidiana’s turn…

447. OBSIDIANA
It came from somewhere further south. Two human smugglers carrying an object of great power through the Green…

448. ZAFIRO
My mate is sensitive to these things. We tracked them, but they boarded a jet airplane and were soon out of our reach.

449. OBSIDIANA
Pero still I could sense great forces gathering. I asked Jade and Turquesa to teach us the way to Avalon…

450. ZAFIRO
Gabriel says hello, by the way.

451. ANGELA
Oh, I miss him. How is he?

452. ELISA
Angela, honey, let’s stay on point. I take it Avalon sent you here.

453. OBSIDIANA
Yes. We nearly achieved the totem, but a ridiculous human dressed in red and blueâ€"

454. ELISA, GOLIATH (UNISON)
Spider-Man…

455. OBSIDIANA
He did spin webs like a spider. Though from his hands, not hisâ€"

456. ZAFIRO
Focus, mi amor.

457. OBSIDIANA
Lo siento. This Man-Spider, he interfered. The smugglers escaped again. Now, power builds on power, rising to a crescendo.

458. BROADWAY
And that’s bad, right?

459. NARRATOR
Elisa’s cellphone rings.

Matt STANDS.

460. ELISA
Maza.

461. MATT
It’s Matt. Something’s going down at the OsCorp vault off the Expressway. Most of the Taskforce is already here. Stacy and his men too. But I’m thinking we might need… “back-up”. Lots and lots of back-up.

462. ELISA
We’re on our way. Brooklyn, can Bronx and Fu-Dog baby-sit Egwardo?

463. BROOKLYN
Of course.

464. ELISA
Good. Because otherwise it’s all hands on deck.

Elisa, Brooklyn, Broadway, Obsidiana, Zafiro, Goliath and Angela sit. George, Morgan and O’Neil STAND.

465. MATT
Okay, Captain. The rest of the Taskforce is on its way.

466. GEORGE
My men are deployed.

467. O’NEIL
And just in time! Cuz we got Gobby and his Pumpkin-Heads at 12 o’clock!

Green Goblin and Pumpkin Bomb STAND.

468. GREEN GOBLIN
Playtime!

469. PUMPKIN BOMB
<shriek>

470. MORGAN
And a gargoyle at 3 o’clock!

471. GEORGE
That’s not a gargoyle. That’s the Vulture!

Vulture STANDS.

472. VULTURE
You were right, Otto. The police were waiting. And the Goblin is here too. You don’t think it could actually be Osborn, still alive, do you?

Doctor Octopus and Electro STAND.

473. DOCTOR OCTOPUS
Do not get distracted by old grudges, Adrian. It hardly matters who wears the Green. His intent is still to prevent me from regaining my arms. You must keep the Goblin and the authorities occupied.

474. VULTURE
Of course.

475. DOCTOR OCTOPUS
Now, Electro. Open the vault.

476. ELECTRO
Roger that, Doc!

477. NARRATOR
Electro, already inside, short-circuits the vault’s electro-magnetic lock.

Tinkerer and Demona STAND.

478. TINKERER
Electro’s breached the vault.

479. DEMONA
So predictable. Send in your operatives.

480. NARRATOR
Tinkerer opens a burlap sack, releasing his five “operatives”.

HOMUNCULUS #1, HOMUNCULUS #2, HOMUNCULUS #3, HOMUNCULUS #4 and HOMUNCULUS #5 STAND.

481. HOMUNCULUS #1
Homunculi to the rescue!

482. HOMUNCULUS #2
Dirty work to be done!

483. HOMUNCULUS #3
Peach Cobbler!

484. HOMUNCULUS #4
Uh oh, somebody’s language system’s off-line again.

485. HOMUNCULUS #5
You know it, girlfriend!

Calypso, Kraven and Lizard STAND.

486. NARRATOR
And down in the sewer…

487. CALYPSO
It is right above us, my love. The Power and the Glory. The very keys to the Kingdom.

488. KRAVEN
And Kraven will lay them all at your feet.

489. LIZARD
<lizard roar>

490. NARRATOR
Up top, a stretch limo skids to a stop outside the vault. Dominic Dracon and Fancy Dan emerge.

Dracon and FANCY DAN STAND.

491. DRACON
All right, boys. Get me those jewels!

492. FANCY DAN
I think what the boss means is… Destroy the competition!

Carnage, Colonel Jupiter and Venom STAND.

493. CARNAGE
<evil chuckle> Carnage time?

494. FANCY DAN
Yeah. Go. Kill. Whatever.

495. COLONEL JUPITER
Colonel Jupiter will stop the Green Goblin and Vulture in their tracks!

496. FANCY DAN
Knock yourself out. But what are you waiting for?

497. VENOM
Someone worthy of our hate. But we have faith… He’ll come…

498. GREEN GOBLIN
My, my, the field’s getting crowded. Let’s thin the herd. Pumpkin-Heads, release the hounds! <ahem> That was a metaphor. Throw your pumpkin bombs already!

499. PUMPKIN BOMB
<multiple shrieks>

Pumpkin Bomb, Green Goblin, Venom, Fancy Dan, Colonel Jupiter, Carnage, Dracon, Lizard, Kraven, Calypso, Homunculus #5, Homunculus #4, Homunculus #3, Homunculus #2, Homunculus #1, Demona, Tinkerer, Electro, Doctor Octopus, Vulture, George, Morgan, O’Neil and Matt SIT. May, Peter, Bishansky, Flash, Kong, Sally, Mary Jane, Gwen and Harry STAND.

500. MAY
Goodness, what was that?

501. PETER
Something The Bugle will want pictures of. Open the door.

502. BISHANSKY
Uh…

503. MAY
Peter Parker, I am not letting you off this bus in the middle of the expressway.

504. PETER
Aunt May we’re at a complete standstill. And you don’t have to worry. I’ll use my telephoto lens. I won’t be anywhere near the action.

505. MAY
I suppose it is your job… Open the door.

506. BISHANSKY
Yes, ma’am.

507. PETER
Thanks, Aunt May. You rock!

508. FLASH
If Puny Parker’s going, I’m going too!

509. MAY
Eugene Thompson, you sit your backside down in that seat right this minute.

510. FLASH
Yes, ma’am.

511. KONG
<laughs>

512. SALLY
What’s he going to take pictures with? I saw his camera get blown up two months ago.

513. MARY JANE
Pete’s a professional photographer, Sally. I’m sure he has more than one camera.

514. GWEN
Harry… Are you all right in there?

515. HARRY
<vomit noise> Ugh, don’t come in. It really isn’t pretty.

Harry, Gwen, Mary Jane, Sally, Kong, Flash, May, Peter and Bishansky sit. Broadway, Goliath, Brooklyn, Angela, Elisa, Zafiro and Obsidiana STAND.

516. NARRATOR
The clan alights on a rise overlooking the battlefield.

517. BROADWAY
Whoa, what a mess…

518. GOLIATH
We will split our forces. Brooklyn, Lexington, Broadway, Obsidiana, Zafiro with me.

519. BROOKLYN
Shouldn’t I lead the other contingent?

520. GOLIATH
I need your experience and your weapons at my side.

521. ANGELA
Don’t worry, Brooklyn, we’ve got it covered.

522. NARRATOR
Angela, Hudson, Katana, Gnash, Coldstone and Coldfire glide toward the battle.

523. BROOKLYN, BROADWAY (UNISON)
Be careful!

Angela sits.

524. ELISA
You know I’m going with you.

525. GOLIATH
Not this time, Elisa. You must join your fellow officers…

526. ELISA
Butâ€"

527. GOLIATH
When all is settled, we shall need your help to cover our retreat from this conflagration… You know this is true.

528. ELISA
(defeated)
Yes.

Elisa sits. Spider-Man STANDS.

529. NARRATOR
Elisa makes her way down the hill. Goliath and the others glide to the Vault’s roof. Spider-Man lands there at the same time.

530. SPIDER-MAN, ZAFIRO (UNISON)
You again!

531. GOLIATH
Hold, Spider-Man. I have a friend who knows your Captain Stacy.

532. SPIDER-MAN
Really?

533. GOLIATH
This policeman believes in you. So I choose to believe in you as well.

534. SPIDER-MAN
Says the eight-foot tall medieval monster. But I get it. We’re on the same side. So let’s go kick some Pumpkin-Butt!

535. ZAFIRO
¡Idiota! That battle is a mere distraction.

536. OBSIDIANA
The true danger lies within…

537. SPIDER-MAN
All right, all right, you had me at “Idiota”.

538. NARRATOR
The gargoyles rip open the rooftop. The seven heroes descend, but someone watches…

Spider-Man, Obsidiana, Zafiro, Goliath, Broadway and Brooklyn sit. Venom and Fancy Dan STAND.

539. VENOM
And there goes our Bro…

540. FANCY DAN
You going in? That wasn’t the plan!

541. VENOM
And how do intend to stop us?

542. FANCY DAN
Fine, go. But if you see my Ricochet suit, bring it out!

Fancy Dan and Venom sit. Foswell, Jonah and Robbie STAND.

543. FOSWELL
See, J.J. The tip from Dracon’s old chauffer was right on the money.

544. JONAH
Whaddaya want, a fershlugginer medal?! Let’s get in there!

545. ROBBIE
Slow down, Jonah. I promised Joan I wouldn’t let you lose your head, figuratively or literally.

546. JONAH
Forget my head! Who cares about my head?! My boy needs me!

Ned and Colonel Jupiter STAND.

547. NED
Looks to me like your boy’s doing pretty well, Chief!

548. COLONEL JUPITER
Take that, miscreants!

549. ROBBIE
Ned, how did youâ€"

550. NED
Tip from one of the pumpkin-heads. Foswell’s not the only one with sources.

551. JONAH
You two can naked mud-wrestle over who’s the biggest brown-noser later. For now, Robbie, if you don’t let go of me in zero-point-zero seconds, I’ll dropkick you to next Season! And there’s no guarantee there’ll be a next Season!

552. NARRATOR
Jonah breaks away from Robbie, but his path is blocked…

Elisa STANDS.

553. ELISA
Get back! You want to wind up street pizza!

554. JONAH
But that’s my son up there.

555. ELISA
Yeah, well, at least he’s fighting on the right side.

556. COLONEL JUPITER
Nothing stands against the might of Colonel Jupiter!

557. ELISA
Does he always talk like that?

558. ROBBIE
Bombasticism runs in the family.

Robbie, Elisa, Colonel Jupiter, Jonah, Ned and Foswell sit. Vulture, Carnage, Green Goblin, Angela, Fancy Dan, Matt and Dracon STAND.

559. NARRATOR
Jupiter takes down Pumpkin-Heads right and left. Hudson squares off against Vulture.

560. VULTURE
Why do I get the old guy?

561. NARRATOR
You’re old. He’s old. It’s parallelism. Get over it.
(beat)
Coldstone and Coldfire isolate Carnage.

562. CARNAGE
No fair! These two don’t spatter at all!

563. NARRATOR
Angela and Katana take on the Goblin.

564. GREEN GOBLIN
Oh, goody. Gobby likes getting down and dirty with the hotties.

565. ANGELA
Oh, you did not just say that.

566. NARRATOR
And little Gnash goes after Fancy Dan.

567. FANCY DAN
Admit it, you gave me the kid because I’m short?

568. NARRATOR
Even Detective Bluestone gets into the act.

569. MATT
Freeze, Dracon!

570. DRACON
You’re confused. I’m G.F. Benton, a certified public accountant. I think I’ll be going now…

571. MATT
Yeah. Back to Ravencroft, you old nutter!

572. NARRATOR
But inside, things are a bit more serious…

Matt, Dracon, Fancy Dan, Angela, Green Goblin, Carnage and Vulture sit. Electro and Doctor Octopus STAND.

573. ELECTRO
Got your arms, Doc!

574. DOCTOR OCTOPUS
And my Megalo-Pack?

575. ELECTRO
You’re Mega-what now?

576. DOCTOR OCTOPUS
My power-source, Maxwell.

577. ELECTRO
Right, right. No. That’s not here.

578. DOCTOR OCTOPUS
What?!

Homunculus #1, Homunculus #2 and Homunculus #3 STAND.

579. HOMUNCULUS #1
Gotta get the true treasure!

580. HOMUNCULUS #2
Bring it back to the big Smurfette!

581. HOMUNCULUS #3
Blunk hates getting wet!

582. NARRATOR
Three Homunculi fly deeper into the vault to retrieve Demona’s prize.

Homunculus #3, Homunculus #2 and Homunculus #1 sit. Zafiro, Spider-Man, Lexington, Homunculus #5, Goliath, Brooklyn, Broadway and Obsidiana STAND.

583. ZAFIRO
What are those things?!

584. SPIDER-MAN, LEXINGTON (UNISON)
Robots!

585. LEXINGTON
And I got one!

586. HOMUNCULUS #5
Leggo, you big bully!

587. LEXINGTON
<ugh> What an annoying voice…

588. HOMUNCULUS #5
(aside to audience)
Look who’s talking.

589. LEXINGTON
…But I might be able to use it to take control of the others.

590. SPIDER-MAN
I think I can help.

Venom STANDS.

591. VENOM
You’ll be a little too busy for that, Bro.

592. GOLIATH
Friend of yours?

593. SPIDER-MAN
Once upon a time. Not so much now.

594. VENOM
Die, Spider-Man!

595. VENOM, SPIDER-MAN
<add-lib battle sounds>

596. SPIDER-MAN
A little help?

597. NARRATOR
Brooklyn blasts Venom, who collapses.

598. VENOM
<vibrating scream>

Venom sits.

599. BROOKLYN
Sonic Cannon. Circa 2198. Guess my weapons do come in handy.

600. LEXINGTON
Just cover me until I can get this working…

Demona and Tinkerer STAND.

601. DEMONA
What’s wrong, Tinkerer? Why haven’t they returned?

602. TINKERER
Someone’s trying to counter their programming. He won’t succeed.

603. DEMONA
He had better not.

604. LEXINGTON
My hack’s being hacked!

605. TINKERER
He’s overriding my override!

Homunculus #4 STANDS.

606. HOMUNCULUS #4
Go right. Go left. Go right. Go left. Blow up!

607. NARRATOR
Homunculus #4 blows up. But so does Homunculus #5 in Lexington’s hands!

608. LEXINGTON
<pain cry>

609. BROADWAY
Lexington!

Homunculus #4 and Homunculus #5 sit.

610. DOCTOR OCTOPUS
This is madness! Grab my arms and get me out of here!

611. ELECTRO
Workin’ on it!

612. NARRATOR
Electro blasts away, until he and Doc Ock are blindsided by…

Kraven, Gulyadkin, Lizard and Calypso STAND.

613. ELECTRO, DOCTOR OCTOPUS
<impacts>

614. BROADWAY
Look, it’s Claw.

615. KRAVEN
<roar>

616. BROOKLYN
That’s not Claw.

617. BROADWAY
Well, it’s sure not Maggie.

618. GULYADKIN
<lion roar>

619. LEXINGTON
(recovering)
Is that an actual lion?

620. LIZARD
<lizard roar>

621. SPIDER-MAN
Lizard, too? Seriously, this is way over the top.
Homunculus #1 and Homunculus #2 STAND.

622. HOMUNCULUS #1
Got the gizmo!

623. HOMUNCULUS #2
Homunculi never fail!

624. NARRATOR
Two homunculi fly past, carrying a sealed container down a dark corridor.

625. CALYPSO, OBSIDIANA (UNISON)
The totem!
(pointing at each other)
Don’t let her near it!

626. KRAVEN
Go, Calypso! Leave them to us!

627. ZAFIRO
¡Vaya, mi amor!

628. BROOKLYN
We got your back, Goliath! Go!

629. SPIDER-MAN
Think I’ll tag along too…

Spider-Man, Obsidiana, Calypso, Homunculus #2, Homunculus #1, Goliath, Tinkerer and Demona sit.

630. NARRATOR
Calypso, Obsidiana, Goliath and Spider-Man race down the corridor.

631. KRAVEN
Lizard, take the reptile!

632. ZAFIRO
¡No soy ningún reptil! ¡Soy un Gárgolo!

633. ZAFIRO, LIZARD
<ad-lib battle sounds>

634. KRAVEN
Gulyadkin attack!

635. GULYADKIN
<pounce roar>

636. NARRATOR
Gulyadkin and Kraven attack Lex and Broadway!

637. LEXINGTON
Hey, get him off me!

638. BROADWAY
Kinda busy at the moment!

639. GULYADKIN, LEXINGTON, KRAVEN, BROADWAY
<ad-lib struggles>

640. NARRATOR
Brooklyn steps in and pulls both cats off his rookery brothers. They turn on him.

641. BROOKLYN
Uh oh.

642. BROADWAY, LEXINGTON (UNISON)
All for one!

643. NARRATOR
The two gargoyles return the favor, knocking Kraven and Gulyadkin aside. Then Brooklyn blasts them both.

644. BROOKLYN
And one for all!

645. KRAVEN, GULYADKIN
<blast impacts>

646. LEXINGTON
Some things never change.

647. NARRATOR
Zafiro throws Lizard’s unconscious body on top of Kraven…

648. KRAVEN, LIZARD
<oofs>

649. ZAFIRO
We should follow Obsidiana…

650. ZAFIRO, BROOKLYN, LEXINGTON, BROADWAY
<electrocution scream>

651. NARRATOR
The four gargoyles are dropped by Electro’s blast.

652. ELECTRO
Still want out?

653. DOCTOR OCTOPUS
Indeed not. My curiosity is piqued. Let’s see where this leads…

Doctor Octopus, Electro, Broadway, Lexington, Brooklyn, Zafiro, Gulyadkin, Kraven and Lizard sit. Demona, Homunculus #1 and Homunculus #2 STAND.

654. NARRATOR
Electro and Octopus head down the corridor… In a dimly lit room, Demona holds the Spear of Destiny and watches as the two homunculi open the container. Inside… is a crown of thorns.

655. DEMONA
The Crown of Thorns!

656. NARRATOR
Demona removes her tiara.

657. DEMONA
Place it on my head…

658. HOMUNCULUS #1
Placing, placing…

659. HOMUNCULUS #2
Homunculi aim to please!

660. NARRATOR
The Homunculi gently lower the crown onto Demona’s head before disappearing back into the darkness. The thorns bite into her brow, drawing blood. Calypso, Obsidiana, Goliath and Spidey come rushing in.

Homunculus #2 and Homunculus #1 sit. Spider-Man, Goliath, Calypso and Obsidiana STAND.

661. DEMONA
My Kingdom come. My Will be done…

662. SPIDER-MAN
Friend of yours?

663. GOLIATH
Once upon a time. Not so much now.

664. DEMONA
On Earth as it is in Heaven…

665. CALYPSO
Too late…

666. OBSIDIANA
Too late…

667. DEMONA
For MINE is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever and ever…

668. CALYPSO, OBSIDIANA, SPIDER-MAN (UNISON)
Amen…

669. NARRATOR
Light radiates outward from the Spear. Goliath watches in confusion as Calypso, Obsidiana and Spider-Man drop to their knees before Demona. Octopus and Electro enter and likewise fall to their knees. The light reaches the outer vault. Though still unconscious, Venom, Lizard, Zafiro and Kraven lurch to their feet, then drop to their knees. And still the light advances…

Obsidiana and Calypso sit.

670. GOLIATH
What sorcery is this?!

671. DEMONA
The most powerful human sorcery ever created, Goliath. This is humanity’s Armageddon. Their entire race’s final act.

END ACT TWO

NEXT: ACT THREE...


Bookmark Link

G2009 Radio Play

G2009 Radio Play - Act One

4. NARRATOR
The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Gargoyles. RELIGIOUS STUDIES 101: A HANDFUL OF THORNS. Act One. Late that night atop the Eyrie Building…

Dominique and Kafka sit. GOLIATH and ELISA MAZA STAND and KISS.

5. GOLIATH, ELISA
<kiss>

6. GOLIATH
There are some human customs I will never get used to Elisa. <kisses her again> This is not one of them.

7. ELISA
You’re in a good mood.

8. GOLIATH
I am. Hudson and Lexington are back from Europe, bringing Coldstone and Coldfire with them.

9. ELISA
<chuckle> Not to mention Brooklyn returning from forty years of TimeDancing with a mate, a son, a beast and an egg.

10. GOLIATH
The clan has doubled in size. What challenge can the Fates throw at us now that we cannotâ€"

11. NARRATOR
The sun rises. Goliath turns to stone.

12. ELISA
<groan> You just had to say that out loud, didn’t you?

Elisa and Goliath sit. MAY PARKER and PETER PARKER STAND.

13. NARRATOR
Meanwhile, in Forest Hills…

14. MAY
Peter, what are you doing up?

15. PETER
Studying for today’s English final. It’s on Midsummer Night’s Dream. And I missed seeing the Cliff Notes version.

16. MAY
Which may explain why you and Miss Allan are no longer a couple.

17. PETER
Aunt May, you know we didn’t break up because I missed her play.

18. MAY
You’re right; I shouldn’t be glib. I suppose there’s no chance that you and Gwen…

19. PETER
I don’t know. Not now anyway. Not when Harry’s hurting so much from the death of his father.

20. MAY
It hardly seems possible that Norman Osborn is gone. The Bugle says he was the Green Goblin, but I’m not sure I can believe that.

21. PETER
Sometimes, Aunt May… it’s, okay, to believe everything you read…

May and Peter sit. GREEN GOBLIN and BLACKIE GAXTON STAND.

22. NARRATOR
At a dive bar downtown, the Green Goblin BURSTS in on his glider…

23. GREEN GOBLIN
<tsk, tsk, tsk> Blackie. This place is scummy even by your pond-scum standards. Quite a comedown from your last gig…

24. BLACKIE
Tell that to the whacko who set a flaming super-villain loose in The Big Sky. Oh, wait. That was you.

25. GREEN GOBLIN
Yes. Yes, it was. <maniacal laugh>

26. BLACKIE
Weren’t you supposed to be dead?

27. GREEN GOBLIN
I was also supposed to be Osborn, but you didn’t buy that, did you? Just one of the many little tricks I keep up my sleeve. Nothing’s changed, Blackie. The Goblin’s still in charge.

28. BLACKIE
You hear me arguing?

29. GREEN GOBLIN
No. Now, gather my Pumpkin-Heads…

Blackie and Goblin sit. Kafka and Dominique STAND.

30. NARRATOR
At Ravencroft, Dominique Destine and Dr. Kafka supervises six inmates who work to excavate a sub-basement.

31. KAFKA
I still don’t understand what you expect to find down here.

32. DOMINIQUE
Vertros Ravencroft, the founder of this Institute, was a quirky soul. An intimate friend of Freud and Conan Doyle, he was a true believer in both psychotherapy and spiritualism.

33. KAFKA
You speak as if you knew him.

34. DOMINIQUE
Now how would that be possible?

35. KAFKA
It couldn’t, of course… But the dig?

36. DOMINIQUE
Yes. Ravencroft was also a collector. I have reason to believe he buried certain items of his collection here. Now, Doctor, didn’t you say you had meetings scheduled…

37. KAFKA
You’ll be all right down here alone?

38. DOMINIQUE
Your orderlies are in the hallway. And I’m quite self-sufficient. So run along.

Kafka sits. OTTO OCTAVIUS STANDS.

39. DOMINIQUE
Excellent work, Doctor Octavius. Very precise.

40. OTTO
Thank you. I appreciate having something to occupy my hands…

41. DOMINIQUE
Your hands? Not… your arms?

42. OTTO
Arms? I… I hope you’re not referring to my unfortunate… b-b-breakdown.

43. DOMINIQUE
What would be the point? Believe me, Doctor, no one better understands the advantage of creating a false front.

ELECTRO STANDS.

44. ELECTRO
I’ve blasted away another section of cement.

45. DOMINIQUE
Thank you, Maxwell.

46. ELECTRO
Don’t. Call. Me. That.

47. DOMINIQUE
Don’t. Tell. Me. What to do… Electro.

48. ELECTRO
Uh… okay.
(asides to Otto)
She’s a little scary.

49. OTTO
Indeed.

Otto and Electro sit. DOMINIC DRACON, JOHN JAMESON, EDDIE BROCK and CLETUS KASSADY STAND.

50. DRACON
I blame Mace. When that crook cheated me, I lost face. But when I get the jewels back, they’ll respect me again. Did Mace bury the jewels here?

51. DOMINIQUE
Maybe he did, Dominic. Keep working.

52. JOHN
What’s the point? How is tearing up a basement supposed to bring me Colonel Jupiter’s power?!

53. EDDIE
Shut up and dig.

54. JOHN
You like doing this?!

55. EDDIE
I hate it. But I need that hate. I need to keep the hate alive.

56. DOMINIQUE
Such an interesting crew. And what do you want out of life, Cletus…

57. CLETUS
Nothing too fancy. <chuckles> Just a little carnage.

Cletus, Dominique, Eddie, John and Dracon sit. GWEN STACY and Peter STAND.

58. NARRATOR
That afternoon, at Midtown High…

59. GWEN
Hey, Pete. How’d you do?

60. PETER
Ugh, horrible, probably. I mean you know English is like my worst subject. It’s all so subjective andâ€"

61. GWEN
Peter.

62. PETER
Okay, okay… not the look! I probably aced it. Happy?

63. GWEN
That you did well. Always.

64. PETER
Thanks. Look, Gwen, I--

HARRY OSBORN STANDS.

65. HARRY
Well, what have we here? My best friend and girlfriend conferring in a corner. Planning a surprise party for me?

66. PETER
Uh, it’s not your birthday, Harr.

67. HARRY
I thought maybe it was a thank you bash. For giving you both these…

68. GWEN
(reading)
“You are cordially invited to spend Spring Break traveling by private jet to Miami, where you’ll stay, all-expenses-paid, at the Osborn Winter Compound on the Beach…"

69. PETER
You’re inviting the three of us to spend a week together in Florida?

70. HARRY
Not just the three of us…

KENNY KONG, FLASH THOMPSON and MARY JANE WATSON stand.

71. KONG
Osborn, dude! You rock!

72. FLASH
Seven days in the sun and surf.

73. KONG
All you can eat!

74. FLASH
Girls in bikinis!

75. FLASH, KONG (UNISON)
Score! <laughter>

76. MARY JANE
Hi, Sha Shan. Hi, Glory.

77. FLASH
Sha Shan… uh… So… how much of that did you hear?

78. KONG
Look, Glory, you know I meant you, right? I mean who else would I want to see in a bikini. Uh, you’re not gonna break up with me again, are you?

Kong and Flash sit. SALLY AVRIL, RAND ROBERTSON, LIZ ALLAN and JASON IONELLO STAND.

79. SALLY
Oh. My. God. Harry, I just found the invitation in my locker. And all I have to say is that you can be my super-dweeb sugar-daddy anytime you want!

80. HARRY
You okay with that Rand?

81. RAND
‘Scool. You can be my super-dweeb sugar-daddy too.

82. PETER
Exactly how many people did you invite to this thing?

83. HARRY
A handful. Kenny and Glory. Flash and Sha Shan. Rand and Sally. Hobie and Mindy. M.J. Gwen. Oh, and you and Liz, of course.

84. GWEN
Harry… Liz and Peter broke up.

85. HARRY
You did?! Wow. I had no idea. Guess I’ve just been so focused on my own problems. My Dad dying and everything. That’s why I need this trip. Gotta clear my head, you know? But maybe you two could reconcile…

86. SALLY
I don’t think so!

87. LIZ
It’s too late for that Harry. I’m with Jason now. We totally fell in love doing the play together.

88. JASON
We did?

89. SALLY / LIZ (UNISON)
Yes, you did. / Yes, we did.

90. LIZ
You don’t mind if I bring Jason instead of Petey, do you.

91. HARRY
The more the merrier.

92. LIZ
Thanks, Harry. You’re a doll. Kisses!

Liz, Sally, Jason and Rand sit.

93. HARRY
Pete, you’re still invited too. Course, it’s more of a couple’s thing. But M.J.’s guy is in prison…

94. MARY JANE
Thank you, Harry. Hadn’t been reminded of that in the last five minutes.

95. HARRY
Sorry, sorry. It’s just that I can’t help remembering the Fall Formal. You two made such a great pair! Don’t you think so, Gwen?

96. GWEN
Great.

97. PETER
I… suppose we could go… as friends. Just as friends.

98. MARY JANE
We’ll talk later, Tiger.

Mary Jane, Peter, Gwen and Harry sit. Kafka and CURT CONNORS STAND.

99. NARRATOR
Late that afternoon in Dr. Kafka’s office…

100. KAFKA
Doctor Connors, it’s good to see you. I’d heard you moved to Florida.

101. CURT
I did. But I never stopped working on a cure for Max Dillon. I think I’ve made some real progress.

102. KAFKA
That’s wonderful news. Max is downstairs… doing “work-therapy”. I’ll take you to him…

Kafka and Curt sit. Otto, Dominique, Electro, Dracon, John, Eddie and Cletus STAND.

103. ELECTRO
Ms. Destine. I think I found something.

104. DRACON
Is it my jewels?

105. OTTO
It… it appears to be a spearhead. It looks quite old.

106. DOMINIQUE
Give it to me.

107. ELECTRO
Sure, sure.

108. DOMINIQUE
Yes. This is it. I think we’re done, boys.

109. OTTO
Indeed. And just as the dig brought us right up against Ravencroft’s outer wall.

110. ELECTRO
You mean this wall?!

111. NARRATOR
Electro blasts a huge hole in the wall. When the smoke clears, the Vulture is waiting. He grabs Octavius.

VULTURE STANDS.

112. VULTURE
You’re coming with me, Otto.

113. OTTO
No, no, stop. I don’t want this life anymore… I’m trying to get better!! Let me go!!

114. ELECTRO
Shut it, Doc! It’s for your own good!

115. OTTO
Nooooooo!!!!

Otto, Electro and Vulture sit.

116. NARRATOR
Vulture and Electro leave with Octavius. Dominique watches them go.

117. DOMINIQUE
Well, that was diverting. And such excellent timing as well: it’s sunset. <transformation scream>

118. NARRATOR
With the setting of the sun, Dominique Destine transforms into a gargoyle… just as Kafka and Connors enter…

Kafka and Curt STAND.

119. KAFKA / CURT
Oh my god… / What in the world?!

120. NARRATOR
Demona effortlessly slams them both against a wall and turns to the remaining inmates…

121. CURT, KAFKA
<impacts, moans>

122. DEMONA
Listen carefully, humans. For I have listened to you. I can make all your petty little dreams come true. Dominic demands respect.

123. DRACON
Yes.

124. DEMONA
John craves power.

125. JOHN
Yes!

126. DEMONA
Eddie needs hate.

127. EDDIE
YES!

128. DEMONA
And all Cletus desires is a little carnage.

129. CLETUS
Or a lot. I’m not picky.

130. DEMONA
Then stick with me, boys. Respect, power, hatred, carnage. These are things I know…

DEMONA, Cletus, Eddie, John and Dracon sit. ALAN O’NEIL and GEORGE STACY STAND.

131. NARRATOR
Later, the police arrive to investigate…

132. O’NEIL
And you never met this broad before in your life…

133. KAFKA
She had excellent references, Officer O’Neil. It’s not like I grant just anyone access to my patients…

134. O’NEIL
And you wonder why people think they belong at Rykers.

135. GEORGE
There’s nothing else you can tell me, Doctor?

136. CURT
I’m sorry, Captain Stacy, but no. It was a creature.

137. GEORGE
Like that Lizard-thing from last fall?

138. CURT
No! No. Nothing like that. More like… like those things on the news that blew up the clock tower.

139. GEORGE
You mean the 23rd Precinct.

140. CURT
Yes.

141. GEORGE
You’re saying a gargoyle kidnapped those men.

142. CURT
Yes. No. I don’t know. Can I leave now?

George, O’Neil and Kafka sit. DILBERT TRILBY and NED LEE stand.

143. NARRATOR
But outside…

144. TRILBY
Doctor Connors! Dilbert Trilby, Action News. What can you tell our audience about the escape?

145. CURT
Nothing. No comment.

146. NED
Hey, Doc. Remember me? Ned Lee from The Bugle. Can you just tell me who escaped? Doc Ock? Electro? Colonel Jupiter â€" I mean, Colonel Jameson?

147. CURT
I’m sure the police will issue a statement. Now, I have to go.

Trilby sits. CALYPSO EZILI, KRAVEN THE HUNTER and GULYADKIN STAND.

148. NARRATOR
Connors hurries away down the street, as a limousine with dark-tinted windows pulls up in front of Ravencroft.

149. CALYPSO
We are too late, my love. The Christian Totem is gone.

150. KRAVEN
Gulyadkin and I will track it for you.

151. GULYADKIN
<low lion growl>

152. CALYPSO
I’m afraid that is beyond even your impressive abilities, Sergei, my love. But I have my own ways, as you well know…

153. KRAVEN
Of course, Calypso.

154. CALYPSO
Who is that? That man trying to hail a cab?

155. KRAVEN
He is a stranger to my eyes. Yet his scent is familiar.

156. CALYPSO
His aura glows with primal energies and may be of use to us.
(to Curt)
You need a ride.

157. CURT
What? No. No, thank you. I’ll get a cab.

158. KRAVEN
She wasn’t asking.

159. CURT
<scream>

160. NARRATOR
Kraven drags Connors into the limo, which quickly drives away…

Curt, Kraven, Calypso and Gulyadkin sit.

161. NED
Hello, Robbie? I’ve got something.

J. JONAH JAMESON, JOE “ROBBIE” ROBERTSON and FREDERICK FOSWELL STAND.

162. JONAH
Is that Lee? Put him on speaker.

163. ROBBIE
Now, Jonah, stay calm…

164. JONAH
Don’t you tell me to stay calm, Joe Robertson. It’s not your son at risk. Lee, you there?! I’ll give you exactly three-point-seven seconds to tell me John’s all right!

165. NED
Wish I could, Chief. But he disappeared with the rest. There are six inmaâ€" uh, patients missing. It’s not clear if they busted out or were kidnapped.

166. JONAH
Well, of course John was kidnapped. You think my son would--

167. ROBBIE
Ned, give me the whole list.

168. JONAH
Who cares about the listâ€"

169. ROBBIE
It could provide a lead to John.

170. NED
Doc Ock. Electro. John. Uh… let’s see. Edward Brock Jr., Cletus Kasady and Dominic Dracon.

171. FOSWELL
Dominic Dracon? The old mob boss? There’s a name I haven’t heard in a while.

172. JONAH
Foswell, you know that world! Find out where Dracon might have gone!

173. FOSWELL
You got it, J.J.

174. JONAH
Lee, you stick to the damn super-villain angle! Ock, Electro. What’s their next move?!

175. NED
Right, boss!

176. JONAH
Robbie, I want every available man on this. No, damnit, I want every man, woman and child on this, available or not. Call Parker. Put Benny the copyboy on it. But Ms. Brant on it. I want John Jameson safely back in his mother’s arms in six-point… six-point…

177. ROBBIE
It’s okay, Jonah. We’re on it.

178. JONAH
Good. Good. I’ll… I’ll hit the streets myself. I’m still the best damn reporter in New York City! Just have to make a call first. Well, what are you all waiting for, get out! Out!

Robbie, Ned and Foswell sit.

179. JONAH (CONT)
Hello, is this WVRN? Travis Marshall, please. Travis? It’s Jonah. I got a lead for you on the Ravencroft thing.
(pauses, listening)
Whaddayou care why I’m helping the competition?! I know I hate television! You don’t have to tell me that! I’m not trying to sandbag you, damnit, I… I’m just trying to find my son… any way I can.

Jonah sits. SPIDER-MAN STANDS.

180. NARRATOR
That night finds Spider-Man swinging through the city…

181. PETER (VO)
If I didn’t know better, I’d think Harry was trying to torture me and Gwen. Then again, M.J. is quite the consolation prize. Ah, man, what am I saying? I’m in love with Gwen. Gwen. Gwendolyn Stacy. Just have to get through the next few weeks and then Harry’ll be in a better place, and she and I--

182. NARRATOR
Pete’s ringtone plays Itsy-Bitsy Spider.

183. SPIDER-MAN
Hello?

Robbie STANDS.

184. ROBBIE
Pete. Joe Robertson. There’s been an incident at Ravencroft.

Robbie sits.

185. SPIDER-MAN
Uh huh… uh huh… Wait, who’s missing? Uh oh. Him too? Oh, crap. Sorry, I mean-- What?! Seriously?! Uh, right. Yeah, I’ll keep my eyes open. Camera lens at the ready. Thanks for the heads up. Bye.
(to himself)
Whoa. At least this day can’t get any worse!

SMUGGLER #1 stands.

186. SMUGGLER #1
What the hell are those things?!

187. SPIDER-MAN
When am I gonna learn not to say that out loud?

188. NARRATOR
Spidey swings down to find two men in a van being attacked by two gargoyles, Obsidiana and Zafiro…

ZAFIRO and OBSIDIANA STAND.

189. SPIDER-MAN
Hi there. Hate to interrupt, but this lady-esque-blue-creature-thing matches the description of another lady-esque-blue-creature-thing who just busted some folks out of Ravenâ€"

190. ZAFIRO
What is he babbling about?

191. OBSIDIANA
I have no idea. I sense no connection between him and the source of the disturbance. But these two…

192. SMUGGLER #1
Keep her away from us!!

193. SPIDER-MAN
You see, now I’m on the horns of a dilemma… Uh, no offense. It’s just an expression; I wasn’t referring to your rather striking… Never mind. See in this particular Spider-Man’s experience, when genetic misfits attack ordinary human beings, I’m gonna have to side with the humans.

194. ZAFIRO
Qué sorpresa. A human with no knowledge of the situation leaping to defend one of his own.

195. NARRATOR
Zafiro attacks Spidey.

196. ZAFIRO, SPIDER-MAN
<ad lib battle efforts, impacts>

197. NARRATOR
Obsidiana rips open the top of the van.

198. OBSIDIANA
<rip effort>

199. SMUGGLER #1
Stay back!

200. NARRATOR
The two humans open fire on her, forcing her to leap away… The van peels out. Obsidiana tries to follow, but Spidey webs her wings together.

Smuggler #1 sits.

201. OBSIDIANA
Por favor! You don’t understand the powers that are gathering!!

202. SPIDER-MAN
And you’re the one doing the Gathering, I take it!

203. OBSIDIANA
No!

204. ZAFIRO
Enough!

205. SPIDER-MAN
<impact grunt>

206. NARRATOR
Zafiro slams Spidey into a wall. By the time the web-slinger recovers, the gargoyles are gone…

Zafiro and Obsidiana sit.

207. SPIDER-MAN
<groan> For a guy with no legs, that snake-thing can move…

Spider-Man sits. George and MARIA CHAVEZ STAND.

208. NARRATOR
Not far away…

209. GEORGE
Captain Chavez.

210. CHAVEZ
Captain Stacy. What brings you to what’s left of the 23rd?

211. GEORGE
It’s the Ravencroft thing. I’ve got corroborating witnesses telling me a gargoyle was involved.

212. CHAVEZ
<sigh> I miss the days when being a cop didn’t involve a working knowledge of The Twilight Zone.

213. GEORGE
Welcome to the Freak Show.

214. CHAVEZ
Anyway, as it happens, the Gargoyle Taskforce is meeting right now. First trailer on the right. Ask for Bluestone.

Chavez sits. MATT BLUESTONE, MORGAN MORGAN, MARGOT YALE and Elisa STAND.

215. NARRATOR
Minutes later…

216. GEORGE
And that’s all I know…

217. MATT
Well, that is interesting, or, you know… really, really scary.

218. MORGAN
I’ll say, Detective. With or without a gargoyle, I’ve heard Ock and Electro are bad news. And that Cletus Kasady: he killed five people before--

219. MARGOT
Forget Kasady. Any idiot can bring a serial killer down. It’s the gargoyle we should be concerned with. It’s what I’ve been saying all along! Those monsters are dangerous!

220. MATT
I think what A.D.A. Yale is saying, Captain, is that the Taskforce is on it. We’ll let you know if we hear anything. And we’ll be checking in with all our sources, won’t we, Detective?

221. ELISA
And fast.

Elisa, Matt, Margot, Morgan and George sit. Smuggler #1 and Demona STAND.

222. NARRATOR
Meanwhile, a van with a torn up roof pulls up to a Gramercy Park Mansion… The driver speaks into the intercom…

223. SMUGGLER #1
Longinus sent me.

224. DEMONA
Leave the package. Then take your money and go. While you still can.

225. SMUGGLER #1
Geez, who lives here? Dracula’s daughter?

Smuggler #1 sits. Eddie, John and Cletus STAND.

226. NARRATOR
Demona collects her package.

227. EDDIE
The old guy’s asleep. What’s that?

228. DEMONA
A simple wooden shaft. The prize of Adolph Hitler’s personal collection. After his… demise, his remaining followers smuggled it to Brazil. I paid handsomely to have it smuggled to me.

229. EDDIE
Why? I mean sure, it’s the shaft of a spear. Completes the set with that arrowhead you took from Ravencroft. But why do we care?

230. DEMONA
Here’s why.

231. NARRATOR
Demona joins the spear and spearhead together. Instantly, it radiates incredible power.

232. DEMONA
The Holy Lance. The Spear of Destiny. The weapon that pierced the side of the Christ. Do you still want power, John? This is power.

233. JOHN
Give it to me. Give it!

234. DEMONA
No. This power is mine. But I will use it to give you back your own…

235. NARRATOR
She points the Spear at John Jameson. The magic surrounds him and transforms him into Colonel Jupiter!

236. COLONEL JUPITER
<transformation scream> Yes! The power is mine! I am Colonel Jupiter!

237. DEMONA
For what that’s worth… Now for Eddie.

238. VENOM
<transformation scream>

239. DEMONA
Happy now?

240. VENOM
Extremely. We are Venom again.

241. DEMONA
And what about you, Cletus?

242. CLETUS
(pointing at Venom)
I’ll have what he’s having…

243. DEMONA
As you wish… Carnage.

244. CARNAGE
<transformation scream>

245. VENOM
All right, Demona. You’re the Mirror Universe Wizard of Oz. But what now?

246. DEMONA
Mine is the Power. But I still require the Kingdom and the Glory. This is only the first act, humans… or whatever you are now. The main event is still to come…

Demona, VENOM, CARNAGE and COLONEL JUPITER sit.

END ACT ONE

TOMORROW: ACT TWO...


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G2009 Radio Play

Okay, gang, here's the Title Page, Cast List and Teaser for the G2009 Radio Play. As I've mentioned before this is NOT canon for either GARGOYLES or THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN. It's just a goof, which I wrote in three days. As anyone who was at the Gathering knows, it was a tremendous success. ALL credit for that should go to (a) my amazing cast of professional voice actors and talented fans and (b) my ability to pander mercilessly to my audience. So READING it, as opposed to seeing it, may be quite the let down. If you dislike it, well, what do you expect from a script written in three days? And if you like it, I guess I am a genius. ;)

THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN
MEETS
GARGOYLES

Religious Studies 101:
A Handful of Thorns

A Radio Play Crossover Event

Written by
Greg Weisman

For
The Thirteenth Annual
Gathering of the Gargoyles
in
Los Angeles, California

Performed August 22, 2009.

THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN MEETS GARGOYLES
“Religious Studies 101: A Handful of Thorns”
(Radio Play)
CAST LIST
NARRATOR 104 lines. (Greg Weisman)
SPIDER-MAN/PETER PARKER 76 lines. (Josh Keaton)
DEMONA/DOMINIQUE DESTINE 60 lines. (Marina Sirtis)
GOLIATH 32 lines. (Keith David)
LEXINGTON 24 lines. (Thom Adcox)
ELISA MAZA 23 lines. (Zehra Fazal)
BROOKLYN 22 lines. (John Clemens)
CURT CONNORS/LIZARD 22 lines. (Dee Bradley Baker)
BROADWAY 19 lines. (Crispin Freeman)
ZAFIRO 19 lines. (Joshua Poole)
MAY PARKER 19 lines. (Deborah Strang)
GREEN GOBLIN 18 lines. (Steve Blum)
OBSIDIANA 17 lines. (Elisa Gabrielli)
KRAVEN THE HUNTER 17 lines. (Eric Vesbit)
HARRY OSBORN 17 lines. (James Arnold Taylor)
DOCTOR OCTOPUS/OTTO OCTAVIUS 17 lines. (Michael McAdam)
J. JONAH JAMESON 16 lines. (Daran Norris)
MARY JANE WATSON 16 lines. (Vanessa Marshall)
ELECTRO 15 lines. (Crispin Freeman)
VENOM/EDDIE BROCK 15 lines. (Ben Isaac Diskin)
GEORGE STACY 14 lines. (Lucas McClain)
BIG MAN 13 lines. (Keith David)
CALYPSO EZILI 13 lines. (Jennifer L. Anderson)
ASHLEY KAFKA 12 lines. (Elisa Gabrielli)
ROBBIE ROBERTSON 10 lines. (Phil LaMarr)
LIZ ALLAN 10 lines. (Kaitlyn Robrock)
SALLY AVRIL 10 lines. (Jennifer L. Anderson)
GWEN STACY 10 lines. (Sarah Williams)
MATT BLUESTONE 9 lines. (Eric Tribou)
GREG BISHANSKY 8 lines. (Greg Bishansky)
KENNY KONG 8 lines. (Andrew Kishino)
COLONEL JUPITER/JOHN JAMESON 8 lines. (Daran Norris)
NED LEE 7 lines. (Andrew Kishino)
VULTURE 7 lines. (Seth Jackson)
FLASH THOMPSON 7 lines. (Ian Bassett)
SHARI 6 lines. (Zehra Fazal)
FANCY DAN 6 lines. (Phil LaMarr)
GULYADKIN 6 lines. (Dee Bradley Baker)
CARNAGE/CLETUS KASADY 6 lines. (Ian Bassett)
HOMUNCULUS #1 5 lines. (Dee Bradley Baker)
HOMUNCULUS #2 5 lines. (Phil LaMarr)
SMUGGLER #1 5 lines. (Andrew Kishino)
DOMINIC DRACON 5 lines. (Seth Jackson)
BLACKIE GAXTON 5 lines. (Steve Blum)
EMILY OSBORN 4 lines. (Kaitlyn Robrock)
TINKERER 4 lines. (Thom Adcox)
SEYMOUR O’REILLY 4 lines. (Steve Blum)
SILVER SPOON MANAGER 4 lines. (Crispin Freeman)
ANGELA 4 lines. (Sarah Williams)
PUMPKIN BOMB 4 lines. (Nicki France)
THAILOG 3 lines. (Keith David)
HOMUNCULUS #3 3 lines. (Steve Blum)
HOMUNCULUS #5 3 lines. (Thom Adcox)
MARIA CHAVEZ 3 lines. (Elisa Gabrielli)
FREDERICK FOSWELL 3 lines. (James Arnold Taylor)
ALAN O’NEIL 3 lines. (James Arnold Taylor)
HOMUNCULUS #4 2 lines. (James Arnold Taylor)
ROSIE THOMPSON 2 lines. (Vanessa Marshall)
MARGOT YALE 2 lines. (Marina Sirtis)
MORGAN MORGAN 2 lines. (Keith David)
JASON IONELLO 2 lines. (Ben Isaac Diskin)
RAND ROBERTSON 2 lines. (Phil LaMarr)
BRENTWOOD 1 line. (Fox Anderson)
CHAMELEON 1 line. (Steve Blum)
NORMAN OSBORN 1 line. (Eric Vesbit)
DILBERT TRILBY 1 line. (Steve Blum)

THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN MEETS GARGOYLES
“Religious Studies 101: A Handful of Thorns”
Radio Play

1. NARRATOR
Manhattan. The Ravencroft Institute. Office of Institute Director, Dr. Ashley Kafka.

ASHLEY KAFKA STANDS.

2. KAFKA
A… “dig” beneath the building’s foundation can’t help but disturb our residents. And this list of patients you’ve requested for the excavation: Edward Brock Jr., Maxwell Dillon, John Jameson, Cletus Kasady, Otto Octavius, Dominic Dracon… These are some of the most disturbed â€" perhaps even dangerous inmates we have here at Ravencroft. There’s even been some suggestion a few of them belong in the OsCorp Vault at Rykers. I know you have connections on our Board of Directors, Ms. D’STYNE, but--

DOMINIQUE DESTINE STANDS.

3. DOMINIQUE
It’s pronounced Des-STEEN. Dominique Destine. And you’ll find we’ll get along better, Doctor… if you give me what I want.

4. NARRATOR
The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Gargoyles. RELIGIOUS STUDIES 101: A HANDFUL OF THORNS.

TOMORROW: ACT ONE...


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Misinformation...

So I did a bit of lurking on sites like IGN, Toonzone, S8 and Superherohype and the quantity of misinformation based on my statements here and in a couple of brief, brief interviews is truly depressing. So let me at least attempt to dispel some of the erroneous assumptions that have been made.

1. Is it true that if you get a third season of THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN you'd be able to use Kingpin?

Answer: I have no idea.

2. Is it true that if you get a third season of THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN, you still would not be able to use Kingpin?

Answer: I have no idea.

3. Is it true that if you get a third season of THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN you'd be able to use Johnny Storm?

Answer: I have no idea.

4. Is it true that if you get a third season of THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN, you still would not be able to use Johnny Storm?

Answer: I have no idea. (Sense a trend?)

5. Is it true that THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN is the first "victim" of the Disney/Marvel merger?

Answer: It's WAY too soon to know, but I have no particular reason to think so. I'd think this merger could only HELP us, as Disney would now be more personally invested in the series.

6. Is it true that THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN is all but guaranteed a third season now that Disney/Marvel is merging?

Answer: It's WAY too soon to know. Our last six episodes will be airing between October and December. I'm sure the biggest factor for or against any renewal is RATINGS, RATINGS, RATINGS. Either that, or maybe RATINGS.


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A few thoughts...

Got easily a hundred calls, texts, e-mails yesterday about the big Marvel/Disney news and a few about the Sony/Marvel/Spidey news, so here are a few random thoughts to go with what I posted yesterday...

1. SPEC SPIDEY: The main thing that's changed about the Spec Spidey situation is that Sony is now out of the loop/decision making process about whether or not there's a third season. Before Sony was waiting to see if Disney picked up the series. Then they'd decide on its economic feasibility for Sony. Now Sony isn't part of that equation, leaving the whole thing in Marvel and Disney's hands. Of course, now that Marvel and Disney are kinda one hand, so-to-speak, I don't know what that means for us. Other than the obvious, which is that I'm sure we're not exactly Disney/Marvel's highest priority at the moment. How and when this decision gets made is really up in the air, but a former negative does feel good -- now -- that our last six episodes won't start airing on Disney XD until late October. That means our last episode won't air until early December, which may be a better time for Disney/Marvel to focus on the show. (Or not.) Of course even a positive decision in December or (more likely) January means a HUGE gap between Seasons Two and Three, but I'd take that over no new episodes.

2. FLASHBACKS:I can't help but be reminded of events in the mid-nineties, when Michael Eisner (then CEO of Disney) wanted to buy Marvel, so that he'd have super-heroes to compete with Warner Bros' DC Universe heroes (including Superman and Batman). Back then, however, Marvel was, or so I was told, a corporate mess. And it wasn't just that -- as now -- various studios already had the rights to individual characters, but that the rights had been double sold all over the place, and that every character pretty much represented a lawsuit in the making if not already in the works. Eisner was advised NOT to buy Marvel, and of course he didn't. But he REALLY wanted to be competing in the boys action/super-hero market. That was when the Gargoyles Universe was raised as a possible alternative. We pointed out that the Marvel Universe began with the Fantastic Four, and that we could use Gargoyles as a springboard to more properties and to an entire Universe. We were encouraged by Michael to create spin-off properties, backdoor pilots, etc. And that was THE major impetus for us to work on things like New Olympians, Bad Guys, Pendragon and Dark Ages. (Gargoyles Future Tense -- which became Gargoyles 2198 and TimeDancer came later.) It was also a reason to be expansive with the World Tour and introduce more and more new characters, etc. Of course, by the time all this stuff was actually made, the world had changed again. Frank Wells died. Michael and Jeffry Katzenberg went to war, with Jeffry eventually leaving to found DreamWorks, and taking two of my immediate superiors, Gary Krisel and Bruce Cranston, with him. Rich Frank (another of my bosses up the chain) also left. Dean Valentine was placed in charge of Walt Disney Television Animation and he had no affinity for Gargoyles or its spin-offs. And Michael, who had initiated the whole thing, had way bigger concerns on his plate. I was more or less forced out. But for one bright, shining moment...

3. GARGOYLES: I'm sure a lot of people are wondering what this means for our favorite winged warriors, but in the short term, I'm sure the answer is "Not much." Gargoyles is pretty much under Disney's radar right now, and really doesn't exist on Marvel's radar at all, as far as I can tell. We'll be an extremely low priority. Our best bet is still SLG, which HOPEFULLY will be motivated by the sales of the Trades to want to make more content with me. Having read Dan "Mr. SLG" Vado's recent reaction to the Disney/Marvel merger, I'm hoping he isn't too discouraged by being in bed with his competition. But I have no doubt that the best way to get Dan fully on board is to make it worth his while by having those trades sell VERY well. So again, buy the trades and/or SPREAD THE WORD!!!!


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SUCH BIG NEWS

Okay, in the period of just a few days, I have been rocked by two incredible pieces of news.

1. Last Thursday (8/27/09), Vic Cook and I were informed that in exchange for some concession vis-a-vis the live action Spider-Man features, Sony returned the television rights (including the animated television rights) for Spider-Man to Marvel. This took place the day before ComicCon, I'm told. But I was only informed of it this past week.

2. Today (8/31/09) comes the news that Disney has purchased Marvel outright.

NOW, before you ask -- before you post a thousand duplicate and/or overlapping questions to ASK GREG -- let me be clear: I have NO IDEA what this means for either Gargoyles or The Spectacular Spider-Man. Neither of these developments are by definition good news or bad news. Shocking news, sure. But how it will play out for either or both properties is a complete mystery to me. As soon as I have ANY information on either property, I will post it here at ASK GREG. Until then, don't ask. Seriously. Just don't. There's just no point in bogging down the queue with questions I have no answer to. Thank you for your cooperation.


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GATHERING 2009 - Sunday, August 23rd

GATHERING 2009 - Sunday, August 23rd

1am - Got back to my room.

2am - Went to bed.

9am - I woke up. Wow, a real night's sleep. I showered and dressed quickly, attempting to make the tail end of the staff breakfast, but got waylaid along the way by arriving guests, like Bob Kline. Managed to snag one croissant, but that's it.

10am - Gargoyles Production panel with Frank Paur, Bob Kline, Brad Rader, Pamela Long, Vic Cook, Greg Guler and Doug Murphy. More fun old stories.

11:30am - Spidey Production panel with Bob, Pamela, Vic, Greg, Kevin Altieri, Jennifer Coyle, Sean "Cheeks" Galloway, Joey Mason and Phil Weinstein. We showed the unaired scenes clip from ComicCon and the animatic for the main title. And again, more fun stories.

1pm - I finally had a break, but I couldn't resist sitting in on the Composer's panel with Carl Johnson, Gargoyles Composer, and Dynamic Music Partners (Lolita Ritmanis, Kris Carter and Michael McCuistion) the Spider-Man composers. They were WELL-prepared. Way more well-prepared than I was for any of my panels. Brought a bunch of clips and talked process. It was fascinating.

2:30pm - Writers Panel. From Spidey: Andrew Robinson, Kevin Hopps, Nicole Dubuc and Matt Wayne. From Gargoyles: Bob Skir and Michael Reaves. Michael has Parkinsons, so first Bob and later Michael's daughter Mallory Reaves served as interpreters for him. It was great having everyone there.

4pm - The writers (and Karine) had a signing.

5pm - My wife dropped my son Benny off at the con. So we hung out a bit.

6pm - Benny and I went to the Banquet. We sat with Gayle, Lauren, Ryan, Grey Wolf, Read and Abbie. Real sweet spread at the buffet. But I've forgotten exactly what. I guess I'm just not that into the food this time. Is that progress?

7:30pm - Another Q&A. This time with myself, Bob Skir, Vic Cook, Greg Guler, Nicole Dubuc, Kevin Altieri, Jennifer Coyle, Ben Diskin, Crispin Freeman, Karine Charlebois and Wendy Pini. Michael Reaves kibbitzed a bit from the sidelines too.

8:30pm - By this time, Beth had picked Benny up again. I went to the bar and hung out with Vic, Guler, Kevin, Jennifer, Wendy and Karine. Just had a coke.

9:30pm - Masquerade time. The judges were myself, Wendy Pini, Keith David, Thom Adcox, Ben Diskin, Carl Johnson and Karine Charlebois. I will attempt to remember all the awards we handed out, but I forgot to save my award sheet...

Best Junior - Ryan & Lauren as Owen & Banshee
Best Performance - Abbie as the Lady in the Lake
Best Original Character - Rika as Venus
Cutest Trio - Jade, Eric and Kyari as Fox, Owen and Alex
If I give you this, I'll have to kill you award - Zehra, Tony & Andrea as Shari & the Illuminati
Best Canon - Aaron as Upgraded Jackal
Excalibur Award - Justin as King Arthur
Gorelisa Award - Charlie as Kalia Sartre
Thom Adcox Memorial Award - Rebecca as a Star Trek Dispensable Red
Best in Show - Esopus as ... okay, this was best in show and it was really great, but I just can't remember the name of the character! SORRY!!!!

10:30pm - We all just hung out in the Ballroom for awhile. I chatted with GXB, Carl Johnson, Zehra & Sarah and many, many others...

MORE NEXT WEEK!!!!!


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GATHERING 2009 - Saturday, August 22nd

GATHERING 2009 - Saturday, August 22nd

3am - Went to bed.

8am - Woke up, with five hours sleep being the most I'd had in any one night in over a week.

9am - Staff Breakfast. Usually, I'm all about telling you what I ate at every meal, but I just don't remember. Orange Juice and a croissant, I think. But also... uh... not sure.

10am - Jennifer and I were joined by Gargoyles/Spidey Voice Director Extraordinaire Jamie Thomason for our second round of auditions.

11:30am - Casting session. We only had thirteen slots for fans to participate in the play because of the LARGE pro "turnout". You see, most years I ask the pros to participate and we get one or two saying yes. But this year SIXTEEN said yes. So from a fan standpoint, we had an embarrassment of riches. Over forty people auditioned and most of those did great, so we decided to cast the thirteen slots, plus STEAL a role from Thom Adcox and give that to another fan, PLUS cast a couple of fans as understudies in case someone didn't show. (But everyone did.) We posted the cast list...

12pm - Lunch in the staff room with Marina Sirtis, Keith David, Karine Charlebois, Greg Bishansky, Thom Adcox and Keith's son Owen. It's always great to see Keith, but it was very cool to see Marina again, whom I haven't seen in years. And, man, has Owen grown!! Broccoli soup, salad, and... see, can't remember!

1pm - Gargoyles Voice Acting Panel with Jamie, Keith, Thom, Marina and Elisa Gabrielli. Fun stories told. Marina and I have very different memories about how she was cast. (I'm right, but I'd never say that.)

2:30pm - Spidey Voice Acting Panel with (again) Jamie, Keith and Elisa. Plus Dee Bradley Baker, James Arnold Taylor, Ben Isaac Diskin (what's with all these three name guys?), Steve Blum, Daran Norris, Deborah Strang, Vanessa Marshall, Josh Keaton, Andrew Kishino, Phil LaMarr, Crispin Freeman and Eric Vesbit. More fun stories. Jamie and I disagreed about how many characters we auditioned. And once again, I'm right. It's a blessing and a curse, as Monk would say.

4pm - Radio Play Rehearsal. We barely had time to do one full read through of the ridiculously long and over-stuffed radio play. There was really no time to direct the actors at all, beyond telling them to project louder, though Jamie and I tried to give an occasional pointer.

5:30pm - Radio Play. Gotta say, thanks to my shameless pandering in the script and the amazing talent of my cast, we really had a phenomenal success with the three night mess of a bloated script I wrote. Got lots of laughs, even a few gasps. Pros were spot on, of course, including some Gargoyles folks who hadn't played their characters in years. But our fan cast was great too.

Here's the cast list:

THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN MEETS GARGOYLES
“Religious Studies 101: A Handful of Thorns”
(Radio Play)
CAST LIST
NARRATOR - Greg Weisman
DEMONA/DOMINIQUE DESTINE - Marina Sirtis
SPIDER-MAN/PETER PARKER - Josh Keaton
GOLIATH - Keith David
LEXINGTON - Thom Adcox
ELISA MAZA - Zehra Fazal
BROOKLYN - John Clemens
CURT CONNORS/LIZARD - Dee Bradley Baker
BROADWAY - Crispin Freeman
ZAFIRO - Joshua Poole
MAY PARKER - Deborah Strang
GREEN GOBLIN - Steve Blum
OBSIDIANA - Elisa Gabrielli
KRAVEN THE HUNTER - Eric Vesbit
HARRY OSBORN - James Arnold Taylor
DOCTOR OCTOPUS/OTTO OCTAVIUS - Michael McAdam
J. JONAH JAMESON - Daran Norris
MARY JANE WATSON - Vanessa Marshall
ELECTRO - Crispin Freeman
VENOM/EDDIE BROCK - Ben Isaac Diskin
GEORGE STACY - Lucas McClain
BIG MAN - Keith David
CALYPSO EZILI - Jennifer L. Anderson
ASHLEY KAFKA - Elisa Gabrielli
ROBBIE ROBERTSON - Phil LaMarr
LIZ ALLAN - Kaitlyn Robrock
SALLY AVRIL - Jennifer L. Anderson
GWEN STACY - Sarah Williams
MATT BLUESTONE - Eric Tribou
GREG BISHANSKY - Greg Bishansky
KENNY KONG - Andrew Kishino
COLONEL JUPITER/JOHN JAMESON - Daran Norris
NED LEE - Andrew Kishino
VULTURE - Seth Jackson
FLASH THOMPSON - Ian Bassett
SHARI - Zehra Fazal
FANCY DAN - Phil LaMarr
GULYADKIN - Dee Bradley Baker
CARNAGE/CLETUS KASADY - Ian Bassett
HOMUNCULUS #1 - Dee Bradley Baker
HOMUNCULUS #2 - Phil LaMarr
HOMUNCULUS #3 - Steve Blum
HOMUNCULUS #4 - James Arnold Taylor
HOMUNCULUS #5 - Thom Adcox
SMUGGLER #1 - Andrew Kishino
DOMINIC DRACON - Seth Jackson
BLACKIE GAXTON - Steve Blum
EMILY OSBORN - Kaitlyn Robrock
TINKERER - Thom Adcox
SEYMOUR O’REILLY - Steve Blum
SILVER SPOON MANAGER - Crispin Freeman
ANGELA - Sarah Williams
PUMPKIN BOMB - Nicki France
THAILOG - Keith David
MARIA CHAVEZ - Elisa Gabrielli
FREDERICK FOSWELL - James Arnold Taylor
ALAN O’NEIL - James Arnold Taylor
ROSIE THOMPSON - Vanessa Marshall
MARGOT YALE - Marina Sirtis
MORGAN MORGAN - Keith David
JASON IONELLO - Ben Isaac Diskin
RAND ROBERTSON - Phil LaMarr
BRENTWOOD - Fox Anderson
CHAMELEON - Steve Blum
NORMAN OSBORN - Eric Vesbit
DILBERT TRILBY - Steve Blum

Thanks to the entire cast. You guys were amazing, and totally saved my butt.

7pm - Once the play was over, all the tension and adrenaline that it had generated over the last week or so melted away, leaving me nearly comotose. I went to dinner in the hotel with my wife Beth and my son Benny. I didn't eat much. Clam Chowder, a roll, a coke and a shrimp cocktail. I was all but passing out. Fortunately, I got a second wind... and I'd need it.

9pm - Blue Mug w/Thom Adcox and the staff of Blue Mug Productions: Mara Cordova, Kalia Sartre, Jennifer L. Anderson and Boswell Bosley. I had to duck out for awhile, and I hear Edmund Tsabard showed up and pretty much insulted everyone in the room. (So what else is new?) I came back, by which time Edmund was gone. I picked up my water glass to take a drink, and someone told me that Thom's chihuahua had sipped from my glass. Someone else pointed at another glass and said that was the one the dog had lapped from. I shrugged it off and sipped from my glass. Then Jen told me Edmund had used that glass. I did a spit-take. I mean do you know where Edmund's mouth has been?!!! I hate to do anything to promote anything that reprobate is working on, but the work of the rest of the Blue Mug staff is so good that I'll ignore his contribution and recommend BlueMugProductions.com to all of you (who are 18 or over). I've seen the work, and it's really good!!! By the way, whomever took my Vox-made macrame Greg doll and put an eyepatch on it to turn it into an Edmund doll: UNCOOL!!! I don't even see the resemblance anyway!

11:30pm - After the mug, a few of us -- Jennifer, Mara, Eric and Tony -- went upstairs to the staff room. I had a virgin jello shot. Black Cherry!

More tomorrow!


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Akeem M. writes...

Hello again sir, I was wondering if in Spectaular Spider-Man if Peter has had tests or anything run on him after he was bit by the genetically modified spider. If I remember correctly, it seems to be common knowledge that Pete was "bit by the science bug", and something like that I would imagine would need to be examined by the doctors. I may be looking too deep into this, but It never hurts to ask... Maybe the bite didn't really affect him for a couple of weeks (when they were testing him) and the doctors thought nothing of it?

Greg responds...

The bite seemed to have no immediate repercussions, so no tests were run.

Response recorded on August 18, 2009

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raymond writes...

hey greg, spectacular spiderman is my favorite show ever!
if you ever make a season 3, will kingpin be in it.cause in season 1 when i got suspiciuos and guessed who the "big man" was i thought it was kingpin(until i really found out)
best of luck for a season 3!

Greg responds...

Check the archives for the five hundred previous times I've answered this question.

Response recorded on August 18, 2009

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Thailog (from Wikia) writes...

Oh, darn it. Two months (and one day) of waiting and I realize I didn't phrase one of my questions clearly enough. I'm apologize. When I <a href="http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?qid=11312">asked</a> how Sandman, Rhino, and Vulture escaped in "Reinforcement", I should have been more specific and added "from Ryker's Island." Although your answer has some great information, so thank you for that.

So now, how did Sandman, Rhino, and Vulture escape from Ryker's Island in the beginning of "Reinforcement"? I'm curious because in "Group Therapy" their escape was nothing short of conspicuous, while in "Reinforcement" three inmates slipped away before anyone realized they were gone. I gather that Beck's duplicate was proving the hologram for Toomes. But how did Toomes slipped out unnoticed? And how could Sandman and Rhino escape their special confinements TWICE? And having said that, how on earth could Norman Osborn get a contract to build the Vault after two super villains had escaped their supposedly special containment cells?

And finally, yes, I would love to know if Mysterio was a robot all along, but I guess I'll have to wait for Season Three. ; )

Thank you for all your answers, btw. They're all great.

Greg responds...

Mostly, I'm content to leave all this to the audience's imaginations.

As for Osborn getting the contract, he could point to the effectiveness of the cells themselves and blame the prison, it's buildings and its policies, thus requiring the construction of an entirely new building to house the growing super-villain population.

Response recorded on August 18, 2009

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Renee writes...

Since you have done The Spectacular Spider-Man, is there any chance that you might do another Marvel super hero or would you like to?
If so which one would like to do?

And I would just like to say that you did an amazing job with Spectacular Spider-Man and hope that Season 3 comes through. Absolutely the best Spider-Man series I've ever watched. I even like it better than the movies. Great job!

Thanks

Greg responds...

There are MANY Marvel (and other) super-heroes, I'd love to do. Too many to list. But mostly I'm hoping for more Spidey right about now.

Response recorded on August 17, 2009

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Light writes...

When season 3 of Spectacular Spider-Man will be ordered, will you reveal more villains or will we not know which villains to expect when season 3 will air?

Greg responds...

I'm sure there will be some spoilers and some surprises.

Response recorded on August 17, 2009

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ColdFusion writes...

Yay! SSM season 2 has started! I love how REALISTIC this show continues to be. The attention to detail is so appreciated..
though I must say I was surprised to find out that Pete doesn't stay warm enough from all the activity of superhero-ing, that he actually needs some long undies. I mean, when kids ice skate or build snow forts they tend to overheat and take their coats off.
Then he plunged into the water (is that the East River?) and suddenly I was fearing for Pete's life.. (though having him catch a cold is a bit cartoonish, do people still believe cold gives you a virus?)

Particularly well-executed was Mysterio's whole thing. I mean, after the Chameleon's tricks were revealed to careful viewers, I was surprised that Mysterio's magic looked so... legit! I was SURE you weren't going to fall back on sci-fi "holograms".. and then it turned out they were projected on mist! That totally works with only a little disbelief-suspension.

And then in Kraven's episode, I mean, FINALLY. I've been wondering for YEARS why nobody ever traced Spider-Man's origin, since a spider-themed guy just happened to show up after special spiders were engineered. I can't wait to see what comes of it.

Keep up the awesome work.. in general.. or if the show gets picked up for a third season. :)

Greg responds...

Cold lowers your resistance. I think that's well-established medically.

Response recorded on August 17, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Why can't the gene-cleanser cure Electro?
His abilities came the electrical shock of genetically altered eels and rays, like how Peter got his powers from a gentically altered spider's bite. So why can't it cure him?

Greg responds...

Neither Curt Connors nor myself can quite figure that out. But we're working on it.

Response recorded on August 17, 2009

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Big Fan writes...

Hey Greg big fan, Awsome work on the Spiderman series it truely is the best. But my question was about the gargoyles series. I recently revistited the show and watched it from beginning to end and i was seriously impressed. I know that disney has the rights and all that, but have you ever tried/considered to re-pitch the series to them? perhaps thats simply not how things work but i find it dificult to see how such a powerful storyline couldnt be profitable.

Greg responds...

I've pitched and repitched Gargoyles to Disney many, many times. No luck beyond the DVDs and the comics we have now. But I haven't given up.

Response recorded on August 17, 2009

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Phoenician writes...

Well, with Season Two of Spectacular Spider-Man finally in swing in the United States, I thought, what the heck, why not jot some thoughts down?

**TSS-M SPOILERS**

"Blueprints"

What's funny about the Venom nightmare in the very beginning is that the snow didn't register until after the dream was over, when we pull out of Peter's bedroom. Its a small aspect of this great episode, but when a person can rely on this kind of continuity week in and week out (as I witnessed in season one), it just makes it all the easier to actually get absorbed in the universe being created. I'm actually realizing that the season one finale, though a long wait for me, has only been, say, a week ago for Peter Parker and company :)

I was kinda spoiled that there would be Latin spells a bit back, but as a Latin student back in the day, I loved hearing every bit of it, especially with Mysterio's quicker pace . . . at least, compared to what I've heard in Gargoyles and my own translations.

Fun Fact: Gargoyles is what encouraged me to take Latin back in high school. Most people site Shakespeare as their educational dessert from watching Gargoyles, I took on a dead language. Speaking of Gargoyles, I loved the inside joke of "Fulminos Venite", though I must admit it I only realized it later in the episode, as Mysterio DOES say it differently than the Archmage . . . and quicker. I also TOTALLY loved the line that I was able to decipher on the moment: Nullae Satisfactionis Potiri Non Possum! (I can't get no satisfaction!) Hilarious.

Stan Lee cameo! Was it fun having him on the set?

Spidey in the water! . . . "COLD COLD-COLD-COLD!!!" I live in the desert for a reason, and that just felt horrible even for me d:

The whole Liz-Misdirection scene was bugging me I think more than my roommate, if only because I'm rooting for Gwen and my dorm buddy is enjoying the Liz flirts. The 'tutledge' reminds me of early season one when Liz was dreading being tutored by Peter . . . funny how much has changed in three months time.

The Hormunculi Mysterio unleashed had some funny moments, one of my favorites toward the end of scene where the all vanish, including two holding Spider-Man . . . they realize they're being wisked away and with a line totally reminiscent of the 1993 film Hocus Pocus: "Ohh . . . buh-bye!" Had me laughing, even though I'm unsure if the connection was intentional or not.

The Osborne Dinner Party was interesting . . . Norman gets Peter his internship back, we meet Miles Warren, who's mum on any ideas he'll bring to the lab, the Conners have to swallow some pride in giving Peter a third (or fourth, I forget) chance. Plus: another sighting of the odd Emily Osborne. I'm no Spider-Man virtuoso, and I haven't seen her in really any other incarnation, so she's fun to watch . . . to say the least.

"Robots! To think I used to like them as a kid!" Wonderful line, gives us a glimpse into Peter's geekitude.

The last fight's bar scene was hilarious, already had me grinning when the music took on the sound of the piano, and I was laughing hard as a robot decked Spidey with a prop bottle from behind. This great moment was followed by a Monty Python & the Holy Grail reference (and in turn, reminded me of the Gargoyles episode "Future Tense"). Love the banter on this show.

Norman Osborne becoming Pete's mentor . . . creepy (as well as Norm's breakfast 'mannerisms'). I'm reminded of the first Spider-Man movie where Pete turned him down for a job, which impressed Norman nevertheless acknowledging that Peter wanted to get by 'on his own steam' or something similar.

And then at the end we see it's Quentin and Mason from the episode 'Persona' . . . apparently Chameleon was busy with something. Quentin is an absolute ham, and I love Xander Berkeley's performance from the second he found himself in that bubble. Mason as 'Tinkerer' gave me a jolt of "Lexington!" and I'm left with the thought of who the Master Planner is. Again, I'm no Spider-man expert, so I was eager to see the next episode. :)

Which I might as well review now as well d:

"Destructive Testing"

Of the two Spider-Man incarnations I delved in -- the recent movies and the 90's show -- Kraven was a villain I enjoyed. Couldn't really tell ya why . . . he must have been presented in a way I thought was well done. It's been so long since I've seen the 90s series I was curious if Kraven would have the same effect. Well, in short, Kraven is a ton of fun here, and unlike his 90's counterpart, the evidence is overwhelming. From the voice I hear to the lines he says and the way he looks (before and after Miles) and the way he fights (spears and claws): This guy is cool.

But not cool enough. Spidey owns him easy. "You're out of your league." A great line in that Spidey doesn't seem to JUST be goading him, like he does with other villains we've seen.

Other thoughts:

Was that the Rhino in the photos that Kraven was holding? AFTER Kraven tackled the rhino into a nap? Now that's good storytelling . . . :)

Freakin' Kenny Kong . . . must you make the Peter/Gwen interaction harder than it is? And Pete gets his first "look" of the season. Ouch.

Gwen, Liz, Black Cat . . . rub it in, Pete. Rub it in d:

Other great lines . . . mostly Spidey:

"Two moms and still so ill-behaved?"

"Prey? Silent? Dignity? Oh, you don't know me at all..."

"Now you got me talking in the 3rd person!"

"Okay, the thermals with hearts were half-priced and they do not reflect my very high macho-quotient!"

Hmmm . . . Only the hunt may restore my lost honor? What was Calypso offering exactly? d:

Loved the brief Jameson bit . . . shame we didn't get to hear him chew off Kraven. Here's hoping we see some JJJ soon.

Miles Warren: Wow.

Oh, that Sally Avril . . . poor Rand.

"You can smell him?" a great line from Miles.

The banter in their second fight is just as good as the previous, if not better:

"I could call you a lot of things..."

"All I smell is fear."

"I so prefer my felines female" (focus Peter! Or I'll start calling YOU 'Randy')

Its the return of the Itsy Bitsy Spider! And for once, its not Aunt May d:

And despite the upgrade, Kraven gets decked by all of Spidey's limbs . . . "Excuse me? Who's the prey?" I remember a discussion a while back that had people wonder if Peter was always going to find a geek-solution to every supervillain . . . well, if the many episodes of season one didn't answer it, this one sure did. Spidey swept the floor with Kravenoff. XD

"Courtesy of the original and number one genetic misfit"

"The Hunt is not over" . . . is it wrong of me to think of Gargoyles here? d:

And as we get a frozen Spidey mask in the skyline, we're given the hint that Kraven might not be gone just yet, not to mention we could see some old favorites soon. :)

***END OF SPOILERS***

If you couldn't tell by now, I loved these two episodes. There's ton more I could say, I imagine, but no worries. What I do believe is that these two eps are start of another spectacular season!!

Greg responds...

We had fun with the Latin this time, though it is ALWAYS a pain.

Stan was great. A geek-out moment for all of us.

Response recorded on August 14, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Oh, wow. I just realized that I never asked this. Which is weird 'cause I thought I had, like, two months ago.

So anyway, you've said in the past that, out of the guest heroes, you would like to use Human Torch and Hulk if you were able to get the chance. Well, what about guest villains? I don't mean Kingpin - you've already said that you'd use him if you could and plus it's ridiculous that you can't use him anyway (who comes up with those lists?) If you could guest-star villains, which would you most want to use? Doctor Doom? Juggernaut?
I want to make this very clear: I'm NOT asking if there will be guest villains/crossovers. You already answered that a million times. I'm asking which you would like to use.
Also - seriously, who does come up with that list?

Greg responds...

Lawyers make lists... I assume.

I don't have a lot of interest in guest villains, frankly. But since that's the least of my worries, I haven't given it much thought. If and when guest heroes become available, then maybe I'll give guest villains a shot.

Response recorded on August 14, 2009

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Joe Anonymous writes...

As you can see from my name I watched "Persona" quite a few times. Just bought all the DVD's this past weekend and just got done watching "Blueprints" and "Destructive Testing" and everything you're doing with this series is briliant. I hope a season 3 gets commisioned, the wait is killing me. Plus, can't wait to see what you do with Hobgoblin and Scorpion, just hope Scorpion isn't a clone...that will make me angry, and you won't like me when I'm angry..aughrghagh...getting off focus.
I do have a few questions and well, here they are.

1. Was Green Goblin at all insspired by the Joker?

2. Where did you come up with Electro's Look?

3. Who rescued Kraven at the end of "Destructive Testing"...I'm thinking he either jumped out or we just got a glimpse of Calypso's powers.

4. If you do get permision to use other heroes and villains who wouuld interest you?

5. You do like Carnage...thank God, nasty rumors. So the question is are you aloud to use him in his serial killing form (without showing it you know, hahaha...I need a life.)

6. Can you name any villains you can't use other than Kingpin and Beetle?

7. Why did Harry go to Europe and not just go to ravencroft or something?

8. When is the latest season 3 could be finished and ready for TV, if it gets commisioned...and hoping it does:)

Keep up the good work, and one more time...Please God, let there be a season 3. Thank You!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

1. You'll have to ask Stan and Steve. Our Goblin was inspired by their Goblin, not by Joker. I won't deny the two villains have certain traits in common -- both utilize the Trickster archetype -- but most of what they have in common is fairly superficial.

2. I described it to Vic and Cheeks. I wanted something that was reminiscent of Electro's Silver Age costume, but less cheezy. So the idea that the electricity flying off his head would resemble -- but hopefully be cooler than -- the fake lightning bolt starfish thing on his mask was intentional. Also, instead of just putting him in tights, we put him in a suit designed to restrain his power, that would again be reminiscent of the original costume, but feel a bit more real.

3. No comment.

4. I've answered this before. Check the archives.

5. No comment.

6. Uh... Joker, Lex Luthor, Vandal Savage, Ocean-Master, Ra's al Ghul, Darth Vader. Oh, wait, you meant Marvel villains? Seriously, what do you expect me to do here? List all the Marvel villains I can't use? If they're not Spidey villains, the answer is no. So for example, Doctor Doom would clearly be a no. (Not that I even bothered asking about him.) One last character I did ask about and got a no answer on was Owl. Otherwise, you can use common sense to do the research yourself.

7. Ravencroft isn't for teenagers in need of detox. Getting him away from the influences that caused him to take the drugs in the first place was an important part of treatment. Getting him out of the country, given what he was accused of wasn't a bad idea either.

8. I don't understand the question. If and when we get the pick-up, we'll start work. Then it'll be ready between eight and twelve months after that.

Response recorded on August 14, 2009

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Jason R. Carter writes...

I think I'll rephrase one of my previous questions: why does Rand put up with Sally?

Greg responds...

And I'll more or less repeat what I said before... "Dude, why do you think?"

Response recorded on August 14, 2009

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Clark Cradic writes...

I'm rewatching the second season of Spectacular Spider-Man (Premiere on Disney XD) and two questions crossed my mine: When Kraven was first introduced, at first the only pictures in the newspaper clips were of the Rhino, was that an attempt to mislead the viewers for a few seconds or perhaps a hint at a future plotline? Also I've noticed that Kraven is a lot more sane (and likeable) in this show than in his previous incarnations, especially with what his 'day job' is. So I was wondering, when he attempted to hunt Spider-Man, was he actually trying to kill him or just capture him? Once again thanks again for answering all my questions, I hope they weren't too much of a bother to answer or all "no comment" answers.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

There were pictures of Spidey fighting Rhino, but yes, we were trying to mislead the audience. He struggles with a Rhino on the veldt, and now it would seem he's going to fight Rhino in Manhattan.

"Bag him".

Response recorded on August 14, 2009

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nacnud writes...

Dear Greg,

The season Two finale of The Spectacular spiderman reported that norman was the green goblin. at one point in production, was harry ever suggusted for the role ? or was it always Norman from the start?

Will there be any direct to DVD movies or episodes that continue the Spectacular spiderman continuity?

How did you get the idea for the episode "Opening Night"? was that story ever in the comics or did you come up with the idea? if you or the team came up with the idea, then it was pure genius!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

We always knew it was Norman, but we worked very hard to make the audience think it was Harry. (And later Menken and even Emily.)

I hope so.

"Opening Night" was inspired by an early issue of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN when Spidey was trapped in a prison with a bunch of convicts.

Response recorded on August 14, 2009

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Brian writes...

Is the reception of The Spectacular Spiderman season 2 on Disney XD going to implement on season 3?

Greg responds...

Did you mean "impact"? If so, then, yeah.

Response recorded on August 14, 2009

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Drake writes...

How is Professor Smythe is going to be used? Is his son-Alistair-will also appear?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on August 14, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Hey the whole Green Goblin identity mystery was awesome! I was curious, did you get that idea or inspiration from the Hobgoblin mystery in the comics?

Greg responds...

No. I got it from the Green Goblin mystery from the comics, back in the sixties under Lee, Ditko and Romita Sr.

Response recorded on August 14, 2009

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Paul writes...

1) Did anything of note happen between Tombstone and the Green Goblin immediately following the cliffhanger ending of "Gangland"?

2) Why didn't Hammerhead interfere in the Green Goblin's criminal activities after the Goblin 'replaced' Tombstone as the Big Man?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

1. Not particularly.

2. Did you see Hammerhead's last scene in "Gangland"?

Response recorded on August 13, 2009

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Gargan writes...

I heard Sony has the rights to Ghost Rider. Does that mena you can use Ghost Rider in Spectacular Spider-Man if you want to?

Greg responds...

Nope. At least it's NOT automatic.

Response recorded on August 13, 2009

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Spiderman659 writes...

Hey Greg, if you don't mind, i have a few questions for you:
1) On the Spectacular Spider-Man Attack of the Lizard dvd, there is a music video that shows 2 other versus to the main theme song. will you ever use those 2 for a theme song some where in the other seasons?

2) How did you get the idea of Fancy Dan becoming Ricochet? And why didn't Ox get a new name?

3) Do you like the Spectacular Spider-Man TV show airing on disney XD? Or would you want it to air somewhere else?

Greg responds...

1. Don't know.

2. It just sort of came to me as an extension on his traditional abilities. And Ox didn't seem to need a new name.

3. I'm just happy it's airing at all.

Response recorded on August 13, 2009

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Paul writes...

I read the interview for Marvel Animation Age that you participated in, and I was wondering:

1) Since the unused footage (like Shocker's escape at the end of "Group Therapy") won't be on the season sets, could you please elaborate on what the unused footage for the first two seasons consisted of? It would be really interesting to hear what kind of stuff was fully completed but didn't make it onto the DVDs. You probably won't remember all of the stuff that was cut off the top of your head, but please give some examples of stuff you were going to put back into the movie releases for volumes 1-8 before the volume format was scrapped.

2) Is there any chance, any at all, that the unedited episodes will see the light of day someday on a future release? It's ridiculous that completed footage would go to waste.

Greg responds...

1. You can try asking this question again at a later date, but for now that footage (or most of it anyway) was shown as a Comic-Con exclusive last month and will next be a Gathering exclusive THIS month.

2. Isn't it though?

Response recorded on August 13, 2009

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rayray writes...

hey greg, spectacular spiderman is my favorite show of all times.
when gwen chose harry on "final curtain" was it out of guilt or was she too shy to break up with him(for pete)
oh and does it help(for season 3)if more people watched spectacular spiderman on TV

Greg responds...

Doesn't hurt!

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!

And it was mostly guilt. Neither she nor Pete could bare to "kick him when he was down".

Response recorded on August 12, 2009

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Flint Marko/Sandman writes...

Hey, Greg. What's the deal now, man? I've seen "First Steps." What now? Am I a hero? Will I join the Avengers? Will I ever get my big score? Does that mean I'm spidey's friend now? Oh, I knew I shouldn't have saved those people. Now people like Doc Ock and O'Hirn think I'm soft.

Now I've changed my name to Norman Osborn. In the comics, was the drug that made me the Green Goblin called Globulin Green or did it have a different name?

Greg responds...

Well, Flint, only time will tell.

And Norman, I'm fairly certain I made up the name Globulin Green.

Response recorded on August 12, 2009

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MisterDrBob writes...

Okay, so I know you haven't read my second question yet, so consider this an apology for it. Looking back it's stupid. (Beside the Tinkerer one, that one I think is justified.)

Anyway, what I meant with my first question, about Shocker, was there more to the thought process than deciding that Herman Shultz was boring and casting Montana? i.e. were there any other candidates besides Montana? Before you answered the question, I did go and look harder and saw that there were a lot of questions on this subject, so what I'm trying to do is ask a more intellegent question on this subject. But my wording obviously made it sound like the genereic repeated question the first time. So I apologize for that too. (Speaking of which, who approves these questions that get asked over and over again?)

On the subject of constantly asked questions (namely Kingpin), when I saw Foswell, I was sure that he was the Big Man like in the comics. Did you ever consider doing this when you found out you couldn't use Kingpin, instead of using Tombstone?

Greg responds...

Some things just flow. And that was the case with Shocker/Montana. No one else was ever considered for the "role of Shocker" as if we were casting it in a play. Montana evolved naturally into Shocker.

I never really planned to have Foswell become the Big Man. I just didn't buy it in a modern context. Kingpin was my original choice for Big Man. Tombstone became our immediate substitute.

You do understand that I see these posts in order, right? There's no way I'd see an apology (no matter how unnecessary) for a question before the question itself.

Response recorded on August 12, 2009

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Nicky Wan writes...

Hi Greg,

First off I think "The Spectacular Spider-Man" is a fantastic show; it's perfectly captured everything I love about the character, something I didn't feel was the case growing up with the 90s series.

I know that you probably don't know much about this but do you have any information regarding the release of the show on DVD in the Europe? It's available on iTunes in the UK but there's no word of any physical release.

*** SPOILERS for SEASON 2 ***

Apologies if this has been asked already but a search didn't appear to find anything relevant. I was wondering whether you made the decision to include the final scene showing Norman Osborn surviving the explosion because season 3 was not in the pipeline? Or was there some other reason like it just felt better for the flow of the story or for the target audience of the show?

Of course keeping his escape a secret would have made any later return more dramatic; almost as much as the reveal that the Green Goblin was Norman all along. I must say that that revelation was stunningly executed; the way the final episode kept planting seeds of doubt linking Norman to the Green Goblin until the dénouement was amazing!

Thanks a lot for reading this, I hope the executives see sense and let you make season 3 and many more!

Greg responds...

I'm afraid I'm not privy to Sony's international DVD release plans.

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

Norman's survival was a purely creative choice. Don't you get tired of characters "dying" and then inevitably returning. To me, it cheapens the very concept of death. So I didn't want our series to try to fool you on that subject (for more than a few minutes). You'd know right up front that he was alive and well, even if the cast all thought he was gone. That way no one feels cheated, right? I mean face it, if he had eventually returned would you really have been stunned?

Response recorded on August 12, 2009

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Faust writes...

First I'd like to say, oh my goodness, spectacular spiderman basically took over my life for at least a week watching seasons 1 and 2 in order on youtube, and still watching it when it comes on Disney XD, crazymazing. Secondly, I'm kinda myphed how Gwenn just sorta stopped wearing glasses with no mention of when she got contacts or no one saying, lookin good, or, you look different.

Ramblings aside, my question is who is your favorite character out of the whole show specifically which was the (most fun?) most fun to draw/fabricate? Also, who is your favorite love interest for pete, liz, gwenn, MJ, or cat? (not who he will end up with, you know, just who is your favorite)

big fan :D keep rockin!

P.S. If you're about to type, "I don't have a single favorite" for any of the questions above then my question is, do you have any favorites in this show whatsoever?
P.S.S. Gargoyles was a badnasty show in its day very very high kudos, one of my favorite shows I grew up on :D

Greg responds...

I'm not sure how you missed the moment when Gwen first appeared without glasses (and, yes, of course, wearing contacts) in front of Liz's father's hotel and both Harry and Peter were starstruck. It's not like they didn't notice.

I don't play favorites among the characters I write. I just try to let them live their lives, as much as possible dictating to me what happens next.

Response recorded on August 12, 2009

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Bob writes...

Hey, Greg Weisman. Love the new Spider-Man show! (best one so far; better than Ramii's movies). My favorite episode so far is "Itervention" where Peter battles the symbiote in his mind. But there's one thing that confuzes me. I know Eddie Brock hates Spider-Man and Peter and blames them for loosing his job. At the end of "Intervention" Spider-Man brought back the symbiote but "killed" it. The symbiote didn't really die. If the symbiote didn't die, that meant Eddie could get his job back. But instead, he bonded with the symbiote and still hated both Spider-Man and Peter Parker. If the symbiote wasn't dead (which at that time were great news for Eddie) then why did Eddie continue to try ruining Spider-Man's life? And plus, in season 2 he got his job back and all so why does he still hate Peter?

Greg responds...

The symbiote is clearly influencing Eddie's mind. And the bond between them eventually becomes all-important to Eddie. And since the bond is based on hatred...

Response recorded on August 12, 2009

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Greg Fan 123 writes...

Hey Greg ,man...congracts on this show....BRAVO !!!

I wanted to ask you that have u guys ever considered the idea of making a Spectacular spiderman Comic based on this series storyline.??? That would be so cool....i suggest making the comic after ending this show as a continuity u knw......and i hope u end the show after making atleast 12 or more seasons lol hahahaha

Spectacular Show !!!!

Greg responds...

Thanks. I have talked to Marvel Comics about doing the comic. There was definitely some editorial interest, but there were various contractual and/or strategic reasons why it seems to be impossible at this time. Too bad, huh?

Response recorded on August 12, 2009

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Mike P. writes...

I have 2 questions:

1. Did any previously established character(s) inspire Sha-shan?

2. I know this might be a stretch but: Have you ever met Sam Raimi, and if so did the topic of the spider-man series/character come up? I understand the worlds a big place with a lot of people, but I was just curious if you two had ever come in contact with one another.

Thanks for the classic shows you've put out, and here's hoping for season 3 of spidey!

Greg responds...

1. Yep. Sha Shan inspired Sha Shan.

2. I've never met Sam Raimi.

Response recorded on August 11, 2009

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Clark Cradic writes...

Is Doc Ock's agression in this series because of his repressed feelings towards Osborn and his accident or do his tentacles have AI similar to his movie counterpart?

Greg responds...

The tentacles have no A.I.

Response recorded on August 11, 2009

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Rage writes...

Hi Greg!..iam a full supporter of your show....this show is by far the best spidey show ever...everytime i watch an episode i need more!! AMAZING JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Truly amazing! AMAZING !!!!!!

I have 3 Questions And A Request. :)

1) How much time does it take the crew to make one episode? and then a whole season ? i mean the final thing when every things (editing etc) finished,

2) If the confirmation for season 3 comes out (i hope it does!) ...how much time will it take for it to air? i heard season 2 came late because of the whole channel changing thing...now that every things set how much time will season 3 take ? i mean which month?

3)If ratings on all future seasons are good how many seasons would you plan to make ? (i hope more than 10 !!!lol)

And a Request

This show....has made me an addict to the extent that ive spent my holidays discussing episodes of Spectacular spiderman with my friends and not doing anything else lol....and i like it !!! this is the 1st show that im in love with ....i want you to promise your fans that other than the ratings you will do everything in your power to make this series a success and by success i mean doing more seasons! :)...Please please please please x 100000 Dont Stop making new seasons please.And i pray that this success will continue.:)

Eagerly waiting for your reply.
Long Live Spidey.!!! Long Live Spectacular Spiderman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Greg responds...

1. It takes between eight months and a year to produce a season of animation, with multiple steps going on simultaneously on multiple episodes, a bit like an assembly line.

2. No way to know at this point. We'd need the pick-up. I'd have to plan the season, then we'd get started. And even once we finished, they could choose to hold the episodes for a more auspicious launch time (at least to their minds).

3. Generally speaking, I'm shooting for 65 episodes and then hope to continue with Direct to DVDs. But I'll take more or less... basically whatever I can get.

As for your request, it's just really not up to me. If they offer me the opportunity, I will make more. But I have no control, I'm afraid.

Response recorded on August 11, 2009

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jay writes...

Is there going to be a 3rd season of the spectacular spiderman?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

I've answered this before. Check the archives.

Response recorded on August 10, 2009

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SpecSpidey546 writes...

Hello, Greg.
1) first of all, your Gwen is awesome. I can't imagine the show without her. if your goal was people to care about her, well, you've accomplished it.
2) I'm sorry if this falls in the "no comment" area, but why was Kingsley bidding? I dont get why he needs to produce Rhino super-soldiers?
3) if the bald dude with black glasses (Osborn' security) isnt Mac Gargan, then who is he?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

1. Thanks.

2. The short answer is: He's ambitious.

3. No comment.

Response recorded on August 07, 2009

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rapscallion writes...

**SPIDEY SPOILERS**

How did Harry escape the Goblin(Norman) in Season 2? And why was he captured in the first place? Was it just so Norman could make Harry, the likely suspect, look more suspiscious?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

Last question first: Yes. As for your first question, Harry THOUGHT he escaped, but really he was allowed to escape, because by that time, Norman had laid his various traps for Spidey.

Response recorded on August 07, 2009

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Will Keaton writes...

Greg:

SPIDEY SPOILERS

1. You've often mentioned how you chose Tombstone as the new "Big Man of Crime" because the Kingpin was unavailable due to legal issues. What other characters besides Tombstone did you consider for this position? Also, is the phrase "Big Man" a title given out to whoever happens to be in control of New York's crime rings at the time and is passed on to their successor, (ie, like a king or queen) or is it an alias that is permanently attached to Tombstone? I've seen evidence to support both cases.

2. How exactly does Doc Ock get dressed in the morning? The part of his harness that lines up with his spine clearly goes on underneath his clothing but the ring around his waist goes overtop of everything else. Can the harness still open up in front or is that fused shut too? Just watching Ock go through his morning routine would probably clear most of this up, plus the notion of him using his tentacles to brush his teeth is just hilarious. (Just be glad I'm not asking how Rhino goes to the bathroom.) I also assume that for the duration of Season 2 he's had enough time to acquire or build a new power source for his harness that can last for years at a time?

3. You burned down the Big Sky Billiard lounge! I loved that place. Every comic book needs a place where the supervillains can go for some downtime and hang out. Please, I know you don't want to spoil anything you have planned for season 3 but at least give us a vague hint that we'll get to see a new "Bad Guy Bar."

4. Is Chameleon's white visage a mask that he wears with other masks going on top of it, or is that actually his face after being surgically altered to have any distinguishing features like a nose and ears removed? Typically one would expect a face-changer to remove as much of their original face as possible and then add on top of that as needed, (just look at Metal Gear Solid's Decoy Octopus, the guy shaved down his cheek bones and cut off part of his nose and ears.) Wearing two masks doesn't seem to be that effective since you're doubling the amount the disguise is lifted above your actual face.

5. Exactly how long has Norman been inhaling the gobulin green? I'd assume he'd either start as soon as he'd invented the stuff, shortly after he was nearly killed by a giant geriatric buzzard and wanted to make sure he didn't have to rely on Spidey the next time something similar happened, or shortly after his first dealings with Hammerhead when he started planning to overthrow the Big Man. By the way, what kind of guy develops an experimental highly dangerous performance enhancing drug and then brings it home to show his family and then just leaves some lying around where his son can start chugging the stuff without anyone noticing it's gone?

6. We didn't see much of Aunt May in Season 2, but with so many characters floating around this isn't too surprising. If May does play an important role in any season three episodes is she going to get a spot in the opening credits for that episode?

7. When comparing animated shows through the years there doesn't seem to be a large change in the style and tone from the 1960's through to the late 80's. All the animated shows had a simplistic plot and generally weren't mentally demanding. However sometime in the early/mid 90's we started seeing shows like Fox's Spider-man, Batman The Animated Series, Reboot and Gargoyles, all of which felt more sophisticated than earlier shows and had such features as real character development and story arcs that could last through a season. Somehow I have a hard time imagining an episode like "Lethal Force" being done on G.I. Joe. As someone who has been in the industry a while did you notice a change in attitude from networks or executives towards animation at around that time? When producing Gargoyles did you find that in general people were more willing to let you attempt making a show with more mature themes relative to what you had done before?

8. Should Spiderman not get a third season or become cancelled for certain after season three wraps up, how likely is it that production could continue on direct to DVD movies? Generally speaking is it easier to convince producers or whomever to greenlight a single movie length piece of work comparred to an entire season of an animated show?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

1. No one really. Tombstone was pretty much my instant second choice to replace Kingpin. And as for the "Big Man" title, I've seen evidence to both sides too.

2. I'm mostly content to leave Ock's morning routine to your imagination. As for his power-pack, he has had time to find one that lasts a long time. But he still NEEDS the power-pack. The arms won't function without it.

3. Yes, eventually.

4. Again, I'll leave this to your interpretation.

5. As you indicated, he started immediately after surviving Vulture's attempts on his life. He did not like feeling that powerless.

6. Yep.

7. I think Batman the Animated Series was a revelation to many of us, and gave us the courage and evidence of success that allowed us to at least attempt to match or better that great series. Simpsons helped too, as did Who Framed Roger Rabbit and The Little Mermaid (the movie), and to a lesser extent The Great Mouse Detective. Animation seemed to be in something of a renaissance. But it shouldn't have been surprising. A generation of multi-discipline writers and artists who grew up on cartoons, comic books and genre fiction -- creative types who had learned to be discerning readers and viewers -- began to execute the kinds of shows they wanted to see. As for Gargoyles specifically, the miracle wasn't that people let me do what I wanted, but that they left me alone, which allowed me to do what I wanted. A subtle distinction, I know. But a significant one.

8. If we got cancelled or not picked up after Season Two is done airing, it would, I believe -- despite all evidence to the contrary and no matter how unfair that perception might be -- put the stink of failure on the series. Which would make it hard to get a greenlight on a DVD.

Response recorded on August 07, 2009

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Spidey123 writes...

Hey Greg!

You've made Gwen a really main character in petes social life and i like her :p...i was just wondering if she has the same fate in this series like in the comics...ehm...i knw u wont tell me that it will spoil things ...

but another indirect question related to the first ...can you, i mean r u guys allowed to kill a character? or somehow may be make him/her disappear....

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

I've already answered this. Check the archives.

Response recorded on August 07, 2009

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No comment writes...

Hey, Mr. Greg. I have a few questions from TSSM I want you to answer.

1. Have you already planned out season 3 in your head or do you not know yet how will it be like? I am NOT asking you to reveal season 3 villains and plot. I'm just asking you if you already know where you're going with season 3.

2. You have an awesome imagination. Spectacular Spider-Man is just great. I don't know where you come up with all these amazing ideas. Who are you? No. What are you? No human can be that talented. You must be an alien.

3. Are you allowed to kill anyone in the show if you want to?

4. First of all, Molten Man was awesome. The Green Goblin had control of Molten Man's abilities with that remote. Now that Osborn is defeated, where is the remote?

5. IT'S A JACKAL!!!!!!!!! Will Miles Warren ever become the Jackal in the show? You don't have to answer this question. I already know you will answer it with no comment so go ahead and say no comment. The reason why I wrote this question is because I felt like saying "It's a jackal". I love Family Guy. It's hilarious.

6. Hey, Cool. I can count to 6. Here's my last question. It's not really a Spectacular Spider-Man question but a Comics Spider-Man question. Do you think Spider-Man would be better in high school, university, or somewhere in late 20s when he's not in university?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

1. I've answered this before. Check the archives.

2. Uh... don't ask questions that will force me to assimilate you.

3. We already have.

4. No comment.

5. No comment.

6. I think Spidey should age normally.

Response recorded on August 06, 2009

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Marcus writes...

Hey, Greg! I love what you've done with Spectacular Spider-Man. The the best show ever. The 90s show compared to yours is nothing. This show rules!! Here's my question:
Every season in Spectacular Spider-Man has 4 arcs. Each arc is 3 or 4 episodes. You were involed in "The Batman" but you weren't the main director. If you were the main director and producer of "The Batman" when it was first planned, would you have done the same thing you did to Spectacular Spider-Man (having 4 arcs per season)?

Greg responds...

I'm not a director at all. (Well, I've been a voice director, but I'm guessing that's not what you're talking about.)

What you seem to be talking about is me being a writer-producer. But no series exists in a vacuum. The arcs weren't my idea on Spec Spidey -- they were part of my marching orders -- though I took to the notion like a duck to water.

Regular readers of Ask Greg know I'm not too fond of hypothetical questions, but asking me about The Batman in this context is just... well... a hypothetical that borders on the silly. (Sorry.) There are too many unknown factors for me to evaluate. But since clearly the producers of The Batman had no such marching orders, the odds are slim that we would have taken that approach.

Response recorded on August 06, 2009

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The Main Man writes...

I said at the beginning I have two questions. Sorry about that. When I was going to first ask you a question I had two in mind but once I was done I had more in mind and I forgot to change the 2 to a 5. Anyways, I have 5 questions I want to ask you.

Greg responds...

Still?

Response recorded on August 06, 2009

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The Main Man writes...

Hey, Greg. I have two questions I want to ask you. They're both about Spectacular Spider-Man.
1. You've said besides Spidey, there are more heroes active in Spectacular Spider-Man. You've said the Fantastic Four were celebrities, Hulk was a myth, Captain America is still frozen, Ant-Man is somewhere out there also doing his job, and that Professor X is currently building his school with first students Cyclops and Beast. But what about the Punisher? Is he currently active? Did his family get killed yet? Is he already a vigilante? What about the Punisher?

2. You've mentioned active heroes. But what about active villains? Which villains besides Spidey's are currently active in the series?

3. Will we ever see the Lizard again at some point in the show?

4. In the 90s Spider-Man series, Morbius was watered down. He couldn't say the word blood at all so he always said he needed "plasma". He was also not allowed to suck anyone's blood so he absorbed their energy or something (can't really remember). If you are ever going to use Morbius at some point, will he be watered down like in the 90s series or will he be a "real" vampire?

4. Same as question 3 only with Carnage. If you are going to ever use him, will he be watered down or stay the same maniac he is in the comics?

5. Before I ask you to answer my last questio, I just want to stay the Green Goblin was AWESOME! Before, I hated the Green Goblin and now due to you, he's my favorite Spider-Man villain. But most of the plot elements for the Green Goblin were taken from the Hobgoblin (e.g. framing Harry, removing mental effects from globulin green, faking his death and retiring to some island, etc.). I'm kind of worried now because the Hobgoblin barely has anything left. You do have a plan already for the Hobgoblin don't you? You know how to handle him, right? Please say yes. Please say yes!!!!!

Greg responds...

1. Not yet.

2. I'm not going to go down a list of every villain in the Marvel Universe and check off who's been up to bat at this point. But as a general rule, if you go get the ESSENTIAL MARVEL volumes and focus on the early pre-Avengers days, you'll be able to see what villains are extent in my mind -- to the extent I've given ANY thought at all to villains I know I can't use. It's silly enough that I've given thought to heroes I know I can't use.

3. No comment.

4. No comment.

5. I think so. (Though I should point out I don't actually agree with your assessment of our take on Green Goblin.)

Response recorded on August 06, 2009

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Martin writes...

Goblin/Osborn questions (the questions are from the perspective that we know who the Goblin is):

1) In "Catalysts" after seeing Glory back with Kenny, Harry gets mad and leaves the Fall Formal. Where did he go?
2) The thing that got me suspicious about the revelation in "Uncertainly Principle" was how Norman was able to answer all Spidey's questions so quickly. Of course, after what "Final Curtain" showed us, I can assume that he already had everything in his head before Spidey can confront him. But why wasnt Norman limping, if he was the Goblin who cracked a limp at the factory?
3) the show is great. you're great. I pray for season 3.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

1. He lurked. He was still there at the end of the episode.

2. As stated in Final Curtain, he didn't crack a limb at the factory. He faked an injury there.

3. Thanks.

Response recorded on August 05, 2009

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SpiderFan89 writes...

Haha, Greg, i was reading IGN's review of "The Invisible Hand" and it says something about Rhino that interested me. If the suit is permanently bonded to O'Hirn's skin, then how he manages to do a certain body functions??? Whats your opinion/expaination?

Greg responds...

I've answered this before. Check the archives.

Response recorded on August 05, 2009

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Bobba J writes...

Hi Mr. Weisman! I remember watching "Growing Pains" and "Identity Crisis" a few months ago. There is something I found confusing. In "Growing Pains" Venom framed Spider-Man and everyone hated him but in the next episode, Spider-Man was treated like a hero again. What exactly happened? How did he go from being considered a villain to being considered a hero again?

Greg responds...

That totally never happened. Watch the episodes again.

Response recorded on August 05, 2009

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Monk writes...

I went on Wikipedia and typed in Spectacular Spider-Man. It said that Scorpion and Hobgoblin will appear in season 3. Obviously, I knew that from long ago but it also said that Carnage has been confirmed. Is this true or did someone just pull a prank on Wikipedia?

Greg responds...

I've neither confirmed nor denied Carnage and won't do either now.

Response recorded on August 05, 2009

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Gonçalo writes...

Hi Greg, so i just recently saw episode 207 "identity crisis" from the spectacular spider-man and i got a question:

What is up with that episode? so all the journalists blindly believe a black suited alien? They see said black suited alien kicking spiderman's ass and they're still focusing more on knowing his identity rather then helping their hero? And even more, they're STILL interested in knowing spiderman's identity even after venom shows his second mouth in front of every journalist while beating spiderman to a bloody pulp?

If I were a journalist i would probably either run for my life or start investigating who is this two mouthed black creature who is defeating spider-man.

Sorry for the rant there, but that episode just made no sense

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

It's funny. I guess you're just expressing your take on the episode, but like a lot of recent posts here it feels like you're expecting me to respond by saying, "Gee, you're right, what were we thinking?" And of course, I disagree with you, so that's not going to happen. And again, you probably don't expect it. It just feels that way to me.

I think the episode makes plenty of sense. The things you bring up are NOT mutually exclusive from the things we focused on. I certainly buy the idea that reporters en masse get an idée fixe (that's the second time in two posts I've used that term) in their heads and RUN with it to the exclusion of other ideas, because I literally see it EVERY DAY on the news. EVERY DAY. (Obama's birth certificate, anyone?) Doesn't mean some or all of these reporters aren't alos pursuing the Venom angle. We just chose not to focus on that.

But you're entitled to your opinion.

Response recorded on August 05, 2009

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rapscallion writes...

Love what you've done with Spectacular Spider-Man. Pure genius. Not just one of the best animated Series since BTAS, but probably one of the smartest shows on TV right now.

*SPOILERS FOLLOWING!*

When it comes to Gwen, I can easily figure why you made her Peter's friend and secret crush and all, due to her role in the comics, but why did you decide to make her a "nerd"? I remember her being, well, "Gorgeous Gwendolyn" in the comics. I realize she had a "make-over" in season 2, but the question is still there in my head.

Emily Osborn. What's up with her? Except in Ultimate, where Norman did some "bad things" to her, Norman was always a widower. So why did you keep her? Especially since, well, she's got the personality of a spoon? I feel like there's a message there but I can't quite get it.

One moment specifically, was when in the episode Blueprints, Martha Connor is getting pressure from Norman, Aaron Warren, Miles Warren, and her husband, to reinstate Peter despite her mistrust and for some reason she looks to Emily Osborn and then relents to it. Was there some message there?

What's with the mole on Peter's cheek? I heard it was some in-joke or something, but to what end?

Why did you make Kraven a "Cat-mutant"? I think it ended up working and I personally like it, but it's a very different take. Was it just to make him more modern? To avoid mention of his "voodoo potions"? Why?

I like how you're taking a realistic time-frame with the seasons and Peter's school year, but hypothetically, if you got a fourth season, would that be during the summer, or would you skip over it and get started in November of Peter's senior year? Also, will you include his college years in the show or would that be saved for DT-DVDs?

Did the title at the end of the theme song get an upgrade? In Season 2, it looked... shinier and bulkier. Generally cooler. Did you guys just change it due to Season 1 doing so well or was that always a plan to upgrade it or something?

Lastly, this isn't a question, but a request. I love what you've done with Miles Warren and I like how he's malicious without being "Bwa-ha-ha! evil, but if you ever do clones... you'll make me cry. You will make a grown man cry. Do you want that on your conscious? NO CLONES PLEASE!

You are a genius.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!

I'll take your questions, paragraph by paragraph...

Gwen was ALWAYS a brain in the comics. This is often forgotten, but one of the reasons she was so interesting to both Peter and Miles Warren was because she was beautiful AND smart. We just figured that in high school, she'd be smart but not necessarily (in her junior year) already the knockout that she will be in college. But as you've seen, the transformation has already begun.

There's no message. Tthe main reason she was included was because we felt we had too many teens with single parent families. Pete and Aunt May. Gwen and Captain Stacy. Both of those pairings seemed essential to the four characters. Making the third member of the Pete-Gwen-Harry three musketeers ALSO from a single parent family seemed a bit much. And, we have plans for Emily that we will get to in Season Three if there is a Season Three.

Martha was looking for a little back-up from SOMEONE, anyone. Aaron Warren wanted Pete back at the lab. Norman encouraged it. Miles voted with Norman. And Curt basically folded. So she looked to the only person left at the table. But Emily had no opinion on the subject.

There's no "end". Sean "Cheeks" Galloway, our character designer, has a similar mole and he puts it on the cheek of all his lead characters.

The mutated Kraven idea was borrowed/adapted from Ultimate Spider-Man. The short answer is that we thought it was a pretty cool idea and visual. Plus we have long term plans for Kraven that I won't get into now.

No decision's been made on Season Three, so I'm not prepared to answer questions about Season Four. But one way or another, we'd cover the summer months. As for college, let me get through high school first.

Vic changed the logo. He liked the new version better.

No comment.

Thanks.

Response recorded on August 04, 2009

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Diminuendo writes...

I was wondering if Osborns death being fake was decision of your own or influenced by Kids' WB dislike of characters dying

Also could we get an update on season 3?

thanks

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

My decision.

And no, cuz I have no update to give.

Response recorded on August 04, 2009

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David Sky writes...

Carnage?

Greg responds...

Pickles?

Response recorded on August 03, 2009

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David Sky writes...

I must second the suggestion of other superheroes being mentioned in speculator spiderman. In ultimate spidey tony stark is often mentioned alongside other scientists, and sometimes the question is raised if peter is a mutant. but yeah, it wouldn't hurt if in conversation daredevil or frank castle come up in conversation since they are in fact right in peter's backyard.

Greg responds...

AGAIN... we're NOT allowed to do that. PERIOD. That may change someday, but if we're talking about the first 26 episodes we weren't even allowed to put STARK INDUSTRIES on a sign in the background.

And for the record, in our continuity, Daredevil doesn't exist yet and Frank Castle's family is still alive.

Response recorded on August 03, 2009

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Beoc writes...

Is Gwen's fate in Spectacular down the road going to match what happened in the comics? Would you even be permitted to go down that road if you wanted to since SSM is a kids show?

Greg responds...

Asked and answered before. Check the archives.

Response recorded on August 03, 2009

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nygma619 writes...

A couple of statements on the outcomes of Gangland in the Spidey-Tombstone battle.

I felt alot of the success to Tombstone's character was the fact that he was nearly invulnerable (IMO it seperated him from Kingpin being in this role). We had this big crime boss who controlled most of NYC's crime, who could seemingly crush Spidey anytime he wanted (he took Spidey down in 5 measely seconds in his debut), add that he was cool, calculating, incredibly competent, and kept his criminal activities private, not only that but he could turn the law on Spidey if he wanted to (an angle I don't think was used to it's fullest potential). Spidey getting a physical victory over him in their second physical encounter, (after getting bulldozed in less than 5 seconds in their first) felt like a clumsy transition.

Now that Spidey has established that he can beat Tombstone clean, it diminshes his preseance greatly, when they meet again, the question of whether Spidey can beat Tombstone or not won't be there to add to the drama, IMO I thought it wasn't handled very well here. As it's one of those things that seperated him from the rest of the villains on this show.
And it's not like his fight with Tombes was one of his most hard fought victories to date. Kraven left a shiner on Pete's face in their second battle, even though Kraven lost, the black eye signified how hard a battle Spidey fought the second time. Also Pete was left sore and bruised after his 2nd alleged battle against the sinister six in group therapy, and he had a sprained arm after his victory over the Lizard in Natural Selection. All these battles he had won but not without being taken to the limit physically or the battle taking its toll on him. Sometimes a little subtlety goes a long, long, long way; (though I don't think I need to tell you that). And Tombstone being invulnerable was one of those subtleties that I think people might of taken for granted. I mean I can live with the Goblin outwitting Tombstone to get to power (it wouldn't be the 1st time the goblin sort of outwitted him), but there were ways to bring GG to power while also keeping Tombstone's invulnerability intact.

There's been some excuses made for this:
-One is Tombstone being exhausted from the battle before him and Spidey. Which I don't buy. Because Spidey was there nearly through as much of the battle as well. And none of the hits seemed like they slowed Tombs down that much, if at all. At least he didn't show very much fatigue from what I saw.
-Also other people are excusing it because Spidey flung a piece of machinary at Tombs and that Spidey wouldn't had beat him had he stuck to hand to hand combat. My comment on that, Well flinging a piece of machinary is practically clean for Spidey at this point. If he gets beat just because of a foreign object, well that still doesn't do Tombstone any favors, since Spidey practically beats foes with foreign objects most of the time. He beat people like Sandman, with certain foreign objects (i.e. cement) and no one was talking about how tough Sandman was, were they?
Heck when David beat Goliath with a slingshot, people weren't saying, "Man that Goliath is some hoss, it took a slingshot for David to beat him." They were talking about how David beat Goliath, period. They weren't talking about the foreign object.

So for Spider-Man to get a clean physical victory (no contrivances, no dumb luck, CLEAN) over Tombs at this stage in the game, felt far too villain of the weekish for my liking, and really took away from Tombstone's character.
I'm willing to give this storyline a chance, but IMO there was far too much potential thrown away where Tombstone could turn the law on & still physically man handle Spider-Man. It feels like part of the fun in Tombstone (his ability to crush Spider-Man/push him to his limits) has been taken away and he doesn't feel as fun as he once was. Not that he's a bad character right now, but there's a difference between being a good character, and being "the balls". Up till Gangland, Tombstone felt like the latter.

My other problems with Tombstone being outed: Spidey trying to out Tombstone's secret identity lacked any real logic. Sure Foswell would end up reporting what he heard (does that even hold up as evidence unless he has a tape recorder? If not, what's it doing in the papers?) but Spidey had no idea that he knew this or would tell anyone. Not to mention how anti climatic it was.
And does what Foswell said really constitute 16 government agencies looking after him? And if they really are serious about that statement how does Green Goblin get into Lincoln's office without any government agencies noticing? Some government agencies.

I realize that this show has an ever changing status quo all the time, with many different outcomes, and thats one of the reasons I dig the show. However Spider-Man's physical victory over Tombstone was still disappointing because it didn't feel like a battle that put Spidey's body through hellfire and brimstone(thank you Jim Ross) just to beat him.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!

Well, obviously, I don't agree with you.

For example, the black eye only signified that Kraven got in a lucky shot to Pete's eye. Not that the Kraven battle was easy, but I think you're over-emphasizing the symbolism. Though, of course, that's your right. I just wanted to make it clear that wasn't our intent. On the other hand, the Lizard battle was supposed to be one of his toughest. The fact that you're disappointed that Tombstone isn't physically tougher than Lizard... well, I don't think he is. But he has other attributes that make him scarier in other ways.

Tombstone did take Spidey down in five seconds flat the first time (or something like that), but he was aided by Spidey's ridiculous over-confidence. We never said or claimed that Tombie was invulnerable. Hell, we never said or claimed he had any super-powers at all. We've intentionally left it open to interpretation. You've chosen to interpret it to one extreme. I know other posters have gone to the other extreme. I'm probably somewhere in the middle.

As for this second battle it was neither a clean or easy win for Spidey. Yes, we've leveled the playing field between these two a bit. But only that. Personally, that fight is one of my favorite of the series, but that's just my opinion.

And Spidey's been trying to "out" Tombstone since he met him. Why he'd suddenly stop now makes no sense to me. So I don't really get that objection.

But Tombstone is far from down for the count... at least he's not if we get a third season.

In any case, I'm sorry it didn't work for you. But it worked for us -- and still works for me -- and you weren't there when we were making the show to warn us. So we were stuck going with our own instincts on the thing. I'm afraid that's what you're stuck with. There are no lessons learned here from my point of view. I'm sorry if that sounds arrogant, as that's not my intent. But we just disagree. And ultimately, I have to trust my instincts and those of my partners in crime on the series. If we start second guessing ourselves, no one's going to be happy.

Response recorded on August 03, 2009

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lambert writes...

hi, greg. don't know if you saw this yet. pretty nifty. http://vimeo.com/4947207

p.s. can't wait for the 2nd season of spidey!

Greg responds...

I had seen that, but thanks.

Response recorded on August 03, 2009

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Clark Cradic writes...

Was it your idea to get Rober Englund to play the Vulture? Was it hard to get such a big star to accept a role on the show?

Greg responds...

I don't think it was my idea, but I was all for it. As for the difficulty... well, we asked and he said yes. Which is nice.

Response recorded on August 03, 2009

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Okuraorca writes...

Greetings Greg,
First of all, I want to thank you for doing Spectacular Spiderman. This show has had me on the edge of my seat from the first episode until the last, and I really hope there will be a Season Three. If there is, I hope it all goes well, as I am looking forward to more!
Anyway, I had a few questions about how the show is planned out, if I may ask, as I am keen to learn about how the process of writting and planning out the episodes and the plotlines is done, as I am in the process of trying to create some complex stories myself.
First all, I notice that your plotlines have intertwining plotlines that grow from one thing to something else later (IE: The gene cleanser's use in Season 2 even after we were sure to have seen the last of it in Season one). My question was to this concept, of how you write these plotlines. Do you have them all planned out from the start, or do you look backwards to previous episodes to find ways to get them to interact with what's happened before?
Second question, about the planning of the series again. Do you choose a character then create a plotline about that character, or rather; Select a plot idea, then cycle through characters to find what ones would work best for that episode? Or if there is a combination of the two, which do you find easier to work with?
Third, when it comes to cutting things from a plot (events, characters, etc...), because there's just not enough time for it all, what are the things you look for or consider with things that have to be cut? I'm not just meaning main events in the plotline either, but more like, you have two jokes that could happen and you remove one and keep the other. What makes you keep one thing you want, but cut the other?
And finally, just a small, easy one here. I loved the use of Molten Man, as I'd always seen him as a minor villian, as there's very little about him compared to major villians, yet you made him awesome in the show (I'll also admit Mysterio also always bored me, but you made me like him in the show and want to see more!). I don't want names, as I know you don't give them out, but did you have plans for other 'minor' or lesser known villians to show up further down the track? Just curious really.

At any rate thanks for your time, and here's hoping for Season Three!

~ Okuraorca

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

1. For each season, I have a giant bulletin board (really two bulletin boards hung side by side) covered with multi-color index cards, so that we can track plotlines across an entire season. The writers and I then break one arc at a time, constantly aware of what has come before and what is planned yet to come.

2. It's just more organic in general than what you're describing.

3. How crucial it is to the storytelling of that episode.

4. I don't consider either Mysterio or Molten Man to be minor or lesser.

Response recorded on July 31, 2009

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clyde writes...

Hey Greg! Earlier I've asked you if you hate Carnage. You didn't answer my question yet and you don't have to because I heard that rumor was fake. I'm sorry for not checking if my question was answered. So don't when you get my questions, don't answer question #2 but answer all the other questions left. Thanks and I hope this message reaches you before you answer my questions.

Greg responds...

There's no way a LATER post would reach me before the earlier post. That's just not how ASK GREG works.

Response recorded on July 31, 2009

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Tommy writes...

Hi Greg,
I'm a huge Spidey (and Gargoyle) fan and I love your Spectacular Spidey animated show. By far my favorite episode is NATURAL SELECTION. So naturally, I have a few questions about it.

1. When this episode originally aired was it incomplete? I ask because there're two scenes that stand out that have been changed (or fixed?) since its first airing compared to its DVD release and widescreen airing on Disney XD. The first scene is the cake scene where it changed visually from a white cake to a chocolate cake. The second scene is the under water struggle between Spidey and the Lizard. In the first airing the under water scene is shot almost like it was in black and white, the exception being the Lizard's eyes are yellow. On the DVD release and Disney XD airings, Spidey and the Lizard are colored. Obviously you guys fixed the cake to match the dialogue, but what about the under water struggle? Was it fixed or changed? If it was changed, then why?

2. With there being different interpretations of the Lizard throughout his appearances in the comics and in other media, was there any specific reason why you guys went with an all-savage Lizard instead of one that retains some of Dr. Connors' intelligence?

Thanks for the time you take to answer these questions, I really do appreciate it.

Greg responds...

1. We had a number of color issues during the first season. But I don't recall things not being fixed in time for airing.

2. We went with what felt right to us.

Response recorded on July 31, 2009

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? writes...

Hi Greg! Now that I’ve watched Season 2 of The Spectacular Spider-Man, I have a few more questions. But first regarding the last set I asked:
I. Sorry about spelling your last name wrong, I didn’t realize it until it was too late.
II. With my 3rd question you did answer that you avoid biasness regarding characters which is great; I did mix the “parts” of my question together though (sorry about that again), so I was wondering if you liked the character of Venom? Most (not all) people I’ve met who said they don’t like Venom grew up in the “Stan Lee Era”. I understand you grew up during the “Lee/Romita Times”, but I also know that the “Greg hates Carnage Rumor” is false (I’m not a fan of Carnage, but I don’t hate him either, I’m “neutral/take or leave” to Carnage).
III. Thanks for answering my last batch of questions!
Alright, now onto the new batch of questions:
START OF SPIDEY SPOILERS!
1. I remember you said in an earlier post that you saw a little bit of the 90s Series but not enough to give a “true opinion” on it. My question is: Do you remember which episodes of the 90s series you saw? It’s OK if you don’t know the episode names; the villains from the episodes will suffice. I ask, because I noticed that the Symbiote arrives on Earth on John Jameson’s space shuttle in The Uncertainty Principle. This idea was 1st used in The Alien Costume Part I.
2. Why did the local authorities put Dr. Octopus in Raven Croft Asylum after Group Therapy when they had him in Rykers Prison before he escaped in that episode? I figured the “behind the scenes” reason was for your production crews’ plan, but what’s the “in story” reason (if you get what I mean)?
3. What was Eddie Brock doing during the Master Planner Arc? The most I can tell is that he was working out (he’s buffer then he was in Season 1) and that he made his own web shooters and costume. So where was he hiding and what else was he doing besides the things I mentioned earlier? I figured this was OK to ask as I don’t see how it would spoil anything in the future (sorry if it does).
4A. Whose idea was it to have Venom speak with 2 voices (Eddie’s voice and the Symbiote’s voice in unison)? I love the idea and I think it works so well for Venom.
4B. It actually reminds me of the fusion characters from Dragonball Z; have you ever herd of or seen Dragonball Z? If so, what did you think of it?
5A. What was your reason for making Walter Hardy/Black Cat’s dad into Uncle Ben’s killer? As someone else pointed out, it probably worked out better then it did with Flint Marko/Sandman in Spider-Man 3, because Walter was still the same guy Spidey let get away.
5B. What made James Remar your choice for Walter’s voice (I found him to be a great choice)? Do you remember who else tried out for Walter’s voice?
6. Seeing as how Norman and Green Goblin had different voice artists (for obvious reasons) I think it’s safe to say Roderick (or who ever you choose) and Hobgoblin will have different voice artists as well. My question is: If Season 3 does happen, will you just have Steve Blum voice Hobgoblin since he voiced Green Goblin or do you have someone else in mind for Hobby? The 90s Series used Neil Ross and Mark Hamil for Green Goblin and Hobgoblin respectively. I thought this would be OK to ask, since we already know Hobgoblin is in Season 3 and I’m only asking if Steve Blum is your voice choice for Hobby or not (not who exactly will be Hobby as we both know Season 3 is still undecided). Sorry if this was a “bad question” to ask.
Well, thanks again for answering my 2nd set of questions Greg! Hope you enjoy your summer (as far as temperature is concerned).

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

I. Don't worry about it.

II. I like our Venom.

III. You're welcome.

1. I'm fairly certain that the episodes I saw involved Carnage's debut and a Hobgoblin/Green Goblin conflict. But I don't think I've ever seen a complete episode start to finish of that series.

2. He convinced them he was nuts.

3. I think you've pretty much covered all the important points.

4A. Mine.

4B. I once saw a bit of Dragonball Z in Japanese, and couldn't make heads or tails of what was going on. But the immediate inspiration for what we did with Venom was what we did with Anubis in an episode of Gargoyles called "Grief".

5A. We combined the Burglar with the Cat Burglar with the Cat, etc. It all just seemed to fit, to be right to us.

5B. No one else tried out. We don't audition for guest characters. Our voice and casting director Jamie Thomason suggested James, and I thought it was a great idea.

6. No comment.

Response recorded on July 31, 2009

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Gareth Tan writes...

Hi, I'd just like to start by saying that I thought The Spectacular Spider-Man was pretty much the best adaption of the comics onto any sort of screen. This might of course stem from my inherent dislike of the movies, but enough about me. I have three questions for you;

1) Are you currently planning to involve SHIELD in any future seasons?

2) Given that all the established pieces are already on the board, do you feel that there's a need to eventually introduce the much-maligned clone saga, if you get a third and maybe fourth season?

3) Are there plans to eventually bring other, less traditional allies into the show, such as Daredevil?

thank you for answering my questions, assuming you do answer my questions. My apologies if they all turn out to be 'no comments'...

Greg responds...

1. No.

2. No comment.

3. See the archives. I've answered this ad nauseum.

Response recorded on July 31, 2009

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Harlan Phoenix writes...

"So, I'm curious about something involving the early development of Gargoyles...particularly, the pitching process. I'm not exactly sure how to word this, as my knowledge of how the process of actually pitching a show works, but I'll try my best."

That should read "As my knowledge of how the process of actually pitching a show works is limited." My bad. Last time I post a question late at night.

I do have a question concerning Spider-Man's stand alone status but the "in the early Marvel Universe" hypothetical status it's also in in your mind. Do you have any process of rationalizing why other heroes haven't been around to stop Spider-Man's villains? (I have this same general question concerning normal comic stories, as well, but that breed of this question obviously wouldn't be aimed at you. It's just always puzzled me how exclusive to their Rogues Gallery some heroes can be the grand majority of the time.)

Greg responds...

In my mind, there aren't a lot of heroes around yet. It's early days.

Tony Stark hasn't been to Vietnam or Afghanistan yet. Don Blake hasn't been to Norway. Steve Rogers is still an iceberg. Etc.

The Fantastic Four exist, but they're mostly dealing with COSMIC level threats.

The Hulk is leaping around the Southwest, more an exurban legend than a hero.

Ant-Man is operating in his own small way. Janet doesn't yet have her wings.

Professor X has only recently founded his school and only has a couple students (Cyclops and Beast).

Keep in mind, this is only my interpretation and is hardly official. As of now, we don't have access to ANY of these characters.

Response recorded on July 30, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

How does the Green Goblin change his voice? Does he have a voice-changer in his mask?

Greg responds...

That would be telling... and I try not to tell on murderous psychopaths.

Response recorded on July 30, 2009

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Lee H writes...

Hey Greg. I love the work you've done on The Spectacular Spider-Man, it's by far the best version of the character and his stories since Steve Ditko was handling him. A few questions:

1. You've mentioned before that you try your best to avoid creating original characters, so a lot of minor roles in the show are characters from the actual comic books. Are there any you can "reveal" that people haven't picked up on? I believe you've mentioned Tiny (McKeever, from Untold Tales right?) and Vin Gonzales before, which episodes did they appear in? Furthmore, has Seymour O'Reilly ( http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/seymourspdm.htm ) appeared in the show?

2. An excellent job has been done of merging certain characters, such as Montana/Shocker, Fancy Dan/Ricochet and Bennet Brant/Molten Man (which by extension merges some of Betty Brant with Liz Allan). Was Black Cat intentionally merged with Jessica Carradine? Are there any other, more subtle, character merges in the show?

3. Peter hasn't been shown tinkering with web shooters and gadgets as much as he did in the early issues of the comics. Was this something intentionally downplayed, or just due to time constraints and what-not?

4. What do you think worked best in Spectacular Spider-Man so far? Anything that didn't quite turn out as well as you'd hoped?

Thank you!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

1. Tiny, Seymour and Jason have all appeared. Tiny and Jason are on the football team, though Jason was injured mid-first season and Tiny's low grades temporarily knocked him off the team. Tiny dressed as a cheerleader on Halloween. Seymour announces the games. You might also recall his conversation with Mark Allan, when the latter returned to Midtown.

Vin and Alan have appeared many times too. They're the two uniformed cops who are NOT DeWolff and Carter.

You'll see more of all five characters if we get additional seasons.

2. Yes. Probably.

3. Mostly time constraints, but we have a major storyline planned about the invention of his web-shooters. Given enough episodes, we'll get to it eventually.

4. Uh... I'm pretty happy with pretty much everything. But of course, I'm biased.

Response recorded on July 30, 2009

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Paul writes...

I asked before whether Spidey had ever crossed paths with the real Mysterio in season 2, and you asked me to define "crossed paths", by which I mean any occasion when Spidey had come into contact with the real Beck in his Mysterio disguise. So did Spidey ever encounter the real Mysterio in season 2? I guess Beck was real enough in "Persona", but did Spidey ever meet the real deal on any occasion that he met Mysterio in season 2?

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on July 30, 2009

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Martin writes...

Greg responds
And just so it's clear, I do NOT enjoy answering nearly every post with "NO COMMENT". This isn't fun for me either, gang, but since collectively you all keep insisting on asking for Spoilers that I've already made clear I'm not going to give, you're not leaving me much choice.

Look, Greg, you gotta understand us (the fans). These season 3 questions are probably coming from people who have already seen season 2. Plus, you revealed two big villains for the 3rd season (and you revealed it waaay back, I think in an interview with Spidermancrawlspace, even before the show started on KidsWB). Two teases, and now, with the show's fate in the air, we want more. But I agree with you, we should stop with this. it must be frustrating for you to see every 3rd question be something like "will Venom return and Chameleon too" or "Will you kill off Gwen". HE'S NOT GONNA KILL OFF GWEN, ATLEAST NOT IN SEASON 3 SO BACK OFF. Now I was about to ask you something, but what was it.... oh yeah:

I read your interview where you say that if the show gets 4th season, there will be Spider-Mobile. Is this still valid?

Greg responds...

Yes.

And believe me, I get it. But at some point, the message needs to sink in that I can't and won't spoil Season Three, right?

Response recorded on July 30, 2009

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Clark Cradic writes...

Are you allowed to create show only characters for Spectacular Spider-man (not counting background characters like the couple) or does the agreement with Marvel prevent you from making your own characters for the story?

Greg responds...

There's no contractual rule saying we can't create original characters, but we made a CREATIVE decision early on to NOT create any original name characters.

Response recorded on July 29, 2009

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Spiderman Fan writes...

Hey Greg. You've done a great job with Spectacular Spiderman. I liked the twist with Black Cat's father murdering Uncle Ben which leads me to my questions:

1. I know you can't / won't reveal Season 3 but do you think Spiderman knowing Cat's relationship with Ben's muderer was a wise decision? The reason I ask is Black Cat's identity is basically shot since Spiderman could easily deduce her identity with a simple google search on The Cat Burglar.

2. Was the revelation Black Cat's father murdering Uncle Ben a calculated one (meaning Spiderman will use the info in a future episode)?

3. In Opening Night, it almost seems Cat's dad knows Spidermans identity based off his reaction in the air vent. This is my interpretation and perhaps am reading too much into it. Without revealing any spoilers, do you plan on having the Cat Burglar Cat's Dad) in future episodes?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

1. Obviously, I think it was a wise decision, or I wouldn't have done it.

2. We have plans.

3. No comment.

Response recorded on July 29, 2009

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Daniel writes...

Hi Greg,

I love 'The Spectacular Spider-Man', especially with what you and the crew did with the Green Goblin. Season 2 finale was Excellent!
The show itself has capture that old school Spidey feel and the only Spider-Man related comic book that captures this feeling, IMO, is the Spider-Girl series by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz.
That brings me to my questions:

1) Have you ever read a Spider-Girl comic?
2) If you have read Spider-Girl, what are your thoughts on the character and her world?

Greg responds...

1. Yes. But just a few issues.

2. There seems to be a lot of fun stuff there.

Response recorded on July 29, 2009

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Nelio writes...

Not so much a question but praise / comment.

I'm not the biggest Spidey fan in the world, I was a little skeptical about watching the Spectacular Spider-Man. However after your announcement about it getting a second season, I decided to give it a chance.

I'm glad I did. The show is great. First I love the character designs, especially Parker. Not sure if you played a hand in their creation, but I like Parker in particularly because of the few idiosyncrasies with his face such as the mole. I was curious though about the triangle nose "slit" he seem to have. Is that supposed to be just a nostril or some type of disfigurement due to an injury, or something like that? I personally hope it is one of the latter as I feel having an injury like that brings some insight to the character.

One thing I must mention is the level of complex interaction going in the show. It's very good, and something I wouldn't expect from a cartoon. I dare say it has complexities of that of a prime time drama. I also love the long fight scenes.

While I'm mostly like you Greg for Gargoyles, I have to admit in the two other cases I've seen you work (7 episodes on The Batman and now Spectacular Spider-Man), I'm very happy with he quality of story you provide us with. Thank you very much.

Greg responds...

The mole is a "signature" of our character designer Sean "Cheeks" Galloway, who -- no surprise -- has the exact same mole.

There's no injury to Pete's nose.

Thanks for the kind words.

Response recorded on July 29, 2009

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rick writes...

first off, in 2005-07 i wasn't a real big fan of marvel until spidey 3 came out then i loved it again i cab probaly name every characters comic, animated series, movie, etc. but after spierman friend or foe came out (game) i was kinda fallin behind. then i saw the spectacular trailer for spiderman and i loved it, the action even the animation i really don't get why some people don't like it. anyway i have a question and opinions on some of the characters.

question: have you ever played any of the games because i noticed spidey called goblin emerald elf just like in the first movie game.

opinions:
vulture: when i first found out he was the first villain i was asking myself why? but you really did a great job with him it's everything he should be plus more.

enforcers:
in survival of the fittest i was only expecting vulture but when i saw the enforcers i was in a state of shock to see they were in a series. after spidey 3 i went out and bought spiderman essentials and thank god i did because i now know characters like blacky gagston (sorry if its spelled wrong, frederick foswell and both his alter egos, and enforcers or i wouldnt have known about them. more to the point these were really great adaptations of them and the fight scene was perfection. thanx

hammerhead: one word, brilliant this is how i always pictured hammerhead. a deep voice, a henchman for a crime boss but still is his own man, he was pulled off so nicely.

electro: me and my friends always mde jokes about his outfit, like how stupid it made him look but we still liked the character nonetheless. but this electro brings it to a whole new level, he is easily one of my top 5 favorite villains in the show.

lizard: i always liked dialouge in comics but for characters like liazrd, manwolf (even though he had no dialouge)and other monsterous characters like that i didn't think it suited themi mean i would like to see a few words coming out of his mouth but not a shitload (sorry for language)and not to mention the way he looks does resemble the comics but it is more ripped up and his silentness just made this character more frightening and AWESOME!!!

shocker: i saw the commercials and i just was in amazment of how awesome the episode looked and when i saw it it didn't disappoint. it was excellent. shocker though at first when i found out it was montana (here we go again, right) i was a little confused but after the episode it made more sense. montana suits your series' shocker.

sandman: flint marko was awesome and so is sandman, incredible job, this sandman was 10 times better than the movie version (not saying i hated it) and maybe even the comic version.

rhino: again better than the comic version. he reminded me of the hulk. and that is how it should be. although did you ever think of using ultimate rhino's look?

bigman/ tombstone: i was expecting fosswell but tombstone worked out great. in this he's more than just a henchman and thank god for that. also, i got kinda tired of kingpin in 90's series, not that i don't like him just he was in every episode. i do hope to see kingpin in this though.

green goblin: my favorite character right next to venom on this show. this goblin is exactly how it should be, just an excellent choice and steve blum is perfect.

doc ock: when i saw his look i had my doubts but it grew on me and soon he bacame one of my favorie villains on the show. his attitude, his action scenes, and the fact you made him master planner just like in the comics is awesome. and the battery pack or whatever it is called is another great improvement.

chameleon: not a huge fan of the chameleon but this version is just speechless. he is a cool villain in the show not best but cool.

Black Cat: 100 times better than the 90's version, exactly how she was in the comics, but will we ever see felica hardy out of costume?

sinister six: PERFECT!!! first six with ock, rhino, sandman, vulture, electro, and shocker was the best one. and the second one with sandman, rhino, vulture, electro, mysterio and kraven was cool and all that but when mysterio and kraven were introduced i was expecting the ock, mysterio, sandman, electro, kraven, and vulture version, will we ever see them?

Venom: Awesome job with black spidey, but why was his costume changing every episode. the symbiote going through his thoughts and memory and stuff was awesome(i use this word entirely to much) and venom was just too great to be true but it was and i loved it. eddie being his friend like in ultimate and the symbiote being an alien like in amazing was a great mix. my favorite character on the show.

Mysterio: awesome adaptaion of him.but that cheesey accent is really wierd.

Tinkerer: another character that was brought from a "whos that" level to an "oh him"
level, nice!

Kraven: i liked the mixture of sergei and the wolf looking creature, extremely cool but i do hope to see more of his human form.

Calypso: not really much to say but was a nice cameo and hope to see more of her.

colonel jupiter: just another great improvement w/ a character on this show. he was incredible.

silver sable: cool character but why was she going out w/hammerhead and why silvermane's daughter?

New enforcers: shocker, ox and the new and improved fancy dan, ricochet. a nice adjustment and creative decision to make fancy dan ricochet.

Silvermane: i wished there could have been more with the character but he was still awesome while he lasted, espescially w/ the suit.

Molten man: the last villain introduced throughout the two seasons and yet another great improvement on your show...how r u doing it.

that ends this i hope for at least 65 episodes but if it is doing good would you consider doing more

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

I'll try to cover all of your questions, but in any case, thanks for the kind words...

I'm not much of a gamer.

We're pretty happy with Rhino's current look.

We've seen Felicia out of costume and probably will again.

We'll go through a different variation on the Six each season.

Spidey's symbiote costume changed as the symbiote took more and more control over his mind.

Silver Sable seemed a natural fit as Silvermane's daughter. (How many silver types can we have running around without connecting them up?) As for her relationship with Hammerhead, we liked the backstory and dynamics that created for four characters (Sable, Hammerhead, Silvermane and Tombstone).

Response recorded on July 29, 2009

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stephen writes...

can you answer a couple of questions:
1.) have you ever seen the 90's spiderman cartoon and if you have did you ever think about using some of the stufff they did?

2.) what made you pick tombstone as the big man...i know you answered it before but you always said at first you wanted to use kingpin but couldn't but my question is why not frederick fosswell but tombstone?

sorry if i confused you i was just curious

Greg responds...

1. I've seen very little of it.

2. Have you seen Tombstone?

Response recorded on July 28, 2009

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Paul writes...

I read your response to my question about when "Final Curtain" takes place and I thought I'd ask: does "Final Curtain" take place before, on or after St. Patrick's Day (considering the emphasis on the colour green on that day, and for the villain of the episode)?

Greg responds...

Not sure.

Response recorded on July 27, 2009

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Antiyonder writes...

An aspect that often attributed to Spider-Man's success is that the audience can, has or had related to him. With that said:

1. As far as Spidey's civilian life (because I have serious doubts that you have superhuman strength or can stick to walls or have a spider sense) goes, do you or have you related to him in any way?

1a. If yes, then how?

Greg responds...

1. I think Pete's an everyman in the classic archetypal sense. He has money troubles, girl troubles, family troubles, job troubles, etc. So sure, I can relate.

1a. What, you want personal details from my life? Sorry.

Response recorded on July 27, 2009

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ComicCon 2009

Hey gang,

Had a fun convention. We had 100 copies of Clan-Building Volume Two on sale, and they went like hotcakes. David Hedgecock and I did multiple signings.

Also did a signing at the Ape booth for Mecha-Nation with Vic Cook.

And Vic, Sean "Cheeks" Galloway, Josh "Spider-Man" Keaton, Robert "Vulture" Englund, Kelly "Sha Shan" Hu and myself had a successful Spidey panel on Sunday.

Saw friends. Ate meals. Bought a Captain Atom action figure.

Good times.


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Clyde writes...

1 more question i forgot to ask:
The Green Goblin in Spectacular Spiderman seems a lot more dangerous than in the comics. He sort of reminds me of the Joker from The Dark Knight. If Venom and Green Goblin would get into a fight in the show, who do you think will win?

Greg responds...

These sort of hypotheticals don't really interest me.

Response recorded on July 21, 2009

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Clyde writes...

1. Is there at least a small chance that Spider-Man will bond with the symbiote one more time in future episodes?
2. Is is true you hate Carnage?
3. Your goal is to reach 65 episodes. If the show gets really high ratings after you're done all 5 seasons, would you still continue the show with a season 6 and beyond?

Greg responds...

1. No comment.

2. Rumors, vicious rumors.

3. I'll continue as long as they'll let me.

Response recorded on July 21, 2009

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SpecSpidey546 writes...

which Hobgoblin do you prefer - Roderick Kingsley or Jason Macendale?

Greg responds...

Do I have to have a preference?

Response recorded on July 21, 2009

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Matus/Slovakia/ writes...

I just wanted to say how pleased I am with all TSS stuff. Great job. No questions, life is full of surprises and I am going to wait for it all in TSS S3!

Greg responds...

Glad you like it.

Response recorded on July 20, 2009

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SpiderFan89 writes...

oh, I forgot to ask you - if season 3 is ordered, will the situaton with season 4 be same (waiting for the ratings and stuff)?

Greg responds...

I'd think so.

Response recorded on July 20, 2009

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SpiderFan89 writes...

Greg, congratulations for your Spider-Man series. I watched the two seasons and as everybody else, I want more. but I'm not gonna ask season 3 questions because:
A) you wont reveal anything
B) by the time you answer this we will know if there's going to be another season

so:
1) have you watched the other new Marvel shows - Wolverine & The X-Men and Iron Man - Armored Adventures? if so, what do you think of them?
2) theres been speculation that Teletoon (Spectacular Spidey's Canadian home) may step in to save the show. is that a possibility, or the fate of the series depends entirely on Disney XD?
3) can you use Jack O'Lantern and The Punisher?
4) which Spider-Man games have you played?

thats for now.

Greg responds...

1. I haven't seen them.

2. I have no idea.

3. Not the Punisher.

4. None. I'm not really much of a gamer. But I do love Tetris.

Response recorded on July 20, 2009

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AJC writes...

Based on season two of Spectacular Spider-man, the character Debra Whitman appears to be quite aloof and unsympathetic (when she stood in the background as miles warren basically took over the connors' lab and fired them). What was the reasoning behind this characterization and how is this bringing out the essence of the character? Sorry if I am being analytical.

Greg responds...

There was actually a bit of a mistake there. Deb was supposed to be walking by when she was introduced. She doesn't respond, but it's not because she's being rude, it's because she's completely immersed in her work. The board artist didn't get that and had her stop for the introduction but then walk away. She comes across quite differently than we intended. I caught the error and alerted the director, but it fell through the cracks, and the boarded version was animated. As you can imagine, I wasn't pleased, but I was stuck with what we had.

Response recorded on July 20, 2009

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Alex writes...

Hi, Greg.

Have you ever had the chance to watch any episodes of Gargoyles or The Spectacular Spider-Man on another language (German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, ...)? If so, which did you enjoy the most/least?

Greg responds...

I haven't.

Response recorded on July 17, 2009

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Pete writes...

Before I begin i just wanna thank you for the best superhero animated series EVER!!!!
Now, with that said I would like to ask...
1.) If you were to ever use any other hero in the marvel universe who would it be?

2.) Did you like the fact that Harry was Hobgoblin in the Ultimate Spiderman Comics?

3.) Are you a fan of the Crime Master? (The crimelord that was in about two comics with the goblin then killed off.)

4.) Season 1 and 2 were both incredible, none of the episodes were below 8 out of 10, but something is bugging me...Norman's alive just like in the comics, were you trying to respect the comics or were you not aloud to keep him dead.

5.) Quuestion four leads me to another question, can you name some of the things you are not aloud to do on the show?

6.) Finally, when, not if WHEN, season 3 gets commisioned will you announce it on this site.

Thanks for your time and the best anime series out there:)

Greg responds...

1. In Spec. Spidey? Or in his or her own show?

2. If I say yes, does that imply that I'm planning the same thing? If I say no, does that imply I'm not?

3. I'm not not a fan.

4. Neither.

5. i can't think of anything beyond using realistic gunshot sounds.

6. Yes.

Response recorded on July 17, 2009

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Aldrius writes...

**Spider-man spoilers***

***Seriously***

Ramble: Child Development 101

Okay, so last season I thought the Symbiote arc was pretty good, I didn't really like Eddie that much, but I thought that the take on the Symbiote was interesting. My only real complaint was as with most symbiote stories (in Ultimate, in the other Animated Series), we didn't go long enough thinking it was just a regular costume. (Though I guess that'd be kind of pointless with most people knowing it's an alien.)

I find the theme of this arc hard to pin down. Psychology made sense last season as we were sort of looking into the motives and histories of Eddie Brock and Peter Parker and how they contrasted with one another. But here? We're not really getting a deeper look into Eddie or Peter's history beyond the first episode. I suppose to a degree the major theme is people with power they cannot yet handle or control. (Jameson and his spores, Sandman and his beach, Eddie and the Symbiote.) Which is of course, a big part of growing up.

Anyway, overall while reinforcement was my least favourite episode, this was probably my least favourite arc of the series. Most of the B-plots were always more interesting than what Venom was up to. I really loved the Sandman plot, I thought there could have been more information involved in the relationship between the Master Planner and the Big Man. I also vastly preferred the personal stake Jameson had in the Colonel Jupiter episode. And the third episode had some fun with people considering whether Peter could be Spider-man.

I have a theory about Norman's "No." but I'll chose to keep that to myself until I review Drama 101. The Conner's perspective is interesting, and I kinda like that they suspect, Aunt May's reaction is okay, but I'm still disappointed Peter has never told her. (And that's something I still don't really get. I guess he doesn't want to worry her, but it still seems irresponsible.) Stacy's reaction is of course, awesome. There are so many series and movies out there where the police are made out to be incompetent and completely incapable of foreseeing or preventing even the smallest of crimes, nice to see that subverted here. Stacy is actually a detective.

The use of the gene cleanser was an interesting choice, but a lot of wasted potential in the last episode again, I feel. Kind of like Reinforcement, I think a re-balancing between action and the villain's reaction to Peter Parker would have been apt (that one fight with Venom seemed to go on for a really long time for me). Though that's a tricky bit of writing to pull off, as I also find it difficult to justify why somebody like say, Tombstone (or even Beck really) wouldn't get rid of Peter just in case he was Spider-man.

Other than that, I liked the use of different soliloquies for each part here. Made for nice little bits of character development. While Gwen hooking up with Harry is almost as foolish as Peter hooking up with Liz. Bah, teenagers.

Overall, like I said, not my favourite arc, but overall much better upon reflection. I enjoy Venom somewhat, but still feel like there's something missing with the character. His motives make sense, but I think I just find them too petty to be invested in them. And Venom comes across as too much as a petulant child for me to find him scary beyond his first appearance.

Greg responds...

Okay... hopefully the next arc will work better for you.

Response recorded on July 17, 2009

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Matthew writes...

When the DVDs for Spectacular Spider-Man were being talked about (prior to the release), the plan was for the arcs to be combined into "movies" and would feature cut material as well as stuff like gunshots. The first release followed this format. The episodes smoothly transitioned into each other and there were added scenes (as far as I know, only the scene with the cop shooting at the Lizard and Flash hitting Pete in the crotch with a water balloon). Now, when the following 3 volumes were released, this format was changed. The episodes were separate and the gunshots were still lasers. No apparent added scenes were present.

I just saw an early solicitation for the upcoming series set and it made no indication on whether or not the set would include extra scenes or actual gun sounds. I was just wondering if you have any idea if these will be uncut episodes or not.

Also, I've been curious, in "Group Therapy" when Black Costume Spidey fights the 6 for the second time Rhino gets shocked by Electro and Rhino's mouth moves, almost like he's trying to say something. Was his line removed? Or was this just part of the animation? It's been bugging me a lot and I just wanted some clarification.

Thanks for the time. The show is amazing. I was actually at Wondercon when you premiered the pilot of the show and ever since then I was a HUGE fan of your take on the Spidey mythos. I can't wait for the second season to air in the US and I have my fingers crossed for a 3rd season (as well as a 4th and 5th!)

Greg responds...

I assume the series box set will be the as-aired episodes. But I'm not in the loop.

I'm afraid I don't remember the Rhino moment you're referring to. I'd need to see it again.

Response recorded on July 16, 2009

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gary writes...

i would like to say thank you for creating the best superhero animated series of all time...second, this is a question, i know you can't and won't reveal any future plans for the series but can you answer this, i know fox had a hellofalot things the 90's series couldn'y do like punch...PUNCH, obviously this series doesnt have as much problems but, finally my question, is carnage to dark for the series, along with morbius biting people, and how about the death of gwen and george stacey stories? thanks

Greg responds...

I don't know any way to answer this without making it sound like hints toward future plans.

So just talking about S&P in general, the situation shifts and changes all the time, depending on everything from the network and its current strategy and target audience to the individual giving notes -- but most of all depending on how any given thing is handled by the writers and board artists. Ultimately, it's all about execution.

Response recorded on July 15, 2009

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Aldrius writes...

****Spectacular Spider-man season 2 spoilers***

***Avert your eyes!!***

Ramble: Engineering 101

These reviews are taking me forever to write out, I don't really have that much to say about each individual episode so I'll just write the reviews about arcs instead.

Here we have Engineering 101. I really liked this arc, I think. The mystery was kinda absent and hard to follow, but of course I think establishing that the Big Man is not necessarily Foswell, Shocker is not Herman Shultz and 'Harry Osborn is the Green Goblin' made it so that we could believe it might be someone else.

I think I just found it too silly to believe that Dr. Octopus' arms were the Master Planner. Which is what it seemed like you were going for. The mystery also was given too much breathing room, there wasn't enough called into question. Though I guess that was true of the 'Big Man' mystery as well, it didn't seem like as much of a... mystery? If that makes sense. But maybe that was just because I didn't know that Foswell was the Big Man in the comics, so I had no real suspects. (Unlike the Master Planner arc where I had one, maybe two suspects with the Chameleon.)

At first I didn't really enjoy this arc that much. Reinforcement is probably my least favourite episode in the entire series. There wasn't a whole lot of plot development and outside of the first five minutes and the last two minutes, nothing really changed or progressed. I also didn't feel the action, while exemplary as usual, made up for this fact. I find the gigantic robotic dragon...especially puzzling.

Blueprints and Destructive Testing were fun diversions that introduced new villains while connecting them to the overarching plotline of the Master Planner. I actually liked Kraven's design as a 'mutant' and I thought it made his character development a whole lot more visceral. Though I hope to see some more depth injected into this in *crosses fingers* season 3. I definitely don't agree with many who want to see this change reversed, however.

Warren is an interesting creature, I don't know a lot about his character from the comic. But he makes a good enough anti-Dr Connors with his experimenting for money and his carrying a handgun around wherever he goes.

Really nice direction by Kevin Altieri here, especially with the scenes in the lab. It's so cool that he got the threat of a handgun into a scene without having to make issue with standards and practices. And there was this one great shot focusing on the lion's eyes. I love scenes where people square up against eachother without actually fighting, and merely one-up eachother with their demands. They're so much more interesting than actual fights.

Calypso was also very cool. Another character I hope to see more of in the future, though it's strange to me that she just disappeared. The drum motif that accompanies her is also very cool, and gives the character a sense of power that I appreciate.

Shear Strength is very cool, though. It was nice to see the Vulture and Electro taking up major roles in this episode, giving certain villains their own spot-light episode to accompany the major sinister six episode. This is also where I (and I believe the rest of the fandom) began our secret love affair with George Stacy. The guy was cool last season in Persona and Nature vs. Nurture, but here he's sticking it to a super-villain to ensure his daughter's safety, and who doesn't love that?

The end to this arc is both disheartening and interesting. I kind of like Liz, though she's... really wrong for Peter. Good for her for sticking up for herself anyway, though Gwen really could and should have done the same beforehand.

Overall a pretty rocky, but overall good arc, I enjoyed it immensely and hope to see more in the future!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!

We were absolutely NOT going for the idea that his arms were the Master Planner. What we were going for was the idea that Otto was a big, fat faker in "Reinforcement". And I would think that his conversation with Electro in "Shear Strength" made that pretty clear.

Response recorded on July 15, 2009

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Clark Cradic writes...

Was the Norman Osborn right before and after the accident that created Doc Ock Chameleon?

Greg responds...

No.

Response recorded on July 15, 2009

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Akeem M. writes...

I have to congratulate you on the success on The Spectacular Spider-Man series. Season 2 Spoilers ahead! Good job on letting the villains like Ock and Norman use big words. I found out that Norman had no idea that Harry was drinking the green after he mentioned that it was "more serendipity" that he found Harry there after mentioning that he happened to find "Norman Osborn" witnessing a Green Goblin theft. It was genious, I applaud you for making people look up words.

Fredrick Foswell obviously knew that Mr. Lincoln was the "Big Man" during the events of the episode "Gangland". Now when initially asked by Peter about this, he tells the teenager that Mr. Lonnie Thompson Lincoln is a good man and is not a criminal. Why was that? Now I beleive that Foswell is a good man and isn't a reporter/crime lord like his comics incarnation. I can only assume that he didn't want this child going out to investigate it and getting killed.

Will they EVER catch Mysterio? Also, I want to know ouside of the aftermath with Tinkerer in "Blueprints", have we even SEEN the real Quentin Beck as Mysterio? Does Spider-Man catch the robots? I tend to think that when he speaks it is really him (Spider-man catching him in "Blueprints" and "Reinforcements", and Beck's prison appearance in "Identity Crisis") because when he is revealed as a robot, he has some kind of blank stare...so I guess he escaped out of prison off screen after "Identity Crisis". Am I right?

Does anyone outside of the Osborne family, Pete, Gwen know about Norman's "hobby"? I assume not because I'm sure that being a supervillain/crime boss is looked down on in the world of business and Oscorp will be asking for a bailout...

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

Foswell found out about Lincoln at the opera house in "Gangland". He didn't know before.

As for the Mysterio stuff, I think it's way more fun to leave you guessing... so I will.

And, yes, the world learns that Norman was the Green Goblin somewhere between his "death" and his funeral, which -- as you saw -- was rather sparsely attended for a man of his means and stature.

Response recorded on July 15, 2009

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Henry Goeldner writes...

Hello Mr Weisman, an Australian fan here curious about quite a number of things pertaining to your most excellent adaption of the Spiderman mythos. Hypothetical questions in fact.

You have stated previously that you had wished to use Kingpin in some form and still hope to. If you could use Kingpin, for season three or hopefully even a season four (or five, six, seven, it deserves that much at least) would you have Daredevil make an appearance as well? What of other costumed adventurers, both major and minor? If you could use any Marvel hero, which would you incorporate into your highly entertaining series?

Say for instance, Prowler?

Greg responds...

I've answered this many times. Please check the archives.

Response recorded on July 14, 2009

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Forrest writes...

Do you know when The Spectacular Spider-man Season 1 box set will come out, some people say it will come out this summer. Do you know a release date for it? And will there be a Season 2 box set?

Greg responds...

July 28th for the first season box set.

I assume there will eventually be a Season 2 box set, as well.

Response recorded on July 14, 2009

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Mo writes...

Guess what? More Spidey questions!

1) Exactly how did a Goblin costume tailored for Norman Osborn convincingly fit Harry Osborn?
2) Is Spider-Man at all wanted for the attempted murder of Otto Octavious in "Group Therapy"?
3) Did nobody put together the disappearance of the Symbiote, Spider-Man being at the scene of the crime and him wearing the black costume?
4) Will Spider-Man at all appear in season 3?

Thanks again!

Greg responds...

1. It's stretchy.

2. Nope.

3. Why would anyone associate a missing alien with a change in color to Spider-Man's costume?

4. Yes. (You got me.)

Response recorded on July 14, 2009

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Forrest writes...

Hi Greg,
I'v been watching Spectacular Spider-Man on Disney XD, and its always on when Im at school. And its never on agine, do you think you can change the time from the morning to the afternoons. So there can be more viewers for the show, so third season could come out.

Greg responds...

I have no control over time periods, but you should check your listings, because I know they rerun episodes ALL THE TIME.

Response recorded on July 13, 2009

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Tanner writes...

If the third season of the Spectacualr Spider-man does come out, when will it come?

Greg responds...

No idea.

Response recorded on July 09, 2009

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Natan writes...

Hello Greg!

Will you be doing audio commentaries for the season sets of Spectacular Spider-Man?

I have currently have the individual volumes and I have to say that the special features are very disappointing to say the least. Are you involved with the distribution of the DVD's at all? Do you know when fans can expect the sets to be released? I hear it might be this July.

It would also be fun if there was a sort of pop-up video or trivia special feature that tells you all the little references to the comics from each episode. I love how every little supporting character plays a part in this show and how they are all existing characters in the comic book world - even ones obscure as Sha Shan (I don't think anyone even realizes that she is an actual character in the comics!).

Also, will you be attending San Diego Comic Con this year?

Thanks.

Greg responds...

I will be at San Diego Comic-Con, and we'll be having a Spider-Man panel on Sunday, July 26th at 10am in Room 6A. The panel includes me and...

Supervising Producer/Supervising Director Victor Cook;
Supervising Character Designer Sean "Cheeks" Galloway;
Josh Keaton, the voice of Spider-Man/Peter Parker;
Robert Englund, the voice Vulture/Adrian Toomes;
Kelly Hu, the voice of Sha Shan Nguyen...

I haven't done any audio commentaries yet, but I hope to. I'm not involved with the production of these DVDs, however.

Response recorded on July 09, 2009

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AL writes...

Hi Greg,

First I just want to say congratulations on creating what many have dubbed "the definitive Spider-Man show". Spectacular Spider-Man is such a wonderful show. Everyone working on the show has just done such an amazing job. Thanks for all the hard work.

I know you are still awaiting a third season to be picked up. I've read a lot of concerns from fans about how the show might never get more than 26 episodes. This is pretty irrational since it's still too early to know, but there is always a chance that a third season may never be picked up. So my question is, IF the show does not continue with a third season or IF the show is canceled (let's hope not!) before it reaches your target 52 or 65(?) episodes, do you think it's possible to continue the story in a different medium? For example: as a comic book series. Or, could the show continue as a series of straight to DVD movies, like what you planed after the entire series ended?

Thanks! Crossing my fingers for Season 3!

Greg responds...

I'd be willing, but ultimately it's not up to me.

Response recorded on July 09, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 08, 2009

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AJC writes...

Does Walter Hardy know Spider-man's identity?

Greg responds...

I think he might be able to guess. Maybe.

Response recorded on July 08, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 08, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 08, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 07, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 07, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 07, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 06, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 06, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 06, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 06, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 03, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 03, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 03, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 03, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 03, 2009

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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.

Response recorded on July 02, 2009

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Andrew writes...

Any word on The Spectacular Spider-Man Season 3?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

Check the archives.

Response recorded on July 02, 2009

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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?

Response recorded on July 01, 2009

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Phillip A writes...

Hello Greg,

Big fan. I apologize in advance (as I know this is a question I'm sure you are just BOMBARDED with), but IGN TV just posted an article listing shows that have been officially renewed, and Spectacular was on there. However, it's IGN, so I thought I'd ask you.

Here's the link so you don't have to go looking for it.

http://tv.ign.com/articles/978/978224p3.html
"The Spectacular Spider-Man (Officially Renewed)"

Also, please don't be angry with me... I checked the archives for IGN.

Greg responds...

I'm assuming that's referring to Season Two. We have not yet been picked up for Season Three.

Response recorded on June 30, 2009

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Aaron writes...

I recently caught up with the Spectacular Spider-Man and been very impressed by what I saw. In light of that, I gave the new X-Men show a shot too and have been equally impressed by it's choice of setting. Obviously the different networks (and decidedly different settings) prevents a crossover, but does the existence of the show prevent X-Men characters from ever cameoing in Spectacular Spider-Man?

Since I was never a comic book fan, I was introduced to the extended Marvel universe thanks to the Spider-Man animated series from the 1990s. Without it, I probably never would have gone and saw movies like Iron Man and Hulk (or at least not one day one). I'm hoping this series will have the same effect on my younger counterparts. This series looks to be the real successor to Batman: TAS.

Greg responds...

It's not the existence of Wolverine and the X-Men that prevents cross-overs. It's the contracts that state we only have access to characters in the Spider-Man corner of the Marvel Universe.

Response recorded on June 30, 2009

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Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...

Dear Greg,
I finally got a chance to watch some epsiodes of Spider-Man yesterday, and I just wanted to congratulate you on more excellent storytelling. I particularly enjoyed making use of a little-known character (Tombstone), and accurately portraying the plight of the nerd; every girl's friend, no one's lover. Well done, and I look forward to catching more of this series.

Greg responds...

Thanks. I hope you do!

Response recorded on June 30, 2009

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Will Keaton writes...

Greg.

The first two seasons of Spectacular Spider-man have been, well, spectacular. I think it can honestly be said without hyperbole that this is the best adaptation of the Spider-man franchise since the birth of Stan Lee. You know we are all waiting to hear word about season 3 being commissioned and we will keep our fingers crossed, hoping for the best.

I should warn you there will be spoilers for season 2 from this point on.

Amoungst the other things this series has done especially well one thing I've enjoyed is the set ups to story arcs still down the road. For example; With Eddie in custody, probably "bonding" with his new cell-mate as we speak, and the symbiote on the loose you've done a nice job of setting up another Venom arc. Before the symbiote came to earth Eddie was one of the most honourable people on the show. Being based off the Ultimate version he was a much more decent fellow than the guy from the comics or the 90's animated series, who was a complete jerk. With someone other than poor Petey to hate on this Eddie may have a shot at redemption. Maybe. The earlier Spider-man series that aired on Fox back in the 90's was notorious for heavy censorship it got from the network. Have you ever felt restricted in the stories you are allowed to tell because of network censors? And are you worried that this could be an issue in the future, especially when dealing with a certain red-headed serial killer?

You've already mentioned plans to use the Hobgoblin and Scorpion, both of whom we've already met or had their name mentioned. Other people we've already met are Carnage, Hydro-man, the Prowler, Sin-eater and of course the Jackal, who I'm sure will play a major role in the not-to-distant future. I'm also kind of hoping to see some spider-slayer action in season 3, but that is neither here nor there. You've also included numerous homages to earlier Spider-man shows; like the Spidey vs. Mysterio fight that took place in a western bar set just like in the 60's animated show. That show also had a lot of really lame or ill-thought out villains that shouldn't by any right have posed a threat to Spidey. Looking back do you think there is one guy made specifically for that show that you particularly like or think you could turn into a credible threat?

At first glance Molten-man seems very similar to Electro, especially his first appearance in season 1. Both guys had their lives wrecked in a lab and walk away with powers that literally fry everything they touch and that they can't turn off, (themselves). However, despite similar reactions to their powers and some anger management issues Mark and Max still come across as unique characters. At any point in production were you worried about two different villains coming across as being too similar to one another due to similar powers or backstory?

The naming system for the story arcs has been a nice touch. I wouldn't be surprised if a story arc about aunt May ended up being called Geriatrics 101. What I'd really like to see however is History 101, as there are a few past events I'm sure we'd all like to see explored in a bit more detail. For instance the events surrounding the deaths of the Parkers and the Brocks, how Foswell got his Silvermane scoop and how Tombstone took control of the criminal underworld thus becoming the Big Man. (Complete with Hammerhead/Sable romancin'.) Of course Pete and Felicia still have some issues they need to sort out, and it's only a matter of time before the events of Uncle Ben's death are brought to light. From what we know of Felicia's dad it seems almost impossible to believe he would murder poor Ben, especially after decades of priding himself on never hurting anyone, (physically that is, financially is another story.) There is definitely more to that story than meets the eye.

One little nitpick. Actually, given how important this little detail became in season 2 this is more than a nitpick, but I digress. Ol' Norman has repeatedly said he never apologizes, he was willing to face an angry buzzard to avoid doing so and this was the one flaw in Chameleon's otherwise flawless performance as Osborn. However, way back in season one episode 4, Market Forces, during his conversation with Hammerhead he says, "My apologies for the interruption." It seems like a minor gripe at first but since the phrase "I never apologize" becomes so important later this earlier inconsistency is now a genuine plot hole. If you think you can find a way to fix this minor/major inconsistency when/if season three comes out, well actually that'd be par for the course for you.

Speaking of the Osborns; in every Spider-man related work I have ever seen Harry's mom has been either explicitly stated as dead or not mentioned at all. Yet you decided to have her alive and conspicuous. I understand why you altered Shocker's/Montana's and Silver Sables' history as it helps streamline the plot. However, Mrs. Osborn has served no purpose at all outside of one (totally awesome) gag in Final Curtain. What made you decide to go against popular consensus and include her when she isn't doing anything? Also, how was anyone able to convince people Norman was dead? They obviously never found his body and the only people who knew Norman was the goblin where Spidey; who isn't likely to tell the authorities anything, Chameleon; who is even less likely to do the same thing, Menkin (maybe) and Harry; neither of whom would want the Goblin/Osborn connection made public. So who set up the funeral and everything? Speaking of the funeral, I think Harry knows his dad isn't dead. I honestly don't know if he can be as manipulative as he was in the graveyard scene if he was still distraught about his dad's death. Besides, after Normy exclaims he "needed to make a man out of Harry" and has "never been more proud" of his son (was Harry able to hear that line? I'm not sure if he could hear inside the helicopter,) and being outed in front of Harry anyway I think he may trust him enough to let him know he's not dead. Maybe. Norman loves his son in his own twisted little way but he's still a domineering psychopath in a Halloween costume and after successfully manipulating almost every single character over the course of two seasons I wouldn't trust him if my life depended on it.

Oh, and about his whole "Greg doesn't like Carnage thing". I believe there was a rumour that the director of the Spider-man movies didn't like the symbiotes in general. Maybe someone got the two of you mixed up somewhere down the line. It's obvious you do like Venom though so that might explain why no one has said "Greg doesn't like Venom," leaving Carnage the only one who gets all your fictional hatin'.

Just for the record, I was never fooled for a minute when Harry was revealed to be the Goblin back in Season one. I know better than to trust anything you tell us during a conspiracy Mr. Greg I-invented-the-Xanatos-gambit Weisman.

By the way, how did May's cook book; "1001 Ways to Prepare Banana." sell?

Anyway, good luck getting the go ahead for season 3. We're all rooting for you.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

I'm not particularly concerned about censorship.

Your memories of the sixties' series are clearly clearer than mine.

I felt fairly confident that Molten Man and Electro would remain fairly distinct from each other.

Emily has already had her uses. And we have more planned for her as well. As to why we included her, we felt we had too many single parent families, between Pete and Gwen. It seemed essential to both of those characters that Aunt May and Captain Stacy were single parents. It didn't seem essential to Harry's character, however.

A body was found. You can work out the rest for yourself.

May's cookbook hasn't hit the shelves yet.

Response recorded on June 30, 2009

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Joltman writes...

Any more specifics on a season set for The Spectacular Spider-Man? Some people are worried that it's either not going to happen, or that all it will just be the four volumes repackaged.

Greg responds...

All I know at this time is that it's due out this summer.

Response recorded on June 30, 2009

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Spidey Ratings

FYI:

THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN episode "Blueprints" delivered 1.57 B6-11 rating, up +76% from prior 4 week time period average, retaining 89% of Catch that Kid lead-in in B6-11 and delivering the time period's highest B6-11 Rtg in over one month… since THE INCREDIBLES on 5/4/09.

"Destructive Testing" delivered 1.86 B6-11 Rtg, its highest ratings yet on DXD, while up +54% from prior 4 week time period average, delivering the time period's highest B6-11 rating in over one year...


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Clark Cradic writes...

What do you think Xanato's opinion of Norman Osborn would have been, both as a business rival, a person, and a father would have been?

Greg responds...

I think he would have been appalled at Norman's parental approach. He'd of course have to admire his business acumen and respect his machiavellian bent. But I find it hard to imagine the two has friends.

Response recorded on June 29, 2009

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???????? writes...

greg before i ask my question i've got to say i like the work you have done espacially gargoyles and the spectacular spiderman, so my question is well...

how tssm doing raitings wise on Disney XD?

Greg responds...

The reruns did pretty well, as far as I know. Still waiting to hear how last week's Season Two premiere went.

Response recorded on June 29, 2009

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Michael writes...

has season 3 been confirmed yet

Greg responds...

Check the archives.

Response recorded on June 26, 2009

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Maester Olorin writes...

What can the fans do to help insure new seaons of The Spectacular Spider-Man are greenlighted?

Greg responds...

Watch the shows. Buy the merchandise. Spread the word.

Response recorded on June 26, 2009

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Eric writes...

Will the second season of The Spectacular Spider Man debut on Disney XD right after season one is over or will we have to wait a month?

Greg responds...

Season Two had debuted. Check it out.

Response recorded on June 26, 2009

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justin writes...

I would like to ask you if there were any updates on a season 3 for the spectacular spider-man?

Greg responds...

I would like to ask you if you noticed that over a hundred people had ALREADY asked this question by the time you posted it?

Response recorded on June 26, 2009

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Paul writes...

I heard that you have a 5 season plan and ideas for the DTVs too. If that's the case, does that mean you definitely know (and have no doubt whatsoever in your mind) when, if ever, you will attempt storylines like The Death of Gwen Stacy, The Death of Captain George Stacy or The Clone Saga?

Greg responds...

The phrase "no doubt whatsoever in [my] mind" gives me pause.

Response recorded on June 25, 2009

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sasuke writes...

can spider man punch more often?

Greg responds...

More often than who?

Response recorded on June 25, 2009

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N-Jay writes...

I just have a quick question about something from season 2 of Spectacular Spider-Man.
In the episode 'Opening Night', various people try to get a hold of Harry on his Ozberry (spelling?), but they can't reach him. In the same episode, Black Cat pulls out an Ozberry and mentions that she stole it. Are these two things connected or related?
I love how you and your team put little discrete things like that in the show.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!

Not connected.

Response recorded on June 25, 2009

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Antiyonder writes...

Before I forget again, here's the rest of the reviews for Season 1 of TSSM:

Group Therapy:
- Have to say that each member gets decent screentime and focus in a single 22 minute episode.

- Would of liked to have seen more interaction with Sandman and Rhino since they've worked together before receiving their powers, but otherwise it was good to see their past association touched upon here.

- I find the scene with Eddie to be both funny and sad at the same time. Funny because of how he describes it, sad because of what's being said.

- Reading the original Alien Costume saga, I wasn't completely surprised that Peter was sleeping during the fight, but it was just as entertaining regardless considering the intensity of the action.

Intervention:
- As for the origin itself, I'd say that merging the movie and comic version was a good move creative wise.

- Hearing Ed Asner in another Spider-Man role was a nice surprise. Makes a good Uncle Ben.

- The Black & White tone didn't bother me since I've seen several B&W shows, cartoons and comics/manga. Heck, it's pretty fitting for an episode based off a 1962 story.

- Seriously though, Sally felt sorry for Peter? Sounds like we're veering into a What If? territory (kidding).

Nature VS Nurture:
- Not much to say on Venom, but that the character is easily better than the comic. Eddie is more likable, and his transformation into Venom is coherent and well put together.

- Getting into the earlier stories through The Essential Spider-Man, it was easy to appreciate the appearances of Peter's various love interest.

- With that in mind I'm aware that Pete and MJ won't hook up right away, which is fine since this is about his early years. Besides, I find the Peter/Gwen dynamic to be just as good as the comic, maybe even better (And I'm not just saying it because of the look that she gives either, honest).

Greg responds...

Glad you liked the stuff!

Response recorded on June 25, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Hello, I saw on Wikipedia the other day that Doctor Octopus, Mysterio, Sandman, Electro, Vulture and Hobgoblin will be the next Sinister Six team, is that treu?

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

No comment

Response recorded on June 25, 2009

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marvelman writes...

when will the spectacular spider-man season 3 come?and will other superheroes be in the series like ironman,x-men,prowler,fantastic four and captain america?

Greg responds...

I've answered these questions many times. I'm tired of rewarding people for not checking the archives. So check the archives.

Response recorded on June 24, 2009

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Alexnader writes...

Hey Greg
I've just watched the last episode of season two and I'm askin' myself - when you introduce a character by his name (like Gragan in the last episode, or Ben Reily) just for 2-3 seconds, do you plan to include them to the storyline or just for making us glad that we heard the name of Reily (cuz lots of people wanted Reily to be part of the show)?
And one more - God, how do you come up wit this stuff - the storyline, the relationships? (You're awesome)

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

When did you hear the name Reilly? I honestly don't recall putting that in anywhere. It is, of course, May Parker's maiden name. But I don't even recall using it for that.

As for Gargan, I've already stated that Scorpion is part of our proposed Season Three.

Response recorded on June 24, 2009

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Anton writes...

Would you make an episode with Spider-man 2099 (aka Miguel Ohara, Parkers successor in the future)?

Greg responds...

I honestly don't know if I have the rights to that character.

Response recorded on June 24, 2009

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Paul writes...

1) If The Spectacular Spiderman gets a third season, will Aunt May, Betty Brant and Robbie Robertson get more screentime than they did in season 2? They were criminally underused in season 2.

2) If there's a third season, will Debra Whitman actually speak and be an important part of certain episodes?

Greg responds...

1. I've answered this before. Check the archives.

2. No comment.

Response recorded on June 24, 2009

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Forrest writes...

Greg do you think Spectacular Spider-Man will do good on Disney XD. I have been watching it every Monday, and the other days its on, (I tell my mom I'm sick, so I dont go to school, because its always on when I'm at school). So If you CAN, could you change the hour to like 4:00 or 5:00 P.M., instead of 9:00 and 10:00 A.M. (I'm at school at that time). Thank You

Greg responds...

Forrest,

I appreciate your love of the series, but...

I have ZERO control over the time period. I don't know what timezone you are in, but in most of the country the newest episode premieres somewhere between 4pm and 8pm on Mondays. And if you are REALLY skipping school to watch the show, then I'm NOT happy. Cut it out. No television series is worth that, including any or all of mine. It would be much better, if it's at all possible, if you could find a way to record the show, using TiVo or some other DVR or a VCR. There are also DVD releases. But skipping school is NOT okay with me. And telling your mom that you're sick when you're not is even worse.

Response recorded on June 24, 2009

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Mo writes...

Hello. I've recently watched the second season of Spectacular Spider-Man and I gotta say, this is the best cartoon to come out of Marvel. Spider-Man is an amazing character and seeing him get such great animation treatment is an absolute godsend. So thank you for that.

Now onto the questions:

1) I understand that the 3rd season is very under wraps at the moment, but I just want to know if you plan to introduce any other Marvel heroes in the series (e.g. Daredevil). Spider-Man is known for his encounters with other heroes and I want to know if that will play out here.
2) Was the revelation of the Green Goblin's identity planned from season 1 or did it just come about when season 2 was being developed?
3) Is there any character you'd really like to see in the series?

Thank you.

Greg responds...

1. Mo, I've answered this over and over. Please check the archives.

2. Planned from day one.

3. Yes.

Response recorded on June 24, 2009

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Thailog (from Wikia) writes...

P.S.: Forgot to ask these:

1. Why did Doc Ock go from shy to psycho after the accident? It has something to do with the neurotransmitter that short-circuited (or melted?), or was the traumatic event pushed him over the edge?

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!
2. Was Mysterio a robot right from the get-go (in "Reinforcement") or was the real Beck arrested and then escaped, leaving a robot in his place?

3. How did Sandman, Rhino, and Vulture escape in "Reinforcement"?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

1. I think physical trauma from the "accident" played a part, certainly. But I think subconsciously, the key moment is when he cries out, "But I've been good!" right before the explosion. Now, (a) one could argue he hasn't actually been good, but (b) from his point of view "good" means obedient, subservient, nebbishy. And his "reward" for that behavior is, well, <BOOM>! So his mind rejects his past behavior entirely and does a complete personality 180. Otto Octavius was ALWAYS smart enough to be Doctor Octopus. Now he had the mindset to go with it.

2. Wouldn't Spider-Man like to know? (And you too, I gather.)

3. You forgot Electro and Kraven. Anyway, I don't think the specifics are too important. But I imagine that Rhino sank to the bottom of the river (putting on the oxygen mask/tank that Spidey gave him) and slowly WALKED to shore. Then busted Sandman out of the ice. Tinkerer had some of the Master Planner's men cut a hole out beneath Vulture and cut Electro out of his rubbery confines. Kraven, I think, just slipped out during the confusion.

Response recorded on June 24, 2009

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Thailog (from Wikia) writes...

Hi, Greg.

Sorry for using this Gargoyles platform to ask you yet another Spider-Man question, but this one has a constructive purpose, of sorts. I've been writing character bios for the Marvel Animated Universe Wiki and I have one question about the show's timeline that I can't seem to find in the archives:

When exactly was Peter bitten by the radioactive spider? In "Survival of the Fittest" Peter's teacher reminds him of the field trip hosted "last year" by Dr. Connors. However, judging by Peter's overconfident narration, he didn't have his powers before his summer vacations... So, he must have gotten his powers by the end of the previous school year, right? Late June? His opening narration also seems to convey the same idea.

However, and this is the biggest source of confusion, Uncle Ben died after Peter became Spider-Man and before school started ("Survival of the Fittest"). So that must have happened in July or August. Although when Aunt May speaks about him, it sounds like she got over it (isn't two months too soon?). Moreover, Peter doesn't sound too shaken up in the opening narration for someone who must have lost his beloved uncle only two or one month before...

Does that make any sense? Anyway, I'd like to clear that up for the sake of accuracy.

Great season finale btw, didn't see that coming.

Hope we get a season 3.

Greg responds...

When Mr. Warren says "Last year..." he meant the last SCHOOL year, not the last calendar year. So, yes, in my mind, Peter was bitten in late May of his sophomore year of high school. He DID have his powers over summer vacation. I think that's fairly clear from his voice overs. He just never faced any super-villains until September, the Vulture and the Enforcers.

Uncle Ben died shortly after Peter got his powers, in early June.

Aunt May is NOT over his death by any means. Neither is Peter. But we missed the HARDCORE grieving that took place over the first couple months of summer. In "Survival of the Fittest", May is -- largely for Peter's sake -- trying to put a good face on the new school year. And I think she's also not the type to just completely fall apart. But--

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!

I think one reason she's SO oblivious to Doc Bromwell's overtures is because she cannot fathom the thought that she isn't still married.

As for Peter, I don't think of him as shallow, but you cannot deny he's had a TON of distractions -- in both of his identities -- to keep him from dwelling overmuch on Uncle Ben. Still, I like to think we've made Ben a strong presence in the show whenever possible (i.e. whenever we could afford the screen time) in episodes like "Survival of the Fittest", "Natural Selections", "Nature vs. Nurture", "Reinforcement", "Opening Night" and, of course, "Intervention" (among others).

I'd like to do more with Ben, admittedly. I had initially hoped to bring Ed Asner back as Ben once a season. But we just couldn't find room for a Ben flashback or appearance in Season Two. Hopefully, in Season Three. That's not a spoiler, by the way. I haven't got a specific plan. Just a desire to include more Ben and an excuse to see Ed again.

And speaking of Ed, how about his work in Pixar's "UP"? LOVED THAT MOVIE!!! And Ed's performance was wonderful. So funny and heartbreaking and everything. Seriously, I feel blessed to know the guy and to have been able to work with him.

Good question, by the way. Happy to clear this up. And much relieved not to be answering another "Has the Third Season been picked up yet?" or "Will you please spoil all your future plans?" question.

Response recorded on June 24, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Hey Greg, since Harry became the New Goblin in the movie Spider-Man 3, will we see him in that form on a future season of The Spectacular Spider-Man? Because I bet it'll be cool.

An Ask Greg Helper responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on June 20, 2009

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Aaron writes...

when willl the 3rd season of the spectacular spiderman start and wat villans will we see in the season and wat will happen of norman osborn since he didn't die...

Greg responds...

I've answered all this before. Check the archives.

Response recorded on June 19, 2009

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adam writes...

will other superheroes appear in the series like the x-men or prowler in the spectacular spider-man?

Greg responds...

I've answered this before. Check the archives.

Response recorded on June 19, 2009

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The Whistler writes...

Hi Greg,

I was wondering if, in the event that the Spectacular Spider-Man isn't renewed for several more seasons, will anybody at Sony or Marvel be planning to make available a suicide hotline staffed with sympathetic counselors knowlegeable in Spidey-lore, for those of us who feel we will not be able to live without MORE of this show???? (I'm kidding of course... Barely.)

I'm almost 40 years old, grew up with Spider-Man, have been an avid fan all my life, and truly I have to say this is without a doubt the BEST animated adaptation ever, and is possibly better than the Spider-Man live action movies. I wouldn't be surprised if the main fan base for this show turns out to be males age 30 to 50.

So now, my real question: When are we going to find out whether there will be a season 3? (And when it will air?) This is killing me!! Uh... Just a figure of speech.

Greg responds...

The answer to your second question (when will the third season air) is of course totally dependent on the answer to your first question (if and when will we get a pick-up).

And AGAIN -- the earliest we could possibly find out about a third season pick-up is AFTER the second season starts airing this coming Monday (6/22). Frankly, the earliest we could REASONABLY expect a pick-up is July. And it would not be surprising to me if the pick-up didn't come until after all thirteen episodes had aired, in which case we're talking September.

But AGAIN, I just don't know. And AGAIN, I promise to tell you as soon as I do. SO PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, STOP ASKING!!!

Response recorded on June 19, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Hi Greg.I wrote about Doctor Octopus and storylines.So now i want to share my thoughts about Venom.
Venom as i said is one of my favourite Spider-Man Villains,and i like fact that he was created after later(i mean after Gwen Stacy Death).He may be even more dangerous enemy than Green Goblin A.K.A Norman Osborn.Now i will write what Eddie's role was in every arc.
Lizard Arc:He was good guy,spent time with Peter.But after Peter took pictures of Lizard,he became angry with and it hurted their friendship.
Big Man Arc:He forgave Peter but said that he(Peter) should back off for some time.And later invited Gwen to Fall Formal.
Green Goblin Arc:He was shown angry when Gwen thought that Peter lied to her.
Symbiote Arc:In first two episodes he becomes very very,and VERY Angry to Peter and blamed Peter when he(Eddie) was fired,because ESU Can't get funds.In last two episodes he became Main Villain(possibly he was main villain from beggining of arc and possibly main villain of series)Venom,and tried to make Peter's life miserable.
Now for Season 2
WARNING SPOILERS!!!
Master Planner Arc:He made small appearence in Blueprints and attacked Peter.But it was just a nightmare(but i realy liked his appearence in that episode).And Peter searched for him but he didn't find him,but he (Peter) was distracted by Master Planner and him super-villains.
Venom Returns Arc:He was big baddie there.In First Steps,he stalked Peter and found symbiote.In Growing Pains he posed as Spider-Man and framed him.Although in Growing Pains more attention was given to Coloner Jupiter,but Venom was mastermind behind Jameson's hatred and Coloner Jupiter hatred towards Spider-Man and worst Venom action was when he revealed Spider-Man's identity.And tried to force Peter to drink Gene Cleanser.Then Venom would unmask him,and Peter would be victim of his worst villains.But that didn't happen and both fought in school(one of best episodes ever)
He was absent in Gang War and Green Goblin arcs.He should return in Season3 and if he and Peter will not become friends,you should let him be Venom until Season 5.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

Yep, that's what happened all right.

Response recorded on June 19, 2009

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Dylan writes...

Hey Greg,its been awhile since i saw you at comic con 07, i was the in the white hat, and was called "Peter Parker". I have a cuple of questions i wanted to ask.
1. I was wondering, have they (Disney/4kids or whoever is airing Spider-man.) Greenlight season 3?
2. Will we see you and Vic have another Cameo in season 3?
3. Will Venom return? or will this bring the brith of Carnage? (you don't have to anwser the last one, I just had that idea,since it seem,well logical to me, but you and Vic, are the bossess,so,its pretty mutch up to you and wirters i think.)

Greg responds...

1. Not yet, no.

2. I don't know.

3. No comment.

Response recorded on June 19, 2009

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steve writes...

first of, spectacular spiderman is the greatest show i have seen in a long time...just one of those episode can beat a whole entire series of some other shows.

second, i hav a few questions involving the show, but if they dont get answered thats cool:

1. since eddie went of to ravencroft will we see carnage anytime soon...i heard u dont like the character and why is that exactly.

2. villains not so popular such as spot, beetle, boomerang, and the smythes, will they be in the series at all.

3. are there anything that says morbius cant bite people because if you put him the show it would be shocking and disgusting to see that but cool

4. are we gonna see any villains such as demogoblin and jack o lantern. it would be a first.

5. last but not least but a reliefe to u probaly...will hobgoblin be harry like in ultimate spiderman or green goblin II like in amazing...either way i think u could work it out.

thnx for ur time and the greatest series out there.

Greg responds...

1. Who told you I don't like Carnage? I keep refuting this rumor, and it's still out there. Otherwise, no comment.

2. As I've mentioned, I don't think I have access to the Beetle. No comment on the rest.

3. No comment.

4. No comment.

5. No comment.

Response recorded on June 19, 2009

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nacnud writes...

dear greg,
do you think a live action Spectacular Spiderman movie could work, you know, like having the movie take place between season 1 and 2? I think that would be really cool, especially because it's ratings could help get a seaon 3.

Greg responds...

There already is a live-action Spidey franchise. You might have heard of it. I have no desire to compete with that.

Response recorded on June 18, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Will Gwen Stacy be removed from the show, and if she is when possibly?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on June 18, 2009

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Paul writes...

In "Blueprints" and "Identity Crisis", there's something suspicious about the way that Norman acts when interacting with Peter in the latter or talking about him possibly havingan alter-ego in the latter. I thought that those instances implied that he knew Peter's secret, but in "Final Curtain", he doesn't seem to know, which confused me. Does Norman know Peter's secret identity in "Final Curtain", or does he not?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

No comment.

Response recorded on June 18, 2009

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wood writes...

holly molly
whats with all these difficult confusing in depth questions all these guys ask.
why can't anyone. (like myself) just say..

greg. man you have done an absolutely AWSOME job on spectacular spider-man season 1 and 2
i loved every single bit of it
you are a big inspirtation to me and where i will be going with my life
thank you so much
fingers crossed for a 3rd season
i realy hope there will be.
thank you

wood

Greg responds...

You're welcome, wood, and thank you.

And, just to be clear, I don't mind in depth questions, but mostly what I'm getting is various versions of (1) "Please provide Season Three Spoilers" or (2) "Can we have team-ups?" or (3) "Has the show gotten a pick-up?"

So one more time...

1. I'm not going to give any spoilers beyond what I've already revealed (Hobgoblin and Scorpion will appear). No matter how one rephrases this question (being extremely specific or ridiculously vague), it still won't change the fact that I'm NOT going to spoil Season Three.

2. As of now, no. We just don't have the rights to any character not firmly part of the Spidey corner of the Marvel Universe. If that changes, I'll let everyone know. I SWEAR!!

3. The moment it does, I PROMISE I'll let you all know. Until then, there's just no point in asking me.

Praise, of course, I'll take any time! So again, thanks, wood.

Response recorded on June 18, 2009

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adham writes...

will there be any heroes or allies in the spectacular spider-man?

Greg responds...

Please check the archives. I'm tired of answering this question.

Response recorded on June 18, 2009

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GreenGoblin45 writes...

When's the absolute latest you can get a pick-up for season 3? Also, do you have any plans to bring back Norman Osborn in season 3?

Greg responds...

There is no such thing as an "absolute latest" time for a pick-up, unless you're going to add some other criteria, like "What's the absolute latest you can get a pick-up for Season Three and still have new episodes ready to go in September 2010?" Or whatever. But theoretically, Sony could pick up the show three years from now. It's not likely that if they waited that long that they would still pick us up, but nothing "absolute" prevents them from doing that.

As for Norman in Season Three: no comment.

Response recorded on June 18, 2009

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Well Peter writes...

Do you know if Thor is ever going to be in Spectacular Spiderman. Can it be a Thor cartoon some day?

Greg responds...

Well, no, it's not likely to MORPH into a show about Thor. That's a completely separate license -- and as I've said MANY times before, we currently don't have the rights to ANY other Marvel heroes.

Response recorded on June 18, 2009

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Eric writes...

I want what is best for this series and i just want to let you know that if Gwen Stacy would die that would leave me heart broken. How do you stand if she will die or you will get rid of her so Peter and MJ start up? My stand point is that Peter and Mj never get together and it's only Peter and Gwen together.

Greg responds...

I've reread your question three times, and I'm not sure what you're asking exactly. I'm not sure the word "stand" means what you think it means. But if you're asking what I have planned for Peter, M.J. and Gwen, the answer is no comment.

Response recorded on June 18, 2009

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Dan writes...

Mr. Weisman,
First of al thanks for what is easily the greatest adaption of Spider-man.I have a couple of questions.
POSSIBLE SEASON 2 SPOILERS
1. Where did the idea come from to have the pumpkin bombs emit screams?
2. Was the final twist in the season 2 finale kept heavily under wraps? For example did Josh Keaton, Steve Blum,etc. know when they recorded "Uncertainty Principle"?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

1. That was Vic Cook's truly brilliant idea.

2. I don't remember who knew what when. The writing staff all knew the truth from day one.

Response recorded on June 18, 2009

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SPECTACULARspideymanfan writes...

why is it that you didnt use kingpin, dont get me wrong i love tombstone but i heard you wanted to use the kingpin at first.

Greg responds...

Kingpin was not available to us. Check out the Spectacular Spider-Man archives here at ASK GREG for a fuller answer to a question I've covered many times before.

Response recorded on June 17, 2009

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spideyfan215 writes...

In the spectacular spiderman episode the uncertainty principle was that man-wolf cameo just there for us hardcore fans or did it imply we might see john turn into the man-wolf...also hope we see carnage in pcoming episodes.

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on June 17, 2009

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Bianca Louise Lapuz writes...

HI Greg!When will "The Spectacular Spider-Man" show in television??? I'm very excited!!!

Greg responds...

It's showing now on Disney XD.

Response recorded on June 17, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

in spectacular spiderman i loved what you did with green gobli, lots of mystery...but i was disappointed that he didnt find out spideys true identity and he didnt kill gwen. will norman come back and do that or will you leave that to the not so evil harry osborn green goblin. or are u just gonna leave all that out?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on June 17, 2009

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Denis writes...

Congratulations!
I'm from Brazil, and I loved seeing spidey swing on the webs once more in a new version.
The best version. Totaly adapted on this days. E-mails, mobiles, Gps... And... the character is the one that i think that always needed to be... A Teenager with problems ...
I like the fact of every character... harry.. Mj.. flash.. have importants ways to appearance...
I dont want to ask anything just say thanks by this animated series!
I hope Carnage appears!!!!

Greg responds...

Thanks, Denis. Glad you like the show.

Response recorded on June 17, 2009

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Paul writes...

A few questions about The Spectacular Spiderman:

1) Does Calypso possess powers in this series? It was sort of implied when she came to Kraven's rescue at the end of "Destructive Testing" that she did, but it wasn't made clear.

2) Will the blossoming relationship between Flash and Sha Shan contribute in some way towards the ongoing story of Spiderman/Peter Parker in the long run? It's just that while the Flash/Sha Shan stuff is interesting, I can't see it laying the groundwork for anything really significant to Peter Parker's story, at least not in the same way that exploration of a possible Ned Lee/Betty Brant romance or John Jameson/Ashley Kafka romance might.

3) Will the episodes on the season 1 set feature altered opening credits to correspond with the trend that started in season 2, where the key characters featured in the episodes were shown in the opening credits? Gwen, Harry, MJ and Jonah hardly played pivotal roles in every season 1 episode that they were in the opening credits for, after all.

4) Did Vulture and Silver Sable both escape at the end of "Gangland"? It wasn't really made clear.

5) In "Final Curtain", how could it be that the wine cellar wasn't a secret when Harry's best friend had never seen or heard about it?

Greg responds...

1. Are you saying it was left ambiguous? Hmmmm...

2. Well, it already has, so I think the answer is yes.

3. No.

4. Yes.

5. Pete's not much of a wine drinker, I guess.

Response recorded on June 10, 2009

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lukas harrison writes...

will morbius make an appearance in the show and will black cat ever be shown without her suit?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on June 10, 2009

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Anton writes...

Question about kingpin. Does fosswells alter ego patch work for him. I thought it was very much implied during the rhino bidding. Also, if your going to use kingpin, is there any chance for us to see Bullseye make an apperance?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!!

I don't have access to either Kingpin or Bullseye at this time. And, no. Foswell was working for Jonah.

Response recorded on June 09, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Why was the role of Tombstone recast? I know Keith David originally voiced him in the pilot and that Kevin Michael Richardson replaced him.

Greg responds...

Keith went to New York to play Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream. So Kevin stepped in. Both did a great job.

Response recorded on June 09, 2009

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MisterDrBob writes...

Hey Mr. Wiseman,
love the Spectacular Spider-Man and your take on the original Stan Lee stories. I especially love your characterizations of Shocker, Mysterio and Molten Man.
I have two questions. I think the first one was already asked, but I can't find it anywhere. How did you come up with the idea of making Montana the Shocker? Second, is there any significance to the fact that Morris Bench is voiced by Bill Fagerbakke, the voice of Patrick on SpongeBob SquarePants? A reference to mr. F's other watery work?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

If you can't find my answer to your Montana/Shocker question, you haven't looked very hard. Check the Spectacular Spider-Man archives here at ASK GREG or any number of interviews I've done over the last year or so.

Bill is a great actor, who I've worked with many times before on shows like Gargoyles and Starship Troopers, etc.

Response recorded on June 09, 2009

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Spidey on Disney XD

FYI, Disney announced this morning the rollout of SSM Season Two on June 22 with two back-to-back episodes: "Blueprints" and "Destructive Testing."

For times, check local listings.


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Mike again writes...

What are the musical scores playing in the Spectacular Spider-man episode Ganglands? Also what is the opera that is playing?

Greg responds...

The opera is Rigoletto. The rest of the music is by our composers, Lolita Ritmanis, Kris Carter and Michael McQuistion.

Response recorded on June 08, 2009

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Marjorie writes...

Hi Greg,

just read your response concerning other marvel superheroes in Spectacular Spider-Man. Even if we don't see them in the show, I think it's awesome that you give them a nod here, and let us marvel comic geeks imagine what their places would be in the show if time/situations allowed.

Obviously the center of the show is Peter Parker, and that's as it should be. I was just curious, however, if the Fantastic Four, Hulk, Ant-Man and Professor X are there (unseen) within the Spidey universe you've got going on, what is the general public's knowledge about them? Like, the Fantastic Four weren't underground like the X-men. They were an adventuring team that fought crime and didn't have secret identities, living like celebrities. Is it the same way in your verse? Are there strange news reports and sightings of a green giant springing up around the country? Is there public unease concerning people with strange inborn abilities on the rise?

I ask these questions not because I expect these characters to appear in the show, but out of curiosity for the world you're building up. It would be cool if Sally or Flash or somebody said in passing, "Did you hear what the Fantastic Four did yesterday? It was amazing!," I understand why that probably won't happen. It's just nice to know that the possibility of other heroes out there exists, even if it's never realized. Thanks!

Greg responds...

In my mind in the Spec Spidey universe, no one knows anything mutanty about Charles Xavier. He's simply the headmaster of a private school. The Fantastic Four are indeed celebrity super-heroes, the kind that fight COSMIC menaces, like the Skrull. Ant-Man, I'd think is pretty much operating under the radar (pun intended). Hulk is like a myth. Captain America is a memory.

Response recorded on June 08, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

If the show returns which villains besides Scorpion and the Hobgolbin will appear?

Why can't you use the Kingpin?

Will Peter and Eddie become friends again?

Greg responds...

1. I've already refused to answer this question about a hundred times.

2. I've already answered this question about a hundred times. Check the archive.

3. No comment.

And just so it's clear, I do NOT enjoy answering nearly every post with "NO COMMENT". This isn't fun for me either, gang, but since collectively you all keep insisting on asking for Spoilers that I've already made clear I'm not going to give, you're not leaving me much choice.

It would be LOVELY if you guys reread the guidelines, and checked the questions answered, archives and/or questions waiting to be answered sections before posting a question here. LOVELY. But if you don't, then we all get to enjoy me saying No comment again and again and again and again...

Happy to talk about Season One of Spidey, btw.

Response recorded on June 05, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey, Greg!
Well, you've talked guest heroes before, but what about guest villains? If it's not "No comment" area, could you say whether or not you'd like to use guys like Doctor Doom or Juggernaut, assuming you could get the rights?

Greg responds...

I'm not going to start going through a laundry list of non-Spidey villains (beyond Kingpin) that I might like to use. There are some that seem like natural fits to oppose Spidey, but any character I don't have access to is still a character I don't have access to, so I haven't spent a ton of time coming up with stories that I couldn't use.

And I have barely scratched the surface on SPIDEY VILLAINS as it is. In fact, I know a bunch of fans think I've already introduced too many of Spidey's villains. I don't agree. I enjoyed introducing -- on average -- one per episode first season. And then a handful of additional villains with each following season, while trying to keep ALL the villains (heroes and supporting cast) alive. It's a challenge, of course, but it's a challenge I enjoy. Opening up our little Spidey series to the ENTIRE Marvel Universe never interested me.

Response recorded on June 05, 2009

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Anton writes...

Will you make an adatation of The night Gwen Stacy died, and actually kill off Gwen?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on June 05, 2009

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GreenGoblin45 writes...

Regarding Spider-Man villains that appear in the Ultimate universe, will you use their mainstream identities or their Ultimate identities for The Spectacular Spider-Man. The characters I am talking about are as follows:

Hobgoblin (Roderick Kingsley OR Harry Osborn)

Scorpion (Mac Gargan OR Peter Parker clone)

Carnage (Cletus Kasaday OR Gwen Stacy)

Greg responds...

No comment.

Seriously, guys, how many times do I have to say it?!! I'm not SCOOPING the third season!!

Response recorded on June 05, 2009

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Arthur Jr. writes...

Here are some questions and comments:

1. In another fact about the Beetle, the other bad guy to fight him was Iron Man. As a member of Egghead's Masters of Evil, he fought the Avengers.

2. Though Mac Gargan was mentioned in "Final Curtin," this might be a hint for his appearance if the third season is confirmed. A reference linking to one your answered questions mentioned the appearance of Hydro-Man. True or False? If a Season Three is announced, will some of the villains you plan to include have their VAs made public?

3. When it came to Molten Man, he first met Spider-Man around the time of his high school graduation. Should the series continue, will you have an episode revolved around that?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!

1. I knew that.

2. What's the question, exactly? Voice actors are always listed on the credits. If you're asking if I plan to scoop the third season if and when it's announced, the answer is NO.

3. Around what? Graduation? We will depict the senior class (i.e. Rand and Kong) graduating in Season Three if we get a Season Three. That's a given, since the third season would obviously include the months of April, May and June at least, so I don't feel like I'm spoiling anything. It's not likely that Mark will graduate with Rand's class, since he missed finishing his Senior Year with Eddie's class by being sent to Juvie and then wound up getting sent to Rykers after only a couple months of being back in school. Whatever course work he needed to complete to earn a diploma obviously could not have been completed.

Response recorded on June 05, 2009

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Fred M. writes...

I have watched the first two seasons of Spectacular Spider-man and absolutely love them! I think the thing I appreciate the most is the fact my 3 yr old son and I can watch them with both of us being entertained. We can share that experience and take completely different things from the episode. Kudos for walking that tightrope. With the series moving to Disney XD I have a few questions. 1) How does the ratings thing work? We record and watch every episode that comes on and would LOVE for that to be counted as credit for you guys. I want to do whatever I can to ensure a third and forth season. 2) Is there somewhere or someone we can contact and/or email with our support for this series? I would hate for it to not get picked up. Keep up the good work if you get the opportunity!!

Greg responds...

Thanks. I'm glad you and your son both enjoy the show. That was the intent, for there to be something for kids and adults without short-changing either demographic.

1. Unless you are a Nielson household, your personal viewing is not specifically counted, but IN THEORY if you and your kid are watching and a bunch of other folks like you are watching with their kids, then the odds are some Nielson family just like yours is mirroring your collective behavior and that DOES count in the ratings. It has to do with statistics, and I don't pretend to understand it really -- or even fully buy into it. But that's how it works. Again, IN THEORY, if you stop viewing the show it suggests that somewhere some Nielson family just like you has also stopped. So DON'T STOP!!!

2. You can try to contact Disney XD through their website or write a letter to them. It can't hurt.

Response recorded on June 05, 2009

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Wolf E. Urameshi writes...

Greetings, Mr. Weisman. First off, let me say that it is an honor to be able to speak to you, regardless of whether my question is accepted or not. I truly wish I were able to meet you someday being a writer myself! If only my living in Puerto Rico were not so bothersome... (why not make a Gathering here? :3)

Anyways, on to my question. We all know the story: for reasons beyond us, Disney canceled the legendary Gargoyles TV show we all know and love, and then we got a certain spin-off fiasco. Then, literally a decade later, we get a gratifying notice: the comics! (which I will definitely buy this summer, hopefully, even if it's only the Clan Building trades.) But now, sadly, Disney's gone EPIC CANCEL on us. Again. Therefore, I must ask this question. Apologies if it has been asked, by the way. Here goes:

Has it crossed your mind to consult other animation companies, such as Viz, Funimation, Man of Action (creators of the excellent Ben 10 series) on acquiring the license off Disney, or perhaps giving the series a new animated show on a different genre, such as anime or CG? Hell, I'm pretty sure people would pack the theater if it were to be turned into an anime or CG, especially given the highly impressionable teenager crowd of today that's into these genres.

If you ask me, Gargoyles is definitely not doing well under Disney's wing- I mean, it was virtually untouched for a whole decade and more and would have been thrown into the dark hell of obscurity were it not for the fans-i.e. us, and I'd like to take the chance to thank the fans for doing everything the fandom has done.

Thank you very much for your time, sir. It has been an incredible privilege that you even read this letter. Greetings from Puerto Rico, God Bless and please keep giving us great stories to enjoy.

Wolf E. Urameshi
Lares, P.R.

PS: Did I mention your Spider-Man series is awesome? If not, there we go. :)

Greg responds...

First off, thanks for all the praise.

You're welcome to organize and hold a Gargoyles Convention in Puerto Rico. I'd be happy to attend too.

The reasons for Gargoyles being cancelled are NOT beyond us. I've laid them out many times, and you can find them by looking through the ASK GREG FAQ. Calling "Goliath Chronicles" a spin-off, isn't really accurate either. It was a third season, rebranded, and with different behind the scenes talent running the production.

And again, to be accurate, Disney didn't cancel the comics. Technically, SLG did, because they could not afford the license under the terms Disney was offering. But sales of the trades will determine whether we'll eventually be back.

And, yes, this question has been asked and answered MANY, MANY times, so check the archives for fuller answers. But briefly, there's no way Disney would release the animation license to another company. And bashing Disney's efforts doesn't further our cause.

Response recorded on June 05, 2009

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Clark Cradic writes...

Some how I doubt this is your first crossover question, so I'm not going to go all FIRST on this one. Anyway: Which of the villains from Spectuacular Spider-Man do you think would be a good match for the Manhattan Clan, without it being too one sided?

Greg responds...

I'll leave that to your imagination, Clark.

Response recorded on June 05, 2009

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Matteo Garofalo writes...

1. I am a huge fan of the show and I think that you have created the first truly perfect animated television series (it's not a question, but it's true).
2. I am also a fan of the J. Michael Straczynski run on ASM, will we see some of his villains (like Morlun, Shathra, est.) in any upcoming seasons?
3. Can you add in the Spider-Mobile, for one episode, just for the fun of it?
4. Will we be seeing Iron Patriot any time soon (I'm also a big Norman Osborn fan)?

Greg responds...

1. THANKS! (Uh, which show are we talking about?)

2. No comment.

3. No comment.

4. No comment, but now I'm guessing you were talking about Spectacular Spider-Man, right?

Response recorded on June 05, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

In Gangland, when Silvermane is in his exo-suit, what exactly is it he uses against Spidey and the other crimelords? Is it sonics or some kind of energy pulse?

Greg responds...

I think the latter, but that weapon was the brain child of director Jennifer Coyle, so you'd have to ask her to be positive.

Response recorded on June 04, 2009

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Paul writes...

A few questions about The Spectacular Spiderman:

1) Has the real Mysterio even crossed paths with Spidey at all, not counting the pre-Mysterio encounter in "Persona"? Just wondering because of the running gag about Mysterio's robot doppelgangers.

2) In “Persona”, who hired Chameleon and who hired Black Cat?

3) Do you plan on having Felicia Hardy appear out of costume in a future season?

4) Was there any significance to the lone pumpkinhead goon who got away at the beginning of "Final Curtain"?

Greg responds...

1. Define "crossed paths".

2. No comment.

3. Yes.

4. Yeah. He got away with all those weapons loaded in the truck. So even though Spidey webbed up the majority of goons at that heist, the weapons still made it to Gobby's Gob Squads.

Response recorded on June 04, 2009

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Joseph writes...

So, first, gushing praise: I've been a Spidey fan since my dad bought me my first comic, and I'm one of the ones that says that Spectacular Spiderman is the best adaptation to hit the screen (big or little).

Next, a few backstory questions:
1. What happened to Gwen's mother in this continuity? Are the Stacys divorced or separated (as in Ultimate Spiderman) or did something happen to her?

2. Next, kinda wondering how Harry, a rich, not terribly bright kid, ended up being best friends with two geeks, and the circumstances around that. Middle school/high school cliques being practically forces of nature unto themselves, Harry linking himself with the "brains" probably would have upset socially conscious Sally long before the spider bite and complaints about "upset social order" (which was pure gold, by the way).

3. Eddie mentions that his and Peter's fathers were lab partners together. In what field? (And was there anything "funny" about that plane crash?)

4. Where *did* Peter get his costume and equipment from?

And one last question:
Where is a good place to check to find out about the current status of The Spectacular Spider-man and the third season? Keeping an eye out here on new questions is a bit... clunky.

Greg responds...

1. She passed away. I'm actually thinking breast cancer, but don't hold me to that.

2. I think Harry is actually pretty smart, just not on Pete or Gwen's level in science. And certainly his father cares more about grades than football or popularity, and we all know how important Norman's opinion was/is to Harry.

3. No comment.

4. We'll reveal this eventually.

5. Sorry, but I don't know where else to send you. You can try some of the boards like ToonZone or SuperHeroHype, but I lurk there occassionally, and I see a LOT of misinformation. Sometimes it's innocent. Someone presents a theory or opinion. And days or weeks later, someone misremembers it as fact. Other times, I feel like certain people willfully post misinformation for their own reasons.

Response recorded on June 04, 2009

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Spidey Ratings

Folks at Sony are feeling pretty good about Spidey's recent ratings on Disney XD. Here's some info...

Returning to its regular time period, THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN "Nature vs. Nurture" delivered a season high 1.71 B6-11 Rtg, up +67% from its season average (1.02).

The 18-episode marathon on 5/25/09 improved significantly over the time period's prior 4 week average… +279% in B6-11 Rtg, +250% in B6-14 and +226% in B9-11.

Second Season episodes will begin airing Monday 06/22/09. Check local listings for times.


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CL writes...

I found out what the ratings were for Spectacular Spider-Man: low. Does this kill the chances of season 3? Does it worry you, or are they expected to increase come the next season?

Greg responds...

Your information has no context. From what I've head, relative to other Disney XD fair, the ratings have been decent.

Obviously, I'd prefer them Spectacular, but since the second season hasn't even aired yet, we are still in wait and see mode.

Response recorded on June 03, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Dear Greg,
i love your version of spiderman it keeps me entertained and i just can't seem to be patient for the next one. i like yours for various reasons. one of them being of that gwen stacy is the main love interest not mary jane. Which is cool cause it's not like the original but i do know how things can change around. You can make relationship not work(which would be a drag) or even kill her off which brings to my next point, i don't like the original Spiderman story because everyone dies: Gwen Stacy, Mary-Jane, Aunt May, Harry, the Sandman etc. its so DEPRESSING. i just pray that you make a good story and end it good if not great(you have so far). Also just wondering do you have and idea when season 3 will debut?(not in America cause i know season 2 is starting over here)

Greg responds...

I know Aunt May has died at least once, but that wasn't permanent. Even Harry is back. And I don't ever recall Mary Jane or Sandman dying. But maybe I missed that.

As for Season Three, please, please check the archives.

Response recorded on June 03, 2009

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Paul writes...

What are the titles for the second, third and fourth story arcs in The Spectacular Spiderman? I know that the first is Biology 101, and you recently posted the titles for the ones from season 2 (Engineering 101, Human Development 101, Criminology 101, Drama 101). And will you ever revisit certain subjects/modules/courses of study in future seasons (for example, by having a Biology 102)?

Greg responds...

I'm not running out of titles yet.

Anyway:

Biology 101
Economics 101
Chemistry 101
Psychology 101

Engineering 101
Human Development 101
Criminology 101
Drama 101

Response recorded on June 03, 2009

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Martin writes...

this was buggin me for a while. is Hammerhead's driver someone from the comics?

PS: this is not a question. One of the reasons I want so bad season 3 is to see what you will do with Hobgoblin. You used many of Hobby's aspects for Green Goblin - the whole framing other people thing, Osborn taking the green in small doses so he wont become insane, heading to Carribean (probably???). All of this happens to Roderick in the comics so I'm very curious what you will do with Hobgoblin.

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on June 03, 2009

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Paul writes...

Is Ben Urich off limits in The Spectacular Spiderman? If so, does that mean that Phil Urich is off limits too?

Greg responds...

Ben is off limits. I'd have to check on Phil, but if I had to guess, it's likely he's off-limits too.

Response recorded on June 03, 2009

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Jim writes...

1. So now that Norman is dead to the world, where does this leave Vulture? Is his place in Ock's organization and his Spider-grudge enough to keep him in the rogues' gallery, or will he figure "mission accomplished" and hang up his wings? Is this topic something that we should expect to see explored next season?

2. Without getting into spoiler territory, was the Tombstone/Venom scene meant to be building to something? I can't decide if it was a one-off and meant only to highlight what Spidey wouldn't do, or whether I should keep that connection in the back of my mind for future use, as an unresolved plotpoint.

Speaking of Venom, it just occurred to me that they are the only ones that would still think Harry is the Goblin. Unless Gobby's identity is public knowledge by now?

3. Someone asked a question earlier, but I didn't think your answer was the most clear (you seemed to be responding only to another part of his question): Was Mysterio ever in jail? Was the Beck who talked to Lee a robot, or was it the real deal, and he escaped at a later point?

4. Was Tinkerer working for Tombstone because he had defected or was he merely lending his services for a fee? If the latter, why would Otto let him give the enemy weapons when he knows a gang war is looming?

5. I had assumed that the money Norman got from Kingsley was being used solely for his getaway to the islands. Someone else thought he had used the entirety of his unmarked account to rig the city for his duel with Spidey. Which is correct? Or is it a combination?

Greg responds...

1. No comment.

2. No comment.

3. Though I have my opinion, I'll leave this up to the interpretation of the viewer.

4. Tinkerer is a freelancer.

5. He has the money. How he spends it is his business.

Response recorded on June 03, 2009

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Chirag Rana (Zilla) writes...

Hey Greg I've been the biggest Spectacular Spider-Man Fan. After Season 2 ended I was thinking what could happen. So I'm making a Novel called Spectacular Spider-Man The Big Change. Now I need to get get this approved by you so can make a Comic Novel edition for the fans. i really want to publish this Novel to the world. I'm not really a good artist so can you get somebody to make the Comic Novel Edition. I'll tell the Plot once I'm done with it.

Greg responds...

Hey, have fun with your project, but please do NOT involve me. If you're wondering why I'm passing, please review the guidelines here at ASK GREG once again.

Response recorded on June 02, 2009

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Peter writes...

Will 90's Spiderman Cartoon ever come out on DVD.

Greg responds...

I thought it was.

Response recorded on June 02, 2009

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Paul writes...

Which week in March does “Final Curtain” take place?

Greg responds...

Mid-March.

Response recorded on June 01, 2009

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Clark Cradic writes...

Will the couple that Spider-Man saved (and ended up marrying) make further appearances in the series? Do they have any established names and are they going to be Spider-Man's equivalent to the Yuppie Couple?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on June 01, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Okay, so, I exist in the Spectacular Spider-Man Universe, and I was Norman Osborn's chauffeur at one point. Harry mentioned me as the worst chauffeur ever, and that he thought his dad was going to pop a vessel.

Okay, so later on, Norman went nuts, and became the Green Goblin. He went after the Big Man, tried to kill Otto, and just plain went nuts on people he doesn't like.

Am I still alive in the Spectacular Spider-Man Universe? I think that if I had that guy mad at me, it's okay for me to inquire to my present health.

Where am I now in the Spideyverse? ;)

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

Dude, could this question be any more self-aggrandizing if you tried?

But somehow I doubt that Goblin ran around avenging every petty annoyance. I mean, hell, I let you live.

Response recorded on June 01, 2009

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Martin writes...

in a previous response, you stated about the Spectacular Spider-Man series, "We have been provided with a list of characters as per Sony's contractual agreement with Marvel." it's obvious that you cant reveal the characters, but can you at least tell how many they are? can you reveal the characters? :)

Greg responds...

I don't have the list with me. And even if I did, it's a legal document. It's not my place to go into detail about it.

Response recorded on June 01, 2009

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Clark Cradic writes...

How do you decide what villains/characters to include in Spider-Man? Is it a matter of what they can provide to the story, personal preference, or is their a certain formula to balance out well known and not as well known characters?

Greg responds...

It's a very organic process. Basically what feels right, respecting the core of the characters.

Response recorded on June 01, 2009

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Rafael writes...

We are going to see in the Spectacular Spider-man more science fiction elements that exist in the comicbooks like aliens and journeys through time and space. And supernatural elements like travel to other dimensions via magic, and the presence of supernatural creatures like Morbius the vampire and the transformation of Stan Carter into the Sin-eater.

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on May 29, 2009

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Robert Lee writes...

Hey Greg, I'm a huge fan of The Spectacular Spiderman, and by far it is the best Spiderman series that I have seen. I was curious to see if there were any further developments on a season 3 for the show. So I guess my question is:
Will there be a season 3? If so when do u expect it to make its debut?

Greg responds...

Seriously? You didn't see the thirty plus times I've already answered this question or the thirty plus times this question was in the queue ahead of yours. I mean, dude, do you think I'm HIDING a pick-up from you guys?

<sigh> We won't know anything until sometime AFTER the SECOND season starts airing on Disney XD in late june. Figure July or August for news on a pick-up. If it comes, I'd guess ew episodes would probably be held for September 2010.

Response recorded on May 29, 2009

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Bazell writes...

in a previous response, you stated about the Spectacular Spider-Man series, "We have been provided with a list of characters as per Sony's contractual agreement with Marvel."
When you were given the list, where there any surprises as to characters you wish/thought you had access to or wondered why he or she was being offered for a Spider-Man series?
Any chance you can divulge the list?

Greg responds...

Kingpin wasn't on the list, which semi-surprised me. Not like I'm unaware of how Miller turned him into Daredevil's arch-nemesis, but still, he was created as a Spidey opponent. There was no one on the list that surprised me. And, no, that's a Sony/Marvel legal document. I can't post it.

Response recorded on May 29, 2009

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Paul writes...

A few questions about changes to and potential changes from the comics in The Spectacular Spiderman:

1) Are Kraven and Chameleon siblings or half-siblings in this series, as they are in the comics?

2) Is Chameleon's surname Kravinoff in this series?

3) Why was the decision made to make Liz Allan and Mark biological siblings in this series?

Greg responds...

1. No comment.

2. No comment.

3. We were combining Mark Raxton with Bennett Brant. Bennett was Betty's full sibling and it made the emotional context more intense. So that's the direction we followed.

Response recorded on May 28, 2009

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Arthur Jr. writes...

Here's a bunch of things I have to ask you

* I got your Kingpin and Marvel Team-Up response. I'm just wondering that if you plan to break the record of seasons that the 90's series have should "The Spectacular Spider-Man" be popular, you might feature the said heroes then. Any chance you want to break the record if Sony will allow it?

* Though the rights and contracts to Kingpin aren't available is what a know now. Yet I didn't get your answer on the Beetle from the same question though. Of course it could be that he came when other heroes and villains were introduced over time. Right?

* When I first heard Hobie Brown in "Opening Night," I thought it was Greg Cipes voicing him. It turned out to be Charles Duckworth voicing him. Good thing the credits confirmed me on that.

* When Silvermane was featured, Silver Sable (who led the mercenary Wild Pack team in the comics) was featured as his daughter. I guess this was a creative part on your side since his son Joseph Manfredi (known in the comics as Daredevil villain Blackwing) wasn't introduced yet. I did like that you made Silvermane a bit younger than his comics counterpart.

* Doctor Octopus being an OsCorp scientist and the accident that caused his tentacles to be apart of him reminded me of the Ultimate Marvel version of Doctor Octopus (whose tentacles have ends that are made up of nanobots that enable the tentacles to have various lethal accessories transforming the three-pronged 'claws' into flamethrowers, tasers, and machine guns) at the time the Ultimate Marvel version of the Green Goblin came into view. In the Ultimate Marvel Comics, Doctor Octopus blamed the accident on the Ultimate Marvel version of Justin Hammer (who was responsible for creating the Ultimate Marvel versions of Electro and Sandman).

Greg responds...

1. It's not like there's some competition. That was a Spider-Man for it's time. I'm trying to do one for now. And exactly what record are you talking about anyway? How do you measure it? This is silliness, frankly. First of all, it's moot until we get a pick-up. Second of all, it's moot until I have legal access to these other characters. And third, my basic response hasn't changed. I'd like to use Kingpin, and I'd like to do the OCCASIONAL team-up. But I'm not going to change the game plan to break some record that we both know doesn't really -- and shouldn't -- exist.

2. Simply put, Beetle isn't on the approved list. If I had to guess, I'd say he's on the Fantastic Four's list. Or maybe Daredevil's. But he's not on Spidey's.

3. Yep.

4. Thanks.

5. Is there a question here? I was definitely influence at least in part by early issues of Ultimate. But the bigger influence was of course Lee/Ditko.

Response recorded on May 28, 2009

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Paul writes...

Thanks for doing such an amazing job with The Spectacular Spiderman. Both seasons are really enjoyable. I've just got two questions:

1) Why is it that a lot of the background music in season 2 was stuff that had previously been used in season 1? Aside from character themes, nothing seemed to be repeated in season 1, but in season 2, lots of music from previous episodes kept popping up again and again. Was a smaller budget used for the music in the second season?

2) The animation in season 2 seemed to be weaker than season 1 as well. Some episodes looked beautiful, but others seemed a bit choppy and off-model at times, like "First Steps" and "Identity Crisis". Was there a smaller budget for the animation in season 2?

Greg responds...

1. Themes were reused intentionally -- and by the second season we had a LOT more themes to reuse -- but to my knowledge, no actual music was reused, and I attended EVERY music spotting session, muisc preview session and sound mix.

2. No. We've had inconsistent animation here and there both seasons. Both our seasons contain some of our most gorgeous stuff and some of our weakest stuff.

Response recorded on May 27, 2009

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Bazell writes...

This Spider-Man question pertains to the show's relationship to the official "canon" of the long running comic book (now in the early 600s for issue numbers).
When Marvel comics first started getting more popular due to books like Amazing Spider-Man and Fantastic Four, the connections between the books began to take shape along the way, sometimes independant of the individual on-going arcs. In some history channel documentary on comics I saw, Stan Lee talked about the creation of the shared world of many super-hero characters, the "Marvel Universe," began in an issue of Fantastic Four in which Reed was giving some press conference. the artists decided to draw Peter Parker as one of the photographers, clearly representing the Bugle at the event. That was somewhat of a digretion, but an interesting tidbit nonetheless.
Anyway, The Spectacular Spider-Man has clearly not had any interaction with any other Marvel characters for all the obvious reasons, but has also not to my knowledge acknowledged - even peripherally - the existence of other Super-Heroes elsewhere. Is it still safe to assume that the action depicted in the show is in the context of the Marvel Universe's continuity of, say, the mid to late 60s, which comprises a good portion of the storylines from which you are drawing?

Greg responds...

In my mind, yes. But until we get legal permission, I can't acknowledge that in the series itself. I even had to fight to use the phrase "Amazing Spider-Man" in the first episode, as we're not allowed to use that either generally.

Response recorded on May 27, 2009

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Bazell writes...

**SPIDER-MAN SPOILERS**

Spidey's original suspision of Norman as the goblin seemed justified when he saw Osborn come out of the disguised doorway at a time convenient to a quick goblin getaway. However, later Harry reveals that the door just led to a wine cellar. Seeing as how they already seem to reside on a top floor penthouse, how much extra room do the walls have? WAS there a goblin hideaway behind the hidden wine cellar?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

No comment.

Response recorded on May 27, 2009

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Cartoonlover writes...

Do you know what Spectacular Spider-Man's ratings on Disney XD are like? There is no mention anywhere.

Greg responds...

I have a vague idea. Relative to the network's general ratings and given the fact that so far they've only aired reruns, they seem to be respectable, especially after being cumed. I'd like to see them higher, but frankly no matter high they get, it's hard to imagine me NOT feeling that way still.

Response recorded on May 27, 2009

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Spidey writes...

Hey Greg. I love the Spectacular Spider-Man and wanted to know if you have anymore plans for Venom in future seasons.

Greg responds...

Yes.

And before anyone starts posting a shopping list of characters, let me state that, YES, I have future plans for EVERY SINGLE character already introduced or mentioned, including the dead ones, and for many that have not yet been introduced or mentioned. And NO, I'm not going to reveal them here anytime soon. So there's no need to ask.

Response recorded on May 27, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Another Spidey question.

Is Midtown High a private school in "Spectacular Spider-Man?" I'm a bit puzzled that Peter and Flash both live in Queens and attend High School in Manhattan.

It's got to be top notch if they can get a major Broadway star like St. John Devereaux to direct the school play.

Obviously, Norman Osborn would send his son to a top notch school, and Liz's parents seem well off enough to do the same. Ditto with Robbie being the Editor-in-Chief of a major metropolitan paper. As well George Stacy as a police captain.

But, considering the Parkers' money problems, if Midtown is a private school, how did they afford to get Peter in there and keep him there?

Greg responds...

M-cubed: Midtown Manhattan Magnet Senior High School. It's a public "magnet" school, with a number of different magnets on campus, including a Science Magnet, a Drama Magnet and a Civics Magnet. Flash is in the latter, though one gets the sense that his football prowess may have had something to do with getting him in.

It is considered one of the best overall programs in the city.

Response recorded on May 27, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

*** MAJOR SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN SPOILERS ***

*** I'M SERIOUS ***

*** OKAY, DON'T BLAME ME ***

1. So, I'm curious. When did Norman Osborn start preparing for his stint as the Green Goblin? Before "Survival of the Fittest"? After?

2. I also noticed that on Osborn's laptop monitor when he calls Peter and Harry out onto the balcony, there's a pumpkin bomb.

It seems to me like he's been preparing for this for a while now. Granted, he stole the glider just after Hammerhead threatened him. But, since "Catalysts" and "The Invisible Hand" take place on the same day, and Norman had that Goblin mask, costume and weapons ready to go, it makes me wonder.

So, question 3. Was he always planning to take control of the Big Man's empire? Or did Hammerhead threatening him push him there?

*** OKAY, DON'T BLAME ME ***

*** I'M SERIOUS ***

*** MAJOR SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

1. Depends what you mean by "preparing". But the main impetus was being kidnapped and attacked by Vulture. He did not enjoy being that vulnerable. There was a line to that effect in "Final Curtain", but it was cut for time.

2. Was there a question here?

3. It wasn't just Hammerhead's single speech.

Response recorded on May 27, 2009

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Dan writes...

Hi Greg.

Big fan of all your work and just wanted to ask some general questions, none of which involve the possible Season 3 of TSS. (We're all hoping the show gets picked up!)

1. I'm very much interested in a career in screen writing, comic writing, and/or video game story writing. What steps did you take or what steps do you recommend for those pursuing this career? I'm an English major with a writing minor and I wondered if college degree played a large role.

2. Can you elaborate on any of the possible restrictions you may face if you persue the death of the Stacy's storyline or the introduction of Carnage? I'm not asking "if" you will develop these storylines in later seasons, but more of what kind of restrictions were you presented with for TSS. We all know how strict FOX was for the mid-90s animated series.

Thanks Greg.

Greg responds...

1. It helped me -- a lot. Both in terms of the education I received making me a better writer and in terms of the resume thing helping me get my first jobs at both DC Comics (from Dick Giordano) and Disney (from Gary Krisel). So I'm big on education. Beyond that, I've gone into greater detail in the past, so check the ASK GREG archives. But my recommendation is to READ a lot. WRITE a lot. And PROOFREAD a lot.

2. I haven't had any significant restrictions to date. Standards & Practices is NOT the reason those stories you mentioned weren't part of the first two seasons.

Response recorded on May 26, 2009

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anonymous writes...

Hi, can yu confirm yet if Doctor Octopus will be back in season three? I love what you've done with Doc Ock on this show.

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on May 26, 2009

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ChickenChaser writes...

I know this has been asked alot and everytime you say you have answered it by i have searched through the archives again and again and cannot find your response apart from (im not calling you a liar maybe the question was kicked i dunno)

Confused Fan [Shocker Question] writes...
So, Montana was the Shocker.
Does this mean that Montana is Herman Schultz? :S
I think Montanas real name has never been told even in the comics?

Greg responds...
If it makes you happy...

So i have to know, why the combination of these characters, also as this is my sirst comment kudos on the show, i love it, and i discovered it by accident whilst watching the 90's series on youtube i saw a link and thought why not and was pleased to see what a great job you have done. I am very new to the comics and nearly all the stuff i know is from wiki (which i hope i can trust) anyway feel like i should ask some more questions:

2) Who is your fav villian, you probably have answered this but wasnt in first 100 question asked to you (i do have a life honest)

3) when (optimistic) season 3 comes out do you know the gap between release in US and uk (as i live in uk)

ok that will do for now, thanks again for an amazing show which appeals to all ages

Greg responds...

1. I'm just not getting into this again. I know it's in the archives. I'm not calling you a liar either, but look again.

2. I've answered this to. I don't have one. I like 'em all.

3. No idea.

Response recorded on May 26, 2009

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ChickenChaser writes...

Just another wuick one, Is the thing about harry being framed as the goblin a new idea or has it appeared in comics, i thought this was so funny and was like wtf thats not right and then when it made it look like his mum in the return of the goblin i was so confused so good work.

Greg responds...

You don't know how hard it is to keep an audience guessing -- or at least off-balance -- when they already know the answer. We obviously added a few twists and turns.

Response recorded on May 26, 2009

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Akif kahn writes...

hi Greg I wached all of taginghe spectacular spiderman episodes 1-26 it left me haning I hope you get a pick up of season 3 I hope so they can add Professor Miles Warren as jackal and Hobgoblin and Scorpion.
best spiderman show ever

Greg responds...

Thank you.

Response recorded on May 22, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Okay, so, I'm not sure if this'll be approved or not but:
Do you have any plans for anything revolving around the Tablet of Time?
Thanks!

Greg responds...

AND AGAIN I'M NOT GOING TO COMMENT ON ANY FUTURE PLANS. I DO NOT WANT TO SPOIL SEASON THREE.

I thought I was being pretty cool by admitting/teasing that Hobgoblin and Scorpion would appear in Season Three, but it seems to only have encouraged people to demand still more spoilers. And I'm just NOT gonna do it.

Think of it this way. The fact that I'm still adamant about not talking is an indication of how much I still think we'll be back to do a Season Three. So it's good news, right?

Response recorded on May 22, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey, Greg! I just wanted to say that I'm huge fan of your series, TSSM especially (being a huge fan of Spidey). Just a few questions about villains in Season 3. It's fine if you can't answer any.
*****SEASON 2 SPOILERS*****
1. Do you have plans for Tombstone and Hammerhead? They were kind of cut out of the Goblin Returns arc, after I was expecting huge roles.
2. Is Lizard set to return? Season 2 seemed to set up for this perfectly. Even if not in Season 3, will he ever return?
3. Do you think we'll see Green Goblin again in Season 3? Or will we have to wait a bit longer?
4. Is Molten Man coming back? Your idea of having GG control when he is or is not Molten Man seems to make it a bit harder to have him in there without Norman pulling the strings.
5. Will we be seeing Silvermane come back any time soon? I've got another question here, but it may be risky, so I'll ask separately.
6. Is Walter Hardy ever gonna come back into the spotlight?
7. One character in this show I have to love is Electro. You've simply pulled him off so well. It seems obvious that he'll at least appear, but I was wondering if he would have his own episode in Season 3?

Thanks!

Greg responds...

I'm not commenting on any of this. Sorry.

Response recorded on May 22, 2009

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anonymous writes...

Hello. I had some questions regarding a possible third season for "The Spectacular Spider-Man". I read what you said and I know that you can't reveal much about Season Three. But hopefully, these kind of questions won't really go into spoiler territory.

Still, there are SPIDEY SPOILERS in this post for those who haven't seen Season Two yet.

**SERIOUSLY, MAJOR SPOILERS**

... Seriously.

#1.) Will Peter blame himself, be haunted by or feel guilty for Norman Osborn's "death" next season? He kind of was the one who damaged the Green Goblin's glider and sent him to his explosive demise at that water tower.

#2.) So the Connors are in Florida, huh? Does this mean it'll be harder to bring them back on the show, even though classic Stan Lee stories had Spidey fight the Lizard in Florida before?

#3.) I know you cannot comment on which villains you'll be using next season, new or otherwise. I know it's still questionable if there's a pick-up for a new season or not, but let's say that our prayers are answered and, praise Jeebus [thanks for that, Homer Simpson ;)], there's a new season! You said you cannot use the Owl and possibly not the Beetle either. Does this mean you can or cannot use characters like Boomerang, Jack O'Lantern and Swarm on your show at all, or is this "no comment" territory? I'm merely asking because the three villains I listed are essentially Spider-Man villains, but they were not first introduced in a Spider-Man comic and have fought other heroes as well.

#4.) I agree that Robbie and Mary Jane kind of got underused in season two, but I loved what you did with the Mary Jane/Mark Allan relationship. Is it likely we can see more of Robbie and M.J. next season, if possible? I don't know what you have planned or can reveal, but still...

On a side note, please do not introduce any of the "Clone Saga" or "One More Day"/"Brand New Day" stories on your show. I am still plagued by nightmares from reading those fiascos, and the whole clone mess they did on "Spider-Man: The Animated Series" didn't help me like the clone storys any better either.

Thanks so much for giving us two brilliant seasons of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" and I hope you get many more. This show can't end at just two seesons, Mr. Weisman.

**END OF MAJOR SPIDEY SPOILERS**

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!
1. Guilt is one of Pete's go-to emotions.

2. No comment.

3. If and when I get back to Sony, I'd have to find out whether I had access to those characters.

4. I like 'em both too, you know.

Response recorded on May 22, 2009

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Matthew Woodley writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman, it's a pleasure to ask you some questions. I've been a big fan of Gargoyles since I was a kid and I'm a big fan of the Spectacular Spider-Man in which I believe you're doing a great job at.

Now as for my questions...
1)Is the Green Goblins hatred for Spider-Man the same or at least close to his comic counterpart?

2) How much of Ultimate Spider-Man have you read?

3)Are you more of a supporter for the Gwen an Peter relationship? Or do you believe that a Mary-Jane and Peter relationship can work in some ways?

4) Has Marvel asked you to write for some of their other shows?

5) Is there a chance that you could (Theoretically) fit Brand New Day villains into new seasons?

6)If it comes to it, would you do the One More Day storyline if you got the chance to?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!

1. That's a value judgement. And it's a tough one to make because there have been so many different interpretations of GG in the comics by different creators. I think we're on a level with the way Stan Lee handled the character.

2. A goodly amount.

3. Things come in their proper time.

4. Nope. Though I'd love to.

5. If we get more episodes.

6. Probably not. There's not much point in REBOOTING a continuity that we've only just begun.

Response recorded on May 21, 2009

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Sage Vega writes...

Hey Greg, it's me again. to tell you the truth, Venom is my #1 favorite Diabolical villain in the Spider-Man Legacy. Thanks for bringing him in. I was wondering will Venom return in season 2 for some fun revenge on the Web-Slinger?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!

Absolutely!

Response recorded on May 21, 2009

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Ming writes...

About the Spectacular Spider-man cartoon, are you going to incorporate some (if not all) of the characters and storylines from the Spider-man: Brand New Day era into the show?

Greg responds...

There's one that immediately appealed to me. As for the rest, it depends how many episodes we get in the future.

Response recorded on May 21, 2009

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AJC writes...

Hi Greg!

Big fan of the The Spectacular Spider-man show! I love the animation and the designs (I was weary of the designs at first but I afterwards became accustomed to them. Now I LOVE Cheek's designs!). Your show has actually led me to read some key issues from amazing spider-man and maybe during the summer when I have more free time, I'll begin reading from issue number one. So thank you for that! Even after reading just 2 or 3 random issues, I was absolutely impressed with the characters and plots that you have taken from the comics and shaped it into a modern vision for the show.
(Spoilers SPOILERS spoilers from Season 2)
Questions:
1)Don't you think it would have been appropriate to show the reactions of the Connors and Gwen after Eddie was carted away for his insanity? Do they not care? :(
2) Wasn't it a little too coincidental for norman to assume his son would be passed out (Even if Norman knew Harry was drinking it) as soon as he got back from fighting spider-man? BTW, loved 'Final Curtain'... Very suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat (Even better than the season one finale)!
3)What was the point of flash and Sha Shan getting together? Other than developing Flash's character, it didn't seem to affect Spider-man/Peter's life?
4)Would you revisit the gang war? I was kinda hoping there would be huger scale of the gang war like accomplices and gangland (I really loved accomplices because of that).
5)When the full season sets come out, will they have the gun fire sounds or lasers? Extra scenes? Any plans for commentaries for the episodes?
6) If you do not get a season 3 (which would be complete blasphemy!!!!!), would you think about doing plans for Spider-man DTV's sooner?
As a fan, I hope that when you DO get a pickup for further seasons, I really hope you get more than 13 episodes per season. This show deserves it!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!

1. Of course, they care. But AGAIN, I just don't have room in 19 and a half minutes to show every possible reaction from every relevant character. To put in a Connors and Gwen reaction SOMETHING ELSE would have had to get cut. I feel we showed the MOST important scenes.

2. He didn't assume that. He wasn't planning to frame Harry. But he found Harry passed out beside a vial of Globulin Green, so he took advantage of the opportunity.

3. Actually, it's already had an effect on Peter. Remember Flash slamming Pete against a locker to get his advice on how to win Sha Shan over? Pulling him under the table on Valentine's day to make sure he didn't say anything stupid? And that's just the start.

4. Nothing is over.

5. I don't know.

6. I'm not clear what you're asking. If we don't get a third season, we're not likely to get the opportunity to do Direct to DVDs instead.

Response recorded on May 21, 2009

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Thomas writes...

Spectacular Spider-Man is an amazing show, and you've done what other spidey shows haven't by having some of the story-lines from the comics like Master Planner and Molten Man and such. Are there any other story-lines form the comics that you'd like to use? Or are there some that you've made up that you feel would make the show even more spectacular then it already is?

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on May 20, 2009

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Mike writes...

I'm sorry if this question has already been asked before but when do you expect to get any news on Season 3? Also how is your "cause" to get Season 3 on production?

Greg responds...

My "cause"? I don't know what you mean.

We'd expect news on Season Three sometime after Season Two begins airing on Disney XD, i.e. NO SOONER than late June. Probably more like July.

Response recorded on May 20, 2009

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Galax writes...

Hi Greg.

Can you tell me, which Animationstudio produced the episodes of the show?
Maybe a name of one or all?

thx a lot.

Greg responds...

Sony TV Animation produced the series. But if you mean what studios animated them, we used Dong Wu, Han Ho & Moi.

Response recorded on May 20, 2009

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RTS writes...

*SPIDEY SPOILERS*

Hi Greg.

Great work on Season 2, I might not know exactly how the system works, but I see no reason why it shouldn't be renewed. Hopefully by the time you answer this you will have good news to tell about that, but for now, a few questions regarding what's been done so far.

1) In season 2 episode 8, "Accomplices", we see Black Cat spray something onto a window before going through it, we then see the window wobble around or something after she goes into the vent. What did she do to the window, exactly?

2) Was the lead into Hobie Brown first speaking in the role of Puck something you planned well ahead of time, or did Hobie's silence become a running joke before you made that decision?

3) On the subject, any chance that you tried to get Brent Spiner to do the role?

4) In "Growing Pains", I couldn't help noticing that a certain "Greg Weisman" is named on the cast list shown at the end. I was just wondering whether you have ever performed any role in "A Midsummer Night's Dream", since it is mentioned in one of the FAQs that you've taken acting classes in the past.

5) You're the best. (This isn't a question)

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!

1. First she melted the real glass with acid. Then she replaced it with a reflective "paper" that mimicked the look of the glass. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

2. The former.

3. The role of Hobie? No.

4. Yes, I've been in "Midsummer" as Theseus and in another production as Philostrate.

5. Right back at ya.

Response recorded on May 20, 2009

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Kyle Tonarella writes...

I just want to apologize for asking for the black cat question and say i won't bug you anymore about your season 3 plans. I'll just stop asking season 3 questions and support the show buying the season box set for starters and watching the show disney XD which I've been doing.

Greg responds...

Thanks!

Response recorded on May 20, 2009

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Thomas writes...

Alright, you've had Venom in season 1 and 2 or 'The Spectacular Spider-Man, and you gave Cletus Kassidy a cameo in season 2. Does this mean your going to introduce Carnage into the fray, or would that be a bit much for the show?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on May 19, 2009

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Michael Byrne writes...

Hey, Greg! Just wanted to say that I loved every new episode of Season 2, all the way up to Goblin and Spidey's climactic battle! But...there is something I want to understand about [[spoiler]] Norman. Why did he go to such measures to take over the Big Man's empire after his identity was guessed by Spidey? I mean, Normie has it all: a great tech company, a loyal son, and a home people only dream of renting. Was he trying to protect all that from others by taking command, or was he simply an ungrateful tyrant obsessed with power and money? I mean, I know he cares about his son in little amounts...but I just can't fathom the reasons for why he did what he did.

Either way, it's been a great two seasons so far, and I encourage you to keep the dream of a season 3 alive. This series, simply put, is lightning in a bottle.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!

Well, my gut reaction is to say if it isn't clear what kind of guy he is from the episodes themselves (let alone 40+ years of continuity) then nothing I say here is going to matter much. But basically, he wanted MORE.

Response recorded on May 19, 2009

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Tom Daylight writes...

Hi Greg,

Congratulations on putting together the best screen adaptation of Spider-Man of all time. I was particularly impressed with your Green Goblin whodunnit. I wonder if you're going to take a similar approach to the Hobgoblin story?

As far as I can see, there are not only a ton of "red herring" candidates in the source material (in fact Roger Stern said it could have been absolutely anyone other than Peter Parker and Robbie - and indeed he invited his replacement Tom DeFalco to unmask Hobgoblin as anyone he liked, although ironically he'd left the book by the time that happened), there's at least four alternative candidates you could genuinely cast in the role (names and descriptions omitted for the sake of spoiler aversion; I hope you know which I'm referring to). The character who was unmasked and officially was the first Hobgoblin for nine years, the character who was revealed to actually be the original Hobgoblin after all that time (mainly due to some writer switches), the character who took on the Hobgoblin's mantle after believing he'd murdered the first one, and the character who became Hobgoblin in Ultimate Spider-Man.

So the way I see it, the casting of this character won't be as clear-cut as "the guy it technically was in the comics all along", because in reality it was a whole bunch of different characters depending on when you were reading it. And casting Montana as Shocker, Tombstone as the Big Man, etc, suggests to me that you're not afraid of playing against the diehards' expectations. So, presuming there is a season three... will this kind of thing play into your Hobgoblin story, or will you be introducing him more as a viewer-in-on-everything supervillain?

Hey, maybe you could even satisfy that Robbie fan by making him a suspect this time. :)

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on May 18, 2009

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THE BIG CHEESE writes...

Hi Greg. I have always wondered why did you make the Big Man of Crime Tombstone? Because in the comics, Tombstone was a hitman. Thanks. Please write me back.

Greg responds...

As I've stated (many times) before, our original plan was to use Kingpin, but he turned out to be unavailable to us. Tombstone seemed like a character who would well-fit that roll, and I think that proved true. I'd still like to have a shot at Kingpin some day, but I can hardly regret how things turned out.

Response recorded on May 15, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

"I did read "One More Day" and I read the first year or so of "Brand New Day" before my workload overwhelmed me. It would be pretty hypocritical of me to rant against the resetting of timelines, since in essence that's what I've done on this show. "

How would it be hypocritical? You are starting a new universe from scratch with the benefit of hindsight. Marvel reset an existing universe to a status quo that hadn't existed in two decades.

What are your thoughts on the marriage between Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson? Do you think it was a good idea? Marvel, and a lot of anti-marriage fans seem to be stuck on this Spider-Archie character. It's like they don't want their characters to grow and evolve.

Spider-Man has always seemed to be a story about coming of age and growing up. That seems to be the theme of your show also.

Did Marvel drop the ball and lose sight of who this character is? Because it seems that way to me.

I would have loved to see him as a dad, raising Baby May with Mary Jane, but Marvel chose to have Norman Osborn kidnap or kill that child (they never said what happened) because they felt it would age him.

But what sucks the most is that Stan Lee was the one who married them. It's what he wanted for his characters. What Marvel did to them would be like some future writer of "Gargoyles" deciding that it's boring if Goliath and Elisa get together because the tension there was the core of the relationship and resets their entire relationship back to what it was in the first episode.

Greg responds...

SIMPSONS SPOILERS!!!!

Personally, I like characters who grow and change. My all time favorite episode of The Simpsons, is the one where Lisa is having her fortune told and we flash-forward to her in college, falling in love and NOT getting married.

But when you're working on a commercial property that fundamentally has to work commercially, it can be tough when your series has evolved beyond its original premise, especially when you have MULTIPLE authors who have pushed and pulled the thing in multiple (well-intentioned) directions over the course of 40+ years. (Stan wasn't REALLY the guy who married Pete & M.J., no matter how much he participated in the decision and execution of the wedding itself. His run on the book had long since ended.)

Ttake the argument to it's natural extreme. Let's say, to be generous, that Pete was 15 in 1962. So now in 2009, he's 62-years-old. By all rights, if we really wanted to see him change and grow over time, we wouldn't be reading about Pete and M.J. raising baby May. We'd be reading about Pete and M.J. attending May's wedding and the birth of HER kids. (Or whatever.) And we'd be seeing a 62-year-old Spidey swinging around the city... or seriously considering retirement (or whatever).

Now, me? Yeah, actually, that REALLY interests me. It totally does. But I get why it's a commercial nightmare -- and you must also.

You ask how would it be hypocritical of me to rant against resetting timelines, but the answer is pretty obvious. Sony and Marvel approach me about doing a new Spidey show, and I pitch them a sixteen-year-old Pete in high school in 2008. I'm resetting. (You call it "starting a new universe from scratch", but really, what's the difference?) I could have pitched them: I'd like to see Spider-Man as a grandpa. They wouldn't have bought it and frankly, as much as it interests me, I'm not sure I'd have wanted to do it as a Saturday morning cartoon even if they had said yes.

And bringing up an ensemble show like Gargoyles with (more or less) a single guiding hand is really apples and oranges. I can evolve the premise and the relationships and even age the characters, because I can constantly add younger characters at the other end to maintain commerciality. Best of both worlds.

But with a single character property like Spider-Man, what happens when you've aged him beyond his premise. Do you live with it? Do you try to make it work commercially anyway? Can the premise evolve? Or do you find a way to reset. There's no one right answer, but folks have to bite the bullet and decide. Once a decision is made, then it becomes about execution.

STAR TREK SPOILERS!!!

Look at the recent Star Trek movie. They took the continuity and reset it using time travel. The Spidey staff used Mephisto. The concept of the reset/clean slate was surprisingly similar. What remains is execution. Some folks may buy into the Trek reset because of the execution. Some may not. Same with Spidey. And then there are some folks who just don't like the idea of doing a reset AT ALL. That's legit too.

I had the advantage of doing an adaptation for another medium. So I could reset without any continuity excuse. And still, at the end of the day, whether people liked what I did had a lot more to do with execution than themere FACT that I did or didn't reset. Same, I'd guess, goes for One More Day/Brand New Day.

Response recorded on May 14, 2009

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Clark Cradic writes...

Are there any particular Sagas you're hoping to intergrate with the Spectacular Universe? Like the Clone Saga, Six Arm Saga, Indentity Crisis Saga, or some combination?

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on May 14, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

why is Peter not trying to be with Mary Jane? Why is it Gwen? He married Mary Jane in the comics. He was in love with Mary Jane in all the other cartoons. He was with Mary Jane in the movies. Why is she not important here?

And why this stuff with Liz? Gwen/Peter/MJ should be the triangle. Not Liz.

And Mary Jane should be who he loves, not Gwen.

Greg responds...

Well, if you read the original comics, Gwen was his first real love, and his (much later) relationship with Mary Jane was a DIRECT result of their shared grief over her death. Betty was his first girlfriend, and Liz was someone else he was into as well for a considerable period of time. M.J. was always hot, but early on, she was never interested in being a one-man woman. That's just who she was. We're trying to be true to all that, and more. So have a little patience.

Response recorded on May 14, 2009

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Brad writes...

You answered my question about Morbius by saying that you could only confirm plans for Hobgoblin and Scorpion, but I guess what I really wanted to know was if you could actually use him at all? I've heard the 90's show had many problems clearing him for the network, not allowing him to use his fangs or say the word 'blood' (opting instead for suction cups in his hands and a desire for 'plasma'.)

Loved the first two seasons and particularly the framing devices used in the second (nice touch with the Opera), anxiously awaiting a season 3.

Greg responds...

No comment on Morbius. Thanks for the kind words.

Response recorded on May 14, 2009

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Bazell writes...

Glad this site is back up and running. I hope you got everything done that you needed during the hiatus.
Spectacular Spider-Man has been, well, freakin' spactacular. As a life long Spider-Man fan and current comic book reader, it is with an air of nerdy sophistication that I lend my compliments to all involved in the process.
Now that my nose is sufficiently brown:

I know that translations from one established medium to another require changes and adaptation, not only in terms of style but content as well. I don't pretend to know much about the official process of adapting a story into a new format, but watching many of these television shows and movies that are based on comic book (or novel) storylines that I am intimatly framiliar with often can leave me... wanting. Even in this current show, clearly many alterations of the original storyline have been made. Certainly some of the changes are for the purposes of pacing, keeping episode count down, updating things for modern audiences, etc. But other changes seem unneceassary in terms of such thing to the casual, yet involved, viewer like me. Now understand, I am in no way asking you to justify changes that have been made to a story I already know. If it was the EXACT same story, then I would know what's going to happen at all times. I am confident that changes you and your team have made have been for the purposes of telling the best Spider-Man story you could, so my question is this: what can dictate the changes you make? Also, I assume you must seek some sort of approval from Marvel or Lee/Ditko or someone... is that oversight strict, or are you given certain measures of freedom? Are there any changes you made that you regret? What aspects of the Spider-Man mythos did you consider sacrosanct beyond the obvious necessities about his origin story?

Thank you, as always, for the time you give us fans.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

Marvel approves everything. But I have to say, they've been great partners -- which of course to me means they seem to love what we're doing! ;)

Changes are dictated by all the things you mentioned above, but in adapting the property, we tried to follow what we came to call "The Five Cs": Make it Contemporary, Cohesive, Coherent, Classic and iConic.

When you lay eyes on any character for the first time, especially the villains, you want the viewer to say, "Wow, yes! That IS Doctor Octopus [or whomever]!" He has to be that iconic, that classic. But at the same time we want to make his look contemporary.

The same notion applies to storytelling. Over forty plus years of continuity (with ideas coming from Lee/Ditko, Lee/Romita and everyone since including Bendis' Ultimate Spider-Man and the Raimi movies, etc.), there's going to be a ton of interesting characters and story ideas, but there's also going to be considerable duplication, a false start here and there, conflicting interpretations, etc. Having the advantage of hindsight when looking at this wealth of material, we strived to make the show more coherent and cohesive than the original.

This in turn helps it feel more contemporary. Storytelling has changed over the last set of decades, and a modern audience is more sophisticated with more stringent expectations. For example, just having every villain (and your hero) created from random exposures to radiation is a bit tough to swallow... on many levels. So -- as arrogant as I know it sounds -- we try to improve on the origins, by weaving characters and plotlines together, by limiting the sources of where someone can get super-powers, etc. Likewise, we may combine two characters that overlap so much that they fulfill the same function. For example, Bennett Brant + Mark Raxton/Molten Man = Mark Allan/Molten Man, or it did for us, anyway. Doing this made things more coherent and more personal to Spider-Man/Peter.

Having said all that, it was EXTREMELY important to us that the characters remained Classic and Iconic in the writing as well as the visuals. I STUDIED these characters and all the source material intensely. I tried to get down to the core essence of each character, i.e. what made him or her who he or she was to the reader. Flash is a bully, who deep down is actually an honorable guy. He's a guy who starts out as Pete's nemesis (and ironically Spidey's biggest fan) and eventually becomes both a decorated war veteran and one of the few people that Pete can count on. We knew we were starting with High School Flash, but we wanted to plant seeds of the guy we knew he'd become.

On the other hand, I studied Shocker. Great powers. Fun battles. Iconic costume. Secret i.d. = a cypher. Yes, we know his name, but there's nothing about Herman that makes him special. So in an attempt to make our universe more cohesive and coherent, I combined Montana with Shocker. I don't make that decision likely, and I do get that this bothers some folks, but it really felt like it worked in the context of our series, and Marvel agreed.

Another example: The Green Goblin was introduced as a mystery. Stan and Steve kept us guessing as to who was the man behind the mask for years. That mystery seemed FUNDAMENTAL to the character. And yet we knew that the audience knew that Norman Osborn was the Goblin. So how do you create a fundamentally necessary mystery when the audience already knows the answer? The solution was misdirection. Many people still guessed or assumed that Norman was the Goblin, but some people were fooled (at least briefly) and because I was NOT above making Montana into Shocker, seeds of doubt were planted. There's been (thankfully) a lot of positive feedback on our second season finale. And many people said something along the lines of, "Even though I knew it was Norman Osborn, you still kept me guessing." That's exactly what we hoped would happen.

This, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other examples. But it should give you something of a window into our very exacting process.

Response recorded on May 14, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Hi...

Can we see th Chameleon in season three?

Can we see the Lizard in season three, too?

Will Sandman be back in season three?

Will Rhino return for a third season?

Do you have plans for Doc Ock be in more than one episode for season three?

Is Venom going to be back for season three?

Can Mysterio be back in season three?

~ Thanx

Greg responds...

And again, no comment. NO COMMENT on what's planned for Season Three, beyond the arrival of Hobgoblin and Scorpion. Those are two BIG spoilers. And I'm not giving out any others.

Response recorded on May 14, 2009

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BackLash writes...

Hello sir,

1. In episode 9 "The Uncertainty Principle, who was that "cheerleader" in the ping wig and green jacket, hanging out with Flash and the "girls"?
2. How come Montana is the Shocker in the show?
3. If there is later seasons, will Bluebird or Prowler make appearances?

Greg responds...

1. Uh... honestly, it's been so long since I saw that episode, it's hard to remember which guy was wearing the pink wig. Was it Rand? Kenny? Hobie? Tiny?

2. I've addressed this. Check the archives.

3. No comment.

Response recorded on May 14, 2009

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Branden Harvey writes...

The show is great. I LOVED both seasons (especally Final Curtain). I have a few questions:

1. SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If Norman framed Hary in The Uncertainty Principle, how come Harry was switching back and forth between himself and the Goblin persona?

2. SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In First Steps, how was Eddie able to make a web when he didn't have the symbiote on?

3. How long will it take after you get the ok for a third season to produce the season and make it available for television?

Thanks.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

1. Huh?

2. He created a web-shooter, since he had all of Peter's memories.

3. About ten months, give or take.

Response recorded on May 13, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Hello Mr.Greg Weisman i want to give some compliments about Spectacular Spider-Man.
1.DOCTOR OCTOPUS.
Doctor Octopus is one of my favorite Spider-Man Villains(others are Venom,Green Goblin,Lizard And Carnage).I like him very much in your show.In 90's animated series he was good,but later was just henchmen for Kingpin like much villain in 90's show.In your show he is very cool and evil character.In all of his episodes best were Reaction And Shear Strenght(that's my opinion)and there he was 100 percent EVIL(Like he should be).I also liked how in Group Therapy he showed interested in Symbiote,and in Gangland he said that criminal empire should be run like a science.You should make storyline where Dock Ock wants to test Symbionte or Become Monster-Ock(Like one of Spider-Man Games) in Season 3 or 4.Also for some reason i think that he employed Chameleon to steal Symbiote in Persona.
2.EPISODE ARCS
Idea to make episode arcs In Spectacular Spider-Man was brilliant,and Big Three(Venom,Doctor Octopus,Green Goblin)has 2 their own arcs.Venom has Symbiote and Venom arcs.Green Goblin Got First Green Goblin Arc and Return of Goblin Arcs.Doctor Octopus has Master Planner Arc And Gang War Arc.And they are like Main Villains in your show and they done worse things than any other villain.I don't like that some fans are saying that some episodes are fillers,but i don't think that way.Good luck developing storylines in future.
And i have one question.Do you plan to add another crime lord to Spectacular Spider-Man?

Greg responds...

To me, none of our episodes are filler. Certainly, none were INTENDED as filler All serve multiple purposes and hopefully tell a great story. But I'm biased, obviously.

Response recorded on May 13, 2009

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Sage Vega writes...

Hey Greg, I'm Sage. Here are my questions, I'm a huge fan of thh new spider-man show and I've watched the first season 5 times. I haven't seen the second season yet, but I was wondering... On season 3, could you add the Spot into the frey. Because He's my favorite funny bad guy, Besides he might give Spidey a big headache by goofing around with him a lot.

Greg responds...

I know this must sound obnoxious, but I'm NOT taking requests. Doesn't mean Spot won't appear; doesn't mean he will. (I'm not going to reveal that at this point.) It just means I have an overall plan already, that's been constructed with some intricacy. I can neither pull nor replace a thread without the whole thing unravelling. Sorry.

Response recorded on May 13, 2009

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anonmous writes...

**SEASON TWO SPOILERS OF "THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN"**

**BIG SPOILERS -- SERIOUSLY**

**Fine, don't blame me if you get spoiled.**

...Or maybe you can. It's your call.

[EDIT; WHOOPS!! Somehow part 2 got approved before part 1. That was most certainly not my intention. Sorry about that.]

Anyway, hello, sir. Nice to see you're taking questions again.

I've seen all the episodes for season two. It was an excellent season, but to be honest, it was also a disappointing one. I'd like to share my thoughts on this season's episodes, if I may, and tell you what I loved, what I didn't care for, and what episodes I thought were the best/worst of the new season...

Part 1 of reviews

"Blueprints":
This was one great episode. I loved how this was an introduction to Mysterio that didn't just adapt "The Amazing Spider-Man", vol. 1, #13, which was Mysterio's comic debut. It was good to see the Connors back and that Peter gets a second chance working with them, and thanks to Norman Osborn of all people! Loved Stan Lee's cameo, it was great to see everyone back, and the look of Mysterio was awesome. Also, loved, loved, LOVED the saloon fight with Spider-Man and the army of Mysterio robots. It's good to see that Mysterio is actually a hand-to-hand fighter against Spidey in addition to being the master of illusion. Mysterio never fought Spidey on the Fox Kids Spider-Man series, which I always hated, but here, Mysterio is just great. The gargoyle Homunculi robots that Mysterio used were also great. Can't go wrong with those little critters. The ending with Spidey not recognizing Quentin Beck had me laughing and the Tinkerer appearance was also nice. Great to see Beck escaped going to jail by using a robot double. And Master Planner makes himself known when he talks with Tinkerer on the phone. Very nice. As for Osborn's final scene, never thought I'd think seeing a guy picking the pieces off a cracked egg could be so dang creepy in all my life. So, Osborn's mentoring Peter now, huh? Does Osborn suspect something about Peter and wants to keep a closer eye on him? Hmm...

My only major complaint with "Blueprints" is the voice of Mysterio. We all know Beck is a better sfx maestro than an actor, but come on! His voice is too over the top and way too hammy, even for Mysterio. I was expecting Xander Berkeley to have a voice for Mysterio that was gruffer, kind of like the voice he used for the evil sheriff he played in "Shanghai Noon" or something like that. I hope in season three that Beck takes acting lessons and gives Mysterio a better voice. Just because Mysterio looks a bit silly, wearing a fishbowl helmet and all, it doesn't mean he has to SOUND silly too. This isn't a complaint against you personally, but I think someone should fix this and tell Mr. Berkeley to change Mysterio's voice to make it less cheesy.

"Destructive Testing":
This was a great, GREAT intro for Kraven. This is my favorite version of Kraven to date. The addition of Calypso was also wonderful, as I hated the Mariah Crawford version we got on the 90s series. Debra Whitman pops up, Miles Warren gets some more focus, and Kraven gets an upgrade. Uh...okay, I didn't like the latter being in this episode. It was simply too quick to change Kraven. It's not that I didn't like the idea of it, but I thought this should have been done later in the season or the next season, but still, it was nice to see Miles Warren give Kraven his new powers and lion-like look. I just wish we saw Kraven look human a bit more first. I mean, we barely got a chance to get used to normal-looking Kraven, and then he looks like an animal with his next bout with Spider-Man. And the part where Calypso and Kraven are together at the end just felt...wrong. Granted, it's nice to see Calypso is still with Kraven given his new appearance, but it looks a bit cartoony and is the supervillain version of Beauty and the Beast. I swear, I was expecting Cogsworth and Lumiere to pop up and break into a kiddie song. Still, it was a great episode overall, and another great tease for the Master Planner.

"Reinforcement":
This is my fourth favorite episode of the season. Everyone's wondering whether or not the inmate Cletus with the red hair and Santa hat is really Cletus Kasady/future Carnage, or maybe a relative of Beavis. Regardless, the cameo is nice and this episode is simply wonderful. I didn't buy, though, that Electro was suddenly liking being a villain, but then I didn't get that part of "group Therapy" in season one. In "Group Therapy", Electro wants a cure from Doc Ock when at the dinner table but throughout the episode, he insists people call him Electro? Weird. The reforming Doc Ock was nice and I liked how Dr. Kafka stood up for him, even if she did get zapped down by Electro by intervening. I thought the Sinister Six would attack all at once again, but alas, no such luck. It's also bizarre that Shocker is not included to join the team, but perhaps it's due to Shocker working for Hammerhead/Tombstone. Remember, in "Group Therapy", Montana tells Ock that Mr. H says they're available. Also, I like Mysterio's voice when he talks normal, like when Mysterio talks to Rhino about why Tinkerer couldn't be a member of the Sinister Seven that Master Planner mentions. Once he's fighting AS Mysterio, though, he still hams it up. Oy. Despite this, I especially love the introduction of Blackie Gaxton here. It's nice to see classic Spidey characters introduced, especially for the first time on an animated series. I really hope we have a Doctor Octopus/Gaxton meeting in the future. I loved seeing Peter and everyone from his school ice skating and the team-of-two Sinister Six pairings. Seeing Peter burn his tongue on his hot drink and have him try to quip as Spidey was just priceless. Spidey has some of the funniest lines ever in this episode, and my favorite is when he sees Jameson with the Santa cap on ("Lock your chimneys, folks."). The Rhino and Sandman pairing was my favorite, and Rhino's reaction when he realizes Spidey's tricked him had me rolling ("I hate you...so much."). It was neat to see that Master Planner had Tinkerer free five out of the Six members, though I wished Rhino was arrested rather than Mysterio so we'd see Doc Ock lead the original Sinister Six. The best part was with Tinkerer breaking out Doc Ock with his own tentacles, and Doc Ock screaming "NOOOOOOOO!!" in horror just gave me goosebumps. Finally, the ending was very nice when Peter gave Aunt May her present. Great work.

"Shear Strength":
Another brilliant episode, and we even get a cameo by Morris Bench/future Hydro-Man. Best of all, we learn the voice of Bench is Patrick Star himself, Bill Fagerbakke! PLEASE say he returns to voice Hydr-Man next season!

So Doc Ock is the Master Planner? Wonderful! I don't care how he managed to keep in touch with everyone from Ravencroft, especially since that place needs MUCH better security anyway. This was Doc Ock at his best and much, MUCH better than how he's been portrayed in the comic books in years. Mysterio, you need Doc Ock as your acting coach after his convincing performance in the previous episode. THIS is how you fool people. So Ock wants to gain control over the internet and he's got no problem with abducting Gwen Stacy so that he can force her father into getting him what he wants. I also love the new chip you gave Ock that grants him new control over his arms, though I still feel to this day he should have had complete mental control over his arms anyway once his harness was fused to his skin in "Reaction". Anyway, we get Tinkerer, Vulture, and Electro thrown in for good measure. The fights between Electro and Spider-Man and then Ock's fight with Spider-Man were very well done and exciting. You guys know how to keep a guy hooked with good fight sequences. Best of all, we get to see Spider-Man to reenact the same famous scene where he lifts the debris off of him from "The Amazing Spider-Man", vol. 1, #33. You guys actually improve upon that iconic image when Spidey's own might tears part of his outfit when he's lifting the machinery off of him. My only complaint in the episode is that Doc Ock didn't take Electro with him when he escaped. They have a bit of a mentor/pupil relationship, and Electro himself even says he worshipped Ock in "Reinforcement". Did Doc Ock leave Electro behind because he was upset with him for trashing his lab after he ordered him to stand down, or did he merely not want to risk being caught by Spider-Man by not picking Electro up when he was making his escape? Or maybe he was just so eager to ditch Spider-Man in his ruined lab and leave him to die that he forgot? Whatever the reason, it kind of gave me pause. Thankfully, Spidey took him out when he left with Gwen so we know we'll see more of Electro in the series. In all, it's one of the best episodes of the season -- and the series. It's my third favorite for season two.

"First Steps":
At first I thought, "A solo Sandman story? Why? We could be seeing a new villain introduced instead and we just saw him in 'Reinforcement'." Of course, that was BEFORE I saw this episode, and man, it was a gem. I was pleasantly surprised with this one, with Spider-Man mocking Sandman for still comitting the same petty thefts he did as Flint Marko when he could be using his powers for so much more. It also gives us a great line, where Spidey quotes "With great power comes great..." and Sandman adds "Gullibility!!" before punching him. We also get more out of Hammerhead, which is cool because I love Mr. DiMaggio's scenes where he voices Sandman and Hammerhead together. We also get Sha Shan, and on this series, Sha Shan's voice actress is none other than "X2" co-star Kelly Hu! Sweet! The video segment moments for Flash's birthday party were nice, though I'll never think of the nickname "Flash" Thompson the same ever again. I'm a bit surprised this one got through the censors. Anyway, the best moment at the party, to me, was Rand's reaction with Sally when they were filming. I know you guys mean well, but MAN, I dislike Sally. How this girl will eventually become Bluebird is beyond me at this point. Sandman has some great moments of his own, especially the moment on the beach with the little girl and her sand castle. The ending was nice, though I still cringe at the memories of the sand-giant Sandman from the terrible, terrible "Spider-Man 3" film. However, Sandman's return at the episode's end and Eddie Brock's re-appearance in this episode made it all worth it. And now that Eddie has his symbiote back, we're gonna have a heck of a good time with Venom...

"Growing Pains":
I thought the transformation of John Jameson was kind of quick here, but who cares? This episode is brilliant. Not only do we get John Jameson playing hero (and later villain to Spidey) as Colonel Jupiter, we get Venom! The Venom moments were some of the best I've ever seen, with Venom's framing Spidey while in the black costume were nicely done. I'm a bit surprised that electricity is what stops John Jameson and that he's still a bit insane after what happened to him, but heck, we get a real reason for Jameson to genuinely hate Spider-Man. I assume he'll be bringing in Mac Gargan in the future to get revenge on Spider-Man for what he did to his son. I feel bad for John Jameson and hope he changes back to his own, sane self...even if we all want him to go through the misfortune of becoming Man-Wolf at some point in the future. To top it all off, we get quite possibly the best cliffhanger ending of all, where Venom breaks into the Bugle and announces that Peter is Spider-Man in front of his shocked co-workers!

"Identity Crisis"
Okay, seriously...great, great, GREAT work here, guys. This episode made me wish that this, THIS, was the Venom we got for "Spider-Man 3": ruthless, persistent, vile, and wanting nothing more than Spider-Man dead. I loved everyone's reaction to Ned Lee's question that Peter Parker could be Spider-Man. To me, the Connors and Aunt May had the best reactions, though Norman's simple "No." comment was effective and creepy. Maybe he already knows and won't tell anyone? Anyway, we even get a Quentin Beck cameo in prison during Ned's interview that foreshadows a later episode! Sweet! We also get Flash Thompson helping Spider-Man out and the return of Dr. Connors' gene cleanser. That's the only part of this story I don't buy. THAT is how Venom gets defeated? Granted, I know that Venom's vulnerability to sonic vibrations is how Spidey got rid of the symbiote and that it's unlikely we'll see Venom's weakness to fire animated. But really, what does this do to the symbiote? Does it mean it can't bond to Brock anymore? Does it change it so that it becomes a red symbiote for Carnage? Sigh. Season Three can't come fast enough to show us what the future holds for Eddie Brock and the symbiote. Although, I love how Eddie wanted the symbiote back and it's a bit heartbreaking that he has to hold onto his hatred in order to get the symbiote back because, otherwise, it wouldn't return to him and Eddie would feel that he'd have nothing left. Poor Eddie. Poor, INSANE Eddie, but poor Eddie nonetheless. However, I'm quite sure we haven't seen the last of Eddie Brock as Venom. He's too popular to keep away for long and the "Spectacular" version of Venom is my favorite of all time. Here, he's truly showcased as to why he's one of Spider-Man's most popular, deadliest and greatest enemies that the hero has to face off with. In the end, Peter's secret is safe and Captain Stacy makes his first hint he may know Peter's secret. Oh, man, that was just wonderful! I'm going to bet that, as of now, the only ones who know for sure that Peter is Spider-Man are Captain Stacy and Mary Jane Watson. I'm pretty sure M.J. knows already, like how she knew from nearly the beginning in the comics.

I'll mention the other episodes shortly...

**BIG SPOILERS OVER

**END OF "SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN" SEASON TWO SPOILERS**

Greg responds...

Again, no new chip in Ock. This is the same chip that fused to his spine from the beginning. It's always given him complete control over his arms. But that doesn't explain what POWERS the arms.

Response recorded on May 12, 2009

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anonmous writes...

**SEASON TWO SPOILERS OF "THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN"**

**BIG SPOILERS -- SERIOUSLY**

**FINE, DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU**

Hello, I said I'd be back.

Here's part two of my episode reviews for season two...

"Accomplices":
So we get Frederick Foswell as Patch, Black Cat's cameo return, a bidding war between a bunch of supervillains, the introduction of Kingsley, and the debut Silver Sable...and voiced by Nikki Cox, no less! Man, you guys know how to throw a party! I didn't even mind that Silver Sable turned out to be Silvermane's daughter. Seeing Doc Ock at the auction with Vulture, as well as his tentacles around two lovely ladies, was a nice addition and Ock even convinces Rhino to go out and get the chip. I'm just surprised Vulture didn't speak. When we get Kingsley, he acts like Roderick one minute and then his twin brother Daniel the next. I'm guessing he's actually both, since we only have Courtney B. Vance credited as "Kingsley" in the credits. Not only do we get to see Spider-Man fight Hammerhead (finally!!), but we get a brief Rhino/Spidey team-up! Best of all, said chip is a fake and the real one is with Norman Osborn! Osborn's taking a long walk down a dark path now and I love every second of it.

"Probable Cause":
I hate to say it, but this was kind of a filler episode for me. I mean, we've got the Shocker back and the Enforcers. But did the Enforcers really need costumes too like the Shocker? One of the reasons I love the Enforcers in the comics is because they are normal looking foes. They're not supposed to wear super-powered villain costumes. This is why I do not like Montana being the Shocker in this series. Herman Schultz may not be as memorable as Otto Octavius or Norman Osborn in the alter-ego department, but he's the Shocker. He's just a crook who wants to steal cash and keep a professional reputation, but keeps getting foiled by Spider-Man. Having Montana as the Shocker is, no disrespect intented, just wrong in my opinion. To me, it's not the Shocker, it's Montana in a Shocker costume and with Shocker's gauntlets. This isn't as bad as the Rheinholdt Kragov Electro that the Fox Kids Spider-Man show gave us, but any deviation from a classic Spider-Man foe, especially in terms of their alter-egos, doesn't sit well with me. That's just how I roll. Besides, I especially did not care for seeing Fancy Dan as Ricochet. Ricochet was my favorite Spidey identity-turned-Slingers member and seeing someone with the name Ricochet as a villain made me cringe. The episode itself also seems a bit out of place to me. We had the start of the Gang War arc with the bid on the chip, and Gang War's conclusion comes up next. In between that, we get -- Shocker, Ox and Ricochet? That took me out of the story a bit, because it seems a bit out of place in this particular arc. I think, at least, this should have happened before the bidding war, because this is an odd choice for the middle of the Gang War arc, especially since most of the villains involved (Doc Ock, Tombstone, Silvermane, etc.) don't even show up in this episode. Also, we have focus on quite possible the worst villain that Spider-Man has faced on this show: Sally Avril. Seriously? Well, at least she did seem concerned about Peter in the episode when she thought he had died, even if it was for about two micro-seconds. However, I did love what happened with Flash in this episode. I'm really loving how much Flash has grown in this season and how he's been handled. Kudos, all. Stan Carter's dark comments regarding Spidey not going "far enough" against villains was a nice addition. And you have got to love that ending with Harry...

"Gangland":
I never thought I'd love the opera so much in my entire life. We get Silvermane making his debut, AND his cyborg armor look to boot. I love the return of Silver Sable, but was disappointed she didn't do as much as she did in "Accomplices". Despite this, I liked how she was trembling when in Hammerhead's presence. It shows that Hammerhead is also growing as a criminal to fear, like the other crime lords here. Doc Ock, in particular, also shines here, and I love, love, LOVE what you've done with him in this episode. Next to "Shear Strength", THIS is the Doc Ock I know and love: brilliant, cold and extremely dangerous. His attack on the defenseless Silvermane and his hatred for Spider-Man during their fight scenes are wonderful to watch, and Peter MacNicol simply cannot appear in enough episodes as the voice of Ock. One moment I loved was when Doc Ock was shouting with rage in his final fight with Spider-Man in the sewers after he was kicked against the pipes. Seeing Ock continue to attack Spidey with just such fury shows just how frustrating and how hateful that Ock finds our heroic Spider-Man.

Please, please, PLEASE say we'll see Doc Ock in multiple episodes next season.

The only Doc Ock complaint is the sudden lack of the new chip. What happened here? Suddenly, Spidey removes the power pack again when Ock's knocked on the ground and Ock's tentacles no longer work. Did I miss something here? When Ock returns for season three, PLEASE say he'll get TOTAL mental control over his tentacles. This is the most annoying method ever for defeating Doc Ock, moreso than Spider-Man firing webs over Doc Ock's goggles/sunglasses. Ock is in serious need of improvement on your show.

However, I'll forgive this incident for the sheer joy for the next two highlights: Spider-Man's rematch with Tombstone, and the reveal of the new Big Man in the finale. The Green Goblin is back in style, just as crazy as ever. If Gobby's maniacal laughter at the finale doesn't give you chills and get you excited for next week's episode, I don't know what will.

In all, this is my second favorite episode for season two. Brilliant work, guys. I applaud you all.

"Subtext":
My fifth favorite episode of this series. The introduction of Molten Man is wonderful, we get some great moments for Liz and Mary Jane, and we also get a bit of the Green Goblin. We even get Blackie Gaxton back, to boot! The personalities for the characters really shine here. I really felt bad for Mark here after all that's happened to him. When Liz shouts at Peter and then breaks down crying, you feel sorry for her. I also felt bad for seeing Mary Jane standing by herself when Peter comforts a sobbing Liz. I hope M.J. gets much more focus in season three...or in the current Marvel Comics, but that's another matter.

"Opening Night":
This wasn't a bad episode, it was very entertaining. But it's not one of the better episodes this season, either. I loved seeing all of the imprisoned villains together, especially since we saw Beck with inmates back in "Identity Crisis", hence my forshadowing mention earlier.

[Wait, did I really just say "hence"?!? What am I, a senior citizen?!?]

I loved seeing the Rhino, the Enforcers (thankfully without their costumes), Silvermane, and Molten Man. I especially love what you did with Molten Man here. You sooooo have to bring him back when there's a new third season. However, I didn't care much for the reveal of the imprisoned Quentin Beck as a robot that tranformed into Mysterio, though it does explain why Tinkerer didn't break out Mysterio at the finale of "Reinforcement". Despite this, the Mysterio gargoyles pop up again and are as fun and funny as ever, so I'll forgive it. I won't be so kind, though, on the reveal of Uncle Ben's real killer. Black Cat's father?!? Ugh. No offense, but this brought back bad memories of "Spider-Man 3" for me. We didn't need someone with a name or a history to be the guy who fatally shot Uncle Ben, or someone who felt haunted about doing it. In the comics, it's a nameless burglar. It's more effective. Sometimes, less is more, and it should've been that way here. Granted, it gives a new twist on the Spider-Man/Black Cat relationship, but here, it felt forced and unneeded. Though it's going to be interesting to see what Black Cat does next time she shows up. I did like her characterization here, and I really LOVED what you did with the Green Goblin. At this point, I honestly didn't care if it was Norman or Harry behind that mask: I simply wanted to see more of him. His rhyming, his hacking into the Vault, his fight with Spider-Man...it's just pure brilliance. We also get a great, long overdue moment on this show: Hobie Brown finally speaks!! However, I must applaud you with J. Jonah Jameson. He's just pure gold in this episode. I especially love his scenes in this episode, from his joy in seeing Spider-Man imprisoned to his quip about Mysterio's robots getting their own show. But the best is saved for last, indeed...

"Final Curtain":
Seriously...this is the best season two episode!! Everything here is just brilliant. From Peter's break-up with Liz Allan to the "is he or isn't he" guessing game of the man behind the Green Goblin's mask, this show had more twists and turns than any other episode. I have to admit, I love your portrayal of Donald Menken. Think you can reprise the role next season? Anyway, what's so clever here is that you can totally buy the idea of ANY of the suspects being the Green Goblin, from Donald Menken to Harry Osborn to Norman Osborn. I must admit, I knew Chameleon would appear in season two, but I had no idea how cool and important his role here would be...or the big reveal of Chameleon's REAL first appearance on your show.

On one hand, it could've been Harry. I thought this show was going to have Norman somehow transfer the Goblin personality from Harry into himself with his staff to spare Harry of what he'd done in season one. This would've given Norman the edge he needed over Tombstone and Hammerhead without having to apologize for what had happened to Harry, kind of like a selfish "what was a curse for Harry has been turned into a blessing for me" angle. Given how Harry had acted in "Competition" and "The Invisible Hand", or how he kept blacking out after taking Globulin Green, you could believe that he had with a split personality and was the Green Goblin. Maybe when he was Harry-Goblin, he listened at the door about Hammerhead threatening Osborn with Octavius' knowledge of Osborn co-creating Rhino and Sandman before he entered to tell his dad about his latest accomplishments since he was now a football player and that he had a date to the Fall Formal. Of course, we all know Goblin later traps Octavius and turns him into Doc Ock, even if that wasn't his intention. It also would've explained Harry's angry outburst and attack on his father when he blacked out in "The Uncertainty Principle".

Granted, I knew Norman Osborn would likely be the Goblin this season, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how tricky and how evil he actually was. I mean, you see him break his own son's ankle, for crying out loud! Norman is slimy, unapologetic and cares for no one, not even his own son. He just takes what he wants and doesn't care who he hurts.

My sole problem with this episode is Green Goblin's faked death. It was simply too early to have Norman Osborn believed dead by his son and the public, especially since I simply wanted to see more of him next season. At least we could've had Norman find out Peter's secret identity before episode's end. I mean, Norman goes from wanting to turn Harry into a man he could be proud of and then suddenly leaves New York under the alias of the blond Mr. Roman when everyone thinks he's deceased? I know Osborn's just planning his next move, but I didn't think he'd need to let anyone think he was dead to do it. However, given Harry's own dark turn when he guilts Gwen into sticking around as his girlfriend after previously learning he found out Gwen intended to leave him for Peter, I'm sure Harry's going to go down a dark path of his own that may lead him to the Green Goblin mask one day.

I'm also gonna guess that one of Goblin's "pumpkin head" henchmen is gonna be Hobgoblin or Jack O'Lantern. Maybe it's a currently-unnamed Jason Macendale working for Goblin? And with Tombstone being watched and Hammerhead MIA, maybe Frederick Foswell trades his Patch identity for the position of the new Big Man...

I've also got some guesses as to who the Hobgoblin could be, early as it may be:
- Donald Menken. We thought he could've been Green Goblin, so he might be a Hobgoblin suspect too.
- Chameleon. Heck, we thought he was Norman Osborn on season two and if Harry hadn't realized Chameleon's apology mistake, we wouldn't have even thought he was an imposter.
- Norman Osborn. What better way to have the time to improve his own equipment and costume when everyone thinks you're dead, even your own wife and son?
- Harry Osborn. Hey, he was the Hobgoblin in "Ultimate Spider-Man", so why not here too? And it'd be a great way to have him avenge his thought-dead dad by attacking his own best friend, even if he doesn't know it...yet.
- Ned Lee. He's working on stories of Spider-Man and the Green Goblin for the Bugle. I also buy he's the original Hobgoblin in the comics a lot more than I do that Roderick Kingsley was the real Hobby all along. Speaking of which...
- Roderick Kingsley. The obvious man behind the mask, but given how manipulative he turned out to be and just how long it took us to find out who the original Hobgoblin really was, it may not be so easy for us to think Roderick would don the Goblin mask in season three.
- Emily Osborn. Where DOES she disappear to, anyway? And besides, it'd give her something to do on the show besides silently cut her dinner with a kitchen knife.

For season three, I'm betting we see Venom back, more of Mary Jane, Man-Wolf, the debut of Hydro-Man, and maybe even the origin of Jackal. But these are merely guesses.

Now, I don't want my comments on season two to sound too mean or even make you think I didn't like season two at all. Far from it. I love this show. I just got disappointed with it, is all. Besides, you've got to take the bad comments with the good. If everyone told you how brilliant it was all the time, then you wouldn't learn about what people didn't like about it, or how to improve on your faults and become a better writer out of it from what you've learned. Season two was nowhere near as bad as seasons two, four or five of Fox Kids' "Spider-Man" series, but it wasn't as good as season one of "Spectacular". Regardless of my rants and criticism, I honestly hope you and the rest of the writers and directors return for a season three. "The Spectacular Spider-Man" is my favorite animated series ever, Spider-Man or otherwise. It simply cannot end at season two, but it also can't continue without the current cast and crew. You're what makes this show so great, and you all do brilliant work. I genuinely hope this show gets its planned 65-episode run...and much more.

Thank you so very much for your time, sir. I'm honored to chat with another fellow Spider-Man fan such as you.

**END OF SEASON TWO SPOILERS**

**END OF SPOILERS**

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

Spidey didn't remove Ock's chip, he removed Ock's power-pack. Ock DOES have total mental control of his tentacles thanks to the chip imbedded in his spine. But something still needs to power the tentacles, and that's the power pack.

And Norman didn't BREAK Harry's ankle, he twisted it. Not that I'm defending the act, just trying to be specific, since this casual misconception seems to have become common currency.

Response recorded on May 12, 2009

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Patrick writes...

Hey...
first off spectacular spiderman is AMAZING!!
but on to the point i was curious if u were going to go ahead with a season 3 of the show...
the finale of season 2 had left room for desire...
just curious...
and i was as well as curious how i would read your answer...
so if it couldn't be too much of a hasle could you please e-mail me your answer...
my e-mail is:
kurosaki223@gmail.com

feel free to e-mail me...
it is your choice

Greg responds...

I don't e-mail responses directly, because (a) it would defeat the purpose of this forum and (b) if I did it for you, I'd have to do it for everyone and (c) I don't want everyone to have my e-mail address.

And, AGAIN, I'd love to do a Season Three. We are awaiting word as to whether or not we're getting a pick-up.

Response recorded on May 12, 2009

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Arthur Jr. writes...

To follow up on my Cletus Kasady and Morris Bench question, I was wondering if you plan to include Carnage and Hydro-Man in the third series if you're still in charge? Seeing as Venom's symbiote is still in the sewers, I even assumed that you might plan for Eddie to be incarcerated at Ravencroft and the symbiote spawning an offspring resulting in the creation of Carnage (though I heard Carnage wasn't allowed to kill anyone in the 90's series).

In a follow-up to Man-Wolf in the same question, I was wondering if you would plan for Frank Welker (who did Bronx in "Gargoyles") to voice Man-Wolf if you decide to include John Jameson's Man-Wolf form. I suggested an idea for Frank Welker in the role since Dee Bradley Baker is already providing Lizard's vocal effects.

Greg responds...

Repeating myself, I don't know why I'd recast the role, when I have a perfectly great voice actor already in the part, i.e. Daran Norris. (You didn't "follow up" your Man-Wolf question, you just restated it.)

Otherwise, repeating myself some more, I have ZERO intention of spoiling Season Three plotlines at this stage.

Response recorded on May 12, 2009

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Tyler writes...

Hi Mr. Weisman,

My question is: in season 1 of Spectacular Spider-Man, during the Electro and The Lizard episodes, what was the reasoning behind Peter's ring tone being "Little Bunny Fu Fu"? (at least thats what it sounded like to me). It was funny, I was just curious why it was chosen. Thank you for your time.

P.S. Thank you for doing Spectacular Spider-Man. I love twists on the show, it keeps new fans guessing and comic book fans on their toes. This is truly one of the best adaptations I've seen yet. This is what Spider-Man should be. Also, love Gargoyles, fantastic show, hope it comes back in the near future. Thanks again.

Greg responds...

It's "Itsy Bitsy Spider".

Response recorded on May 11, 2009

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Marn Hierogryph writes...

Why couldn't Spider-Man be more like W.I.T.C.H. and less like Gargoyles. The villains were all under developed and the girls were all shallow.

There's background characters than there's main character's who are underused. For example, did we really need Mysterio, Kraven, Colonel Jupiter, and Molten Man? We already had plenty of villains who still needed developing, so adding new ones only made things feel more crowded. Those episodes could have been better used to help the Tombstone gangwar stuff, or the Goblin stuff (even though technically MM was part of the Goblin arc)

Why not just focus on one villain for a certain amount of episodes. Tell a complete story. Finish that villain off and then move to the next one? Why does it have to be "villain of the week?"

I would say having the established characters develop would make it fresh (For example, rather than just have him just pop up for a fight all the time, let Electro be cured, or regain his sanity/goodness and become a hero, or show him confiding in Eddie/Conners about his actions and show conflict) if you just add new characters to keep things fresh, then it's just delaying the inevitable. Plus I'm reminded of that Poochie episode of the Simpson.

The thing with that is we're not getting to read these books, just look at the covers over and over again while they tease us with the content inside them. Sure, the show is giving us new characters, but if all that entails is "Villain shows up, tries to take over the word, fails, tries again next week" then I'd rather stick with a smaller cast who's motives and characterization moves beyond that and have their stories become more complex and intuitive.

I suppose that's the base problem with franchises, introducing things just for the sake of the people who liked it in other mediums, as opposed to what's actually beneficial to the show itself and what would make for ideal storytelling.

I found them both kind of shoehorned in and took away focus from the real villain the arc was about. Instead of Jupiter and Molten Man, we could get more focus on Venom and Goblin, who are severely lacking in terms of characterization and development in the show so far.

For what it's worth, I won't be watching the third season (if there is one) since it's clear now this show isn't what I was hoping for.

Greg responds...

Were there any ACTUAL questions in there, or is this just a single tirade, with some of it phrased as questions?

Look, obviously, I'm sorry the series isn't working for you. But I don't regret any of our choices. Doing ALL our (for example) Electro stories in a row and then writing that character off forever, hardly seems like a sensible solution. That would proclude him interacting with and/or changing because of other characters. Most of the series I do, including Spidey, Gargoyles and W.I.T.C.H., are written as tapestries. You can follow individual threads, or you can step back and take in the whole picture with it's (admittedly) cast of thousands. Over time, all characters will get more development. I'd preach patience, but you're clearly out of it with us, and I guess I have to respect that.

Response recorded on May 11, 2009

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Joseph writes...

Hello Greg,
Thank you for the rollercoaster ride that was the second season of the Spectacular Spider-Man. I've got a few things I have to ask you (SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!):

1. In "Final Curtain", Norman Osborn thanks a man called Gargan on the phone. Throughout the show, Norman Osborn has a bald heavy along with Donald Menken. Is he Gargan?
2. Speaking of Donald Menken, is he an actual comics character?
3. Have we ever actually seen the real Mysterio at all this season?
4. Were Vulture and Silver Sable arrested along with the others in "Gangland"?
5. Where did Calypso, Hammerhead and Blackie Gaxton go to after they ran away at the end of their respective episodes?
6. Did Doctor Octopus go back into Ravencroft at the end of "Gangland"?
7. Who will take control of OsCorp considering what happened at the end of "Final Curtain"?
8. In "Blueprints", how was Mysterio able to get people to bow before him?
9. With Mark (now Molten Man) in prison, what's going to happen with MJ's love life?
10. How was the gene clenser actually able to affect Venom?
11. And in a future season, will Black Cat's story continue?

Thanks for continuing one of the best superhero shows ever in such a strong way, and hopefully it'll continue once again!

Joseph, a happy fan.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

1. No.

2. Yes.

3. Yes.

4. No.

5. No comment.

6. Yes.

7. No comment.

8. They weren't bowing. They were collapsing to their knees thanks to a colorless, odorless gas that weakened them.

9. No comment.

10. It wasn't.

11. Duh.

Response recorded on May 11, 2009

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C-Note writes...

Hi Greg,
I know you are probably used to hearing it, but I am a big fan of both Gargoyles and The Spectacular Spider-Man. My questions mostly concern Spectacular Spider-Man.
1. How do the overseas ratings effect our chances for a third Spider-Man season?
2. What is the earliest we could possibly know if Spider-Man is picked up again?
3. If picked up, how long would it take to produce a new season?
4. How has the show being transferred to a Disney channel helped or hindered the possibilities of a third season?
5. Will Disney now be handling the DVD releases of Spider-Man?
My last question I ask because I am hoping they will be as I think (or hope) that they would use that as a sort of free advertising for the Gargoyles DVDs (If you like this, buy this other series by creator Greg Weisman, etc.) and possibly give us the season 2 part 2 we have all been waiting for. Anyways, thanks for your time and just know that I, as a dedicated Spider-Man fan who was highly wary of any new incarnation of the character, love what you have been doing on that series so far. Thanks again.

Greg responds...

1. Well, if ratings are high all over the world and those stations want more episodes than perhaps it would encourage Sony International to put more money into the series, so that if for WHATEVER reason, other Sony divisions are less interested, it might help compensate. But we're still waiting for Disney to give us a domestic pick-up sometime after the second season starts airing in June.

2. June at the earliest.

3. About ten months, give or take.

4. Well, we lack continuity, and Disney wants us to prove ourselves all over again, I suppose.

5. No. That's always been Sony Home Entertainment.

Response recorded on May 08, 2009

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THE BIG CHEESE writes...

Hey Greg, um i was wondering is it possible that in the secend season, when spiderman forces the gene clenser down venom's throat did the symbiot servive? I saw the symbiot escape into the sewers. Is it possible that the symbiot will break Brock out of Ravencroft and while doing so, the symbiot reproduces and will bond with Cletus Kasady?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

1. You saw him survive, and you're asking me if he survived?

2. No comment.

(And once again, I reiterate, I'm not going to be giving any specific spoilers away for Season Three, because (a) we don't have a pick-up yet and (2) once we do, I do NOT want to give away my plans!)

Response recorded on May 08, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"We all wear masks, Spider-Man. But which one is real? The one that hides your face, or the one that is your face?"
- The Green Goblin

"Final Curtain"

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

*** SERIOUSLY, MAJOR SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

*** I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU KEEP READING ***

I am not sure how to summarize this episode. It was great. Every question was answered. Everything about the Green Goblin and the Osborns. We know it all.

And I figured the mystery out when "The Uncertainty Principle" was over. I was never convinced it was Harry Osborn. I figured the Norman at OsCorp was the Chameleon committing some industrial espionage. I figured Norman knew his cover was blown and faked the limp and set up Harry. I thought that for over a year.

And yet, this episode kept me guessing. I began to believe I might be wrong. And I am ashamed to admit, I didn't pick up on Chameleon/Norman's apology. But, when I did begin to pick up on Chameleon was when, as Norman, he seemed flustered and confused about what was going on. As Spidey himself said, it's not the voice, it's the words.

But, this was perfect. The Green Goblin... Norman Osborn has always, always been my favorite villain in the "Spider-Man" mythos. My favorite villain in the Marvel Universe. I had waited years and years for that perfect adaptation of him outside the comics.

I didn't like the Norman Osborn in the 90s series, because he was a wimp and a victim of the Kingpin. Osborn should never be a victim. It also created the notion that the Goblin and Osborn were separate personalities, and they even had conversations with each other.

The movie did better, and I enjoyed it. Willem Dafoe was God in that movie. But, as cool as the mirror scene was, I didn't care for the split personality angle either. Also, I didn't like the idea that he as a decent man before his accident.

But, "Spectacular Spider-Man"... this is the Norman Osborn I always wanted. This is the Green Goblin I always wanted. A ruthless, evil, psychotic, Machiavellian, genius. There is no one he wouldn't use. No one he wouldn't stab in the back. And you never knew what he was going to do next.

Greg Weisman and his team brought us the perfect animated sociopath. A man who is truly detestable. A man who'd throw his own son to the wolves. No... not a man. A monster. A goblin.

Of course, I have to tip my hat to Alan Rachins and Steve Blum for bringing him to life. Both of these fine actors gave me chills, and both of them stole the show. I was beyond skeptical when I heard that Norman and the Goblin would have separate voice actors, but at the time I was unaware his identity would be a mystery, but these two won me over big time.

"I protected Harry. If I'd been sent to prison, who'd have made a man out of him?" -- If this line doesn't make you want to punch the man in the face, then you're just not human.

Anyway, the episode ends with Norman Osborn dead to the world, but is in hiding in the Cayman Islands as "Mr. Roman." ... his hair dyed blonde and with a mustache now. He looks the spitting image of "Gargoyles" villain, John Castaway. Actually, Castaway was the new name and identity of Jon Canmore... and he grew a mustache like that. I wonder if this is a nod. Considering Greg, probably.

Speaking of "Gargoyles" nods. The Connors board Flight 1057 to Florida. 1057 is the year Macbeth's alliance with Demona and his reign as King of Scotland ended. Norman boards Flight 994, the year Goliath's clan was massacred.

Peter breaks up with Liz to be with Gwen. Liz puts on a strong front to save her image, but she was heartbroken. A shame, she was a good girlfriend. Peter was a crappy boyfriend.

Gwen on the other hand, as much as she wants to be with Peter, well, Harry shows his devious side and guilts her into staying with him.

Harry, aside the aforementioned devious side has no idea who his father is. No, the little Spawn of Satan (hee hee, literally) thinks daddy was a victim of the Globulin Green as well. Oh, how little he knows.

The action in this episode topped every other action sequence in the series. Vic Cook did terrific job on this one. Everyone involved did great.

And the dialogue was terrific. Not just the lines themselves, but the delivery. Menken's "I have no response to that" floored me. I also loved Goblin's "Menken? Seriously?!" and Spidey's appalled outrage when he learned that Norman had framed his own son.

I do have a few questions though. Was Norman publicly outed as the Green Goblin? Obviously Harry, Peter, Chameleon and, from the sound of things, Gwen know the truth. Does Emily Osborn know? Does the world at large know? Or was that kept underwraps and Norman is just taking advantage of the world thinking he's dead to plan his next move?

I also have to compliment Greg and his team for taking a mystery everyone knew, the identity of the Green Goblin and not only making a mystery out of it, but keeping it going for the span of two seasons. The 90s soon didn't attempt it, well, for half an episode they did, but not seriously. The movies told you he was Norman Osborn from the get go. It's a staple of the "Spider-Man" mythos. And yes, while I wasn't fooled, many, many others were. And I have to compliment that and I have to tip my hat to just how well constructed this mystery really was.

But, all the other clues aside, the big tip off for me personally that it was Norman and not Harry was this. Norman was born and raised in Connecticut. Harry was born and raised in New York City. In "Catalysts," the Goblin tells his Gob Squad that he'll be back "in a New York minute." No actual born and bred New Yorker ever used the phrase "New York minute."

Really, in a way, the more I think about it, the more I believe that Norman Osborn was the lead antagonist of the series from pretty much the get go. We just didn't get 100% confirmation on that until the end. Yeah, Tombstone was the face of the crime element, and it was his plan originally to create supervillains in the first place, but Norman Osborn was the one who seemed to profit off of it. Not to mention that, aside from the Venom arcs, Norman had a hand, either large or subtle, in just about every single arc. Let's see...

Lizard Arc: Norman steals Toomes invention, which was majot pipe laying for what came later. Also, indirectly created his first supervillain when Toomes sought revenge.

Rise of the Supervillains: Norman Osborn becomes involved with the organized crime element, creates two supervillains (three if you count tipping off Big Man to Tri Corp's shipment of the Shocker suit). Gets a taste of the underworld, and, obviously likes it.

Green Goblin arc: This is pretty self explanatory. Like the good corporate shark that he is, he attempts a hostile take over of the Big Man's empire. He, unintentionally creates Dr. Octopus... the webslinger's other big nemesis. And, Norman pretty much ruins his son for the rest of his life here.

Venom arc: Norman was M.I.A.

Master Planner: Not as heavily involved, but he gets his own guy, Miles Warren into ESU. He becomes Peter's mentor, which is a big deal (and frankly, I wish we saw more of), and pipe is laid for later.

Venom Arc II: M.I.A. again, although I do wonder if he suspects Peter is Spider-Man.

Gang War: Norman Osborn set this thing off with his fake auction, raising the tensions, and then when the pot was going from a simmer to a boil, he manipulated Hammerhead into betraying Tombstone. Crippled the Big Man. And Silvermane and Ock are now back in custody. He finally absorbed the underworld into his own personal empire.

Green Goblin Returns: I think this is self explanatory, and I don't need to summarize his actions and their consequences here.

But that all leads into belief that I always had. Norman Osborn is the anti-Peter Parker. And that is especially true in this series. The two biggest threats to the Big Man were men in masks. Spider-Man and the Green Goblin, and both for totally different reasons.

When Peter and Norman put on their masks, they can cut loose. Truly cut loose. Peter is more confident when he's Spidey, and gets to escape the insecurities and personal problems of Peter Parker by becoming someone else. Where as, Norman Osborn, when he puts on his mask, gets to be himself. The Goblin is his face, Norman Osborn is the mask.

It's more than the both of them being trickster figures. It boils down to the psychosis of both of them. Masks are a big part of their lives. Norman collects them for a reason, because his entire public persona is a mask. I doubt even his wife and son know who he really is.

Peter would love to give up being Spider-Man. He's thought about it more than once, especially when he had the gene cleanser. Norman would never give up being the Goblin. He'd rather give up being Norman, and in a way that showed considering he didn't look too broken up about fleeing the country under an alias. He even flirted with the flight attendant.

Greg Weisman has always said that the secret to creating a great villain is to make them a dark mirror to the soul of your hero. The Goblin personifies that quite well. From all that I mentioned above, to little things like Norman being upperclass and Peter being lower class.

Brilliant.

All the gushing aside, I write this review with a heavy heart. As of now, there is still no pick-up for a third season, and it just can't end like this. I want more. This show is too good to end now.

But, if this is the end, I want to give kudos to everyone involved. Vic Cook for being an outstanding director. Jennifer Coyle... probably my favorite director of the bunch, her episodes always had outstanding little touches.

Josh Keaton for bringing Peter Parker and Spider-Man to life. Vanessa Marshall for bringing Mary Jane to life, a character who sadly had too little to do, but I hope we see more. Lacey Chabert for helping make Gwen Stacy a character who matters for more than just her infamous death in the comics. Ben Diskin for making me like Venom. Alan Rachins for his devious Norman Osborn. Steve Blum for his deliciously evil Green Goblin. Kevin Michael Richardson for picking up where Keith David left off and making Tombstone a force to be reckoned with. Peter McNicol for his calculating and cruel Dr. Octopus.

But, most of all, my friends the supervising producer and story editor, Greg Weisman; and post production assistant, Jennifer L. Anderson. I loved coming down to the studio while you in were production. I loved giving you instant feedback. Knowing you both has made the experience that has been this show that much richer. I love you both.

I still hold out hope for a third season. Shows this good just can't die like that.

*** I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU KEEP READING ***

*** SERIOUSLY, MAJOR SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

*** END MAJOR SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

High praise. Thanks.

Response recorded on May 07, 2009

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Martin writes...

Got a few more questions. Any news on the ratings, Greg? also, do you thing the Disney XD schedule is good? I mean repeating the same episodes for weeks? And, do you think a possible season 3 should have more new villains than returning?

Greg responds...

Guys, BEFORE you post questions, how about looking at the queue to see whether or not someone has posted the exact same question... like three questions in a row, okay? As a favor to me, please?

As far as I can tell, Disney XD is introducing one Season One episode a week (after introducing three in the first week). Then they rerun the newly introduced episode alongside any already introduced throughout the week that follows. This gives them a cumed rating score for each episode. You make it sound like they're taking one episode and only one episode and repeating it for weeks. That's just not the case.

As always, if we get a third season, there will be a mix of new and returning villains.

Response recorded on May 07, 2009

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Jay writes...

I would like to ask one simple question. Are the ratings for Spectacular Spiderman doing "Spectacular" enough to have season 3 renewed or at least have hope for it?
Thanks for your time.

Greg responds...

Once again... we have to see what the ratings are for the Second Season before we find out about a possible third.

Response recorded on May 07, 2009

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Bubba writes...

As a hardcore spiderman fan I would like to ask a couple of questions about the show. 1. Do you feel confident that there will be many more seasons to come for "The Spectacular Spiderman" because I think many people believe this to be one of the, if not, greatest adaption of a superhero show? If so, when will you think season 3 will be announced?
2. When is the season 1 boxset of season 1 being released and the price? Also does dvds sale come into play when the programs think about renewing the series for more seasons?

Greg responds...

1. I really am too superstitious to predict. I don't know when (or if) an announcement will come, but I'm pretty sure it won't come until AFTER the second season starts airing on Disney XD in the United States.

2. Sometime this summer. And probably.

Response recorded on May 07, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

My mistress with a monster is in love.
Near to her close and consecrated bower,
While she was in her dull and sleeping hour,
A crew of patches, rude mechanicals,
That work for bread upon Athenian stalls,
Were met together to rehearse a play,
Intended for great Theseus' nuptial day.
The shallowest thickskin of that barren sort,
Who Pyramus presented in their sport,
Forsook his scene and entered in a brake.
When I did him at this advantage take,
An ass's nole I fixèd on his head.
Anon his Thisby must be answerèd,
And forth my mimic comes. When they him spy,
As wild geese that the creeping fowler eye,
Or russet-pated choughs, many in sort,
Rising and cawing at the gun's report,
Sever themselves and madly sweep the sky;
So at his sight away his fellows fly,
And at our stamp here o'er and o'er one falls;
He murder cries and help from Athens calls.
Their sense thus weak, lost with their fears thus strong,
Made senseless things begin to do them wrong,
For briers and thorns at their apparel snatch:
Some, sleeves -- some, hats; from yielders all things catch.
I led them on in this distracted fear
And left sweet Pyramus translated there,
When in that moment (so it came to pass)
Titania waked, and straightway loved an ass.

"Opening Night"

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Okay, two of my great loves have been combined. Spider-Man and William Shakespeare. And, our first episode personally scripted by Greg Weisman since "Intervention" back in the first season. You know it's a Weisman episode because of all the Shakespeare dialogue. You also know it's a Weisman script because of the cast of thousands. ;)

Okay, a new wing has been built at Ryker's Island called the Vault. Considering all the supervillains running around, it would make sense to finally give them their own wing. Not to mention Norman Osborn gets to make a profit off of it. He cranks 'em out and he locks 'em up. The perfect racket.

So, Norman somehow contacts Spider-Man and wants him to break out of the Vault to test security. And then is conveniently called away by Donald Menken... curious.

Meanwhile, at Midtown High, the production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is about to start, and Peter hasn't shown up to watch Liz. More than that, Harry Osborn, who was cast as Puck is missing also. Curious...

So, Norman Osborn and Harry Osborn are both no where to be seen, and the Green Goblin shows up to destroy Spider-Man. And, with an OsCorp Osberry, he manages to take control of security and free all the criminals and supervillains locked up. Bad news, Spidey, very bad news.

While this is happening, Black Cat breaks in to bust out her father, Walter Hardy aka the Cat Burglar. And, as we find out, the murderer of Uncle Ben...

Okay, I may as well discuss this since I know this is going to probably provide a lot of controversy, but, this is very well done. It achieved what "Spider-Man 3" tried to do, and failed miserably at. Either way, Peter still didn't stop him, he looked the other way, and his Uncle Ben paid with his life. This isn't like the movie where the Burglar was not the real killer and the Sandman was. If they had made that Burglar Flint Marko from the get go, I doubt that would have been as controversial.

Sam Raimi, if you're reading, take notes. Watch this show. This is how you do Spidey.

Okay, back to the episode. Among the prisoners are Montana, Ox, Fancy Dan, Rhino, Molten Man, a Mysterio robot, and Silvermane takes charge. Turns out Quentin Beck is still free after all... which was a big surprise.

Speaking of Mysterio, his Homunculi have really grown on me. They amuse me. I particularly enjoyed Jameson shouting out "I love these guys! They should have their own show!" Hmmm... winged creatures having their own show. I believe Weisman would call this an exercise in self indulgence. ;)

By the way, I enjoyed seeing Montana use a lasso. Yeah, it's dated, I don't want to see him use one again. But as a brief nod to the source material, it was fun.

And only Rhino could call Ox "pip squeak."

Did the Goblin ever bother to deactivate Mark's "curse?"

Well, Walter Hardy turns out to be a semi-decent man, as he wants to pay for his crime, stops the criminals from escaping, and remains behind as a prisoner. Black Cat is not happy about this. Period. Sorry, Cat/Spidey 'shippers. I think the ship has sailed for that now.

Although, on that note, it shouldn't be too hard for Felicia to figure out Spidey's identity now, considering how personally he took Ben Parker's murder. Assuming it even registered for her.

This episode was just beautiful. The action. The drama. The Shakespeare? Oh god, the Shakespeare. We need more of it in animation. You can never have too much Shakespeare.

My favorite moment is hard to pick, but... I loved the Green Goblin reciting Puck's monologue. Hey, the Green Goblin is a trickster, and Puck is the original. Gotta love it. That was a geekgasm.

"Up and down, up and down,
I will lead them up and down:
I am fear'd in field and town:
Goblin, lead them up and down."

Speaking of Puck, Hobie Brown finally speaks. About damn time, too. I loved his Puck costume and Glory's Cobweb costume.

Flash is still not a very good actor. Not a knock at Joshua LeBar, he is fantastic. I really think Flash has grown more this year than anyone else in the cast. Kudos for that.

So, the Goblin loses his temper and attempts to kill Spidey, but is driven off my both him and the Black Cat. Somehow, I don't see Cat doing him any more favors.

I guess we'll see soon if the Goblin messed up by revealing his return too soon. Yes, he nearly nailed Spidey, but he obviously went into that confrontation half-cocked. But, I am sure that next episode the gloves will be off. No matter who is under the mask, his (or her, it could be Emily) last name is Osborn. Spidey knows about that connection and will have to be eliminated.

One more episode to go. Spider-Man versus Green Goblin. I both eagerly anticipate it, and at the same time, I dread it. The show still hasn't been picked up for season three, and I don't want "Final Curtain" to be, well, the final curtain.

So, where was Harry? Who is the Green Goblin? What will happen to Peter and Gwen? If this is indeed the final curtain, then I am sure it will be a very memorable one.

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

Actually, Jonah's line wasn't a Gargoyles reference. I really would like to do an "HOMUNCULI" spin-off series. Three little robot monsters on the loose in the world. I think it would be great fun.

(You heard it here first.)

Response recorded on May 07, 2009

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anonymous writes...

**spoilers for season two for "The Spectacular Spider-Man"**

Hello.

Loved what you've done with Sandman on this show's first two seasons. I hope you have more plans for him if there's a season three.

As for Sandman's old partner Rhino, will we see another solo Rhino story on your show someday? We saw one for Sandman in season two, so why not one for Rhino too?

Finally, do you think Robert Englund could come back as the voice of Vulture next season if you decide to use him? Englund has done an excellent job on this show.

**end of season two spoilers**

Greg responds...

1. We'll just have to see.

2. I see no reason why Robert wouldn't come back. Do you know something I don't?

Response recorded on May 06, 2009

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kyle Tonarella writes...

Hey Greg I have a question conserning black cat on spectacular spider-man. At the end of the episode Opening Night which was a awsome episode written by you Greg. Anyway at the end black cat said that she'll never forgive Spider-man for letting her father stay in prison is there any chance in a possible season 3 we'll see diffrent dynamic next time spidey and black cat face each other ?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

That's where we left off. That's where we'll pick up again -- if we pick up again.

Response recorded on May 06, 2009

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Jason R. Carter writes...

OK, some SS-M questions:

1. Exactly, what *does* Rand see in Sally, anyway? Multitudes of fans are dying to know.

2. You said in an interview (can't remember quite where I read it) that it was Sean Galloway's design for JJJ that cinched the deal for him. What was it about that particular design that convinced you?

Greg responds...

1. Dude.

2. I wouldn't say it was his Jonah that clinched the DEAL for HIM. It was his Jonah that clinched SEAN for ME. It's hard to answer your question articulately, but basically it just felt SO Jonah, and yet contemporary. He just seemed to capture the essence of the character.

Response recorded on May 06, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Well, what can I say about this one? Heeee's baaaack... with a vengeance.

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

"Subtext"

There's a new Big Man in New York City. His name? The Green Goblin. With Tombstone now under surveillance and cut off from his empire, and Silvermane and Doc Ock in prison... all thanks to his machinations, the Green Goblin is stepping up to the plate and painting the town green.

In the comics, the Green Goblin was this character who always, in spite of his bizarre costume, would have me on edge whenever he showed up. You never knew what he was going to do next, except you know it would be evil and painful. Well, considering how this episode is I am going to be on the edge of my seat throughout the next two.

Liz's brother, Mark Allan, is in trouble. Big trouble. I've often said that one of the worst things you can be is a gambler. It's maybe only slightly better than being a drug addict. It's stupid and the consequences are dire. The only sure thing about gambling is the price is not worth the risk... and not worth the minute victory.

I gambled only once in my life, at the 2005 Gathering of the Gargoyles in Las Vegas. I spent, maybe an hour playing Black Jack, and when I was up $100, I stopped. I never went back. Yes, I won. But I felt it. I felt how easy it was to sink into it, and walked away.

Mark, well... he ended up owing money to a bookie and hood named Blackie Gaxton, who as we saw in the last episode worked for Tombstone. And now, he's working for the Green Goblin. And what does Gobby want? A guinea pig for a new supervillain. You all know where this is going...

Mark gets his powers, courtesy of Norman Osborn's new scientist, Miles Warren (whom I expected). The poor boy thinks he's done, is even given $100 and sent on his way. Well, here comes the tragedy. He can't control his new powers at all. The Green Goblin is in control of him. And now, he's become the Molten Man, and he's at the Goblin's beck and call.

The Goblin has one simple demand, kill Spider-Man. Not distract him, like Tombstone was attempting to do. Kill him. As we can see, the Goblin is looking to be a more dangerous Big Man than his predecessor. Helps when you're psychotic.

Oh, and I don't think you need to be a genius to figure the Goblin had no intention of letting Mark out of his clutches even after he killed Spider-Man.

Meanwhile, Mary Jane and Liz are concerned, and like Spidey, track Mark down. Poor Mary Jane, she got more attached to Mark than she expected. Things do not end well.

So, Molten Man is defeated, and taken away. Mary Jane and Liz have been emotionally wrecked, and the Goblin is just cackling his green head off and plotting his next move.

Peter tried to salvage his relationship with Liz, but, the writing is on the wall... there's not much there to salvage. But, watching this, I can't help but wish them luck.

Gwen Stacy has kept her new look, and damn she looks fine (but, I do miss the glasses). Harry is a lucky guy... um... too bad the writing on the wall here spells doomed as well.

Of course, I would fail at life if I didn't bother mentioning Miles Warren here. Even with my knowledge of the character in the comics, it's still shocking to see this jackal slowly getting worse and worse before our eyes. When we first met him, he seemed, well, normal. Next episode he is profiting off of Kraven, and carrying guns on school property. Then, he seized administrative control of the lab from the Connors, but he was right, security under them has been lacking. But here... supervillain in the making. This jackal is probably the most vile character in the series.

As for the story. Greg Weisman combined the characters of Mark Raxton (he was Liz's step-brother in the comics) and Bennett Brant (Betty Brant's brother) into one. Bennett was a gambler who fell into debt with Blackie Gaxton and was killed over it. In a way, I think this is more tragic and I cannot help but be reminded of the "Gargoyles" episodes, "Metamorphosis" where Elisa Maza's brother, Derek is transformed by David Xanatos into a bat-winged, feline mutate named Talon.

Two episodes left to go, and, honestly, and this is saying how well done this show is, but... I'm actually scared for the cast. It just feels like nobody is safe. usually on TV, especially in cartoons, the cast is safe. You don't have that feeling of dread because tragedies are usually not allowed to befall them. But, here? We're approaching the season finale, and that usually means a shake-up is coming, and here I think it will be a tragic one.

The Green Goblin is back... and I have no idea what he's going to do next. God help them.

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

Hey, if we can keep you uneasy, then I think we've succeeded.

Response recorded on May 06, 2009

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Jesse B. writes...

Hello again, Greg!

I apologize if my last comment about Robbie, Jean, and Stan in Spectacular came off as overly critical. That was absolutely NOT my intention! "Silly" was definitely the wrong word to use in regards to the use of Jean and Stan in the series. I really am looking forward to further development with those two, and I especially love the occasional dark asides we get from Stan.

In regards to the Master Planner arc: definitely a stellar job overall, especially "Shear Strength" which instantly became my favourite episode in the series. Jen and the staff definitely get major props for putting so much intensity and passion into that episode.

There was one thing I was a little unclear on throughout the first arc of season 2:

- Was Tinkerer the one who constructed those androids that Mysterio used, or was it Beck? Or were they provided by someone else?

One other thing: I just love the way that you-know-who uses "Master Planner" as his crime lord name. I hope that continues into the future!

Greg responds...

Mostly Tinkerer.

Response recorded on May 05, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"Gangland"

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

It's Valentine's Day, and, well... to everyone like me who hates Valentine's Day, this episode is a treat.

We've got a trio of villains this time. Tombstone, Dr. Octopus and Silvermane call a summit at the opera at, what looks like, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Ock, Silvermane, and the Tombster all decked in fancy tuxedos. Silvermane nearly toasting to a Valentine's Day Massacre made me choke... awesome Al Capone reference there. This was fun to watch. Tombstone, Silvermane and the good doctor all think they're in control, but not at all realizing they're being played.

After Norman Osborn's little speech in the previous episode, Hammerhead has gotten very ambitious, and has trapped these three right where he wants them. Playing them all... but, who is actually playing who? Hammerhead is receiving notes from someone else. Now, who'd want these gangsters and supervillains to destroy each other? I have to say, I loved seeing Tombstone flustered.

Meanwhile, across town, Peter, Liz, Gwen, Harry, Mary Jane, and Mark are dating as a group over at a hotel Liz owns, so, free food... very sweet deal. But, as usual, Peter and Gwen would obviously rather be with each other, which Liz notices, as does Mark. They are joined by Flash, Sha Shan, Rand, and Sally... and hilarity ensues. Gotta love Flash demanding that Peter prevent him from saying something stupid.

I have to say, I loved Mark and MJ's statements on just what a sham Valentine's Day actually is. Sums up how I've always felt about it.

I loved the battle scenes in this episode, with an opera soundtrack in the background. Tuxedos and opera... and carnage. Classy. Very classy. Of course, Peter is forced to take off so Spidey can arrive, and, at long last, take these three down. He takes down Silvermane, then Doc Ock, and finally, the re-match we've been waiting for... Spider-Man versus Tombstone.

Throughout the battle, Tombstone calls Blackie Gaxton for help... there is interference. Octopus calls Kraven... again, interference. At this point, it's become clear, this is bigger than a stooge like Hammerhead. Another hand is at work here.

Can I say again how much I love the opera soundtrack? Opera. Gangsters. Supervillains. It's "The Godfather" in spandex.

Tombstone is taken down, and L. Thompson Lincoln is exposed as the Big Man of Crime, and hauled off in handcuffs. Of course he fires Hammerhead, and tells him to "expect his severance package soon." Nice!

While I know some people are complaining about it, what I like about this show is the shifting status quo. Tombstone doesn't remain the unknown crime lord. It avoids the problems of the 1990's Kingpin in that particular cartoon... nothing ever changed there, same old same old, and every villain worked for him. Here, on the other hand, Tombstone's situation is allowed to change. And that's one of the reasons why this show is so rich.

Of course, Tombstone makes bail. Nothing to convict him on, but that doesn't mean his life isn't about to get a whole lot more difficult...

... Especially at the end, where we learn who the true mastermind behind all this was. With Tombstone knocked out, there is a power vacuum in the criminal underworld. And, being no slouch, Tombstone figured it out. In the words of Michael Corleone, "our true enemy has yet to reveal himself," well, he finally does

"Guilty, guilty and oh so very guilty of being the new Big Man of Crime?" And with a maniacal laugh worthy of so many others, the Green Goblin ushers in his new dark reign which looks to close out this season.

This episode was just brilliant, and I think may be my favorite of the series run so far. But, we've got three more to go.

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

Ah, the benefits of opera...

Response recorded on May 05, 2009

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Stuart Green writes...

Hello again, Mr. Weisman. I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to ask two quick questions, if I may:

1.) There is something I've wanted to know for a long time and I kept forgetting to ask you. In the trailer for season one of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" and in the series' opening credits, Spider-Man had a blurry red-and-blue spider-sense look. On the show, though, the spider-sense look features the same wavy lines around Spidey's head like in the comic books. Why did the look of spider-sense change? Do you know?

2.) What are your feelings on the currently-retconned marriage of Spider-Man and Mary Jane? I am one of the Spidey comic fans who has quit reading the book due to "One More Day"/"Brand New Day", but how do you feel about the Spider-Marriage? Do you like it? Do you miss it?

On the subject, in case anyone is interested, I started an online petition last year to restore Spider-Man's marriage to Mary Jane back into continuity in "The Amazing Spider-Man" comic books. To read and/or sign it, go here:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/spideyandmj/index.html

Thanks for your time, Mr. Weisman, and I hope you have a good day.

Greg responds...

1. You know, I don't have what you're describing in front of me, but I don't think we were inconsistent.

2. No comment.

Response recorded on May 04, 2009

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anonymous writes...

**spoilers**

Hi.

1 - Any Man-Wolf plans in mind for season three or another season? Think Frank Welker could do the voice for Man-Wolf?

2 - Hope to see more Doc Ock. Wish he'd interacted with Mysterio and more with Kraven in season two, but I know you can only do so much every season. Maybe next season we can see them together on-screen?

3- Now that Hobie Brown finally spoke on your show, think the voice actor for Hobie will return for more episodes next season even if he doesn't become Prowler?

4 - Hope we see more of Mysterio in season three. And the REAL Mysterio, not a robot of him. I also love his gargoyle robots. They were a hoot in "Opening Night". (My favorite gargoyle line: "Pistachio!")

**end o spoilers**

Greg responds...

1. No comment on my plans, but as much as I love Frank, I'm not sure why I'd recast the part, when Daran Norris is so great.

2. No comment.

3. Yes.

4. Those weren't gargoyles; they were homunculi.

Response recorded on May 01, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"Probable Cause"

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

We open in a warehouse in, I think, New Jersey, where the Shocker, along with two other characters in enhanced suits are testing their powers. These are the New Enforcers. Fancy Dan now calls himself Ricochet, and can match Spidey in speed and agility. Ox calls himself... Ox... which Tinkerer (who created their new suits) rolls his eyes at. These new Enforcers meet the approval of their boss, Tombstone.

Speaking of Tombstone, Hammerhead is pissed that Tombstone went to the Enforcers directly. Hammerhead is his middle man, after all. It's his job to protect Tombstone from incriminating himself. I just want to say here that I've missed the Tombster and it's great to have him back. The guy knows their is a gang war on the horizon, and he is going to make sure he remains the Big Man.

Hammerhead then goes to Norman Osborn to commission another supervillain. Norman Osborn only seems to happy to oblige, even mentioning he has a new scientist for the procedure... I'm assuming it's Miles Warren. I must also mention that I love Norman Osborn here playing the role of Iago, sowing the seeds of discontent into Hammerhead. And, honestly, a smart devil like Norman, there is no way he's not doing this on purpose. He wants to destroy the Big Man. And, as we saw in the last episode, he's using this gang war to his advantage.

On the other side of things, we have Peter in a police car ride along with Sally Avril... talk about a fate worse than Venom. Sally is, as usual, a grade A bitch. But, the very end of the episode was a nice shocker (pun not intended)... despite being a grade A bitch, she's actually got a human side. So much for my theory that she's secretly the Green Goblin. ;)

George Stacy... when is he going to come out and tell Peter that he knows? The hints are getting very heavy handed. This is my only criticism of the episode. We get it, he knows. Time to do something with it.

Jean DeWolffe and Stan Carter get a little development also. Jean talking about how Spidey is a vigilante and should be brought in, and Stan showing a bit of his dark side by saying Spidey hasn't gone far enough... damn, I hope we get season three. I want these characters to go in the direction we know they're destined to.

And kudos to Flash Thompson for displaying integrity. Sucks for Harry, but Flash did the right thing there. Reporting him, even if it cost the Mustangs the championship. Flash may be many things, but he is an ethical person when you get down to it. He wouldn't use performance enhancers and believes in fair play. Great character development. And, you know, I don't think he did this just to impress Sha Shan.

And, as for Harry, looks like he's about to juice up again. Sigh... drug addiction... terrible thing. And I applaud this show for having the balls to tackle the subject. People relapse, and it looks like Harry is about to.

One more episode in this arc, and we're getting some nice set up for the return of the Green Goblin.

I have to say, I like Hammerhead's chauffeur a lot. It takes a lot of brass to help Hamster betray the Big Man. Smart, ruthless, loyal... and unlike yours truly, she is the best chauffeur ever. ;)

Finally... Ox singing the theme song in the elevator. .... that was a delayed laugh. But a good one.

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

Glad you liked it.

Response recorded on April 30, 2009

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Spider-man 2099 writes...

If the series have a season 3 theres any chance to see previous spider-man actors like christopher daniel barnes, rino romano or even tobey mcguire.

Greg responds...

I'm not opposed to the notion. In particular, I've worked MANY times with Rino and love the guy.

Response recorded on April 29, 2009

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toxinfan writes...

Hi, any chance of seeing the villain Toxin in the Spectacular Spider-Man show? He hasn't appeared in any animated series yet.

Greg responds...

Still waiting for a pick-up...

Response recorded on April 29, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"Accomplices"
No, I still haven't seen "Watchmen". (Edit, I have seen "Watchmen" and it was good) Gotta wait a little bit before I get the opportunity. So, you'll have to put up with another review of "The Spectacular Spider-Man".

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

"Accomplices" brings back the organized crime element of the series in a major way. Hammerhead representing the Big Man. Sable Manfredi representing her father, Silvio "Silvermane" Manfredi. Dr. Octopus obviously leading the supervillains as the Master Planner. And, Roderick Kingsley.

We open up with Black Cat breaking into OsCorp to steal a data chip, before being chased out by the entire New York underworld. I'll admit, I was hoping for more Black Cat, but plenty of time for her later.

This episode was a fun one. Everyone beats up everyone. Lots of power games and struggles. We also got to know Foswell a little better, and I figured that Patch was Foswell going undercover to get scoops on the underworld.

That being said, last season, Foswell dismissed the idea that L. Thompson Lincoln was the Big Man. I kind of find that a little difficult to believe since that seems to be the worst kept secret in the underworld. Marco and O'Hirn knew he was the Big Man. Those three goons who Goblin outfitted with pumpkin masks knew he was the Big Man. Black Cat referred to the Big Man as Tombstone. Norman Osborn knew he was the Big Man. Harry (if he was the Goblin) knows. How could Foswell, who is undercover as Patch not know?

I still don't think Foswell is the Big Man on this show, and believe me, I am more than cool with that, I love Tombstone in the role. But, the more I think about it, the more I think something must be going on there. Foswell might me on the Big Man's payroll or something. Or not.

I did enjoy finally meeting Roderick Kingsley... who kind of reminds me of Michael Clark Duncan's Kingpin, but with white hair. A lot of money, but he doesn't seem to be the power player the others seem to be. I mean, as Pete said, he owns a perfume company, why is he involved? If he wants to be a real player in the underworld... he's going to need something a little extra. And now, my not so inner comic book nerd who knows where this is likely to lead is shutting up now. ;)

I just want to say that I don't think the Kingsley that cowered before Silver Sable was Roderick. I think that was his twin brother, Daniel, covering for Roddy like in the comics.

Silver Sable was great. I'm sure some people will be annoyed that she was changed into Silvermane's daughter, but I'm not. Actually, it fits in nicely with the whole 'silver' theme that's going there. It just feels a lot more organic and natural. She kicked ass, took names, and, let's face it, Spidey needs more female villains.

I agree with Spidey. Sable and Hammerhead used to date? Ew. I actually said ew a few seconds before Spidey did.

And there's Rhino. I liked him here. He doesn't want any competition. And I loved his brief team-up with Spidey.

Doc Ock mostly seemed to sit this one out. Obviously, he doesn't care if the data gets destroyed or not, he created the process of transforming O'Hirn into the Rhino in the first place. What's to stop him from doing it again? Was also cool to see Vulture still hanging out with him. Oh, and Ock, you devil you. Two dates? He's always been such a player in the comics. Whether it's Stunner, Lady Octopus, or Aunt May... chicks love the good doctor. It's the tentacles.

And Norman Osborn came out the victor here. Gets to keep his tech and do whatever he wants with it, and millions and millions of dollars in a secret account for him. Gee... I wonder what he's going to do here.

Well, looks the groundwork is being laid for an excellent gang war story arc. Harry is jealous that Pete is getting a lot of attention from his dad. Pete still digs Gwen more than Liz. And George is getting really blatant about his knowledge of Spidey's identity.

But, perhaps the biggest mystery of them all? When will Hobie Brown speak???

Tune in next week, same spider time. Same spider channel.

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

Thanks for the kind words.

Response recorded on April 28, 2009

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anonymous writes...

**SEASON TWO "SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN" SPOILERS*

Do you think it's likely we can see a Mysterio story from the comic books on your show in the future? Like "Spider-Man Goes Mad!" where Mysterio is Dr. Reinhart, or the story where he makes Spider-Man think he's only six inches tall?

I really love what you've done with Electro. Kind of surprised that it seems he now likes being Electro in season two, though, since he just wanted to be cured in season one. Seems he's literally gone mad with power now. Will Electro ever look human again but keep his powers, or is his "electric being" look permanent for your show? Regardless, hope Electro returns for season three.

Hope that Captain Stacy returns, too. But I don't want him killed off the show just yet. I've read on the internet that a lot of people want to see the "Death of George Stacy" story done on the show, but can you wait bit till you tell that story? I thought Captian Stacy dies when Peter is in college and not in high school, so it's a bit early for that story. Besides, I'm loving what has been done with the character so far.

I also hope Blackie Gaxton and Sha Shan come back for season three. I love how Gaxton's been seen a few times on your show, since he only appeared once in the comics with Doc Ock. Nice to see you've done more with these characters than the comic books ever did.

Thank you.

**END OF SEASON 2 SPOILERS**

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!

Thanks. I'm sure every character you mentioned will return if we get a third season.

Response recorded on April 24, 2009

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Martin writes...

Why so many people dont like Carnage? He's cool, stronger than Spidey and Venom, he got better design, he's a psycho killer. I really dont get it. Anyway, question. Some sites have pointed that Chameleon's real name is Dmitri Kravinoff. Is this true?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!

No comment.

Response recorded on April 22, 2009

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Chryse writes...

Hey Greg!

Watched "Gargoyles" as a kid and loved it (it was a lot darker than most cartoons at the time...which I thought was excellent), and have been an avid follower of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" (you really outdid yourself there, gotta say). I'm from Canada, so I've seen the second season already and, as such, have a brief query regarding the look of Gwen Stacy...

In one of the later episodes M.J. gives Gwen a make-over that sticks around (albeit with some alterations) for the remaining episodes. With that in mind, I was wondering if you plan on retaining this design for the proposed third season? I thought the change was excellent, and gave her character a lovely "girl-next-door" look that's very much in line with Romita's work on the series.

P.S.

Can't wait to see more of your work in the future -- whether it's Gargoyles, Spidey or something entirely new!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!

Our plan is for Gwen to keep the long hair and the headband (which will generally, but not always, be black). She'll wear glasses sometimes, contacts other times. Her clothes will obviously depend on the occasion and the weather. But her base model won't change in a proposed Season Three (since all three seasons take place within a span of months.

Response recorded on April 22, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Dear Greg,

First, i just wanted to say Thank You to your team for making imo the best Spider-man show ever created by far! The animation and fight scenes are amazing, and the storytelling is very well-done. I've already seen season 1 and 2, and now my only challenge is waiting for a season 3 to (hopefully) surface! And also, i'm glad that i hear you do not care much for Carnage. He is a one-dimensional character and imo not deserving of yall's storytelling abilities.
One question. Do you think yall are seriously looking into doing the Clone Saga with miles warren in a season arc? It was a great storyline back in the day, and when they brought it back in the last decade or so in the comics, i thought it just kinda tarnished the memory of old with all the confusing new revelations. I would love to see your group do it right! Do you yourself like the old storyline (i think it ran from Amazing spiderman 129-149)? thanks for your time!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

You seem to LOVE to spread the Carnage rumor. What's your source for this? Seriously, are you making this up?

Response recorded on April 22, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

Hi Greg,
I want to ask some questions about The Spectacular Spider-Man
1)I saw episode First Steps.I don't get why Sandman is working for Hammerhead,i thought that he was working for Master Planner?I know Hammerhead mention about Sandman's Super-Villain Services,but i still don't get it.
2)Do you have any future plans for Dock Ock,Venom,Green Goblin or Tombstone?
3)Will Doc Connors become Lizard again?And will Milles Warren will become Jackal?
4)Do you have intentions to do Clone Saga In Spectacular Spider-Man Season 3 Or Season 4 and do you have ideas who would be Clone Saga Mastermind?
5)I heard you don't like Carnage.Does that mean that we won't see him in Spectacular Spider-Man?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!

1. Sandman's chasing his big score. Master Planner loaned him out to Hammerhead.

2. Isn't that kind of a silly question?

3. No comment.

4. No comment.

5. I have NEVER said I don't like Carnage. Where do these rumors start?

Response recorded on April 22, 2009

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Durkinator writes...

Hey Greg -

I'm not sure if this counts as a spoiler per se, but it does have to do with a running gag that I THINK has only been in season 2 so far.

Basically, I LOVE the little gag with Hobie Brown always getting cut off when he speaks. I don't know what it is about it, it's just so random and so hilarious. I'm watching "Opening Night" as I'm writing this, and I love the scene where he gets the part of Puck.

So my question is--where did that come from? I don't know all that much about Hobie in the comics, other than that he becomes the Prowler, but I'm pretty sure there was never any jokes about his speech. Who came up with that?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

I guess I did. It kind of evolved. We introduced Hobie in a non-speaking part in Season One. (Keep in mind that we don't have an unlimited voice talent budget, so we can't give lines just to give 'em.) I knew I wanted/needed him to play Puck (as Harry's understudy) near the end of Season Two, and I knew I wanted to set him up a bit before that. Introduce his girlfriend Mindy, etc. But do it all economically, both from a money standpoint and a screentime standpoint. This seemed like a fun way to do it. That the first time you ever actually hear him speak, he's speaking Shakespeare. More is in store for Hobie and actor Charles Duckworth (love that name!) if we get a third season.

Response recorded on April 22, 2009

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Aya writes...

Who is your favorite character on The Spectacular Spider-Man?

Greg responds...

Don't have just one favorite.

Response recorded on April 22, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Ugh... sorry to post two in a row, really sorry. But I posted my review of "Identity Crisis" before "Growing Pains" by accident.

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

"Growing Pains"
Another Sunday, another episode of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" come and gone. And, as far as episodes go, I almost wish there was a bad one so I could stop heaping praise on this show, it gets a tad predictable. But, a great show is a great show, and I'm glad we have one. Good stuff

Oh what a tangled web we weave
When first we practice to deceive.

Okay, the quote may not be Shakespeare as all the auditions were, but I think that sums up this episode quite well. Our tangled web is being weaved by Venom. He is deceiving the city into believing Spider-Man has become a criminal.

I've spoken my thoughts and opinions on Venom in previous reviews, but I have to say that I like this Venom. I like this Venom a lot, and I hate that I do. But, really, this is what he should be. He is the evil Spider-Man. None of this misunderstood, lethal protector of the innocent garbage. This Venom is completely obsessed with Peter Parker and doesn't care who he hurts to get to him. Which is really what he was in his first two appearances, before Marvel decided they had a cash cow and turned him into something else entirely.

Now, the main plot of this issue is loosely based on Amazing Spider-Man #42 where John Jameson was infected by alien spores and gained power, and at his father, J. Jonah Jameson's insistence, he attempted to hunt down Spider-Man. That very same issue also marked Peter Parker meeting Mary Jane Watson for the first time, complete with the popular phrase "Face it tiger, you just hit the jackpot." But, obviously we already did that in the first season.

I enjoyed the treatment of John Jameson here. I think a lot of people thought the creators of this show would jump right into Man-Wolf with him, but nope, they chose to adapt a fun, if somewhat forgotten story from Lee's run. But, considering how this episode ends, with John at Ravencroft lusting for more power, I can foresee a Man-Wolf down the road.

This episode also marked J. Jonah Jameson's return this season. Yes, we got a brief glimpse of him in "Destructive Testing" but it was a brief glimpse and with no lines. Here, well, Darran Norris is still in top form. I love his take on this character, and I just love how Jameson is written. What I enjoy the most about this Jameson is how his hatred of Spider-Man has slowly built up. First, Spidey was just some mook in a costume who sold papers. Second, Spidey participated in trashing the offices of the Daily Bugle... okay, that was Rhino's fault, but still. Then Spidey, without meaning to, upstaged John Jameson's heroic landing of a doomed space shuttle. Now... as far as Jameson is concerned, Spidey is responsible for John being a mental case. Well played, Weisman.

The whole cast auditioning for St. John Devereaux's play was enough to tickle the Shakespeare geek in me. And looking at the cast list at the end, the play is "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Let's see who I can make out... some of the name's are obscured by Devereaux's arm.

Puck..... Harry Osborn
Titania.. Sha Shan Nguyen
Oberon... Kenny Kong
Cobweb... Glory Grant
Hermia... Mary (I assume Jane Watson).
and all the way at the bottom... O'Reilly (I assume Seymore) and below him... Greg Weisman. LOL, I love these little Easter Eggs.

The ending of the episode, well, I love a good cliffhanger, and you can't get a bigger one than Venom bursting into the offices of the Daily Bugle and announcing that Peter Parker is Spider-Man. What, I have to wait a week? Aw well.

Another spectacular one.

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

For the record, it wasn't my idea to put my name on the cast list. (Though, of course, I approved it.)

Response recorded on April 21, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"Identity Crisis"

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Last week on "The Spectacular Spider-Man". The nefarious Venom revealed Spidey's secret identity to J. Jonah Jameson... CLIFFHANGER! How will Spidey get out of this one?

Will Jameson not believe a big, drooling monster?

Will Spider-Man sell his future marriage to Mary Jane and unborn child to Mephisto after Aunt May gets shot by the Big Man's operatives?

Let's find out...

Again, I have to ask... why didn't Venom ever try this in the comic books? Yes, yes, I know, he wanted to have Spidey all to himself, but that explanation never flew for me. It works for the Green Goblin, because Norman enjoyed the game more than anything. There is a reason he revealed his own identity to Peter Parker after he unmasked Spider-Man. In Norman Osborn's sick mind, it was all a twisted game, and Peter was probably the only real honest relationship he had with another human being (scary as that sounds). But Eddie Brock always blamed Spider-Man for destroying his life, and wanted to return the favor, and yet... he never even came close to pulling the trigger.

And that's why I like this Venom. I like this Venom a lot. He knows Spider-Man's secret identity, and he exploits it. And he almost did it. He almost pulled it off. That trick with the gene cleanser was good. Reveal Spidey's identity, take away his powers, and leave him at the mercy of the entire world. I'm sure the Big Man would have had Aunt May shot within the hour. Not to mention Doc Ock, Vulture, Rhino and Kraven are still at large.

But more than Venom, I think Flash Thompson really shines in this episode. He saved Peter's ass. Twice. He really is Spidey's biggest fan, and I think the ending proved that fact is not sad.

I did like all the reactions to Ned Lee's interview. Norman Osborn said "No" (Alan Rachins gets hauled in for a one syllable word), but I am not entirely convinced he meant it. The Connors just laughed, but gave it serious thought. None of Peter's classmates believe it... although I suspect Mary Jane knows. Gwen laughed (then almost kissed him... curses). I don't think Jameson believed it, but he'd be a fool not to follow up on it. I don't think Ned Lee believed it either, but he was doing his job like a good reporter. But, if George Stacy doesn't know, then I am brain dead.

Aunt May's reaction had me in stitches.

Good to see the gene cleanser come back. And out of Venom's gut mouth also... I love that thing.

"Brock's lost it, Venom is like, twice his size!"

Eddie begging Peter to help him get the symbiote back at the end is just... sick.

I assume Brock is on his way to Ravencroft. Roommates with Electro, John Jameson, and Cletus Kassady (God, I hope that doesn't go where I fear it will).

Miles Warren is officially the slimiest character in the series. I would not be surprised if he was planning to oust the Connors as soon as he got the job. I hope we eventually see that jackal get what's coming to him.

And finally Flash Thompson as Bottom... the role he was born for. He was just the last one to find out. I did like the cartoonish ass head.

Good episode... once again, the team knocks it out of the park.

*** END SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

Thanks. We try.

Response recorded on April 21, 2009

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Dmitri writes...

I was just wondering...I have a very general question. How is it you or any of us know how well a cartoon does. I mean, is there a website that shows a show's ratings? I was interested in knowing how spectacular Spiderman, or any show for that matter, is doing in popularity and there seems to be little out there when I search. Great work on spectacular spiderman by the way. Best cartoon ever.

Greg responds...

I learn about the ratings from my bosses. I would think they're published SOMEWHERE, but I couldn't tell you where.

Response recorded on April 21, 2009

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anonymous writes...

Hello.

Since we had season finale arcs for the symbiote/Venom and the Green Goblin, are you open to the idea to a Doctor Octopus season finale storyline?

Also, I hope we see more of Mary Jane Watson next season, please. Yeah, we know Venom said that Peter loves Gwen most on this show, but I'd love to see more of M.J. with Peter. And more Anna Watson, too. Mary Jane's Aunt Anna has kind of been a no-show lately.

I hope we see more of Tombstone. Kevin Michael Richardson does a fantastic job on the show. Hope Calypso and Molten Man return, too.

By the way, will we ever hear Harry Osborn's mom speak on the show?

I'd like to say thanks so much to you and the rest of the writers and crew of this show. "The Spectacular Spider-Man" is the best Spider-Man TV series I've ever seen. Hope that everyone on the cast/crew returns for many more seasons.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

Thanks. We hope so too.

Response recorded on April 21, 2009

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nacnud writes...

Dear greg,
I was just wondering, how many pages is a script to one of the episodes to the Spectacular Spider-Man?

Greg responds...

First season, we had a 38 page maximum. Second season we had a 36 page maximum, and we were often (if not quite always) still too long. It's somewhat frustrating, but the end result is hard to complain about.

Response recorded on April 20, 2009

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Harlan Phoenix writes...

Not so much a question, but a comment. A thanks, really.

I HATE, HATE, HATE Venom. With a fiery passion. I dislike the character more than healthy, I'm sure. But I'd like to thank you and your staff of writers for not only providing me with a Venom I could really love, but making the Venom arc of the second season my favorite story arc of the entire series. The framing devices for each episode were excellently done, and Eddie himself proved to be a formidable antagonist who actually utilized the knowledge the symbiote gave him.

So thank you very much. There's little I love more than seeing initially weak characters finally written to their full potential. Great work. This is why you're one of my favorite people ever. Also, whoever wrote those episodes. I'll have to go back and check.

P.S. Although this is largely a post praising your show's Venom, I'd also like to take a moment to say that my favorite character in the show is Electro. I think he's been handled beautifully and I love the transition his character took from "pissed off villain" to "This is all I have." At least, that's how I saw it. I'm eagerly awaiting a hopeful season three and hoping that Electro, among other villains you're planning, shows up and gets fleshed out more.

Thanks for another great cartoon series, Mr. Weisman.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!

The Venom arc was written by Kevin Hopps, Nicole Dubuc and Andrew Robinson. I was blessed to have a great writing staff (including also Randy Jandt and Matt Wayne) on the series.

Planning more "flesh" for all our characters, as screen time allows.

Response recorded on April 20, 2009

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abnormalpixarfan writes...

I just want to now do you have a final say in how a character or story ends up in spectacular spiderman or does someoneeles besides marvel get the last word in the show.

Greg responds...

Marvel, Sony and the network (Disney XD, these days) do have ultimate say, but I can't say there have been a lot of conflicts with any of those companies. Otherwise, Vic Cook and I make all final decisions. Story is more my area, so I'll take responsibility for whatever winds up on screen in that department.

Response recorded on April 20, 2009

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abnormalpixarfan writes...

hey greg first of Ithink spectacular spiderman is my favorite show ever. 2nd love gargoyles I like the little brodway cameo in episode one of spidey I just wanted to ask you said that spectacular spiderman is sorta in a 1962 marvel comics reality so only the characters that were aroud then are aroud now.Now I hear season two is set to end in march (the timeline not reality of corse)and I did some reserch so would that mean Ironman would exist at the end of season 2.I know he won't make a cameo or anything Ijust like the idea that he is around and I think every one will nerd out if they see somthing like Pete saying somthing like "it's the latest from stark industries" or something like that. ps I live in canada so I got to season 2 is awsome.

Greg responds...

You know I don't have my Spider-Man notes with me at the moment, so I can't confirm or deny your assumptions about Iron Man. But I can confirm that the Fantastic Four, the Hulk and Ant-Man are all active at this stage, and that Professor X is just beginning to set up his school with his first couple of students (Cyclops and Beast).

Response recorded on April 17, 2009

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nygma619 writes...

Question on the last aired episode, Nature vs. Nurture:
Without going in to spoilers of season 2, if possible.
What exactly was the motivation for Peter to dismiss Eddie (a guy who has dangerous information he could use against Peter, and others) as not important enough to continue searching for him at that moment? Or at the very least to not keep him in the back of his mind, at some time during the thanksgiving dinner?
During that time he carried on like everything was fine. But I never got that feeling at all watching it. It took me out of moments like Peter dumping the gene clenser or Gwen kissing Peter for the first time.

Yes I know what you've said about Peter looking for him next season, and for the sake of ratings/anticipation (to get someone to continue watching) I get why this was done.
But from a storytelling/narrative standpoint I find it annoying, and it feels too much like Peter looking the other way, for my liking.
Now had something like Peter taking Eddie to Ravencroft after defeating him, then the next season he finds out he's no longer there; and never started any sort of therapy happened. I could buy that.
What I got just didn't fly with me, as it felt too much like the threat had no form of conclusion.

Anyways, was this done for the sake of audience anticipation when you left Eddie Brock out there?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

<sigh>

Of course, he searched for Eddie immediately -- as soon as he finished disposing of the Symbiote. He just didn't find him. Which seemed to me to be a scene not worth showing relative to everything else we had to fit into the episode. He searched for Eddie continually ... which we tried to indicate by both his nightmare in episode 14 and his trip to Eddie's dormroom immediately after. Those two scenes were representative of his entire search. They were never meant to be the sum total of his searching, anymore than, say, his questioning of Blackie and Patch about the Master Planner in episode 16 was supposed to be the sum total of THAT search.

Anyway, after going to the dorm, and not only NOT finding Eddie there but finding INSTEAD clear signs that he had moved out, I assume Spidey checked a few other likely locations, and then, yes, having no other leads, he probably did stop looking for a time, distracted as he was by the antics of such people as Mysterio, Kraven and the Master Planner, et al.

See, I don't deny that Pete's a distractible boy. Girls distract him. Aunt May's condition distracts him. Other villains distract him. Etc. Is Eddie ALWAYS on his mind? No. But the idea that Eddie wasn't in the back of Pete's mind during this period is belied by the nightmare, I would think. Not to mention his fear that he was seeing things when Eddie did finally show up and began gaslighting him.

Including scenes of Pete taking Eddie to Ravencroft, scenes of him checking on Eddie in Ravencroft later and finding him gone, i.e. the type of stuff you're suggesting -- well, it strikes me as a waste of precious screen time. (Besides, I have plans for Eddie and Ravencroft, as I think would be obvious by how we ended the Season Two Venom arc. Wasn't much point in feinting in that direction and then balking, only to restart that Ravencroft plotline again in Season Three. I'd rather there were distinctions/differences between how the situation is left at the end of our two Venom arcs, as opposed to duplicating the same beats.)

Again... only 19 minutes and thirty seconds of original content in each episode means I have to be somewhat economic with what I put on screen. And I'm not shy about making the audience WORK either. Making them fill in the blanks. Sometimes that tactic is successful, sometimes not. But I don't really feel I had much choice in the matter. For ANYTHING I put in, down to the shortest line of dialogue, something else has to come out. As I've mentioned before, you might feel there were other things worth dumping in favor of clarifying this point. But what you might have been okay with dumping, I can guarantee another fan somewhere would not have been. So I always have to rely on my own instincts, and thus choices are made. I felt Pete's feelings here would be fairly clear, given all he had said to Eddie and Venom during the episode. You clearly disagree.

Left with no other choice, we'll have to agree to disagree. I get that the story "just didn't fly with [you]" and believe me, I wish it did. But all I can say is that it indeed flew for me, and I hope it flapped pretty well -- or at least glided along -- for most of our audience. But I learned a long time ago that I can't win 'em all. (Though God knows I agonize over the attempt to do just that.)

Response recorded on April 16, 2009

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Mike P. writes...

I recently watched season two of Spectacuar Spider-Man, and I have to hand it to you. I honestly think you topped season one. I've honestly never given much thought to the crime family plots in spider-man before, but the gang war arc was very exciting and a thrill to watch. You made Silvermane badass! I also enjoyed the unmasking of Green Goblin. I liked how you more or less played around with the identity of a well-estabished villain in such a way that had me second guessing myself several times throughout the episode.

I also would like to personally thank you for the inclusion of Mark Alan in the series. I myself am Puerto Rican and was happy to see a fellow boricua in an animated series that wasn't either a stereotypical gang member or throw away comic relief. There really arn't that many major puerto rican characters in comics, and the ones that are there don't really have that big of roles, have lame powers, or are killed off (see Vibe from DC or Tag from Marvel). I thought Mark Alan's character was well developed and I enjoyed his redemptive nature as well as his various character flaws. I'm looking forward to the progression of his character in the future, and the progression of the series as a whole. You've set up several plot points that have me excited for a possible third season and beyond. It would definetely be a shame if the show isn't picked up again.

Thanks again for a great show, and good luck on all your endeavors!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

I'm really glad you liked it... and that you liked Mark. We're hoping for a third season too.

Response recorded on April 16, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"First Steps"

*** SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Another spectacular episode. This one was a biggie. A lot happened.

The return of Harry Osborn
The return of Eddie Brock
The return of Hammerhead.
The first appearance of Mark Allan.

There are times when I am amazed at just how much content can be fit into twenty-two minutes, and this one was just packed. So much was happening, so much was going on, and it never seemed to end... and I mean that as a positive. It was like a great four course dinner.

Peter and Liz Allan are now a couple, and Pete was invited to Flash's birthday party. By Flash's mom, since they were best friends in nursery school. I also like the little revelation at just how Eugene earned his nickname. I also enjoyed the little snippets here and there of everyone speaking into the camera saying what they think of Flash. I think Rand's and Sally's was my favorite.

Speaking of... when is Rand going to finally dump the bitch. The guy clearly doesn't like her much. Sally is just... ugh, that voice is pretty much nails on a chalkboard. Grey DeLisle is so great at making me hate that character. Kudos to her.

And here we have our good friend, Harry Osborn. Back from getting the help he needs dealing with his addiction to Globulin Green. And his, ahem, "supposed" stint as the Green Goblin. Again, I say, "supposed." But now, he's back. He and Pete are picking up where they left off, and Harry is now making the moves on Gwen. You know, I quite like this. When he was on drugs, she was the one who noticed something was wrong and tried to help him, and I am glad he appreciates it. I did enjoy the little flash to the Goblin.

Speaking of flashes, Peter seems to be hallucinating supervillains. Green Goblin and Eddie Brock/Venom. Although, the latter turns out not be so much a hallucination. Very clever Eddie, making Peter so paranoid that he leads you to the symbiote.

That was the gravy, let's get to the meat. Sandman. While he's never been my favorite supervillain, I did enjoy this outing (well, I enjoyed all his outings on this show). He was tough, practical as always. Very interesting uses of his powers, and proved to not be such a bad guy at heart. This is where he differs from his old partner, O'Hirn. Rhino just seems to be more bloodthirsty, and I could not imagine him risking his life to save others or entertaining little girls.

And the writers had me, for a moment I did think Sandman got killed at the end. Love it.

Hammerhead is a hard boss to like. But it's been a while since we've seen him, so his return was welcome. His presence, as well as the Big Man's, seem to be less dominant this season than last. Which is cool with me. Nice to not get a repeat of the Kingpin from the 90s Fox Kids series, who was just everywhere.

I bet it's fun being in the recording booth and listening to John DiMaggio have dialogue with himself.

So, the Master Planner rents out supervillains now? Good racket. Does anyone besides Spidey, Tinkerer, Vulture and Electro even know the Planner is Dr. Octopus?

Good episode. Gonna be a long week till the next one. But I am looking forward to it because it features the long awaited return of a character I've been missing. I of course speak of J. Jonah Jameson.

*** END SPIDEY SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

It's always fun listening to John DiMaggio. The guy is always on, always funny - in or out of the booth.

Response recorded on April 15, 2009

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Junior writes...

Hello, Greg. I'm familiar with the guidelines and I clearly understand why you dont want any original ideas or fanfic. But I got this ideas for season 3 (I know its not even picked yet), its really only the major plot for the episodes, not getting into any depth. All I'm asking is if I can post them or somehow send them to you, just to take a look and tell me is it good, bad, what do you think of it. Just this. I dont wanna make your life miserable. I know that you, Vic Cook and everybody else can and will come up with something way better. I just want your opinion. If this question/request doesnt get approved, I'll understand.

Greg responds...

I appreciate you asking so nicely, but there's no way Sony would allow me to read what you're offering, even on an educational "tell me if it's good" basis. Spidey is a LIVE property. I can't risk the lawsuits, and Sony wouldn't let me risk the lawsuits even if I was inclined to take the risk. Policy. Sorry.

Response recorded on April 14, 2009

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spiderman659 writes...

dear greg,
Who did you think was better in the spectacular spiderman season finales? venom or greeg goblin? i would really appreciate your oppinion.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

I liked 'em both. (Not too good at choosing among my children, so to speak.)

Response recorded on April 14, 2009

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trent writes...

are there any villains that you might want for season 3? or any new characters? I would love to see felicia hardy and jason philip macendale!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

Uh... you've seen Felicia Hardy, if you've seen the first and second seasons. Beyond that, AGAIN, I'm not spoiling Season Three now.

Response recorded on April 13, 2009

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Sadler writes...

Hello Greg,

I have watched your series of Spectacular Spiderman and it was very very entertaining to watch. I don't know why Disney wouldn't give you a new season (oh yeah....ratings) but it definatly should have a new season.

I have three questions if you can ask them, I'll try not to reveal anything^^

1- Some villains who made a couple of appearances this season (Mysterio, Kraven, Silvermane etc.) will they become bigger role in the Spidey Gallery or will we have the main villains in the spotlight next season.

2- Who is in charge of crime now? Is it Hammerhead or Tombstone or the he who must not be named? Since the season finale I wasn't sure if I misse something or will this be settled in the possible Season 3 and ?

3- Was Tombstoe your original choice as Bigman or did you have someone else you wanted as the head of crime. I know you couldn't use Kingpin but was Tombstone your first choice?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

1. I'm not sure I understand the question. But in any case, I'm not spoiling Season Three.

2. After the end of our 26th episode, another power vacuum has been created. Beyond that, I'm not saying.

3. Kingpin was my first choice, but I'm VERY pleased with how Tombstone turned out.

Response recorded on April 13, 2009

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dph_of_rules writes...

I want to say that you did an excellent job on the 1st two season of spiderman. I thought the 90s spiderman series was good, but what you've done in the 1st two seasons makes it look pale in comparison. I really enjoy that you have taken the time to give even minor characters some depth and take them places. I really hope that you get to do the 3rd (and hopefully more) season of the spectatular spiderman. There's just a few questions I have.

1)In season 1, what do you consider Spiderman's and Peter Parker's greatest 'victory' to be?

2)In season 2, what do you consider Spiderman's and Peter Parker's greatest 'victory' to be?

Greg responds...

I tend not to rank things.

Response recorded on April 13, 2009

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Nabil writes...

Hey Greg,
First congrats on the AWESOME Spectacular Spidey 2nd Season, its undoubtly the best cartoon season ever made.

1- I wanted to ask if you know of any plans from Sony/marvel to make a spectacular Spider-man Video game and tie in Comic book series?

2- If you have to guess, what is the percentage of season 3 been ordered and when do you think we will hear that info?

3- Since the series has ended production, will it be hard to gather the whole team again once a season 3 is commissioned ?

Keep up the great work and thanx for giving us the best Spidey animated series

Greg responds...

1. None that I know of, but I'm game to help with either if they do.

2. I'd guess we'd hear after season 2 starts airing in the summer. But that's JUST a guess. I wouldn't pretend to be able to set odds at this point. But I'm hopeful.

3. Yes, it will.

Response recorded on April 13, 2009

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Venom.X writes...

I'm loving the effort and detail put into Spectacular Spider-Man! It's incredible how this show stays close to the comics, and somehow does its own thing! I can't find anything negative to say, and I'm accustomed to always finding something bad to say.

But I am curious...what was the reasons behind putting this show (in the USA) on Disney XD? The show started on CW, and it was doing well (wasn't it?) on that network, then BAM...Disney has the show...and their decisions to torment us with how long we have to wait for the season 2 episodes seem so...stupid. What happened? Why Disney?

(We are talking about the same company that screwed us all on Gargoyles after season 2 aftreall, Mr. Weisman...)

Greg responds...

Wow... where to start.

First, thank you for the compliments.

Second, Disney did NOT "screw us all" after season 2 of Gargoyles. That's patently false. One could argue about how good a job they did or didn't do with the show, but no screwing was involved. For more information, read this: http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/faq.php?s=realworld

Third, as for Spidey, the show aired originally on KidsWB, which was a programming block on the CW. Halfway through our season, we learned that CW was dissolving the KidsWB block and selling (renting?) the space to 4KidsTV. So KidsWB became CW4Kids. Sounds like nothing more than a minor name change, but that's not true. CW4Kids was a totally different business entity. I had ZERO involvement in or direct knowledge of the negotiations that followed with either CW4Kids or with DisneyXD (or with Cartoon Network or any other channel Sony might have talked to), but I think it's safe to assume that DisneyXD offered Sony the best OVERALL financial deal, which doesn't necessarily mean the biggest episodic license fee. There are other FINANCIAL factors too that I'm sure were considered. But... and I hope this doesn't shock you... it is ultimately all about money.

Response recorded on April 13, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

What age group is the target audience of The Spectacular Spider-Man?

I, and a friend who is a professional animator, can't figure it out. While much of the dialogue is quite advanced and the plots are standard, the pacing of the stories is roughly what you would need for a 6-year old with ADD. There is no time to savour any of the depth that could be there as the audience is rushed to the next "cool" scene. The longest story was the Symbiote/Venom introductory story which was crammed into two episodes. Every other major story arc is crammed into one.

Just in case it sounds too negative, we both appreciate what does get shown. It just feels like either too much is left out and should be spread out over more episodes with more exploration, or the story elements have to be shoe-horned into the single episode leading to a kind of story-indigestion. I'm curious as to what led to this.

Greg responds...

Well, it does sound pretty negative, actually. I should point out that I don't agree -- I suppose that's obvious -- with your assessment of the series. But you're entitled to your opinion.

Anyway, the core target is Boys 6-11. But that was true on Gargoyles and even on W.I.T.C.H. True on most shows I've worked on. My shows (at least the ones I produce) are always written to work on multiple levels. Concentric circles like any target. We've got to hit that bullseye in the middle for commercial purposes, but we're not satisfied with only getting that audience. I like to think my shows work for kids, tweens, teens and adults, for boys and girls and men and women, for intense fan-geeks and casual viewers. But mostly -- fundamentally -- I write and edit for a core audience of one, i.e. ME. I produce the show I'd like to see. If you don't like it, all that really means is that our tastes are different.

You're attributing the DENSITY of the show to the target audience, however, and that's just not true. It was my creative choice to make the show as dense as possible. To cram as much in as possible. That has nothing to do with your dismissive and somewhat insulting reference to "a 6-year old with ADD". That's a choice you can blame on me.

Most of our major arcs are three or four episodes long, not one or two, as you stated. But every episode is designed to stand alone and tell it's own story, and yet still be part of both the three or four episode arc and part of the larger arc of the season and the series as a whole. That's important if not essential to the series from both a commercial and a creative standpoint. And we're all pretty darn happy with the results, as both the ratings and the majority of critical and fan response seem to bear out.

Response recorded on April 10, 2009

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Juan writes...

In the spectacular spider-man we are going to see villains like Stegron, grizzly. And superheros from the spider-man universe like toxin, prowler, spider-woman and the rocket racer.

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on April 10, 2009

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Simon "writer in training" writes...

Do you think you would ever post the actual scripts of the shows you've worked on? W.I.T.C.H. , Gargoyles, Spiderman ect. I would love to read them. I've never actually seen a cartoon script and I was wondering the major differences format/process wise vs film scripts.(which seem easy to find off the internet, but I don't know any sites that offer libraries of animation and comic formats)Thanks!

PS love the new spiderman episodes!

Greg responds...

Different issues for different shows.

For Spider-Man, the answer for the time being is no. The show is (hopefully) on-going, and posting the scripts -- even first season scripts -- might reveal secrets I don't want revealed.

For Gargoyles, I don't have electronic copies of most of the scripts. Really, I only have "The Journey". And I definitely don't have the time to transcribe them.

W.I.T.C.H. is more of a possibility. But you're asking about Format and all formatting would be lost if I posted the script here at ASK GREG.

Response recorded on April 10, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"Shear Strength"

SPOILERS! (Gonna start marking them here)

And today, the Master Planner arc officially comes to a close. And what a close. As an old school Spider-Man fan, I've been anticipating this episode for a while. And it did not disappoint.

We open up with the identity of the Master Planner. None other than Dr. Octopus, and honestly, there is no way it could have ever been anyone else. And dammit, Ock was in top form in this episode. Loved him, and Peter MacNicol is terrific at making him sound so calculating and menacing.

So, Doc Ock's master plan, er, sorry, Master Plan, was to hijack the internet? The fiend! He wants to take away our access to free porn! That's just not right! Not right!

This episode rocked, and I mean more so than usual. Which for this show is impressive. This was straight Lee/Ditko, and I couldn't ask for any better. The action sequences were intense. The pacing was terrific, and the ending really pissed me off... and I mean that in a good way.

Nice to see George Stacy in the credits, and I liked his role in here. Yeah, he was cooperating with Ock, but I'd almost feel sorry for the good doctor if George got his hands on him first.

I really liked that Ock didn't get sent back to prison at the end of this. It gets tiresome when the villains constantly get thrown in prison and constantly escape. So Ock, Vulture and the Tinkerer are still on the loose. Electro and Mysterio are in custody. And where did Sandman, Kraven and Rhino go? For that matter, why wasn't Shocker among the Master Planner's "usual suspects" last time. Curious.

Spidey himself. It says something when I can both love and want to smack the protagonist. Loved him going Batman on Tinkerer. Really loved seeing him lift that huge weight, knowing that Gwen depended on him, and then... at the last moment in the episode. Oy. So close, so close, so close.

Peter, meet me at Camera 3

::Turns to Camera 3::

Look, I know Liz is hot, exotic and popular. But, four months ago this girl wouldn't even glance in your direction, and even if she was not an active participant in bullying you, she was definitely a witness. "Study with Petey, I'd rather fail." Remember that? Gwen is someone you've known for years, has always been your friend, and you know you care about. You've been such close friends for so long, you have a solid foundation to build upon. And yes, she's cute too. You have enough in common with her, and a history. You know you can trust her. Poor thing. Is there really any solid foundation with Liz? Really?

Okay, let's check in with our good friend, Stephen Colbert on this issue...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v661/gregx/Funny%20Pictures/1234135079058.jpg

Thanks, Stephen.

::Turns away from Camera 3::

Okay, tangent over. It's the mark of great writing when a TV show can get a reaction like that out of me. Good stuff. Great stuff.

Little tidbits I enjoyed. Mary Jane suggesting Gwen take Peter to Times Square to "see the ball drop" with a wink... I love the innuendos on this show. I also cracked up at the good doctor's "Evil Genius" coffee mug.

The best episode so far this season. Maybe the best episode of the series to date. And we still have nine more to go.

Greg responds...

Thanks. Glad you liked it.

Response recorded on April 09, 2009

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anonymous writes...

How do you find out if someone is a character you can or cannot use on your show, whether or not they are a Spider-Man character? Who do you guys have to ask to make sure you can use said character(s) on the show?

Since Kraven is mutated, does that mean we won't see Puma on your cartoon?

Also, I hope that the next time we see the Sinister Six that they all attack together like they did in "Group Therapy".

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

1. We have been provided with a list of characters as per Sony's contractual agreement with Marvel.

2. No comment.

Response recorded on April 09, 2009

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anonymous writes...

Hello,
I had some questions in regards to season two, since you're answering these questions...

*SPOILERS*

1 - I don't understand how Doctor Octopus could be the Master Planner. In the first two episodes of season two, Master Planner is heard talking with Tinkerer in the first one and Kraven in the second. In "Reinforcement", we saw Dr. Kafka treating Doctor Octopus and the Master Planner was seen in shadows on a video screen when he gathered the new Sinister Six together. At the end of that episode, Tinkerer uses Doc Ock's tentacles to break the seemingly cured Doctor out of custody. In the next episode, "Shear Strength", Doc Ock is revealed as Master Planner. I think I missed something. How was he able to contact them and then also watch them on the viewing screen? Did he somehow manage to sneak some equipment in to communicate with when he was in custody or what?

By the way, Master Planner's tease of a Sinister Seven -- oh, you know you HAVE to do that eventually! That'd be awesome!!

2 - I was a bit surprised to see that Electro, Vulture and Tinkerer were also a part of the "Shear Strength" episode. I was kind of hoping we'd get another solo Doctor Octopus story in season two. Any chance we can see just one solo Doc Ock episode in season three, with no Tombstone, no Hammerhead, no Sinister Six member(s) helping, etc.?

3 - So the Mysterio we saw in "Opening Night" was a robot, a fake. I'm confused. Does this mean that Mysterio broke out or had the Tinkerer help him escape at some point after Quentin Beck was seen in jail in "Identity Crisis", or was the Mysterio we saw arrested in the end of "Reinforcement" and put in jail always a fake? Man, you guys sure made Mysterio tricky on your show. I love it.

4 - I know that the Big Three villains for Spider-Man will likely return next season - Doc Ock, Venom, and Green Goblin (or in season three's case Hobgoblin ... or maybe both, with you guys we never know). Any chance we could see more of the other enemies too, like Hammerhead, the Shocker, Silver Sable and/or Molten Man?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!

1. Yes.

2. No comment.

3. Thanks. (And, yes, he's tricky.)

4. No comment.

Response recorded on April 09, 2009

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Alex writes...

Hey Greg! I absoloutely love TSSM, and I would just like to know, do you have any HUGE plans for Spidey Villians such as Ock, Venom, etc in a 3rd season? That's if we do get a 3rd + season though, which I hope we will.

Thanks, Greg!

Greg responds...

Once again... yes, I have HUGE PLANS.

Response recorded on April 08, 2009

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Steven writes...

Hi Greg, just want to say that the job you guys did on Spectacular Spider-Man( I remembered the hyphen ) was awesome. I've seen all the 26 episodes so I have one question.

I thought you were pretty good as Donald Menken. Definitely your best voice over work since "Nice Mask." But how did it come about that you were cast as Donald? Was it a budget thing or were you just messing around in the booth and someone thought you'd be perfect for it?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

Uh... yeah, someone thought I'd be perfect for it. Me. Well, maybe not perfect, but I decided I wanted to do it. (It helps to be the boss.) Definitely wasn't a budget thing. It cost MORE for me to do it.

Response recorded on April 08, 2009

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Martin writes...

Another question (they just pop up in my head). Is the Cletus guy in "Reinforcement" really Cletus Kasady? Because I heard that you dont like Carnage. Does this means that given another season(s), we wont see Carnage?

Greg responds...

I never said I didn't like Carnage. I don't know where that rumor started.

And if something looks like a duck, is called a duck and is sitting in a duck pond... then it's probably a duck.

Response recorded on April 07, 2009

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Ralde writes...

If you were to continue with a season 3 of spider-man, would you incorporate some of the more current Spider-Man storyline such as Dark Reign and the post-Brand New Day stories?

Greg responds...

Guys, guys, I'm NOT going to start spoiling things for a season that doesn't yet exist - but might someday.

Response recorded on April 07, 2009

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Arthur Jr. writes...

Hey Greg, to follow up on someone's question revolving around Beetle, he first fought the Fantastic Four in "Strange Tales" #123 before fighting Spider-Man in later issues. The Ultimate Marvel version of Beetle is depicted as a mercenary for the Latverians who had recently captured Venom to give to the Latverians. Though in the "Ultimate Spider-Man" video game, he was collecting "samples" to give to Doctor Doom (revealed in the special edition's concept art) for some Super-Soldier plot. The video game had Beetle already obtaining a vial of sand that came from the Ultimate Marvel version of Sandman.

As for Rose, the first one was Richard Fisk (you might know him as the Kingpin's son). The second one was a police officer named Sergeant Blume. The third one was a Daily Bugle reporter named Jacob Conover (who was loyal to Don Fortunado for saving his life earlier). If you plan Rose, how would you pull it off since you weren't able to afford the use of Richard's father for this series?

In a follow-up to my "Marvel Team-Up" comment, Spider-Man starred in most of the issues where he worked with heroes like the Fantastic Four, Namor, the X-Men, Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Hulk, Daredevil, Black Widow, Nick Fury, Tigra, Ghost Rider, Paladin, Hank Pym, Wasp, Falcon, Hercules, Howard the Duck, Ka-Zar, and even Doctor Doom to name a few. Though in one issue, Spider-Man worked with the cast of "Saturday Night Live" to fight Silver Samurai. If "The Spectacular Spider-Man" is successful and there are other season, there should be a season based on it where Spider-Man meets other heroes. I had this brought up since an interview you were in stated that Captain America wasn't defrosted yet, Tony Stark never was captured by terrorists yet, the Fantastic Four never got exposed to the cosmic radiation in the Van Allen belt yet, Professor X never founded the X-Men yet, and Donald Blake hasn't stumbled on a disguised Mjolnir yet. If you'd like, you can brush up on Spider-Man's various Team-Ups through this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Team-Up

Greg responds...

Who said we couldn't "afford" Kingpin? Money was never the issue. Rights and contracts were.

You're not telling me stuff I don't already know, Arthur. But it doesn't change the fact that in OUR continuity these are the early days of the Marvel Universe. Peter Parker is 16. Most of the heroes you named aren't around yet, and in any case are NOT a part of the Spider-Man license. The Beetle isn't part of the Spider-Man license either. I'm not sure about the Rose.

Whether or not we eventually get access to characters outside the license is still an open question. Whether or not we get more episodes is still an open question. But this show is not likely to become "Marvel Team-Up" under my watch. That just feels like a different show, the way The Brave and the Bold is different from The Batman or Batman the Animated Series. A different animal. I would like to do the occasional team-up. I think I've mentioned Spidey/Human Torch and Spidey/Hulk in the past, just to start with. But one or two per season is plenty for me. I've got more than enough to explore in Spidey's corner of the Marvel Universe.

Response recorded on April 07, 2009

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Dean writes...

I've become quite a fan of Spectacular Spider-Man recently, and would like to thank you for a great show. One thing that worries me though is it's future. If the show isn't picked up for a third season, would you consider continuing the story using the format of comic books, similar to what you have done with Gargoyles?

Greg responds...

I'd be happy to, but obviously, it's not my decision.

Response recorded on April 07, 2009

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Roddy writes...

Question about "Accomplies" and Roderick Kingsley. Is this realy him or his brother? Because during the bidding, he acts like Roderick, but then, when he arrives to take the chip he's more like Daniel (I mean scared and stuff). Not to mention that in the closing credits it says only KINGSLEY. So which Kingsley we saw, Mr. Weisman?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!

Fair question.

Response recorded on April 06, 2009

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Masterdramon writes...

Hi! One of the greatest pleasures of visiting AskGreg when you were rambling about each episode of "Gargoyles" individually was seeing the production memos and other behind-the-scenes documents that gave us all a long peek at exactly what went into producing the episodes that eventually aired.

Given this, I was wondering if you would be willing to post any of the memos that you might have with regards to the production of "W.I.T.C.H." and "The Spectacular Spider-Man." I have greatly enjoyed both shows, and I would absolutely love to see some of the thinking that went into them.

On a related note, since a third season of "W.I.T.C.H." is apparently (and unfortunately) never going to see the light of day, are there any ideas that you would be willing to share as to how Season 3 would have been if you had worked on it? Evidently Raphael Sylla would have been involved, but what other characters/storylines did you have planned?

Thank you for your time, and good luck with your work!

Greg responds...

I'm not going to put up any internal documentation on Spidey while the show is still alive.

Which suggests, I might be willing to do it on WITCH, since it's not. I'll think about it.

I have to admit that my memory on WITCH's never-happened third season are a bit vague now. But Sylla and Riddle were very important, and Taranee and I think Martin and Cornelia would transfer to Riddle's school. The Guardians would take on a temporary new member, as in the comics. There were other elements from the comic, including characters I can now picture in my head -- but whose names I can't immediately call to mind. But Irma's mom would have been very important.

Response recorded on April 06, 2009

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Bill Rodebaugh writes...

Hi Greg,

I haven't seen "The Spectacular Spiderman" on the WB network on Saturdays. Is the show still running on TV? Is teh character design for the show done in the US? And is the show animated in the US or overseas? And if oveseas, where is each episode animated? How long does it take to completely do one episode for "Spiderman?"

Sincerely interested,

Bill

Greg responds...

The Spectacular Spider-Man airs in the U.S. on Disney XD, formerly ToonDisney a.k.a. Jetix.

All character designs were done in Los Angeles, most by Supervising Character Designer Sean "Cheeks" Galloway.

All animation was done in Seoul, Korea.

It takes eight to ten months to complete an episode of Spidey from start to finish.

Response recorded on April 06, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"Reinforcement"
The second season of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" continues as the Master Planner story arc continues to unfold.

I liked the prologue, with Spidey casing out Blackie Glaxton, and yes, I remember him from the comics. I just love how this show mines the comics for even the most obscure characters. Oh, and there's Patch. I remember him too, and he's someone else who it's nice to see. I think I'll keep my lips sealed on him for the benefit of those who don't know the old comics as well.

Right now, allow me a little tangent on Steve Blum. I've been a fan of his since I first watched "Cowboy Bebop" on DVD back in 2002. I knew this guy was going to become a star voice actor. His performance as Spike was nothing short of terrific. He's also a terrific Wolverine. But, he has often been criticized of using just one voice, since that Spike voice is quite popular. So, I am glad that this show has allowed him to show off his range. His Green Goblin is terrific. I liked his Chameleon. He's done other incidental voices here and there, but I didn't recognize him as Blackie until the end credits. He's terrific.

I do like how there wasn't another elaborate escape scene this time. It was fun last time we saw the Six, but we didn't need a repeat. Although I am curious as to how Toomes, Rhino and Sandman managed to escape without anyone being the wiser.

While this was mostly one long fight sequence, what a fight sequence. It was all over the place, and fun. The villains aren't feeling like they're old hat yet, but I do hope the Six find a better strategy than two at a time the next time we see them.

And now we have Peter and his girl troubles. He wouldn't be Peter Parker without them. Here's hoping he makes some more progress with one of them next week.

Okay, the soundtrack this time was terrific. Yeah, it was Christmas music, but it added to the atmosphere.

Ock, you brilliant bastard. I am pretty sure he's the Master Planner, and he was operating from inside Ravencroft. I look forward to seeing what his master plan is. Looking forward to seeing him lead the Sinister Six next week.

As a long time fan, I would have preferred to see Rhino get arrested, and not Mysterio, so we could have the original Sinister Six next week. But no big. It's the end of the Master Planner arc, I know it's going to be good.

Not as much to say this week. But it was a very enjoyable episode.

Oh, I almost forgot. Cletus Kasady? For the love of all that is holy, why? I am hoping that easter egg remains an easter egg.

Greg responds...

No comment.

Just to make something clear -- not that you were asking for Spoilers, Greg -- but I have NO intention of spoiling my very tentative plans for Season Three beyond what I've already stated, which is that they include Hobgoblin and Scorpion. I'm of course still hoping there will be a Season Three, so I'm gonna say "No comment" to any questions that ask for spoilers.

Response recorded on April 03, 2009

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Brad writes...

Any plans to use Morbius The Living Vampire? I've always found him to be a wonderfully pulpy character, especially in his groovy 70's costume.

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on April 03, 2009

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Jim writes...

First I just wanted to say that I loved the format or device or whatever you might call it that was common among the episodes in the newer Venom arc-- really worked for me. Loved the videos, the Shakespeare, really great placement there. The second Goblin arc had a similar format as well, I'm hoping future arcs can be so closely linked in that way, rather than just by villains and storylines.

Also, one of the few flaws I've noticed with the show is the lack of continuity with regard to destruction-- certain locations (Bugle, Midtown) seem devastated by a fight in one episode and look fine about a month later.

Anyway, questions:

1. So you said in a previous entry that the first arc this season is "Engineering 101." What names did the writers give to the others? "Criminology" and "Theater" seem obvious, but the second arc is hard to pin down.

2. No original named characters, right? I don't think anyone online has ID'ed the Michael kid from "Gangland." Could you shed some light on this?

3. Goblin raises an interesting point-- duration or frustration? Which did the staff think was the cause of Mark's heating issues? Also, did Goblin turn the armor off after the prison fight?

4. How is Rand taking his "brother's" downfall? I was hoping to see a reaction, I assume it was cut for time or pacing reasons. I know there's already a ton to pack in to the episodes.

5. Is Curt still working on a cure for Max? It seems like that should be priority one (understandably, he seems often characterized by his guilt), but there isn't any sign that he's even trying.

Also, I thought you guys did a fantastic job with Liz. Honestly, I greatly prefer her to Gwen (though I seem to be in the minority). Surprising, since she was mostly a nuisance in her first couple appearances. Flash has become one of my favorites as well.

Fingers crossed for a third season!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!

Actually, relative to most cartoon shows, we think we've been pretty attentive to damage. The Bugle was demolished by Rhino in episode 6. In episode 7, it was still demolished. Yes, by the next time we saw it, it was repaired, but at least we aren't ignoring the damage.

1. Engineering 101, Human Development 101, Criminology 101, Drama 101.

2. Michael was the Kids WB contest winner. Of course, that episode will never air on the now non-existent KidsWB , but we felt we had to honor our commitment. Anyway, Michael knows who he is.

3. No comment on the first half of your question. As for the second half, I'd think that he did turn it off. He wouldn't want Mark to have access to the power on his own terms.

4. It wasn't "cut" in the sense that it was scripted or boarded or animated and then cut for time. But I'm assuming that our audience is intelligent enough to read certain things between the lines, so to speak. Things happen off screen. We can't show everything. I assume you can fill in the blank for yourself based on what we've already shown you as to how Rand is reacting to John's situation.

5. Yes. Again, just because we don't show him working on it in every episode doesn't mean he's given up. It just means he hasn't found it yet... or made any real progress worth mentioning.

Response recorded on April 02, 2009

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Stuart Green writes...

Hello again, Mr. Weisman.
I have a few more questions, if you don't mind me asking...

1.) You mentioned that you intended to use characters like the Kingpin and the Human Torch on your show, and on an interview with IGN you said that you had a Hulk story from the Stan Lee/Steve Ditko era in mind that you wanted to tell at some point. I've read that you could not use any of these characters at the moment due to legal rights and I'm merely guessing you still can't for now. When there is a season three, and hopefully not "if" there's another season, how do you guys go about making sure you can get the rights to use a currently-unavailable character on your show? Who do you guys have to talk to in order to get permission to use those characters in the episode(s) you'd like to have him/her appear in? If not for season three, then maybe we'll get lucky enough to see guest characters on a fourth season, but I know I'm getting too far ahead of you on this topic. I guess it's just hard not to get carried away wondering what comes next on a show you love watching like "The Spectacular Spider-Man". Anyway, I'm just asking because I'd like to see Spider-Man to meet at least one or two other heroes in the future to show that Spidey's not the only one saving the city. As unlikely as it is for now and even if it doesn't happen on "The Spectacular Spider-Man", I'd really, really like to see another Spider-Man/Hulk episode made one day since the two heroes haven't been seen on the same show together since "Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends".

2.) Since Kraven appears in season two, is it possible that there will be any of the Chameleon and Kraven ties explored on this show? They have a lot of history together in the comics, being half-brothers and all.

3.) When there's a season three, do you have any plans in mind for which Spider-Man foes that you'd like to introduce on the next season whether or not they become villains on this show? For example, like introducing Dr. Carolyn Trainer before she becomes Lady Octopus or introducing Michael Morbius before he becomes Morbius the living vampire. Even if you can't comment on the two examples that I mentioned above, do you have any ideas in mind even if you can't say who?

4.) How likely do you think it'll be we can see more of the Black Cat when the show is picked up for a new season?

Thank you for your time and keep up the excellent work, sir. I really hope you and the rest of the crew return for another season.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!

1. This is a non-issue until or unless we get a pick-up.

2. No comment.

3. Yep.

4. Very.

Response recorded on April 02, 2009

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R. Vega writes...

First off I’d like to thank you and your team for making Spectacular Spider-Man a great experience to watch. Personally I’d like to comment on all the highlights of the show, but in an effort to keep this short here goes.
Season 2 has already aired outside the U.S. and I’d like to ask a question with the assumption that I’ve already viewed both seasons. If you don’t wish to answer this question for any reason I understand.
On to my question, if [I’d like to say WHEN] season 3 is picked up, will we see a continuation of Gwen and Peter’s love story? I apologize if it seems like a dumb question but I was fascinated by the build up between the two in the series. Add the fact that Gwen is a very likeable character in this series and how we as the audience always root for the main character I’m just wondering if we’ll have more moments between them. I would also like to know if it was a challenge figuring out a way to make their relationship interesting and enjoyable to watch. I’m aware many TV shows try this and the end result seems forced, but here, it seems to be put together perfectly. Both the writers and the voice actors did a really good job on this aspect of the show.
Anyway I wish you and your team the best of luck. And I’ll be rooting for you guys for a season 3!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!

Yes, of course we'll continue the story of Gwen and Peter. Was it a challenge? Maybe a little, but it all came together pretty effortlessly, particularly with Josh and Lacey playing Pete and Gwen.

Response recorded on April 02, 2009

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Stephen writes...

Hi Greg,

Big fan of your Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon. You've done us Spidey fans proud. Doctor Octopus is my all time favourite Spidey villain, and like everything else in the show, you've done a brilliant job bringing him to life from the comics. I particularly loved the adaption of the Master Planner storyline. And the wonderful Peter MacNicol does a tremendous job voicing the character.

My question to you is do you have any future Doc Ock stories in mind that you'd like to adapt? There's still so many more great ones to choose from. The Nullifier arc and the Death of Captain Stacy from the Stan Lee days, for example.

Keep up the great work. I hope you guys get a third season to continue your fantastic work on this cartoon.

All the best,

Stephen.

Greg responds...

I have MANY stories in mind...

Response recorded on April 02, 2009

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Aldrius writes...

Blueprints Review *Possible Spoilers*

Well, here we go at last. Season 2 is here. We waited almost a year and thanks to being Canadian (and having some very nice Australian friends) I’ve managed to get something of a sneak peak at the season. And by that… I mean I’ve seen the whole thing. Just to put these reviews into perspective, these reviews were written after having seen the final episode of the season, Final Curtain. So if you (the person reading this who isn’t Greg Weisman) don’t want spoilers about anything that happened in this season, then please don’t read this and blame me. I’m going to avoid putting down direct spoilers, but I’m only human.

Just to pre-face these reviews. I’m going to be perfectly honest. I didn’t particularly like season 2 overall. There were a few episodes that just blew me away but overall I was very disappointed with it. So my real hope with these is that I can remain constructive without crossing over into the realm of complaining. So anyway, here are my thoughts on the first episode of the Spectacular Spider-man season 2: Blueprints.

Unfortunately, this is probably my second least favourite episode of the entire series (not that that’s saying a whole lot mind you), so my first review might be a little on the negative side. Mysterio really didn’t do it for me, and the high school drama nor Peter’s home life didn’t seem to go much of anywhere, except for showing how much he’s got on his plate. There were a couple of really funny jokes through out, though and some pretty nice action scenes.

So to start off with what I liked. Stan Lee’s cameo is a lot of fun, he’s got a great voice, I think that’s why he lends himself so well to all these cameos, he’s very iconic sounding and looking. Another fun aspect was Mysterio’s incantations. I’ve heard they’re actually MC Hammer lyrics, very awesome. I really liked how he accompanied all his ‘magic’ with those spells. But a lot of what he does seems to be a little TOO impressive for simple misdirection (where the heck did he get that sword from?). It’s kind of distracting but not such a big deal.

I really like Norman’s role in this episode, the way he’s beginning to sink his teeth into every aspect of the city. Taking control of the Connors’ lab, taking control of Peter’s life, taking control of his breakfast. The whole dinner scene in general is pretty awesome (though for a fancy dinner party, the group sure seems to be drinking a lot of water…). I really like the way Miles Warren carries himself too, unlike the slightly more insecure Connors, he really seems aware of himself and what he’s doing. He’s eager, like a young man, rather than the experienced scientist his reputation suggests. Meanwhile, Emily Osborn is attempting to use her dinner knife to cut her way through her dinner plate.

I really like the pressure that’s present in the dinner scene as well. Norman is looking out for Peter, perhaps looking to nourish his potential, in the effort of finding a more suitable heir since his first one has turned out to be such a disappointment? Warren is just interested in efficiency. He doesn’t care about personal feelings he just wants to get all the work they can possibly do, done as quickly as possible. Martha is pragmatic too, but she also wants control of her little corner of the world, and she can’t have that if she can’t trust the people who are working for her.

Watching it now, my only real problem with the episode is the villain, and it’s not even that I dislike him. I love his design, I kind of love, kind of don’t love the fact that he’s a very over the top actor. I love the voice that Xander Berkeley has given him, and he gets some great lines in.

I think my only real problem with Mysterio is the abundance of robots. My limited exposure to the character has always implied, to me, that the guy was more of a trickster and an illusionist than someone who could pose an actual threat to Spider-man. But I suppose that doesn’t make for a compelling fight scenes. And it kind of goes against the ‘theme’ of this arc being engineering. Last season for example, I thought the way Beck and Mason recreated Spider-man’s powers was really clever. And the only thing I can think of that even comes close to it here is the nerve gas that Mysterio was using.

This isn’t so much a complaint as an observation/inquiry and it could be intentional but Mysterio’s dialogue often seems at odds with itself, sometimes Mysterio seems kind of surly and sarcastic (“But it’s such a clever trick.” Great line, by the way) and other times he’s really over the top and hammy. Is that intentional? Is it supposed to be that he’s such a bad actor that he’s perpetually breaking character? Am I just imagining things and picking nits or was that intentional in the writing? Also, I enjoyed the ham, but sometimes (and this is a complaint) it went on just a little too long for my liking, and crossed the line from amusing to annoying. (The conversation at the end for example. Funny at first, but became uncomfortable towards the end.)

Anyway, overall a fairly strong start with a few issues in this season 2 premier. I enjoyed re-watching it a lot more than I enjoyed reflecting upon it I think. I’m not really sure why that is, but there you go. Sorry, I tended to ramble here a bit, but there was quite a bit to talk about, and I both really enjoyed and was disappointed by the episode, so there’s always that. Keep up the good work anyway, Greg. Thanks for letting me submit these reviews even when they’re not glowing.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!!

Mysterio's incantations are not MC Hammer lyrics (at least not that I know of - I'm not familiar with his work). You can find the translations in the ASK GREG archives.

Response recorded on April 01, 2009

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anonymous writes...

Hi there,
I wanted to ask some quick questions, two of which are about Dr. Octopus:

1 - I'd like to ask, who came up with the idea that Doctor Octopus needs a power pack for his tentacle harness in order to keep mental control his tentacles and why? I'm surprised that Doc Ock can't mentally control his arms without a power pack on this show, as we've seen before like in season one's "Reaction" episode. I don't know if you answered this before, but I didn't see it in the archives.

2 - In season one, Doctor Octopus's tentacles usually look black more than they look gray and I think the black tentacles look is a bit cooler and give kind of scary look for the character. But in promotional photos for season two, Doc Ock's tentacles look more gray than black. Does Doc Ock get a new set of gray tentacles in season two, or were they always gray but just looked black at times in season one?

3 - Did you get any or all of the McDonald's Happy Meal toys that they made from "The Spectacular Spider-Man"?

Thank you for reading.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!!

1. It's not about mental control; it's about powering a mechanical device. You know, the way you have to plug in your computer to get it to work or put a battery in the remote control for your t.v. Anyway, I think it was my idea, more or less.

2. They haven't changed.

3. I got six of them, but I missed out on Green Goblin at least. Bummer, huh?

Response recorded on April 01, 2009

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Masterdramon writes...

Hi! In the interest of not flooding the queue, I'll restrain myself and leave this as my last question for the day.

One thing that really stands out about "The Spectacular Spider-Man" is how much it contrasts from the current state of the Spidey comics. Many fans have not been entirely happy with the direction that the comics have taken since the "Civil War" story arc. Given your position as a clear fan of the comics yourself, I was wondering what you though about all of this.

1) Have you read "Civil War"? If so, what was your opinion of it? Which side do you think was "in the right" with regards to the Superhuman Registration Act?

2) Have you read any of the "One More Day/Brand New Day" storyline (where Peter makes a deal with Mephisto to save Aunt May's life in exchange for erasing his marriage to Mary Jane from the timeline)? If so, what do you think of this "re-setting" of the timeline, and how Spider-Man has been handled within it?

Thank you for your time, and good luck with your work!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!

1. I haven't read it.

2. I did read "One More Day" and I read the first year or so of "Brand New Day" before my workload overwhelmed me. It would be pretty hypocritical of me to rant against the resetting of timelines, since in essence that's what I've done on this show.

Response recorded on March 31, 2009

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Stuart Green writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman,
It's been a while since I got to ask you some questions. I'm glad to see Ask Greg is back up again. I don't want to take up too much time and slow down the answers to the other previous questions other people have asked, but I have a lot to say. I'll try to keep this as brief as possible.

Now I must say from the beginning that I don't get Disney XD, so I'll be waiting longer than most to see all thirteen new episodes from season two. I've also noticed in the Unanswered Questions that people have seen it elsewhere and so I'm being very careful not to catch any spoilers, because I want to be surprised.

Anyway, my questions and comments in regards to the inevitable, but sadly still not picked up, season three:

1.) I know that this is simply just waaaaay too early to talk about season three. I know that, you know that. I also know you can't spoil anything in regards to season three. But I would like to say a few things about the villains we've seen in season one and will see in season two. Besides, it never hurts to ask, right? Anyway, I would love to see the Lizard come back in season three if possible, as he's only been in one episode so far on your show. I would also love to see the Chameleon make an appearance or two in season three, since he's only gotten one episode in season one and it was confirmed he will appear again in season two somewhere. Other villains I'd personally love to see more of in season three are Mysterio, Venom, the Vulture, Sandman, the Rhino, and of course, my favorite Spider-Man villain of all Doctor Octopus. I especially hope that Peter MacNicol pops up for multiple episodes in season three as Doc Ock like he did in season one. He's done a brilliant job on your series. I also love the design for Mysterio on your show and look forward to seeing what he does in season two. As I said before, I also love the Sandman/Rhino friendship you introduced on your show. Clancy Brown and John DiMaggio do a wonderful job as Rhino and Sandman. I know that you guys have only discussed ideas for a third season and, as of now, are awaiting a confirmation for a new season. But still, I just wanted to say that I'd love to see more of the current villains since several new characters always get introduced every new season of a popular show, and I just hope that certain already-seen villains don't get lost in the shuffle when there's a third season. I know I'm way ahead of you on this topic and on the next two below, but I just thought I'd mention to you while I can while you're still answering questions and commenting here.

2.) In regards to new villains in season three and beyond:
I know season two has introduced a lot of new villains, and that a few more will be in season three. I know that you confirmed that the Scorpion and the Hobgoblin will be introduced in season three. I've also read online that fans hope guys like Hydro-Man, the Prowler, Man-Wolf and Carnage, among others, are possibilities for season three too. However, I wanted to say that I hope that, eventually, we'll get to see some of the other comic villains on the show that have rarely been on any of the previous Spider-Man cartoon series. Villains like Swarm, the Beetle and the Owl haven't been on a Spider-Man cartoon show in years. In fact, Owl has only appeared once on only one Spider-Man cartoon show to date (in the season premiere episode for season two of Fox Kids' "Spider-Man" cartoon series) and has never even spoken. Other villains, like Jack O'Lantern, the Rose and Man-Mountain Marko, have never appeared on a Spider-Man animated series at all and I hope they get to appear some day (though in Rose's case, that maybe unlikely considering that villains like Kingpin are off-limits from appearing on your show). Again, I know you can't comment on who will be back and who will be introduced for the new villains because, as mentioned, there is no season three pick-up yet... but I really, REALLY hope there is a confirmation soon. I'm not saying that you have to use all of these guys I mentioned, but I'd love to see at least some of the lesser-used villains on your show, is all.

By the way, thank you for finally introducing some of Spider-Man's classic villains on "The Spectacular Spider-Man", since I've read that the show will introduce the Tinkerer and Molten Man in season two. It's nice to see that they will finally appear on a Spider-Man animated series.

3.) Do you think we could see the Sinister Six at least once every season on this show? Also, would you be open to the idea of using one of the Sinister Six rosters from the comic books on your show (like Doc Ock, Mysterio, Vulture, Electro, Sandman, and sixth member Kraven or Hobgoblin)? Now I know that you can't give away any spoilers, but still, I think it'd be neat to see the Sinister Six pop up again.

4.) For a third season, would you be interested in doing more with Peter's supporting cast, like J. Jonah Jameson and his son John, Mary Jane Watson and Joe "Robbie" Robertson? I'd especially love to see Peter's relationship with M.J. get developed more and see Robbie get more of a storyarc, maybe a Robbie/Tombstone story since they know each other in the Spider-Man comics. Then again, maybe this will happen in season two.

I also wanted to answer two previous false casting rumors about "The Spectacular Spider-Man" from the archives for you, because you said you didn't know where the rumors were first reported. The summer 2008 movie preview issue of ToyFare Magazine said that Cam Clarke was picked as the voice of Molten Man (while that was incorrect, the issue did get the other voice actors right, like Josh Keaton as Spider-Man and Peter MacNicol as Doctor Octopus), and the Comics Continuum website said that Charles Napier had been cast as Montana/Shocker, respectively. I hope that helped.

Finally, I just wanted to say that I have a Spectacular Spider-Man Fan Site, in case you or anyone else would like to check it out. There are no images on the fan site yet and it's still a work in progress, but if you're interested, you can find it here:
http://specspideyfansite.synthasite.com/

Thanks for your time and patience reading this, and thanks for any answers. Keep up the excellent work, Mr. Weisman.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!

1. If a third season happens (and if I'm still in charge of story) we will introduce new villains, but we will also play existing villains as well. That's all I'll say at this point.

2. I know I don't have access to the Owl for the same reason I currently don't have access to Kingpin. Beyond that, no comment.

3. The Six would be back eventually.

4. We'll give as much attention to the supporting cast as we have room for.

Thanks for all your support!

Response recorded on March 31, 2009

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Masterdramon writes...

Hi! Nice to see you back from your "AskGreg" break; I hope that things are going well for you.

Like many fans I have seen "The Spectacular Spider-Man" Season 2 via YouTube already (though I'll still be watching the series as much as possible on television in order to support the ratings). One of the coolest extras (without getting into too much spoiler territory) of the season was hearing you voicing Donald Menken, Norman Osborn's right-hand suit. You did a very admirable job at portraying a very flat, all-business character, which is exactly what I would expect from Menken (even though most Spidey fans probably have no idea who he is).

Given that (as far as I know) your only previous foray into voice acting was the commando who says "Nice mask!" in "Awakening Part II," how did you end up being selected for this voice role (which was obviously a lot more significant than the commando; in episodes 21 and 26 in particular the character played a vital role)? Did voice director Jamie Thomason ask you to play Menken, or did you volunteer? Or was there some other circumstance altogether?

Thank you for your time, and good luck with your work!

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!!

I've done a bit more voice acting than just "Nice mask!" Some work in video games and anime, for example.

As for how I got Menken. Um... the Supervising Producer and Story Editor pulled rank and pretty much just stated that I'd be playing the part. That meant Jamie was stuck with me. He did the best he could with what he had to work with.

Response recorded on March 31, 2009

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cyrus troche writes...

1. what are the chances of tssm geting a season three?
2. any tssm dvd news. have you done any extras

Greg responds...

1. Good, I would think. But there's no guarantee.

2. We have done many extras. None have been used so far.

Response recorded on March 30, 2009

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Kyle Tonarella writes...

sorry if that question sounded rude and for my poor spelling. Anyway I'm going to watch the show on disney XD to show my support and love for the show. I just don't want an awsome show with nice writers,producers,actors to end with just 26 episodes. I hope you guys get a season 3 so you can continue to expand on such a Spectacular show {pun intended}.

Greg responds...

Thanks!! Me too!!

Response recorded on March 30, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"Destructive Testing"

First off, let me get this out of the way. I always thought that Kraven the Hunter was the lamest of the classic Spider-Man rogues. He just always seemed out of place to me. An attempt to do a comic book version of Richard Connel's "The Most Dangerous Game." I just never bought him as all that imposing a supervillain in the Spidey corner. Not when he had guys like the Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Electro, Mysterio, and so many others. Okay, Kraven was better than the Living Brain, but that's not saying much.

Then, J.M. DeMatteis wrote a classic story in the late 80s where Kraven shoved a shotgun into his own mouth and pulled the trigger. He's been dead ever since and replaced by three cheesy knock-offs. The Grim Hunter; Al Kraven; and I hear there's a new, female Kraven now. But, really, I don't think Kraven would be remembered nearly as well if he didn't commit suicide the way he did. In fact, I've been looking for an excuse to post this...

http://destroyblog.com/2009/01/05/kravens-last-hunt-in-30-seconds/

I didn't much care for Kraven in the 90s series either. And the Steve Irwin take on Kraven in Ultimate was okay... and then they kept bringing him back. So, needless to say, I was skeptical. Greg Weisman, Vic Cook and their team have done a phenomenal job on the series so far, even with Venom, a character whom I hated. So, would lightning strike twice? Could they make Kraven work? Let's find out.

Kraven's voice actor, Eric Vesbit, whom my close friend, production assistant, Jennifer L. Anderson has been raving about really sold Kraven with his performance. The guy was tough, the guy was imposing. The guy was primal. I enjoyed him. The opening scene in Africa was a great introduction to him.

I thought the battles between him and Spidey were very done. I especially liked how the first one ended, which summed up why Kraven needed an upgrade to really take Spider-Man on.

Miles Warren, boy is he a piece of work. He's an opportunist of the highest order. He carries a gun on school property. He lies with the best of them. He seemed pretty normal last week, but now we're getting to see him at work, and well. His brother Aaron seems like a nice, warm and friendly guy. But Miles, take all of the above, and throw in that he's going behind Connors' back conducting experiments on mutation and Miles is just a jackal.

Oh, cool. Debra Whitman. Is she Miles' assistant? I was expecting Anthony Serba. But hey, cool.

As with last week, Liz is all over Peter. I don't think she's using him either, I think she genuinely likes him. But, Pete really should talk to Gwen. We'll see where this goes.

"Come on, Flash! You can do it!!! Can't believe I just said that." - Peter. Loved that line.

I also loved the return of the Itsy Bitsy Spider ringtone.

And the Master Planner plot line continues. And we get a new Sinister Six next week. I still say the Master Planner is either the Chameleon or Dr. Octopus.

Now, the one con. I think Kraven's decision to mutate himself seemed very sudden. As if we were missing a step in between. This is not like buying a new car. While I do think mutating himself is completely in character, I just think the set up should have been done a little better. The Pack didn't get an upgrade in their first appearance in "Gargoyles." It was after two or three humiliating defeats that they chose to alter themselves like that. Aw well.

Great episode. I liked last week's better, but this was still good.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!

"I thought the battles between him and Spidey were very done. "

That they were. No way we'd leave 'em undone!

Response recorded on March 27, 2009

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Kyle Tonarella writes...

hey greg I gto doen watching season two and you know what I LOVED IT. This shows that you have repsect for the characters and source materials you incorperate in the show. Anyway here is is my question are there any special features on the season set that will make the fans very happy ?

Greg responds...

I don't know yet. But I'd think so.

Response recorded on March 27, 2009

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Chris England writes...

Is there going to be a Season 3 of Spectacular Spider-Man??? And if so, what Villains are U planning to introduce?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

We don't have a pick-up yet, but I hope we get one eventually. If so -- and if I'm still in charge, the only two villains I'm confirming are Hobgoblin and Scorpion. But obviously there will be more.

Response recorded on March 27, 2009

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Ed Reynolds writes...

Hey Greg,

Been meaning to thank you for putting my letter into Bad Guys #3. I don't always post issue rambles because by the time the comics cross the pond you usually have a lot queued up (and I don't always have time to read them through to make sure I'm not saying the same old things). Until the trade, suffice to say I've been having a blast with 'Bad Guys'.

But I wanted to talk about 'Spectacular Spider-Man' Season One. Which I adore. It is, again, old news, so I've tried to boil down a season's worth of rambles into eight specific, personal observations/comments/questions/recollections/gripes/quips/geek-outs.

1. THE BIG MAN

Whisper it, but in a way I'm sort of glad the show is "limited" (ha) to the Spidey cast. Kingpin -- despite being born to ASM -- never felt to me ideal as a Spidey villain. The best Spidey villains are weird, lurid, misshapen, often animalistic and generally have some kind of duality. Kingpin's great but he's... a big man who's a big man. But Tombstone? He looks unusual, but he's smart, he's collected, he's got great lines and conveys a real sense of power. I love the "I've already peeked under the mask" discussion in "The Uncertainty Principle". And he has a terrific voice actor (with a nice warm-up by Keith David too). I'm sure if Kingpin had been on the table this show would have delivered up a great iteration, but Tombstone as The Big Man just has a real electricity to me. Alongside Green Goblin, he may be my favourite of the villains.

2. "MARKET FORCES"

The episode I fell in love with the show. It just encompasses all the spheres of Peter's life. His troubles at school, his money troubles, the Bugle, his relationship with Harry and Gwen and May; plus lots of Norman and the Hammerhead. The conspiracy to create supervillains reminded me of the kind of interconnectedness we'd see on 'Gargoyles'. Along the way, we get Shocker, a villain I'd no recollection of at all but who has such fun lines, and Marko and O'Hirn who are a hoot. There are plenty of great banner episodes this season, but I want to single this out because it's not such an obvious candidate but is still jam-packed with tiny, human stories, with emotion and humour and a bit of a moral lesson too. (For the same reason, "Economics 101" is my favourite arc all told.)

3. THE SYMBIOTE ARC

I love all the episodes individually in this arc, especially the last two which get me misty-eyed in places (which isn't too hard cos I'm a huge sap, but still). But my vague problem with the arc for a long time was that it feels like a zero sum game where Peter is the object of the story and not the subject.

Through a sequence of terrific luck the symbiote smashes into John's ship, ends up in the ESU lab (which has been trashed twice in two months) and when Spidey arrives just in time to foil Black Cat and Chameleon, it hitches a ride. Dicey, but I'm in there. Then the symbiote makes Peter think things he'd never normally think (but are amplifications of his id?) and wins fights for him. Pete realises the thoughts aren't his and, duh, removes the symbiote. A valuable lesson learnt? Well, he was grateful for "this amazing woman" looking out for him in episode 1, and doesn't seem especially more clued into where his friends are at in episode 13. He embraces his spider-side at arc's end too when he sees May in the hospital and asks the fantastic question, "shouldn't my first responsibilities be to the people who rely on Peter Parker?"

I appreciate playing the symbiote as kind of lubricant for a host's id makes sense in light of Venom. It's much better executed than the last film (which I hated), and produces a slew of amazing scenes. But it still feels a bit of a cheat somehow...

It does work for me though as a contrast to Eddie who has all Peter's knocks -- lost parents, lost job, lost 'bro' -- and makes the wrong choices. (I was a bit sad we didn't get a chance to see Eddie's memories like we saw Pete.) And as I say, the episodes individually are brimming with wonderful moments.

4. THE CHARACTER DESIGNS

When this Venom was revealed at the end of 'Intervention' my brother wowed. It took me until next episode to get on board 100% because the tongue action felt extreme even for Venom but I love Cheeks' version of the character. I love that he's chunkier, wider, that the horror trappings are used to interesting effect (such as the chest-mouth) rather than just being lots of icky goo and slimy teeth. Cheeks and all the character designers really rock their subjects in this show. Electro is just genius, taking a silly-looking design, preserving what makes it classic and rendering it utterly cool. Betty feels really fresh. And I'm a big fan of the ethnicity-switches -- just in terms of distinguishing the cast at a glance, making Liz Hispanic is great sense, and Ned Lee has a memorable look whereas I just plain don't recall what Ned Leeds looked like, despite having read issues with him not so long ago.

5. MARTHA CONNORS

Another quiet triumph of the show. I've not read that much Spider-Man but I don't really recall the original Martha doing much except crying (and dying, apparently). But this one's a smart, professional woman and mother with a tough love attitude and a bit of cynicism next to Curt's dreamer. I particularly like her scenes with Gwen.

6. ITUNES

I was delighted they put all the episodes on UK Itunes. Less delighted that two had the sound a second out of sync and a handful more have occasional colour glitches. More delighted that they refunded me for the faulty episodes. Less delighted that several months on, they still haven't been fixed. Bleh. But episodes 4, 6 and 8-13 look stunning...

7. DVDs

I have mixed feelings about the idea of the edited-together movies. Granted, I LOVE the way the arcs play... but week-to-week. A climax and a new arc always just around the corner. And the end-of-episode mask is one of my favourite staples of the show. And the titles! I remember a bunch of words and phrases I first heard on cartoons or comics as a kid. "Frozen assets" I first came across as the title of a 'Ducktales' episode for example. "Introspective" was a word I first heard on 'Gargoyles'. I hope today's kids carry these titles with them like I did. "The Uncertainty Principle" is a particularly clever one if you buy into "it was Norman all along" theory: in the process of looking for something ("I know you're Norman Osborn!") it changes. And "The Invisible Hand" -- genius!

I hope the box set has some cool extras. I'm keeping my fingers crossed especially for commentaries and the audio/storyboards for cut scenes which weren't animated.

8. THE BACKGROUND PEOPLE

One thing I love most about the 'Gargoyles' universe is that these tiny little background characters turned out not just to be footnotes but rounded, interesting people just waiting to step into the spotlight. People like Vinnie and the Jogger and Sarah. SSM has a bunch of these that have caught my attention:

- The family with the fair-haired comic-reading boy and purple-dress girl who appear repeatedly, not least in the title sequence. Spidey rescues the mother in "The Invisible Hand" (the music and direction on that scene are excellent, btw -- I got a real adrenaline buzz from it!)
- Norman's bald heavies with dark glasses.
- The couple Spidey webs together in "Reaction"; the guy at least turns up in "Nature vs Nurture".
- Tombstone's bodyguards.
- Hammerhead's driver!

Plus, characters I don't think have recurred but who I think were pretty nifty:

- Gobby's goon in "Catalyst".
- Aunty Em's nephew who'll rob the piggy bank but won't touch the cookie jar (hilarious!).
- The Big Man's goon with the binoculars who follows Spidey in "Market Forces".
- John's space shuttle crew -- one of them looks like she could be related to Glory.
- The kid who videos Spidey in "Interactions".

I know you've declared an intention not to make any new "named" characters though. So will these guys be nameless wonders until a precedent crops up, or the Blue Fairy puts them in ASM; or is there a chance for any of them to break out if the show survives long-term?

For that matter, do they ALREADY have names from the canon? I know a couple more of the school's background characters get names and identities in Season 2, I've seen plausible speculation for someone on the second list, and I have my own Big Theory for someone on the first list.

Also, is Benny at the Bugle from somewhere or is he a tribute to your son?

Thanks for a great, great series Greg (and to everyone else involved). I really hope the show gets picked up and as many of the team as possible can come back.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!

1. I still hope to do Kingpin some day, but I'm very glad things worked out the way they did. Now, if we ever do get Kingpin, we'll have TWO great characters.

2. Thanks. It's all part of a whole to me.

3. Well, without the symbiote, we'd be missing two VERY significant revelations for Peter, i.e. Peter would not have learned without it. 1. His decision to pour the gene cleanser down the drain is a revelation. 2. His own feelings for Gwen is a revelation.

4. Thanks. We're beyon happy with Cheeks' stuff. And I'm feeling pretty good about the choices we all made.

5. Thanks, we like Martha too. Of course, much credit should go to the wonderful Kath Soucie, who provides her voice.

6. Ugh.

7. Well, the business plan for the DVDs changed at some point, so the second and third releases contained only the as-aired episodes, despite the fact that we edited movies for the first five arcs. They also plan to release a season set this summer.

8. Keep your eyes peeled for the couple he webbed up in "Reaction". Their story is NOT over. And the kid who tried to get the picture of Spidey in episode 2 has been revealed in episode 17 as: THE MANAGER OF THE SILVER SPOON!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Anyway, some of them have or will get names from the canon. Some never will. But I do think having recognizable faces and unexpected connections are fun for the audience. Well, in any case, they're fun for me, so I'm gonna keep doing it. As for Benny... well, Benny and Erin (and Vic's kids Hannah and Jack) are, uh, from the canon, of course. Really Marvel, they are! Honest! Put the paddle away!!

7.

Response recorded on March 27, 2009

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Jesse B. writes...

As I've been following the second season on Teletoon for the past few months, "The Spectacular Spider-Man" has been the first thing to come along in my entire life that has actually made me look forward to waking up Sunday mornings. That alone is no small accomplishment. What is an even greater accomplishment is that the first two seasons of this phenomenal show have established a new definitive interpretation for the character. While the series hasn't quite finished here in Canada, I will still highlight the fact that the event that ends the second season has effectively made these twenty-six episodes equivalent of the original Lee-Ditko run of The Amazing Spider-Man. For decades those issues have been the central foundation upon which all interpretations of Spider-Man have drawn from. These first two seasons, however, have shattered that foundation and created a new standard for the character. Even if SSM is not continued (heaven forbid), I sincerely hope that all future incarnations use the first two seasons of your series as their basis. I simply can't accept anything less at this point.

I have a few comments and questions from season two which I had hoped to share with you, but I'm sure that you'd rather keep your column free from major spoilers as the series airs in the States. As such, I'll submit more questions as each arc airs on Disney XD. For now, here are a couple of more general things:

1) I realize that this series has an enormous cast to juggle, but what on earth happened to Robbie Robertson? I don't think any major character has gotten the shaft as badly as he has! He has some interplay with Jonah, but we don't see any scenes of him interacting with Captain Stacy or even his own son! Is this going to be rectified soon?

1)Is it just me, or are Jean DeWolff and Stan Carter the only two cops in the Midtown area? I understand the need to to build familiarity with those characters for future stories, but their overexposure has been a bit silly. I also noticed in one episode that Jean referred to Stan as “Sarge”, which got me thinking: what are the current police rankings for these two characters? Jean would have to be a lieutenant by now if there's any hope of her becoming a captain within the span of this series, but her comment gives me the impression that this isn't the case.

That's all for now! Here's hoping that season 3 has a pick-up by the time you reply to this message!

Greg responds...

Thank you for the kind words. They are very gratifying, truly. But I can't agree that we've SUPPLANTED the original Lee-Ditko run. In fact, that seems patently preposterous. I'd hope any future incarnation of Spidey would return to the source material, as we did on this show. A copy of a copy quickly loses any sense of true definition. No matter how good we may think the original copy was.

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!

1. Uh... look... I don't think Robbie got short shrift if one views the series with any sense of proportion. Granted we have a LARGE and quite wonderful ensemble. But this is NOT an ensemble show. This is a show about Peter Parker. Period. Keep in mind we have less than 20 minutes of new content per episode. With that as a given, the storylines we choose to deal with and depict on screen must effect Peter, either directly or indirectly OR they must be about us laying pipe for things that will eventually effect Peter down the road. I like to think in our limited screen time, we find moments to characterize a TON of characters in small ways that are independent of our lead. But that's gravy. At this point, Robbie's life isn't intersecting much with Peter's life. And I can't spare screen time for a conversation between Rand and Robbie that's ONLY about Rand and Robbie. And of course, this doesn't just apply to Robbie. I'm sure everyone's got his or her favorites, and in some ways there isn't a single character that hasn't gotten short shrift. In fact, there isn't a single character that I wouldn't like to spend more time on. If these were one hour episodes, we'd have a lot more breathing room. But they're not. And, yes, I can already here someone out there saying, "Hey, I could have done with less of [fill in the blank] in order to afford more time with [fill in the blank]." But the obvious problem there is that one man's [fill in the blank] is another man's [fill in the blank]. All I can do as head of story is try to keep my eyes focused on the main goal: THE EDUCATION OF PETER PARKER, and then try to do as much justice to everyone else as I can.

1. (You used the number 1 twice...). Stan is a sergeant. Jean is an officer. And, yes, I'm aware of the repercussions of that statement. As for your objection, I don't know what you expect me to say. Rather than agreeing that how we're executing this is silly, I think your objection is, well, silly. We've seen other cops. Alan O'Neil, Vin Gonzalez to name two that I actually CAN name. But of course, we're always going to start with Captain Stacy, Jean and Stan. Again, with limited screen time, why would I want to split the very, very few moments of characterization that I have for cops among so many that in effect no one gets any real screen time. And frankly how unrealistic is it that when 90% of our adventures are set in the Midtown area of Manhattan, that we have our two cops on the Midtown beat show up? We've tried NOT to use them when the adventure was clearly happening outside of Midtown. Have they been in the background in some of those cases? Maybe. We only have the budget to design so many characters, so if we needed to fill out a scene with cops, they may have been included even if they didn't belong. But they certainly didn't have any lines in that case.

I just reread the above, and it reads harsh - and given your praise of the show, vaguely churlish, even -- which isn't my intention. But the simple fact is the show can't do EVERYTHING. It has to pick its shots. I remember reading that Joss Whedon always felt bad about how little he used Buffy's dad. And he had 22 hour-long episodes per season. If it's any consolation, when we start any new season, we have index cards on the board for EVERY member of our large and growing cast as a reminder to track what is going on each of their lives. When those moments intersect with Peter (again directly or indirectly or with a view toward the future) I promise, we'll find some way to fit it in. That's the best I can offer.

Response recorded on March 27, 2009

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Marjorie writes...

Hi Greg,

Just finished season two of Spider-Man, and it was amazing. My question is, how do things look for season three? Do you have the green light yet? And more importantly, is there anything the fans can do to help the show out? I plan to buy the DVD sets when they're released and I tell all my comic book friends about it. Anything more we can do?

Greg responds...

If you have a Nielson Box (and even if you don't, but especially if you do), watch the show on Disney XD, so that our ratings soar. Buy SpecSpidey DVDs and Hasbro toys. We're all hoping for a third season pick-up, but it hasn't happened yet. (The ratings for Monday's airings should be out today. Hopefully, they'll help not hurt our cause.)

Response recorded on March 26, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"Blueprints"
Okay, so the second season of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" will be airing hear in the U.S. in March. However, Canada premiered it today. I saw it, and now I'm reviewing it. How did I see it? ::shifty eyes::

Okay, it's snowing, and I am reminded of why I'm glad I live in Los Angeles and not New York City anymore. I hate that weather. Spidey is pondering what to do about Gwen, when all of a sudden he's attacked by Venom. But wait, wasn't Eddie Brock separated from the symbiote at the end of season one? Yes. This was a nightmare. But a really cool one.

And this week's villain is both one of the cheesiest, and a personal favorite of mine. Mysterio, and I love this take on him as a faux sorceror, complete with "Gargoyles" style Latin incantations. I just love the way he's talking in this. Summoning tiny little gargoyles and holographic wyverns.

"It seems Mysterio is the master of talking about himself in the third person." -Spidey. Yeah... that's Dr. Doom's job.

Spidey jumped into the freezing East River, and I'm getting chills just thinking about it.

Is that Miles Warren? Keep the lecherous old creep away from Gwen, please. We all know what that will lead too.

And Peter gets reinstated in the Conners' lab. Money talks, all Norman Osborn needs to do is speak. I love how he's now playing mentor to a reluctant Peter Parker. This is going to be interesting.

I loved the battle sequences between Spidey and Mysterio. He's so cheesy, he's great. That's what's great about Mysterio, you can just go crazy and have fun with him.

Mysterio shouted "Fulminos venite!" and lightning struck. That made me happy.

The climax, when Spidey unmasks Mysterio, and has no idea who he is had me in stitches. Quentin Beck is more of a ham than Anton Sevarius. Like Mason said, "actors..."

"As the waaaaiiiiiter..." Beck needs to go back to acting school.

Liz is all over Pete, and he hasn't spoken to Gwen yet. Uh oh.

"I figured Jonah would never unclench enough to..." Was there an edit here? Feels like it.

And why is Norman peeling an egg so creepy?

Spot the voice actor: Stan Lee as... himself. Well, Stan the Dock Worker. Loved that.

Greg Weisman as, I assume, Donald Menken... he was Norman Osborn's bespectacled assistant in the comics for a time, and a Hobgoblin suspect. Nice Owen Burnett impression, Greg.

The Tinkerer finally speaks, and he's Thom Adcox. I love Thom, and I'm glad to hear him here. But if the Tinkerer drops his pants and kisses Electro, I'm going home. ;)

Nice cliffhanger with the Master Planner. Either he's Doc Ock like in the comics, or he's the Chameleon. We'll see. I'm hoping for Ock.

A good beginning for the new season.

Greg responds...

SPIDER-SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There was no edit. Pete was simply interrupted.

Response recorded on March 26, 2009

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Arthur Jr. writes...

Hey Greg, the second season had aired in Canada in January and I was able to see it on YouTube. You even did a good job when you joined the cast as Donald Menken.

Cletus Kasady and Morris Bench were featured in Season Two. While Cletus was featured as an inmate at Ravencroft in "Reinforcement," Morris Bench (voiced by Bill Fagerbakke) was Norman Osborn's demolition expert as seen in "Shear Strength."

If you get the okay to have Season Three made, I'd be interested in your plans for Scorpion and Hobgoblin. Courtney B. Vance was casted as Roderick Kingsley. If you plan Scorpion, I'm guessing Farley Stillwell (the one who created Scorpion on request of J. Jonah Jameson) will also be included.

The spores John Jameson was infected with in "Growing Pains" did occur in the comics. Sometime after that, he found the Godstone (an other-dimensional ruby) on the moon which caused him to turn into Man-Wolf when it grafted onto his throat. When I asked a Man-Wolf-related question which you answered "no comment" to, I was hoping that you might be able to get Frank Welker to provide Man-Wolf's vocal effects since Dee Bradley Baker is already doing Lizard if the Man-Wolf is used in your proposed Season Three.

Greg responds...

Was there a question in there?

Response recorded on March 26, 2009

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Anthony Tini writes...

************* SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN SEASON 2 QUESTION *************

Greg,

If it's not too much trouble, and you have the script handy, for fun it would be cool to see Mysterio's Latin dialogue and its English translation if you wouldn't mind typing that up for us fans of the Latin language. Thanks.

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!

ACT ONE
Dormite! = Sleep!

Denique diatem efficacem inveni! = I have finally found an effective diet!

Credo Elvem ipsum etiam vivere! = I believe Elvis is alive!

ACT TWO
Dormi! = Sleep!

Fulmina venite! = Come lightning!

Tibi gratias agimus quod nihil fumas! = Thank you for not smoking!

Chelicerata. = Spiders (etc.).

Dormite! = Sleep!

Credo Elvem ipsum etiam vivere! = I believe Elvis is alive!

Elvem! = Elvis!

Dorm-- = Slee--

Nullae satisfactionis potiri non possum! = I can't get no satisfaction!

ACT THREE
Denique diatem efficacem inveni! = I have finally found an effective diet!

Tibi gratias agimus quod nihil fumas! = Thank you for not smoking!

Fulmina venite! = Come lightning!

Fulmina veni-- = Lightning co--

In toto ancto es! = You're in for a world of hurt!

Dormi! = Sleep!

I won't pretend I personally know for a fact that all of the above is 100% accurate, but we did consult multiple sources on both translation and pronunciation. It's as accurate as we could make it.

Response recorded on March 25, 2009

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Martin writes...

Hi, Greg. Since I'm from Bulgaria I've already watched season 2 of Spectacular Spider-Man - and I must say that you and the whole Spidey crew did AMAZING job. This show actualy got me up every Saturday and Sunday morning, and that pretty hard, believe me. Officialy the best Spidey series ever. Anyway, the finale rocked, and now I have so many questions I dont know where to start. First of all, I'm a lil bit worried about season 3. Does Sony need the ratings for the second season to pick up third or the rating for the first few weeks? Second, can you use Beetle and The Rose in the series? I think Beetle is Spider-Man foe. Third, if the show doesnt get 3rd season will you release the designs for Hobgoblin and Scorpion? Regarding Hobgoblin (personal favourite) I really hope that you will take as source material Stern/Romita Jr.'s run on Amazing Spider-Man. (ASM #238-251). Any plans about this (the Hobgoblin thing).

Thats for now. Again, AMAZING SHOW. Thank you all for doing it.

Greg responds...

I don't have any sort of specific threshold that Disney XD, Sony and Marvel need to renew the show. Obviously, it needs to do well. And I think it will. But in this economy, I don't know what qualifies as "well".

Simply put, I have every reason to think they'll pick the show up, but (a) there are no guarantees and (b) I have no idea when this will happen. But I'll keep you posted here.

I'm fairly certain that the Beetle is not a part of the Spider-Man license. I think the Rose is. But I'm not 100% sure of either statement.

There are, to my knowledge, no designs yet for Hobgoblin or Scorpion. Things were busy enough on the first two seasons, that I doubt Sean ever got around to designing characters that weren't slated to appear yet.

I have a lot of plans for Hobgoblin, but I'm not spoiling them now.

Response recorded on March 24, 2009

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CMoney writes...

I know from various panel reports that you are aware that by now season 2 of Spidey has aired in full in certain non-US countries. If you are unwilling to take questions about episodes that have yet to air States-side, I understand. If not, I'll just say that there are spoilers ahead for anyone who hasn't seen episode 2 of season 2, and for them to stop reading now.

I was wondering what your motivation was for the Kraven transformation in episode two. I'm not complaining about it, and think that it was a nice stepping stone for Miles Warrens' assumed path towards villainhood, but I am definitely curious about the thought process and reasoning that went into the decision.

Greg responds...

<sigh>

Well, that dilemma didn't take long to raise its ugly head.

1. Do I respond to posts about episodes that haven't legally aired in the U.S. yet?

2. Do I delete these posts without responding?

3. Do I let the posts themselves stand, but refuse to comment?

You'd think I'd be ready with a plan -- but I'm not.

<sigh>

Obviously, if you're reading this, I decided not to go with option 2, which leaves 1 or 3.

<sigh>

What the hell!

SPOILERS

Frankly, I just liked the idea of a mutated Kraven from Ultimate. Didn't like the Crocodile Hunter pastiche done there, but the animal mutation made sense to me for the character. We tried to design something for the mutation that felt more Kraven-y, and, yes, it did seem to dovetail nicely with our plans for Miles (though I would never have done it for that reason alone). Of course the boarding, direction and animation on the first Spidey/Kravinoff battle came off so well, that mutating him may have seemed unnecessary in hindsight. But even before the episode was animated, we had further (Season Three) plans for Kraven that will make the change seem worthwhile. Well, to me, anyway.

Response recorded on March 23, 2009

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ASK GREG is back, MARCH 23, 2009.

Ask Greg will once again open for question submission on March 23, 2009, which is coincidentally the date of The Spectacular Spider-Man's premiere on DisneyXD. (Okay, so maybe it's not exactly a coincidence.)

I would ask -- even beg -- that you carefully read the submission guidelines before posting here. In particular, PLEASE check the archives and the questions-already-asked sections before posting a question that's already been asked and/or asked AND answered. Try to avoid FLOODING Ask Greg, as it will only serve to slow down my ability to respond in a timely fashion. As always, comments are encouraged and appreciated... on Spidey or Gargs or whatever.

Thanks in advance...


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UPDATE as of January 2009

Hey gang,

Today's my last day at Sony. I'm packing boxes. (Well, actually, I'm doing this and procrastinating on the packing, but you get the idea.) The last of the Spidey crew is laid off tomorrow, when we deliver the last episode of Season Two. The fact that we're all leaving does not preclude us all from coming back to do a third season, of course. But we've been told that the EARLIEST we could get a pick-up is March, when the series premieres on Disney XD. If I'm available, believe me, I'll be back. But I'm hustling up work now, so we'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, the second season has already premiered in Canada. Hope you Canadian fans are enjoying it. We're really proud of the work done on all 26 episodes.

Meanwhile, on the TRADE PAPERBACK front... As of today, ALL OF THE CREATIVE WORK on the GARGOYLES: BAD GUYS REDEMPTION trade is completed. Totally done. As for the Gargoyles trade, there is ONE lettering error that still needs to get corrected, and THEN ALL OF THE CREATIVE WORK on GARGOYLES CLAN-BUILDING VOLUME II will be done. I do NOT yet know when either trade will be released. That's a Dan Vado question. But I'll post info here as soon as I have it. I will NOT be responding to every rumor or speculation. I'm only going to post when I know something definitive. But believe me, I have no interest in keeping this info from you. When I know, you'll know.

It's been brought to my attention that there's a Goliath sculpt out there that looks pretty darn cool...
http://www.toyark.com/news/attachment.php?do=fullview&attachmentid=3072
http://www.toyark.com/news/disney-toy-news-38/bowen-releasing-new-gargoyles-goliath-statue-722/
As usual, I would never ask fans to spend money they need for necessities, but if you do have disposable income, then nothing helps the property more than dollars spent on products based on it.

Also, IGN's recently presented us with a few nice little honors. Spidey won Best Hero of 2008 (Spidey beats Jack Bauer!) and Best Animated series of 2008... plus we were nominated for Best New Series too. Also in their top 100 animated shows of all time, Gargoyles received #45 and Spectacular Spider-Man was #30. I might quibble about some of the included shows and some of the rankings (Jonny Quest was ROBBED!!!!), but it's nice to have both shows in the top 50.

Check out:
http://bestof.ign.com/2008/tv/15.html
http://bestof.ign.com/2008/tv/5.html
http://tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/45.html
http://tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/30.html

Finally, preparations are well under way for the Thirteenth Annual Gathering of the Gargoyles in Los Angeles (G2009). This year, it's Goliath meets the Spectacular Spider-Man, as we'll be having panels and guests from BOTH shows! Confirmed guests include myself, Vic Cook, Thom Adcox, Keith David, Josh Keaton (voice of Spidey/Pete) and Phil LaMarr (voice of Rand Robertson, Joe Robertson and Fancy Dan). And that's just the tip of the guest iceberg. Expect a metric ton of pros (writers, artists, voice directors, actors, production people) to sign on over the next few months. The ratio of fan to pro at this convention will top anything you can find anywhere. Don't miss it!

http://www.gatheringofthegargoyles.com/

And that's it for now. We'll reopen ASK GREG for questions and comments when Spidey premieres in the U.S. in March or when one or both of the trades are released, whichever comes first.

Take care,

Greg Weisman


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Stuart writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman,
I had a few questions about "The Spectacular Spider-Man", if you don't mind:

#1.) This question is about Hobgoblin. I always thought it was cool that sometimes we'd see the character's masked face hidden in the shadows, and we'd only see his red eyes (like on the cover for "The Amazing Spider-Man", vol. 1, #238). I thought it always looked kind of creepy. Do you think we'd see that happen from time to time on the cartoon, since we never saw that look on a Spider-Man animated series?

2.) This is in regards to the Hulk. I heard there was an early Stan Lee/Steve Ditko era story with Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk you would love to tell, should the Hulk be allowed to guest star in a future season. However, as of last week, I read on a Spider-Man website (can't remember which, sorry) that Lou Ferrigno was in talks to provide the voice for the Hulk on your cartoon. It makes sense, since he did the voice of the Hulk for the 2008 movie (which I loved and I feel was underrated among comic movie fans). However, when I checked back the next day, the article about the Hulk news was taken down and no explanation was given as to why it was removed. Was this a fan rumor that was pulled, or is it really true Mr. Ferrigno will voice the Hulk on your show? If it's not true, would you like the idea of having Mr. Ferrigno on as the Hulk if he does appear?

3.) I read that Cam Clarke (the voice of Prince Adam for the 2002 "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" cartoon series) will provide the voice for Molten Man on "The Spectacular Spider-Man". Is that true, or can you not discuss who will do the voice of Molten Man yet?

Thanks for reading, sir.

Greg responds...

1. You're talking about a character who won't appear until Season Three. And we don't have a pick-up for Season Three.

2. The Hulk does not appear in Seasons One or Two and we don't have a pick-up for any seasons beyond that, so obviously, we're not "in talks" with ANY actors to provide a voice for that character. Particularly a character we do not have the rights to use.

3. Cam's great. I've worked with him many times before, but no, he's not voicing Molten Man. I think it's safe to say that these "sites" your "reading" are EXTREMELY unreliable. It sounds like "someone" is posting things (however briefly), pretending that he or she is posting news, when they're really just posting his or her own notions, and enjoying the reaction. These notions are bound to generate more buzz as "news" than as "notions". But it's pretty obnoxious.

Response recorded on October 22, 2008

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anonymous writes...

Hello,
I know you must be sick of getting this asked, but my friend wants to know: will we see Herman Schultz on "The Spectacular Spider-Man", even if he is not the Shocker? Or could he replace Montana as the Shocker in a later season, like how Basil Karlo replaced Ethan Bennett as Clayface on "The Batman" cartoon series?

Thanks for your time.

Greg responds...

I've answered this before, so check the ASK GREG Archives under Spectacular Spider-Man.

Response recorded on October 22, 2008

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Jose Beckencort writes...

Will gwen and harry die in the future? by the way your show rock! My 3 olds nephew love your show.

Greg responds...

We all gotta go some time.

Response recorded on October 22, 2008

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J writes...

Hello. I have enjoyed "The Spectacular Spider-Man", and my favourite episode is "Group Therapy". Here are a few of my questions:

1) Any plans for a body-switching episode between Spidey and MJ (just kiddin!)?
2) Will Randy Robertson become Rocket Racer and Montana become Big Wheel?
3) Why was Charles Napier replaced by Jeff Bennett as Montana?
4) And, considering the Master Planner arc in Season Two, will there be a homage to Amazing Spider-Man #33?

Thanks,
J

Greg responds...

1, 2 & 4. No comment.

3. Charles Napier was NEVER Montana. Check the credits. Jeff Bennett played the character from episode 1. I don't know where the Napier rumor came from.

Response recorded on October 21, 2008

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Antiyonder writes...

Anyways, I finally got around to continuing The Spectacular Spider-Man reviews starting with Persona.

- Whether it was the animated series from the 90s or the original comic or the movie I enjoyed The Alien Costume Saga. Whether it's the effect that the costume had on him or the various designs of the costume I haven't decided.

- What I like about this version of the story is the blending of the other versions of the story (Playing his conscience, improving his physical attributes and the control over him as seen in the next episode).

- Between the goop comment (as well as her other wiity dialogue), the kitty sense and the kissing scene at the end, you just can't go with this Black Cat.

- Have to say that the Chameleon's disguises are impressive. His "Spider Sense" and quips are priceless. As for Quentin Beck and Phineas Mason, they're okay, but as for them returning. Well, I don't think they could fight Spidey on their own. Beck for one, would be better off getting a fishbowl (For putting some fish in of course).

Greg responds...

I assume you meant to say "you just can't go [wrong] with this Black Cat." At least I hope that's what you meant to say.

Response recorded on October 21, 2008

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Ice_Tyrant writes...

Hey. I just wanted to say great job with the Spectacular Spider-Man. I saw most of the first season. I haven't seen the second season though. I'm not sure if there is one or not though. Now that I think 'bout it...

I haven't really checked in the site in awhile. I was obssesed with Gargoyles from, like, last June - October, but then it kinda died down. I did get the first vol. of season 2 though for Christmas. It's very good. I 'specially like the Audio Commentary for city of stone. I'm just wondering since I remember hearing that you said Macbeth went to america...

Does Macbeth travel most of the world? Like, does he go to other countries such as China and Australia? Or is that something you dont' know/aren't willing to say at the moment?

Greg responds...

There is a second season in the works, but you couldn't have seen it yet.

I'm sure Macbeth -- over the course of his very long life -- is quite the world-traveler.

Response recorded on October 20, 2008

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Travis writes...

Are there any plans for Keith David to do any voicework in season 2 of Spectacular Spider-Man? Ever since I started watching the Gargoyles repeats on Toon Disney + bought the season 1 DVD I've fallen in love with his voice, and it seems like now I hear it everywhere.

Greg responds...

Keith was not available the one time we tried to get him.

Response recorded on October 20, 2008

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Arthur Jr. writes...

Greg Weisman response: There were no legal reasons for Montana becoming Shocker.

What does that mean? That part I don't understand....Unless you originally planned to Herman appear as him. Firefly became Phosphorus in "The Batman."

The Avengers in Season Three were actually false rumors.

I do appreciate how you did the latest Spider-Man series. Any sneak peek at who the gang war is between?

Greg responds...

I'm not sure what's not clear... other than the fact that you're quoting me out of context. I wasn't forced to make Montana into Shocker by lawyers. That was a creative choice on my part. I don't know what that has to do with Firefly or the Avengers.

And, no, I'm not going to spoil things here... at least nothing that hasn't already been spoiled.

Response recorded on October 17, 2008

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Ming writes...

I've watched the first season of Spectacular Spider-Man and let me tell you this show rocks, especially with surprises and characterizations throughout the arcs.

Are there any comic book storylines for the Spectacular Spider-Man series that you would like to do?

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on October 16, 2008

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anonymous writes...

Hello,
1.) Will we see the Enforcers back on "The Spectacular Spider-Man"?
2.) Will we see Spider-Man use his spider-tracers on the show?
3.) People have been saying on message boards of websites about which characters they want to see on your show. The ones I saw listed the most were Beetle, Carnage, Hydro-Man, Jack O'Lantern, and Tarantula. But are there some villains you are not allowed to use on your show as they might be connected to other heroes, like how Hydro-Man has also fought the Fantastic Four?

Thanks for reading.

Greg responds...

1. Yes.
2. Hopefully.
3. There are many villains from the Marvel Universe that we cannot use, and just because they once fought Spidey is no guarantee that they are an actual part of the Spider-Man license.

Response recorded on October 16, 2008

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Anonymous writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman,
I read Mysterio and Kraven will be members of the Sinister Six in season two, which means we may see the first-ever Sinister Six roster (Doctor Octopus, Vulture, Sandman, Electro, Mysterio and Kraven) for the first time ever on a Spider-Man cartoon. I can't wait to see that! I had a few questions:

1.) Will Hobie Brown (who becomes the Prowler) speak in season two? He didn't in season one.
2.) In which storyarc of the next season does the Master Planner appear?
3.) Since you have plans for direct-to-DVD movies based on Peter's college years and will feature stories that are a bit more mature, does this mean we might see an adaptation of the "Death of Captain Stacy" story with Spidey and Doc Ock?

Thanks for your time. Keep up the great work with "The Spectacular Spider-Man".

Greg responds...

1. Not gonna spoil Season Two, guys.

2. Ditto.

3. You're way ahead of me.

Response recorded on October 13, 2008

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mike p. writes...

I think spectacular spider-man is great and probably one of the best animated series in the past 5 years. The only other series that I can think of that have equally strong plotlines, acting, and sense of continuity are those in the DCAU (DC Animated Universe) created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini. That whole shebang spun off of what was originally the standalone Batman: The Animated Series because of the commercial and critical success of that show. I already know that you're considering doing DVD movies after Spectacular Spider-Man ends it's run, but would you ever consider doing other shows set in the same self-contained Marvel Universe like that of the DCAU? Just wondering b/c I see how strong a series Spectacular Spider-Man is and can only imagine the potential for adapting other characters.

Greg responds...

And once again, the DCAU was not "created" by Timm & Dini. For starters, of course, it was not CREATED by any of these people, it was DEVELOPED. An important distinction in this business. Secondly, it was developed by a number of people, but certainly the two most important were Timm & ALAN BURNETT (who was Paul Dini's boss). I feel bad about constantly doing this, because I think it leaves the (false) impression that I've got an axe to grind against the very talented Mr. Dini, and I absolutely do NOT. Paul is phenomenal and deserves major props for his work on the DCAU. But I'm really tired of Alan not getting the credit he deserves for (a) RESCUING Batman the Animated Series from mediocre writing and (b) being the Executive Producer (alongside Bruce) of the entire DCAU (including THE BATMAN).

As for Spidey launching a "MCAU"... it isn't likely. Marvel's doing that on their own. Sony has the rights to ONLY Spidey and Ghost Rider. And before you ask, Vic and I have asked Sony about doing an animated Ghost Rider, but they are currently uninterested.

Response recorded on October 13, 2008

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anonymous writes...

Hello, sir,
1.) What storyarc do we see Rhino return in for season two? Is he in the first storyarc (the first four episodes of season two) or in a later storyarc?
2.) Will Tinkerer and Rhino appear in more than one episode in season two?
3.) Is it possible we will see a Spider-Man/Hammerhead fight in season two?
Thanks.

Greg responds...

1. I'm not saying now.

2. Yes, for both.

3. Anything's possible.

Response recorded on October 09, 2008

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Lemmy Pierce writes...

So I unexpectedly came off work early today and found myself with a bit of free time-- not much, mind you, but enough. I don't know what it says for my intelligence or creativity that my thoughts immediately wandered to television, but eh . . . free time is supposed to make you feel good, not benefit humanity as a whole. And it felt like it'd been awhile since I'd gotten to actually sit down and watch anything (as opposed to, say, piping up the volume and listening from another room while I do this, that or the other thing). I wasn't sure what, if anything, I was in the mood for, and cast a casual eye onto my DVD shelf.

Gargoyles.

Well, why not Gargoyles? The quality ratio and fun factor with that show is so high that the only difficult part there is choosing which episode to run. So I pulled down Season One.

Initially I thought to watch Awakenings, but that's a lot of time to commit for one sitting when I had other things to be doing later on. I decided I'd watch "Enter Macbeth" instead.

It is, of course, one of my all-time favorites. mainly because of its titular character.

I actually watched it two times through for the hell of it. When I was finished, I ended up thinking and rethinking through a lot of it . . . and then somewhere in the back of my mind I remembered ASK GREG.

So, I thought I'd ramble. That *is* allowed, isn't it?

ENTER MACBETH

Yeah, we'll tell the truth on this one: The episode does kinda look like . . . well, crap. I have a much more affectionate eye for the episode than I did upon first viewing and look past a lot of it now, but there are still moments of "Enter Macbeth" that I can't get out of my head as something to say, "God, that's some [your negative adjective goes here] animation." I can't quite put my finger on what it is-- the whole episode just feels so off from a visual standpoint.

This would, in fact, become the start of one of the things I disliked most about this particular studio. When gargoyle wings fold over cloak-like, you should not see the three "limbs" as you do when seeing their interior. Or at least, you don't in the better animation studios. Drive me nuts; don't know why.

And of course, there was that one shot of Macbeth with the most yellow friggin' teeth. WTF?!

Greg, it's been many years since I've checked the archives in any great detail, but I think I remember you saying something like, "I was sure that the bad animation would make it so that almost no one would be interested in seeing Macbeth again." Well, this is one of those instances where the characters and plot shine through to make up for an episode's lackluster animation. (I call them "Korean Incidents".) It never detracted from the story. Not for me, anyways.

Let's start with Macbeth himself. This is an interesting character. At first glance, he appears to come out of nowhere. His motivations are unclear, so for now he's just "the bad guy". So how do you sell him without the cool backstory that will be developed later?

You have him kick copious amounts of ass, both literally and figuratively.

The scene with him posing as a prison guard is a highlight. So much of the credit for this episode should go to John Rhys-Davies, who from what I can tell just leapt into the role. Although, is it my failing memory or is this practically the only time that Xanatos and Macbeth have any real interaction with one another? If this is true, then that's a shame because they play well off of one another. But why would Macbeth introduce himself as . .. well, *himself*, rather than Lennox MacDuff (presuming that this is the identity he's gone by for many hundreds of years as a cover)?

Look at this guy, though. Not only does he wait for the gargoyles to awaken, he takes them all on single-handedly and wins. Not only that, but he takes prisoners. All on their home turf, and without so much as breaking a SWEAT. His knowledge in these "creatures" is so expert that he knows precisely what to do and how to do it with cold and calculated precision.

Check that attack. He throws (an admittedly off-guard) Broadway into Hudson and over the castle edge with ease. Then before anyone else can react, he tosses the smoke pellets and gains the upper hand over everyone else. Confusion ensues. The gargoyles who can't see and don't move end up blindsighted by gargoyles who can't see and DO move in very wrong directions. Or by Macbeth himself, who most assuredly can see and makes short work of Brooklyn before he can do a damned thing.

From there, it's just zap zap zap and it's finished. "Captured me three gargs in under 20 seconds, EL-OH-EL."

I always found this battle to be interesting in and of itself. Macbeth, for as much as we know this far in the game, is ordinarily human. He doesn't have biological enhancements or special powers or even henchmen; he's as human as you or me. And he takes them ALL down. Hell, Goliath himself probably gets the worst of it-- the outcome is so nakedly humiliating that I'm blushing. Oh, and that body slam into the fusebox didn't help either.

And is it me, or was Elisa WAY too close when Goliath came swooshing down after being electrified by the hull of Macbeth's ship? I say that she was damned lucky: If he had actually COLLIDED with her at that speed, I say that she might've been crushed to death.

So now Goliath leaves to track them down. Hudson and Broadway are left to defend the castle, but of course that's another subplot all its own.

Elisa warns Goliath that it's not safe to stay at the castle. Hell, she says it three times in a row. And his best reaction is to shrug her off-- something he won't be so apt to do in later episodes. He took off awful fast to rescue the other gargoyles at that point, almost as though he couldn't avoid the conversation fast enough.

Something else we don't see a lot of in later episodes tends to show in abundance with regards to Season One and particularly "Enter Macbeth", and that's Goliath Pissed Off. It was only juuuuuuust last episode that he was in a rage over what he thought was Elisa getting shot by Dracon. Goliath holding Dracon over the railing was a powerful dramatic moment. (Although in hindsight, he does that a LOT. Twice in "Awakening" with Hakon and Xanatos, Dracon in "Deadly Force" and I think at least once more somewhere down the line, although I can't remember when.) But in "Enter Macbeth", it's kinda flipped around. Goliath caught Dracon with relative ease, and it was clear what he would have done had Broadway not fessed up in time. Goliath never catches Macbeth, though. And he spends so much time chasing mirrors and shadows that I think Goliath might have been pissed enough to do worse than simply drop him. So we get to see a lot of vicious anger on his part in this ep. Roaring. Tearing through walls. Getting into a slugfest. Goliath isn't just another species, he's a dangerous one when it comes to the defense of his clan.

But that just makes Macbeth even cooler. Now it's Goliath who's handled with ease. Think about that for a moment. GOLIATH. A gargoyle warrior who is more than a match for just about any human out there. But against Macbeth, and especially on his turf, that same gargoyle finds himself at a disadvantage. And what makes that so interesting is that Macbeth isn't this ZOMG "genetically-engineered gargoyle sorceress hybrid mutant clone" superior foe. He's a human being. A human being with technology up the wazoo, but still human.

Look at the way he handles himself in their duel, after the chase is over. It's completely even. It was smart of Goliath to grab for a weapon when he got the chance, because even if weaponry isn't his habit I think he knew that against a sword-swinging Macbeth it was his only real chance. Even so, Macbeth doesn't relent. Goes on and on. Fights until the mansion is about to go up in flames . . . and he never gets too angry or panicked even when forced to escape. Is he pissed because the plan went to rot and his house burned down? Sure, why not? But he still takes it all with a certain amount of stride. No loud threats for vengeance, no personal grudge against Goliath, no real "villainous" actions taken at all (except, maybe, leaving the other gargoyles to burn alive). He just leaves when the gettin's good, and knows a little more for next time.

Love that little slip-out-of-the-jacket thing, by the way.

No, Macbeth doesn't have extra emotions to waste on Goliath and company. He wants Demona, Demona, Demona. The other gargoyles are just pawns (albeit useless ones as it turns out). I think it was a wise decision for her to not show up in this episode at all; it would have been too convenient, not to mention that it would also have detracted from Macbeth's character study. This is his episode.

Back at the castle, the remaining Gargoyles decide to take the Grimorum off Xanatos' hands. Now Owen gets his moment, too.

Hudson: Who's going to stop us? You?
Owen: Indeed.

You can tell by Hudson's attitude that he didn't expect Owen to knock his ass onto the floor. I don't think any of us did! Then, before Broadway can intervene, he's got a loaded gun pointed at his head. (I don't think that S&P would let that slide nowadays.) Owen is capable and reasonably prepared, no matter the circumstances. I think it's great that it's Elisa throwing a crutch at him that effectively turns the tables-- for all their strength, the gargoyles ended up pretty helpless otherwise.

Ah, well. All part of the job for Owen Burnett. However, I wonder if he faced some sort of penalty or reprimand for failing to prevent the theft of the Grimorum.

I despise when recurring characters are introduced via Korean outsourcing. I would say, introduce them some other way, and then give them crap animation somewhere down the line. Macbeth has a great character design; it should have been introduced through one of the better studios, perhaps the best one. (Not that I'm implying fault. You can give only so many episodes to Japan's Tokyo outlet; you make your choices and you live with 'em.) This is one of those episodes that I say to myself, "Damn, I'd love to see what this would'a looked like with kickass animation."

The "City of Stone" four-parter becomes interesting for this reason, given that we see how many changes Macbeth has gone through throughout the centuries . . . again, both figuratively and literally. It's not done by the Tokyo studio, but we're given so many designs for Macbeth. It's wonderful.

I've gotta start dinner now, so I guess that about does it for me. Later!

~Da Lemmy

Greg responds...

We couldn't know while writing scripts which episodes were headed for Korea vs. Japan. Of course, nowadays, things in Korea have improved quite a bit. ALL of The Spectacular Spider-Man is animated there, and we're generally thrilled with the results.

Response recorded on October 08, 2008

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Masterdramon writes...

Good day to you. I'm a long-time lurker, though a first-time poster.

First of all, I'm quite glad that "The Spectacular Spider-Man" Season 2 finally has a concrete air-month. I was extremely impressed by the series as a whole, and it is without a doubt the greatest adaptation of Spider-Man outside of the original comics. Its character development, multi-layered storylines, and sheer coolness are nearly unparalleled in the realm of animation, with the notable exceptions of the DC Animated Universe, "Avatar: The Last Airbender," and of course "Gargoyles." Now it's time for us fans to cross our fingers for Season 3...

Anyway, a long while back you made a very insteresting post discussing how a good villain invariably acts as a foil for some aspect of the hero. To demonstrate this point, you gave a list of who you considered Batman's greatest villains:

a) The Joker, who represents the chaos that opposes Batman's order...
b) Two-Face, who personifies Bruce Wayne/Batman's duality...
c) Catwoman, who symbolizes the darkness that continually seduces Batman's soul...
d) The Scarecrow, who, like Batman, exists to inspire fear...
e) And Ra`s al Ghul, who takes Batman's pursuit of order to fascistic extremes...

This sort of thread simply fascinates me. So I was just wondering - could you do the same with Spider-Man's rogues gallery? Who, in your mind, are the greatest of Spider-Man's many great villains? And how do they speak to Peter Parker's soul? I have some ideas in my head as to the answers, but I'm very interested in hearing what your take on the subject is.

Thanks a lot, and good luck with "The Spectacular Spider-Man"! May it live long enough to introduce the greatest Spidey villain of all time: A Guy Named Joe!

(Well, let's hope it lives long, anyway...)

Greg responds...

I won't go through EVERY Spidey villain, but here's a sampling...

Vulture's age in opposition to Spidey's untried youth.
Venom's dark reaction to the tragedies that Peter faced.
Doc Ock represents the science that Peter loves run amok.
Spider-Man (like Anansi the spider) is a trickster figure. Green Goblin takes the trickster to a negative extreme.

Response recorded on October 08, 2008

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skeeJay writes...

A lot's been said about how great season 1 of SSM is. I'll try to be quick about it.

Background: I wasn't old enough to follow the source material the first time around, but my dad was. He likes to tell how his favorite issue was ASM #6, notable for the return of the Vulture and some classic Spidey quippage. We were both watching SSM.

SSM really made me sit forward for the first time with the introduction of Mary Jane, who nails her first line ("Invisible Hand"). Was great to see the continuity lead this right into Spidey's first Green Goblin encounter on the very same night for Peter in the following episode; handoffs like this make it feel like you're "watching" a comic book on the screen, and it's a fun effect.

I love to see a Saturday morning cartoon using in medias res ("Catalysts").

Really appreciated the way the Sinister Six are used. By pairing up their introduction with Spider-Man's "black period," you implicitly suggest he needed the black suit to defeat them ("Group Therapy"). Thus, the threat is greater when they (inevitably) return.

It's clear "Intervention" was crafted with care; the times Peter uses "I" versus "we," the way the symbiote moves from an "evil" version of Peter's voice to its own, the decision to wait until the end of the season to retell the origin story.....arguably after the biggest battle of the season against the Sinister Six. It's an impressive move that reminds me of something the excellent Farscape used to do; the climactic, balls-to-the-wall, stuff-blowing-up spectacle wouldn't be the last episode, but an episode or two before the end of the season. The final episode would be low-key, much more personal, and it opens the door to a different kind of cliffhanger, a more emotional one.

Season 1 ended how I hoped it would, and it emboldens me to make a prediction to myself about how far season 2 will go.

Some classy animation that cought my eye: Spidey firing his webbing at the camera during freefall (Nature vs. Nurture).

In general, high marks from both a twenty-somthing Gargoyles fan and a fifty-something Spider-Man fan. Looking forward to season 2.

Greg responds...

Thank you. It's great when all those little touches are noticed.

Response recorded on October 08, 2008

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Anonymous writes...

Generally speaking, about how many pages is the script for an average 30-minute television episode?

Greg responds...

Well, for starters, it's really 22-minutes (once you subtract commercials, credits, etc.) Our scripts for Season One of Spectacular Spider-Man were 36 pages. But we were often long and were often forced to cut material that was scripted and recorded. So for Season Two, we cut back to 34 pages. And still we were often long and forced to cut material that was scripted and recorded.

Response recorded on October 07, 2008

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Matthew writes...

Is carnage going to make an appearance in season three, by the way I'm a biggest and #1 fan of Spider-Man.

Greg responds...

Not gonna spoil anything more about Season Three at this time.

Response recorded on October 07, 2008

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Stuart writes...

Hello,
I didn't see these asked and/or answered before, but if they were, sorry. I was just wondering if you wouldn't mind answering a few quick questions regarding "The Amazing Spider-Man", please:

1.) When there is a confirmation that there will be a third season, do you know which villains and/or stories you would like to see used for season three? I read that Scorpion and Hobgoblin have already been pencilled in for season three, but I was wondering if any returning or any other new characters were planned too, even if you can't confirm which ones.

2.) Will Dr. Ashley Kafka return for an episode or two of season two?

3.) After what happened in season one, I hope that Peter will try to make amends with the Connors family after what happened with the Lizard. I know you probably can't confirm that, but will we at least see any of the Spider-Man/Dr. Connors friendship in season two?

4.) Let's say that "The Spectacular Spider-Man" does get all 65 episodes, like you all intend (and since the show is so good and popular, I imagine it will). But let's say that the network wants another season and asks you for 13 episodes for a sixth season. I mean, shows like "Spongebob Squarepants" are still going strong after being on the air after all these years. Would you be interested in doing more seasons beyond season five, or do you think you'd rather have the college years stories remain as direct-to-DVD movies like you have planned?

Thanks for your time.

Greg responds...

1. I do have some rough plans for the season, including new and returning villains. But given that I've already revealed Scorpion and Hobgoblin, I'm not inclined to scoop too much else.

2. Yes.

3. You'll see more of Dr. Connors.

4. I'll do as much and in whatever format they let me. I may have preferences, but I'm not going to be too picky.

Response recorded on October 07, 2008

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Patzo3000 writes...

I am a huge fan of the Spectaculare Spiderman!!I have a few questons.
1.What do you think of the 90's spiderman series?
2.Is there a chance that we might see a homage to amazing spiderman 33# in the Master Planner arc?
3.Why did you let Dr.Connors have a robotic arm?(dont get me wrong I love the idea!!)
4.Has the death of Captin Stacy and Gwen Stacy interested you in a way?
5.What is your favorite Spidey villan?
6.Do you get quips from diffrn source material or do you just make it up on the spot?
7.Has it been hard getting these things(sex lingo,saying death and kill .ect)?
8.Why did you stick with the J.K. Siimmons voice for Jamason?(Once again I still like it)
9.Who came up with the hilariouse words joke between peter and Jamason?
10.Who cam up with the baby found driving her car joke?
11.Any possability of a Spectacular Spiderman video game in the future?
12.Will the comic con footage be online any time soon?(The guys at superheroehype are going nuts waiting for it!!!)
Thats all!!Love the show mister wiesmen!!I will keep watching for sure!!

Greg responds...

1. I haven't seen much of it.

2. I'm not going to scoop myself on this site.

3. It was a prosthetic arm, not a robotic arm.

4. I'm not sure what you mean by "interested".

5. I don't have a single favorite.

6. Mostly my writers and I come up with them to suit the situation.

7. We do have S&P concerns at times. But what you've seen is what we got. So I'm not complaining.

8. We didn't. Daran Norris plays Jonah.

9. The writers and I. Sometimes Daran throws something funny in too.

10. Andrew Robinson.

11. I don't know.

12. I think it's up now.

Response recorded on October 07, 2008

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Genesis2 writes...

I really love this show. Thank you for showing us your vision of Spiderman.

One thing I really have to know is that Josh Lebar's actual laugh or he just does it for the show? I love Flash Thompson's laugh its the funniest thing I've ever heard. Keep up the good work.

Greg responds...

It's probably an exaggerated version of Joshua's laugh.

Response recorded on October 06, 2008

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Stuart writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman.

I checked the archives and didn't see this question asked or answered or anything, but if I missed it and it's been asked before, sorry.

Anyway, I was wondering. When you get to the direct-to-DVD movies of Peter Parker's college years, would you be interested in including the marriage of Peter and Mary Jane as one of the college years movies? I'd love to see this as a direct-to-DVD movie, as Peter and Mary Jane are my favorite married couple in all of comics (despite what's unfortunately happened for the couple in current "Brand New Day" continuity).

Thanks for reading.

Greg responds...

You're just so far ahead of me... but, yes, eventually.

Response recorded on October 06, 2008

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Sean writes...

Hi Greg,
I absolutely enjoy the show!Every episode has been perfection in my opinion.I was wondering were the red light on Spidey's belt came from? Did you get it from the comics or was this another great idea from you and the crew? I'm sorry if this question has been asked already but I didn't see this question.
Thanks for your excellent work, and can't wait to see season 2!

Greg responds...

It's right out of the comics.

Response recorded on October 03, 2008

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Arthur Jr. writes...

To evade confusion, Rtkat3 is my screen name. Sorry I didn't put my real name down.

Greg responds...

It's okay.

Response recorded on October 02, 2008

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Rtkat3 writes...

When it comes to Iron Man's enemies, Spider-Man has fought Blacklash, Dreadknight, and Grey Gargoyle. Imagine if there was an issue where Spider-Man encountered the Mandarin.

Greg responds...

Imagine.

Response recorded on October 02, 2008

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Arthur Jr. writes...

To follow up on a question received on this site on Sat, August 02, 2008 05:50:34 PM, I forgot to list Hydro-Man for a possible appearance.

As a supporter of your work on The Spectacular Spider-Man, a possible season featuring him meeting other heroes should feature him working with them to fight other bad guys with examples being Fantastic Four villains Doctor Doom and Wizard (Sandman used to work for Wizard's Frightful Four), X-Men villain Magneto (a reimaging for the show could result in a crossover with the upcoming X-Men series), Captain America villain Red Skull, Daredevil villain Owl (of course you can also establish a Daredevil series with Cam Clarke reprising the title role and attempt to obtain Kingpin for that), Thor villain Loki, and Namor villain Tiger Shark. I don't recall which enemies of the Hulk that Spider-Man had fought.

Of course, you can always establish a Marvel Team-Up series.

When it comes to Sally Avril, I found info that she was Spider-Man's would-be partner Bluebird who was killed in a wreck caused by Spider-Man's battle with the Black Knight.

Greg responds...

I'm not at all interested in turning THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN into "a Marvel Team-Up series". That sounds like it would be a fun show. But THAT is not THIS show.

Response recorded on October 02, 2008

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Kyle Tonarella writes...

Hi greg i just Watched The Batman :Strange Minds and that is your strongest joker episode Yet.
Here is my question will there be a strong green goblin episode in season 2 that you wrote ?

Greg responds...

I like to think all our Spidey episodes are strong. I did write one episode in Season Two, which I hope will turn out well. Goblin's in it. You can be the judge when it comes out.

Response recorded on September 30, 2008

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Rupert writes...

Dear Greg,

I am a major fan of your work (espescially The Spectacular Spider-man). Unfortunately I have never been able to watch Gargoyles, but I have been trying to get the first season. I loved The Rubberface of Comedy and Meltdown in the Batman. That is my favourite version of clayface. I think you did those episodes.
Anyway, questions on the spectacular spider-man, great show.

Firstly I LOVE Dr.Octopus! He is my favourite spider-man foe in comics, movies and your show. However I love all the villains, from the cowboy shocker to the nightmare on elm street vulture. My first question is that in season two I know that the master Planner will appear early in the second season but wil his other persona be Dock Ock. I'm not to sure because of that surprising, yet brilliant Tombstone/Big Man change from the Foswell/Big man.

My second question is that because the Master Planner is appearing, will the famous story in Amazing Spider-man 33# appear?

My final question. I discovered that you will not be on CN any more. What network will you be on then?

I can't wait for season two.

Thank you very much!

Greg responds...

1. I'm not using this site for spoilers.

2. Ditto.

3. We were never on CN. We were on the CW. I'm not allowed to say which network we'll be on in March.

Response recorded on September 30, 2008

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mike p. writes...

related to my previous question: Will the episode involving Molten Man (assuming they are related as in the comics) provide more insight into Liz such as why her last name is Alan (not a hispanic name)?

Greg responds...

Not really. But another episode will.

Response recorded on September 29, 2008

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mike p. writes...

I have a question regarding Liz Alan. Is she Puerto Rican? I am Puerto Rican myself and judging from the shows setting (New York) I've made the assumption that she is buecause of the large population of immigrants from the island, but wanted to make sure.

Greg responds...

In our minds, Liz's mom is Puerto Rican and her dad is Caucasian. Liz spent her early years in Puerto Rico, where her dad built and operated hotels. Then they moved to New York, when dad opened the Park Allan there.

Response recorded on September 29, 2008

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anonymous writes...

Hi there:

1.) I didn't know if you knew, but your show currently holds the record for the most episodes to feature Sandman on any Spider-Man animated series, as he's never appeared in more than one episode of a Spider-Man cartoon. I've noticed some villains that have appeared on the various cartoon shows have been used surprisingly little. Mysterio's had no more than four episodes (as shown on the Fox Kids, 1990s "Spider-Man" show), Electro's had three (from the 1960s animated series), and Kraven's had three or four appearances at the most, I think (also from the Fox Kids TV show). Do you have any plans for future seasons to try and break these villains' current records and let the villains appear in more episodes?

2.) Is there any chance we will see Doctor Octopus meet with Mysterio in season two, or maybe in another season?

3.) When season two is a huge hit (which I'm sure it will be), will you guys get started animating season three or does it usually take a few months of planning before you can get right back to work on another season?

Greg responds...

1. I'm not interested in records, just in telling the best possible stories I have in my arsenal.

2. There's always a chance.

3. Planning, arcing, outlining, scripting, voice recording, pre-production, design, direction and all sorts of levels of approval must happen before animation can start. If we don't get a pick-up - for scripts at least - until Season Two airs and is (hopefully) declared a success, than there will be over a year gap between Seasons Two and Three.

Response recorded on September 29, 2008

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Stuart writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman,
I had a few questions about the future of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" animated series, if you don't mind:
1.) I didn't see this in the archives, but if you answered it and I missed it, sorry. Anyway, I know you've said you're not able to use Kingpin because of the "Daredevil" license and legal issues. However, does this mean you can use the Rose or not? Even if it's not Kingpin's son Richard Fisk as Rose, can you use the ex-Daily Bugle employee Jacob Conover version of the Rose?
2.) For the first season, certain episodes were broken into storyarcs and put together on DVDs, like how the first three episodes of season one will be on one DVD and the next three episodes will be on another. Is there any chance we'll see storyarcs like this that share a same theme, like, for example, how one storyarc could be about men who turn into monsters (like how Michael Morbius becomes Morbius the Living Vampire, John Jameson transforms into Man-Wolf, and Dr. Curt Connors reverts back to the Lizard)?
3.) Doctor Octopus is my favorite villain and there are so many good stories with him in in them that would make for great episodes. I mentioned before I'd love to see the Doc Ock/Aunt May story as a storyline one day on either "Spectacular" or another Spider-Man animated series if there's no room for the story on "Spectacular", but which Doc Ock story is your favorite?

Thanks for reading. I can't wait to see what's in store for season two!

Greg responds...

1. I don't know.

2. They do share themes, but I'm not commenting on your specific example.

3. You'll see in Season Two.

Response recorded on September 29, 2008

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Anonymous writes...

Will Ben Riley ever make an appearance?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on September 25, 2008

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Arthur Jr. writes...

Hey Greg, recent Comics Continuum mentioned the appearance of Master Planner in Season Two of "The Spectacular Spider-Man." Master Planner is an alias of Doctor Octopus in the comics. Could this be a coincidence or is there going to be a different Master Planner?

I know Xander Berkeley voiced Quentin Beck in Season One and I think he might reprise him as Mysterio. There was already comments that Thom Adcox will voice Phineas Mason when he takes on the Tinkerer (Phineas had no dialogue in "Persona"). As for Kraven the Hunter, Molten Man, Calypso, Richard Kingsley, and Silver Sable, do you have any knowledge on who will be voicing them. I was just wondering as I am a top contributor at VoiceChasers.com where I added your voice role in an episode of "Gargoyles."

If the show becomes successful after Season Two and a proposed Season Three, will there be any plans for appearances of villains like Beetle, Ben Reilly, Big Wheel, Boomerang, Carlyle (if featured, I recommend Neil Ross for the reprisal from the Spider-Man 3 video game), Carnage, Cyclone, Gibbon, Grizzly, Jackal, any of the two Kangaroos, the Lobo Brothers, Prowler (Hobie Brown already made an appearance), Puma, Ringer, Ringmaster and his Circus of Crime, Rocket Racer, Scorpia, Spot, Stegron, Swarm, Walrus, and White Rabbit. Any one of them ought to appear in this series.

I still think a proposed season where it reaches the point of Spider-Man meeting other superheroes would still be good.

Greg responds...

By paragraph...

1. I'm not telling.

2. Xander indeed is the voice of Mysterio. Thom Adcox is the voice of the Tinkerer. And, yes, I know the voices of everyone you named, but the only one that's been publicly revealed so far is Eric Vesbit as Kraven the Hunter.

3. No comment.

4. Maybe, but I wouldn't want it to start to become a stunt.

Response recorded on September 25, 2008

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Chimmy Char writes...

Are there plans to include Lance Banyon or the Daily Globe in the second season of SSSM?

Greg responds...

Daily Globe was in Season One.

Response recorded on September 25, 2008

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anonymous writes...

which comics were your season three ideas based on?

Greg responds...

Mostly Spider-Man comics.

(I haven't started season three yet.)

Response recorded on September 24, 2008

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richard writes...

mr. weisman
why is the new spiderman series's season two getting released next year?
i mean are you insane???

Greg responds...

I don't think I'm insane. And I agree. (But I haven't decided.)

Anyway, as opposed to what? Releasing it in two years? Not releasing it at all? What seems insane about releasing it next year? Am I insane, or are you just impatient?

The fact is that legal contracts prevent us from releasing it before March of 2009, and in any case, we won't be done posting the show until January (i.e. until next year) of 2009 anyway. To get the second season any sooner than that, Sony would have had to pick it up sooner.

I think the key point to remember is that NONE of this is up to me. So let's keep questions about my mental state to a minimum when discussing issues I have no control over. (I second that!)

Response recorded on September 24, 2008

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Jim Grue writes...

I have no questions to ask. I just wanted to tell you I think the "Spectacular Spiderman" is amazing. Here's my blog post of what I think. http://jimgrue.blogspot.com/2008/06/saturday-morning-spidey.html

Greg responds...

Thanks, Jim.

Response recorded on September 24, 2008

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kyle tonarella writes...

sorry for my punctuation errors before i just get excitded when talking to famous people. Anyway sorry for my errors and here are some questions about Spectacular Spider-Man

1.Will Venom be more ruthless when he fights spidey in season 2?
2.any plans to use hydroman in later seasons ?
3.will Roderick Kingsly play a major role in the second season ?

Greg responds...

1. I'd like to think he'd escalate, yes.

2. That would be telling.

3. He'll play a roll.

Response recorded on September 24, 2008

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anonymous writes...

Hi, I'd had a few "The Spectacular Spider-Man" questions:

1. Will we see more of Joe "Robbie" Robertson in Season Two?
2. You said the Sinister Six returns in Season Two. Would you like to include other bad guy teams on the show later on, like the Sinister Syndicate or the Legion of Losers?
3. You said the Scorpion is planned for Season Three. Do you think we will see him as Mac Gargan in an episode or two before he becomes Scorpion, like how we saw Flint Marko and Alex O'Hirn before we saw them as Sandman and Rhino?

Thanks.

Greg responds...

1. Yes.

2. Time will tell.

3. Time will tell.

Response recorded on September 23, 2008

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Landon Thomas writes...

I notice that you like people to do Gathering journals so I thought I'd write some Greg-related highlights from CONvergence.

Thursday, July 3, 2008:

'Spectacular Spider-Man'

The SS-M panel's audience was a little sparse to start out with (it being 5pm on Thursday), but thankfully the room soon filled out nicely. The audience had good questions, so they were definitely fans. I learned that Greg wants to do a straight-to-DVD movie with a spring break story idea by Vic Cook, but it probably won't be approved by Sony until the sales for the first DVD come back. I also learned that Greg is interested in doing a feature at some point in the future. Greg said that in three weeks he'll have to fire his crew if season 3 isn't picked up. Only four people would stay on: himself, Cook, another producer and a production assistant. At an unspecified time after that he'll have no choice but to look for more work. I would learn why Sony is so timid in approving these sure-fire hits in the animation panel tomorrow.

I introduced myself to Greg after the panel with the usual 'I'm a huge fan' spiel. I decided to keep my real gushing to a minimum until the signing on Sunday. I asked about Ben 10. Ben 10 was one the great, recent animated series, in my opinion. Greg's season 3 opener 'Ben 10,000' really brought the series to a whole new level. The same with 'Ken 10'. Both episodes were the best of the entire run. I loved seeing the shades of Gargoyles in there with Greg's fearlessness in shaking things up, adding drama, introducing new characters, and playing with the time line. This is part of the plethora of evidence that Greg is the Pixar of televised animation. Most people think Pixar is all about technology, but what makes them really special is their placement of story-telling above all other considerations. That's why I think Greg is Pixar's analogue for the small screen. And it's not the 'writing on multiple levels' thing that makes Greg special in my mind. That's very important but what makes him one-of-a-kind is the complexity, plotting, and risk-taking he puts into all his work. Animation is my favorite method of story-telling and I always love when the Americans get it right, because it's my culture. But regardless of the intended audience, most TV animation stories are just too simple. Even more so than Gargoyles, Spectacular Spider-Man showcases Greg's persistent will to fully exploit every minute of airtime and make every character, plot, and setting blossom to its full potential. The complexity of every episode is amazing to behold. Only the Dini/Timm DCAU teams have come anywhere close. With Greg's help, I think it's inevitable that TV animation will someday graduate from "kid's stuff" to "everyone's stuff" in the same way Pixar has revolutionized animated films.

Anyway, this was all stuff I wanted to articulate to Greg after the panel since it sort of related to TSS-M, but I knew I'd forget most of it, so I've put it here. I asked Greg if the 'Ben 10,000' and 'Ken 10' stories were his idea or if he wrote off an outline. He said he did create the stories and that 'Ken 10' was Man of Action's entry for Emmy consideration. Greg wouldn't have received credit if they'd won, but hopefully this will reflect back positively anyway. In fact, I'm glad someone has finally noticed his talent and given him a high-profile project again. I hope Spectacular Spider-Man's run will be long and fruitful so that Greg will have some weight to throw around and get us an original series again. Even if it's not Gargoyles, I can't wait to see some of Greg's original characters onscreen again.

Opening Ceremonies had a nice little bit on Greg when showcasing the guests of honor and there were obviously some fans in the audience when his name came up.

Friday:

'Animation All-Stars'

I attended the Animation All-Stars panel, which had Greg, Mark Evanier, Wally Wingert, and Matt Waterhouse. I was wearing my Hot Topic shirt today, which Greg noticed. w00t!

The animation panel was more gloomy and revealed why TSS-M was being treated so poorly despite Spider-Man's massive success and name recognition: the industry is full of yes-men committees. This is Sony's only animation project when they used to run 7-8 at a time. That's the reason it took all of 2006 to hire Greg. It's not because they weren't sure he was the guy; it was because it took that long to approve the show through the ranks of timid bureaucracy. They're all terrified of being the guy that promoted a losing product, even though Spider-Man is the most sure-fire brand in fiction right now. It's the same reason season 3 and the made-for-DVD movie weren't approved months ago.

'Gargoyles: The Continuing Saga':

I was thrilled to see the room packed and two other folks in Hot Topic shirts. Many ancient, late-90s-style Ask Greg questions were asked like "What's up with the gargoyle dogs?" and "What happened to the third season?" It made me realize that as a professional that regularly attends fan conventions, Greg must have to answer the exact same questions over and over again. It made me wonder if Greg ever starts to say "CHECK THE ARCHIVES!" before catching himself. ;)

I did learn a couple things, though. A lot of the fans weren't aware of the comics or just the Bad Guys spin-off, which was promising (new sales, right?) Greg also mentioned Blue Mug Productions, which I heard whispers about in the comment room but didn't understand. Greg spelled it out nice and clearly: "If you like Gargoyles and you like porn..."

Unfortunately, food poisoning from who-knows-where was catching up to me so I had to enjoy most of the panel writhing on the floor in the back. But I did get to hear the ENTIRE "Better than Barney" story, which made it all worth it. I really wanted to meet other Minnesota Gargoyles fans after the panel, but I was too ill and had to leave for the day, which was a bummer.

Saturday:

'Legion of the All-Stars'

This was the headlining comics panel and truly had an all-star panel of Terry Beatty, Chris Jones, Mark Evanier, Marv Wolfman, Len Wein and Greg smack in the middle. During the intros, people were enamored with Greg's mention of his upcoming Red Tornado mini-series. This reminded me of how little press there has been for it. I don't know why DC hasn't put out a press release or why DiDio hasn't mentioned it at any conventions or even the DCU panels going on at Comic-Con right now (at least from the articles I've read). RT has pretty much been the star through most of JLA's current run, which is kinda-sorta the flagship title.

Anyway, lots of good stories. Chris Jones brought up his "The Flashback of Notre Dame" work, and obviously had warm memories of that. A woman asked a really specific question about Bionicle on behalf of her son and Greg of course had to say that he hadn't worked on that show for very long. They had prominent English accents and soon left. I hope they didn't come all the way to Minnesota just because of the brief 'Bionicle: Mask of Light' blurb in Greg's guest-of-honor bio. After the panel, it was the perfect opportunity to get Greg and Chris to sign my Bad Guys #3. Chris was excited since he hadn't seen a final copy yet which means my copy was probably the first one he signed, which is pretty cool.
After the panel, I tried to rattle all the RT questions I could remember. I really wanted to know how Greg got the job, since the comics world seems so insular. Apparently DiDio did remember Greg from the Captain Atom days. I hope that question wasn't offensive. I also asked if Greg was writing from a DC outline (another foot-in-mouth question), since the character has been changing so much in the recent JLA run. Greg said it would be his own story.

Sunday:

'Material Adaptation'

This was a panel on adopting material from one format to another, like comic to film. It had Vincent Truitner, Marv Wolfman, and Greg. Vincent used his recent Golden Compass experience to provide the most concise explanation on how to adapt by studying the core of the characters and the themes of the story. Once you do that, you can take some liberties with the production without insulting the original work. Greg and Marv provided a spin on the old piracy debate. As content creators, they have to protect their work since it's their livelihood. But they also understand the concerns when rigid corporations don't adapt to new technologies or fan expectations. So they didn't have any easy answers or a decisive side of the debate.

Marv had some interesting thoughts on writer originality. He mused that writers can't expect their work to be 100% original. Every writer gets their ideas from the great ether that is the common experience. Two completely different writers could come up with similar ideas at the same time. Their thoughts could have been triggered by reading the same newspaper article or have been completely random. Marv's point was that there are a fixed number of story possibilities and you need to protect your copyrights. Greg agreed with an anecdote about someone who sued Disney in the mid-nineties for copying his Gargoyles idea. It was later proven that this was impossible given the writer's material was unavailable and developed after Gargoyles started production. But Greg learned that all professional content creators don't accept unsolicited writing for this reason.

I think the best story I heard at Con was Greg's Tarzan anecdote during this panel. When he was still at Disney, the features department was negotiating to secure rights for the Tarzan movie. There was big meeting with the Edgar Rice Burroughs estate coming up and it was discovered that Greg was the only exec around that had bothered read the original Tarzan books and comics. So Greg tagged along to the meeting even though he was a TV exec at the time and completely outside his purview. I won't get into details because Greg tells it so much better, but basically he was the only guy that the heir connected with since he actually knew the material. He single-handedly obtained the estate's blessing, yet never got a credit on the movie since he wasn't supposed to be there.

'Signing w/ Greg Weisman'

I had Greg sign all my firsts: the first DVD, Garg #1, the TPB, and BG #1. I had some notion that having Greg only sign my firsts would be more sentimental or something. I've since realized that's ridiculous and I'll be carting my entire collection to my first Gathering in 2009, which I signed up for as soon as I got home. I also had Greg sign my new cel right smack on the top in gaudy gold ink. It probably destroyed the resale value, but I don't care: it's never leaving my wall. That is, assuming I can find someone who has a clue on how to mat it...

I also waited until the signing to do most of my fan fawning since that was the prescribed one-on-one time. I thought beforehand about what I was going to say but all that came out was 'Gargoyles changed my life mumble mumble mumble' which probably made Greg reach for his mace. Anyway, I'll assume he enjoys wading through distended fan stories about his work's positive effects, so I'm going to spill it here.

I stopped watching cartoons around 1993 and my last memories were of Darkwing Duck and TaleSpin. I just missed out on Gargoyles even though I was a Disney afternoon fan. I was about 11 at the time: the age (for me) when cartoons became uncool. I only saw a few features after that. Fast forward to April 2002: I'm a freshman in college and lazily browsing the IMDb cast pages for Star Trek: TNG. I start to notice an inexplicable commonality among many of the actors listed...

I had a vague recollection of Gargoyles already: a brief image from a long-forgotten single viewing. I think it was of Taurus on the beach. But I somehow sensed there was something special about the show. I never figured out where that feeling came from. On a whim I decided to set a summer project for myself of recording every single episode to tape and importing it into my computer under the guise of learning how to use video capture/editing software. And I'm someone who never plans summer projects. I guess it was fate.

This was back when Toon Disney played it twice a day at 10 and 10:30pm. The very first episode I watched was 'The Edge'. Within the first minute, I was stupefied. This was like NOTHING else on TV, animated or otherwise. I kept recording and capturing studiously but resolved to not watch any more episodes until I started the series from the beginning.

That October I switched my major from computer engineering to theatre. I had spent the entire summer (besides capturing and editing video) studying Gargoyles and how I could get involved in creating such a piece of art. I settled on voice acting, not for any reason more practical than that job seemed like the most fun. My parents, to say the least, were surprised that I switched from computer engineering to acting even though I'd never been on stage.

Back to today, I've received my BA and tomorrow I'm beginning step 3 out of 8 or so to get my Pro Tools operator certification. I've since settled on audio post-production (with a focus on animation) as my career choice. It's a better fit for me based on my existing skill set.

Anyway, Gargoyles truly did change my life and certainly for the better. It rekindled my love of animation and catalyzed my latent desire to make it in entertainment. I now feel like I'm finally on a path to a career that I can truly love, which is a rare gift indeed. So, if you're reading this Mr. Weisman, thank you.

Greg responds...

Wow, you really followed me about. Thanks!! And thanks for the kind words!

Just to correct a few inaccuracies...

The Spring Break idea was mine, which is not to say Vic won't contribute a ton if we get the go-ahead to make it.

As of today, 9/23, the Spidey staff consists of 13 individuals, four of whom -- our production manager, color supervisor and two color stylists -- will be laid off (not fired - no one has been fired) at the end of this week.

That will leave us with a staff of nine: myself, Vic Cook, our Associate Producer, our Post-Production Coordinator, two editors, two assistant editors and our effects editor. We will all be aboard until January 23rd, when we will all be laid off - unless a pick-up of some kind comes in by that time.

I am constantly at a loss as to why Alan Burnett is left out when talking about the DCAU. This is not a knock on the amazingly talented Paul Dini, but Paul and many other writers worked FOR Alan, who was the driving creative force behind most all of the DCAU on the writing side, just as Bruce was on the art and production side.

"Ken 10" was the series' entry for an Emmy - not Man of Action's. I'm sure no one was trying to take away my credit for the episode; the point I was making was that I wouldn't have won an actual Emmy statue, even if my episode helped the series win the Emmy.

I never really expected a credit on the Tarzan movie - and not because I wasn't supposed to be at the meeting. I didn't work on the movie - at all. So what would the credit read: Rights Facilitator? Good Schmoozer? Read the Book?

Response recorded on September 23, 2008

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Stuart writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman,
I know that you're incredibly busy, but I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions about "The Spectacular Spider-Man" cartoon, if you don't mind:

#1.) I love the partnership of Sandman and Rhino on "The Spectacular Spider-Man". To me, it's like the Peter Parker/Doctor Octopus past relationship that they had on the Fox Kids "Spider-Man" animated series (and the two later had a similar student/mentor relationship in "Spider-Man 2"), where you wish Stan Lee had thought of it first because it's such a brilliant idea and is wonderful to watch. However, on the Fox Kids cartoon, the Peter/Ock past history was unfortunately forgotten about and Ock was reduced to one of Kingpin's henchmen later in the series, so we never got a chance to see any more fireworks between the two characters. I hope the Rhino/Sandman friendship doesn't go the same route and gets ignored in future episodes of "Spectacular". Will we see Sandman and Rhino interact in season two, or do you think maybe they could team up again in a future season?

#2.) I know you're going to have the Sinister Six in season two, and I'm very excited that the team will be back. But I was wondering if you were okay with the idea of having the Six's teammates appear solo in episodes after that? You see, I'm asking because the Fox Kids "Spider-Man" show had a great take on the team with the Insidious Six and after that, some villains like Doc Ock and Chameleon appeared in several episodes on that show in seasons three and four before the Insidious Six returned in season five. But in between the first Insidious Six line-up in season two and the second Six line-up in season five, some of the group's teammates, like Shocker and Mysterio (who was sadly killed off on the show), appeared solo for one episode each in-between that time and, unfortunately, the Rhino didn't even appear in a solo episode of his own during that time. I was just wondering if it's possible "Spectacular" will not repeat that mistake and that we could see solo episodes for some of the Six's members in the later seasons of the series, such as an Electro episode, a Rhino episode and a Mysterio episode (who many fans speculate will join as a member of the Sinister Six in season two)? I know it's way too early to ask this question, but it's always something to keep in mind, and there's no harm in asking, right?

#3.) Since a lot of animated series spin off into their own video games, I assume (and hope) there might be one for "The Spectacular Spider-Man" one day for the current video game systems (Nintendo DS and Wii, Playstation 2 and PS3, etc.). If there is such a game made/being made, would you like to be involved with the story for a "Spectacular Spider-Man" game, as a writer or story supervisor or something?

#4.) This one actually isn't a question. I just wanted to say thanks again for giving us such a brilliant first season of "The Spectacular Spider-Man". My favorite episode was "Group Therapy", and I loved how all of the Sinister Six villains were handled (especially my favorite Spider-Man villain Doctor Octopus). I can't wait to see what's in store for the show's second season next year and hope the series gets picked up for three more seasons like you guys are hoping for.

Thanks for your time and keep up the brilliant work.

Greg responds...

1. It's neither forgotten nor ignored.

2. The members of the Six are not limited to appearing with the Six.

3. I'd love to, but I have no information about this.

4. Thanks.

Response recorded on September 23, 2008

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mike p. writes...

Hey greg,
first off, i love everything about spectacular spider-man. I think it's like 10x better than the 90's cartoon and a good deal of shows (animated and not) on right now. My question is that from a good amout of the interviews that you've done it seems like you're planning on doing the series for a while (approx. 60-some episodes) and then after doing dvd movies about when Peter's in college. Do you ever worry that the amount of new characters you're going to be able to use will shrink over time leaving only more obscure villains to introduce in later seasons? Or do you already have the story arcs and everything planned out? Also, would a character like Morlun(and the Other storyline) be too bizarre for what you have planned even in the dvd movies?

Thanks for being too legit to quit.

Greg responds...

Well, let's start by saying how many episodes I do isn't up to me. But as long as they want me, I'll keep doing this show, these characters, in whatever format they'll allow.

I'm not really worried about running out of characters to introduce. With each passing season, I'm sure we'll introduce fewer new villains, but we'll -- by that time -- plenty of already introduced villains to play with.

Nothing is "planned" beyond Season Two. But I have lots of notions for Seasons Three-Five and beyond.

Response recorded on September 22, 2008

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? writes...

Mr. Wiseman (or may I call you Greg?), I have to say I enjoyed Season 1 of Spectacular Spider-Man, I especialy liked how Venom was saved as the season's final villian (great finale, by the way).Seeing as how Venom is my favorite Spider-Man villian (I also like the Goblins, Doc Ock and Lizard) I have a few questions conserning his future.
1. Is Venom the only Symbiote villian you plan to use? I ask because I never cared for "Scorpion Venom" (Mac Gargan was better off as Scorpion if you ask me), Carnage or those other ones; I liked it better when Venom was the only Symbiote villian (not to mention when Eddie Brock was his human half).
2. Assuming you get your wish of making 65 episodes, do you intend to give Venom a fair amount of apperances (not too much, not too little)? The 90s series only gave the character 4 episodes as Venom (Eddie Brock and the Symbiote fused together); I can understand if he isn't used alot if you only get 3 Seasons or so. I know he'll return in Season 2 though I'm not sure if he'll get 1 or 2 episodes. If you're not sure yet that's OK, I completly understand.
3. What are your own opinions about Venom? Just for curiosity reasons I guess (wondering if your influence gave him his (pardon the pun) spectacular performance in Season 1's finale.
Thanks in advance for your answers! I may ask about the other villans one of these days.

Greg responds...

Greg's definitely better than "Wiseman" since my last name is "Weisman".

1. No comment.

2. He returns in Season 2. Otherwise, no comment.

3. I think I'll let the episodes stand on their own.

Response recorded on September 19, 2008

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Mike B. writes...

I was wondering...is Season 2 of SSSM going to feature Lance Banyon and the Daily Globe? It would be interesting to see how they could have a tie-in to Eddie Brock, so Peter could use those clues in his search.

Greg responds...

I'm not going to say at this time.

GENERAL NOTE: This is NOT a site for me to drop spoilers on request.

And frankly, I shouldn't even answer this, since it's an idea masquerading as a question. But I'm using it to make a point. And I'm a little safer with Spidey -- as I'm only ever borrowing from existing sources anyway.

Response recorded on September 19, 2008

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kyle tonarella writes...

hey greg i just want to say thank you once again for making Spectacular Spider-Man. It has become my second favorite cartoon after Batman The Animated Series becasue you handle the charcters just like bruce timm and paul dini did. I look forward to the second season. here is my question will we Doc Ock come back to lead the sinister six in the second group ?

Greg responds...

Bruce Timm and ALAN BURNETT. Not to knock Paul, but Paul and Michael Reaves and quite a few others were working for ALAN, and I just don't understand why Alan never gets credit for being (with Bruce) the driving force on that series.

Doc Ock will be back in Season Two.

Response recorded on September 19, 2008

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cartoonlover writes...

Hi Greg,
I heard from Animation Magazine (or at least that's what I heard) that season two of Spectacular Spider-Man will indeed air on CW. Is that true?

Greg responds...

I'm not allowed to say. I don't know why I'm not allowed to say. But I'm not. So I'm not saying. And if you think that's frustrating for you, imagine how frustrating it is for me.

Response recorded on September 18, 2008

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Spectacular Spider-Man on DVD

I can't believe I forgot to mention this:

The first Spectacular Spider-Man DVD, "Attack of the Lizard" has been out for over a week. This does more than "collect" the first three episodes of our season, i.e. the ones featuring Vulture, the Enforcers, Electro and the Lizard. We've recut the episodes into a movie. I won't pretend it works as a film perfectly, but I really do think it plays well ... also restoring footage and sound effects cut for time and S&P reasons.

If you like my work on Gargoyles, I'm fairly confident you'll like what me and the team are doing with Spidey.

And I know this sounds ridiculously self-serving, but good Spidey sales raises my profile in general, which can't hurt us on the Gargoyles front.

Check it out!


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klye tonarella writes...

what my question ment was will molten man have any connections to liz allen like he did in the comics and is there any chance the lizard might return

Greg responds...

No comments.

Response recorded on September 17, 2008

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vik writes...

vik again, wil any other symbiotes appear?

Greg responds...

Not in Bad Guys.

Response recorded on September 11, 2008

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vik writes...

will carnage appear?

Greg responds...

Not in Gargoyles.

Response recorded on September 11, 2008

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Arthur Jr. writes...

If Kingpin isn't going to be included in the show, what will this mean if there are plans for Silvermane, Owl, and Caesar Cicero since Kingpin is much powerful than them? I didn't mention Hammerhead since the series has him a servant of Tombstone and I'm not familiar with Top Man (whom Hammerhead succeeds over)! When I meant by this, there had to be other crimelords that Spider-Man fought before. For all we know, those outside of the Kingpin may be in the said gang war in the upcoming second season.

As for Montana as Shocker, I searched the entire archives on this site for the answer and no result...unless you are stating that the version of Montana (an alias of Jackson W. Brice in the comics) was Herman Schultz in a previous question. Could legal issues be the reason for Jackson becoming Shocker?

If the 90's series was successful with the part with Spider-Man meeting other heroes, there may be hope for this series yet!

Greg responds...

There were no legal reasons for Montana becoming Shocker.

Response recorded on August 25, 2008

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Arthur Jr. writes...

Hey Greg, I've been hearing rumors that the Avengers were stated to appear in the not-yet-confirmed third season of the Spectacular Spider-Man. If this is true, would that be a part in Spider-Man's life where he meets other heroes like Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Namor, Black Panther, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men? Spider-Man did meet them in the comics and some of their enemies.

Greg responds...

The Avengers are NOT slated to appear in the third season of Spectacular Spider-Man? Did you really hear this or are you making this up?

Response recorded on August 22, 2008

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cartoonlover writes...

Are you concerned for the future of Specatcular Spider-Man? I know season two is a go, but what about season three? Surely the ratings have been good enough. In fact, it had the honour of being the last super hero show Kids WB ever had. Is there any indication Sony wants to keep going?

Greg responds...

The ratings have been fantastic, thankfully. Sony clearly wants to keep it going, but we still don't have a pick-up.

Response recorded on August 22, 2008

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JEB writes...

Gathering 2008 Journal - Day Three

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Forced myself out of bed a bit earlier so I could be sure to get to the Gargoyles and Bad Guys comic panel. Notable information:
- Bad Guys #4 is complete and will be out very soon. Bad Guys #5 is 3/4 inked, 1/4 still needing work, according to Karine. Bad Guys #6 was just over half scripted before Greg came to the con.
- Gargoyles #9 will be Hedgecock's final issue as artist; he simply can't keep up with the pace. Gargoyles #10 is being drawn at this time. Gargoyles #11 will be scripted after Greg finishes with Red Tornado #2. Greg doesn't know who will be doing the art for #11 or #12.
- Now that Disney has its own comic company ("Kingdom Comics", apparently), they may be reluctant to allow SLG to keep their license. Even if they let SLG keep it, they may increase the fee, in which case Dan Vado might have to drop it. (Although Gargoyles is SLG's best-selling title, the cost of the license fee cuts into those profits quite a bit already.)
- Although Greg originally planned otherwise, the next spin-off title after Bad Guys will be Dark Ages. There's a story for that that keeps poking him in the head, so he's placed it ahead of Pendragon. (The story wants told so urgently that he joked he might have to do it in some form even if he can't do it as a comic.) Unlike Bad Guys, Dark Ages will not be a series pilot of sorts, but rather a story that covers a substantial span of time. It will include the Children of Oberon; Othello, Desdemona, and Iago; and Hippolyta. Greg first conceived of the idea three years ago.
- Bad Guys is black-and-white for purely economic reasons, but both Karine and Greg think the story works well that way.
- There is every intention to release Bad Guys and the second six issues of Gargoyles as trade paperbacks. Bad Guys will remain in black-and-white when it becomes a trade.
- Dan Vado's main interest is in the primary Gargoyles title, so after Bad Guys is done, they will need to sit back and assess if doing a spin-off is worthwhile. If no more spin-offs are forthcoming, Greg may integrate elements from them into the main title.
- The new spin-off schedule is six issues of Dark Ages, then six issues of Pendragon, then six issues of Timedancer.
- Greg still has a second story arc in mind for Bad Guys.
- After Gargoyles #12, story arcs will be six issues long.
- Disney has been rather hands-off with Gargoyles, except for some issues with, of all things, grammar. They critiqued Hudson's accent in issue #1 (apparently not remembering that Hudson spoke that way in the series, too), and they though Shari's "The story is told..." introductions were too awkward. Greg won both times.
- The benefit that Coyote 5.0 receives from the Coyote Diamond is an enhanced A.I. (Coyote 5.0's mental processes are light-based, and the Diamond speeds them up.)
- No Children of Oberon will appear in the next few issues.
- Bad Guys is set around January 1997; the end of the Clan-Building arc in Gargoyles will catch it up to around that time.
- Greg decided Thailog was an Illuminatus after the series ended but a while back - maybe 1999. There's a story there that Greg would like to tell someday, but not in the immediate future.
- Oberon and Titania were consciously designed to be not white (as in, Caucasian).
- Sevarius isn't really worried about danger from Thailog, as he has more options for employment out there. Besides, Thailog isn't likely to harm Sevarius as long as he's useful. But Sevarius is just arrogant enough to overestimate his value.
- Greg noted how he and Neil Gaiman seem to write about a lot of the same stuff. He doesn't think it's likely they would collaborate on anything, because Neil either doesn't know him or might even think ill of him (after disapproving of Greg's use of Death of the Endless in a Captain Atom comic).
- The comic version of "The Journey" replaces the televised version, so all 13 episodes of The Goliath Chronicles are officially non-canon.

I considered going to the gargoyle biology panel, but instead I opted to return a call I'd received from my mom during the prior panel and recharge my phone. While waiting for my next panel I got a few more supplies from CVS, and read the last of my purchases from Comix Revolution. Returned for the Spectacular Spider-Man panel, with the following highlights:
- Season 2 is being animated, but Greg isn't sure when they're airing. Season 3 is hoped for but not confirmed.
- The basis of the series is the classic Lee-Ditko-Romita stories, although they are also using elements from other canon.
- Although Greg first interviewed to work on the series in February 2006, Greg only learned he had the job - more or less accidentally - in December 2006 (he'd assumed a fellow named Chris won it). He started in January 2007, and brought Vic Cook in to help.
- Greg's goal for the series was to make a Spider-Man series as definitive for the character as Batman: The Animated Series was for Batman.
- The staff followed four C's when making the show: Contemporary, Cohesive, Coherent, and Classic (Iconic). The overall theme was "The Education of Peter Parker."
- Season 1 takes place in September to November of Peter's junior year. Season 2 takes place in December to March of his junior year.
- When using characters who appeared later than Peter's high school years in the comic (such as Gwen), the staff tried to extrapolate them backwards to what they would have been like in high school.
- The chauffeur story Harry Osborn was telling in (I believe) the episode "Competition" was a reference to an incident with Greg W. and Greg B. following the 2003 Gathering.
- There are DVDs of the first season on the way, but each of the four blocks of episodes will be edited together into sort-of movies. The upside is that each "movie" will contain footage not aired on TV. Greg and Vic Cook want to record a commentary track, but they haven't. If a proper season set is released, it's unclear if the additional footage will be included.
- The opening theme was originally intended to be an update to the 1960s cartoon's theme, but the rights were too expensive. So a theme song with the same sort of energy was sought out instead. Greg sent out potential lyrics to all the prospective musicians, but the final musicians didn't use them. There were actually four finalists, and they wanted to put the ones that didn't win on the DVDs, but they weren't allowed.
- Greg would have liked Keith David to stay on as the Big Man, but he had a play to do instead (A Midsummer Night's Dream - he played Oberon).
- Season 2 will be 13 episodes long. There have been some issues with story length in this season. Black Cat will return in Season 2, as will Harry Osborn. One episode will deal with questions about how Peter gets his photos. The Tinkerer (played by Thom Adcox) will appear in episode #14.
- Greg and company can use anything from the Spider-Man corner of the Marvel Universe, but nothing outside it. This is why Kingpin wasn't used in Season 1. Although Greg would like to use the Kingpin, he can't really complain about getting an interesting character out of the Big Man.
- The new Eddie Brock was constructed as a dark mirror of Peter Parker, as Venom is a dark mirror of Spider-Man. So, Eddie lost his parents in the same way as Peter, but had no Aunt May or Uncle Ben; while Peter learned to appreciate life, Eddie learned to appreciate death. Eddie is reckless and flirts with death; the scene in "Group Therapy" where he appeared to be threatening Mary Jane was intended to show this recklessness (as well as his anger towards Peter), and not intended as Eddie being vicious towards her.
- Greg hasn't heard any confirmation of Season 3, and he's worried he might have to move on to another job before they decide to make it. (He'd happily do another decade's worth of seasons.) Season 3 would include Hobgoblin.
- Greg thinks J. Jonah Jameson was once like Peter, which is why JJJ can be nice (more or less) towards him at times.
- Greg first saw the voice actress for Aunt May when she played the nurse in Romeo and Juliet.

At one point, Keith told a funny joke about a fellow and his mechanical arm, albeit one rather Blue for an all-ages panel. Following the conclusion of the panel, I quickly went to get a light Burger King lunch and immediately returned for the auction. Even on low-bidding items, Gorebash and Seth Jackson kept things entertaining; Keith David also popped in a few times to spice things up. The big bids were $160 (Keith David, for the Goliath electronic talking bank), $275 (Leo (and others by proxy), for the set of six Applause figures (Goliath, the Trio, Hudson and a Demona with hair corrected to red), $95 (Hobdemona, for all four character mugs (Goliath and the Trio), beating out both Keith David and Thom Adcox), and $400 (Seth Jackson, for a rare lithograph image of Goliath). For my part, I was outbid on a Gargoyles stamp, and won a 200(-plus) piece Gargoyles puzzle for $8.

After retrieving my stuff and chatting with D. Taina, I hung out with Ed for a bit while he guarded his brother Leo's acquisitions. I dropped off my auction items, then returned to my room until the banquet. I was at "Table #7", which included Dracandros, Ed, Lacey and her sister Krystl, Gside and Phil. I tried to stir up conversation a few times, with mixed results; Keith David also briefly stopped by to see how we were doing and patted me and Dracandros on the back. (Perhaps he was trying to compensate for our lack of guest representation?) As for the food, I thought the main course was pretty good, but I find myself beginning to question whether I'm getting enough bang for my buck as far as Gathering banquets. After the trivia game started, I helped guide our table to near-victory, advising our spokespeople as needed. We were finally stumped by a question on something that had only popped up at the Radio Play (and is a spoiler at this time) - in other words, information that was about 24 hours old.

On the way back to my room (we took our chosen elevator to the ninth, as it skipped our floor) I talked briefly with Josh Silver. I returned a call to Dad, then updated my notes before going back to the Masquerade. Along the way, I shared an elevator with Karine-as-Hunter (who, no offense meant to the participants, had the best costume of the night). I won't cover the Masquerade itself much, as I'm sure others can detail the costumes and such better than I, but I will note that I was seated with King Cobra and Vid the Kid before prize deliberations began. Afterwards, they left, and were replaced by Lacey and Krystl. I talked at length with Lacey during and after the prize deliberations about previous Gatherings and general fandom matters, among other things, before they had to leave to walk back to their hotel (they were staying elsewhere).

Now on my own, I initiated my master plan. In previous Masquerades, I usually waited around awkwardly, not doing much, until things closed down or I'd had enough of nothing. This time, I brought my own entertainment - a laptop equipped with MUGEN, a downloadable 2-D fighting game engine with tons of characters (many from existing media) available for download. I walked over to Gside, who was also largely unoccupied, and asked if he wanted to try it out - but beforehand, I chatted with Emambu. Despite the increasing noise levels, we managed to catch up. (He also commented that if I'd wanted to show off my card game with its Gargoyles characters, I would have been well served to have advertised it beforehand. He had a point.) I eventually invited him along with Gside and King Cobra to check out MUGEN.

Once I set it up in the corner, the alternate activity attracted a respectable amount of attention - slightly fewer tried it out, but it appeared I had chosen well to bring it. Greg B. and Aaron attempted to settle a running debate on the merits of Galvatron vs. Megatron using MUGEN, which went somewhat unfairly in Greg (Galvatron)'s favor (he had played MUGEN before we left for the 2007 Gathering; Aaron was unfamiliar with fighting games in general). In the meantime, there continued to be increasingly themed dancing in the center. As we approached 1 am, people began to burn out on MUGEN, so (with company from Rob) I packed it up and left. (I was amazed the hotel let the dance run so late!)

I returned to my room for the night.

Greg responds...

We now know that Spider-Man Season Two will premier in March 2009.

Response recorded on August 22, 2008

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Jon writes...

I have heard that season three of Spectacular Spider-Man is running trouble, and you might have to leave if season 3 dosen't start production. I'm starting to worry. Please tell me, on a scale of one to ten (ten being you're staying, one being you're leaving)ehat are the odds of you staying? I know season 3 will probably come at some point (I hope) but you and the crew aren't there, it won't be the same.
thanks alot,
Jon

Greg responds...

I can't give you numbers. They still haven't picked us up for Season Three, and today we had a farewell party for the majority of the crew (that is the majority that still remains -- many have already been laid off). This includes our character designer Sean "Cheeks" Galloway. After a few more weeks, we'll be down to myself, Vic Cook and our post-production team. We're hoping when we get a pick-up that we'll be able to bring the whole crew back more or less intact, but we already know that a few individuals on our staff already have new jobs and probably will not be coming back. Vic and I and our post-team are on until early January. One would hope we'd get the pick-up by then, but if it doesn't come soon I'll HAVE to look for a new job. Preferably a new job that will allow me to come back and do Spidey if/when (probably WHEN not if) it's picked up. But beggars can't be choosers, you know, and I have a mortgage to pay and kids, dogs and a cat to feed.

By the way, after losing all our pets over the last year, we have two new (not young but new) Basset Hounds, Murray and Hermione, and a new cat (Emmy).

Response recorded on August 21, 2008

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Andres D. writes...

When will season two of the spectacular spiderman be released?

Greg responds...

March, 2009.

Response recorded on August 18, 2008

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KingCobra_582 writes...

My Gathering 2008 Con Journal, the conclusion.

SUNDAY, JUNE 29TH

Woke up. Showered. Went to the comic book panel, hosted by Greg W. and Karine. A fun way to kill an hour. Didn't really get anything out of it, but it was pleasant.

Killed some time at the library.

Returned to the hotel a little while and headed upstairs for the 'Spectacular Spider-man' panel hosted by Greg w., Jennifer Anderson, and Thom Adcox. Asked Greg (no pun intended) a couple of questions ('Will Harry return in season 2?' 'Will we have Spiderman DVD season sets, like Gargoyles?') but mostly I just sat and listened. There will be DVD sets coming soon, but not as a season compilation. More like those 3 episodes per volume kind that I generally tend to associate with Anime. Not that Spiderman is anime, of course.

Though now I'm pondering what an anime version of Spiderman would be like. Damn you, overactive imagination!

Didn't stick around for the live auction, but I returned to the Bonbright Room at 3:30 for Autograph Signing (I'd figured there would have been a anthology signing session. Boy, was I dead wrong.) and did... nothing. Boredom the entire time. Only one person had asked for my autograph, and that was in line for Radio Play auditions. And it was more of a 'you're here and I have my anthology, so I might as well ask' thing then a 'Thanks for writing this submission! You rock and I want your John Hancock!'

Eh, no sense complaining.

Joined A Fan, Ranmaru, Azariel (sp?), VidTheKid, and those 2 girls with the camera (the ones filming a documentary about the con) for the 8th annual Anti-banquet at Giordano's. Pizza was delicious, but rich, so I got full fast. Halloweenking had come in and asked if he could join us, and we said sure, but apparently the waitress had seated him elsewhere. Oh, well. If I ever go to Chicago again, for whatever reason, I definitely need to eat at Giordano's again. That pizza was like heaven. Not too saucy, delicious pepperoni, and the crust was flaky in a exquisite crunchy sort of way. Big thumbs up to them. If they have Giordano's in L.A., (though I somehow doubt they do) Greg, you should definitely go there. Assuming you like pizza.

Rained heavily. Again. What was it with Illinois weather??

The 4 of us (minus Hal and the girls) went back to the Orrington. Ranmaru and Azariel changed into their costumes in our room, and we headed down to Masquerade.

The Masquerade. Lots of picture taking. Got one with Ranmaru and Azariel, just b/c I hadn't had any taken of me yet and I wanted at least one. Kudos to Flanker for playing Odin and to the guy (girl?) who played 'The Gargoyle Tourist'. Kind of looked it could've been Brooklyn's grandma or something. :P

Lot of dancing afterwards, though I'm not enthused in that activity, so I just watched a lot. Wandered around the room in boredom and hoping to mingle. Eventually got caught up in Jeb's 'Mugen' video game he had set up in one corner of the room. I played such characters as Piccolo from DBZ, Naruto from, well, Naruto, Sonic The Hedgehog, and even Fat Albert. A decent sized crowd remained constant, and everyone alternated between watching participating.

I eventually started having trouble keeping my eyes open, so I called it a night and sluggishly dragged my tired ass upstairs. Comfy bed, how I have missed you.

MONDAY, JUNE 30TH

The last day was here. Fast and bittersweet. Some things never change. At least I've made a few new friends. :)

On my way out of the hotel, Thom got on my elevator and we were so busy talking that I forgot to pay attention what floor I got off at, and I couldn't get back on. My response? 'Oh, s**t.'

After all that, my first panel of the day (because it snatched my curiosity) was the 'Blue Mug Productions' thing, at 11:30, in the Bonbright Room, (as I write this, I'm suddenly thinking of Clue, for some reason. :P) hosted by Greg W., Jen Anderson, Karine, and Mara Cordova. They showed off some artwork, gave some character descriptions for their first online comic, plugged their new website (www.BlueMugProductions), and answered some questions. Sounded intriguing, and I approve. Trouble is, I kept thinking to myself (God, I must sound so cheap) that due to finances and my not splurging too often, I'd probably just look at the free stuff.

Closing Ceremonies. What I wouldn't have given for the con to have gone a little slower. Like I said, bittersweet. Some plugging for next year's con (back in L.A. so I am definitely gonna be there!) and the usual handshakes. Saluted Thom.

And, with that, the con was over.

For another year.

VidTheKid and I, having decided to skip the Navy Pier trip (how did that go BTW?), left right afterwards, the three of us having already packed up and checked out. Dropped A Fan off at O'Hare and drove home, stopping once for gas in Indiana. Had lunch at a Steak N' Shake (another highly recommended restaurant, though service can be a bit slow, from experience) outside Lafayette. We were several miles down the freeway when I realized I'd left my hat there (Doh!), but we decided it wasn't worth it. Price of gas was/still is 3 times as much as I'd paid for that dumb cap.

Tried twice to watch 'Futurama' with commentary on the portable DVD player. The first time the car was moving so much that the disc was skipping. The second time we tried, VidTheKid couldn't hear the audio. We gave up.

We eventually hit 70-West and followed it onto state route 142, following it home. It was after 11:00 PM when we finally ended our journey.

Another year, another fun con.

Until G2009 in L.A., good luck.

I'll watch for Spiderman season 2.

Greg responds...

Spider-Man, Season Two - coming in MARCH!

As for www.bluemugproductions.com ...

Don't assume it's going to be that expensive. Charter members will get a HUGE discount. So sign up for alerts at the website.

Response recorded on August 15, 2008

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Kyle writes...

1. Are you planing on introducing Hydro-Man, Menace (the new villain), Spot, Carnage, or Jackal anytime soon?
2. I think when Harry comes back from Europe, he should find out Peter's Spider-Man. Do you think that'll happen?
3. Do you have any plans for the Secret Wars story arc?

Greg responds...

1. Not in Season Two, and we don't have a pick-up yet for Season Three.

2. Did you seriously think I'd answer that question?

3. No.

Response recorded on August 13, 2008

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Arthur Jr. writes...

Hey Greg, I was wondering if you have any plans to have John Jameson's Man-Wolf form appear in "The Spectacular Spider-Man." If so, would Frank Welker be a good candidate for Man-Wolf's vocal effects?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on August 11, 2008

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Spazz writes...

Will Morbius the Living Vampire appear in the series?

Greg responds...

Eventually.

Response recorded on August 11, 2008

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Stuart writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman,
I hope you're doing well. I was just wondering if you could answer a few quick questions regarding the future of "The Spectacular Spider-Man", if you don't mind:
1.) Will we see Dr. Curt Connors in Season Two, even if we don't see the Lizard next season?
2.) Do you think it's possible we will see any of the lesser-known Spider-Man villains on this show? Like Swarm or Beetle, or Jack O'Lantern maybe?
3.) One storyline from the Spidey comics I've always wanted to see animated is the near-marriage of Aunt May and Doctor Octopus. Do you think this story could pop up on the show in a future season?

Thanks for reading. Keep up the excellent work, sir.

Greg responds...

1. Yes.

2. Given enough episodes.

3. Less likely.

Response recorded on August 11, 2008

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Bruno writes...

Hey, Greg.

Congratulations by Spider-Man! It's great, and I'm looking forward to more!

I'm writing this one to link everybody to IGN:

Season 1 review (they gave the show a 9, and the readers a 9.5!):
http://tv.ign.com/articles/883/883805p1.html

Greg's interview with Eric Goldman about what's next:
http://tv.ign.com/articles/884/884897p1.html

Oh, and while I'm on it:
1 - Working with Spider-Man is as intimidatingas it looks?
2 - Is it weird to work knowing that Season 2 WILL air, but don't knowing WHEN or WHERE?
3 - Had any writers or artists at Marvel ever talked to you about the series?

Greg responds...

1. At times.

2. It has been, but I now know when AND where. The when is March 2009. The where is a secret for the time being -- though I don't understand why.

3. Craig Kyle.

Response recorded on August 11, 2008

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cyrus writes...

hi greg as you probobly guessed ive got a question
any news on when we can expect spectacular spider man dvds or on content or anything live in canada and it
does not air i need to know
thanks for your time
sorry about the bad spelling

Greg responds...

I don't know specifically about Canada, I'm afraid, though the first DVD goes on sale in the States on 9/9/08.

Response recorded on August 11, 2008

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Delthayre writes...

I have noticed that the episodes thus far aired of the excellent "The Spectacular Spider-Man" have titles that are thematically related to the episode in question and also across the small arcs of the series, viz. episodes four, five and six, all with the common theme of Spider-man contending with villains created at the Big Man's behest, have titles drawn from economics. The first season also had an general scientific theme to its titles as terms from evolutionary theory (1-3), physics (7-9), and psychology (9-13) also appear.

I rather liked that and am curious, provided that I have not erred in my interpretation, about who proposed the use of thematic titles and if the next season will have a similar pattern in its titles. I have guessed that you at least suggested the idea of thematic titles, which would fit with the alphabetical titles used for the second season of W.I.T.C.H., and hope that the practice will be repeated again, but drawn from something other than scienes, but only because I would find the diversity interesting.

Greg responds...

Yeah, the basic title scheme (though not all of the individual titles) was my idea. Each DVD has a title provided by Sony Home Entertainment, like "Attack of the Lizard" -- and also a title provided by us that fits "The Education of Peter Parker" theme. Our titles are:

BIOLOGY 101
ECONOMICS 101
CHEMISTRY 101
PSYCHOLOGY 101

And the first arc of Season Two will be...

ENGINEERING 101

Response recorded on August 11, 2008

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Michael Byrne writes...

Was Eddie Brock originally planned as in the comics, as a shallow photographer exposed for his lack of talent? Or was he planned as a childhood friend of Peter like in USM all along?

Greg responds...

You mean in Spectacular Spider-Man? If so, then what we planned from day one is exactly the same as what we did from episode one.

Response recorded on August 07, 2008

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Anonymous writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman,
I wanted to ask a few quick questions regarding "The Spectacular Spider-Man" series, if I may:
#1.) You said there will be direct-to-DVD animated movies eventually. Will we see any team-up movies with Spider-Man pairing with other Marvel heroes, like Daredevil, the Hulk or Captain America?
#2.) Will we ever see the Parker parents storyline on the new cartoon series?
#3.) Will Doctor Octopus show up in season two and/or season three, should there be a third season?
By the way, keep up the excellent work on "The Spectacular Spider-Man". It's my favorite Spider-Man cartoon series to date. Thanks for reading!

Greg responds...

1. There are no current plans for that, but never say never.

2. Eventually, given enough episodes/seasons/dvds/whatever.

3. Yes.

Response recorded on August 05, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

This here seems to have caused some debate. So, if you don't mind.

1. Does Gwen realize that Eddie Brock and Venom are one and the same?
2. If the answer above is no, what happened, from Gwen's perspective, after Eddie led her off during the parade?

Greg responds...

1. No, which will eventually be made clear in Season Two.

2. She got ahead of him and was jumped. She didn't see what happened to Eddie -- but fears the worst (i.e. that Venom killed him, not that Venom IS him). She has no reason to suspect that Eddie is Venom or vice-versa.

Response recorded on August 05, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

One of my favorite touches in the first season of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" was the sense of the passing year. The first episode was set in September, with Peter returning to school. Spidey's big battle with the Green Goblin was set on Halloween, and his confrontation with Venom in the season finale was set on Thanksgiving.

Will you be showing more of the year's cycle in Season Two? I hope so, because I thought it made Season One all the better.

Greg responds...

Yes, indeed. Season Two runs from December through March of his Junior year of high school.

Response recorded on August 04, 2008

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Arcturus writes...

Thanks for the response Greg! I have been able to view all 13 episodes of Spectacular Spider-Man season 1 and I've got to say that you and the crew have really brought us a wonderful show. Every episode was impressive, the plots were compelling and overall, Spectacular Spider-Man has turned out to be my favorite Spider-Man show. I can't wait for season 2 to start! I do have one more question for now, is there a possibility that you may include Hydroman in the series?

Greg responds...

Yes, eventually (given enough seasons/episodes).

Response recorded on August 04, 2008

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Webhead2006 writes...

Hello greg, I just wanted to say season 1 of SSM was very good and i cant wait to see many many more seasons come for the series. I loved it alot besides a few changes here and there i didnt like at first but grew on me over time and it works for the show itself. I just had a question i was wondering on the production side of things for the show. How long does it take to animate a single episode for the series?

Greg responds...

It takes eight to ten months - give or take.

Response recorded on August 01, 2008

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Jesse B. writes...

One more question: since Molten Man is appearing next season in SSM, does that also mean we'll be seeing Spencer Smythe?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on August 01, 2008

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Jesse B. writes...

Hey Greg,

Stellar first season of Spectacular Spider-Man. This show has been everything I've been hoping for and even more. I hope that your current creative team is able to soldier forward together for all 65 episodes and any DTVs that follow. Although this show has clearly been able to push the envelope for content in not only a Spider-Man cartoon but also Saturday morning cartoons in general, I've noticed that it's still been sprinkled with the occasional "S&P moment". As far as I can tell, all of these moments involve either guns or references to death. In regards to the former, while I'm very impressed that you guys managed to get actual guns that look like guns into the show, it always seems like you have to pull off some kind of trick in order to fire them. Things like the silencer on the chauffeur's gun or the burglar firing while hidden in shadow seemed like very clever ways to get around restrictions. However, other times we have instances where guns are pointed but not fired, or that bizarre moment in episode 11 where the police are barraging the Rhino with gunfire coupled with laser sound effects, despite the fact that some kind of projectile is clearly being fired at him. However, you've mentioned before that some S&P things are going to be changed for the DVD release. Since you guys have been careful not to have police or regular thugs firing random laser weapons (unless they were experimental weapons stolen from Oscorp), this struck me as a change for broadcast. Are we going to be seeing more use of guns on the home video release, or at least hear more definitive gunfire sound effects?

And in regards to death references, I've been kind of disappointed by how the script has obviously been forced to dance around the words "die" or "kill", which was especially apparent when Uncle Ben's death was being discussed in episode 12. Is there any chance that we'll also hear some of this dialogue "fixed" on the video release? Or are we still going to have to deal with the frequent "I will destroy you" syndrome that cartoons have been inflicted with on-and-off for the past decade?

Greg responds...

More definitive gunfire sound effects.

Listen/watch episode 12 again. I wasn't restricted on it. When the audience and the characters share knowledge, it can be more potent NOT to say obvious things. And I'm sure when Pete confronted the Burglar, the language didn't pull any punches.

Some of the "destroy" language is inevitable, but if that's your only complaint... well, I can live with that.

Response recorded on August 01, 2008

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Durkinator writes...

This is question in regards to censorship in Spectacular Spider-Man. Back in the 90s series, there was an obnoxious amount of censorship (Spidey couldn't throw a punch?!) that sometimes hindered the story in obvious ways. Now, Spectacular Spidey is obviously a bit of a lighter tone, so I don't expect to see people dying all over the place or anything, but I am curious about how the censorship from the studios of this series differs from other shows you've worked on, like Gargoyles--which I think was great about being delightfully edgy whilst still obeying the censors. Gargoyles was much darker that Spider-Man currently is, obviously; I'm just curious as to how similar the rules regarding the amount of death and violence and such are and if it has changed a lot since your work in the 90s.

And just to be clear, I'm not complaining or asking for Spider-Man to be darker or more violent or anything, I'm very happy with how everything has been handled and balanced without getting too "gritty" thus far (and I'm usually a sucker for dark stories). I'm just curious, you know?.

Greg responds...

I'm hinky about the way you throw the word "censor" around. The biggest rule is, was and always has been our own personal standards of what's right and wrong, what is and isn't appropriate. After that, both Gargoyles and Spectacular Spider-Man benefited from having smart, intelligent and understanding S&P executives (Adrienne Bello for Gargoyles, Patricia Dennis for Spidey). As I've mentioned before, there wasn't much we wanted to do on Spidey that was disallowed. The realistic sound of gunshots comes to mind... and those are being restored on the DVDs. I think it has less to do with the era, and more to do with the individual looking over your shoulder.

Response recorded on July 31, 2008

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Derek G writes...

Hi Greg,

I know you've probably gotten about a billion "When is Spectacular Spider-Man on DVD?!!" questions, which so far it seems you have absolutely idea about, but I do have a question in regards to it.

Just out of blatant curiosity, do you have any idea about (or choice regarding) audio commentaries on episodes on a future DVD? I imagine that's probably more related to Culver Entertainment or whoever, but I am just curious as to if you are planning on doing any commentaries, and if so, whether you have any idea what episodes you would (or would like to) do. Commentaries are my favorite features on any DVD, and your Gargoyles commentaries were absolutely fascinating and entertaining, so I know I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on any of the Spider-Man episodes.

Can't wait for Season 2!

Greg responds...

The first Spidey DVD will be released on September 9th, 2008. Vic and I would like to do audio commentaries, but none have been recorded so far.

Response recorded on July 31, 2008

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avalon writes...

A spectacular SpiderMan question (one of these days you'll probably need to devote a separate SpiderMan Ask Greg! :))....some of the script and storylines are flat out funny and witty, I love it! Do you come up with these lines in your writing as well or is there a separate staff that does this?

Greg responds...

There isn't a SEPARATE staff. There's just THE staff: myself, Randy Jandt, Kevin Hopps, Matt Wayne and Andrew Robinson on Season One. Nicole Dubuc joined the staff for Season Two. It's a team effort on breaking stories. Dialogue generally comes from the writer credited on the episode with an assist from me.

Response recorded on July 30, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

My comments on the season finale of "The Spectacular Spider-Man".

I enjoyed it, just like all the others. It had many fine moments in it. A few that I'll mention:

Spidey visiting Tombstone again to make it clear that the deal's off - after which Venom comes by, and Tombstone comments "I'll need to start locking the windows".

Venom's web with the words "Guess Who?" written in it (looking like a twisted version of "Charlotte's Web").

Spidey's spider-sense not working against Venom's attacks (which makes Venom all the more threatening).

The twist in making Venom's target Gwen Stacey rather than Mary Jane (which Peter and most of the audience would have initially suspected). And the part about Flash Thompson and his football buddies helping to rescue her.

The revelation that Aunt May had been writing a cookbook. (I definitely hadn't seen that one coming.)

Peter's disastrous attempt at cooking Thanksgiving dinner, and the consequences of his disposing of the gene cleanser. (I laughed at that last one - it fits Peter's characterization so well.)

Thanks for an enjoyable first season, Greg.

Greg responds...

You're very welcome. We worked hard -- and still had fun -- doing it.

Response recorded on July 30, 2008

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Algernon writes...

I wish I could keep a bit more up to date with these Spider-Man reviews but time is a tad scarce for me at the moment…

S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S

INTERVENTION
One of the reasons it's taken me over a week to review this episode is that it was so mind blowingly fantastic that when I first saw it I was left in a state of mind numbing euphoria! If you had asked me my opinion at the time it would probably have been something along the lines of "spidey, good!". So I decided to put it off for a few days before putting my thought in some sort of order.

I really liked the way you handled Pete's turn to the dark side in this story arc. It's been a subtle and gradual change, symbolized by the black suit's often evolving appearance. But it truly reaches a crescendo here with Pete viciously lashing out at his friends and even asking Tombstone for a job.

The "Journey to The Centre of Peter Parker" portion of the story is the real heart of this episode particularly with the rather surreal take on the classic origin. It was also a neat surprise to hear Ed Asner as Uncle Ben, I'm amazed you managed to keep that under wraps in the age of the internet. Liked the way you gave the symbiote More of an actual character here, hearing it talk to Pete in his own voice was particularly creepy. And I found the battle between the symbiote and the memory of Uncle Ben very dramatic.

I know I complained about Eddie Brock last time but I thought he was well portrayed here. His descent into homicidal mania is put in context, between losing his Job, education and the not so subtle influence of the alien.

Other random bits I liked…

A more three dimensional flash.

MJ telling Gwen to go for it.

"even Sally feels sorry for you.", so she does have a soul after all!

Curt Conners' rather cavalier approach to science, "genetically engineered super spider on the loose? What could happen?"

Thanks again, I'm looking forward to the season finale.

Greg responds...

Hope you liked it.

Response recorded on July 30, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"Nature Vs. Nurture"
So, a couple of days ago, I listened to a podcast interview of, perhaps my favorite Spider-Man writer, Roger Stern. Stern is perhaps best known for creating the original Hobgoblin (Roderick Kingsley), as well as the classic "The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man" story. He was also in the brainstorming sessions for the black costume story back in the 80s, and as a joke, suggested "it's alive." Stern then proceeded to apologize for Venom. As a non-Venom fan, that was very nice to hear.

So, drum roll...

I liked this. I liked it a lot. I actually liked Venom. I didn't expect to like Venom in this. I wasn't prepared to like Venom in this, but I did. I think that as long as this series avoids the traps the character in the comics fell into, he should be fine. So, no over-exposure. None of that "Lethal Protector" anti-hero nonsense, and we may have a winner here. He wasn't my favorite of the villains this season, but I liked him. Oh, and no Carnage. For the love of all that is holy, please, no Carnage.

So, in a sense, I think I finally get this version of Eddie Brock. Like he said, his and Peter's parents may have died together, but Peter had Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Eddie had no one, and from his point of view, Peter came off looking like this incredibly spoiled, petulant child who took all the good things he had for granted, and that was before he, from his point of view, screwed Connors over. I also think, that with the Connors' he was trying to fill a void, which is why he took it so damn hard. He wanted his own Aunt May and Uncle Ben.

I did enjoy the way Spidey beat Venom... right out of "Amazing Spider-Man #317." Nice homages to Venom's first two appearances in the comics, back when he was tolerable. Before Marvel decided to kill the golden goose... so to speak. The fanboy in me wishes that the Green Goblin was the first to unmask Spidey and use that to make his life a living Hell, but I am hoping for that in season two.

"We know who you love the most," yup, because we often tend to be the last people to realize when we're in love with someone. Peter/Gwen was built up really well over these thirteen episodes. Very subtly. I am sure some might complain that it came out of no where, but it really didn't. From my experience, a lot of people don't do subtle too well. I am also sure that the Mary Jane fans are upset, but to them I say, have patience. Gwen is the First Love. That is an important aspect of the mythos. While, MJ might be the one he is ultimately destined for, I think previous adaptions dropped the ball on it. She was The One in the 90s toon (with a tiny bit of Felicia Hardy as competition) and the movies declared MJ to be The One since birth. They'll get there, they just shouldn't be there yet. But in the mean time, I am definitely looking forward to seeing where and how things go with Gwen. The Gwen romance has never been done anywhere since the 1970s.

Oh, and I loved the "Romita's Pizza" nod.

As for the first season as a whole? The best "Spider-Man" we have gotten in any medium in a very, very long time. The movies weren't this good. The comics haven't been anywhere this close in a while either. I knew when this was announced that this series was in great hands. When you have the mind that created "Gargoyles", perhaps the best animated series of the last three decades, how can you go wrong?

Overall though, I think as far as this season goes, Tombstone was the greatest surprise. A nobody character in the comics, who I never cared about, is now a major character. A real break-out star. The three-episode Green Goblin arc was perhaps the height of it all for me, though I think that will also be a lot better in hindsight once we have a lot more Goblin material. As far as single episodes go, I think "Group Therapy" did it for me with their portrayal of Dr. Octopus.

But the real treat was having fun and admiring the work of two of my best friends. Greg Weisman, of course; and Post Production Assistant, Jennifer L. Anderson. Excellent work, you two. Excellent work, indeed. I wish I had the time and space to name everyone who contributed to the series, because this was great and I don't want to leave anyone out.

It's a shame to be getting off the roller coaster, but I can't wait to get back on it in the next few months. I can't wait for season two.

Greg responds...

"Oh, and I loved the "Romita's Pizza" nod."

Did anyone notice the Dit Co. sign in episode six?

Response recorded on July 30, 2008

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Aldrius writes...

"Nature vs Nurture" The Review!

I loved this episode. I loved the 'creepy thriller' vibe the scenes at the parade had going. (With Spider-man searching the crowds.) And I loved each character's moment, I liked Liz, I liked Gwen (I really liked Gwen in this episode), I liked Mary Jane, I liked Peter and Flash, I liked Rand, I even liked Eddie. Well, no, I didn't like Eddie, but I understood Eddie.

Which is quite a leap from '*grumblegrumble*Eddie's an idiot.*Grumblegrumble*'. I got it in this one. The Connors are his Aunt May and Uncle Ben, and Peter was the one guy he thought he could really count on and depend upon. And then Peter hurt his Uncle Ben and Aunt May, and the symbiote manipulated him into being hateful and desiring nothing but solitude. After his 'Aunt May' turned him away (because he thought more of their relationship than was actually true), and after it seemed like Peter was no longer worthy of his friendship. A lot of the stuff in this episode made more sense, Peter calling Eddie to apologize about his job, after being responsible for him losing it. Eddie's comment about Peter saving Gwen to 'be the hero', clearly shows what he thinks of Spider-man's heroics: just another way to get glory and fame, by helping people. This was all stuff that I had considered before, of course, but for some reason it all clicked in this episode. It all made a lot more sense. I didn't need that 75 on the jerkometer anymore.

I am not a fan of the damsel in distress routine normally (even Lois Lane isn't really a 'damsel in distress' anymore), but here it kinda worked better for me. I think it was because Rand, Flash, Liz, Gloria, Mary Jane and even Sally helped out in rescuing Gwen. So she wasn't a 'damsel in distress', she was just someone who was in danger and needed helping out from her friends.

Loved the last scene too. Gwen finally works up her nerve and tells Peter how she feels (so to speak). All in the theme of 'responsibility' of course. Gwen not being able to date Peter has nothing to do with his ignorance, it has everything to do with her nervousness. She needed to take responsibility for her own feelings. And the theme of responsibility is prevalent in Eddie as well of course. He's allowed himself to be alone, because he's been too dependent on others for reassurance. He wanted the Connors to become his surrogate family, but they already had a family of their own. He wanted Peter to be his brother forever, but Peter had to grow up and branch out too. And that's Eddie's problem, really. He didn't look for another job after he lost his job at the lab. He didn't look for new friends after he 'lost' Peter. He just wallowed and wasn't proactive.

Where's Norman Osbourn to give an encouraging speech when you need him? "Man up!!"

And that really shows how different the stakes are here. With Gwen it's all about her romance with Peter. Her love of him. With Eddie it's all about his hatred, it's life or death. But both problems are equally important, because of the emotional stakes involved. It's just as important that Gwen tells Peter how she feels, as it is that Eddie kills Peter. And that's really good writing.

I did have some problems with this episode however. Nothing mind-shattering, as, as I've said before... I've enjoyed every single episode.

Problem 1 I had was that Peter still hasn't told Aunt May that he's Spider-man, but this is something that's always bothered me in any Spider-man story. The woman is supposed to be his surrogate mother, and yet he still won't be completely honest with her.

Problem 2 was that the 'Spider-man working for the Big Man' thing didn't really go anywhere, it just ended up being a set-up for Venom working for the Big Man. And now that Eddie's passed out on a roof top somewhere (was that resolved, by the way? If it was I must not have been paying close enough attention.) and the Symbiote is buried under a few feet of concrete, so that doesn't really seem to be going anywhere fast either.

But other than that, fantastic finale to a fantastic season, and I can't wait for next season. Let's hope it finds itself on a network that allows the show the same freedoms it was allowed on the KidsWB.

Greg responds...

We have a new network, though I'm forbidden from announcing what network yet.

Response recorded on July 29, 2008

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evr4 writes...

(spectacular spider-man questions)
first let me say you are too good (for Gargoyles and for bringing back interest in spider-man)!
anyway,
1) did you watch "Intervention"? it was amazing and passed all my expectations of venom's origins. It was the perfect weave (of THE story (second most known history behind Peter's back story) I would think everybody knows) with a beautiful stylistic approach. All episodes so far, but especially this one, showed an approach with "we are going this direction with the storyline, but wait you (the viewer) were wrong because we are going to make a 180 degree turn and make you say, 'I can't believe they just did that!'" Genious...Utter Genious! My friends and I agree we can only dream the SEASON FINALE WAS A 2 PARTER. An interesting statement one of my friends made was Uncle Ben reminded him of Ben 10's grandfather. But one thing felt weird to me....was the episode's animation rushed or was it exactly how it was suppose to be...I can get the "it's in your (Peter Parker/Eddie Brock) mind" sequence so it resembles that of a "dream/fantasy" sequence....but during the episodes some of the lines didn't seem solid...and there was a scene where I think a screenshot stood still on Flash emotionless (though I do understand where the story was going with this) for an entire 1.5 seconds (AWKWARD)..but yeah was it rushed?

2) when Green Goblin has his first serious encounter with Spider-Man (after Spidey just saved Tombstone from Gobby), there was a scene where the glider went right through a building and GG acrobatically jumped over the building and landed on his glider, I saw this scene and immediately said, "TOO GOOD," and lowe and behold Spidey, says, "Okay wow, just wow." any information on who came up with Gobby performing the feat, and who wrote the lines, "Okay wow, just wow"?

finally, let me say, my circle of friends are either 20 or 21, and we love the direction spec spider-man takes every episode. One of my friend's girlfriends younger brother immediately hated the show when it came out but then changed his mind with the great direction and writing of the show (ironically he hated The Batman at first, then fell in love with it). And let me say for myself for one who notices all the smallest details and little intricacies of all your shows (not just Garg and Spec Spid), I will continue to say Greg Weisman is TOO GOOD!

Greg responds...

1. No. Or no moreso than usual.

2. It was some combination of myself and episode writer Andrew Robinson.

Response recorded on July 29, 2008

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kyle tonarella writes...

well i actually have seen the joker episodes you've written and they are tureley works of art a shame that they could not make joker like that through the rrst of the series oh well anyone on to a new question i've heard molten man will be in the show and we he actaully have connections to Liz Allen like the comics is he part of the firs or second arc of season 2

Greg responds...

Punctuation would really enhance your post.

Response recorded on July 28, 2008

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Matthew Roye writes...

Dear Greg.

I am an 18 year old comic book nut, one who's often been criticized by my friends or others for having differing opinions on what makes something great (My tastes never really went into the 90's "everything must be bad ass and with GUNS" attitude, so i didn't cling to wolverine or venom much into my childhood, not to offend anyone who did) so I'm used to getting into arguments to defend my stance on what i enjoy, but boy, did Spectacular Spider-man ever change that!

Not a single person I've met can say anything negative about this show, including me! You and everyone involved have crafted, what i believe, is the single greatest rendition of spider-man the world has EVER seen. i was so happy that a show with great emotion, dialog, action, and acting has been so loved by all who have seen it.

So i should probably get to the question huh? Well this stems from the FIRST argument I've had with my best friend about a certain identity mystery on the show... Tombstone/ The big man, now, I'm not asking for a straight answer, I'm pretty sure you not only can't straight out say it, but you really wouldn't WANT too, but I'm pretty frustrated at being called naive in thinking that the big man may be someone else pulling the strings... like a certain daily bugle reporter perhaps?

If you could, all I'm asking for, and you can outright reject... but all I'm asking for is a clue, something small, I'm good at picking up on little details. you could outright tell me I'm absolutely wrong but throw in a strange word like BAGEL or something non-sequitur that'll let me know something is off. I'm BEGGING sir, with a smile, but still begging.

If not, i would just love to let you know that 'spectacular' has become my favorite show of all time... and I'm a LOST fan, so... theres that...

-Matt

Greg responds...

Hey, Matt. I'm afraid to write anything here, since you've pretty much said anything can be regarded as a clue. I'm glad you like the show though.

Response recorded on July 22, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

A few comments on "Intervention".

The symbiote's tightening hold on Peter/Spidey was handled effectively in this episode. I was increasingly unsettled as he yelled at his friends when they tried to help him - and then decided to accept Tombstone's offer after all. (Tombstone's conditions that Spidey had to give up foiling ordinary criminals but was still allowed to face super-villains didn't make things any better. The man who murdered Uncle Ben was an ordinary criminal.) I'm looking forward to seeing what the consequences of that meeting with Tombstone will be.

I wasn't expecting a look back at Spidey's origin story, or an appearance (at last) from Uncle Ben, but I thought they worked well - and especially since they played an integral part in the struggle with the symbiote.

The ending is one of the most chilling moments yet: I can think of few things more dangerous for a super-hero than one of his adversaries finding out who his civilian identity is. That gives me one more reason to look forward to next week's episode.

Thanks for another great story, Greg.

Greg responds...

You're very welcome.

Response recorded on July 21, 2008

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Canus Shamus writes...

It's great watching how the episodes in "Spider-Man" build off one another and create one coherent storyline. I especially liked Peter's line in the Sinister Six ep about Lizard and Goblin being absent, as it lets us know that what we've seen so far has been the complete story; and I was positively geeking out when I heard the voice of "Gargoyles" alum Ed Asner as Uncle Ben. I can hardly wait for the Venom-based season finale. Now, a moment of your time for a few questions:

1. You said in an earlier post that the reason Kingpin wasn't used as the Big Man was because you "didn't have the rights to the character." What?! Marvel owns both characters, how could you not have the rights? (Don't get me wrong: I've always hated the Kingpin character, and I think Tombstone is a much better choice. I'm just curious about what prompted the change.)

2. As Electro left the asylum, he referred to his therapist as 'Dr. Kafka'. Now, even though I've been a Spider-Fan my whole life, I came to the comics themselves relatively late. As a result, I remember that Venom's therapist/love-interest from the 90s series was also Dr. Kafka, but I've never seen her show up in the comics. So: comic book reference that I missed, or sly nod to one of Spidey's earlier incarnations?

Thanks again for your time and for the great show!

Greg responds...

1. Each of Marvel's "Intellectual Properties" has a list of characters that "belong" to that property. Sony (and I work for Sony, not Marvel) has the rights to the Spider-Man property, but not the Daredevil property. Kingpin is part of the Daredevil license.

2. She's from the comics originally.

Response recorded on July 21, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Intervention
Okay, first off, if Pete is going to get that ruthless under the influence of the symbiote, I'm glad they built up to it slowly and subtly. Far better than the 90s series, which turned him into a monster within a single day, and the less said about symbiote Peter's depiction in "Spider-Man 3" the better. I especially like how my expectations were completely played. I expected Peter to punch out Flash, to do something nasty to Sally. To beat the snot out of Tombstone. But, nope, the people he's cruel to are his friends. Speaking of Tombstone, I am looking forward to the consequences of Spidey's deal with him. Spidey realizing he's saying "we" instead of "I" was well done, and it's nice to see the now, iconic cathedral scene. Hmm, Saint Damien's Cathedral, Greg? ;)

Flash Thompson was the voice of reason. Wow. I really liked that, it makes Flash a strong character and not just a stereotypical jock/bully. He dislikes Peter because he thinks Peter is an elitist jerk. Under the symbiote's influence, Peter proved him right. Now,

Flashback time. Okay, I'm sure some people won't like it, but I'm enjoying the black and white. But the most pleasant surprise is Ed Asner as Uncle Ben. That's perfect casting, and I'm glad that was kept under wraps. Really enjoyed it. This was also a great way to present the origin, a nice combination of the original comic book origin, and the movie's origin.

Uncle Ben as Peter's conscience, and the symbiote as the devil on his shoulder. I like it. Lots of flashbacks, almost like a clip show, and yet it wasn't. I know some people aren't into that sort of thing, but I loved this episode. It wasn't just an origin, it was a character study. A very solid character study.

Fanboy moment, I loved the homage to the cover of "Amazing Spider-Man #100"

Finally, Eddie Brock becomes Venom. Allow me, if you will, my own tangent here. I never liked Venom and mostly because of Eddie Brock. This is a character who has never been done well in any prior incarnation, even the original comic books. He was poorly conceived, poorly written, poorly characterized... and became a super star character. He's the Michael Bay of comic book villains. After he first appeared, everyone it seems, tried to create over the top muscle bound villains with no depth who could kick the hero's asses worse than any of their pre-established nemesis. For Batman it was Bane; for Superman it was Doomsday... when those stories would better be told with pre-established villains like the Joker, Ra's al Ghul, Lex Luthor or Darkseid. I could go further, but there are entire essays on this. Personally, I think Venom is the poster child for everything that was wrong with comic books in the 90s, from the lack of creativity to the internal politics.

Now, all that being said, I liked this. It was definitely the best origin for Venom I have ever seen, and while that may not be saying much, I really did enjoy it. The symbiote itself was very well depicted. While I had misgivings about Eddie's behavior last week, he made a lot more sense today. He lost his job, his education, his future. Not to say he's absolved of responsibility. If he didn't let his hatred for Peter get in the way, he could have made the best of it, found another job and really worked for it. There are people out there who scrub toilets to pay for their educations. But then, when everything seemed okay, and the symbiote wasn't dead, Eddie released it and bonded with it. So, in the end, Eddie really screwed himself over. But it was done well, certainly better than the Sin Eater retcon in the original comic books. I have never been a fan of Venom, but I have accepted a while back that he's here to stay. The Green Goblin; Dr. Octopus and Venom... the unholy trinity.

Brilliant script, Greg. Brilliant episode. I am looking forward to next week's. Make me a fan of Venom.

Greg responds...

Glad you liked it!

Response recorded on July 21, 2008

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avalon1178 writes...

Greg Weisman you are a GENIUS!!!! The Intervention episode, the one where SpiderMan had a flashback moment while he was under the influence of the alien is probably the best rendition of this storyline I have ever seen!!!! Great work! The storyline, animation....all I can say is superb! That episode is not going away from my DVR list that's for sure!

Greg responds...

Wow, thanks!

Response recorded on July 21, 2008

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Aldrius writes...

Review of Spectacular Spider-man Episode 12 :"Intervention"

I loved this episode. Hated Eddie. Loved this episode. And what made me love this episode instead of just liking it? Ed Asner, Jim Cummings, and Robert Constanza. Three of my favourite voice talents of all time. Even if Jim just had a bit part.

I love the fact that Spidey took up Tombstone's offer. It took the influence of an evil black suit, but he still went through with it, and I'm eagerly awaiting the consequences. I love the fact that Eddie so obviously went to see Aunt May in the hospital JUST to piss Peter off, rather than out of any genuine care for Aunt May. I loved Mary Jane in this episode, despite not being a big fan of Mary Jane in general, she's assertive, she's the queen bee of sorts. Same goes for Gwen, the two characters are really coming into their own rather than just being the 'girlfriend' and the 'wet blanket who worries a lot'.

I loved Flash in this episode, he's certainly come a long way from the stereotypical jock he was in episode 1. He's actually *gasp* put some thought into why he harasses Peter. It's not JUST because he's 'smart' or a 'nerd' or because he doesn't value the same things but because he thinks he's got a weak character. Maybe Flash believes in Nietzsche's teaching of 'whatever doesn't kill him makes him stronger'? And if Sally feels sorry for you, you know you've got problems.

Again, loved Ed Asner, loved Costanza and Cummings. Loved the whole flashback really, blatant ripping off of the movie aside. The symbiote seems to be a villain in itself here.

Nothing much more to say, but the flashback of Spider-man saving all those people was really touching. Such a simple thing, pointing out how many times Peter's pulled someone out of the fire, was really effective, and showing all the people in Peter's life that he's touched and enjoyed the company of. (Of course, Black Cat and Norman aren't quite the buddies he thinks they are, but everyone knows that.) And it really shows how strong Peter's supporting cast is. (Even shows him saving Eddie)

Which brings me to my points on Eddie. He's being a numbskull. I can't get behind his motivation to want to destroy Spider-man and Peter at all. Now obviously he's allowed to be a jerk, he's a character, but that doesn't mean I have to enjoy or understand it. If he took 3 seconds to THINK instead of feel, then he'd realize that all of his reasons for hating Peter are completely ridiculous. Now HE'S the one who's stolen the symbiote. Now he's costing himself his OWN job.

To interject something for a second, I love Mrs. Connors in this show too. That's just dawning on me. She's the businessmind behind the scientific brilliance. She owes Peter nothing, she owes Gwen nothing (speaking of which, is Gwen still working there? I guess not.), she owes Eddie nothing, she's just their employer.

Spider-man's saved Eddie and others a bunch of times (of course the symbiote didn't show him that), and because he destroyed an obviously dangerous symbiote, Eddie hates him for it. Of course, it's kinda Spider-man's fault for not EXPLAINING why he was going to ruin Eddie's chances at an education and a job (did he even LOOK for another job, though?) But still, none of the flashbacks of Peter being a 'bad guy' did it for me either. Oh well, everything else was fantastic, so I can hardly fault it for that, despite being a critical moment.

There's still time for all of this to make sense to me, though. Maybe Eddie will have an epiphany in the next episode and actually come to his senses. I'll just have to wait and see.

Greg responds...

I'm not sure I like the "ripping off" characterization. We have legitimate access to all this Spidey material. I'm no more "ripping off" the movie than I am "Amazing Fantasy #15" though I unashamedly borrowed quite a bit from both.

Gwen does still work at the lab.

Response recorded on July 18, 2008

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Donald writes...

can you give me the lyrics to the new spiderman cartoon? i was skeptical if i was gonna like it but i love the theme song, it's perfect!!

Greg responds...

I don't seem to have a lyric sheet. Sorry.

Response recorded on July 18, 2008

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Antiyonder writes...

My third review round:

Episode 7- Catalysts
- Everyone's reaction to Peter's date, priceless. Especially since we get a mention of his bet with Flash.
- Though I feel bad for Gwen, good to see that she got a smile after seeing MJ with Flash in Peter's absence.
- Like everyone else, I'm certainly not a fan of Sally.
- Leaving Mary Jane to help Tombstone. I'd say this is my favorite example of The Parker Luck. Good thing that MJ takes Peter's departure well, and that he gets the last dance.
- Too bad that Harry was dumped, but at least Flash and the gang got a bit of karma. Don't dump the guy with the limo indeed.

Episode 8- Reaction
- I'm always a sucker for romantic moments, and that scene with Spidey saving the guy and gal satisfied that feeling.
- Given that the early comics are the basis for the series, I wasn't really surprised that Pete and MJ weren't in a serious relationship. Though a good number of viewers thought otherwise. Makes sense considering that we all relate to Spidey in our own way.
- Though Ock's personality change did seem fast, it still feels natural.
- Was waiting for Liz to warm up to Peter since her expression around the end of episode 2. Their date didn't disappoint.
- Can't really see the Goblin being anyone else, especially with Norman's smirk at the end.

Episode 9- The Uncertainty Principle
- I thought that the 90s Series did well in humanizing Jameson, but this as well as episode 7 and 11 do a better job. Plus, it helps to have a definitive reason for him to be labeling Spider-Man as a menace.
- I can't see how anyone believes Gwen to be a copy of Debra Whitman, considering that her stare can be intimidating to Peter.
- Peter's Halloween costume choice, gave me yet another Amazing Friends flashback.
- Favorite Line #1 (Liz): You can web me up anytime, Petey.
- Flash Thompson as a cheerleader. Much more frightening than any Halloween creature could ever be.
- Favorite Line #2 (Spider-Man): Trap. (Tombstone): Trap.
- So, Harry is the Goblin. Or is he?

Greg responds...

Glad you liked the stuff.

Response recorded on July 18, 2008

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Arthur Jr. writes...

Hey Greg, to follow up on someone's Montana/Shocker comment, Montana's real name is Jackson W. Brice. What is your reason for Montana becoming Shocker rather than using Herman Schultz.

Greg responds...

Asked and answered. Check the archives.

Response recorded on July 17, 2008

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Aldrius writes...

I was gonna post my ramble on the last three episodes of Spectacular Spider-man, but I get the feeling that the irreverent style in which I do them is mis-interpreted and not appreciated (not to sound like I'm 'bitching', mind you). So I might as well just write up ye olde fashioned review.

The Uncertainty Principle was a fantastic episode. Right from the opening scene with Green Goblin smashing into Hammerhead's car. I liked that completely incidental driver and her silenced gun. She was awesome. Which Spider-man character from the comics is she and (due to this being a non-wasteful Weissman series) when will be seeing more of her? Just kidding.

Though given the way the series is going, I wouldn't be surprised if the answer to both questions is 'yes'. But to move on, I really liked the dynamic between Tombstone and Spider-man in this episode. It's like Spider-man's got his own 6 foot tall walking slab of concrete of an amoral businessman for a side-kick. Tombstone has his own agenda, and Spider-man is part of that, but then Spider-man has his own agenda as well, and Tombstone can be part of that too, even though Spider-man is too naive to realize it. But maybe manipulating the Big Man's criminal empire is too much power and too much responsibility for the webhead.

But not too much for the goblin, of course. And what a goblin we have here. He didn't strike me as anything too special in Catalysts or Reaction (not to say he was bad). But here he was a beast. I loved the fight scenes in this episode, just to compliment you for one second, I think these are a vast improvement over any of the fight scenes in Gargoyles, and what little I've seen of Witch. There was some real energy to them, and the words meshed perfectly with the action.

Anyway, as I said, I loved the Goblin in this episode. He was both hilarious and dangerous, reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series' Joker or Reboot's Hexadecimal. Even some very simple straightforward dialogue is brought to life by Steve Blum. (I love the part where he just expositioned who

And I of course, like everyone else, have my own theories and thoughts about the Green Goblin's identity. I think it's Norman who set Harry up to take the fall back at the mansion, but I would not be entirely surprised if it actually is Harry. Gotta keep an open mind when it comes to these things.

Then there was Persona. Another GREAT episode. If the Goblin is my favourite villain (regardless of who's behind the mask), then Black Cat is my favourite 'love interest' for Spider-man. I thought the actress did a fantastic job being sultry and dangerous. But still tough and resourceful.

I liked the Chameleon too, and the dynamic between the Black Cat and the Chameleon even though they don't have a single scene together. They're both 'using' spider-man to get what they want. Chameleon is using his identity as a cover and for some reason he's trying to incriminate him. I'm not going to pretend I understood why they were smearing Spider-man's reputation. I guess maybe, like the big man, he wanted him distracted while he pulled off his master crimes.

The quinten beck and the other guy cameos were fun too, and fitted well with the Chameleon's 'stage-esque' personality. It's all just smoke and mirrors, and the old school use of that was really fun.

I'm not a big fan of the movie-type black suit. I think the older one is a lot sleeker and looks much better on spider-man, but I liked his design regardless. You can barely see the lines, and I didn't notice any change, but apparently there was some in the latest episode.

Which brings me to just that. Group Therapy. This one was like two episode in one for me. One I loved, and one I almost couldn't stand. I loved the dynamic of the sinister six. They all had their goals, and they were all clear. But Doctor Octapus (who I found rather unmotivated in his original episode) made for a commanding and powerful presence to unite them against the spider-man. Though I'm still not sure I know WHY he's after spider-man. Though I do think the dynamic of the man who desperately wants to be noticed and lavished with attention (octapus) vs. the man who just wanted to disappear (octavius)is very clear, and maybe he just snapped. Still a great character and I love Peter McNichol.

Having said that, all the other villains' motivations were very clear. Shocker feels a sense of responsibility to the Big Man, and wants to deal wih Spider-man for him, electro wants to be normal, and sees Doctor Octapus as a way to do that, plus he just doesn't like Spider-man. Rhino is an animal, and he wants revenge, wants to prove how tough he is. Sandman just wants money, doesn't really care about Spider-man. And Vulture wants to go after Osbourn. Like Octapus, he kinda just wants to be noticed and recognized I think.

Actually, in that regard Octapus and Vulture are very similar. They care a great deal about etiquette, about manners and recognition. They're like two scientists who wanted to get the noble peace prize (and deserved it) but were denied it.

Also want to comment on how fun it was seeing all six villains get equal screentime. The villains you chose allowed for a lot of 'doubling up' (with the shocker and electro both blasting Spider-man at the same time, stuff like that) and I'm glad Octapus got the final confrontation with him, being the lead bad guy and all that.

There were two lines I found rather strange in this episode. One was 'Lizard and Goblin have knick's tickets'. Considering the Lizard was his ex-boss (maybe Peter does capatalize off of the Conners' pain with jokes!), and the Goblin was his crazy best friend, that seemed in rather poor taste, but it was still funny so that made up for it for me anyway.

The other was 'peter is twice the man you are' by Mary Jane. If she knows he is spider-man then this line is perfectly understandable but as it stands it strikes me as a rather odd comment for a sixteen year old girl to make when she barely knows Eddie (not that he wasn't being a complete creep, but I'll get to that in a second) and she's gone on one date with Peter and run into him a couple of times afterwards, at least it seems that way to me. It works in regard to the story, but it seems weird for it to be coming from Mary Jane to me.

Whereas Mary Jane almost seemed to be a bit too insightful and too wise, Eddie just seemed to be a judgmental fool to me in this episode. Jumping to every conclusion without even letting Peter speak up for himself or explain himself. It's true to life, but for the narrative it struck me as rather sudden, and it was almost as if he went from 50 to 100 on the jerkometer in a single episode. While I feel that there could have been a 75.

At least that's how it seemed to me at first, but I've watched it a second time and it actually occurs to me that he wasn't really doing anything other than being a HORRIBLE conversationalist and a crazy driver. And if it wasn't for that 'funny little plane accident' comment complete with the 'I'm a psycho' look, I wouldn't say he was that out of line. I think it's more that comment earlier about making 'Peter suffer too' that made me think that he was going to kill Mary Jane or something. But in hindsight, looking at that scene again, he was just a frustrated guy trying to make what he saw as the cause of his frustration a little jealous who might have taken it a little too far in the moment.

In hindsight, I didn't dislike the Mary Jane and Brock scene as much as I did initially, but it was still probably the weakest subplot of the 10 episodes we have had thus far.

All in all, these are probably my three favourite episodes of the lot so far, barring Eddie in 10, but we're obviously getting some episodes on that over the next two weeks, so maybe it'll be put into perspective for me.

Greg responds...

I can't take much credit for the fight scenes: that credit should go to Vic Cook, episode director Dave Bullock and their storyboard artists... and of course the animators. (Plus our composers, who plus everything.)

Response recorded on July 17, 2008

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Algernon writes...

While I'm at it, more Spectacular Spider-Man.

S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S

GROUP THERAPY

Another great episode, admittedly I was slightly worried that the story would be a bit crammed with both the Sinister Six and the alien costume story, but once again this you guys manage to make the most out of your allotted twenty minutes.

The six themselves were played fantastically. This episode does a good job of show casing what a villainous mastermind Doc Ock truly is. It's interesting how he's apparently taken Electro under his wing. I especially liked his warped sense of chivalry regarding May and Anna. Ock may be a homicidal maniac but he is also a gentleman.

Speaking of may, I really liked that she stood up to the Six for Spidey. The whole "that awful Spider-Man" routine in the comics always made her really unlikable to me. I do hope that they don't overdo May's ill health, it's okay here but in the comics it's devolved into a borderline running gag.

I really liked how you've been developing the symbiote, very creepy and very subtle. I especially liked the way Symbiote Spidey literally beat the Six in his sleep.

The only thing that did bug me was Eddies sudden turn from a seemingly okay guy whose understandably pissed at Peter to creepy psycho. I understand how losing you clan or crippling your brother might drive you round the bend. But Eddie thinking Pete is a jerk doesn't seem quite eternal vengeance worthy to me. Still I'll reserve judgment till the current arc is over.

In short: 95% greatness and 5% "meh", still great stuff. The promo for the next episode looks creepy as hell.

TTFN

Greg responds...

Obviously, the M.J./Eddie scene didn't work for a lot of people, but I can't help feeling they were bringing something to it -- knowing where Eddie's likely to wind up -- that made it into something it wasn't. I mean "eternal vengeance"? Where did that idea come from? It's not in the episode. Eddie states his desire to TAKE something from Pete. So he goes out on a DATE with the girl he thinks Pete is dating. Yes, he drives maniacally and screws up the date by being way too intense, but he doesn't go psycho. Not by any definition of psycho that I know. He's just a reckless jerk.

Still, in the end, if it doesn't work for you, it doesn't work for you. Can't bat 1.000.

Response recorded on July 17, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Group Therapy
In our latest misadventure, the Sinister Six comes to town.

First off, this was almost a Where's Waldo of previous characters. Let's see, who's in this episode?

Dr. Octopus; Vulture; Electro; Montana/Shock; Sandman; and Rhino. Our Sinister Six. But Hammerhead; Fancy Dan; and Ox also make appearances. I think Quentin Beck and Phineas Mason were also seen in Rikers Island.

Really, Green Goblin; Lizard; and Chameleon were the only ones missing. Goblin and Lizard apparently had Knicks tickets; I'm guessing Chameleon is a hockey fan, and hoping Black Cat is into jello wrestling ;)

Okay, first off, I loved the prison scenes. Especially Rhino and Sandman's cells. How does Rhino go to the bathroom? Kudos for the Dr. Ashley Kafka cameo. I enjoyed Electro and was glad to see he was the catalyst of their escape. I didn't expect Ox and Fancy Dan to join in the escape, but nice to see they're off with Hammerhead and I'm sure we'll see them again doing the Big Man's bidding...

... While I'm on the subject. One of the many things that annoyed me about the 90s series was that the Sinister Six.... er, "Insidious" Six (apparently, Sinister was a no no word for Fox Kids) were nothing more than Kingpin's glorified goon squad, with Doc Ock as the leading lackey. For a moment, I was afraid we'd see the same here, with Tombstone in the Kingpin's role. But, I'm glad that's not the case. While they may have coordinated, the Sinister Six is Doc Ock's show.

And what a show it was. Ock was cold, ruthless, sadistic and had all the best lines. Yup, that's the Doc Ock I know and love. I loved the dinner scene, hell, if I were locked up for a while, first thing I'd want is a four star meal at the best Italian restaurant in town. "Gentlemen, and Rhino," I loved that line.

The fight scenes were brutal. The first one, where Spidey got his ass kicked, and the second one where the Six got torn apart. Ock was just vicious, what with all the talk about impaling (heh, only character I foresee getting impaled wasn't in this episode) and peeling the symbiote off.

Finally, I'm glad the symbiote didn't make Peter over the top ruthless and vicious like the third movie and the 90s series did. While, I'm no fan of the story, I still liked the nod to the symbiote taking Peter out for a joyride.

The only thing about this episode I did not like was the Eddie Brock and Mary Jane scene. Okay, his first scene with Peter was fine. I can believe the guy drives like a maniac... he's crazy enough to tackle the Lizard. But, I just can't see the guy we have previously seen doing that to Mary Jane. I can't. Personally, I think this is an intrinsic problem with the character of Eddie that goes back all the way to his comic book debut. There is no logic at all to what he becomes. I hope I am proven wrong, and so far this show has done nothing but hit everything right as far as I'm concerned. But this here, by itself, just fell flat to me. Aw well.

Good show.

Greg responds...

What exactly did Eddie DO to Mary Jane?

He drove fast and somewhat reckless, which is how HE drives. (Any guy who jumps Electro AND the Lizard, probably is a bit of a risk-taker.) She didn't like it, asked him to stop, and he stopped.

Is he intense? Sure. Did he let his anger at Pete get in the way of his revenge on Pete, i.e. dating the girl he thinks Pete is dating? Yep.

But he didn't DO anything to her. I'm not sure I understand what seems so out of character for the guy.

Response recorded on July 16, 2008

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Algernon writes...

One more belated Spectacular Spider-Man Review

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Persona

Another jam-packed episode, giving us the alien costume, Black Cat, Chameleon & our first real look at Captain Stacy. I really don't know how you do it Greg, I have to check my watch to make sure these episode are really twenty minutes long.

I think it's interesting how you've chosen to go with the classic alien version of the black costume as opposed to the Ultimate "cancer suit". Particularly since your version of Brock draws heavily on his Ultimate incarnation. This show does a good job of blending elements from Spidey's various incarnations.

This episode also introduces two new antagonists into Spidey's world. Black Cat is a lot of fun. And before anyone else says it Felicia was doing the whole "amoral-cat-burglar-with-the-hots-for-our-hero" thing back when Catwoman's schemes mostly involved using black magic to turn Superman into a house cat. The Catwoman that Black Cat supposedly ripped off didn't really exist before Frank Miller's Batman: Year One, so there.

We also meet Chameleon. I liked that you went with the more old school master of disguise version, as opposed to the more Mystique style shape shifter he's become in recent years. He's also the man behind my favorite line in the episode…

"My insectoid early warning system is tingling!"

I'd go on but there are only so many different ways to say "I liked that" without it sounding repetitive. Looking forward to the Sinister Six.

Greg responds...

I can't agree with you about Catwoman -- at all. Frank Miller did NOT invent the notion of Catwoman as "amoral-cat-burglar-with-the-hots-for-our-hero". That's just untrue. Look further back.

Which doesn't mean I don't like Black Cat. If we eliminated every counterpart character that the two big companies have in common... we'd be eliminating a lot of fun characters. (I'm just fine with there being a Sub-Mariner AND an Aquaman, thank you very much.) Those who think Black Cat shouldn't exist (after twenty years of existence) are just being... well, silly.

But Catwoman came first, and it's foolish to denigrate her in order to support Black Cat. Attacking one doesn't support the other. Never has, never will.

So THERE.

Response recorded on July 16, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

My ramble/review of the most recent episode of "The Spectacular Spider-Man".

This is a minor detail, but I was astonished when Aunt May and Anna Watson were talking about Falstaff in the play that they were going to see. I can't fully explain why at present (because of the "no ideas" rule), but we were discussing "Bad Guys" a couple of days earlier in the comment room, and part of the discussion turned on Dingo's real name being Harry Monmouth (a name also borne by Prince Hal) and its implications. (Though the play that Aunt May and Anna Watson were going to see was apparently "The Merry Wives of Windsor" - which I like to think of as the Falstaffian equivalent of the "Goliath Chronicles", incidentally, except that Shakespeare wrote that one - rather than one of the Henry IV plays.) At any rate, I was surprised at the timing.

I hadn't thought at first that Peter's sleepiness, and his silence during the final battle with the Sinister Six, was due to the alien symbiote, but that made a great revelation at the end. I'm looking forward to seeing how that develops in the upcoming episodes.

J. Jonah Jameson had another human moment when he discovers that Aunt May had a heart attack (I'd suspected, incidentally, that we'd see that coming when she had a faintness spell at the start of one of the earlier episodes - I think it was the Chameleon one).

The Sinister Six definitely came across as a threat - and I liked how they were all handled with their familiar characterizations (Sand-Man is still more interested in making a big haul than in getting revenge on Spidey, for example).

Greg responds...

Thanks. We thought that episode turned out pretty well. And in Season Two, keep an eye out for the actor who played Falstaff.

Response recorded on July 16, 2008

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kyle tonarella writes...

sorry to bug you once again but i need questions answered will be seeing green goblin in season 2 and more crime bosses such as silvermaine in the gang war storyline you said you were doing for season 2
and will we be seeing more of black cat in the series as it goes on and last but not least will the lizard return

Greg responds...

The problem with no punctuation and no grammar is that I'm not exactly sure what (if anything) you are asking. Since you didn't take the time to type out anything coherent, I'm not going to take the time to try to figure out what you were trying to say. Sorry.

Response recorded on July 14, 2008

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Algernon writes...

Sorry this took me so long, I've been up to my neck in exams. Fortunately that's all behind me now and I can finally play catch up with these reviews.

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The Uncertainty Principle
First off, I liked that this was a Halloween episode. It's always been my favorite holiday and it's particularly appropriate considering who this weeks villain is.

Speaking of which, this episode really did a good job of illustrating what always made the Green Goblin such a menacing villain. Behind that apparently deranged visage there lurks a cold and calculating intellect. Steven Blum's voice work was again top notch. I especially liked the "lets see which breaks first" line, the Goblin has an appropriately ghoulish sense of humor.

On the civilian front we see Harry descent into self-destruction reach a climax. A pity that Pete's too busy trading punches with costumed lunatics to really notice. Fortunately Gwen's still there to try and save Harry from himself. I have to admit I never really cared for the comic book incarnation of miss Stacy but you guys have done a great job of investing the character with a lot of strength, nicely done. On a lighter note, was anybody else suprised by how comfortable Flash seemed in that cheerleader outfit?

As for the mystery of the Goblin, personally I think that this "revelation" still leaves too many questions unanswered. How did Harry get his hands on the goblin juice in the first place? What the heck is Norman hiding behind that secret passage? I definitely think we haven't heard the last of the Green Goblin.

Greg responds...

You definitely haven't heard the last of the Green Goblin.

Response recorded on July 14, 2008

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CON-ODYSSEY: GATHERING & CONvergence - Saturday, June 28, 2009

CON-ODYSSEY: GATHERING & CONvergence - Saturday, June 28, 2009

2:00am - Back to my hotel room.

4:00am - Finally went to sleep.

8:30am - Wake up call. I showered, etc., and went down to the ConSuite, where I had a Danish and OJ at the tail end of the staff meeting.

10:00am - We held our second set of auditions.

11:30am - Over a catered lunch of a French Dip Sandwich, Broccoli Soup and fruit, Keith, Thom, Jennifer and I cast the Radio Play.

2:00pm - I was interviewed for an article by Alan.

3:00pm - The Gathering Players had their one and only rehearsal.

5:00pm - The Radio Play. This year's script was a chronological retelling of Chapters VII, VIII & IX of Clan-Building (i.e. "The Rock", "Rock & Roll" and "Rock of Ages"). I think the performers were terrific, but I don't think the script worked chronologically. Oh, well... A highlight was the massive rainstorm that nearly overwhelmed Shari's storytelling. Here was the cast:

THE GATHERING PLAYERS - 2008 Edition
NARRATOR - Greg Weisman
MACBETH - Erik Mambu
SHARI - Jennifer L. Anderson
COLDSTEEL - Eric Tribou
LEXINGTON - Thom Adcox
STONE OF DESTINY - Justin Summerhill
HUDSON - Jordan Mann
DAVID XANATOS - Jaret Morlan
ARTHUR PENDRAGON - Patrick Fisher
CONSTANCE/COCO - Laurean Leigh
STAGHART/AMP - Seth Jackson
GRIFF - Chip
THAILOG - Keith David
COLDSTONE - Revel
COLDFIRE - Sarah the Great
GOLIATH - Keith David
COYOTE 5.0 - Jaret Morlan
PEREDUR - Seth Jackson
COLDSTREAM GUARD - Chip
ELISA MAZA - Phoenix Talon
JAY SATO - John/Flanker
BLANCHEFLEUR - Laurean Leigh
CUSTOMS OFFICIAL - Patrick Fisher
BROOKLYN - Jae
DUVAL - John/Flanker
FOX - Phoenix Talon
BROADWAY - Lucas McClain
HOLY GRAIL - Lucas McClain
LUNETTE - Phoenix Talon
VINNIE GRIGORI - Jae
AIRPORT INTERCOM - Lucas McClain
OWEN BURNETT - Jae
MAGGIE THE CAT - Sarah the Great
TALON - Revel
SCOTTISH PATRIOT - Jordan Mann

7:00pm - Dinner at Pete's, w/Josh, Susan, Nicole, Eric, Greg, Rebekkah, Patrick, Laurean, Keith, Thom, John, Sammy, Seth, Jennifer, Nikki, Karine and me. Fantastic meal: Iceberg wedge salad, amazing bread, NY Strip Steak, Garlic Mash Potatos, Creamed Spinach, mushrooms, Berries. Raced back to be on time for...

10:00pm - The Blue Mug. Fairly raunchy this year. (Though not with every single question.) Teased Blue Mug Productions a bit. At some point, I took a bathroom break. Discovered that the self-flushing urinals in the hotel SCREAMED like the Green Goblin's pumpkin bombs! Freaked me out! Later Nikki gave me a colored sketch of a Green Goblin screaming urinal.

MORE TO COME...


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Arthur Jr. writes...

Hey Greg, I have a bunch of questions for you that are Spider-Man-related:

1. If "The Spectacular Spider" is successful, will there be any plans for a season where Spider-Man will meet other heroes and even help them face off against some of their enemies in the episode he first encounters them in?
2. Why use Montana of The Enforcers as the Shocker instead of Herman Schultz? That's what I've been wondering.
3. If Kingpin isn't going to be included in the show, what will this mean if there are plans for Silvermane, Owl, and Caesar Cicero since Kingpin is much powerful than them? I didn't mention Hammerhead since the series has him a servant of Tombstone and I'm not familiar with Top Man (whom Hammerhead succeeds over)!

Greg responds...

1. We have no interest in making the show "Guest Star of the Week". Down the road, if legal issues can be worked out, I'd be interested in maybe doing one guest star per season.

2. I've answered this already.

3. I don't understand the question.

Response recorded on July 10, 2008

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CON-ODYSSEY GATHERING & CONvergence - Wednesday, June 25, 2009

And so begins my conjournal, which I'll serialize over the next few days...

I was gone for nearly two weeks to attend two terrific conventions. I had a great time at both, and really the best aspect of both was just hanging out with people, fellow pros and fans. I'll try to be complete, but I'm bound to make mistakes, skip over some people, etc. So I beg your forgiveness and indulgence in advance.

Wednesday, June 25, 2009
Still a work day for me... as I tried to frantically get everything done and ready for my trip.

10:30am - I had an Attended Edit of Spectacular Spider-Man episodes 125 and 126 with our editor Terry over at Studiopolis. This is the point where we take our voice recordings and edit it into a natural pause tape that the board artists and timers can use to get the feel of the flow of dialogue. Last two episodes of the second season are now completed on the writing and voice side before I leave. (Note: I find out today 7/9 that the board artists and directors never got these dialogue reels. GRRRRRR.)

12:00pm - I arrive at my office at Sony's Apple Building, i.e. the grim warehouse where we produce Spidey. I'm trying to clear the decks, since I don't plan on bringing my computer on the trip and/or checking e-mail.

7:00pm - I stop by Golden Apple to pick up a few comics before I go. Some Amazing Spider-Man (Brand New Day) and Justice League, which I buy for work-related reasons and Angel, which I buy for Whedon geek-out reasons.

8:00pm - I get home and sleep for a couple of hours.

10:00pm - I say good night to the kids and Beth. Then I do some more prep work for the conventions. Printing out my itinerary, etc. Then I watch a bunch of episodes of Season Two of Dexter (even better than Season One). No point in going to sleep tonight - I have to get up too early...

MORE TO COME...


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Antiyonder writes...

Continuing my review on The Spectacular Spider-Man:

Episode 4- Market Forces
- Peter should have showed some more enthusiasum concerning MJ's good personality. Who knows, they could marry each other some day.
- If only Flint and Alex didn't resort to crime, I could see them as this generation's Odd Couple.
- Definitely thought Spider-Man 3 with the emo line from Eddie.
- In all seriousness, I found the choice to use Montana as The Shocker to be a good one. It certainly keeps the story interesting.
- While we can agree that Norman isn't parent of the year, I found his advice to be a sound one indeed.

Episode 5- Competition
- Looking forward to seeing Flint and Alex's interaction when they meet up in The Sinister Six.
- I'm going to guess that May didn't look into Peter's room after the webbing expired.
- Good to see that Sandman has a sense of priority (no revenge), even if he didn't have the sense to take a crime breather.
- Had a flashback to Spider-Man And His Amazing Friends when Sandman left the bag of money behind.

Episode 6- The Invisible Hand
- Nice to see that the Grant/Brant bit wasn't lost on the younger crowd.
- Always good to see Jameson when he isn't doing the ranting, and this show does that well too.
- While Clancy Brown does good voice work for an antagonistic character, he certainly doesn't sound villainous when voicing a protagonist (refering to his voicing of George Stacy).
- Have to say that Tombstone really looked intimidating even before his display of power.

Questions:
1. What was the silicon armor suppose to do?
2. Recognized Sandman's voice actor as John Dimaggio (Dr. Drakken). Was his facial similarites with Drakken intentional?
3. Given that Betty is an adult in this series with Peter being a minor, was BSP showing any nervousness with Betty (since she was at least considering to go to the dance with him)?

Thanks for another enjoyable set of episodes.

Greg responds...

We actually scripted a brief scenelet (cut for time) showing the ceiling pile collapsing when the web dissolved... about at the same time Spidey realized he was out of webbing because he had waisted so much of it fooling around in his room.

1. Otto tells you in the episode.

2. I don't really see it, so I'd guess not.

3. They were fine with our plans.

Response recorded on June 25, 2008

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Grant writes...

This isn't a question just praise and thanks. I felt that last episode (Persona) deserved at least that. I loved ever minute, all the angles, villains, the cat, and of course the black. The Black Cat was deliciously flirtatious and Helfer played it up perfect. The whole team deserves a big pat on the back for putting together such a stupendous series in The Spectacular Spider-Man.

Greg responds...

Pat my back that much, and I start to purr...

Response recorded on June 25, 2008

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Wayne writes...

Since the cancellation of Gargoyles with the other stories that you have created have you tried to take the ideas for any of the spin offs to other companies such as Scifi, Cartoon Network, etc to try to get a new series or one of the spin offs produced? I loved Gargoyles, as well as, your work on other series, loved the Goliath Chronicles and would love to see the completed spinoff for King Arthur and Gryph. Do you have any plans to work on any other series in the future other than Spiderman, yours or others?

Greg responds...

Boy someone could stand a little meander through the archives. Not saying who. But someone.

Anyway... DISNEY owns Gargoyles and all its spin-offs. Period.

But we are continuing both the original series and at least one (and maybe more) of the spin-offs in comic book form. Check it out!

I'm very happy doing Spider-Man for now, but odds are I'll work on a lot of other series (hopefully), you know, before I die or whatever.

Response recorded on June 25, 2008

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bwyell writes...

If I buy 30 copies of every issue of the Gargoyles comic book, will you promise not to kill Gwen Stacey?

Greg responds...

Let's test the theory and find out.

Response recorded on June 25, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

My review of the latest "Spectacular Spider-Man".

Another enjoyable episode. Parts that especially stood out to me:

We see more of the consequences of the Lizard story (and now Eddie Brock's got even more reason to be angry with Peter - and this time with Spidey as well).

Although I'd heard that Chameleon would be showing up in this episode, I was still surprised when he pulled off the Dr. Connors disguise. And then when he shed the Norman Osborn disguise, as well.

J. Jonah Jameson in great form as usual. Telling Peter to get out of his office in seventeen words, shouting "Spiderman's not a fraud!" and then feeling amazed that he just said that, and printing the retraction - on page 42, in a small font!

Even though I knew from last week's episode that Harry Osborn had been sent away, I was still surprised to see Mary Jane replacing him in the opening credits. (Though, knowing your enjoyment of making changes as the story progresses, I shouldn't have been.)

The influence of the alien symbiote on Spidey was well-done, especially his justifications for keeping it. (The kind of justifications that wind up getting used for paving material on a certain road.) I'm looking forward to seeing where things go from here.

Fresh embarrassment for Peter - now seeing his alter ego being defended by Flash Thompson!

And we get a reference to the upside-down kiss (I've never seen any of the Spiderman movies, but I've still heard of it; it's one of those things you have to be aware of unless you become a hermit).

Another fine job, as ever.

Greg responds...

Thank you.

Response recorded on June 25, 2008

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Anonymous writes...

*SPOILERS*

I enjoyed it. Venom, being one of my favorite spidey villains, made a strong entry into the series here, as it slowly absorbed Spiderman, turning him into a badass. Really looking forward to more Venom action.

Nice moment at the end with Black Cat. Definite echos of a certain infamous alleyway scene from the 2002 film. Thanks for that throwback, Greg.

Chameleon also made a strong showing, with his frequent impersonations (Dr. Connors, Spidey, Norman) that make it obvious where he got his name from. Kudos.

So Mason makes his first appearance. Forgive me for asking (I'm not AS MUCH of a Spider-man fan as other people here seem to be.) but who was the dark-haired guy working with Chameleon? His name escapes me. :(

Is this the season finale? There was no promo for the next episode. If it was, thanks for a great first season. If not, I still can't wait for more.

So, either way, great job on this episode and the series in particular.

End review.

See you at the Gathering next month.

Greg responds...

Quentin Beck.

Response recorded on June 24, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"Persona"
... And so it begins, the Venom arc. I'll admit right off the bat, this is not a story arc I've been looking forward to. But, I'll save my ramble on Venom and everything that I think is wrong with him as a character and a concept for my review of the season finale, when Venom actually appears.

Peter is such a geek, alien life is discovered and no one seems to care. Not Aunt May, but she's got other things on her mind. Good to see him and Eddie on speaking terms again, but honestly, can you blame Martha Connors for not wanting him there? I can't.

Nice change to the title sequence. Harry's out and Mary Jane is in. That's funny considering that she did not even appear in the episode itself.

And here we have our favorite feline, the Black Cat. Tricia Helfer did an awesome, purrfect job with that character. Oh. My. God. What have I done? Did I just type "purrfect?" Yes, I did. I hate myself for doing that, as I genuinely think puns are the lowest, least funny form of humor there is. But, I can't help myself here, because Cat was indeed purrfect. Argh, I'm doing it again!

The Black Cat has always been one of my favorite characters in the Spider-Mythos. So, I've been anticipating her almost as much as I was anticipating the Green Goblin. I think she was done purrfectly here (Ugh, I'm still doing it?), from her moves to her lines.

Speaking of those lines...

"My kitty sense is purring."
"Try not to get your goop in my hair." .... and I thought Mary Jane and Rand's line about being randy was pushing S&P. How did that get on the air?

Yes, I like Black Cat better than Catwoman and I always have. There, I said it.

Loved Steve Blum as the Chameleon. It's also refreshing to see a more old school take on him, as opposed to him just being a standard, Mystique-like shape shifter. I suppose he could eventually become one, but I'm glad he's not starting out that way. "So, which captain of industry are you going to masquerade as this time?" ... hmm, I know I should be focusing on this episode, so, I'll just do that. La di dah. Oh, what the hell, I can't resist... when he shows up at the party later as Norman Osborn, my mind went back to last week's episode where for a brief time the Green Goblin and "Norman Osborn" were face to face and I shouted "I KNEW IT!" so loud, I think I woke up the neighbors. The Goblin mystery is definitely not over... but, enough of that, I've now indulged myself. Back to "Persona."

Eddie Brock now hates both Peter and Spider-Man. Too birds, one stone. So far, this has been the best depiction of Eddie Brock I have seen yet, but... I am still apprehensive about the whole Venom story. As I've said before, Venom is a character I've never liked. I'm going to give the character and concept another chance in this universe, but I am remaining skeptical.

Chameleon disguised as Spider-Man cracked me up with his faux Spider-Wit. "My amazing insect sense is tingling." And I loved how Jameson just knew that the real Spidey was real, yet was still slandering him. Daran Norris is great.

And now we meet Mayor Waters. Okay, first thing I want to know is, was she in the comics? I don't recall her, and Marvel always preferred to depict the real Mayor of New York (Giuliani appeared as mayor several times in the 90s comics). She also reminds me of Senator Hillary Clinton, and with that, I'll refrain from going any further. Best not to bring politics into this review.

I liked seeing Quentin Beck and Phineas Mason as the Chameleon Goon Squad. Looking forward to them popping up again. Beck looks kine of like Moe. Wait... Bowl Cut Beck. Balding Mason and no hair Chameleon... no, too easy. ;)

The symbiote itself was well done. I like how it subtly took over Peter's costume, and seems to be playing evil Jiminy Cricket on his shoulder. Peter is going to go dark, and I'm hoping for some wacky malicious hijincks and no dancing and strutting in the streets.

Finally, the infamous upside down kiss between Spidey and Black Cat. Purrfect... I promise you, and I promise myself, I will never do that again.

Greg responds...

Mayor Waters name (though not her gender) does come from a Spider-Man comic set in the future.

Response recorded on June 24, 2008

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ColdFusion writes...

Just watched "Persona" and I have to say, I'm ecstatic about there being such an intelligently-done show on a channel block that calls itself "for kids" @_@
The attention to detail was perfect. They actually showed all of Chameleon's tricks instead of being lazy and letting us assume he can fake things... Showed several instances where he had to 'prove' he was the real deal.. people suspected his height.. and best of all, when his goon pressed a button on his watch, he actually had to DO something with that button to make his boat arrive.. he slid it to the left a bit. That right there is what TV for any demographic is sorely lacking right now. I actually have faith that maybe entertainment is de-retardifying as we speak :D
Keep up the excellent work.

Greg responds...

Thanks. I'm big on attention to detail, myself.

Response recorded on June 24, 2008

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Enterprise writes...

I know you been asked this before but dose disney have a say so or the rights in weather a film could be made out of this spectaculer series

Greg responds...

Are we talking about Spider-Man or Gargoyles?

Gargoyles - Of course.

Spectacular Spider-Man - None at all.

Response recorded on June 20, 2008

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P.B.D. writes...

Is there a chance Norman staged the whole green goblin is Harry thing to throw people off his trail?

Greg responds...

<sigh>

Response recorded on June 20, 2008

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P.B.D. writes...

Why did you go more with the movie symbionite suit instaed of the classic look?

Greg responds...

We decided to do both, as you probably know by now, in order to show how the Symbiote was gradually taking Peter over.

Response recorded on June 20, 2008

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Dirk writes...

1. Since Harry was the First Green Goblin in the new cartoon, does that mean that Norman Osborn will never become the Green Goblin?

2. Will the Hob Goblin, Scorpion, Mysterio and other villains appear in the series?

3. Will Carnage eventually appear in this series (like Season 4 or 5 if the show stays succesfull)? Or is he too violent/scary to put in this cartoon.

Greg responds...

1. GANG, GANG, this is NOT a forum for me to post all sorts of ridiculous spoilers about Spider-Man. Why would I do that and scoop my own stuff?

2. Yes. Mysterio is slated for the first episode of Season Two. I've previously revealed that both Hobgoblin and Scorpion will debut in Season Three (if there is a Season Three).

3. Time will tell.

Response recorded on June 19, 2008

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Nabil writes...

Hey Greg,
you guys are doing a fantastic job on the series i really love it, every bit and piece of it i have couple questions though:

1- Do you have any idea on when the first dvd will be released and will it have a bluray edition as well?
2- is there any chance that tombstone is not really the big man, but as foswell put it "some other guy pulling the strings from behind" especially that tombstone never refer to himself as the big man?
3- there surely a lot of mystery surrounding goblin's identity even though we are to believe it is harr after the unmasking in last episode, when will we have a definitve answer on who the goblin was/is? (season 3 ?)
4- are there any plans for a series of comics or video games based on the spectacular spidey series?

Keep up the good work and thanx a bunch for all your efforts

Greg responds...

1. No idea.

2. Did you really think I was going to answer this?

3. Who says you don't?

4. I don't know.

(Sorry, I know the above isn't too helpful, but...)

Response recorded on June 19, 2008

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Arcturus writes...

First of all, I just want to say that the Spectacular Spider-Man is perhaps the best Spider-Man television series in a long time! The writing, the animation, the voice work and the plot lines are all excellent! I also like how the episodes flow together. I can certainly see all the dedication throughout the series, keep up the good work! I do have a few questions, where has Eddie Brock been? What has he been up too? I believe the last we seen of him was in Catalysts. I understand that the symbiote saga is underway, and Eddie Brock is an essential part of the arc, are we going to see what drives him into wanting to smash Spider-Man/Peter Parker? I simply ask because Venom is my favorite Spider-Man villain.

Greg responds...

Well, by now, I'm hoping you've seen all 13 episodes, and most of your Venom questions have been answered. So feel free to stop by here again if you still have questions.

Response recorded on June 18, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

My review/report on the latest episode of "The Spectacular Spider-Man", if a day late.

Obviously, the big question about this episode is: Is Harry really the Green Goblin, or has he been framed? Bishansky's already said a lot about that, so I won't say anything more (except that I also think that Harry *is* being set up).

What more appropriate time for the Goblin to show up than Halloween? I enjoyed Spidey's parody of "Twas the Night Before Christmas", especially his not-too-successful effort at the rhymes. And talk about daring! Peter actually making Spider-Man his Halloween costume. Shades of the gargoyles' own two Halloween parties ("Eye of the Beholder" and the Double Date story in the comic).

And not only does Flash Thompson wind up dressing as a cheerleader, but so do all his football buddies. I hadn't expected that latter part.

Tombstone's as imposing as ever (I can see why Hammerhead respects him). And I got a kick out of Goblin's "deja vu" remark to Spidey.

Great to see more of J. Jonah Jameson's human side, as he waits anxiously for news about the shuttle landing. Which itself looks like it'll have its own big consequences: now Venom's in town. Things are going to get even more lively in the Big Apple now....

Greg responds...

I'm not sure Pete was planning to go as Spidey for Halloween -- of if he was just improvising.

Response recorded on June 17, 2008

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Greg Weisguy writes...

Harry looking like the Green Goblin when seen through the vial of globulin green was a nice touch.

Clones have a bit of a stigma attached to them among Spider-Man fans, but you've shown you can execute the concept well in Gargoyles and Buzz Lightyear. How do you feel about the issue? Can clones work in a (relatively) grounded property like Spider-Man?

Greg responds...

We'll have to wait and see...

Response recorded on June 17, 2008

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Harvester of Eyes writes...

Thoughts on the Spectacular Spider-Man episode "The Uncertainty Principle."

Wow. So many good scenes in this episode. I'll do my best to keep my thoughts following some sort of coherent pattern.

First off, I'm very impressed with the Green Goblin so far. I was a little stunned to learn Steve Blum was doing his voice (my reaction was probably the same as my reaction way back when I first learned Mark Hammill voiced the Joker), but it fits the character well. I love all his gadgets, and I'm glad to see that he has the charged gloves again (something I missed from the movie). I also love the sound effects his pumpkin bomb explosions make. Like sick, mutilated laughter, which is very appropriate.

I also love the way that his mind works. Blackmailing Tombstone was never his intent. He was simply trying to get his two main enemies into the same room to eliminate them.

"Anyone else getting deja vu? Oh well, let's run with it!" Great watching Spidey and the Goblin interact.

It's kind of funny how the Goblin keeps making Spider-Man and Tombstone work together. And wow... Tombstone took three blades in the back. Makes me wonder what exactly he had done to himself. Also thought it was interesting the way Spider-Man saved himself from going splat. Reminds me of an old episode of the first cartoon where he fought the Sandman, but what he did in this series is much cooler.

As far as the ending is concerned, I loved the confrontation between Harry and his father. Norman raised a good point. Tombstone probably wouldn't have let Harry live if the Goblin's identity were revealed, but I can't help but wonder if anything else was going through his mind. Norman is a ruthless man who never apologizes. And as far as unmasking the Goblin is concerned, I'm convinced there's another angle, but I'll avoid delving into "ideas masquerading as questions," and won't get into specifics.

Still, it was a good character moment for Norman. We also got a nice character moment from Jonah. It's fun seeing hard men have moments of softness. I particularly liked how Jonah's actions bit him on the rear, forcing him to swallow his pride again (the first time being in the episode "Catalysts," when he was forced to give Spider-Man credit for stopping the Goblin). I like his voice a lot better than in the 90s cartoon. Ed Asner was good, but he wasn't a perfect fit. I like what Daran Norris does with it.

It was also nice to see a cameo from the Black Cat. Wonder if she'll be popping up again.

Greg responds...

She does pop.

Response recorded on June 17, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"The Uncertainty Principle"
*** SPECTACULAR SPOILERS ***

I loved this episode.

Very good title, as curve balls continue to be thrown at the audience. The mystery of the Green Goblin's identity is far from over. Well, after re-watching "Catalysts" and "Reaction" over again before watching this I am more convinced than ever that Harry is not the Green Goblin. Either he's been brainwashed or Norman has the Chameleon (who is showing up in the next episode) standing in for him as an alibi. But I'll get to that later.

Nice to finally see Hammerhead in action. Yes, this is why he's Tombstone's enforcer. But, nope, he's no match for the Green Goblin... that's why he's Spider-Man's arch-nemesis.

I loved scene with the Goblin and Tombstone. Just watching the two most dangerous characters in the series go at it like that is priceless. You can see why Hammerhead respects Tombstone so much. The Goblin is arguably more dangerous, but Tombstone commands respect just as much as fear.

It wouldn't be Halloween without costumes, and is that the Black Cat I see? Nice. Mary Jane shows up dressed as a sexy vampire. Liz shows up dressed as a Johnny Depp Fan Girl. Gwen... doesn't even have time to get into a costume because she is too busy worrying about Harry. Poor Gwen, when I see her, I think to myself that she is the only sane person in an insane world. "Some one is getting the look!"

I've been waiting to see Flash dressed as a cheerleader, but I did not expect the rest of the football team to be joining him. Way to show unity, guys. Flash seemed to like having boobs a little too much. So, how long until Rand tells Sally where she can stick it?

I loved Jameson in this episode. People have complained about him being two dimensional, but I never saw it. Hopefully this shut them up. His concern for his son's life was touching. I like this reasoning for his hatred for Spider-Man in this universe. He can't stand to see the spotlight stolen from his son. Is it rational? Not really. Is it understandable? Yes.

"Trap?" "Trap!" Someone's been watching "Serenity".

The fight scene at the end of the episode was stunning. A tip of the hat to everyone involved. Though this borders on cliche, you could feel the heat. I'd say it would be hard to top this one, but I said the same after Spidey's fight with the Lizard.

The final scene at the Osborn residence was... great. Norman is such a manipulative bastard, and I really felt for Harry. But this is the finest case of "the writers are trying to trick you" that I have ever seen. Now, Harry is taking a leave of absence. I hope we see him again soon.

Harry as the Green Goblin just does not add up.
* When the Goblin stole the tech-flight glider from OsCorp, it didn't have the bat-head designed to fire pumpkin bombs and extend a spear on it yet. Harry does not have the technical know-how to add on a feature like that. Norman does. Or the expertise to add that Inhibitor cannon to it. Harry's a moron.
* If Harry were the Green Goblin, he would have attacked the Fall Formal instead of going after Tombstone.
* How would Harry even have access to the Globulin Green in the first place?
* Why would Harry attempt to kill Octavius? Norman knew Otto was a liability, Hammerhead said so in "The Invisible Hand". Norman berated Otto for being a weak man. Then he dressed up as the Goblin so he would have an alibi to show Hammerhead.
* The Green Goblin and Norman Osborn both had the same safety key for Otto's experiment.
* The Big Man was only ever referred to as "Mr. Lincoln" by Norman once and that was in the underground lab while Rhino was being created. Harry could not have overheard that.
* Norman Osborn just so happens to have a secret chamber, which we never saw the inside of. Where's Harry keeping the glider and equipment... not under his bed. For that matter, stealing one or two vials of Globulin Green, I can buy... but we've seen Harry drink from too many.
* Norman's knowing smirk at the end of "Reaction" about unmasking the Goblin before it's too late.
* Peter tipped his hand, told the Goblin he figured out who he was. The Goblin knew Spidey would be coming to the Osborn residence.
* Harry in "Goblin mode" didn't admit to anything except taking the drug. To be the son Norman always wanted. A straight A student and a star athlete.
* Norman is thrown twenty feet up a wall by Harry and is uninjured.
* And it was Norman himself who rationalized it all at the end (a very rehearsed sounding explanation). Then offered to take he fall.

No, Harry was set up. By his own bastard father.

Spectacular episode.

Greg responds...

Many of your premises are faulty, independent of the conclusions you draw from them. Without going into too much detail, the ones that REALLY jump out at me include...

*Harry is not a moron. You don't have to like him or respect his judgment, but he was never unintelligent - even before he started taking the Green.

*If Harry were a petty moron, then maybe he'd attack the Fall Formal. But see my first point.

*The Green Goblin used Otto's safety key. Norman used an override key. Two different keys.

Response recorded on June 16, 2008

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Mary Jane origins...

My folks, Beth and the kids went to see a truly wonderful performance of "Big River" yesterday at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. "Big River" is of course based on "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". Now keeping in mind that this is a show I've seen at least three times before, and that Huck is a book I've read at least four times, it stunned me that I NEVER noticed this fact before...

The girl that Huck has a huge unrequited yen for is named "Mary Jane Wilkes". And one of the women who takes Huck in at the beginning of the book is named "Miss Watson". It seems nearly impossible to think that the name "Mary Jane Watson" from Spider-Man wasn't lifted (consciously or otherwise) from Twain... I assume by Stan Lee (though possibly from someone else working at Marvel in those years).

How did this get by me?


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The Spectacular Spider-Man #113

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep 113: "NATURE VS. NURTURE"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
KEVIN HOPPS

Card #5
Directed By
VICTOR COOK
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring

CLANCY BROWN as GEORGE STACY
LACEY CHABERT as GWEN STACY
GREY DELISLE as SALLY AVRIL, ERIN
BEN DISKIN as EDDIE BROCK / VENOM
DORIAN HAREWOOD as DOC BROMWELL
PHIL LAMARR as RAND ROBERTSON

_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring

JOSHUA LEBAR as FLASH THOMPSON
VANESSA MARSHALL as MARY JANE WATSON
KEVIN MICHAEL RICHARDSON as TOMBSTONE
DEBORAH STRANG as MAY PARKER
ALANNA UBACH as LIZ ALLAN

Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL MCCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producers
ERIC VESBIT
WADE WISINSKI

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
JOAQUIM DOS SANTOS
SAHIN ERSOZ
JAY OLIVA
DAVE PRINCE
ROBERT SOUZA

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
DANA LANDSBERG
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KAROLL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
BRIAN HOGAN
RICK LEON
RANDY LUDENSKY
SWINTON SCOTT
JUNG JA KIM WOLF

Animation Checker
SANDI HATHCOCK
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Post Coordinator GEORGE COX III

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21

Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
JHG BOYAN

Editors
RALPH A. EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
MYRA OWYANG
CHUCK SMITH

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #22

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS
FIL BROWN
Card #23
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #24
Animation Production by
MOI ANIMATION CO. LTD

Card #25

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
END LOGOS

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

SONY PICTURES TELEVISION


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Antiyonder writes...

Since, I haven't done any particular episode comments or reviews for The Spectacular Spider-Man I'll be commenting on each story arc for the time being. That said:

Episode 1- Survival of the Fittest
- Considering the plan of using comic book only characters, I'm a bit embarassed that I didn't identify Randy earlier when seeing the episode prior to Market Forces.
- As much as I feel sorry for Peter's rejection from Sally, I couldn't help but laugh when Gwen and Harry commented on it. Either the scene was well written and executed or deep down I'm a jerk. I'll go with well executed scene :).
- Same with the comment above, I had a small laugh when Eddie tell Peter that being a high school student with lack of experience keeps him from getting paid.
- Relating to the comment on the podcast, as a fellow sap (I have a box of Shojo Manga for crying outloud), I too enjoyed Peter's dialogue about having Aunt May at the end.

Episode 2- Interactions
- Unlike the identifying of Randy, I was able to pick up on the cellphone dial tone immediately (which would be impossible to miss).
- In Flash's defense, he did get a higher grade than Liz, so maybe Mr. Warren was a little too judgemental of him (interms of how he would function as a tutor). I'm half serious and half joking about this of course.
- Not being able to have coffee for the rest of my life, I certainly hope I wouldn't go mad.

- I do have a question which my brother brought up. Was Curt's serum going to turn him into the Lizard as it was or was it partially due to exposure to Electro's voltage?

Episode 3- Natural Selection
- Have to say that this episode was a nice flipside to the 1994 cartoon episode "Night Of The Lizard". Basically both had Eddie and Peter involved in the story, but this time Peter looks like the bad guy. Also a good example of Pete winning and losing at the same time.
- My favorite scene is definitely Spidey trying to sneak up on the Lizard only for the cellphone to go off.

Greg responds...

Electro gave the serum an unintenional boost.

Response recorded on June 11, 2008

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Algernon writes...

Spectacular Spider-Man

S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S

Reactions

Another strong outing from what might be the greatest superhero toon of all time

After seeing the timid nebbish Dr. Octavius over the course of the series, I was wondering how you were going to handle his transformation into a crazed supervillain. Peter MacNicol deserves some kind of award for so perfectly capturing all the power and arrogance of Doctor Octopus. I especially liked Otto's little "daydream" while being chewed out by Norman.

The whole High School Soap Opera aspect of the show continues to be surprisingly engaging. Harry's continuing downward spiral makes for pretty heavy TV and puts the lie to anyone who still dismisses this show as kiddy fare.

I have to admit though I was expecting to see more of the Green Goblin, since the episode blurb implied he'd play a larger role. Considering all the other stuff going on in this episode that's probably just greedy of me.

Greg responds...

Only 22 minutes per episode... can't fit everything...

Response recorded on June 11, 2008

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Lee H writes...

Hey Greg, I'm loving Spectacular Spider-Man!

The Spectacular team has done a great job at forming a diverse supporting cast in regards to race and sex, but what is the plan where female villains are concerned?

Spider-Man has had very few female villains and most of them were forgettable. The two major female antagonists were Black Cat and Silver Sable, but they quickly became more allies than bad guys.

In May 2008's issues of Amazing Spider-Man two new female villains are introduced - Screwball, a young thrill seeker who commits crimes and uploads videos of them on the Internet, and Paper Doll, a villain who is... well, like paper!

Is there a chance of either of them being featured in later seasons of Spectacular Spider-Man, a few years down the line, or is the plan to stick with older tried and tested villains?

Thanks for your time!

Greg responds...

I'm partial to female villains myself.

There are no current plans for Screwball or Paper Doll, but if we last long enough, who knows?

Black Cat has of course appeared, and she'll be back in Season Two. Silver Sable will make her debut in Season Two, as will Calypso. Others are in my head for later seasons, but I think I'll hold off on going into any more detail at this time.

Response recorded on June 11, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

So, quick question.

Did Peter kick Sally's dog or something? I understand the whole clique thing, but this full blown hatred.

Greg responds...

Seen Mean Girls?

Response recorded on June 10, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

My comments on the latest "Spectacular Spider-Man" episode.

I'd been looking forward to this one, since I'd noticed how meek and timid Dr. Octavius (now Dr. Octopus) had been up until now. Since I'd recognized him as a future "Spider-Man" villain (I'm not a big Spider-Man expert, but I still know about Dr. Octopus), I was eagerly awaiting the revelation of how he'd change into a super-villain (and the mental change more than the physical change).

What I got didn't disappoint me. Octavius has finally had enough of Norman Osborn pushing him around (I liked the moment where he's fantasizing about getting back at Norman even before the accident), and the worm finally turns. And how!

Norman is as cool as ever at the end, when Hammerhead's bringing up Green Goblin's actions and the problems they're causing for his boss. (I assume that it's Norman rather than his son who's the Goblin - though Harry's doing a good job of leading the audience astray. I'm looking forward to how that plays out in future episodes, especially since Gwen's getting suspicious.)

Wouldn't you know that Peter would win a stuffed octopus at Coney Island?

And I've got a suspicion that John Jameson's space flight will lead to further trouble for our friendly neighborhood web-slinger, especially since I vaguely remember it featuring in other "Spider-Man" adaptations, with big consequences.

Greg responds...

Yep.

Response recorded on June 10, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"Reactions"
Well, my reaction is that was certainly an awesome episode.

Let's see, where to begin. I've been waiting to see Otto's transformation and it was well done. Gone is the meek, subservient Otto "Yes, Mr. Osborn. Whatever you say, Mr. Osborn" Octavius, and now we have the the ruthless and psychotic Dr. Octopus. I need to extend my compliments to Peter MacNicol for the contrast in both versions of the good doctor.

The Spider-Man/Dr. Octopus battles were great. From their first encounter at OsCorp, where Ock in his paranoia believed that Spidey discovered he created supervillains to the attack on Tri Corp and their battle at Coney Island (Enjoy Coney Island while it's there, it's being torn down). And damn, not too long ago, Otto could probably never bring himself to put a girl like Liz in harm's way. How he's changed. I look forward to him leading the Sinister Six.

"My fans expect a certain amount of quipage in every battle." You tell him, Spidey! That was one of the many reasons the movies were a disappointment.

But, Peter Parker's civilian life is always just as interesting as his superhero life. Poor sap, thought he and Mary Jane had something going. Not yet, Pete. Your time will come, be patient... but be warned, Joe Quesada... er, I mean, Mephisto will conspire to take it away from you. In the mean time, enjoy your time with Liz. And with Liz and Flash now broken up, he might have a shot there.

Let's see. Peter wins an octopus for Liz. Ock is defeated on the octopus ride. And this is the eighth episode. Cute. Very cute.

Harry Osborn is now a junkie. Just like in the original comics, only instead of acid, he's been raiding his dad's medicine cabinet for Globulin Green #994. It's a good way to do Stan Lee's drug story without using a real drug that would make S&P balk. It explains why he's good at football all of a sudden. It's a steroid story without steroids. Cool.

But not to go unmentioned, the Green Goblin plot line is advanced. Norman Osborn is such an asshole, first berating Otto, then feigning concern when he's the one who tried to kill him. While the Harry red herring is being done well, I just can't believe that he's the Goblin. If he were, he'd have attacked the Fall Formal and gone after Kenny in the previous episode. He has no reason to go after the Big Man, and the only place we heard Norman call the Big Man "Lincoln" was in the subterranean lab. Norman knows Otto is a liability. This all fits in with Norman's modus operandi. Not to mention having two close friends of Peter go arch villain on us this season would be redundant. We still have Eddie Brock becoming Venom in a few more episodes.

Still a terrific episode, and I look forward to the mystery being resolved next week.

Greg responds...

You're awfully confident.

Response recorded on June 10, 2008

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Aldrius writes...

I'm starting this early because I had a thought while watching the Rhino rerun.

Jameson saves Peter from the Rhino, then Spider-man saves Jameson from the Rhino, would he have if he hadn't saved him? Or has been as determined to do it?

All right, and now for the episode, which ironically, I'm starting late now...

I didn't know Spider-man could fly.

I love Peter McNichol. I can hear the X the Eliminator in his voice, and that's one of my favourite roles of his. I wonder what caused Otto's change in personality? The arms or did he just go crazy?

Who does Spider-man think his fans are? Furthermore does he know he's being watched? Does he think Norman is his fan?

Otto sure took to being a super-villain pretty quickly.

And the mystery continues. Harry's passed out, but Norman was obviously at the Oscorp... so is it the father or the son. Kinda parallels the Big Man mystery that at least the fans seem to have going.

"Where do you hide the muscles". Jeez. If he's not the green goblin he's definitely on the green goblin juice at least. Maybe they're both the green goblin. Weird... extra... dimensional...? personality stuff. That would be quite the twist.

Gwen sure forgave Peter pretty fast. That's actually another good thing about the show, be pretty unrealistic if she held a grudge against him just for lying to her once... that wasn't even really a lie, he just changed his mind.

Ah, Octapus has got the movie coat. That's cool. I like the movie coat. And another Gargoyles line, eh?

"Stop that Ms. Brant I'm a married man" that one made me crack up. I'm not exaggerating.

Flash likes Spider-man. I like that. There's that 3-dimensional Flash-ness.

And a girl gets kidnapped. At least it's not Mary Jane I suppose.

...I missed what happened with Liz and Flash... and how it was Peter's fault, I guess I'll find out. And it looks like we're getting another Green Goblin episode next weekend. Cool. I'm guessing we'll finally find out who he is. Harry or Norman. Or maybe even a third party.

This one seemed short to me, but maybe that means I enjoyed it all the more... felt like there were more questions asked than answered. Definitely superior to last weeks anyway.

Greg responds...

Of course, Pete/Spidey would have saved Jonah. He LIKES Jonah.

If the episode didn't explain why Otto changed, then it's pointless for me to do it, I'd think.

Response recorded on June 09, 2008

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The Spectacular Spider-Man #112

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep 112: "INTERVENTION"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
GREG WEISMAN

Card #5
Directed By
DAVE BULLOCK
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring

ED ASNER as BEN PARKER
LACEY CHABERT as GWEN STACY
ROBERT COSTANZO as SULLIVAN EDWARDS
JIM CUMMINGS as CRUSHER HOGAN
BEN DISKIN as EDDIE BROCK / VENOM
DORIAN HAREWOOD as DOC BROMWELL
_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring

JOSH LEBAR as FLASH THOMPSON
VANESSA MARSHALL as MARY JANE WATSON
KEVIN MICHAEL RICHARDSON as TOMBSTONE
KATH SOUCIE as MARTHA CONNORS
DEBORAH STRANG as MAY PARKER
ALANNA UBACH as LIZ ALLAN

Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL MCCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producers
ERIC VESBIT
WADE WISINSKI

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
IRINEO MARAMBA JR.
RICK MORALES
KI HYUN RYU
ADAM VAN WYK

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
DANA LANDSBERG
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KAROLL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
BRIAN HOGAN
RICK LEON
SWINTON SCOTT
JUNGJA KIM WOLF

Animation Checker
SANDI HATHCOCK
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Post Coordinator GEORGE COX III

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21

Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
JHG BOYAN

Editors
RALPH A. EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
MYRA OWYANG
CHUCK SMITH

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #22

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS
FIL BROWN
Card #23
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #24
Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #25

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
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MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

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The Spectacular Spider-Man #111

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep 111: "Group Therapy"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
ANDREW ROBINSON

Card #5
Directed By
JENNIFER COYLE
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring

IRENE BEDARD as JEAN DeWOLFF
JEFF BENNETT as SHOCKER , ST. JOHN DEVEREAUX
STEVE BLUM as DILBERT TRILBY
CLANCY BROWN as RHINO, GEORGE STACY
GREY DELISLE as BETTY BRANT
JOHN DIMAGGIO as SANDMAN, HAMMERHEAD
BEN DISKIN as EDDIE BROCK
ROBERT ENGLUND as VULTURE

_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring

CRISPIN FREEMAN as ELECTRO
ELISA GABRIELLI as ASHLEY KAFKA
PHIL LAMARR as ROBBIE ROBERTSON, FANCY DAN
PETER MACNICOL as DOCTOR OCTOPUS
VANESSA MARSHALL as MARY JANE WATSON
DARAN NORRIS as J. JONAH JAMESON
KATH SOUCIE as ANNA WATSON
DEBORAH STRANG as MAY PARKER

Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL McCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producers
ERIC VESBIT
WADE WISINSKI

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
KEVIN ALTIERI
NATE CLESOWICH
JOAQUIM DOS SANTOS
CHARLES DROST
DAVE SCHWARTZ

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KAROLL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
BRIAN HOGAN
RICK LEON
RANDY LUDENSKY
JUNGJA KIM WOLF

Animation Checker
SANDI HATHCOCK
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Post Coordinator GEORGE COX III

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21

Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
JHG BOYAN

Editors
RALPH A. EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
MYRA OWYANG
CHUCK SMITH

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #22

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS
FIL BROWN
Card #23
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #24
Animation Production by
MOI ANIMATION CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #25

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
END LOGOS

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

SONY PICTURES TELEVISION


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Man Mountain writes...

Hey Greg. I was listening to Howard Stern this morning (4/28/08) and he just gave a quick, but rave review of your Spiderman series. He said he is embarrassed to be his age and watching Saturday morning cartoons, but said he loved it and would be watching. Just thought I'd let you know. Keep up the good work and thanks!

Greg responds...

That's very cool!

Response recorded on May 30, 2008

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Algernon writes...

Spectacular Spider-Man

S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S

Catalyst

You know what I love about this show? It's the consistency, seven episodes in and we've yet to get anything less the great TV. Even the best shows don't usually get this far without at least one mediocre outing, yet the Spectacular Spider-Man continues to go from strength to strength. This episode stands out in particular as we are introduced to two of the most important figures in the Spidey-mythos.

First up I absolutely love this version of the Green Goblin, cunning, creepy and completely insane. Steven Blum has already solidified himself in my mind as the definitive voice of the Goblin. I especially like his banter, it's cool to have a villain who can go toe to toe with Spidey on the quip front. Credit goes to Sean Galloway for the design of Gobby's glider, darn thing looks like it could bite somebody's face off.

This episode also marks our first real look at Mary Jane Watson. I really like MJ, she's a babe and she knows it but doesn't let it go to her head.

Tombstone comes across very well in this episode, calm and calculating even when facing down a super-powered psychopath. He also had a neat xanatosian moment near the end. God do I pithy those poor goons when Tombstone tracks them down. A few questions though…

1) It's interesting that your going with the whole mystery angle with GG identity, aren't you worried about your audience being already spoiled by the Spidey movies or previous cartoons?

2) Not so much a question as minor observation. I noticed a lot of glass breaking in this episode, which I understand is something of a S&P no no. your S&P people must be fairy laid back.

Anyway looking forward to the next episode with Doc Ock.

Greg responds...

Actually, I think the Glider was designed by Tae Soo, our prop designer.

1. Sure. But I'm a worrier.

2. They seem pretty understanding.

Response recorded on May 30, 2008

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Aldrius writes...

All right, starting this ramble about halfway through the episode. Don't have much to say about the first half anyway... and what I do...

That thing with Harry taking some sort of goblin formula strikes me as a bit of a red herring. But it might not be. (I think it is). But the fact that it might not be keeps me guessing!

Anyway, I guess that shows why Harry was grinning like the laughing fish in the last episode. But what makes me think it's Normy is the Big Man connection. Why would Harry care about the Big Man?

I'm gonna assume there won't be a relevation as to who it is by the end of the episode.

And poor Harry too. That was rude of that girl to take back her boyfriend on the night of the prom when she was with another guy...

I don't like how I can tell that the Green Goblin and his thug are voiced by the same guy. Oh well, not that big a deal.

Kevin Michael Richardsons PERFECT Keith David (wouldn't be able to tell if I didn't know) impression makes up for it.

'And Maybe call the Police' That was hilarious. Because I could see another show completely forgetting about even mentioning that.

Wow, Peter way to completely sacrifice the element of surprise. For someone who can't be surprised you sure don't value it very much.

Huh, that cut between the fighting with Green Goblin and Spider-man wasn't in the opening scene!

That little screech whenever a bomb goes off.

I think the goblin's 'bomb' is a bluff. Or not...

I think it's sweet that Jonah went back up with his son.

And it looks like the Mary Jane/Peter romance gets it's first step. But I'm still hoping we get to explore other avenues first. And of course, there's nothing saying that we can't.

Still think Harry's green vial is a big red herring, though. We'll see if I'm right soon. And of course Tombstone's 'you just did what I was gonna pay you for, for free' was great, and has me thinking. If Tombstone's just going to pay him for doing what he was already doing for free, why would he be surprised that he continued to do it? And why doesn't Peter just accept it? He'd be getting paid for doing what he's doing already. Obviously he doesn't, because well, you don't accept favours from 'the mob' and not expect to have to do something in return, at least that's what the Simpsons has always taught me.

But it intrigues me, because I could see Peter accepting Lincoln's offer down the road. And that interests me. That interests me greatly, and now I'm interesting in watching more, and seeing if that actually DOES happen, because I think it COULD happen.

In short, I'm hooked.

Greg responds...

Good. Hooked is what we were going for!

Response recorded on May 30, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

A brief review of "Catalysts".

I enjoyed this one a lot (like the other episodes I've seen so far). A few things that stood out to me most:

We got to see J. Jonah Jameson's better side, for a side. He's clearly proud of his son - and I think it's justified. (I was particularly impressed with the younger Jameson figuring out that the Green Goblin had planted his bomb on the chandelier, and promptly alerting Spidey.)

Did Keith David go back to doing the Big Man/Tombstone's voice? I thought it sounded more like his this time around, but I might be wrong. (And I liked his performance - especially when he's commenting that Spidey wound up helping him after all. I also enjoyed Spidey's disgust at having to help Tombstone, but doing it because he doesn't want all the bystanders to get blown up.)

I'm looking forward to the next episode, introducing Dr. Octopus. I'm especially eager to find out how he goes from the meek, timid little fellow he's been so far to a fearsome super-villain (and I don't just mean the physical changes).

Thanks for another good one, Greg.

Greg responds...

It's still Kevin Michael Richardson as Tombstone.

Response recorded on May 29, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

"Catalysts" marks the first real appearance of my favorite Spider-Man villain, the Green Goblin. So, needless to say, I've been anticipating this one for a long time, and it did not disappoint.

I loved the Green Goblin. Cheeks' design looked great, like an updated version of Ditko's design that took out all the hokey aspects of it. I love the Goblin, but even I'll admit that Ditko's design was always very hokey looking. Steve Blum just nailed that voice. His cackle was as good as Mark Hamill's Joker cackle.

I think I'll take this moment to compliment the casting and voice direction on this series. Jamie Thomason is a genius. He, along with Andrea Romano, are the two best voice directors in the business. I'm loving what I've been hearing. Vanessa Marshall was terrific as Mary Jane. Very sexy voice. And I've been a fan of Steve Blum since I first saw "Cowboy Bebop" six years ago. As soon as I heard him on that show as Spike, I knew he was going to go places. Unfortunately, most of the time it seems he gets hired just to do the Spike voice, and it's a great voice, don't get me wrong, but it's nice to see what else he can do. The man has range. His Goblin was excellent, and blows every other Goblin voice actor out of the water. It's like the voice I always had in my head when reading the comics without ever quite knowing what that voice was. I felt the same way about Robert Englund's Vulture, come to think of it. Okay, tangent over.

This version of the Green Goblin seems to have just about everything that I love about the character going for him. Smart, cunning, insane, ambitious, and more than a match for the spectacular Spider-Man. This is the first villain (aside from Tombstone) that really, really, really felt like a real threat. Which is as it should be. The Green Goblin is an A-List villain. Him, Doc Ock, Kingpin, Venom and the original Hobgoblin have always been the elite of Spidey's rogues gallery. So, it is great to finally, after all these years, see him being done justice in one of the cartoon series. The 90s series didn't do him justice. Neither did the 80s series or "The Amazing Friends". The movie came very close but didn't quite nail it. But, between Blum's Green Goblin and Alan Rachins' Norman Osborn, I think we have a winner here.

Tombstone was great last episode and I am really enjoying him in this episode. I no longer lament the lack of the Kingpin. Tombstone is just fun. I love how cool he is under pressure, and how he's able to get Spider-Man to protect him like that. I also thought it was great how instead of fleeing, he stayed and helped Spider-Man look for the bomb.

But where would I be if I didn't discuss Mary Jane? I already said that Vanessa Marshall sounds great, and I love Cheeks' character design for her. I've called this the first time Mary Jane has appeared outside the comic book medium. The 90s series had a character named Mary Jane Watson, but that wasn't Mary Jane Watson. The movies turned MJ into Gwen-Lite. But here she was smart, witty, funny, and someone you'd want to hang out with. I also suspect that she already knows Peter is Spider-Man. Poor Gwen. Hell, poor Flash... he's going to have to dress up like a cheerleader.

And poor Harry. Glory used him to get back at Kenny. Now he's drinking "Gobulin Green #994" (Nice "Gargoyles in-joke there, Greg.) Also, nice red herring. But no, I don't think he's the Green Goblin, if that is what they're trying to make us think. For one, how would he know about Tombstone being the Big Man? For another, how would he know about the Tech-Flight glider? Besides, after Hammerhead tried to blackmail Norman in the last episode, taking out Tombstone would probably be at the top of Norman's to-do list. If anything, Harry taking the formula looks like a great way to tell the Harry drug addiction story. Cool. Also, Norman was more than conspicuous in his absence... except that he wasn't really absent.

"Randy?"
"Very!"
How did that get past Standards and Practices??? Nice!

Looking forward to Dr. Octopus next week. Come to think of it, I am beyond amused that Doc Ock makes his villainous debut in the eighth episode of the series.

Greg responds...

Just trying to push the envelope...

Response recorded on May 29, 2008

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Avalon writes...

Just watched the Spider-man episode "Catalyst" where Spidey took on the Goblin. However, something seems amiss. I thought I'm caught up with all the episodes, but did I miss a storyline somewhere? How did Spiderman figure out (or at least it was insinuated in the episode) that Tombstone is the "Big-guy" or even know who Tombstone is? (anyway, I thought the "Big-guy" would have been the Kingpin, but guess I was wrong...)

Greg responds...

You must have missed our sixth episode "The Invisible Hand" featuring Rhino and Tombstone.

Response recorded on May 28, 2008

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Anonymous writes...

The Spectacular Spiderman is terrific Mr Weisman I hope it continuous to be a success. My question for you involves one of the characters particularly Liz Allen. I just want to know the reason for her ethnicity being changed from comics. Please don't take my question as a negative I'm just curious thank you.

Greg responds...

The traditional Spider-Man cast was predominantly caucasian, and that just didn't feel realistic to us in modern day NYC. (Wasn't realistic then either, but in 1962...)

So we made a conscious decision to change the ethnicity of some of the characters. Certain characters seemed too iconic to change. Others did not. For us, Liz fell into the latter category.

Response recorded on May 28, 2008

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Vasy writes...

As A sPiderman fan through the ages...

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE...
No show or movie has ever got it right with Venom...

He got the costume int he Secret Wars...which involves outer space and alot of Super heors and Villians

PLEASE DO IT THIS WAY

WOULD LOVE TO SEE OTHER MARVEL CHARACTERS IN THE SHOW.

THANKS

Greg responds...

We aren't using other Marvel characters in the series, save those from the Spider-Man corner of the Marvel Universe (which is huge, btw). So that eliminates the possibility of using Secret Wars as a source for the Symbiote. (Can't say I'm sorry, either. Not as big a fan of that series as you obviously were.)

Response recorded on May 28, 2008

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Anonymous writes...

I've been waiting with great anticipation for the Spidey cartoon since even before I attended the panel at last year's San Diego Comic Con. I never once feared that I would be disappointed, and I certainly have not been. Hats off to you and your crew for making the best animated incarnation of any Marvel Comics character I've ever seen. The show is fun, stylish, unforced, and very much in the spirit of the old Spidey comics. I actually get up at 9:00 am on Saturday mornings (when I'm not working) to watch a cartoon when I am not one who has much love for the idea of appointment television. So far, I've loved how you have handled every character, and I love how each episode is not simply a villain-of-the-week affair, but also further develops Pete's situation and even features the occasional surprise villain (that Tombstone appearance at the end of "The Invisible Hand" was fantastic). I love that we've seen Jean DeWolff and George Stacy without even having been told who they are yet. I just love a lot of stuff about this show. :)

I guess I do have a question, so forgive me for even MORE preamble: For some reason, I've always had a soft spot for Spidey's less popular, but strange and off-beat villains. I'm sure you've got plenty of stories to tell with the likes of the Goblins, Doc Ock, and other heavy-hitters, but are there any villains off the beaten path that you personally have lobbied to get included, or would like to at some point, even if it might require a big change in origin/design/etc? I'm thinking on the level of Man-Wolf, the Swarm, Stegron the Dinosaur Man, etc., just some villains that are a bit ridiculous but that still have their fans. I have nothing but confidence that you guys could put a cool new spin on guys like these and introduce them into the show in an organic and interesting way. And since I mentioned Man-Wolf: are we going to be seeing John Jameson at all in this show?

Again, apologies for my long-windedness, but this show has visions of sugar plums dancing in my head. :)

Greg responds...

By now you've seen John in three straight episodes... and he'll be appearing more in Season Two as well. We'll also be hitting a few more obscure villains, but I don't even feel we've hit all the majors yet...

Response recorded on May 27, 2008

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Anonymous writes...

Hello, Greg. How will "The Spectacular Spider-Man" show will be affected when Kids WB will be gone? Will the show still air at the same channel? Will the show continue normally?

Greg responds...

We don't yet know where the second season will air. But we are definitely making it, and I'm confident it will air somewhere.

Response recorded on May 27, 2008

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webhead2006 writes...

Hello again Greg. I have a quick question i wanted to ask you. I was just watching the episode promo for ep 7 "Catalysts" and first off wanted to say goblin looks great in motion and i loved his signature goblin laught, the only thing i was wondering why did you make his regular talking voice sound like he is irish like the lucky charms elf?

Greg responds...

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Response recorded on May 27, 2008

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Andrew writes...

Hi this question might have been asked before but...
Are there going to be any guest superhero appearances on The Spectacular Spider-man
I understand that it's probably too soon to tell it's only been 6 episodes
But are you planning any appearances for the future?
Thank you in advance...

Greg responds...

Not currently.

Response recorded on May 27, 2008

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SpaceWay2007 writes...

Hello, Greg. I enjoy this new series of "The Spectacular Spider-Man." It's very interesting and funny to watch. You wouldn't believe how much I enjoy and look forward to watching this show. It's one of the reason why I wake up early just to watch this show. Great voice acting, great animation, excellent character development, and spectacular storyline. Keep up the good work!
Now, for my question, how come all of a sudden "The Spectacular Spider-Man" shows every other Saturday? Whatever happened to showing new episodes consecutively? And sorry if this question have been asked already, but will there be 13 or 26 episodes for the first season. Thanks for you time.

Greg responds...

There are 13 episodes in this first season. Thirteen more are in the works for season two. The short answer as to why we've had a few weeks of reruns interspersed is pretty straightforward: the episodes weren't ready. As of this writing, the eleventh episode finished posting JUST today. Twelve and thirteen aren't done.

Response recorded on May 23, 2008

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Philip writes...

Hello Greg.

I'm a long time Spider-Man fan, ever since I was a kid. And when I learned that the man behind Gargoyles would make an animated Spider-Man series, well, I was damn happy. So far, the show really is 'spectacular'.

Now, for my question; when is "The Scorpion" going to appear on Spectacular Spider-Man? And will the character's origin be the same as in the comics? From what I understand, the series is suppose to resemble the Lee/Ditko era, so I'm rather shocked that ol' Scorpie haven't appeared already :P

Greg responds...

Season Three.

Response recorded on May 21, 2008

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Confused Fan [Shocker Question] writes...

So, Montana was the Shocker.
Does this mean that Montana is Herman Schultz? :S
I think Montanas real name has never been told even in the comics?

Greg responds...

If it makes you happy...

Response recorded on May 21, 2008

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Sylvester writes...

Ever since I heard the man behind Gargoyles would be working on a Spider-Man animated show, I knew it would be the best yet. The icing on the cake was learning you were also an avid Spider-Man fan. You've done a really excellent job.

I've got to ask though, where is the super strength and spider-sense reflexes? I've seen plenty of web shooting, wall-crawling, agility and did I say web shooting? I just feel those two traits were lacking in the fights he had with Ox, Fancy Dan, and just recently, Tombstone. I'm all for the hero being challenged and all, but not as a result of his powers being watered down. Will we get to see just how strong someone who possesses the proportionate strength of a Spider can be in future episodes?

Thanks

Greg responds...

Well, you say his powers have been watered down, but I say his powers have been put back to where they started in the early Lee/Ditko comics. Potato/Potahto, except we both know it matters more than that, right?

Spidey has the proportionate strength of a spider still, and I can't say how you can see our show and not feel he has spider-reflexes. But I've never bought into the notion, despite what's been written by individual writers in things like the Marvel Universe Handbook -- and this from a guy who once wrote multiple, multiple entries of DC Comics' Who's Who -- that Spidey is one of the strongest guys around. He's stronger than a normal human, certainly. Considerably stronger. But he's not Hulk; he's not Rhino; he's not as strong as Doc Ock's arms. He's about at Gobby level, in my mind. Even a quote-unquote normal human like Ox, for whom strength is his main claim to fame, can challenge him. Again, all you have to do is look at the early Lee/Ditko issues to see that's how Spidey started. And that's how I think he should stay -- at least as long as he's still so young, physically immature and inexperienced. Which is not to say you haven't seen and won't continue to see feats of strength in coming episodes and especially in Season Two. But Spidey's never been about the strength, and I think it's flat out WRONG to make him too strong, so to speak. Frankly, I'd rather see him overpowered, than over-powered.

Spider-Sense is another ability that I think has, over the years, been abused as well. Pete was bit by a spider, not by a psychic. If you buy the notion of SPIDER-sense at all, you need it to fit with (at best) our perception of what a SPIDER can do. So in our show, Pete can only anticipate an incoming blow. That to me, is key. Pete could walk right by a serial killer with a chainsaw hidden under a trenchcoat and not feel a buzz, unless the guy took a swing at him. (Again, he's not psychic. He doesn't have a built-in EVIL SENSOR.) Because having spider-sense is NEW to Pete, he's not even that great at taking advantage of it now. We've decided that his spider-sense doesn't go off (or at any rate it's too low a level to bother with) when he can see the danger right in front of him. That would be redundant. And unless there's a lot of anticipation to a blow coming from an unseen source, he just may not get enough warning or information. Often the warning comes too late for him to react. Often the warning comes. But it's generic. He knows he's about to get slammed - but doesn't know from where. (It's just a tingling sensation. It can't talk to him and give him more information.) I won't deny that some writers -- including, on occasion, Stan -- have in fact turned spider-sense into an all-purpose evil sensor. But personally I don't buy it.

Of course, you're more than welcome to disagree with me. But I think you can see that there's at least a logic to our choices.

And for the record, all of the above was laid out in our series bible -- long before a single episode was ever written, boarded or animated. And that bible was vetted and approved by Marvel. They had every right -- not to mention responsibility -- to disagree with me and insist on a different approach to protect the integrity of the character. But there were no disagreements. We talked it over and concurred. These decisions weren't made lightly.

Response recorded on May 21, 2008

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WolfCypher writes...

Since it never hurts to ask, and if I cross any lines, all you have to do is ignore that question, I'm going to get presumptuous with some of my questions.

1) I gotta know...what will drive Eddie to hate Peter/Spidey to the point of wanting to kill him?

1.1) Okay, that may be too much, so maybe I'll ask if Eddie's hatred will be towards only Peter, or Spider-Man, too...

1.2) Okay, okay, at least can you reveal by what episode will we see their brotherly bond breakdown and Eddie's dark side come out?

2) Will the opening feature the same animation in later seasons, or will the animation change, such as featuring season 2 characters in the opening?

3) Have there been any Gargoyle referrences in this show? Besides Max getting electrocuted by the eels in "Interactions"?

Well, it was an honor wasting your time with these nerdy questions. Seriously, big fan of Gargoyles, and I love your handling of 'Spec SM'!

Greg responds...

1. You'll just have to be patient.

2. The opening changed a little with episode #110. I honestly don't know what if any changes we'll make for Season Two.

3. There have been a few. You know, like the gargoyles in episode 101.

Response recorded on May 20, 2008

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Webhead2006 writes...

Hey Greg, first off i wanted to say i love the spidey show. Personally i think its the best out of all the past shows, i loved the early 90s one when i was a kid growing up with it. But now i see all the flaws it had back then and all that. So far SSM is great love the characters, the story, and the action all top notch. I wish you the best of luck with the show and i heard your podcast with spiderman crawlspace and i would love to see the show make it to 65 episodes or more and then also would love to see some direct to dvd films which would be great. I just had one question i was wondering if you can give me the answer to and here it is: Are you planning to have any other villains/supporting characters be mergered between two different characters like you did with shocker/montana? I was really just wondering because its something i wouldnt want to see happen alot/ to certain characters. Thanks again for any answer you may give me. Also P.S Could we expect any twists with foswell and the big man identity or is big man just going to be tombstone's alias.

Greg responds...

I do appreciate all the kind words, but I'm really not going to use this forum to post, confirm or deny spoilers. (Happy to discuss what's already aired though.)

Response recorded on May 20, 2008

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Alex writes...

Hi Greg!

I just wanted to know when is each arc of The Spectacular Spider-Man supposed to be released on DVD?

Thanks Greg! :)

Greg responds...

I'd like to know that too.

Response recorded on May 20, 2008

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The Spectacular Spider-Man #110

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep 110: "Persona"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
MATT WAYNE

Card #5
Directed By
DAN FAUSETT
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring

DEE BRADLEY BAKER as CURT CONNORS
XANDER BERKELEY as QUENTIN BECK
STEVE BLUM as DILBERT TRILBY, CHAMELEON
CLANCY BROWN as GEORGE STACY
GREY DELISLE as SALLY AVRIL
BEN DISKIN as EDDIE BROCK
TRICIA HELFER as BLACK CAT

_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring

JOSHUA LEBAR as FLASH THOMPSON
DARAN NORRIS as J. JONAH JAMESON
ALAN RACHINS as NORMAN OSBORN
DEBORAH STRANG as MAY PARKER
BJ WARD as MAYOR WATERS
TOM WILSON as STAN CARTER

Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL McCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producer
ERIC VESBIT
WADE WISINSKI

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
PATRICK ARCHIBALD
TIM ELDRED
JAE KIM
KALVIN LEE
DAVE PRINCE

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KAROLL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
BRIAN HOGAN
RICK LEON
RANDY LUDENSKY
SWINTON SCOTT

Animation Checker
MYOUNG SMITH
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Retake Coordinator GEORGE COX III

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21

Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
JHG BOYAN

Editors
RALPH A. EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
MYRA OWYANG
CHUCK SMITH

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #22

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS
FIL BROWN
Card #23
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #24
Animation Production by
DONGWOO ANIMATION CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #25

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
END LOGOS

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

SONY PICTURES TELEVISION


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Kenneth Chisholm writes...

How much of Anton Sevarious was inspired by the Nazi scientist, Josef Mengele?

Greg responds...

Not at all specifically, other than the general that Mengele became part of that archetype.

Response recorded on May 16, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

I enjoyed the latest episode of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" this morning.

Rhino, despite being not all that bright, still proved himself a challenging adversary; points to Spidey for figuring out a clever way of finally taking him down.

The meeting with the Big Man/Tombstone was also a great scene. Not only is Tombstone himself tough, but he's even able to convince the police that Spidey's the bad guy, adding to his menace even more than sheer physical prowess can do. I also liked Spidey's comment that he's not looking the other way again (I assume that's another reference to the same incident as, in the first episode, "...the way I lost Uncle Ben").

Another touch I liked: Norman Osborn making a profit out of incarcerating the super-villains as well as making them, and his altercation with Hammerhead (which Harry overhears - I look forward to seeing how that develops). And it seems that Dr. Octavius is going to be in trouble soon.

And Peter's personal life (Aunt May, Betty Brant, and the introduction of Mary Jane) was well-handled too. Fine work on another fine episode.

Greg responds...

Thank you.

Response recorded on May 16, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Okay, first off... I never thought I would ever enjoy a Rhino episode that much. Rhino is a bug, dumb thug and those are usually not my favorite villains. Far from it. But this had to be the best fight scene they've done yet, even topping the Lizard subway battle. I loved how Spidey used his brain to defeat the Rhino. Steam, that clever.

While I'm on the subject of the Rhino, props to Clancy Brown. He's always been one of my favorite voice actors, whether he's playing Hakon, Wolf, Lex Luthor, Gorrath, or whoever. The man is very talented, and brought a real sense of menace to that Big Dumb Thug.

Big Man's identity was a surprise, but honestly, I am not entirely convinced. First off, Tombstone is a badass. But my eyebrow raised as soon as I heard Osborn refer to him as "Mr. Lincoln." This is not me being a comic book purist, far from it. If it is him, I'll be very happy with the decision. While it was fun in the 60s, a journalist leading a double life as a crime lord just doesn't seem like it would fly today. Why would a crime lord need that cover? That's what money and lawyers are for. But Foswell certainly seemed to know a lot about the Big Man... curious. I am expecting another twist here. But the Spidey/Tombstone scene was terrific, and damn, this series is beginning to get epic.

Norman Osborn is being paid to manufacture supervillains as well as imprison them. He's got quite the racket going on there. Good for him. But now that Hammerhead is threatening him, well... Norman obviously won't take that lying down, which makes a great lead in for the next episode, considering who the villain there is supposed to be.

Now, let's swing back to Peter's personal life.

Aunt May is an evil mastermind. So very manipulative. I loved it. Though I will admit, even knowing who was coming, I was kinda rooting for Peter and Betty. But, that all faded as soon as Peter opened the front door and who do we see? Mary Jane Watson, and we get that famous line... "face it tiger, you just hit the jackpot." As a long time fan, this pleased me. I am definitely in the camp that agrees that Mary Jane is Peter's one true love, but even there it annoys me how in most modern re-tellings, Mary Jane has been Peter's "It Girl" since they were toddlers. The movies did it, "Ultimate Spider-Man" did it, and it's refreshing to see the classic version here on screen.

It does make me wonder if Mary Jane fought with her Aunt Anna about meeting Peter Parker. "Their aunts are setting them up, this can't be good." Then again, in the comics, she knew Peter was Spider-Man before they ever met... she saw Spider-Man crawl out of Peter's window the night Uncle Ben died. Should be interesting to see if "Spectacular Spider-Man" follows this story or not.

I eagerly anticipate seeing Flash Thompson dressed as a cheerleader. BTW, Josh LeBarr as Flash cracks me up.

Greg responds...

Our supporting cast always cracks us up in the records, particularly Josh as Flash, Andrew as Kenny, Phil as Rand and especially Grey as Sally, whom I just think is hilarious. Oh, and Daran as Jonah is a hoot.

Response recorded on May 16, 2008

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Aldrius writes...

Ramble on episode 6. (I'll be back with 5 soon)

That "Mr. Lincoln" was kind of a blatant drop. I guess it's to prove he's NOT one of the more popular spider-man characters?

Are these three thugs the... uh... there are no spider-man villains left that I can think of... I guess that must mean next week we're getting a biggie or an encore.

That Peter Parker is persistent.

And now his aunt is showing up to have coffee with her. Peter and Betty are moving so fast.

"She's 20 and hot". That line made me laugh.

And the Rhino is looking for Peter Parker. He really should use an alias for taking those photos, it's kind of an invitation for supervillains to go looking for him.

Now here will be the test if Jonah is actually a good man 'Dante's 9th circle' deep. Or if he's just a big mouth who's willing to do anything for money/his own life. I'm kinda hoping and betting he'll cover for Peter.

And I'm right. That's encouraging.

The Rhino sure is durable in this show. Peter can't even dent him. Makes for a good 'how's he gonna beat this guy' moment. But I think that's because the show has established a rather cool trend of having an interesting way for Peter to beat the bad guy.

I wonder what Peter's gonna do with the Rhino out in the open... furthermore, where is he gonna find an open unpopulated place from the middle of Manhattan? Central Park? I don't know New York's geography very well.

Ah, of course. BENEATH New York. That's a good explanation. And sweating him out of that suit was a cool idea.

Ouch, Peter Parker is a jerk... and apparently he gets off on pretending to be Rhino's mother. That's... interesting...

Aha, so the Big Man is Tombstone. That's really cool too. And now he's bribing Peter. I kinda hope he accepts, just because that'd be really interesting in the long run. I have a feeling he'll end up accepting down the road at least. Maybe when the cops start putting the pressure on him every time he shows up.

What's with Harry's smirk? Is he just happy he's popular, or did he hear something while Norman and Hammerhead were talking?

And now we get Mary Jane. I saw that "Face it Tiger" coming from a ways away. But I'm sure I wasn't the only one. Mary Jane strikes me as coming a little too soon, I was hoping to develop the relationship between him and some of the other 'girlfriends' he's had before that, but just because she's here doesn't mean that can't happen. I have no idea if Mary Jane had been introduced after Gwen had died... I'm assuming she had been.

This was a good episode. I figured it was going to be more of a filler episode rather than anything major, but I learned not to listen to that assumption. Another good one, though I hate it because it was over too soon. :p

When you got the order for more episodes, were you able to re-organize your plans so the finale could be moved, or are we going to get a mid-season-esque "Avalon" soon?

Greg responds...

Creatively, we really have two seasons: Episodes 1-13 and 14-26.

Response recorded on May 16, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Since you're doing Spider-Man and obviously have gone back and studied the mythos intimately while prepping to do the series, I've been meaning to ask. Which writer's run on Spider-Man has been your favorite?

In my case, I'm a big fan of Roger Stern's run on the character, especially his Hobgoblin stories.

Greg responds...

I'm pretty focused on the Stan Lee era at the moment.

Response recorded on May 15, 2008

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Aldrius writes...

And here's my ramble on number 4 and number 5 of le spider-man de spectaculare.

I've never really cared for the Shocker, so I had no real investment in his past identity, and his change affects me naught. I think it's cool that we saw like 5 pre-super villains in the first episode and only now are we starting to see them get their super powers.

Still like the theme song. Though I think I might get sick of it eventually. It's kind of repetitive. I love how in an animated show, it's always the characters that are credited, rather than the actors. It's kind of amusing.

Hmm... does Aunt May have a job? I guess she must be running off of Ben's life insurance or maybe she has her own retirement fund...

And 'ms. wonderful personality'. Teenage boys with super powers are so shallow. I mean he hasn't even gotten a look at her and already he's decided she's not worth his time. For shame, Peter, for shame.

I can never hear what Peter says when he's starts web slinging there... maybe I don't want to know...

Hmm... I'm not sure if I like Eddie. I think that's the first time I've ever heard the word 'emo' used in a cartoon anyway.

Team Weissman is sure keeping up with modern lingo.

I wonder if the slang will make any sense in 50 years...

Ah, Kevin Michael Richardson. I liked him as Gantu in Lilo and Stitch (the movie anyway) but he's never really stood out to me otherwise, always had an interesting, cool voice at least.

That Norman sure is a creep. Even when he's a nice guy he's still a creep. Kinda like Malcolm McDowell. Even when he's playing a good guy he's still creepy beyond reason.

And through that whole speech of Norman's, Harry is standing right there. Nice job, Norman.

Harry doesn't bother me in this episode as much as he did in the first episode. I think it's because he has more dialogue, and it allows for more emotional range. Rather than him just being the nerdy buddy. I still kinda hope he evolves into somebody who's a bit more... smooth... and less uh... nerdy. But from the looks of the next episode, that's a strong possibility.

That Harry sure is emotionally dependent on Peter... I guess it's fitting, Peter always has been pretty self-absorbed... or maybe that's not exactly the right word.

Ah, JK Simmons, where does your influence end? First Spider-man, then The Simpsons, now Spider-man... er... wait.

Ah, and now we meet Peter girlfriend number 2. Nice to see we're seeing some Spider-man girlfriends other than Mary Jane. It's more realistic. Outside of Harry Potter, it's extremely rare that someone marries their first girlfriend...

Shockers tough in this show... I bet all the hardcore fanboys are complaining about how he's not a loser.

Jeff Bennett sure likes his accents. I was surprised to hear him playing a serious villain in an older video game I played recently. Jennifer Hale was in that too, co-incidentially, and she played the Black Cat in the 90's show. Not sure if she ever played anyone in Gargoyles... wouldn't surprise me if she had, but I'm pretty sure she didn't.

Why do these villains always turn into jerks whenever they get super powers?

All joking aside on that matter, though, the theme of spider-man, and the theme of this show is really evident. Integrity, responsibility.

I like Robby, furthermore I like Phil LaMarr. So the two together should result in lots of... liking.

Hmm... even the camera salesmen in New York are irresponsible!

Aunt May is so easy at being a jerk when she's not trying to be.

And Flash is really annoying me. But as with everyone, I'm sure he'll develop down the line.

Peter is barking up the wrong tree I think. Asking an adult woman to your high school prom is just bound for disaster. Did he really expect her to say yes?

The way villains send messages to the heroes in these shows is just ridiculous. I mean I suppose Spider-man could just trail the tremors on his own, but Shocker is really counting on a lot.

Silly expositional dialogue. Rather straight-forward way to assess the villain's motivation, but I suppose it's fairly insightful, and it brings up that old responsibility angle. Even the Shocker is involved in that!

It's interesting the different ways the shocker can use his powers here. And more punny dialogue from Spidey. It's all very exciting and fun.

And more responsibility, with Norman this time. Though he is right. Don't blame other people for your problems.

Super-mercenary field? Is that a real field of business these days?

Kevin Michael Richardson is a good replacement for Keith David, I think. He sounds a lot like him, and while he lacks the resonance, he's got the edge.

I thought Peter got a new camera...

Hmm... that's interesting, Peter said almost the exact same line that Shocker did, when he was talking about responsibility. More of that mirror stuff, huh?

...and come to think of it, I'll write my ramble on episode 5 a little later.

Pretty good show this time around, not a huge amount of development, but more setting of the stage. A lot of necessary exposition and necessary introduction of characters, I must say, with this and a few other shows not out on the market, there's more than enough to keep my cartoon fandom happy this season.

Greg responds...

Glad you're having fun. We are too.

Response recorded on May 14, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

Do you think that adapting a familiar comic-book figure from the medium of comic books to the television screen (as you're currently doing with "The Spectacular Spider-Man") is much like adapting a familiar legendary figure (such as King Arthur or Theseus) to a modern work of fiction (except, of course, that Arthur and Theseus have been around a lot longer than Spidey has)?

Greg responds...

There are common factors, but no. The main difference is that Spider-Man isn't public domain. Marvel OWNS the character and is quite the watchdog, as it should be.

Response recorded on May 14, 2008

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The Spectacular Spider-Man #109

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep 109: "The Uncertainly Principle"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
KEVIN HOPPS

Card #5
Directed By
DAVE BULLOCK
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring

STEVE BLUM as GREEN GOBLIN, DILBERT TRILBY
LACEY CHABERT as GWEN STACY
GREY DELISLE as SALLY AVRIL, BETTY BRANT
JOHN DIMAGGIO as HAMMERHEAD
ANDREW KISHINO as KENNY KONG, NED LEE
PHIL LAMARR as RAND ROBERTSON, ROBBIE ROBERTSON
JOSHUA LEBAR as FLASH THOMPSON

_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring

VANESSA MARSHALL as MARY JANE WATSON
DARAN NORRIS as J. JONAH JAMESON, JOHN JAMESON
ALAN RACHINS as NORMAN OSBORN
KEVIN MICHAEL RICHARDSON as TOMBSTONE
JAMES ARNOLD TAYLOR as HARRY OSBORN, FREDERICK FOSWELL
ALANNA UBACH as LIZ ALLAN

Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL McCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producer
ERIC VESBIT

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
VINTON HEUCK
IRINEO MARAMBA JR.
RICK MORALES
ADAM VAN WYK

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KAROLL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
BRIAN HOGAN
RICK LEON
SWINTON SCOTT

Animation Checker
SANDI HATHCOCK
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21

Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
JHG BOYAN

Editors
RALPH A. EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
MYRA OWYANG
CHUCK SMITH

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #22

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS
FIL BROWN
Card #23
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #24
Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #25

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
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MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

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Matt writes...

Hey Greg, just thought I'd say you are doing are great job with the new Spider-Man show. I'm sure you get that alot, but just felt like thanking you for bringing a version of Spider-Man that feels true to the comics. Sure you've put your own spin on a few things but it still has the feel of classic Stan Lee/ Ditko era. Being a longtime Spider-man and Gargoyles fan I was thrilled when I heard you would be heading this new show. Oh and FYI "616" refers to the main Marvel universe, as opposed to the Ultimate universe. I believe it was Alan Moore who coined the term that the main Marvel universe, instead of being universe 1 or universe 2 as seen in DC, would be some random universe so he had it assigned universe 616. Anyways thanks again for making Spectacular Spider-Man truly Spectacular.

Greg responds...

You're very welcome.

Response recorded on May 06, 2008

Bookmark Link

The Spectacular Spider-Man #108

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep 108: "Reaction"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
RANDY JANDT

Card #5
Directed By
JENNIFER COYLE
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring

STEVE BLUM as GREEN GOBLIN, SEYMOUR O'REILLY, DILBERT TRILBY
LACEY CHABERT as GWEN STACY
GREY DELISLE as SALLY AVRIL
JOHN DIMAGGIO as HAMMERHEAD
ANDREW KISHINO as NED LEE
CLYDE KUSATSU as TED TWAKI
PHIL LAMARR as RAND ROBERTSON, ROBBIE ROBERTSON

_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring

JOSHUA LEBAR as FLASH THOMPSON
PETER MACNICOL as OTTO OCTAVIUS / DOCTOR OCTOPUS
VANESSA MARSHALL as MARY JANE WATSON
DARAN NORRIS as J. JONAH JAMESON
ALAN RACHINS as NORMAN OSBORN
JAMES ARNOLD TAYLOR as HARRY OSBORN, FREDERICK FOSWELL
ALANNA UBACH as LIZ ALLAN

Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL McCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producer
ERIC VESBIT

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
NATHAN CHEW
NATE CLESOWICH
JENNIFER COYLE
KI HYUN RYU
DAVE SCHWARTZ
SCOOTER TIDWELL

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KAROLL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
PATRICK GLEESON
BRIAN HOGAN
JUNG JA KIM WOLF
RANDY LUDENSKY

Animation Checker
MYOUNG SMITH
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21

Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
JHG BOYAN

Editors
RALPH A. EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
MYRA OWYANG
CHUCK SMITH

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #22

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS
FIL BROWN
Card #23
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #24
Animation Production by
MOI ANIMATION CO. LTD
___________________________________________________________________________
Card #25

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
END LOGOS

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

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Algernon writes...

Finally got to see the latest episode of Spectacular Spider-Man so here are my semi organised thoughts...

S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S

A
H
O
Y

COMPETITION
Funny thing about me, as much as I like to see superheroes struggling with real life problems, I could never really stand the kind of Dawson Creek High School Drama that so many shows featuring teen superheroes seem hell-bent on ramming down our throats. It's one of the main reasons never really got into X-Men: Evolution and probably why despite seeing a couple of episodes of Smallville and thinking it was kinda okay, I could never maintain any prolonged interest in it. Even Batman Beyond which I did enjoy down to the ground left me kinda cold when they focused to much on that side of Terry's life (beside wasn't grouchy old man Bruce the real star of that show?)

So it has come as pleasant surprise to me to find that I'm greatly enjoying the Midtown centric subplots particularly in how they tend to parallel Pete's adventures as Spidey. It just validates my own belief that weather a character is fifteen or fifty, single or married doesn't mean a damn thing if he doesn't have a quality writer backing him up, but that's a rant for another day.

It seems Harry has taken his dad's advice to heart. Now that he's one of the in-crowd I suspect that he may start drifting away from Peter and Gwen. It's also neat to see said in-crowd being injected with a little much needed depth via Kong and Gloria.

You know for such a science wizz, Pete isn't the most observant guy. Poor Gwen is practically throwing herself at the dumb git and he barley realises she's there, funny, funny stuff.

Moving on to the darker end of the Spidey-spectrum we see a lot going on with the rogues' gallery. Sandman is comes across quite nicely here played with great panache by John "bite my shiny metal ass" DiMaggio. The animation on Sandman's transformations is both fluid and creative; I especially liked him morphing his whole body into one giant fist. Speaking of which; the Spider-Man vs. Sandman battle's were pretty brutal weren't they? (At least by the standards of a Saturday morning cartoon). I don't think I've seen such cringe inducing action in a mainstream superhero cartoon outside of Bruce Timm's DCAU. Not that I'm complaining mind you, after the weak pallid affairs that the 90's Spidey-toon euphemistically termed "fight scenes" its a welcome change of pace.

Norman is of course in top form, exuding an almost reptilian calm and utter callousness; it's going to be interesting watching him make the leap to cackling madman. Walloping websnappers, is that Emily Osborn? It's a pretty radical departure from Spider-lore but I have faith that you wouldn't have made such a drastic change unless you were going somewhere cool with it.

The Big Man has apparently been reading the Super-Villain Handbook as revised by David Xanatos. Using super powered thugs to keep Spidey distracted from his real operations is just the kinda scheme to make old Mr. X proud. Also we get our first real taste of Dr. Otto Octavius. This timid and rather meek portrayal is certainly a far cry from the egomaniacal mad scientist we all know and love.

Last we come to the little people, those seemingly inconsequential bit players whose 'blink and you'll miss it' screen time belies their hidden potential. One of the many joys of this series for me as a Spidey-fan is wondering which obscure figure of spider-lore you're going to sneak in this week. It's fast getting to the point where I'm going to have to start freeze framing crowd scenes just to see if that tiny blob in the bottom left hand corner is supposed to be Cletus Cassidy (though frankly, a two second walk on cameo is probably more then he deserves). This episode marks the low key debut of Hobie Brown and judging from what I've heard about the rest of the season we're going to see a lot more of him in the not to distant future.

There are also a couple of nice moments from Tom Wilson's Stan Carter, did anyone else pick up a hint of barely concealed frustration and contempt as he was forced to let Marko and O'Hirn go. Also Carter's comments later in the episode seem to mark him as a Spidey sympathiser, which will be interesting down the road.

This was yet another solid episode that builds on what came before while laying the groundwork for future stories. I can't wait till this comes out on DVD in the form of a season one box set so I can see the grand tapestry as a whole.

P.S. Was Osborn's female Chauffeur a supposed to be an homage the Mercy Graves from Superman TAS?

Greg responds...

That was Hammerhead's chauffeur. You'll be seeing more of her. She's a production favorite.

Response recorded on May 03, 2008

Bookmark Link

Jesse Betteridge writes...

Hey Greg,

I'm a huge fan of Spectacular Spider-Man so far, and I have to admit am a bit concerned about the show's future after the demise of Kids WB. I know there are a lot of options for where the series may move to and a lot of factors determining what decision is made. However, given that there has been some confusion about the HD broadcast status of the show through KidsWB, I thought it might be appropriate to ask if that may be a determining factor of where the show goes? As far as I know, Cartoon Network is the only option that will offer a feed that will guarantee an HD broadcast for the series, so that may be the ideal option.

Also in regards to the series' longevity: I know you want to keep Spidey in high school for 65 episodes (ie: what will likely be the show's full run), but is there any chance that we may see some sort of college-based continuation of the series, should it continue to remain successful?

Greg responds...

I would hope so. My plan -- just mine, not a business plan -- or rather hope is that we do 65 episodes that take Pete through his high school graduation. And that after that we continue to do DVDs telling stories of his college years.

Response recorded on May 03, 2008

Bookmark Link

The One Known As Mochi writes...

Wow... So many people have posted questions and comments for you. By the time you get around to my post I'll probably have Gargoyles #8 and the trade paperback (I hope...). Normally, I would have a question for you, but it seems I found the answer in the archives. The question I would've asked was in regards to the episode 'High Noon'. I wondered how Macbeth wasn't being knocked around when Demona (in human form) and Elisa were fighting. Someone had already asked and you responded, so I don't have to worry about that.

What I really wanted to do is comment on Spidey. I've managed to watch all the episodes so far and I have to say it's very well done! I seem to think that there's an intensity present that doesn't let up when it comes to the story and the action taking place. Spidey's quips reminded me of the cartoon from the 90s, though I only vaguely remember watching it at the time (I was preoccupied with a lot of other cartoons...even Gargoyles ;) ). I really like the character designs and the animation is very fluid. Overall, I can tell this Spidey series is going very far and I can't wait to see what you and Victor Cook have planned for all the characters.

I have to admit it's been a long time since I've had to wake up early to watch a Saturday morning cartoon that's this good.

Thank you for such awesome work on Spidey and keeping Gargoyles alive!

Greg responds...

You're very welcome.

Response recorded on May 03, 2008

Bookmark Link

The Spectacular Spider-Man #107

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep: "Catalysts"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
ANDREW ROBINSON

Card #5
Directed By
VICTOR COOK
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring

STEVE BLUM as GREEN GOBLIN
LACEY CHABERT as GWEN STACY
GREY DELISLE as SALLY AVRIL, BETTY BRANT
ANDREW KISHINO as KENNY KONG, NED LEE
PHIL LAMARR as RAND ROBERTSON, ROBBIE ROBERTSON
JOSHUA LEBAR as FLASH THOMPSON

_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring

PETER MACNICOL as OTTO OCTAVIUS
VANESSA MARSHALL as MARY JANE WATSON
DARAN NORRIS as J. JONAH JAMESON, JOHN JAMESON
KEVIN MICHAEL RICHARDSON as TOMBSTONE, PRINCIPAL DAVIS
CREE SUMMER as GLORY GRANT
JAMES ARNOLD TAYLOR as HARRY OSBORN

Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL McCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producer
ERIC VESBIT

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
KEVIN ALTIERI
DAN FAUSETT
DAVE PRINCE
ROBERT SOUZA

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KAROLL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
BRIAN HOGAN
RANDY LUDENSKY
SWINTON SCOTT

Animation Checker
SANDI HATHCOCK
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN "BUENOS" DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21

Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
JHG BOYAN

Editors
RALPH A. EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
MYRA OWYANG
CHUCK SMITH

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #22

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS
FIL BROWN
Card #23
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #24
Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD
___________________________________________________________________________
Card #25

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
END LOGOS

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

SONY PICTURES TELEVISION


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The Spectacular Spider-Man #106

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep: "The Invisible Hand"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
MATT WAYNE

Card #5
Directed By
DAVE BULLOCK
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring

IRENE BEDARD as JEAN DEWOLFF
CLANCY BROWN as ALEX O'HIRN / RHINO, GEORGE STACY
LACEY CHABERT as GWEN STACY
GREY DELISLE as BETTY BRANT
JOHN DIMAGGIO as HAMMERHEAD
BEN DISKIN as EDDIE BROCK
JOSHUA LEBAR as FLASH THOMPSON

_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring

PETER MACNICOL as OTTO OCTAVIUS
VANESSA MARSHALL as MARY JANE WATSON
DARAN NORRIS as J. JONAH JAMESON
ALAN RACHINS as NORMAN OSBORN
KEVIN MICHAEL RICHARDSON as BIG MAN /TOMBSTONE / L. THOMPSON LINCOLN
DEBORAH STRANG as MAY PARKER
JAMES ARNOLD TAYLOR as HARRY OSBORN, FREDERICK FOSWELL

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL McCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producer
ERIC VESBIT

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
KALVIN LEE
IRINEO MARAMBA JR.
ADAM VAN WYK
RICK MORALES

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KAROLL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
BRIAN HOGAN
JUNGJA KIM WOLF
RANDY LUDENSKY

Animation Checker
GLORIA PALTER
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN "BUENOS" DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21

Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
JHG BOYAN

Editors
RALPH A. EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
DONNELL EBARRETE
CHUCK SMITH
MYRA OWYANG

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #22

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS
FIL BROWN
Card #23
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #24
Animation Production by
DONGWOO ANIMATION CO. LTD
___________________________________________________________________________
Card #25

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
END LOGOS

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

SONY PICTURES TELEVISION


Bookmark Link

Jeff writes...

Hey Greg!
Huge Spider-Man fan here! The episodes keep getting better and better. Any clues as to when the Big MJ reveal will be? In April? I am dying to get this series on DVD! The Sandman episode remains my favorite(so far) but I think I change my mind every Saturday. It had the right amount of crazy battle scenes and down to earth drama. Im not sure if you know this but will the series run through the summer or will they split up the season? In any event, I will be an avid watcher. One more SM question, Any plans for Pete to reveal his identity to anyone? I doubt you'll answer that, but I think it is what makes Ultimate Spider-man so fresh. (Not that I should compare the two, they are seperate but equal as far as Im concerned.) It would be so much easier for Pete to say "dont hate me Gwen/Liz/Harry/Connors/Brock...Im Spider-Man!" Which is the tragic situation and does make it interesting, I cant wait to see where the show goes and Im counting down til next week(6 days!)
I also read your comics, they are great stuff. I missed the cartoon because I havent had Toon Disney until recently(And they show Gargoyles at crazy times) but I am familiar with the story. However, I have never felt confused reading the comics, the characters have been captivating, regardless of their history. Keep up the great work!

Greg responds...

By now, you've met M.J.

The first season will air more or less continuously through the spring through the first 13 episodes, with a few weeks of reruns scattered in to give us some post-production breathing room. Not yet sure when the second season (also 13 episodes) will air, but definitely not this summer. They won't be ready in time.

I'm glad the comics are working for you. But you can also pick up the DVDs.

Response recorded on April 30, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

A few comments on the new Spectacular Spider-Man episode.

I enjoyed this one as well. Parts that especially stood out to me:

Norman Osborn's response to Marko's initial being turned into sand: "We sweep up and try again."
The remark that Marko doesn't need to defeat Spider-Man; he only needs to keep him distracted (very reminiscent of the antagonist strategies in "Gargoyles").
Marko's "Doh!" moment upon realizing that he forgot to take the bank money he just stole with him.
Marko trying to conceal his ignorance about the Big Man.

Dr. Octopus seems Caspar Milquetoastish at the moment; more so than I'd expected (though I don't know that much about him). I look forward to seeing if that changes.

Thanks for another enjoyable episode, Greg.

Greg responds...

It changes.

Response recorded on April 29, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Competition

Another sweet episode.

Sandman has never been a favorite of mine, but I enjoyed him here. His transformation sequence was great, and I loved Norman's callous attitude... "we sweep up." Hmm, they were trying to add "silicon armor" to him at first, makes me wonder if they meant for him to be like the Rhino.

Harry seems to be moving into the popular crowd, which is good. To all those who complained about him being too dorky, Greg knows what he's doing.

Speaking of the Osborns, is that Emily Osborn I see? Interesting.

Pete, you're a moron. Gwen digs you. Go for it!

And Hobey Brown... awesome! Wonder if we'll see him doing some prowling in the future.

Good episode, not as good as last week's. But still good.

Greg responds...

Rhino's armor -- as by now you know -- is titanium-resin. (Whatever the hell that means.)

Response recorded on April 29, 2008

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Antiyonder writes...

My first attempt at reviewing The Spectacular Spider-Man (I ask that you don't have any banana creme pies in the room while reading).

Overall, the designs really don't bother me, given that I got use to ones from Teen Titans and Legion Of Super Heroes. Plus as has been said, the designs complement the movement well.

While I enjoy the classic Lee/Ditko run I have to say you've done well to evoke the feeling without it being like a formula. Not to mention that like Gargoyles it is a nice blending of serious storylines and lighthearted moments. Just a few questions and comment for the moment.

1. You mentioned drawing story elements from various continuums rather than just using the version of the character that was introduced in 1962. Are you also using elements from the other Spidey shows (The ones that you've seen of course, cause you mentioned not seeing the MTV series) and movies in your stories?

2. Just a confirmation. Spider-Man's line to the Lizard in Natural Selection "Can you say halitosis? (Lizard growls) I knew that you could." is a reference to Xanatos' line on Hunter's Moon Part 1 isn't it? I think so but several people think it's a common line.

3. Speaking of Gargoyles/Spider-Man, despite the differences between parenting methods brought up I kind of see this Norman to be a cross between Xanatos (reaction to being in danger) and Willaim Dafoe's (praising Peter, lecture/berating Harry) take on Osborn. Would you agree with this?

Keep up the great work.

Greg responds...

1. I'm not that familiar with the Spidey cartoons except for the 60s show, and it's been years since I've seen that. But I'm sure there will be similarities.

2. It's a Mister Rogers type reference. Then again, so was Xanatos' line.

3. That seems overly simplistic to me, but I don't disagree.

Response recorded on April 21, 2008

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Jess writes...

Hey Greg! "Market Forces" was another great episode! Poor Peter managed to make progress with Eddie only to blow off Harry. Speaking of Harry, all the money Oscorp stands to make in those shady dealings with the Big Man will come in real handy for the years of therapy the kid's going to need, thanks to Daddy Norm's nonexistent parenting skills.

I did like having an in-story explanation for the dearth of Super Villains we'll be seeing in the future, and am especially looking forward to the Green Goblin.

On the plus side, Peter is now employed, this time with actual money involved! That said, I liked Aunt May being initially reluctant to take his money, and that even though she relented, made him promise to save up for a new camera.

Somehow I have a feeling Peter well end up running into MJ just in time for the school dance, and when that happens he won't be complaining about her "wonderful personality".

A quick question about Peter's first choice of date: How old is Betty Brant? I guessed early twenties, but wasn't sure.

Greg responds...

I wouldn't say that Norman has NO parenting skills. I'd say he has aggressively NEGATIVE parenting skills. (But maybe I'm splitting heirs. Heirs. Get it?)

Betty is 20.

Response recorded on April 18, 2008

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ColdFusion writes...

Sorry if you didn't understand, I just meant Aunt May is mothering Peter in a way we haven't really seen before in other versions of the franchise. He's got the kind of "mom-troubles" that older-Peter doesn't.
It's one thing to juggle a social life with the life of a superhero, it's another entirely when, on top of that, you're underage and thus have fewer personal liberties, eh?

Greg responds...

Yeah. I think Pete (as the "man" of the house) has more freedom than most, but still...

Response recorded on April 18, 2008

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Man Mountain writes...

Hey Greg. First I want to say I love the comic, the artwork, and the story so far and hope it continues on and on. Second, same goes for Spiderman! You are hitting everything that IS Spiderman while still making it your own. Finally to my question, I don't know if you have any comments (or time), but could you comment on your Spiderman episodes as you do for Gargoyles? I always love behind the scenes insights. As always, thanks for your time and effort.

Greg responds...

I think it's too soon to be doing full rambles on Spidey. You (or at least I) need a bit of distance, hindsight, to make the rambles worthwhile. Also, I don't want to be dropping tons of spoilers, and I don't want to inhibit myself either. And time IS another factor. I still need to do two or three Gargoyles rambles. And I'm just swamped. But someday.

Response recorded on April 18, 2008

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Bill Rodebaugh writes...

Hello Greg,

I'm an animation fan....particular from the days when everything was animated in the US....such as the earlier Hanna-Barbara days or Filmation's cartoons. Has "Gargoyles" and the new animated "Spectacular Spiderman" animated overseas? Do you have direct input into all the stories that go or have gone into these series?

Sincerely,

Bill

Greg responds...

All the writing and voice recording for both shows are/were done in the US. On Spider-Man all of the pre-production and post-production as well. On Gargoyles, most of the pre-production was done in the U.S., but a few episodes were pre-produced at Walt Disney TV Japan, but under the supervision of myself and Frank Paur. All the post for Gargoyles was done in L.A.

The actual animation was/is done overseas. Gargoyles was about 1/3 Japan and 2/3 Korea (with a bit of China thrown in). Spidey is all animated in Korea at one of three studios: HanHo, DongWoo and Moi.

Response recorded on April 17, 2008

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Algernon writes...

I'd like to start by wishing a happy Easter to those who cerebrate it and to those that don't, have a great day anyway. Now lets talk Spidey...

S
P
O
I
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Market Forces

Another solid episode with a lot of different threads running through it. We start getting to know J. Johna Jameson and he's a lot of fun, I especially liked the whole hyperactive 'perpetually ten minutes to deadline' attitude they gave him. Interestingly this incarnation of ole Jolly Jonah doesn't seem to be particularly Anti-Spidey, I don't know if you've completely dropped it or if you're going to incorporate it later.

Also returning are Flint Marko and Alex O'Hirn AKA the future Sandman and Rhino respectively. O'Hirn's "ram him with a truck" move is a very Rhino-esque tactic, nice bit of foreshadowing.

When I first heard that Shocker wasn't going to be Herman Schultz I was a little weirded out but this episode erased all my doubts. Montana makes for a pretty charismatic villain with warped sense of honor. by the way, how weird is it to see the bad guy espousing the Moral of The Day(TM)?

We also meet Betty Brant and Robbie Robertson, I'd guessed that Randy from Peter's school was indeed his son but it's nice to have confirmation. big shout out to Phil LaMarr who managed to make father and son sound both reminiscent yet distinctive. Some nice interaction between Pete and Betty but is he trying to get the poor women tossed in jail.

Norman Osborn gets some nice development in this episode, teaming up with the Big Man to set up a sort of Supervillians'R'Us. That's what sets Osborn apart from Spidey's other rogues. Take away Vulture's wing and he's just a bitter old man. Take away Electro's lightning and he's just the school handyman. Take away Venom's symbiont and he's just a dweeb with a persecution complex. But take away Green Goblin's Glider and Pumpkin Bombs and he can still make your life a living hell as plain old Norman Osborn.

When I first heard that Keith David would be replaced as the Big Man I was rather disappointed but I was very impressed by Kevin Michael Richardson's performance. he really nailed the part, so much so that I wouldn't have noticed the change if I hadn't heard about it before hand.

All in all another job well done.

Greg responds...

Keith did a great job in Episode One, but then he headed out to New York to play OBERON in Central Park. (Still can't compete w/Shakespeare.) Kevin stepped in and I think did an admirable job. He's really made the part his own without making it a different character.

Response recorded on April 17, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

Saw the fourth episode of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" this morning, and enjoyed it. In fact, I laughed several times during it, including at the J. Jonah Jameson scenes (yep, that's definitely him all right), and Peter/Spider-Man's difficulty getting rid of the garbage smell.

The Shocker was a great villain, and truly felt like a menace to Spider-Man. I also liked the touch about his remark about carrying out his responsibilities hitting home to Peter, fitting in with his abandoning Harry and his worries about Aunt May.

And we see an alliance formed between the mysterious unseen boss and Norman Osborn, something that could lead to some big episodes ahead.

Keep up the good work.

Greg responds...

We're trying, believe me. Even as I type this we're trying.

Response recorded on April 16, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

MARKET FORCES

Another terrific episode. I really enjoyed Greg's take on the Shocker, and making him Montana really works in the context of the series. As I've said before, who is Herman Schultz? Who cares?

Lots of pipe laying here. Sandman and Rhino both, plus a lot of foreshadowing on where Norman Osborn is going.

The Big Man is no longer voiced by Keith David, unfortunately. Kevin Michael Richardson is a decent substitute, but I can't help but miss Keith. There's a certain quality to his voice work that Richardson can't quite capture.

Aunt May wants to introduce Peter the neighbor's niece, Mary Jane Watson. She has a "wonderful personality". Naturally, Peter shudders.

Norman Osborn was great in this episode, telling Harry to "cowboy up", take responsibility and do what he has to do. Like Halcyon Renard. An evil, cold, sadistic, borderline insane version of Halcyon Renard...

... actually, I got kind of a Tony Soprano vibe from Norman's little pep talk. "What happened to Gary Cooper? The strong, silent type. That was an American. He wasn't in touch with his feelings. He just did what he had to do."

Peter finally landed a job at the Daily Bugle, working for jolly J. Jonah Jameson. But, don't fret. JJJ is a decent man deep down. Mariana's trench deep. Dante's Ninth Circle deep.

"Don't go emo on me, bro."
- Eddie Brock to Peter. I'm guessing Eddie's seen "Spider-Man 3"

Greg responds...

I'm sitting here at a Mix for Spider-Man episode #7 and I just asked everyone if there's an emo ref in S-M3. We had to talk about it to figure out what you meant. But I think we get it now.

It's the eye-liner, isn't it?

Response recorded on April 16, 2008

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Moe writes...

Hey Greg! I'm really excited about the Spectacular Spider-Man series and the direction its taken so far. I seriously haven't been this into an animated series since back when I was a kid. At first I was a bit skeptical about the decision to make the character designs more simplistic, but I found it to work quite well with the speed of the animation and the story line in general. Can't wait to see the next episode, and I hope there will be several seasons to come :).

Greg responds...

Me too, Moe!

Response recorded on April 15, 2008

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CanusShamus writes...

Hey Greg! Long-time reader, first time writer </cliche>

Well, typically Entertainment Weekly waits for the first three episodes of a new series to come out before they write a review, so I thought I'd do the same. Short version: I liked it.

I'll admit I was skeptical at first, since WB's new Batman show not only didn't live up to movie, it wasn't even better than the 90s TV show. I am, however, one of the few who despised the Spider-Man movies, and going back to the 90s Spider-Man, I realized it didn't hold up too well over time, so I would tentatively say your version surpasses both of them.

If I had to pick the show's strongest point, it would be the animation. When Spider-Man fights Lizard on the train their fight technique is all one fluid motion, and each comes back from a hit right away, using the momentum for their next strike. It reminded me of a martial arts film, and was better looking than all the CGI that was dumped into the films. Also, I liked how Peter's tag is always sticking out of his shirt; it's a subtle thing, but it works great to play up the 'nerdiness' of his everyday persona.

Another development i enjoyed was the characters. I'm interested to see where you're going with Brock (especially after the animosity he showed at the end of episode 3), and I think not bringing in MJ right away was the smart thing to do (personally, I hope she doesn't show up for a good long while; it will make it seem more significant when she does). My only complaint is Gwen: not that I don't love the way she's written, it's just...well, as any Spider-fan knows, it's Gwen's destiny to die, and the fact she may do so before she even leaves high school just seems unbearably bleak. But you never know; she could go the distance after all.

Summing up, I haven't had occasion to watch ANYTHING on Saturday morning for a good long while now, but you can bet I'll be coming back for Spider-Man. Heck, the average fan would probably prefer this to the "Brand New Day" storyline that's going on in the comics right now.

Oh, and since this is a Q&A column: are there plans for any crossover episodes with other Marvel characters, such as Spider-Man teaming up with Daredevil or fighting against Dr. Doom?

Thank you for taking the time to read my comments. Hope to hear from you soon.

P.S. I thought I was so clever for catching the Broadway cameo, but I apparantly completely missed the Hudson one. Blerg.

Greg responds...

No current plans for crossovers.

Response recorded on April 14, 2008

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Michael N writes...

How about asking Cary Bates to write the intro for the next trade paperback. It'd be a nice tie-in to your early comic book work on Captain Atom and he's certainly had a hand in shaping Gargoyles to what we know today. If nothing else it'd be nice to hear his take on Gargoyles.

I'm really enjoying Spider-Man so far. I think there's a lot of smart storytelling in the show; the same thing that attracted me to Gargoyles. I like that stereotypes are skin-deep. For example Flash fits the jock stereotype nicely, but you see some of his jock friends definitely don't. Likewise not all geeks are, well, geeks. That'll make Eddie's turn especially hard to watch.

I think you're a great match for the job of writing/editing Spider-Man. It's filled with characters that are neither "bad" or "good", but all sorts of in between. You've got an annoying (but in a good way!) habit of developing those sorts of characters in ways that make it hard to hate them and root for the "good guy". Xanatos awakens the gargoyles to use them for his own purposes like they're just tools. Then he tries to "discard" them. Then he helps them. Then he gives them a place to stay and helps to protect them. I want to hate him. I know he's going to try and (ab)use the gargoyles again. They know it as well. But I can't hate the guy. It's damn frustrating (but in a good way!) and Spider-Man is going to give you more opportunities to do that with other characters. You've already started doing that with Electro and Vulture.

My understanding is Electro was "created" when Max was struck by lightning. Was the change in his creation a nod to Gargoyles with respect to the creation of the mutates or was that more coincidence than anything else?

Thanks Greg!

Greg responds...

No, Electro's change of origin was designed to (a) make it feel more real to a 2008 audience and (b) make it fit into the arc it was a part of.

Response recorded on April 14, 2008

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Charisma82 writes...

Okay, I hadn't planned on giving a review for each Spidey show that came out, (& I'm still not planning on it as of right now) but I had to give you and all the people who worked on the episode "Natural Selection" props. I feel this has been the best episode so far, and hey, this is only the 3rd one. I really felt for Spidey at the end of the episode, having to look like a coward in front of his friends so he could keep his Spiderman secret. I guess I'm just a sucker for characters who save the day and never get the recognition they deserve, and even worse, look like they wimped out when they really didn't. The whole story was great, and I can't wait to see more.

Thank you for your time and all that you do.

-Charisma82

Greg responds...

Thank you too!

Response recorded on April 10, 2008

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Jess writes...

Hey Greg! I'm still keeping up with Spectacular Spider-Man and "Natural Selection" didn't disappoint. I feel like each episode is slightly stronger than the one before it as everyone gets more in-tune with the material and each other.

I think you found just the right note with the Billy subplot, where it was genuinely emotional and not cloying. I liked the "I took a cab" bit with Eddie at the zoo. Just a fun little jab a typical cartoon logic. I was not expecting Peter to be fired, so that was a cool moment for me as well. Somehow I have a feeling we'll be seeing the serum again.

Nice continuity nods with the ring-tone alarm, the mention of Electro, and especially Peter and Eddie calling each other "Bro", then having Spidey try to cover it up when he does the same.

One thing I noticed was that during Peter's voice-over before he plans on taking the serum is that he mentions "a hard 9PM curfew" where before it had always been 10.

The cast continues to be amazing (or rather spectacular). In particular, Kath Soucie and Lacey Chabert just completely nailed their parts this week.

Since this is "Ask Greg", I do have a quick question: For small parts i.e. the people at the coffee shop in "Interactions", or Thug #1 in this past episode do you have certain people in the cast in mind, or do you just ask whoever's in that day if they want to do it?

Thanks for your time!

Greg responds...

We plan ahead, dealing out our bit parts from among the actors who will be present for the session. SAG rules allow us to ask any actor to do one additional character for free.

Response recorded on April 10, 2008

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Harvester of Eyes writes...

Thoughts on the Spectacular Spider-Man episode "Natural Selection."

First off, I like this incarnation of the character of Peter Parker a lot, more so than in other cartoon versions. He's still a kid with a lot to learn, and like most kids, he thinks he knows everything. I like how even getting a good picture of himself as Spider-Man is a learning process.

And I also like the continuity in the series. In the previous episode, we see Connors's formula get shocked. And Curt puts it in his pocket. And now we see the consequences (unless, of course it just resulted from months of him injecting himself, and that last one was the proverbial back-breaking straw). The animation was awesome, in particular his morphing into and out of the Lizard. I like how the tail was formed. And the pacing of the fight scenes reminded me of the movies, which was fine. Those gave us a fantastic sense of Spider-Man's agility, as do these.

I also didn't expect to find myself saying this, but I like Eddie Brock as a character. I wasn't thrilled when I first saw his name in the cast, but I love what you've done with him so far. Giving him this personal connection with Peter Parker might actually make Venom more interesting. He seems to be building a reputation of not being able to successfully tackle baddies in Connors's lab. And I like the way he and Spider-Man worked together at the end. He's a bit reckless, but he also seems to have a strong moral sense. So he and Peter have that in common. I'm actually finding myself caring about what sets him on the road to becoming Venom.

Anyway, favorite moment in the episode: Billy Connors confronting his mutated father. I'm not sure Curt recognized him, and I'm wondering if this might come up again. And I also like how Peter Parker chose not to take what might cure him of his powers, but he also didn't throw it away. More foreshadowing, I suppose.

All in all, you and the rest of the crew have done a fantastic job so far. I was never a regular reader of the Spider-Man comic, but I'm getting more and more excited about this show the more I watch it. Keep up the good work.

Greg responds...

Thanks. We're doing out best.

Response recorded on April 08, 2008

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David Blyth writes...

In the new Spider-Man animated series, Gwen already has a small inkling into Peter's financial problems, so why get irritated when she perceived his photo-taking of The Lizard as selfish when it was to benefit his Aunt? Is she just following the crowd's attitude, or was she afraid for Peter's safety and her anger is a result of that?

Greg responds...

Neither, really. She felt he was taking advantage of the Connors troubles. If you watch her, she's clearly conflicted, but she's troubled by her perception that Peter LIED about abandoning the antidote quest to get home -- but really went to take a picture.

Response recorded on April 08, 2008

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Aldrius writes...

Ramble on Spectacular Spider-man episode 3.

That attitude is gonna get Peter into a lot of trouble... so is actually having a happy life. Don't you read comic books, young man? Any time you're life is going WELL, that's when fate smacks you upside the head.

Still like that theme song.

Aunt May is okay. I think I jumped the gun when I watched the first episode.

Hmm... is Stan Lee always the executive producer on these marvel animated programs?

Stop meddling with weird science, Curt! It never results in good things. Though I do like the attention here. He's well intentioned. He's not selfishly just trying to heal his own arm. He's trying to save decapitated people all over the world.

Go Gwen. Yay! Random jock friend who's name I should really learn. Is he a classic Spider-man comics character that I don't know about?

"What are we celebrating? Oh... crazy god-defiling science!! This will end well."

Smart AND perceptive. Quite a man this Parker boy.

So Billy's a scientist too. They start them so young these days.

That's a very nice lizard design.

Peter the coward. That's nice of him. He could have come up with a better excuse than 'My aunt may won't be able to sleep unless I get home.' But I guess he didn't have much time.

Still very funny. I like Peter's banter. Feels very natural. And of course it fits the character perfectly.

Spider-man seems to like fighting on the subway/train lately. I guess the subway's a subterranean place for the Lizard to hide out.

People really should check on those over-anxious kids more often.

I wonder what kind of Lizard Curt blended his DNA with... a cocktail of iguana, and crocodile, or what?

Heh. Peter even cares about Polar Bears! What a guy.

And Aunt May proves herself more dangerous than the Lizard! That's three super-villains that she's beaten out with her telephone!

And the Lizard reverts back to normal.

That ending was really, really powerful. I'm feeling that one in my ribs. And hey, great responsibility, there are consequences for Peter's actions. Even if they weren't his fault per se. Halcyon would be proud.

The ending REALLY sold this one to me. And the general mood and feel of it. And I'm still not sure about the spider mask in the sky at the end. It's... interesting... but... yeah. Not sure about it.

Over-all. Bravo.

Greg responds...

Thanks. The spider-mask is a tribute to the old Ditko days.

Response recorded on April 07, 2008

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Algernon writes...

Just stopping by to share my thoughts on the latest episode of Spectacular Spider-Man.

SPOILERS AHOY!

Survival of The Fittest.
I've always thought one of the best aspects of the Spidey mythos was the fantastic cast of supporting characters and this episode just proves it.

I absolutely love this version of Gwen, standing up to Flash, helping save Dr. Connors she's pretty heroic in her own right. Speaking of heroic, how about Eddie Brock using himself as lizard bait. It's going to be interesting to see what turns him into a Spidey hating psycho later in the series.

The Connors family are also noteworthy. In most other versions I've seen Martha and Billy don't seem to be much more then appendages to Curt's character but they really shine. I particularly liked Billy's understated yet heartbreaking portrayal of a traumatized kid desperately afraid of losing his dad.

But the real star of the show is of course everybody's favorite wall-crawler. A classic Spidey touch is to see Peter do the right thing despite being vilified for it. It's one thing to save the day expecting a medal or a parade afterwards, it's quite another to save the day knowing your going to get spat on for your trouble. That's something else Spidey has in common with certain other defenders of the night.

Greg responds...

Glad you liked it. We're working pretty hard these days.

Response recorded on April 07, 2008

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Rebel writes...

Hey Greg!

I just wanted to say that I really liked the transformation scene from human to lizard in "Natural Selection". I especially like the part where his head started to cave in. I dunno if that was your idea or not, but I applaud it. It really emphasizes that he's turning into a simple-minded, primal beast.

Also, some of The Lizard's roaring sounded a lot like Fox's in "Eye of the Beholder". Did you use a similar effect?

Greg responds...

I'm not responsible for the transformation. That was the episode's director Dave Bullock, his boss Vic Cook and their storyboard artists.

I kinda doubt that they reused the sound effects. It's not even the same effects guy doing Spidey. But it is the same post-production house, so who knows?

Response recorded on April 04, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

A few comments about the Lizard episode of "The Spectacular Spider-Man".

I enjoyed it. Another good capture of Peter's life; he starts off still taking poor photos of himself as Spidey, he has to give up dodging water balloons when he realizes that everyone else is going to get suspicious - and worst of all, after finally getting a good snapshot of himself as Spidey, he convinced everyone else that he deserted them in a crisis and now they're all angry at him! Yep, that's definitely Peter Parker all right.

Some great humor as well; I especially liked Spidey's indignant response to Lizard being able to walk on walls ("If you start spinning webs too, I'll sue!") and his element of surprise ruined by his cell phone going off (and wouldn't you know that its tune would be "Itsy Bitsy Spider")?

I noticed that he doesn't throw the gene cleanser away, but merely web-stashes it under his bed. Why do I get the feeling that it's going to return later, in another episode?

Keep up the good work, both you and everyone else on the production team.

Greg responds...

Thanks, Todd. We'll try.

Response recorded on April 04, 2008

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Shane writes...

Greg, Long time fan. In fact, Gargoyles got me interested in writing my own stuff and, like every other Gargoyles fan, into Shakespeare.

But I wanted to ask something about two of the Spidey characters that seem to be neglected in the questions. Namely the two most important girls in Peter's life: Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Watson.

I noticed that the latter was out, which, while I thought it was a bold move, did lead to some questions in my mind. In the origional 616 comics, Peter meets MJ through Gwen, and through their mutual grief over Gwen's death, become the couple we know today. That fact, coupled with Gwen looking upset that the cheerleader was giving Peter some attention have poked extreme thoughts into my mind: Will you be doing a "Death of Gwen Stacy" rendition in your series? As someone who believes that was one of the best comic book story lines of all time, I would much appreciate seeing that finally acknowledged (unlike in the movies) correctly (unlike in the Ultimate title, which you seem to be loosely following). I know this is a kids TV show, and the manner of how Gwen died (Peter caught her in a web line, causing her neck to snap due to whiplash) is somewhat gruesome for Saturday Morning TV, but it seems the trend of most Spiderman media to include Gwen with her death sentance. Very few do it right though, and I was hoping that after almost a decade, you would still be capable of pulling another "Deadly Force" on us.

Greg responds...

In the original comics (I'm not sure I know what 616 means), Peter met M.J. through his Aunt May and her best friend Anna Watson (i.e. M.J.'s Aunt) - not through Gwen. Gwen met M.J. through Pete.

I'm not loosely following the Ultimate title. I'm borrowing from many sources, including Ultimate Spider-Man, but our primary sources are the original Lee/Ditko and Lee/Romita issues of Amazing Spider-Man.

Response recorded on April 02, 2008

Bookmark Link

The Spectacular Spider-Man #105

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep: "COMPETITION"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
KEVIN HOPPS

Card #5
Directed By
TROY ADOMITIS
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring

CLANCY BROWN as ALEX O'HIRN
LACEY CHABERT as GWEN STACY
JOHN DIMAGGIO as FLINT MARKO / SANDMAN, HAMMERHEAD
ANDREW KISHINO as KENNY KONG
PHIL LAMARR as RAND ROBERTSON
JOSHUA LEBAR as FLASH THOMPSON

_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring

PETER MACNICOL as OTTO OCTAVIOUS
ALAN RACHINS as NORMAN OSBORN
KEVIN MICHAEL RICHARDSON as COACH SMITH
DEBORAH STRANG as MAY PARKER
CREE SUMMER as GLORY GRANT
JAMES ARNOLD TAYLOR as HARRY OSBORN
ALANNA UBACH as LIZ ALLAN
TOM WILSON as STAN CARTER

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL McCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producer
ERIC VESBIT

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
JENNIFER COYLE
KI HYUN RYU
KALVIN LEE
ALUIR AMANCIO
JAY OLIVA

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KARROL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
BRIAN HOGAN
PATRICK GLEESON
RANDY LUDENSKY
SWINTON SCOTT

Animation Checker
SANDI HATHCOCK
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN "BUENOS" DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21

Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
ELVIDA ABELLA

Editors
RALPH A. EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
DONNELL EBARRETE
CHUCK SMITH

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #22

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS, FIL BROWN

Card #23
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #24
Animation Production by
MOI ANIMATION CO. LTD
___________________________________________________________________________
Card #25

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
END LOGOS

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

SONY PICTURES TELEVISION


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Gabriel writes...

Hey Greg,

Watched the first 2 episodes of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" and I gotta say thank you.
Thank you for putting the humor back into Spidey, specifically his banter (the movies seriously lacked this). I like lighter toned Spidey. Drama's great, but I love the Spider-Man zingers!
Thank you for the jam-packing of continuity references- both to the comics, and between the episodes.
And I don't know if this thank you goes to you or Sony, but I'm thankful we're getting at least 26 episodes of this series.

Couple questions since this is "Ask Greg":

1. While watching "Interactions" the opening teaser looked vertically stretched when it aired on KTLA- was it? Maybe I'm still getting used to the designs, or maybe you guys were trying some low-angle perspective stuff, but it looked like it also happened sporadically throughout the episode. I mainly noticed it when seeing Conners or Brock. This is assuming you watched the broadcast- since you've seen the episode countless times already I wouldn't be surprised if you passed.

2. I enjoyed the theme song. Is that the whole song or is there an extended cut?

3. Will you post the lyrics to the theme song? Or since you can be a stickler for phrasing- What are the lyrics to "The Spectacular Spider-Man" theme song?

4. I'm not super familiar with Gwen's classic personality- the most I know of Gwen comes from Loeb/Sale's "Spider-Man: Blue" and Busiek/Ross's "Marvels" so is her characterization in this series a dramatic departure, a subtle re-working, or spot-on?

Couple observations.
I was a little shocked that MJ wasn't in the opening credits- until the scene with Anna and May at which point I went "Oh, there introducing her like in the comics, cool."

Loved the Flint Marko cameo at the start of "SotF".

Looking forward to both Sandman and the Scorpion (whenever they show up).

I've been seeing here, and on other boards across the 'net, that some folks are having trouble with the designs. For me, it reminds me of my initial reaction to the "Batman: The Animated Series" designs when I first saw them- I laughed out loud. At the time I didn't "get it." Now course I love those designs, so first impressions can be misleading. I personally don't have an issue with "TSS-M" designs- I've seen Cheeks' work on the Hellboy DTV's so I know they can be dark and dramatic if necessary. But again I like light and funny, so take from that what you will.

I don't have to tell you to keep up the great work, since I know you will anyway- but don't forget to get some sleep and take a break every once in a while.

Ciao,

Gabriel

Greg responds...

1. I am NO expert on this, but someone told me that if you had your television set to HD when they weren't broadcasting it in HD it would stretch it. Is that possible?

2. The main title version is exactly a minute long. The original was a minute and twenty seconds. But we're producing a new 2:30 second version for the first DVD.

3. I don't have those in writing, so I can't simply cut and paste them. But if someone wants to listen and make an attempt, I can probably proofread 'em easy enough.

4. It's our extrapolation of who the Lee/Romita Gwen Stacy was back in High School (as opposed to college, which was when the character was actually introduced into continuity). It's not for us to judge how accurate. But we certainly tried.

Response recorded on March 31, 2008

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Mara writes...

Spectacular Spider-Man Episode 2
Interactions

And classic one word titles.

And Max looks like Crispin Freeman!

See? Martha's kinda lonely for her hubby. Get the sense that if she didn't remind him he'd not eat.

Nice ring tone.

Hey... wasn't that lizard juice the stuff he put into his robot arm last episode?

Yeah, on second thought, maybe leaving the tank out wasn't a good idea.

Oh: Theme song is updated but keeping the beat of the old. Nice.

Yaye! An El train coming from Brooklyn/Queens going to Manhattan. I'm sure eventually I'll get tired of glowing about all the NYC detail but since I haven't lived there for about six years anything like this just really tickles me.

C-minus! Sweet!

Unmasked Spidey sense.

Reason for the suit. Explanation for the villain's appearance. Always good.

"I'm not sure you understand. Flash so totally called you and Peter having a THING last episode."

No tv and no coffee makes Max go something something. Go crazy? Don't mind if he does!

And Peter learns the #1 way of attracting girls: Complete indifference.

Spiderman works on his MySpace photos.

Uh oh, inadvertent creating of a super villain. Although Electro was heading that way, poor guy.

God, what IS that ringtone? Oh. It's Itsy Bitsy Spider. Spectacular.

Liz: "It's up to me? Oh I can't resist indifferent boys!"

Cop is not helping. Is the bioelectricity making his so... temperamental or is it that he's always had a temper and we just didn't know?

Liz is made awkward by the nerds.

Gwen gives meaningfully wistful look.

Nice both Peter and Eddie were gonna make a move. But Eddie didn't take the time to quip.

Lightening Butt? No, not that! More nice fighting. Throwing the computer monitor at him made me giggle a little.

Great time to set limits, Aunt May.

Electro makes water go kablooey.

Petey and Liz have nice moment. Liz is apparently mean, but is also saving Peter from getting his butt whooped by the jocks. High school is never simple.

Gwen gives meaningfully wistful comment. High school is never simple.

Is Martha referring to helping Electro, or to helping Conners, since he seems to have some fixation on the odd lizard juice... We'll have to tune in and see.

/end ramble for episode 2.

Greg responds...

Eddie was trying to be Pete's wingman, until he saw that Gwen liked Pete.

Response recorded on March 31, 2008

Bookmark Link

Mara writes...

The Spectacular Spider-man episode 1
Survival of the Fittest

Ramble, as I re-watch:

Opening: Nice landscape shot. Hudson! Stone... at night? Eh, it's a different universe. Really, really nice backgrounds. You definitely get a sense of the normal NYC landmarks (like Cheesewedge building.)

We have title.

Spider sense tingling!

It looks like the spidey signal is sticking it's tongue out because of the placement of the bag.

Marco needs to rethink his life. I like how they're stealing rough jewels instead of finished jewelry. More easy to fence, I guess.

Opening credits: A little gratuitous to put the creator cameos in there? But I like it. Oh, we have venom costume too.. I missed that on my first viewing.

REALLY great backgrounds.

On Peter's design: He has a beauty mark near his eye... doesn't that mean many tears ahead in his life, or some junk? Poor Peter.

I *like* the eyes. I think they're expressive without going overboard. Excessive eye detail is too anime. On the streamlined design in general- it's not as excessively done as the Batman stuff of a couple of years ago. Just the right amount, I think.

Anna looks like the lady from Apartment 3-G.

Aw! Peter's sweet, pretending not to have heard.

Mr. Toombs looks like Robert Englund. Awesome.

Osborn has that hair curl thing going. Looks nice in this version.

Midtown Manhattan Magnet High School. ... Wait for it.

Gwen! *bliss.*

Don't criticize the World Tour, Harry. It was universe building.

It's like reverse Buffy, for a second there. The sidekicks weren't in town while the hero fought crime. Neat.

M cubed. Nice. I was thinking 3M. But this will work.

Pink-haired girl: The e-surance girl went to Spiderman's high school? Really?

Background music for cheerleader watching=awesome. Haha! Nice sound effect of the record scratching.

Interracial couples= yaye. Sally's Bay Ridge accent? Even better.
Seriously... it's a nice touch. (Possibly Bensonhurst- but in any case, she sounds like she's from Brooklyn.)

Flash: WAY to put ideas in Liz's head, there, buddy.

And we have episode title, albeit in blackboard form.

Peter looks kyoote with the glasses, but I'm glad those got dropped for his current design.

Yeah, I really like the different accents in the characters. The science teacher sounds vaguely British, but more in the schooled-in-Cambridge kinda way.

No no, Peter. He's a RUTHLESS scientist. Ruth-less. Lacking Ruth.

Harry calls his dad Sir? And there's characterization in a split second.

Poor Vulture- terrorism never works. Especially not on Ruthless mean men.

Great power and great responsibility mentioned but not drilled into my head? Thanks!

Webshooters! Thanks!

Martha's not a big fan of overworking. Hopefully there'll be more to her in the future. Pretty sure there will be.

Train and bus, Cheesewedge building again. Love the attention to detail.

JJJ > (is greater than) lots.

JJJ's assistant is so not intimidated by JJJ.

Spider senses tingling, same eye thing as the opening when he DOESN'T say it.

The crumbling gargoyle statute. So does that mean Spidey and Goliath are now even? (Since Goliath broke the flag pole in Awakenings and all.)

REALLY nice smooth animation for the fight scenes. Flag pole!

You can kill Norman, but he will NOT apologize. Ever.

Nice how Spiderman's buff but in proportion to other people he's fighting, still teenage tiny.

Also loving how the webs seem to CONNECT to actual buildings. Thanks!

Bedtime! Haha.

Mmm, pie.

And you still have amazing pie, Peter. You still have amazing pie.

/end ramble for episode 1.

Greg responds...

Nice ramble. But hey, don't begrudge Michael, Vic, Kenny and I our cameos. We work hard.

Response recorded on March 31, 2008

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Grant writes...

You are so the man. I was afraid the new Spider-Man series might just be a rehashing of old stories for the youngins but I'm having a ball with it. How does it feel to write a script and know it's gold? :D I had some solid laughs, and that line about "...Harry losing his dad..." was chilling. The voice acting is quality (some familiar ones in there too, I don't know all the names like some of the hardcores here I do remember them ;)). I've only seen the first episode yet and I love how it wasn't just linear with one villain, one small fight where Spider-Man gets beat down, and one big fight Spider-Man eventually wins. Multiple arcs, both high school and super hero life, and multiple villains building in the same episode is where it is at. I didn't actually realize you were so involved in this project but I am so glad you are. The powers that be chose wisely! No pun intended. Every since it went off the air I've urned for Gargoyles to make reappearance on the small screen or, be I so bold as to say it, the big screen! I guess in some way your legacy will live on vicariously through this series, not that Spider-Man should fit in a Gargoyle's mold, but you get my drift. Keep it real pisano.

Greg responds...

Well, hopefully you're picking up the Gargoyles comic books... which is where Gargoyles truly does LIVE AGAIN!

But thanks for the kind words on both shows.

Response recorded on March 25, 2008

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kyle tonarella writes...

dear greg weiman i love watching garoyles as a kid i thought it was a bad ass show and watched the first 2 episodes of The Spectacular Spider-Man and say this show is going to be pure bad ass i love the vulture robert englund was ment to play him and thank go you made a marvel comics cartoon sticking to the comics unlike prevoius series and now my question will Shocker in the episode "Market Forces" have charatcer development and will be one of the mebers of this shows version of the sinster six

Greg responds...

I like to think EVERY character in The Spectacular Spider-Man will have character development. But watch the show and let me know what you think. As to the S6, I'm afraid I'm not likely to give away any spoilers here.

Response recorded on March 25, 2008

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Rachel writes...

Hi Greg! I don't have a question, just a few thoughts on your Spider-Man.

I really enjoyed it, although I'm not the target demographic (24-year-old woman). I'm also not a comic book fan (except for your Gargoyle comics), so the only Spider-Man stuff I'm familiar with is the movies--and even then, I've only seen the first two and wasn't even that impressed by them. Actually, my three favorite aspects of your cartoon are also (in my opinion) major differences it has from the films.

1) It's pretty darn funny.
In the first episode, I loved the minor storyline about his shoes, but my favorite part was [wording approximate] "Haven't you heard the one about great power coming with great responsibility?" Hilarious. And it's nice that the humor is more often radiating from Peter than simply being at his expense (see also #3).

2) What I think of as a Weisman trademark: the shade-of-gray villain.
Vulture and Electro each had an element of the typical-comic-villain "I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE!" thing going on, but I'd have to say that on the whole, each of them was more sympathetic than not. Vulture's demands from Osbourne? Extremely reasonable. (Speaking of, I also want to endorse your decision to keep the line about not letting Harry lose his dad the way Peter had lost his uncle. Because, again, Vulture had a valid point when he wondered why Spider-Man was siding against him [besides the whole kidnapping/assault thing, of course], from his and the viewers' point of view.)

3. I really like Peter's positive attitude.
It's a problem endemic to storytelling of all media that to keep up dramatic tension or the conflict that the writer has set up, the hero has to be, in a way, obstinate and narrow-minded. The audience is supposed to be convinced there's a problem because the hero is convinced there's a problem. Or maybe it's just a personal preference, and I happen to like plucky determination better than brooding pessimism.

Anyway, I liked it a lot and am eager to find out what happens next!

Greg responds...

Great! The episodes keep coming (I know because my blood pressure keeps rising), so stay tuned!

Response recorded on March 24, 2008

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ColdFusion writes...

Hey Weis guy! :D
I saw the new Spider-Man series, it was truly excellent. Good to see something remotely intelligent on Saturday morning for a change.
Interesting look for Peter (mole?) and interesting how he's experiencing mom-troubles instead of the more familiar social-appointment-troubles.. what with him being younger.
Of course I caught the gargoyles reference, very nice.
One thing I found kinda funny is how Pete explicitly mentions the almighty hyphen (love that hyphen) but then just a few scenes later a newspaper lacks it. C'est la vie.
Keep up the excellent work, can't wait for Gargs 8!

Greg responds...

"mom-troubles"?

And don't get me started on the hyphen!

Response recorded on March 24, 2008

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The Spectacular Spider-Man #104

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep: "MARKET FORCES"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
ANDREW ROBINSON

Card #5
Directed By
DAN FAUSETT
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring
JEFF BENNETT as MONTANA / SHOCKER
CLANCY BROWN as ALEX O'HIRN
LACEY CHABERT as GWEN STACY
GREY DELISLE as BETTY BRANT
JOHN DIMAGGIO as FLINT MARKO, HAMMERHEAD
BEN DISKIN as EDDIE BROCK
ANDREW KISHINO as NED LEE

_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring
PHIL LAMARR as RAND ROBERTSON, ROBBIE ROBERTSON
JOSHUA LEBAR as FLASH THOMPSON
DARAN NORRIS as J. JONAH JAMESON
ALAN RACHINS as NORMAN OSBORN
KEVIN MICHAEL RICHARDSON as BIG MAN, COACH SMITH
DEBORAH STRANG as MAY PARKER
JAMES ARNOLD TAYLOR as HARRY OSBORN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL McCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producer
ERIC VESBIT

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
JENNIFER COYLE
TIM ELDRED
LARRY HOUSTON
JUAN MEZA LEON
NATE CLESOWICH

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KARROL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
BRIAN HOGAN
RANDY LUDENSKY
SWINTON SCOTT
TONY CRAIG

Animation Checker
SANDI HATHCOCK
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN "BUENOS" DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21

Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

Animatic Technician
MIKE MANGAN

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
ELVIDA ABELLA

Editors
RALPH A. EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
DONNELL EBARRETE
CHUCK SMITH

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #22

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS
FIL BROWN
Card #23
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #24
Animation Production by
DONGWOO ANIMATION CO., LTD
___________________________________________________________________________
Card #25

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
END LOGOS

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

SONY PICTURES TELEVISION


Bookmark Link

Dustin writes...

Hi Greg,

I just watched the first two episodes of The Spectacular Spider-Man and I loved it!
I was surprised how young Aunt May looks, even younger than the Ultimate Spider-Man version, but that's fine, if there was one thing that always annoyed me, it was her poor health and the heart attacks she almost had, whenever Spider-Man was mentioned. A younger and stronger May is what Peter needs, he has enough things to worry about. I was surprised that Sally was included (let's face it, in the comics she's practically a nobody), the supporting cast is bigger than I expected. I hope we'll see more of the Bugle characters in the next few episodes, once Peter manages to take good pictures of himself.

I'm glad Mary Jane is not part of the show yet, I love her, but Peter had a life before MJ and it should be shown, if only for a few episodes, I'm pretty sure we'll meet her soon.

I thought the animation was great, and I like the character designs, although the eyes are kinda scary ... no pupils, strange.

I'm going to watch this show every week and I'm so buying the DVDs, you and everyone else involved did a great job!

Greg responds...

May doesn't look that young to me...

Response recorded on March 18, 2008

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Charisma82 writes...

Hey! I just thought I'd post my congratulations to you and all the talented people who worked on the new Spectacular Spider Man show. I watched it a couple days ago, so I'm not going to go into a big ramble on it, but I will write a few things I remember off the top of my head.

First things first, I LOVED the Spider Man humor. This is coming from a person who never read the comics, who heard how funny and witty Spiderman was, and saw the movies & was disappointed. The movies were good, but that humor wasn't there. I like how Peter is his smart-mouth self as Spiderman and then his nerd/geek self when he's back to Peter Parker. Great job at establishing the differences in his two personas.

I thought Peter's eyes were a bit huge. It kinda bugged me (pun intended). I can't remember the other characters that had huge eyes like that, but I definitely remember Peter had them.

I was suprised not to see MJ. For some reason I had the impression she was going to be in the TV series, but I guess she won't show up right away.

I liked having the variety of bad guys. I also loved all the hints in there about the bad guys to come.

And, most of all, the gargoyle cameos! And only a few seconds into the show! I recognized a Broadway looking gargoyle (at the beginning of the 1st show) and a Hudson looking gargoyle (that almost smashed into Spidey when he was fighting the guys in the helicopter).

All in all, I think the show started off well. I can't wait to see what else happens.

Thank you for your time and all that you do.

-Charisma82

Greg responds...

Thanks for watching!

Response recorded on March 18, 2008

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Phoenician writes...

Hey Greg,

A little behind on the my review for the comics, will get to those one day (just know right now I've loved each and every new issue that comes out:) ).

That said, I did want to post some random thoughts about Saturday's Spiderman. I must admit that my only exposure to Spidey thus far has been the 90's incarnation as well as the three feature films . . . I've never had the chance to delve into Peter's comic origins.

That said, some thoughts:

- Love seeing the tributes to Hudson and Broadway. Shame about the Broadway statue though. Don't the folks in Spidey's world know how much us fans would pay for a collectible Gargoyles statue?? :P

- You really are a weaver of great stories, and that can be seen with all the set-up of stories to come. We meet the characters of the Green Goblin, the Lizard, Venom, and (from what I've gathered in the CR) other Spidey antagonists that I never knew about. And though I vaguely knew about the Vulture and Electro (was Electro even in the 90's version? I can't remember . . .), I still loved these two episodes -- both characters had amazing lines.

- I'm totally sympathetic for Peter with his cell phone constantly ringing during his fights, and I have no good reason why. It's not like I've been webslinging in New York City fighting crime, right?

- Speaking of web-slinging, I found it interesting that Peter's using web-cartridges, instead of having spinners. I know the movies had Peter with spinners, and the 90's show had the web-cartridges.

- I also loved Peter ripping his costume. I think my favorite part of the films was just how much his suit got torn-up in his final battles, so that little moment gave me a chuckle as well.

- I could have sworn that the classic "bad-guy-crashing-into-fellow-bad-guy" trick from Gargoyles was going to be used in one of the aerial flights, but I can't remember if it actually happened or not. I don't think it did, but I really got the impression that it was going to happen. Maybe it was because Peter was on Vulture's back that triggered the thought.

- Love the Banana Cream Pie scene.

- I really love this version of J. Jonah Jameson. While I loved him in both the 90's cartoon and the films, my memory of him is that "His bark is worse than his bite, but his bark is still totally see-through." As of Spiderman 3, he was pretty much "cute." But Saturday was the first time I actually got scared from him. Was it the voice actor, the words he said, or just the animation of Jameson ripping one on Peter? Not totally sure -- but I know my eyes went as big as Peter's. So kudos on that!

That's pretty much it -- be happy knowing you've got at least one more college guy getting up early on Saturday Morning for cartoons!

Greg responds...

Daran Norris is brilliantly funny as Jonah.

Response recorded on March 18, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Just a few comments. I'm sure we'll discuss it in more detail soon.

Okay, first two episodes were pretty damn good.

- Loved Keith David as the unseen Big Man.
- Spidey's quips were funny, and as Pete he was very geeky and awkward, which was cool.
- I am really liking Gwen Stacy here, she's like a spunky version of Willow when she was in High School.
- On that note, you can tell that Greg is a Joss Whedon fan, but in a way, this had a bit of a Buffy feel, especially in the High School scenes.
- I liked Vulture a lot. The re-design was great. Loved hearing Freddy Kruger's voice come out of him.
- Electro was both an imposing an sympathetic villain. Crispin Freeman did a great job with that voice.
- Eddie Brock was great... I never thought I'd ever say that, but I like this Eddie. Giving him a connection to Peter is a brilliant move, which will make things all the more tragic when he becomes Venom.
- Cameos, cameos, cameos. Flint Marko and the Rhino as criminals before they become supervillains.
- Nice foreshadowing for the Lizard. I like how the villains are interconnected. Works better than random radiation accidents.
- And Gargoyles fan service. Goliath, Hudson and Broadway statues... Broadway shattered in the fight with Vulture.
- Norman Osborn is perfect in this series. He was a ruthless businessman. Unscrupulous, amoral and a bully. His one scene with Harry said all we needed to know about what kind of father he is, and how disappointed he is in his son. I love how Harry calls him "Sir."

I also loved how Vulture didn't even manage to faze him. He is being held hundreds of feet up in the air, and dropped, and he still insults him. Yes, this is the Norman Osborn I always read in comics. Much better than the 90s version who was reduced to being the Kingpin's whiny victim, and who wasn't a bad guy before he got powers.

Greg responds...

Glad you like it.

Response recorded on March 17, 2008

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Algernon writes...

My Thoughts on The Spectacular Spider-Man

Wow, I am truly gobsmacked by these first two episodes. I'm particularly impressed by how many figures of Spidey-lore you have managed to squeeze in here. From big names like Norman Osborn and Gwen Stacy to the insanely obscure ones like Sally Avril and Stan Carter. Most comic-based shows don't intro this many familiar faces in a whole season, this show does it in the pilot. Pretty much every single character with a speaking role is lifted directly from the comic page. But on to the episodes themselves...

Survival of The Fittest

A whole lot going on in this ep, Vulture's vendetta against Osborn, Foswell and the Enforcers cracking down on Spidey plus a whole lot of pipe laying for future story lines. It really is a great running start for the series, hope you keep up the momentum.

Interactions
Another episode bursting at the seems, lots of different plot lines interweaving. Seriously I'm amazed these episodes are only 22 minutes long. Electro's never been a fave of mine but I like what you did with him here.

Random Thoughts

*Keith David's Big Man is the standout for me. I especially dig the unseen ominous voice angle, Kingpin, shmingpin I Say.

*It seems your going the Ultimate route with Eddie Brock's character development. Not my favorite incarnation of Brock but it'll be interesting seeing where you go with it.

*I'm pretty sure this is the first time Sandman's been animated since the eighties.

*Who does the voice of Norman Osborn? It kinda sounds like Kelsey Grammer

Great work so far, keep it up.

Greg responds...

Alan Rachins IS Norman Osborn.

Response recorded on March 17, 2008

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The Spectacular Spider-Man #103

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep: "NATURAL SELECTION"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
MATT WAYNE

Card #5
Directed By
DAVE BULLOCK
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring
DEE BRADLEY BAKER as CURT CONNORS / LIZARD
MAX BURKHOLDER as BILLY CONNORS
LACEY CHABERT as GWEN STACY
BEN DISKIN as EDDIE BROCK
CRISPIN FREEMAN as THUG # 1
ANDREW KISHINO as KENNY KONG

_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring
PHIL LAMARR as RAND ROBERTSON
JOSHUA LEBAR as FLASH THOMPSON
KATH SOUCIE as MARTHA CONNORS
DEBORAH STRANG as MAY PARKER
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL McCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producer
ERIC VESBIT

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
KI HYUN RYU
ADAM VANWYK
RICK MORALES
IRINEO MARAMBA JR.

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KARROL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
BRIAN HOGAN
SWINTON SCOTT
JUNG JA KIM WOLF

Animation Checker
MYOUNG SMITH
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN "BUENOS" DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21

Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

Animatic Technician
MIKE MANGAN

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
ELVIDA ABELLA

Editors
RALPH A. EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
DONNELL EBARRETE
CHUCK SMITH

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #23

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS
FIL BROWN
Card #24
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #25
Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD
___________________________________________________________________________
Card #26

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
END LOGOS

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

SONY PICTURES TELEVISION


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"Natural Selection" on "The Spectacular Spider-Man"

Hey gang,

Hope you tune in on Saturday Morning to see the first appearance of the LIZARD on "The Spectacular Spider-Man". This episode is INTENSE!!! Trust me!


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Jordan writes...

Hey Greg,

I caught the spider-man premire and I have to say it was one of the best saturday mornings I've had in years. Congrats to you and your crew.

In the time between Gargoyles and Spider-man, how would say the overall process of creating an animated show has changed, for better or worse?

Greg responds...

Mostly worse for me at least, because in those days I had the occasional ear of Michael Eisner. He was hard to sell, but if he said yes, we got to MAKE OUR SHOW with no more bologna attached. Nowadays getting a "yes" is nearly impossible as it's always a decision by committee. Heck it took them years to decide to make Spider-Man. I mean... Spider-Man?!! If any show is a no-brainer...

Response recorded on March 14, 2008

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chuck logan writes...

Saw the new Spider-Man series and I have some quick questions:
1. Why does Doc conners have a robot arm?
If he has a perfectly fuctioning macanical arm, that may work better then a real one, why is he in such a hurry to grow a new arm? With this macanical arm (unlike in the comics) his life and ability to function is not hindered like it would be without it. The machanical arm deflates his motivation and the urgency to experiment on himself. I understand his wanting a flesh and bone arm but with a wife and child and a perfecly good maybe better robo arm his motives come across purely selfish and even more unnessisary.

2. Why do all the characters have eyes like the children in those old marionette/claymation christmas specials? This is especilly distrubing on Peter Parker.
3. Why introduse eddie brock so eairly in the series and not marry jane? Both these characters came much later in spider-man's life.
Mary Jane The Amazing Spider-Man #42 November 1966 (full apperence) \
Eddie Brock Web of Spider-Man #18 (Sept. 1986 Venom)

4. There are a couple other things that bug me, those are the big ones. Aginst my better judgment I actully like the new look of Vulture and Electro. My only problem with Electro is he is basicly a mutent. I would like it better if he uesed the suite to as a means of power not a way of containing it. This way he can lead an outwordly norm life and look like any rondom guy on the street until it is time to strike. At the end of the episode electro shattered his helmet. I hope he dosen't get another one he lookes cooler without it.

The animation on Spider-man during the action sequeces is great.
Thank You, Thank, You Thank You for giving Peter Parker/Spider-Man web shooters.
Is it true Kingpin will not appear in this show?

Greg responds...

1. It's not a robot arm, it's a somewhat advanced prosthetic arm. It doesn't function as well as a real arm, and he has no sensation in it. You'll notice he doesn't even use it to shake Peter's hand. If you think it's the same thing as having a real arm... well, you're just wrong. (Sorry.)

2. We like the art style. I'm not going to apologize for something that I VERY MUCH LIKE. Doesn't mean you have to like it, of course. To each his or her own.

3. I know exactly when each character was introduced, but I'm trying to find core truths, core dynamics for ALL the characters we're introducing. There is a method to my madness, but you may need to have a little patience.

4. Electro isn't a mutant by any comic book definition of the term that I know. I guess he's a mutate of sorts. But basically he got his powers in an accident, which is always how he got his powers in the comic.

5. As for Kingpin, at the moment we do not have permission to use the character, which I think is a damn shame. But I have hopes that'll change someday.

Response recorded on March 13, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

I saw the first two episodes of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" this morning, and enjoyed them. I immediately spotted a few of the elements that people have commented on here before me: the stone gargoyles in the first episode (knowing that you'd written that one, I wasn't at all surprised that they showed up), Keith David being cast as the mysterious boss determined to get rid of Spider-Man, and the way that Electro's accident evoked "Metamorphosis".

I'm looking forward to seeing the others - and I'm pleased that it's easy to follow for someone who (like me) has only a general familiarity with Spider-Man (though I got a few of the allusions, such as to Uncle Ben's death and the significance of lizards in Dr. Connors' lab). Congratulations.

Greg responds...

Thanks. We're having fun. We're exhausted, but we're having fun.

Response recorded on March 13, 2008

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Demonskrye writes...

I'm really glad we're able to give you our feedback on "Spectacular Spider-Man". My husband and I watched it this morning. We're big Spidey fans - the kind with all the Essential volumes on a easily accessible bookshelf - so I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that we both loved it. The "Cheeks" designs look great in animation and I'd even say this series looks better than any previous animated incarnation of Spider-Man. My husband got a kick out of seeing the Enforcers and we both really liked the takes on Liz Allen, Gwen Stacy, and Eddie Brock. Great buildup to the upcoming Lizard episode and nice subtle tease of the Sandman too. I was also impressed that we're two episodes in and there's no direct reference to Spidey's origin. I think by now it's fair to assume most viewers know what happened. I'm sure I won't be the first person to comment on the cameo by Hudson and a couple of Broadways (or was the other one Hollywood?)), but it was really fun.

So since I feel like I should ask a question, do I recall correctly that you mentioned reading "Untold Tales of Spider-Man" in a previous interview about the show? It's one of our favorite Spider-Man comics and we'd both be thrilled to see some aspects of it make their way into the show.

I know the show has been a lot of hard work for you and likely everyone else involved, but it looks like you're having a lot of fun too. Keep up the great work; it's paying off big time.

Greg responds...

I missed what the actual question was there. But I'm glad you liked it. We did reference the origin, both in the main titles and in the first episode. But we won't be TELLING the origin for a bit.

Response recorded on March 13, 2008

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KingCobra_582 writes...

**SPOILERS**

Weeks of waiting, and it's finally here. Video-taped "The Spectacular Spider-man" this morning on Kids WB! (the only reason I would ever watch that channel) and thought I'd leave my two cents.

It has a lot of nice touches to it. Loved the brief, but still informative info on the characters. Peter's infamous spider-bite, etc. I figured the entire first episode would've been devoted to it, instead of a little scene. Nice to be proven wrong, for once.

Of course, I loved the little nods to 'Gargoyles'.

Recognized Robert Englund right off (having been watching Fred Kruger movies since I was 7 or 8, not to mention his other horror films over the years, how could I not?) and thought he was just spot-on as Vulture. Vulture is now on my growing list of favorite Spider-man characters, thanks to Robert's performance and your writing. I don't know much about the character in the comics, but in the series, I think you did Vulture justice. Hope I get to see him again!

Electro. Another great villain, and another character that I could get used to. Gotta feel sorry for the guy, thrown into a situation that he didn't ask for nor could do anything about. I am curious, though. Why, when Dr. Connors said he needed more time for a cure, did Electro rage "I don't have time!"? Was he dying? Did he have something that's now impossible to do? Or was he just being impatient? Curious...

Captivating show, Greg. Definitely can't wait for next week's episode.

Never used to be a Spiderman fan, but then the movies came out, which (Not as much on part 3, though I still liked it) made me like it a little. Now we have this show, and now I just want to start reading the comics. I think I'm on the path to full fledged-spidey geek.

Thanks for that. :)

Greg responds...

Re: Electro. "Impatient" doesn't quite cover it.

Response recorded on March 11, 2008

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Jess writes...

Hey Greg! Just watched the premeire episodes of Spectacular Spider-Man, and I loved them! The scripts were tight as usual. I thought the way you used voice-overs for Peter was perfect. It didn't feel gimicky at all, and gave a lot of insight into Peter's thoughts. My favorite moment is during the fight with the Vulture, where Spidey's quipping away and then all of a sudden we hear "I can't let Harry lose his dad the way I lost Uncle Ben." Beautifully understated and very powerful.

The animation style took a little time to adjust too, but it grew on me, and IMO felt very fluid. Also, I noticed the Gargoyles that showed up during the opening shot and at the end of the first episode. Nice shout out.

I'll also add that the cast is very strong. Was it just me, or was Keith "Goliath" David the mysterious man on the phone?
I'm amused at find out that Josh Keaton and James Arnold Taylor have played each other's characters in various videogames, but both were great at the parts they won in the series.I was also very very happy to hear Crispin Freeman as Electro. I'm something of a fan, espicially since I just finished The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

I can't wait 'til next week!

Greg responds...

I'm glad you liked the "Uncle Ben" line. Certain people behind the scenes wanted to cut it. Vic and I fought to keep it in.

Keith David did indeed play the Big Man in the first episode.

Response recorded on March 11, 2008

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Lumpmoose writes...

Hey, I just saw the first 2 episodes of Spectacular Spider-Man and I thought they were fantastic. I found them very engaging, so the writing-on-multiple-levels thing is working great. I caught three Gargoyles references: Hudson at the beginning, Broadway crumbling in the middle, and the policewoman that had Elisa's hair and skin color. Did I miss any? ;)

I have only one technical question. Victor Cook said at the Comic-Con panel that the series was being produced in high definition. I was watching my local affiliate of CW in HD, but the show was in 4:3 pan and scan. All the publicity screenshots before the premiere were released in 16:9 widescreen, including one in an HD resolution: http://marvel.toonzone.net/specspidey/media/gallery/04.jpg

So it seems the HD content is there, but someone just didn't put in the right tapes, or something. Spidey was born to be in widescreen, HD, digital sound, etc. Is that something you can fix?

Thanks! Love the show so far!

Greg responds...

I'm really not sure what's going on. We were trying to figure out what the CW is doing with it last night, and we think they're broadcasting it both ways... on CW and CWHD. But I don't really know for sure. I do know we're making it in HD, but making sure that all key images are in the normal TV cutoff. At the mix, we listen to the sound first in 5.1. Then we listen to it again on normal stereo speakers, to make sure it works for both.

Response recorded on March 11, 2008

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Ricky writes...

I'm back!

Great first episodes, just as I expected! The Spectacular Spider-Man has totally lived up to all my geeky hopes and expectations.

A few questions about some things:
The gargoyle that fell off the building and smashed..was that Broadway? I'm limited to a plain old cable box, no tivo or DVR to rewind or rewatch.

Loved the Gargoyles references, whether they were just plain old gargoyle statues or our favorite Gargoyles characters, it's nice to see them stuck in whenever possible.

Keith David is great, I love having him as a part of this show, he could probably voice just about anything and make it interesting, compelling and just plain fun. Every time I hear him I can't help but think, "it's Goliath!"

Also, did I catch Jeff Bennett's voice in there, as one of the enforcers?

Anyway, keep up the great work and thanks again!

Greg responds...

It was certainly reminiscent of Broadway, but no it was not Broadway. Why would Broadway be asleep at night?

Response recorded on March 10, 2008

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Aldrius writes...

Here's my ramble on the first two episodes of Spider-man. Sorry the ramble is kinda disjointed. I just wrote each thought as it occurred to me.

Okay, so by the intro we already have Keith David and Clancy Brown. I think that Keith David might be the Kingpin. Which I wouldn't mind at all. And the intros really cool. Looks like we're getting a black suited spider-man soon. Which I don't mind. Always liked the look of the black suit.

By the way, was that Hudson as one of the gargoyles at the beginning? Can't go 8 seconds without a gargoyles cameo, eh?

Just teasing.

Commercials suck.

Peter Parker's design is a little creepy...

I can't recognize May or Anna's voices.

I like Peter's characterization here. Thinks he's such a smooth operator. Is a huge nerd. That's our Peter Parker.

Wow. Three villains' alter-egos in the first episode. Norman Osbourn, Adrian Toomes, and Flint Marko. Not bad. Norman kinda reminds me of Xanatos a little bit. Which isn't a bad idea all things considered.

...Eek. Harry. That's kinda disappointing Maybe it'll change.

Phil LaMarr is the random jock friend of Flash. That's so great. "It's cool." I can tell I'm going to like you Mr. Jock Friend.

Oh man. I love Keith David. He plays every role he does so well. He's hilarious, heart-warming and cunning and all that. And we have Hammer Head here too. So I'm starting to wonder who he's playing. Still think it's the Kingpin.

Curt Connors now.

And oh... Lacey Chabert is Gwen Stacey, huh? That's not bad casting.

... and here's the Vulture.

GOD DAMMIT HARRY. HARRY. WTH IS WRONG WITH YOU!?

Norman is still pretty great. Reminds me a lot of what Wilhem did with it. The super-proud manipulative father.

And so we continue the Spider-man TAS trend of Osbourn pissing people off and getting kidnapped. What was that joke in Batman: The Animated Series? "Another super-villain provided by a fund from the Wayne Foundation"? Something like that anyway.

Dear god. That vulture is persistent. And now we have some random guys in a helicopter too. And more Jeff Bennett, which is always great.

"YOU WILL APOLOGIZE!"

...is that really all he wants? An apology? I kinda drifted out there for a second...

And Osbourn won't give it to him? What the hell?

This show is actually pretty funny.

Aunt May is useless Amazing Spider-man Aunt May. Guh! Curses! Hopefully that'll change eventually.

Oh no. Random mechanic. I wonder if he'll turn out to be a bad guy.

That would be a twist...

Curt Connors is an irresponsible father-figure! Damn him!

Haha. Aunt May, worse than the Green Goblin, Electro and Venom combined. "You're to be home by ten young man!!"

Oh no, random mechanic just was in a strange accident.

I wonder if he has superpowers now...

Oh shoot. I recognize the doctor's voice, is that the same actor who played Talon in Gargoyles?

The hospital even provides super-suits for their super-villains now. That's service!

Aha. Liz Allen.

Ah, this kinda reminds me of that Justice League villain who couldn't touch anyone.

Ah, the Superman cut. I like the jazzy spider-man theme. That's a really nice touch.

I like Electro... his design is cool, and his voice is kinda neat.

Ah, so next up is the Rhino... that could be interesting...

I think one thing that makes Greg such a great writer is that he puts depth where there really is none. This is all typical super-hero fare, but it's given a lot of life and energy by the writing.

And is that... oh shoot... the fellow who played Matt Bluestone as the cop? Tom Wilson. That's it. That's type-casting for you. Heh. Tom is great.

"We're all nerds. Join us!" The future is at hand.

Everyone's eyes creep the heck out of me...

Liz Allen's 'petey' bit is interesting.

Haha. Spider-man is an irritating bastard.

Electro seems a lot more powerful than the Vulture was.

Again, this show is actually really funny. The light-heartedness (that's a word, I swear) really comes across well.

Aunt May, I kinda hope she gets in on 'the secret' so to speak. Sooner rather than later.

Liz Allen... is that... Maria Canals?

Maybe wrecking the lab wasn't such a hot idea, Electro.

That was actually a really good hour I think. I like this series and I think it has 'marvelous potential'.

The spider-man's head in the sky thing is an interesting way to end each episode. I'm not sure if I like it or not.

Sorry if it sounds like I'm being snarky. I really love the show and what you're doing with the mythos. I snark because I like it.

All in all. Bravo.

Greg responds...

Rand isn't random, of course.

Not sure what your reacting to about Harry.

Liz Allan was voiced by Alanna Ubach.

I like to think Xanatos is/will be a much better father than Norman.

I'd hardly call Aunt May useless.

Dorian Harewood played Boreas and Talos on Gargoyles and plays Doc Bromwell in TSS-M. Rocky Carroll played Talon/Derek.

Response recorded on March 10, 2008

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Ricky writes...

Hey Greg,

Can't wait for The Spectacular Spider-Man, by the time you read this it will have already aired, and you'll probably have another message from me telling you how incredible it was. I'm a huge Spider-Man fan (and an even huger Gargoyles fan) and I know that with you behind the wheel, we're in for a great show.

That was more of a comment, so here's my question:

Any chance that you could give us an update on how things are going for:

a) Gargoyles #8 and Bag Guys #2, any updates on how things are coming along, whether they've been approved or approximately when we can expect them? Sorry to bug you about it but I'm just so excited to see where both new issues will take us.

b) Clan-Building Volume 1, did it sell well? I know I did my part, I bought 4, and I've reread it at least 20 times. It's nice to have them in a compact form, and I love the size of the book. I was expecting it to be about the size of the individual issues, but I was pleasantly surprised (it's the perfect size to read in class and not get caught :P).

I also bought two of the new t-shirt, so hopefully that'll help send Disney the message that we want more Gargoyles merchandise!

Thanks a lot for everything, it's so great to have Gargoyles to look forward to again. Here's to hoping for the Season 2, Volume 2 DVD, and the renewal of the license for the comics!

Greg responds...

a) See my answer to the previous question.

b) Don't know.

Response recorded on March 10, 2008

Bookmark Link

Spectacular Spider-Man 102

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep: "INTERACTIONS"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
KEVIN HOPPS

Card #5
Directed By
TROY ADOMITIS
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring
DEE BRADLEY BAKER as CURT CONNORS
LACEY CHABERT as GWEN STACY
GREY DELISLE as SALLY AVRIL
BEN DISKIN as EDDIE BROCK
CRISPIN FREEMAN as MAX DILLON / ELECTRO
BRIAN GEORGE as AARON WARREN
DORIAN HAREWOOD as DOC BROMWELL

_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring
JOSHUA LEBAR as FLASH THOMPSON
KATH SOUCIE as MARTHA CONNORS, TRINA
DEBORAH STRANG as MAY PARKER
JAMES ARNOLD TAYLOR as HARRY OSBORN
ALANNA UBACH as LIZ ALLAN
TOM WILSON as STAN CARTER
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL McCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producer
ERIC VESBIT

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
KALVIN LEE
OCTAVIO RODRIGUEZ
JAY OLIVA
DAVE SCHWARTZ
ROBERT SOUZA
FRANK PAUR
HANK TUCKER

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KARROL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
BRIAN HOGAN
PATRICK GLEESON
TONY CRAIG
RANDY LUDENSKY

Animation Checker
SANDI HATHCOCK
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN "BUENOS" DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21

Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

Animatic Technician
MIKE MANGAN

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
ELVIDA ABELLA

Editors
RALPH A. EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
DONNELL EBARRETE
CHUCK SMITH

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #23

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS
FIL BROWN
Card #24
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #25
Animation Production by
DONGWOO ANIMATION CO., LTD.
___________________________________________________________________________
Card #26

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
END LOGOS

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

SONY PICTURES TELEVISION


Bookmark Link

Spectacular Spider-Man 101

Because KWB SQUISHES the credits and runs them at warp speed, I thought the people who worked so hard deserved a little more recognition. And as ASK GREG is about as little as you can get, here are the credits for the first episode of Spider-Man

___________________________________________________________________________

The Spectacular Spider-Man
Ep : "SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST"
Main and End Title Credits ___________________________________________________________________________
Main Titles
Executive Producers
STAN LEE
CRAIG KYLE
ERIC S. ROLLMAN
___________________________________________________________________________

Developed For Television By
VICTOR COOK & GREG WEISMAN

Created by
STAN LEE & STEVE DITKO

Opening Credits

Card #1
Supervising Producer and Story Editor
GREG WEISMAN

Card #2
Producer and Supervising Director
VICTOR COOK

Card #3
Producer
DIANE A CREA

Card #4
Written By
GREG WEISMAN

Card #5
Directed By
VICTOR COOK
___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Credits

Card #6
Starring
JOSH KEATON as PETER PARKER / SPIDER-MAN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #7
Also Starring
DEE BRADLEY BAKER as CURT CONNORS
IRENE BEDARD as JEAN DEWOLFF
JEFF GLEN BENNETT as MONTANA
CLANCY BROWN as ALEX O'HIRN
LACEY CHABERT as GWEN STACY
KEITH DAVID as BIG MAN
GREY DELISLE as SALLY AVRIL, BETTY BRANT
JOHN DIMAGGIO as FLINT MARKO, HAMMERHEAD
BEN DISKIN as EDDIE BROCK
_______________________________________________________________________
Card #8
Also Starring
ROBERT ENGLUND as ADRIAN TOOMES/ VULTURE
BRIAN GEORGE as AARON WARREN
PHIL LAMARR as RAND ROBERTSON
JOSHUA LEBAR as FLASH THOMPSON
PETER MACNICOL as OTTO OCTAVIUS
DARAN NORRIS as J. JONAH JAMESON
ALAN RACHINS as NORMAN OSBORN
KATH SOUCIE as MARTHA CONNORS, ANNA WATSON
DEBORAH STRANG as MAY PARKER
JAMES ARNOLD TAYLOR as HARRY OSBORN
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #9
Voice Casting and Dialogue Director
JAMIE THOMASON
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #10
Music by
LOLITA RITMANIS
KRISTOPHER CARTER
MICHAEL McCUISTION

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #11
Associate Producer
ERIC VESBIT
___________________________________________________________________________
Card #12
Staff Writer
KEVIN HOPPS

Apprentice Writer
RANDY JANDT

Card # 13
Storyboard Artists
KI HYUN RYU
SAHIN ERSOZ
DAN FAUSETT
LARRY LEEKER
FRANK MARINO

Storyboard Revisionists
PAUL HARMON
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON

Card #14
Lead Character Designer
SEAN "CHEEKS" GALLOWAY
____________________________________________________________________
Card #15
Character Designers
PHILLIP BOURASSA
THOMAS PERKINS
GREG GULER
JOSE ZELAYA

Assistant Character Designers
JOSH BISHOP
WALTER GATUS
JEFFREY S. JOHNSON
JOEY MASON
KAY PARK

Card #16
Background Supervisor
VINCENT TOYAMA

Background Designers
KENNY McGILL
ART MORALES
BOB KLINE
TED BLACKMAN

Prop Designers
TAE SOO KIM
ANDY CHIANG
ART LEE

Card #17
Background Painters
JOEY MASON
MIKE INMAN
WEI ZHAO
FRED WARTER
LIN HUA ZHENG

Color Stylists
PAMELA LONG
DAVID SVEND KARROL
CRAIG CUQRO
NANCY ULENE

Card #18

Supervising Timing Director
GORDON KENT

Timing Directors
BRIAN HOGAN
SWINTON SCOTT
JUNG JA KIM WOLF

Animation Checker
MYOUNG SMITH
__________________________________________________________________________
Card #19

Storyboard Production Manager BRIAN G. SMITH

Production Art Supervisor JOHN "BUENOS" DIAZ

Production Coordinator SHERRIAN FELIX

Episodic Casting Supervisor MATTHEW C. OTOSKI

Production Assistant BEN MALONEY

Post Production Assistant JENNIFER L. ANDERSON

Production Accountant NATHAN HARAMOTO

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #20

Associate Producer for Marvel
JOSHUA FINE

Production Coordinator for Marvel
ADAM TOOTLA

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #21
Recorded at
STUDIOPOLIS, INC.

Dialogue Recording Engineer
ERIC LEWIS, C.A.S.

Dialogue Editor
TERRY REIFF

Track Reading
SOUND BYTE, INC.

Animatic Technician
MIKE MANGAN

__________________________________________________________________________
Card #22
STUDIO POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Anthony Lark

Editors
RALPH EUSEBIO
BRUCE A. KING

Assistant Editors
DONNELL EBARRETE
CHUCK SMITH

Digital Effects Supervisor
ULYSSES ARGETTA

Card #23

Music Engineers MARK MATTSON
MAKO SUJISHI

Post Production Sound Services ADVANTAGE Sound Services

Sound Designer ROBERT POOLE II

Dialogue Editor ROBBI SMITH

Foley Artist CRAIG NG

Foley Mixer MARY ERSTAD

Digital Audio Transfer ROBERT PRATT

Re-Recording Mixers MELISSA ELLIS
FIL BROWN
Card #24
Main Title Theme by
THE TENDER BOX

Main Title Directed by
VICTOR COOK

Main Title Storyboard by
PHIL WEINSTEIN

Main Title Color by
JOEY MASON

Main Title Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD

___________________________________________________________________________
Card #25
Animation Production by
HANHO HEUNG-UP CO. LTD
___________________________________________________________________________
Card #26

This Motion Picture is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries, and its unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Many of the characters and incidents portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character, or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

"The Spectacular Spider-Man, the animated series (C) 2008 Adelaide Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Spider-Man and all related characters TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc."

Adelaide Productions, Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article
15(2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.

___________________________________________________________________________
END LOGOS

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CULVER ENTERTAINMENT

SONY PICTURES TELEVISION


Bookmark Link

THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN

Hey gang,

Just wanted to let potentially interested people know about the one-hour (two episode) premiere this Saturday, March 8th of "THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN".

This is the new animated series that's been consuming me (pretty much literally) for the last year plus. I am very proud of it. If you like Gargoyles, I really think you'll like this too, especially if you've ever been a fan of Spider-Man (but even if you never have).

We're on KidsWB a.k.a. the CW. Check local listings, though here in Los Angeles we air from 10am-11am on Channel 5, KTLA.

I'm going to ask Gore to open Ask Greg to discuss Spidey.

Greg


Bookmark Link

Where things stand...

Uh... they don't. Not for me. They run at break-neck speed, these days. Here's what I'm up to.

GARGOYLES
Issue #8 is complete. Late last week it was sent to Disney AND the printer, so that the moment the former approves it, the latter can send it to press.
Issue #9 is written. David Hedgecock is doing roughs and original designs now. The cover, already pencilled and inked by Greg Guler,is being colored by Robby Bevard.
Issue #10 needs to get written. I'll get to that as soon as I'm done writing Red Tornado #1 (see below). Dave will be pencilling that cover off his rough.

GARGOYLES: BAD GUYS
Issue #2 is currently being lettered. The art is complete: pencils and inks by Karine Charlebois, finishes by Karine and Robby. The cover, a Guler/Bevard job featuring Yama, is done.
Issue #3 is currently being roughed out by guest artist Christopher A. Jones. Chris is the regular penciller on The Batman Strikes, and he and I worked together on the Captain Atom/Gargoyles/Justice League Europe parody from a few years back. The cover, a Guler/Bevard job featuring Hunter, is done.
Issue #4 is currently being roughed by Karine. The cover, a Guler/Bevard job featuring Fang, is done.
Issue #5 will get scripted as soon as I'm done scripting Red Tornado #1, Gargoyles #10 and Red Tornado #2. Guler is currently working on the cover, which features Dingo.

RED TORNADO
DC Comics has hired me to write a six issue limited series featuring one of my favorite characters, i.e. Red Tornado. (Duh.) I'm currently scripting issue #1. I'm hoping that any attention I get on this book will help us over on the Gargoyles books.

THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN
And, oh yeah... there's my actual job... and the main reason why I'm completely exhausted these days.
Episode #1 - This week we have a music and fx preview. The episode will preview at WonderCon on 2/23 and premiere on KidsWB on 3/8.
Episode #2 - We had a music and fx spottting session last week. This episode will ALSO premiere on KidsWB on 3/8. Or so I've been told.
Episode #3 - I've seen the Teaser and Act One. Hopefully, I'll see the missing acts this week, so that we can do our first pass edit and call retakes. We also have a music spotting session late this week.
Episode #4 - We should get it back from Korea this week to edit and call retakes.
Episodes #5-12 - We're waiting to get these back from Korea.
Episode #13 - Reviewing final color models.
Episodes #14-15 - Seeing design work daily and waiting to see storyboards.
Episodes #16-17 - Seeing design work daily. We'll be recording some pick-ups this week with a couple of actors who missed the main recording sessions earlier this month.
Episode #18 - We're recording this one on Thursday of this week.
Episode #19 - I need to finish editing the script for this one tonight.
Episode #20 - I'll start editing this script tonight or tomorrow.
Episode #21 - The writer should deliver this script late this week.
Episode #22 - The writer's working on this script now.
Episode #23 - The writer's working on this outline now.
Episode #24 - The writer will start this outline when she finishes writing the script to #21.
Episode #25 - I have to write this outline... you know, on my free time.
Episode #26 - The writer will write this outline when he's done writing the script for #22.

And I think that's it. Whew!


Bookmark Link

Cagalli writes...

Are you going to make third season of W.I.T.C.H. i mean it seemed like there was going to be another season i realy like that show but i watched it a million times

Greg responds...

As far as I know, SIP and Disney are not planning a third season of WITCH. I would have loved to have done it, and I'd still be game, although right now I'm heavily immersed in the first two seasons of THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN for Sony, Marvel and KidsWB/CW.

Response recorded on January 23, 2008

Bookmark Link

Georry writes...

Georry writes...

I am looking forward to seeing the new Spider-Man series you are working on.

I read somewhere that the series first season order has been extended from 13 to 26 episodes, is this true?
Greg responds...

Yes.

Thanks for your response! Thats great news!

Without going into details, how does that affect your plans for the first season?

Will you stretch out the already planned arc to span 26 episodes rather than 13?

Or will you do the first 13 episodes exactly the way you planned, and continue from there?

Also, will the writers strike have any affect on the series?

Thanks again!

Greg responds...

The first thirteen scripts were finished before we got the pick-up for the back thirteen.

And, no, the WGA doesn't cover most television animation. I'm in TAG (the Animation Guild) not WGA (the Writers Guild of America). So Spidey is not directly effected by the strike.

Response recorded on January 02, 2008

Bookmark Link

Georry writes...

I am looking forward to seeing the new Spider-Man series you are working on.

I read somewhere that the series first season order has been extended from 13 to 26 episodes, is this true?

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on December 11, 2007

Bookmark Link

Jurgan writes...

Been working non-stop lately, but I did get a chance to read issue 6, and now that I've got a little time off, I'm going to try to drop a review.

Good news, first: when I went to my usual comics store, which has always stocked several of each issue, on the afternoon of release day, they were sold out. I know your question is always "will you order more?" so you'll be happy to know that I heard the employee say, "we need to up our orders for Gargoyles." At least, I'm pretty sure he said that, though I don't know if they ordered any more of issue 6 than the two copies I ordered (I keep one in plastic, mainly so that if I'm reading one on the bus or I loan it to a friend and lose it, I'll always have a complete set that never leaves my house). The upshot for me was that, by the time I got to reading it a week later, I already knew about the production errors and wasn't as confused by them. It did throw me a bit when I saw Coldstone and Goliath fighting and talking, but then I remembered talk about errors and figured it out. And I've seen similar errors before- my Death of Jean DeWolff paperback had two pages in reverse order, so it jumps from Daredevil fighting a mob, to Spider-man (with a hyphen!) and Daredevil talking on a roof, to Spider-man swinging into the mob to save Daredevil. Anyway, the point is that I thought the errors were a bit confusing, but nothing so bad that I couldn't figure them out. So, 'nuff said on that issue.

Reunion was a rather down issue in a number of ways. Since it was a flashback, we already knew how things would ultimately turn out, so it didn't advance the plot much (although there were some hints about future developments). It felt more like a highlights reel than an actual complete story- the travelers had barely arrived when they were on their way out again. Still, there were certainly some good things in it:

I was a bit confused right at the beginning why Angela said Goliath was "healing." Wouldn't stone sleep cure him instantly? Was Thailog's wound that bad that it took days to recover?

I'm very amused by Thailog's emperor get-up. He's barely touched the wine, though. But I also like how Shari is pretending to be subject to him. She seems to enjoy the game of being his servant, knowing that at any moment she can switch to her master role. Also, artwise (I rarely have much to say about art), I like the very dark eyeliner Shari wears. Some people thought that was another mistake, but I have no problem with her looking different from day to day. One of the advantages of comics over cartoons- methinks Elisa's buying a whole new wardrobe.

Shari starts telling the story, but opens with the line "who can say if it be true." This raises an interesting question- how reliable is Shari as a narrator? I enjoy the device of the unreliable narrator, but I can't tell if it's being employed here. So, can you tell us: is what we see in the flashback literally what happened to the travelers, or is it a distorted version of the story told by Shari?

The laundry room arrival was rather silly, but clever at the same time. I can't decide whether I like it or not.

I love Bronx's vest.

Master Dawa's kind of fun. Far too many sage characters only speak in vague, portentous platitudes. It's nice when they know how to crack a joke or two, as in "their bodies are such lousy shots."

The action sequence in the cave is excellent, with a great sense of motion. And I can hear Frank Welker's barks in my head. And then, jalapena. This word should stay around forever, and now you don't have to worry about the art crew's objections (I've never understood what it was about that word that was so objectionable, anyway).

Goliath and Angela may not look very Yetiish, but in his white fur get-up, Coldstone actually does. The next action scene is also pretty good, though not quite up to the first.

The conversation scenes are nice, and Goliath gets his first chance to tell someone about the eggs surviving. I love his little grin. I also like Bronx asleep by the fire.

Angela's talk about Gabriel being his "biological" son was a little odd to me. I thought that once Goliath acknowledged her as his daughter, her talk of biology had ended. I assumed Gabriel's heritage would be an issue obvious to us, the viewers, but never made explicit to the characters, just like Hudson/Broadway.

So, you managed to slip a quick recap of Coldstone's situation in. Probably for the best, as Coldstone's story was always one of the more confusing elements of the series for me. I didn't figure it out until my second run with the series in college, five years after it went off the air. I also like that Coldstone is learning monastic meditation techniques, or something, to control Iago. I'm not sure how that will matter in the long run.

And then there's another great fight. Tell Purcell that he does some of the best action sequences in the book so far. I know Hedgecock's working hard, but Purcell should be on your short list of fill-ins. So far, 5 and 6 definitely have the best artwork. Unlike some, I've enjoyed almost all of the art we've seen so far, even if there've been a few problems (I didn't care for some of the goofy extras in #4, and there were a few Hedgecock panels that were ridiculously out-of-proportion). However, Karine and Purcell are the ones whose art really looks like the Gargoyles we grew up with. Anyway.

Coldstone's "neck-snapping" comment was downright disturbing. There's something you never would have pulled off on television. The funny thing is, while it does seem a bit over-the-top, it works when we realize who's really in control. Othello's trying to impersonate his evil brother, but he's a hammy actor and plays it too broadly. Maybe I'm reading too much into his few lines as "Iago," but that's what it seems to me. If only I could hear Michael Dorn do this one.

Speaking of Othello, I was impressed by his character in this issue. I've never been too fond of the guy. He strikes me as a moral coward who's willing to compromise his integrity and take the easy way out until cajoled into doing the right thing, in both "High Noon" and "Posession," and perhaps other places as well (a big part of his relationship with Desdemona seems to be that she acts as his conscience). So it was nice to see him take action immediately to protect his family, even though he surely would have preferred to return with them. Of course, it's a very status quo choice- Coldstone had already left the clan, and nothing seems to have changed in this issue. Or has it? There are some hints.

I've never heard of Shambahla. I ran across suggestion that it's another name for Shangri-La- is that right? The travelers left with apparently nothing accomplished, but Avalon did not send them back. Having them leave unconscious was probably the only solution, since they would not have gone voluntarily without him (well, Elisa might have, but Goliath can be pretty stubborn).

"A story for another night." Sounds very similar to the Weird Sisters' pronouncement. In their case, though, they were talking about themselves. Shari's story is certainly one we'd like to hear sooner or later. The comment room denizens have a great theory about her which I wish I'd thought of myself (then again, I came up with the reigning theory on Number 1's identity, so I shouldn't be too jealous). A little bit I liked was Thailog referring to Iago as his "uncle." It shows how un-gargoyle he is mentally, since any gargoyle would refer to Othello as one of his rookery fathers. And then Shari suggests that Goliath may not have failed- and Thailog freaks out. We've seen Thailog angry before, but I don't think we've ever seen him completely lose his composure like this. He seems genuinely afraid at this point. Shari's an incredibly captivating character, and I can't wait to see more of her. Her talk about "fruit" suggests something big is brewing, and the possibility that there's more going on here than meets the eye saves this issue from the doldrums of mediocrity.

Scarab returns, and Xanatos meets with Coldsteel. Wonder what that's about...

All in all, this wasn't a bad issue, but it strikes me as a bit of a dud. It was nice to fill in some gaps, but there was nothing really surprising or significant about the Himalayas adventure. However, if this pays off in the next story arc, and the pay off is good enough, I may change my tune. I wonder how this would have worked as an episode of the TV show. It would have to be framed quite a bit differently. Here, we're willing to see a sort of mundane story because we sense that it's still significant. As part of the World Tour, though, it wouldn't be very satisfying to see an episode in which nothing significant appears to take place- the gang show up, get chased away, and leave. I assume the plot would have been expanded quite a bit- maybe adding in an external threat so that there could be a sense of closure to the episode.

This issue also brings to mind two of the bigger disappointments in Gargoyles. One was the other untold World Tour story, showing how Xanatos took advantage of Goliath's absence. The other is the end of Legion. While a decent episode on the whole, Legion always feels weak to me because of its ending. The Xanatos tag was that he stole a computer virus, but compared to the stunners immediately preceding in Leader of the Pack and Metamorphosis, it's not that impressive. Even worse, though, was that there was never any follow-up to this virus that Xanatos thought was so valuable- you'd think he would have found some use for it eventually. A rare moment of waste in the Gargoyles universe. So I'm making a formal request that we find out what Xanatos used that virus for. I can think of possible uses in the next story arc, but those are ideas, so I'll keep them to myself (of course, you've already written the next story arc, but something down the road might be similar to what I'm thinking, so...). If you've already got plans, I don't want to know specifics (not that you'd give them anyway). I'm happy hanging on for the ride. Just letting you know that that's something I've always been curious about.

All in all, a decent issue, but nothing too spectacular. The weakest issue of the book so far, due to the fact that it currently seems like mostly filler. 2.5/4 stars (note that this is by Gargoyles standards- compared to other comics, it'd probably get 3 or 3.5). If it's redeemed by future issues and takes on greater significance, as I suspect it will, my opinion may improve a good bit. Thanks for listening.

Greg responds...

The M in Spider-Man is capitalized after the hyphen.

Response recorded on November 12, 2007

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Jess writes...

In my previous post I referred to your upcoming Spiderman cartoon as Ultimate Spiderman instead of Spectacular Spiderman by accident. Whoops! Once again I plead midterms, because they ate my brain. With ketchup.

Greg responds...

No biggie. But yeah, it's THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN. With a hyphen. Everyone always forgets the hyphen.

Response recorded on October 19, 2007

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Landon "Lumpmoose" Thomas writes...

Hello, long-time reader, first time asker. I just caught "Ken 10" and loved it. I think it's one of the best Ben 10 episodes yet, and that's saying a lot. I love seeing the shades of Gargoyles in there with your fearlessness in shaking things up, adding drama, introducing new characters, and playing with the time line. It makes me all the more excited for Spectacular Spider-man (congrats on the 26-episode pick-up, by the way).

I'm currently pondering a career in sound design/editing/engineering. Animation is my passion and that's what I'd like to work with, at least partially (i.e. I can't draw). You've mentioned Advantage Audio in the past as the Gargoyles post-production house. Advantage Audio looks like a great place to work, but it surprises me that Disney television animation would contract out for audio work on one of their flagship products.

1) I know smaller animation studios usually contract out for audio post-production, but how often do the big studios, like WDTVA, WB, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon, use external post-production houses?

b) Do they even have in-house audio teams? If so, how often do they use them?

c) Just out of curiosity, what does Culver Entertainment do?

2) The thing I'm worried about most is being 'merely' a tech grunt in the audio production field. In your opinion, how much creativity is there in the audio post-production field?

b) How closely do you, as a writer/producer/director, work with audio teams? Do you just pass the work on and expect an end-product?

3) This is a personal, limited-in-scope question of which you may have no opinion. I'm currently in Minneapolis with a BA in theatre, minor in computer science, and very little audio experience. I'm pondering going to Full Sail for a trained-by-the-best kind of thing. Does that school stick out for you or would a local tech school and/or experience be good enough to break into the big time?

Thanks for any help! I know questions weren't strictly Gargoyles-related, but Gargoyles was what inspired me to steer into the entertainment industry in the first place!

Greg responds...

Thanks for the congrats.

1. None of the studios I've ever worked with in Television Animation have their own post houses.

b. Never.

c. Each show is different, but as far as Spidey's concerned, we'll probably make a decision in the next couple weeks as to which audio post house we'll be using.

2. Tons. But it depends on what you mean by creativity. Obviously, you're coming at the piece near the end of the process. You're not writing the story or animating the picture, but you are breathing life into it with sound, and there are a tons of choices to be made. The producers (if not the executives) have final say of course, but a great engineer or sound fx designer makes all the difference in the world.

b. I discuss things with the team, they go to town and then I'm present for the mix (at the very least). I don't just hand it off and cross my fingers that I'll like what comes back, but I also don't stand over their shoulders while the sound is being designed.

3. I've never heard of "Full Sail", but frankly I don't know this arena very well, so don't judge by me.

Good luck!

Response recorded on October 12, 2007

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PODCASTING...

Here's a link to a Spectacular Spider-Man interview I did last week...

http://spidermancrawlspace.com/

Check it out!


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San Diego Comic-Con

Hey intrepid-ones! I will be attending Comic-Con in San Diego. I'll be in town from Wednesday July 25 - Sunday July 29, 2007...

What follows is my schedule. Please stop by. Say hello. Introduce yourself or reintroduce yourself. Come here me pontificate endlessly (until time runs out). Etc.

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2007
*1:30pm - 2:30pm - Gargoyles Signing
SLG Booth - Come purchase Gargoyles Comic Books at the SLG Booth and get them signed by myself and artist David Hedgecock!

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2007
*12:45pm - 1:45pm - The Spectacular Spider-Man Panel
Rooms 6CDEF - Come hear all we're willing to tell and see the first footage from the new Spider-Man television series coming in early 2008 to the KidsWB.
Also on the panel, Supervising Director/Producer Vic Cook, Character Designer Sean "Cheeks" Galloway, Voice of Spider-Man/Peter Parker Josh Keaton, Marvel Exec VP Craig Kyle, Sony Exec Michael Vogel

*2:15pm - 2:55pm - Spider-Man Signing
Marvel Booth - Get free Spider-Man posters and get them signed by myself, Vic, Cheeks and Josh!

*5:30pm - 6:30pm - Gargoyles Signing
SLG Booth - Come purchase Gargoyles Comic Books at the SLG Booth and get them signed by myself and artist David Hedgecock!

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2007
*12:00pm - 1:30pm - Spider-Man Signing
Sony Booth - Get free Spider-Man posters and get them signed by myself, Vic, Cheeks and Josh!

*1:30pm - 3:00pm - Gargoyles Signing
SLG Booth - Come purchase Gargoyles Comic Books (including the new issue #5) at the SLG Booth and get them signed by myself and artist David Hedgecock!

*5:00pm - 6:00pm - Gargoyles Signing
SLG Booth - Come purchase Gargoyles Comic Books at the SLG Booth and get them signed by myself and artist David Hedgecock!

*6:30pm - 7:30pm - The Animation Production Process Panel
Rm 3 - What goes into bringing an animated script to screen? Producers Stephanie Graziano (X-Men: The Animated Series), Tad Stones (Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms), and Greg Weisman (Spectacular Spider- Man) take you behind the scenes and into the trenches. Moderated by Shannon Muir (Invader Zim), author of Gardner's Guide to Writing and Producing Animation from GGC, and currently project management coordinator at Animation World Network.

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2007
*1:30pm - 3:00pm - Gargoyles Signing
SLG Booth - Come purchase Gargoyles Comic Books at the SLG Booth and get them signed by myself and artist David Hedgecock!


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Gathering 2007 - Insta-Journal, Part Five

THURSDAY, JUNE 21st, 2007

Travel day. Beth and I got up early, packed, checked out and finally had a breakfast at our bed and breakfast. (Eggs Benedict.) Then we drove to Boston, where Beth dropped me off at Logan Airport before heading back to Nantucket to join the kids and her folks. I bought a Dunkin Donut at the airport, reviewed the outline for the 11th episode of Spidey, listened to audio for the second and third episodes, began the Kandell book and flew to Washington Dulles, where I ate a bag of my Cape Cod chips. Got on the plane to Knoxville, and slept uncomfortably through most of the flight. Landed in Knoxville, where I was picked up by Kathy Pogge, who drove me to Pigeon Forge. Got to the Grand Hotel and into my room. NO INTERNET SIGNAL in the room. Crap. (I'm currently down in the lobby typing this.) Had to spend a lot of time on the phone long distance to Spidey folk, which held up the staff dinner. (Apologies.) Finally, I made it downstairs, and fifteen of us... (me, Kathy, Jennifer, Nikki, Karine, Thom, Samuel, Susan, Patrick, Tony, Andrea, Jenn, Lynati and... and... ugh, forgetting, sorry) went across the street to the Japanese (bennihana-esque) restaurant. Great food. Sushi, steak, shrimp, lobster, veggies, salad, soup.) Fun. Yep, the Gathering has *un*officially started! Back to the hotel. I'd love to just hang out, but I have so much work still to do this week.

MORE TO COME...


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A-Fan writes...

What are the chances of a crossover between Spider-Man and Batman for the two cartoons?

Greg responds...

Zero.

Response recorded on June 20, 2007

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Gathering 2007 - Insta-Journal

As always, I'm hoping that all of you who attend the Gathering this coming week in Pigeon Forge, TN, will post Gathering Journals (of any length) here at ASK GREG. This is useful, as it provides one location for me to refer various PTB types when they want to learn more about the Gathering. The more journals we get here, the more FAN PRESENCE we seem to have. One of these days, I'd like to see 100% journalling, but then again one of these days I'd like to see a Gathering attended by thousands of people...

Anyway, can't ask you to do what I'm not willing to do myself. ASK GREG will open for submissions the day before the Gathering and stay open at minimum through the end of July. But in the meantime, I'll be posting about my own trip...

FRIDAY, JUNE 15th, 2007
Got up early, because I had a VERY busy day ahead of me. First off, a "The Spectacular Spider-Man" voice recording. We had to quickly finish off Spidey's lines for our second episode (which had largely recorded the week before), because we had an editing session that afternoon. When that was done, we had to record nearly all of our third episode with most of our cast. We started out by getting the actors who only had a few lines each (less than ten) out of the way. Then we brought in the rest of the cast for the bulk of the episode. We had done a couple of the actors the day before, and nevertheless we still nearly ran out of time. ARRGGHH. We just made it in under the wire. But I'm hoping that starting with our fourth episode (after I get back) things'll be less crazy, and we'll start recording one complete episode at one session and NOT run out of time.

After the recording, Supervising Director and Producer Vic Cook -- a former Gathering attendee -- and I crossed the street for our edit session. Terry, our editor, had quickly cut in the lines we had recorded that morning, and we completed our natural pause edit with him, often tightening and overlapping lines to make the dialogue play both more naturally -- thus NATURAL pause -- and punchier.

All this took much longer than I had hoped. I was really hoping to get a haircut on Friday, but didn't get the chance. I might try to get one on Cape Cod, but if not, I may be looking pretty scruffy at the Gathering.

I also got a bit of scheduling news on the project that meant that I basically will have to work through my entire vacation. It's a bit of a bummer, as only a day before I was told I didn't have to. But that's life, when you're the"boss" on a show that has a lot of bosses over the "boss". I'm thrilled to have the gig, but it can definitely be exhausting sometimes.

Went home. Checked e-mail as quickly as I could, as I had been at the recording studio all day and not at the office. Packed. Had a grilled cheese sandwich. Raced to Larchmont Village to deposit my paycheck and throw some bills in a mailbox. Raced home. Got in the car with Beth, Erin and Benny and headed for the airport.

We arrived in plenty of time, which is a relief. We all had carry-on baggage only, so that saved us a step too. The kids and I got smoothies, and we waited.

Red-Eye to Boston. Slept some -- through Wild Hogs apparently. Read the revised writer's outline to the seventh episode of Spider-Man. Watched what seemed to be a heavily edited version of "Shooter" and a very funny "The Office" episode. Landed in Boston.

SATURDAY, JUNE 16th, 2007
Ate breakfast at Johnny Rockets. Boarded our flight to Nantucket. Read the revised writer's outline to the eight episode of Spider-Man. Landed in Nantucket. Beth's father picked us up at the airport and drove us to my in-laws' home. Unpacked. Went for a little walk with Beth, the kids and Beth's mom. Had lunch. And took a six hour nap. Got up for dinner. Skirt steak, salad, corn, homemade Banana ice cream (made by my father-in-law and the kids while I slept). Then went to work, checking e-mail again... and editing the Record Draft for the fourth episode of Spidey. Was going to start editing the outline to the sixth episode, but I was sleepy, so I went to bed at midnight, which is stunning for me --- even if you DON'T take into account that by L.A. standards it was really only 9pm. Since I've routinely been going to bed over the last few weeks between 4 and 6 am, this was amazing.

SUNDAY, JUNE 17th, 2007
Woke up early -- also amazing for me -- had a bit of breakfast. Read the outline for the ninth episode of Spidey. So far all these outlines have been in pretty darn good shape, which is always nice. Benny and I went for a walk into town. Came back, and I napped for about an hour. Got up for a Father's day brunch, with Beth, the kids and my in-laws. Had a wonderful Lobster Salad and Lobster Bisque. (Can you tell I'm in New England?) Came back to the house and opened father's day cards. Also called my own dad to wish him a happy father's day. He and my mom had only just returned from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. I'm jealous, but there's no time this year. Hope to take the kids next year. Took ANOTHER nap. I think weeks of averaging three hours of sleep a night, plus all the walking and the fresh air -- the weather is gorgeous -- are wiping me out. But this is a good time to sleep.

We got up for a 4pm concert -- a choral performance by the Nantucket Choir. It was lovely. I was familiar with quite a few of the songs, as my son's choir sang them... at Carnegie Hall last month. From there, Beth and the kids and I went to dinner at the Brotherhood of Thieves. Burger and Clam Chowder. Then Ice Cream at the Juice Bar: one scoop of Crantucket with hot fudge. We walked some more and then went home.

More to come...


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Jurgan writes...

A couple Spider-man (the one you're working on) questions for you:

1: You said in an interview that there was "one villain" who is off-limits to you for legal reasons. I remember hearing a while ago that the Kingpin is exclusively attached to Daredevil, whose rights are owned by Fox, not Sony, so am I right to assume that the Kingpin is the villain whom you cannot use? Kingpin got enough use in the 90's cartoon, and he was always more interesting in Daredevil than Spider-man anyway, so that'd work for me.

2: In that same interview, you were asked if you'd use movie villains, and you said you'd definitely use the Goblin, Doc Ock, and the Sandman. I notice you didn't mention Venom. Are you planning to leave him out? I'd be thrilled with that decision, since I think he's a terribly dull character, and I know he came after your formative years with comics. I wonder, though, if the execs might eventually insist on your using him, as they did with Sam Raimi.

I can't wait to see what you've got planned.

Greg responds...

1. Then I guess you're happy. Me, not so much. But I'll survive.

2. I'm not responding to this. Probably gave away too much in the interview as it is. Our big Spidey presentation will be at San Diego ComicCon, I'm told.

Response recorded on May 22, 2007