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?

Anonymous writes...

is there going to be a spectacular spiderman season 3

Anonymous writes...

Who would you rather be trapped in an eight hour car ride with; Demona; Nerissa; or Green Goblin?

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?

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.

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

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.

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?

Neil writes...

Do you still listen to that Spectacular Spiderman theme song (full version)? It's so catchy!

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.

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!

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.

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

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?

Clark Cradic writes...

What comic universe would you say you're more knowledgeable about: DC or Marvel?

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...

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

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?

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.

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.

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. :)

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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

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.

mick jones writes...

What's with the Cindy Crawford mole on Pete's cheek in SSM?

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

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?

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

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.

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....

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?

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’.

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.

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?

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.

Z_n_a_k writes...

Dear Greg,please tell me,when will we see third season Spectacular Spiderman?

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. :)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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 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?

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!

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?

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?

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....)

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

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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?

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....

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!

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?

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!)

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?

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.

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

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....

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? :(

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!!

Anonymous writes...

Do you know if they plan to make season 3 of "The spectacular spider-man"?

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?

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.)

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?

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?

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

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?

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?

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.

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).

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

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?

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.

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.

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?

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

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!!!!

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!