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).

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?

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.

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 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?"

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!

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!

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?

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.

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.

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!

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.)

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.

Joltman writes...

Now that Disney is buying Marvel, do you think will affect, positively or negatively, The Spectacular Spider-Man's future?

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?

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?

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

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?

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?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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!!!

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?

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?

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?

David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey Greg!
What's Dr. Bromwell's first name?
Thanks!

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?

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"?

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.

Mr. Nobody writes...

If Spencer an Alistair Smythe appear what race will they be?

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?

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".

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

spidey450 writes...

Can you make Venom's Voice a little deeper and scarier ?

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

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?

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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 ^_^"

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!

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!

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?

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!

wall crawler writes...

Is there going to be to a Spectacular Spider-Man video game?