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WEISMANSWERS 2009-11 (Nov)

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webhead writes...

1.Any chance you could grab Mark Hamill to play Carnage? Carnage has always been one of my favorite Spidey villains and one of my favorite villains in general and we all know Mark Hamill has the best animated Joker so I recommend him.

2. What the heck is going on with Kingpin? Is it fixed so you can use him? I mean the Daredevil movies are going nowhere so they seriously shouldn't hog him and let you borrow the rights. We don't need a lot of him like in the 90's series just for a season. Speaking of the 90's series when the James Cameron Spider-Man movie fell through they got to use Electro so do whatever it takes to get him. Don't give up

3. Will there be any other heroes in Spectacular Spider-Man? Again I don't mean like in the 90's series where the was a whole bunch of guest heroes. Just one like hopefully Daredevil he is best friends with Spidey after all. I heard a rumor that Thor was supposed to guest star in Season 2 but didn't. Was that true and will he appear in a future season? Just Wondering

Thanks Greg!

Greg responds...

1. Let's see if we get any more episodes first, before we discuss casting, 'kay?

2. I have no news on this front either.

3. There was NO truth to the Thor rumor. I've answered this HUNDREDS of times. Check the archives.

Response recorded on November 30, 2009

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wall crawler writes...

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

Greg responds...

I don't know. Is there?

Response recorded on November 30, 2009

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Derek writes...

Just wanted to say I love The Spectacular Spider-Man, and consider it the most true interpretation of the character in any media outside the comics. Spidey has been my favorite fictional character pretty much since my first issue at the age of 6, a reprint of Amazing #2, and is one of only two comic characters I grew up on (the other being Archie), so he holds a pretty special place in my heart.

I did have a few things I was curious about though:

1) What was your motivation in basing the burglar parts of the origin in "Intervention" on the movie version rather than the comics? To me, Peter refusing to stop the burglar out of pure selfishness and self-righteousness makes his comeuppance (in the form of Uncle Ben's death) more powerful than him doing so to screw the promoter over for not getting paid. However, I'm torn about Ben's death via carjacking vs. break-in. The break-in never geologically made sense, and I love that Ben dies waiting for Peter outside the arena (in essence, it adds another layer of him dying BECAUSE of Peter). But I still feel the carjacking takes away the sheer randomness of the break-in... sure, it's unlikely the burglar would break into Peter's home of all places, but that unlikelihood gives me a sense of this being fate as consequence for Peter's inaction. What was your take on each?
2) Was there a reason we have yet to see spider-tracers, and is this something you'd like to include in (potential) future seasons?
3) Do you have a plan in mind for how Peter developed his web fluid? I've always been one of the ones who found it unlikely that a teenager, even one as intelligent as Peter, was capable of singlehandedly inventing the stuff, although I vastly prefer the mechanical webshooters. I really love the Ultimate explanation for this, in that Peter based the fluid on his father's work for an experimental adhesive.
4) For that matter, are you able to say whether Peter's parents in this series are scientists or S.H.I.E.L.D. agents? I would assume the former, based on Eddie's explanation of how his and Peter's parents died.
5) I'm a little confused on Vulture's motivations as a villain. He started just wanting to get revenge on Osborn, and joined the Six to get rid of his opposition Spider-Man, both of which make sense, but then he's suddenly blowing up a facility in "Shear Strength" and helping Doc Ock take control of the underworld in "Accomplices" and "Gangland." Have Vulture's goals and plans broadened since the pilot?

Again, thanks for a great show, thanks in advance for any answers, and best wishes on getting another season!

Greg responds...

1. There's something to be said for Spidey being simply too arrogant to stop the burglar. But that's still in there with the movie version, and the motivation seems less random to me. And frankly, I think the carjacking is a huge IMPROVEMENT to Spidey's origin. Put's much more of the blame on Pete's conscience.

2. I do eventually have plans to intro the spider-tracers.

3. I have a VERY specific idea for Spidey's web-fluid.

4. Dad was a scientist.

5. I think for better or worse he's tied his boat to his buddy Otto's pier.

Response recorded on November 30, 2009

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Nick Piers writes...

Hey Greg,

I've been a big fan of Spectacular Spider-Man from the beginning and truly belive it's the best rendition of the character in ANY medium.

I'm happy to report that I've bought my copy of Season 1. Additionally, I've been on various forums that I visit to report of its release, several people have already made plans to buy it if they haven't already. So, I very much hope these efforts will help bring about a third season.

Finally, one big question. Everyone else is jumping on the "will bring in Character X" but the answer is usually "Nuh uh! We can't because that character had a movie and we don't have the rigths." Which brings me to:

When will we see Moon Boy and Devil Dinosaur? Season 8? 9?

Thanks!
Nick Piers

Greg responds...

<sigh> I don't even have a funny comeback or smart-ass remark.

Response recorded on November 30, 2009

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Ken Deemer writes...

I know Disney owns the rights, My Question is -
Do you know of any developments with these charaters for another series or Movie?

I ended up watching the Show as re-runs on Disney Channel & fell in Love. I'd love to see these characters in something new!

Thanks for your Time.
Ken Deemer - A Fan of the Show

Greg responds...

No, not at this time. For a more expansive answer, please check the archives.

Response recorded on November 25, 2009

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Masterdramon writes...

Gargoyles and Politics

I know that you generally like to keep politics out of this site, which is why I hope that this question isn't too out-of-line. All the same, I'm very interested in the role that politics plays in the "Gargoyles" universe.

What, generally, are Elisa's political views? Does she belong to a particular political party? And does she discuss politics with the Manhattan Clan at all?

For that matter, how politically literate are the various members of the Manhattan Clan, particularly Goliath and Lexington? Do they read any political texts? For that matter, does Hudson ever catch "60 Minutes" or any similar shows on television? How much do Elisa's political views (assuming that she shares them with the Clan at all) color their political viewpoints?

I'd also be greatly interested in any information you would be willing to share regarding the politics of other human characters in the series, most particularly Xanatos, Fox, Matt, Renard, and especially Macbeth. For that matter, what does Demona think of human politics (I expect that I can guess the answer to this one, but still)? :)

If you can't tell, this is coming from a prospective Politics major who to some degree or another views all things through a political lens. If you wish to leave these things up to the viewer then I would completely understand, but any information at all would be tremendously appreciated.

Thank you very much for your time, and I eagerly await the widespread release of the two remaining Trade Paperbacks. I've been trying to spread word of them (and of the DVDs) in the Comments section of Gargoyles-related YouTube videos; every little bit helps, I hope.

Greg responds...

Based purely on stereotypes of ethnicity and labor and location, I'd guess Elisa's a democrat.

I don't think politics is something that would attract Lex's attention much. I would think that Hudson, who prefers Celebrity Hockey to 60 Minutes, would feel lost rather quickly in political discussions. Goliath is all about the classics. I don't think Elisa's proselytizing much.

Xanatos seems like a likely Republican. At least fiscally. (Don't really see him or Fox as social conservatives.) Matt must be a Dem. Renard is probably a Republican. Macbeth... I don't think he's an American citizen. Demona... come on.

Response recorded on November 25, 2009

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Buffy writes...

Will there be a 4th season of gargoyles

Greg responds...

I hope so.

Response recorded on November 25, 2009

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MasterGandalf writes...

I've been loving Spectacular Spider-man, and I've got questions about two of the most important villains:

1. In "Final Curtain", Osborn says that the version of the Green he took prevented the same kind of instability that Harry exhibited- but throughout the episode Norman exhibits instability of his own, albeit more tightly controlled. Was he wrong about the formula not making him nuts, or did aquiring superpowers simply give him an outlet for pre-existing psychosis?

2. In his first appearance, Tombstone was shown to be able to easily defeat an off-guard Spider-man. Later on, he shows no real pain from taking a bunch of the Goblin's weapons in the back and is shown to be able to go toe-to-toe with three opponents who were all enhanced in some manner. Do you see him as having some degree of superstrength, or simply as a very well trained combatant with a high pain threshold? Or was it deliberately ambiguous?

3. Just for fun- what exactly was going through Tombstone's head when Venom crawled in through his window? Sure, this is a guy who never loses his cool and finds a way to make use of everyone, but still- a hideous perversion of Spider-man isn't something one sees every day:).

Greg responds...

1. I'll leave that for your interpretation.

2. Deliberately ambiguous.

3. No, it isn't.

Response recorded on November 25, 2009

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Todd Jensen writes...

I've heard that the radio play at the Gathering this year will be (or was, by the time you read this) a crossover between "Gargoyles" and "The Spectacular Spider-Man", which apparently you wrote. If this is true and you did indeed write it, I wonder how you felt about writing that encounter between two sets of characters you've worked on. (I do suspect that it wasn't hard to get them to meet, since both series are set in Manhattan!)

Greg responds...

It was fun, but, frankly, a brutal chore as I did not have nearly enough time to write the script.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Robby writes...

My brothers and I are impressed by the fluid animation in Spectacular Spider-Man. We imagine it must be very expensive. How much does it cost to do those cool action scenes?

Greg responds...

I can't spit out a number for the action scenes in a vacuum. SpecSpidey had a fairly standard "per episode" TV Animation budget. We tried to get as much bang for our buck as possible.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Hyun-Ae writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman. I was curious about Gargoyle twins, but I don't have any questions on the subject as much as I do have some rambles. Please keep in mind I am no expert on biology and I may be completely off. Having said that, here are my thoughts on twins.

I did a little research on egg twins -- double yolked eggs -- and thought it could _possibly_ be attributed to gargoyles. A twin yolked egg occurs when (for example) a chicken's ovary will make two yolks at once. The shell is formed over both yolks, and results in a longer, larger egg being laid. With chickens, twin chicks hatching is almost non-existent. Eggs must be turned so that the chick's head can reach the air cell to breath while inside the egg. Then it will peck it's way out if all goes as planned. In the case of twins, they fight each other inside the egg, fail to reach the air cell and suffocate. Human intervention can result in both chicks surviving (the egg is opened for the chicks) but, yet again, it's rare.

Okay, I know Gargoyles are _not_ chickens, but it still got me to thinking. IF a female gargoyle did lay a twin yolked egg, it would stand out as being a bit bigger than the other eggs. Surely the soon-to-be parents would notice this and probably deduce what the larger egg meant. I believe you said that gargoyle parents do not aid the hatchlings to break out their shells, but MAYBE an exception could possibly be made for the unhatched twins since such a phenomenon doesn't happen often anyway. IF the developing babies survived to the point of hatching and IF they either a) somehow managed to successfully escape their egg themselves, or b) had adult intervention, you would be left with fraternal twin gargoyle hatchlings, not identical twins. In theory, this could also further support the idea that no two gargoyles look exactly alike.

Oof, sorry if I am making no sense. I never was good at being succinct, but I suppose that's why they are called 'rambles'. Anyway, these are just some ideas on the subject and I thought you might like to hear them. :) Of course please feel free to disregard anything I've said. I am not out to "trip you up" or tell you what is what in the world you created.

On another note, I just wanted to say that Gargoyles is a wonderful, thought provoking universe with deep, multiple layered characters and absolutely terrific stories! I am deeply sorry that I will not be able to attend the final Gathering (you have no idea how sorry!!) but I'm still glad to have been given the chance to experience the world of Gargoyles. Thank you so much for sharing them with us!

Greg responds...

I'd think Gargoyles twins would be exceedingly rare. (At best.)

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hey Greg! Quick question, though I'm not sure if you can answer it (you might be able to though): Since the Connors left for Florida, what's the news on Electro's cure? Is Curt still working on it or did he pass the job onto Miles?

Greg responds...

Curt's still working on it. I don't think he'd trust anything with Miles.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Desiree writes...

Hey Greg how are you? Anyway I think if there is a petition started that maybe Disney will consider releasing the rest of the Gargoyle Series.http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/gargoylesseason2volume2todvd/
This is the website I found on line that already has 315 signatures. The goal is 100,000. Do you think if that goal is meant that Disney would consider releaseing it?

Greg responds...

Can't hurt.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Wolf E. Urameshi writes...

Hey Greg, thanks again for answering my questions. But I'm afraid I need to ask again in regards to this one: http://s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?qid=11500 (the one about "switching" voice actors.)

You didn't answer my question. You evaded it with another question, didn't you? :P Considering today's voice acting market, which now has a lot of great actors and is becoming saturated, there is always a chance that at least one or two of the actors involved with the original Gargoyles show may not be able to join it. I ask again, if you have any alternatives in mind (of course the original actors are better :D, this is a just in case), what would they be? Just mention one or two examples if you're comfortable with it.

Greg responds...

I have NO alternative actors in mind, and I ask YOU AGAIN, why would I? Your explanation for the need for this train of thought seems specious to me. I wasn't EVADING your question, I was pointing out -- as nicely as I could (though I'm less inclined the second time out) -- that your question was, frankly, silly.

It is always possible that old actors might not be available, but why would I ever consider alternatives until circumstances REQUIRED it?

Perhaps you think that your question itself will auto-generate all sorts of hypothetical thoughts on this subject on my part, but it doesn't. I'm uninterested.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Jason D. Ivey writes...

Are there currently any plans of making a live action adaptation of The Gargoyles? Has Greg ever considered taking the Gargoyles show in that direction? In his personal opinion what actors does he think would be good matches for Eliza and David Xanotos?

Greg responds...

Please see the archives. It's all there.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

So, I noticed someone asked about why included Emily and that made me thinking: Why did you include Joan Jameson? Is it just because you weren't taking the "My wife was killed by someone in a mask, so now I hate people in masks" angle on JJJ or is there another reason?

Greg responds...

I definitely wasn't taking that approach. But it had more to do with the effect having a wife has on JJ's character. I think the effect is demonstrable, so I won't comment further.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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UncleDeadly writes...

In Clan Building Issue 4 (or 5, don't have my issues at hand) there is a scene of all sorts of people in the Labyrinth. The scene reminds me a lot of Issue 2 of Bad Guys where Anton/"Fred" is greeting people and Erin and Benny are running around.

In CB 4, are the kids running around Erin and Benny also, or just another pair of kids?

Greg responds...

Sure, why not?

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

this is a random question but you said daredevil doesnt exist yet...i understand punishers family not being dead, and the fantastic four only dealing with cosmic things or whatever, and tony not doing his demonstration and all of that but how doesn't DD exist yet, he was around the exact same time spidey was in the comics, i just wanted to get your excuse.

anyway great shows, loved gargoyles and love spectacular spiderman, and the episodes you were involved in the batman were great too:)

Greg responds...

It's not an "excuse." Frankly, you haven't done your homework.

Daredevil #1 appeared in 1964, two years after Spider-Man's debut. If you're asking me if Matt Murdock exists, than of course the answer is yes. But he hasn't put on a costume yet.

In contrast, the FF pre-date Spidey, premiering in 1961. Spidey premiered in 1962. Iron Man (for example) in '63. Daredevil not until '64.

So in OUR continuity, Spidey first appeared in public (at the Venue) in May or June of Peter's sophomore year. Our two seasons take place between September and March of his Junior Year. So the FF are around already, fighting COSMIC BIG BADS. (They probably made their debut in November of Pete's sophomore year.) But guys like Iron Man, Thor and Daredevil have yet to debut.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Greg Rhoads writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman, (I like the first name! ^_-)

First, I'd like to congratulate you on doing an truly spectacular job with the Spectacular Spider-Man and am crossing my fingers for seasons 3, 4 and 5! Having said that, I do have some questions. Some Spidey spoilers below!

1. I heard that you originally wanted to use Kingpin for the role served by Tombstone. If you had been allowed to use Kingpin from the beginning, would you have found a way to use Tombstone in a different capacity and if so, what?

2. I was most curious at those who were chosen to give interviews. I practiculary noticed the touch on Norman's face, who immediately answers "No", but you can clearly see a little bit of curiousity has been pipqued in his mind.... foreshadowing? Heh. I noticed though that due to time restraints, not everybody could get an interview. Was it planned for Mary Jane, Sally, Randy or anybody who wasn't asked in the episode that were cut for time?

3. Somebody said to me that Norman is lot like Xanatos from Gargoyles. Did you base this version of Norman off of Xanatos in some way?

Thanks for your time and keep up the good work!

3.

Greg responds...

1. Probably, but we never got that far in our plans for him, since we learned early on we couldn't use Kingpin.

2. No.

3. I've answered this before. Check out this IGN interview: http://tv.ign.com/articles/103/1034739p2.html

QUOTED here:

IGN: Another reader email here from C.R., who writes,

"Was the Incarnation of Norman Osborn in this show inspired by David Xanatos from Gargoyles? He seems very similar to him. He even has an Owen Burnett like assistant! Was this intentional of you?"

Weisman: Well, I can see why people feel that way. He's not the first person to bring that up and I get it and god knows Xanatos is so in my head that there's some influence there. But the truth is that Osborn predates Xanatos. I was reading Norman Osborn in comics long before Xanatos was a glimmer in my eye, so to speak. Even the thing about having an assistant… Osborn had that assistant in the comics. I didn't come up with him and stick him in. Donald Menken played that exact role in the comics â€" one in fact might argue that Owen was slightly influenced by Menken, although I don't actually think that was true, because Menken was pretty obscure. But when I went back and re-read the Spider-Man comics, after I got this gig, Menken was there.

And as for how similar Osborn and Xanatos are, I think the similarities are somewhat surface. Yes, they're both incredibly wealthy, incredibly smart businessmen. But I think of Xanatos as being amoral and I think of Osborn as being immoral. And I think there's a big difference in that. Xanatos has said revenge is a sucker's game. I think Osborn kind of likes the revenge idea. Osborn is a really, really crappy father. And I think David is actually a really loving father. He's got lots of flaws, and I'm not saying some of those flaws won't impact how he raises his son, but David is going to do his damndest to raise that boy in an environment that's loving and warm and supportive, and it's obvious that's not Norman's point of view on things. Norman refuses to apologize or take responsibility for anything at all, and David's not like that either.

It makes it sound like I think David's great and Norman's awful, and that's not how I feel at all. I think they're both great characters, but I do think that in real, fundamental ways, they are very different personalities. What they have in common is they're both very, very smart.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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GreenGoblin45 writes...

In "The Uncertainty Principle" when the Green Goblin steals the Inhibitor prototype, there is a man with orange hair standing next to "Norman Osborn." Is that Donald Menken? Also, in Blueprints, there is a Chinese girl who looks like Sha Shan talking to Gwen and Mary Jane right before Pete arrives. Is that Sha Shan?

Greg responds...

Yes, that's Menken and Sha Shan.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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MARVEL-FAN writes...

Greg, if we get more then 3 seasons, will Spider-Man appearance change? Like being bigger, and less skinnier. I'm not saying I dont like him skinny. Just when he gets older.

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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philip writes...

hi greg,did you wrote lyrics "will to love"? ...when i searched the lyrics i found
the the full version...wich is a lot more than it was sang on tv...why? heres the rest of the song:I figured I’d stay on the shelf.
Truth be told, didn’t trust myself:
Always fade, don’t make the grade, too afraid
Of rejection. Oh…

I didn’t think I had the strength
To find a girl on my wavelength.
Just a runt, always punt. No will to hunt
For perfection.

Then everything changes.
She’s there. Life rearranges.
Winged angel from above…
Helped me find the Will… the Will to love…
The Will to love… The Will to love…

Game’s full of surprises.
Live our share of compromises.
Still when push comes to shove…
She’s just the Will to love.
She’s just the Will to love.
I found the Will to love.

And everything changes.
She’s here. Life rearranges.
Winged angel from above…
She is just the Will… the Will to love.
The Will to love… The Will to love… Oh…
The Wïll to love…

Greg responds...

We put as much of the song in the episode as there was time for. And, yes, I wrote the lyrics. The full version can be found in, of all place, the Gargoyles: Bad Guys trade paperback, available now from Amazon.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Paul writes...

Hi, Greg! Just a few more questions for you, if that's OK:

1) How did Beck and Mason escape from police custody after being apprehended in "Persona"?
2) Kraven acquired the ability to track Spidey's scent in "Destructive Testing" and told Miles Warren that he could smell Spidey's scent in the ESU lab. Why didn't Miles put two and two together?
3) By tracking Spidey's scent, Kraven could ambush him again in no time. So why hasn't he sought out Spidey since their last encounter on Christmas Eve?
4) In "Opening Night", the Green Goblin quoted A Midsummer Night's Dream by saying, "Lord, what fools these mortals be!". But how does he know the line, since it turns out that he's not Harry?
5) Will Peter ever feel guilty about Eddie's transformation into Venom or Norman's apparent demise at the end of season 2?

Greg responds...

1. That was revealed in a scene cut for time that we showed at the 2009 Comic-Con in San Diego. They used holograms to escape prison.

2. Who said he didn't?

3. Other things keeping him busy.

4. It's a pretty famous line.

5. He already does.

Response recorded on November 24, 2009

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Greg Bishansky writes...

SPECTACULAR SPOILERS

Okay, I watched "Final Curtain" again, and something Harry said at the end got me thinking.

"Dad was sick, a victim of the green. No one knows how that stuff can change you better than I do."

And, considering that Harry obviously did not hear his father's confession to Spider-Man about framing him, it makes me wonder.

Does Harry believe that he was the Green Goblin before his father? Or does he know it was dear old dad all along.

SPECTACULAR SPOILERS

Greg responds...

I think the latter.

Response recorded on November 23, 2009

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Kyle S. writes...

Hey Mr. Weisman, love Spectacular Spider-Man. One of my favorite episodes was Opening Night. I loved the Shakespeare interwoven with the story. Now, my friend just played Flute in a community production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. I thought it was fantastic, but it was very untraditional. The play opened with the 'How now spirit' line, and then broke into song out of the fairy's speech, and then proceeded to Act 1. Theseus entered setting up a hole of golf and Hippolyta was reading a fashion magazine. This was all very funny, but the one quirk I almost didn't like was that Puck was a puppet. Seriously, he was a little green muppet-looking guy operated by a girl wearing black to blend in with the background (even though her head and hands could be seen since it was outside in broad daylight). In a lot of cases, it worked out for the best, but it was odd. The dialogue was mostly unchanged (some parts were abridged), but my mom was able to understand the entire thing because it was so untraditional.
Which brings the question: what is your favorite adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream? Oh, and are the guys who played Lysander and Demetrius named characters from the comics? Were any other minor name characters given roles?

Greg responds...

Jason Ionello played Lysander in the M-cubed Dream. We never had to figure out who played Demetrius.

I've seen the play MANY, many times. I don't have one favorite production.

Response recorded on November 23, 2009

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GreenGoblin45 writes...

"There were many reasons, but the main inpetus was being attacked and kidnapped by Vulture. He (Norman Osborn) did not enjoy being that vulnerable. There was a line to that effect in Final Curtain, but it was cut for time."

Could you post that line in the archives, or is that a legal issue in that you can't post it.

Greg responds...

No legal issue, but I'm afraid I don't remember it off the top of my head.

Response recorded on November 23, 2009

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Gargoyleslady writes...

Hi Greg! I have another question about Broadway. In The Silver Falcon, did Brooklyn and Lex really have dibs on the vcr or was that just an excuse Broadway came up with to stay at Elisa's?

Greg responds...

They had dibs.

Response recorded on November 20, 2009

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Anonymous writes...

So I've been sitting here watching and loving my first season Spidey box set (I bought all four single releases too, just doing my part) and pining away for season three. If the world turns upside down and this fantastic show does not get renewed, just how far in depth are you willing to go with us about what your plans would have been for it? On the one hand, it would be like torture hearing every cool story/character bit we might miss out on, but on the other, it would be equally hard to not know. :) Is that something you'd be willing to share with all us nerds? :)

PS: Here's hoping that by the time this gets answered, it's rendered moot by a third season pickup.

Greg responds...

I'm not going to make any decisions now.

Response recorded on November 19, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!

Another question: In Final Curtain, there was one line which no one seems to be able to understand. It went like this:

Peter: "You framed your own son??"
Norman: "I was protecting Harrry! If I'd gone to jail, who would've made a man out of him? Just look at what he's done today - I've never been prouder of the boy!"
Peter: "Oh, please! You were saving your own sorry butt!"
Norman: "Po-tay-to, po-tah-to. Once you're out of the picture, I'll make everything right."
Peter: "You had no/wouldn't know right to/if it blew up your ----!"

So.... What WAS Peter's last line there? It was just as he was putting the pumpkin bomb in the glider.... 'Cause we fans are STUMPED!

Greg responds...

Didn't I answer this one already too?

"You wouldn't know right if it blew up your glider!"

Response recorded on November 19, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

And NOW I realize that I already asked about Electro and the gene-cleanser! Silly me!
FORGIVE ME, ALMIGHTY GREG WEISMAN!!!!!

Greg responds...

Wow. Not only did you not check the archives to see if someone else had posted your question, you didn't even check your own memory to see if YOU had already posted the question?

And people wonder why it takes me so long to catch up on the question backlog.

But you're forgiven. <grumble, grumble>

Response recorded on November 19, 2009

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FAIR WARNING

ASK GREG's question-asking function will temporarily go off line at the end of November to allow me to catch up on the over 400 question backlog.


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David B. Jacobs writes...

I was really surprised when the gene-cleanser worked on Venom. I figured that since he was technically two entities, it wouldn't make a difference, but I guess that since they're bonded I was wrong.
First question: If/When the symbiote tries to rebond with Venom, would it work normally or will the gene cleanser in Eddie's system create an obstacle? Similarly, should Dr. Connors get more injections of the Lizard serum for whatever reason (not asking if that will happen, just hypothetically), would the gene-cleanser again prevent from working? Or is all that "No comment" territory?
After the gene-cleanser worked on Venom, it got me wondering about the other super-dudes runnin' around.... So here's a load of others:
2) Would the gene-cleanser be able to cure Electro? My guess is "no", since you once (a loooong time ago) said that Connors is still looking for a cure.
3) Would the gene-cleanser work on Sandman?
4) I'm going to operate by the assumption that it wouldn't work on Rhino since he's technically wearing a suit. But I've got to ask anyway: Would the gene-cleanser work on Rhino?
5) Would the gene-cleanser work on Gobby?
6) Would the gene-cleanser work on Ock?
7) Would the gene-cleanser work on Tombstone?
8) Speaking of Tombstone, are we ever going to hear his origin story? Or is that "No comment" territory?
9) Would the gene-cleanser work on Kraven? (I'm assuming so....)
10) Would the gene-cleanser have worked on Colonel Jupiter? It would've been a much cleaner resolution for sure....
11) Would the gene-cleanser work on Molten Man?
Thanks for your help, Greg!
(PS: You rock!)

Greg responds...

1. No comment territory indeed.

2. It doesn't seem to work.

3. No.

4. No.

5. No.

6. No.

7. No.

8. Maybe.

9. Yes.

10. Obviously, it didn't.

11. No.

Response recorded on November 18, 2009

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Will Keaton writes...

Greg:

:Spidey Spoilers:

1. Spectacular has a very large cast. Was there any particular character you had an especially hard time casting?

2. During the Gargoyles World Tour arc you introduced a lot of characters on the off chance they may get their own spin off series. If you could make a spin off from Spectacular Spider-man starring any character you wanted who would it be?

3. There are a lot of nameless extras in Spider-man and many characters with little to no dialogue. Is there any one person who has received way more fan attention than you expected for their almost microscopic role? I am personally a huge fan of Hammerhead's car door. That thing KO'd both the Green Goblin AND Silver Sable. At this rate by season 4 it'll be single-handedly defeating Galactus.

4. This is probably better suited for Stan to answer but I'm sure you've considered it at some point. What exactly does Pete wear on his feet underneath his spider-onsie? Shoes? Really thick socks? Is he barefoot when he takes off his suit? Exactly how much danger are his feet in when he runs around New York city?

5. Some of the villains in Spidey's rouges gallery have some origin stories that not only spit in the face of science but beat it up with a large blunt object. Is there any villain that made you say "okay, there is no way anybody in this day and age is going to believe that is even close to possible. We need to make this slightly more realistic"?

6. "Who ordered the chopper?'
"Oscorp kinda thinks you did."
"Where's the pilot?"
"You're the one who insisted I get my pilot's licence."
"But how did the chopper get all the way here from Oscorp with no one flying it?"
"I don't know dad. Maybe you should ask Greg Weisman."

7. In episode one there was indication that Octavius and Toomes knew each other for quite a while before the series began. Any other sciency type people know each other? Did Otto ever bump into the Connors at a science convention or something or both get invited to the Osborn's for dinner one evening?

8. Back in Persona Chameleon spoke on the phone with a (possibly Russian) general who wanted the symbiote. Do you ever plan to reveal his identity or was he created solely to give Chameleon a reason to be there that night? Cat was also trying to steal the symbiote for a "captain of industry" and dialogue from the opening of Accomplices suggests it may have been Tombstone; though Osborn is another likely candidate. So, who was it? Or is that classified info that would spoil the surprise later?

9. Did Norman ever take any theatre courses in high school? Acting like a nut while in the Goblin costume helps divert suspicion away from the dower Osborn; when people are there to see him act crazy. But quoting a Midsummer Night's Dream and speaking in nothing but rhyme while hundreds of feet in the air with no witnesses? Obviously he's just doing that for fun. Or he's in denial about the gas not having any side effets.

Back in the 90's Spider-man series that aired on Fox Spidey would occasionally hang out with a (always stone) gargoyle named Bruce whom he claimed was a "great listener" and to whom he would confess his frustrations at leading a double-life. Now, 15 years later you're head of the newest Spider-man show. Funny little coincidence that. And ya know if you ever need Pete to verbally express his frustrations to someone who won't reveal his identity to the general public, well I wouldn't mind seeing Bruce again. Plus the guy can totally keep a secret.

Greg responds...

1. Nope.

2. The Homunculi.

3. No surprises for me.

4. He wears boots with soles. They're on the softer side, but he's tough.

5. Shrug. We do our best to adjust as we go. You could argue that about most of the characters, including Spidey himself.

6. It was dropped off, and the pilot left. I mean, really, that required a trip to ASK GREG to figure THAT out?

7. Shrug.

8. No comment.

9. A little from Column A. A little from Column B.

10. That would be a bit odd coming from me, I think. But I won't rule it out.

Response recorded on November 18, 2009

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Michael Byrne writes...

If Season 3 returns, do you think that the villainously eccentric Green Goblin might like his own musical number? :)

Greg responds...

Who wouldn't?

Response recorded on November 18, 2009

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Ming writes...

With Green Goblin (Norman Osborn) presumed dead, what's the current situation with the rival factions in the underworld, especially Tombstone?

Greg responds...

SPIDEY SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!

Pretty much the way we left it.

Response recorded on November 16, 2009

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Todd Jensen writes...

How do gargoyles feel about skin color prejudice among humans? Obviously, it would vary from one gargoyle to the next, but I wondered about that since each gargoyle clan that we've seen shows a wide variety of colors. We know that clans are family units for gargoyles (since the entire clan raises the eggs and the young gargoyles look upon all the older gargoyles as their parents), so it would seem normal for them to have such a broad spectrum of coloring in the family. And I wondered whether, under those circumstances, gargoyles might find the human attitude of looking upon humans with a different color as outsiders and "not-us" as, not just wrong, but almost alien and incomprehensible.

Greg responds...

I do think it would be fairly incomprehensible to them

Response recorded on November 16, 2009

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Todd Jensen writes...

I just read your obituary for Hermione, and wanted to send you my condolences. I'm sorry to learn about her passing.

Greg responds...

Thank you.

Response recorded on November 16, 2009

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GreenGoblin45 writes...

"We've seen Felicia out of costume and probably will again."

Could you point out which episode and which scene Felicia is out of costume? I don't think I could find that tidbit myself.

Greg responds...

"Opening Night" - It's not hard to find if you watch the first act. (It's not a case of us being subtle.)

Response recorded on November 16, 2009

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Derek writes...

Hey Greg -

I've been watching the Spectacular Spidey First Season DVD-set, and I realized that the laser sound effects haven't been replaced with gunshots, like you said the plan was. What happened? I've read in interviews that you didn't really have much input in the DVD (which is why the extras were so scarce...and I'm really sorry for that, because I'm sure you and the others on the show would have provided some entertaining material!), but I had just been under the impression that the gunshot thing was a sure deal.

Greg responds...

We remixed everything for the MOVIE edited DVDs, not for the Season One set of episodes. Unfortunately after the first release, Marvel and Sony scrapped the Movie edits, so now ALL the DVDs have their original as aired sound mixes, including effects.

Response recorded on November 16, 2009

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Bazell writes...

You have a strong Shakespearian background, so hopefully you'll see where I'm going here. About Romeo and Juliet, there is discussion as to whether it is a tragedy of character or situation. That is, was the tragedy the circumstances in which the titular character found themselves caught in, or was it the characters' own folly in their youthful rush for love (seemingly damn the consequences)?
A similar argument could be made about Spidey. Although Spider-Man is the iconic hero, the story is largely the tragedy of Peter Parker. Over and over through the decades the fabled Parker Luck (though I don't think you use the phrase in your show) has always been there, overshadowing Spidey victories with Parkers personal woes (be they emotional, social or something more serious). How would characterize the situation? Is the Parker Luck a product of Pete's own foibles or is it more entwined with his surrounding circumstances?

Greg responds...

My thinking is more... holistic than an either/or answer can provide. We act, we react, etc. to varying stimuli -- some in our control and/or range of influence, some completely outside it. And then all that gets mixed together. We blame ourselves for things we can't control. We shift blame for things we might have. And everything in between. That's how I view life: as a mess, basically. So when I read about either Romeo & Juliet or Spidey/Peter my thinking runs the same way. Not either/or but characters (hopefully recognizably HUMAN characters) struggling to make sense of the mess.

Response recorded on November 13, 2009

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Bazell writes...

I hope this isn't too personal, but I see online that you went to Stanford and U.S.C.
What were your specific degree with which you graduated?

Greg responds...

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) from Stanford in English with an emphasis in Fiction Writing.

I received a Master of Professional Writing degree (M.P.W.) from U.S.C. with an emphasis in Playwriting.

Response recorded on November 12, 2009

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Paul writes...

Will the events of "Identity Crisis" be referenced again in future seasons, since a lot of people in Peter's life ought to think of the whole incident with Peter and Venom whenever they think of Spidey? I'm asking this because "Accomplices" almost felt like a fresh start after "Identity Crisis", as though it was avoiding the subject of people pondering the connection between Peter and Spidey.

Greg responds...

So the Captain Stacy stuff felt like avoidance to you?

Everything is part of the background radiation of the show. And more specific repercussions will also be present in future seasons, assuming there are future seasons.

Response recorded on November 12, 2009

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Paul writes...

1) Eddie's transformation into Venom in season 1 felt a bit sudden; he had been shown to be a warm and friendly person in other episodes, like "Interactions", when he's trying to calm Max Dillon down at the hospital. It seemed a bit strange that he would go after Aunt May in "Nature vs. Nurture" not long after checking up on her at the hospital in "Intervention". Would you say that Eddie was just masking his anger with a 'nice side' all along, and that the theft of the symbiote in "Persona", him getting told to "shove off" by Peter in "Intervention" and Spidey trying to kill the symbiote at the end of "Intervention" brought out his nasty side? It's just that Eddie going from liking Gwen and Aunt May to trying to hurt them seemed like a bit of a leap. It made me wonder if it's more a case of the symbiote having him in its thrall (giving him the 'love' that he can't get from anyone else, since his parents are dead and he didn't have a replacement father figure like Peter's Uncle Ben) than Eddie really despising Peter enough to hurt people that both he and Peter like.

2) When Gwen thought that Peter had lied to her about going to the Fall Formal in "Catalysts", Eddie looked pretty mad that Peter had upset her. Did Eddie harbour feelings for Gwen at any point in time, or were they always just friends?

3) At the end of "Identity Crisis", Eddie claimed that he was Venom. Did Gwen find out about this claim? If so, did she believe him?

4) Why did Doc Ock's motivation go from wanting to kill Spiderman (in "Reaction" and "Group Therapy") to wanting to conquer the world ("Shear Strength") to wanting to rule the criminal underworld ("Accomplices" and "Gangland")? Is it a case of the formerly weak-willed Otto Octavius wanting to make up for lost time by demonstrating his power to as many people as possible and making his name known and feared far and wide?

Greg responds...

1. Well, let's start with the notion that I don't agree with the premise of your question. I think if you watch carefully, Eddie's descent (or whatever you want to call it) is laid out with many, many clues planted along the way as to his true character and his many issues. Which is not to say, it MUST work for you. If it didn't, it didn't. But that doesn't mean I have to agree with you. But, yes, generally you're last sentence is correct. The influence of the symbiote is paramount.

2. I'll leave that to your interpretation.

3. Yes, she found out. As to whether she believed it, I'll leave that to your interpretation.

4. His motive never changed. In "Reaction", Spider-Man was incorrectly perceived as an immediate threat. In "Group Therapy", he was perceived as an obstacle that must be taken out of the way. But Ock's megalomaniacal motivations are established pretty much from moment one in "Reaction". He had a big plan in the first arc of Season Two, which was thwarted. After that, he simply is asserting his place in the world of crime, collecting fees for super-villain services, etc. I'm sure he has more BIG PLANS in the future, but not every hour of every day is filled with that. But again, your last sentence makes sense to me.

Response recorded on November 11, 2009

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Haley writes...

This is not realy a question but i hope you read it.

I asked a question, but i total blew off the instructions in the begining. And i asked a question that had been asked a billion times before. Now looking back i worded it rudely too. I am sorry. I didn't mean to sound mean or to ask an over asked question. i am sorry. Yes i am the one writing the book and i am done. I didn't use the same location or anything that you ever did. I am sorry. I wish i could remove some of the questions i asked, but as you know i can't and if you read them before you get to this one, I AM SO SORRY. Please forgive my rudeness and the fact that i didn't read the instructions. Sorry. =(

Greg responds...

Consider yourself forgiven... assuming ANY forgiveness was even necessary.

Response recorded on November 10, 2009

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The...!!? writes...

I hope to God that by the time this question gets to you season 3 is commisioned.
I wanna believe that there is gonna be a season three but everybody keeps saying given enough episodes, all depends on the ratings on disneyxd (that frightens me the most). The Spectacular Spiderman is my favorite tv show and i will hate to see it get taken off the air for crap like...whatever they are airing.
anyway, if there is a season 3 i do have questions...

1. on wikipedia it says you guys expressed interest in using heroes like cyclops, beast, ant-man, hulk, etc. is this true?

2. are hobgoblin and scorpion already drawn and if so are you happy with there looks?

3. is there a possibility that you will ever be able to use kingpin at all.

this all i can think of right now...

Greg responds...

1. Yes, we expressed some interest in all the characters you listed plus Human Torch, Captain America and Professor X. Others too, I suppose. But if allowed guest heroes, we'd start with Human Torch and work from there.

2. No, they have not been drawn yet for the show.

3. Anything's possible.

Response recorded on November 10, 2009

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Doceinholeite writes...

HI Greg I like all your Spectacular Spider-Man work i whant to know what do you plan on doing after all 65 episodes?

Greg responds...

Right now, I'm just hoping we get an episode 27...

Response recorded on November 10, 2009

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Paul writes...

Does the timeline of The Spectacular Spiderman follow this pattern?

Biology 101: September
Economics 101: October
Chemistry 101: October
Psychology 101: November
Engineering 101: December
Human Development 101: January
Criminology 101: February
Drama 101: March

I'm asking because it's hard to pin down which month some episodes take place in. "Market Forces" and "Competition", for instance, could be set in September or October, but it's unclear which, and "Accomplices" could be set in January or February, but it's unclear which. Likewise for episodes like "Subtext" as well.

Greg responds...

That's basically right.

Response recorded on November 10, 2009

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Geoff writes...

Did all the foreign people & gargoyles in "The Green" & "Bushido" that got to speak know how to speak English or are Goliath, Angela, & Elisa for some reason trilingual? (It just piqued my curiosity that you couldn't really have everyone speak English without some explanation for dubbing purposes.)

This also kinda raises a question on why the Emir read the scroll to capture Anubis in English instead of Arabic. (Unless the scroll weren't written in Arabic. Was it?)

Greg responds...

There are two ways to interpret things. One is that the Gate compensated, and Elisa, Goliath and Angela were magically adjusted to the local lingua without them even being aware of the change. It's also possible that the folks at the other end were speaking English.

Response recorded on November 10, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Also, in a previous post, someone asked about your thoughts on the Crimemaster, and you responded, "I do not not like him." (or something like that - not verbatim.)
Was this a typo, meant as "I do not like him." or did you intentionally use the double-negative?

Greg responds...

Intentional use of double negative.

Response recorded on November 09, 2009

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David B. Jacobs writes...

Hi, again, Greg!
Just wondering: Why is it that so many characters are all in the same bio class? Clearly Midtown doesn't separate its grades as much as mine does, but shouldn't Peter and Gwen and Sha Shan at least be in an advanced class, without Flash and Liz? And didn't they already Bio last year? 'Cause if so, shouldn't they be taking a different science now?
It probably doesn't matter (and I wonder if anyone else ever even noticed), but I was just wondering.
Thanks in advance!

Greg responds...

It's advanced bio, a class designed to be taken by Juniors. Flash and Liz are taking it ... and doing poorly. Pete and Gwen are taking it ... and doing very well. Sally's taking it, and it's not clear how she's doing. Sha Shan has clearly skipped ahead to take it. (She'd normally be a year too young.) We assume she's doing well, but not as well as Pete and Gwen, though given the fact that she's a sophomore, I'm sure her work is still impressive.

You'll notice that neither Kenny and Rand (both seniors) nor Hobie (a sophomore) is in the class. Neither is Tiny, though he's a junior too. (Obviously, not the type to even try and get by in that class.)

In any case, we tried to be consistent.

Response recorded on November 09, 2009


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