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 ***

Blaise writes...

Hey Greg! Long time, no question.

I know I should ask something related to "Gargoyles," or "Spider-Man," but instead, my question is about a Shakespeare character.

A couple of nights ago I caught a televised version of the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of "King Lear" on KCET (with Sir Ian McKellan as Lear, no less). Seeing this production, I was reminded of your affinity for the character of Edmund.

I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on Edmund's "change of heart" towards the end of the play. Why the change? What brought it about? You played Edmund in a production, yes? How did you perform this scene?

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.

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 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 ***

Laura G writes...

I saw Watchmen recently (awesome, by the way), and I just had to ask...

Was David Xanatos in any way inspired by or modeled on Adrian Veidt?

Thanks!

Vaevictis Asmadi writes...

Hello again,

I have a questions about the original Olympians in the Gargoyles universe. I hope you aren't sick of my curiosity about the Third Race, but the links to mythology are my favorite parts of Gargoyles, since I've always loved mythology.

I was looking in the Archives about the New Olympians, and I found two entries that interested me. In 2000, concerning the New Olympians and their ancestors, when asked about those ancestors who were worshipped as gods, you wrote:
"They weren't actually immortal."

Later in 2001, you wrote:
"The ancestors were the "gods and monsters" of legend. Many of whom were known as the Olympian Gods of Ancient Greek and Roman mythology.
Most of them were of the Children."

I'm sure I am misinterpreting your responses, but I find these two seem contradictory. The 2001 response indicates most of them were "of the Children" but the 2000 response seems to me to mean that most of them were not Children of Mab.

1. With regards to the original 12 Olympians, were most of the 12 Olympians Children of Mab, or just some of them? Or were most of the original 12 Olympians hybrids?

Thank you.

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**

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?

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!

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!

Rebel writes...

Which part of the world did gargoyles first arise in? For example, humans apparently arose in Africa and then migrated almost everywhere else, and then evolved. I'm curious to know which continent gargoyles first came from. If you'd care to narrow it down even further, that'd be great, since a continent is a really big place.

I did a search to see if this had already been answered, but I didn't see anything. If you've answered it already and I missed it, my apologies.

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?

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?

Aya writes...

Who is your favorite character on The Spectacular Spider-Man?

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 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 ***

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.

Wesley Nichols writes...

I have a question regarding Gargoyles 2198. You mentioned that the Delilah from that time period would know that she is descended from the Delilah of 1996. Since Gargoyles raise all the hatchlings as children of the Clan, how would she know? Wouldn't the generation gap be far enough that the members of the Labrynth clan would not care or even know?

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.

nacnud writes...

Dear greg,
I was just wondering, how many pages is a script to one of the episodes to the Spectacular Spider-Man?

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.

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.

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.

Wesley Nichols writes...

I have another question regarding Oberon and Titania. Before the beginning of the Gathering and Titania offered to be his wife again was Oberon considering asking her to marry him?

Wesley Nichols writes...

One thing I am curious about is your view of the events in Shakespear'es Midsummer Nights Dream. After seeing the play, I had always been more sympathetic to Titania than Oberon, yet from your responses, in the Gargoyle Universe,you seem to set the actual event as more sympathetic to Oberon. What caused your decision to take that route?

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?

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 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 ***

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.

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.

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!

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?

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?

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

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...)

Clark Cradic writes...

Did Titania's 'affair' with Nick Bottom have any differences in the Gargoyls universe, or not even occur at all?

Clark Cradic writes...

I've loved this show ever since I was a kid. In fact you could say this show helped me get through elementary school cause I'd rush to get my homework completed so I could go right the tv when I got home to watch the newest episode. Now that I'm older I still get this wonderful since of nostalgia when I watch this and start asking questions about the Gargoyles I never thought of as a kid, specifically their biology and culture since I loved those electives in high school.

1. Are gargoyles more likely to get certain traits and characteristics if they're from a specific clan? If so, is it just genetics or do they aide them in their territory? If not, does that mean that all gargoyles are generally the same with just different looks that are just for show?

2. How do gargoyles see the sun? Do they see it with a sort of reverence like Demona and Hudson did in The Mirror, or do they see it more of a curse due to their vulnerability?

3. Are there any diseases only gargoyles can get?

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.

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.

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!

Thorgrimur writes...

I know you weren't involved in the Goliath Chronicles and I do not wish to annoy you with questions from there that you couldn't possibly answer, but... in the episode Genesis Undone, Sevarius mentions having the middle name "Bartholomew". Do you consider this to be actually a part of his name?

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.

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".

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?

baron keels writes...

now that slg lost the rights to gargoyles, will the comic come back in another company?

The Flaming Tortoise writes...

Hi Greg,

Good to see this place open again!

My question is basically, how do Gargoyle populations sustain themselves? With females having (almost always I've believe you've said) a maximum of three eggs, and as you said in reference to why gargoyles practice communal parenting: "Perhaps this is the result of the high Gargoyle mortality rate. " would it not be an intense struggle to just maintain a clan's population?

And with this in mind, even considering that in modern day mortality rates for gargoyles has probably dropped significantly, wouldn't the practice of the London clan of limiting each pair to two eggs total be very risky for the continuation of their clan?

Thanks for you time

Litwolf writes...

Inspired by a discussion we had in the Comment Room two weeks ago, I wanted to ask about Gargoyle merchandise, from action figures and books to kites and food and beyond:
Do you currently have any merchandise displayed in your home?
What was your favorite piece of Gargoyles merchandise?
What piece was the biggest let down for you?
What piece of merchandise do you wish had been made? (Any thing from a squeaky toy, Beanie Babies, footie PJs, anything crazy that may pop into your head)

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!

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?