Freedom Reborn

Community Forums => Film, Television, Video and Music Discussion => Topic started by: Silver Shocker on January 12, 2009, 04:41:26 AM

Title: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Silver Shocker on January 12, 2009, 04:41:26 AM
We need a new Spider-Man thread, cuz you know the board archive thing. Anyway, The new season started in Canada today on Teletoon and I was lucky enough to catch it on tape.

Spoiler
The new episode played off the Peter/Gwen/MJ/Liz love square (?) from season one, mostly focusing on Peter's interaction on Gwen and Liz. The villain for this episode was Mysterio, who looked pretty much the same as in other comics or cartoons. He had this booming, over the top voice and really played up a "master of the mystic arts" angle, spouting Latin "spells" for each trick he'd do. It's not what I usually imagine with the villain and the other cartoons didn't do that, but I thought it worked pretty well, especially since out of costume Quentin Beck spoke the way you'd expect, giving his role as a common thug/henchman in this show (which is not forgotten this time around, in fact they acknowledge his S1 appearance in a clever and amusing way, IMO).  We also see some stuff with the Connors and Osborn, who apparently have dinner regularly with other science guys, namely Peter's science teacher, Miles Warren (which has me intrigued, especially with him mentioning an "assistant" of his, could Ben Reilly be in the works?) and some young girl who I don't believe was identified. Interesting stuff in the works, me thinks. So Osborn convinces the Connor's to rehire Peter as a intern, no doubt for his own sinister purposes, whatever they be.  At the end of the episode, it features a great "Xanatos Tag" (a term head writer Greg Weisman coined during his Gargoyles days) where The Tinkerer shows up, and we see that Spidey didn't capture Beck, but an android. The real Beck and Tinkerer (who is apparently voiced by the guy who voice Lexington from Gargoyles, which if so is awesome) then talk to a mysterious voice identified as......The Master Planner!

Before I watched Spectacular Spidey, I didn't know what to expect, except that I didn't really care for the animation style right away and Greg Weisman's involvement seemed promising, but when I actually saw season 1 I was really impressed. I quickly grew to love the show and this season opener didn't disappoint. It picked up plot elements from the previous season (previous episode, in fact) and gave a good idea of what to expect in future episodes. People who read the original comics would know
Spoiler
the Master Planner was revealed to be Doc Ock
, but knowing this show they'll probably pull a twist, as they've done before in the previous season.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Previsionary on January 12, 2009, 05:41:19 PM
Thanks for the summary/review, SS. One thing you forgot to note...MJ and Harry are no longer in the opening credits. They've been replaced with...Norman and Liz. *gasp*
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Silver Shocker on January 13, 2009, 01:22:52 AM
Oh yeah you're right, I did forget to mention that.

Spoiler
I noticed that in the end credits, the Master Planner is voiced by Peter MacNicol, the voice of Doctor Octopus in the show. So that makes it a good deal more likely that they're going with the comic book identity of Master Planner. Either that or they're really going out of their way to trick us.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Ajax on January 13, 2009, 04:06:03 AM
Apparently Marvel really hates America cause we aren't going to see this for a while. Apparently Disney picked up the rights and will start on their new whatever they are calling it lineup. DisneyXD? Between this and Wolverine and the X-Men, which literally could have run through two seasons before it is suppose to air, Marvel needs to get their act together. Brazil got Wolverine and the X-Men before us! Brazil! -_- *grumble* *grumble*

[edit]: Just checked Disney XD launches mid feb, which is probably around the time the x-toon will start.  :banghead:
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Previsionary on January 13, 2009, 05:49:23 AM
uh, why are you blaming marvel for this? They don't really have that much of a say of when TV stations air their programming. Marvel doesn't own these stations and we knew spectacular spidey wouldn't air a second season on WB since it's folding its kids lineup. X-men airs on the 23rd on Nick.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Ajax on January 14, 2009, 03:31:45 AM
I blame marvel because it just feels sloppy to me and there is no way they have 0 control over their shows. One show is going to be aired on Nick the other on Toon Disney, what happens if the two are competing against one another? (Not sure of their time slots but it is a distinct possibility). Wouldn't it have been easier and make more sense to sell the shows to the same network? Plus why did Wolverine and the X-Men get held back till Feb when it was more than ready to be aired during the fall season? To be in sync with the Wolverine movie? No clue, since it would probably make more sense to air it before the movie comes out that way people already have a taste, instead of waiting just before the movie comes out, making the series look like a marketing thing. Oh well.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Podmark on January 14, 2009, 04:28:48 AM
Actually I've heard from Greg Johnson, one of the head writers on Wolverine and the X-men, back when the show was first airing in South America, and he said he was very disappointed in the networks choices. So at the very least those involved in making the shows creatively have no control in their airings. 
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Previsionary on January 14, 2009, 04:58:04 AM
semi-ninja'd by Pod.

Quote from: Ajax on January 14, 2009, 03:31:45 AM
I blame marvel because it just feels sloppy to me and there is no way they have 0 control over their shows. One show is going to be aired on Nick the other on Toon Disney, what happens if the two are competing against one another? (Not sure of their time slots but it is a distinct possibility). Wouldn't it have been easier and make more sense to sell the shows to the same network? Plus why did Wolverine and the X-Men get held back till Feb when it was more than ready to be aired during the fall season? To be in sync with the Wolverine movie? No clue, since it would probably make more sense to air it before the movie comes out that way people already have a taste, instead of waiting just before the movie comes out, making the series look like a marketing thing. Oh well.

guess you better go ask that question to every channel and station ever in existence. :P. There're tons of shows all over the world that get aired in advance in other places outside of their origin nation/country, but when the U.S. gets something first, we never complain. Why is that anyway? ^^.

It's NOT a marvel fault, it's a distribution/channel/station problem (Nicktoons). Did you even think of the many variables that could be at play like the channel's programming blocks being full or what channel wanted what and the offers made? If I can remember correctly, not many US stations even jumped at the show when it was first being announced and Nicktoons were the only ones to take it up after the Canadians and Brazilians. Heck, not even the UK'ers got it on time and BBC picked it up months ago. You're making it an open and shut case...it isn't. Marvel only produces it, they can't control when it airs and who WILL and WON'T offer to buy their programming. Now Spider-man going to disney XD where the other hero cartoons are is a much different issue and probably involved three parties, or more likely Disney and Time Warner, sitting down and making deals. Besides, Nick is known for their long delays in airing new content. Not to mention that once the writers at Marvel learned that Brazil were going through 4 episodes a week, they were shocked...yet they couldn't do anything about it.
=====

in other news, it blows my mind that there's more x-talk in here than spidey talk. So um...I'm excited to see where the story goes especially between Pete/Gwen/Liz/MJ and Pete/Norman!
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Podmark on January 14, 2009, 05:16:10 AM
Oh forgot to mention I thought the new season started great. I had little interest in this show when it was annouced. I didn't like the MTV one much and I wasn't impressed with the animation on Spectacular at first, but honestly this show is great.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Silver Shocker on January 14, 2009, 07:59:43 AM
Quote from: Previsionary on January 14, 2009, 04:58:04 AM
So um...I'm excited to see where the story goes especially between Pete/Gwen/Liz/MJ and Pete/Norman!

Pre, you shipping Pete/Norman? Freaky. ;)

QuoteThere're tons of shows all over the world that get aired in advance in other places outside of their origin nation/country, but when the U.S. gets something first, we never complain. Why is that anyway? ^^.

Because most of you guys live in America and get the American stations, put simply. I'm in Canada, and I was always frustrated when the US was ahead of Canada in JLU when it was on, particularly because by the time I saw the episodes, the discussion threads for them here were dead and buried. But when Canada was showing the episodes first and I was able to post about them on FR first, I was filled to the brim with a girlish glee. I'd rather both counties (and other English-speaking countries) get the shows all at the same time, but of course that's not up to me. As for non-English speaking countries, well they have to dub the shows before they can show the shows; not everyone is bilingual (I'm not).
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: thalaw2 on January 14, 2009, 12:08:03 PM
Stan is the man!!!!
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: BWPS on January 14, 2009, 12:47:43 PM
Quote from: Previsionary on January 14, 2009, 04:58:04 AM
but when the U.S. gets something first, we never complain. Why is that anyway? ^^.

You personally might not, but people complain about the US getting stuff A LOT.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Previsionary on January 14, 2009, 10:14:25 PM
Quote from: BWPS on January 14, 2009, 12:47:43 PM
Quote from: Previsionary on January 14, 2009, 04:58:04 AM
but when the U.S. gets something first, we never complain. Why is that anyway? ^^.

You personally might not, but people complain about the US getting stuff A LOT.

er...the U.S.ers don't complain, yet we complain when other countries get them. It was a general comment that was jokey in nature, didn't need to go over all the bases with it. :p

Quote from: Silver Shocker on January 14, 2009, 07:59:43 AM
Quote from: Previsionary on January 14, 2009, 04:58:04 AM
So um...I'm excited to see where the story goes especially between Pete/Gwen/Liz/MJ and Pete/Norman!
Pre, you shipping Pete/Norman? Freaky. ;)

Don't be silly. Pete/Kong!

...

Yeah, I should stop before someone takes that seriously.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Silver Shocker on January 20, 2009, 04:04:28 PM
Well, there was a new episode on Sunday. Didn't get around to talking about it until now though.

Spoiler
This one featured Kraven the Hunter, who preferred to be called by his real name Kravenoff (pronounced with the a sound sounding like the a in "rat", I was used to it sounding like "rave" as it was in the 90s cartoon), who, per usual, hunts Spider-Man. The twist for this episode is that after his first fight with Spidey, he goes to see Miles Warren, who he believes gave Spider-Man his powers. Warren plays along and claims he did, saying Spidey paid him for the powers, so that Kraven will give him money. Warren mutates Kraven into a beastly lion-man, and he attempts to fight Spider-Man and loses. Also in the episode Flash Thompson gets injured playing football and has to be rushed to the hospital. Liz, who was among the friends of Flash who went to the hospital to see how he was doing, wanted Peter to go and see him, but he was too busy fighting Kraven at the time. At the end of the episode, we find out that Kraven was maintaining contact with the Master Planner, who was mentioned as being the one who told him about Spider-Man, and who now wants him to work in a group for him. I'm a little disappointed by that, because it sounds like the Sinister Six, which the show already did last season. I didn't really care for Kraven's voice.

I wasn't a huge fan of this episode. It was ok, and it did have some good subplot stuff and some good action, but I just didn't find it that interesting.
Also it seems the supporting characters shown on the opening now changes every episode to reflect which characters actually appear in the episode, as Norman Osborn was replaced with Flash Thompson for this one.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on January 23, 2009, 06:48:25 AM
Just saw the most recent episode myself, and didn't mind it.  I've always thought that "classic" Kraven was a lame Spider-man villain; given Spidey's powers he should be way out of the guy's league.  The cartoon borrowed the genetic upgrade after a humiliating defeat from Ult. Spider-man I believe (where Kraven's first defeat was a lot more humiliating).

Overall it was a solid episode, but not great.  Stand-up animation as always though - I wish Wolverine & the X-men's animation flowed & moved like this.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: thalaw2 on January 25, 2009, 03:18:32 AM
I thought this was a fun episode.  The fight between Kraven and Spidey was nothing compared to the good subplot.  I enjoyed that much more.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: TheMarvell on January 25, 2009, 09:08:15 AM
can't say I liked this episode. Kraven just isn't that solid of a villain, imo, and I didn't really like what they did with him here. Turning him into a werewolf-like-cat man just seemed weird to me. Plus, Kraven having a lion that acted exactly like a dog was stupid. It was somewhat entertaining, but definitely one of the weakest episodes so far.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on January 29, 2009, 11:43:23 PM
I just saw the third episode of the season, Reinforcements...

Spoiler

And I think Dr. Octopus is still going to be the Master Planner, though they're doing a pretty good job of disguising it.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on February 11, 2009, 07:09:36 AM
Fourth Episode, Shear Strength:

Spoiler

This episode was a marked improvement over the last couple, not that they were terrible or anything.  Dr. Ock is revealed as the Master Planner immediately (which surprised me; sure, I thought it was him, but I also thought they'd try to hide it a little longer, or make the reveal more dramatic).  His plan involves using a kidnapped Gwen Stacy to blackmail her father into getting him access to a Homeland Security computer not on any network.  This of course brings Spider-man into the picture to save the day.

Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: thalaw2 on February 11, 2009, 07:35:59 AM
I think this series is doing a good job of making Peter Parker look like a typical high school boy.

Spoiler
Having him in a love triangle is much better than trying to go some romantic angle with him and Mary Jane...it's high school.  Everything is puppy love
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on February 20, 2009, 04:16:12 AM
Fifth episode: First Steps
Spoiler

Peter & Liz are a couple, while Gwen agrees to go out with a newly-returned Harry Osborn.  Eddie Brock also returns, popping up often enough that Peter begins to think he has the symbiote back, all while the Sandman attempts a number of robberies, but ends up showing a more heroic side.

Another quality episode - Peter's reactions and interactions as a teenage boy manage to be believable and avoid falling into cartoon simplicity or cliche.  Though I'm a little sad that Venom's about to come back apparently, as the character does nothing for me.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Silver Shocker on February 22, 2009, 03:01:45 AM
Yeah, hi, I've fallen behind in talking up the new episodes, thanks for bringing them up Talavar. Anyway, I'm still really enjoying the new episodes.
Spoiler
The stuff with the Sinister Six was pretty good, lots of fun subplot stuff, ect. One cool thing about the Doc Oct battle with Gwen being captured is, though the Gwen part was made up for the cartoon, the underwater base and Spidey having to lift up the rubble is a clear homage to the classic Master Planner storyline from the original comics. I appreciated the reference.

As for the Sandman episode, I liked that one too, they did good stuff with Sandman, both playing with his brief history as a good guy in the comics and being very creative with his powers. Another thing I found interesting is the show introducing Sha Shan, a very obscure character from the comics who was a love interest for Flash for a while. She was linked to Flash's time as a soldier in Vietnam, so with that storyline not being present in the cartoon, naturally the character's being used in a different way. I'm not sure, but I think she was the girl shown sitting at the table with Norman, Miles Warren, Conners, ect. Not 100% though.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: TheMarvell on February 22, 2009, 07:37:23 PM
I have to say that I really enjoyed the last two episodes, especially the ones with Sandman. However, I think the season started off really weak, especially in comparison to season 1. I can't say I like what they did with Mysterio or Kraven, but then again, these are two "classic" villains I never really cared for that much to begin with.

I have to ask though, what happened to Shocker? He was part of the Sinister Six in this series and he seems to have been replaced by Mysterio and Kraven...
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on February 24, 2009, 07:14:54 AM
I agree that this season started out weaker, but it's easily recovered its charm.  I can't recall what happened to Shocker though.

Sixth episode: Growing Pains
Spoiler

JJJ's son Colonel Jameson has been infected with alien spores, and they're causing him to grow, as well as increase in mass and strength.  Meanwhile, Venom is going around town committing crimes and people are blaming Spider-man.  When a Spidey/Venom fight sparks a fire in an apartment building, Colonel Jameson (dubbed Col. Jupiter) & Spider-Man team up to save its tenants, but when Spider-man won't stay to talk to the cops, Col. Jameson gets a bad opinion of him too.  Venom later attacks Col. Jameson in his apartment, causing the Col. to go a little nuts and decide to take out Spider-man once and for all.  He finds Spidey while Spidey is looking for Venom, and in the ensuing fight, Spider-man realizes large doses of electricity are killing the alien spores.  Col. Jameson gets de-powered, but ends up in Spidey-Arkham due to his unhealthy desire to have powers again.  Ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I won't give that away.

A strong episode - I don't care much for Venom, but the plot with Colonel Jupiter spiced it up enough to keep things interesting.  The touch of Shakespeare with the school-play auditions subplot was very Gargoyles, which is nice to see.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: crimsonquill on February 24, 2009, 07:51:40 AM
Quote from: TheMarvell on February 22, 2009, 07:37:23 PM
I have to ask though, what happened to Shocker? He was part of the Sinister Six in this series and he seems to have been replaced by Mysterio and Kraven...

Quote from: Talavar on February 24, 2009, 07:14:54 AM
I agree that this season started out weaker, but it's easily recovered its charm.  I can't recall what happened to Shocker though.

Fancy Dan of the Enforcers was the character who initially wore the Shocker costume and he escaped with his old teammates when they were recalled by Tombstone. I believe that Shocker returns with the Enforcers once they get "upgraded" because The Master Planner decides to make a move at taking over being crime boss.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Silver Shocker on February 24, 2009, 06:21:49 PM
Actually it was Montana, not Fancy Dan. An easy mistake to make though.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on March 03, 2009, 05:16:40 PM
New episode: Identity Crisis

Spoiler

In light of Venom's announcement last episode, the Bugle (and other media) are trying to figure out if Peter Parker is Spider-man.  When Pete manages to convince most of them that he's not (potential Pete=Spidey believers: Dr. Connors & his wife, Capt. Stacey, maybe Gwen), Eddie Brock gets his old job back at the Connors' lab only to steal a vial of gene-cleanser.  Venom attacks Spidey with the intent to unmask him to the press, then force him to drink the gene-cleanser, leaving him powerless.  After a lengthy fight, Pete manages to get the gene-cleanser away from Venom, and forces it down his throat.  It makes the symbiote flee Eddie, Eddie gets taken away by the authorities, raving, and the Bugle prints a story saying Peter Parker is not Spider-man.

I liked Flash's surprising dedication to Spidey in this episode; it would be easy to make Flash an all-around selfish jerk, but he puts himself on the line a couple of times to help his hero.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on March 10, 2009, 05:44:34 AM
This week's episode: Accomplices
Spoiler
The formula to create more super-mercenaries in Rhino armour is up for auction, and everybody wants it - Hammerhead & the Big Man, Dr. Ock, Silver Sable (representing Silvermane), Black Cat (trying to steal it to sell herself, presumably), and somebody named Kingsley.  Kingsley wins the auction, but can't hang on to his winnings when Silver Sable, Hammerhead, Spidey & the original Rhino all show up to try and take the formula from him.

This was a really good episode - even the villains have competing motivations, the Big Man plot, dropped for much of season 2 so far, comes back, and we even get a Spidey-Rhino fastball special.  My only complaint is that normal people - which Silver Sable & Hammerhead essentially are (a metal reinforced skull isn't that great as far as powers go) - should get their butts handed to them by Spider-man and Rhino.  Sure, they eventually lose, but they should have been short fights.  I don't blame the show though - Spider-man has a long history of having trouble with well-trained "normal" people, something that's never sat well with me.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: TheMarvell on March 12, 2009, 03:31:26 AM
I agree with everything Talavar said. This was a really fun episode to watch with everyone going at eachother. Unfortunately there's one thing I'm starting to notice that I don't like, and I might be in the minority here, but I'm not a fan of the voice of J. Jonah Jameson in this series. It's really grating and annoying, and it really makes me miss Ed Asner from the 90's show. Asner actually acted out the lines, while whoever does the voice here just kind of screams everything.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Previsionary on March 12, 2009, 06:27:03 PM
Spectacular Spider-man #209: Probable Cause

Just mentioning that Australia will end this season's 13 episode run before the US and Canada. In fact, Australia will be done with the show by next Tuesday or Wednesday. Onto the episode...

Spoiler


This episode marks the return of Ox, Montana, and Fancy Dan (The Enforcers) with updated powers, so to speak. Over with Peter, his class is split into groups and assigned to police ride-alongs. Of course, Peter is late because of his Spidey work where he comes across the new and improved Enforcers.

Over with Norman and Hammerhead, Tombstone wants a new supervillain to keep Spider-man busy and Norman aims to give it to him. Meanwhile, on the ride-alongs, a few subplots are pushed forward. Liz and Gwen talk awkwardly in the car about their respective others, Pete and his partner, Sally, don't get along because he crossed clique lines, and Flash finally learns the reason Harry left for Europe (he was "juicing") and he's none too pleased.

Back to the Spidey/Enforcer plot, Spidey catches the updated team trying to steal some gold from a vault. The Enforcers make adequate work of Spidey, but he continues to follow them until they're underground on a subway fighting. The fight eventually comes to an end underground when the subway crashes. The enforcers make it above ground and try to escape. They don't get very far and it's revealed that Hammerhead betrayed them. The episode ends with Harry's juicing secret coming to light and the football team losing their title. On the bright side, Flash finally got a date, on the bad, Harry reveals he still has a stash of Goblin formula.

Overall, it's a good episode. It was interesting to see Spider-man fight a super speedster as, realistically, I think that's an archetype that could easily overwhelm Spidey. There's also the point of Cpt. Stacey constantly making hints to Peter that he knows who he really is. Also, Ox humming the theme song in the elevator was pretty cool to me.  With the return of Goblin hinted at, I can't wait to see the final few episodes.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: thalaw2 on March 14, 2009, 03:15:18 AM
This is a great cartoon series.  The subplots really steal the show  There is so much action going on that it's sometimes hard to keep up..

Just how durable is Spidey?  He really needs some help in the allies department....The number of villains is way too high.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on March 14, 2009, 07:00:13 AM
Thanks for the heads-up on that Prev.

Probable Cause was another solid episode - this really is a great show.  I think a true speedster would be difficult for Spidey (and also interesting to see) but Ricochet seemed to be really only fast while he was, well, ricocheting. 
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Midnite on March 14, 2009, 03:30:57 PM
Episode 10 Gangland is out.  :ph34r:
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on March 16, 2009, 05:12:54 AM
Episode 10, Gangland:
Spoiler
Pete, Liz, Harry, Gwen, MJ & Liz's brother whose name escapes me are out on a date for Valentine's Day, when their table gets crashed by Flash, Sha Shan, & the other football players +dates.  Meanwhile, Tombstone, Silvermane & Doc Ock are at a meeting to determine the fate of the criminal underworld of New York - a meeting none of them arranged.  Hammerhead starts a fight, supposedly on Tombstone's orders, and a 3-way brawl between Tombstone, Doc Ock & Silvermane in power armour begins.  Pete gets called away from his date to photograph it, and apologizes to Gwen for leaving, rather than his actual date.  As Spidey, he takes on the 3 crime bosses, who are also still fighting each other, while trying to keep anyone from getting hurt.  One by one he takes down Silvermane, Doc Ock, and finally Tombstone, who stands revealed as the Big Man at episode's end.  Out on bail, Tombstone discovers the Green Goblin in his office - apparently who Hammerhead has begun working for.  Finally, Peter tries to go see Liz after everything's over, but her brother won't let him see her, and says he's not good enough for his sister.

It's another good episode - my only real complaint is in the number of cuts between the fight scene & the date folks.  The use of the opera music the villain trio were nominally attending over the fight was a nice touch, particularly when the other sounds faded out for the Spidey/Tombstone showdown.  I wish Wolverine & the X-men was this well done.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: detourne_me on March 16, 2009, 04:07:11 PM
man, i'm gushing too much about the show,  gotta put it in spoilers
Spoiler
Seriously this show is amazing. Top-notch writing, design and style. I'm not qualified enough to judge the animation, but it just seems so spot on. Excellent action scenes that are well choreographed.  I'd put this show on the same rank as early TAS Batman, really. It's got it's own continuity, excellent subplots and running themes. foreshadowing that isn't heavy handed (I feel Hobie Brown may step up as an ally soon, Possibly something to do with Mark Allen). and a lot of great references to early lee/ditko/romita/and conway tropes.

oh, and the theme song is just as fun (if not more) than the teen titans song. It's better than the 90's theme song, but not quite up to the 60's version
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Previsionary on March 16, 2009, 08:40:47 PM
Spec. Spidey #211: Subtext

Spoiler
This episodes opens with a fire in, I assume, a pool lounge started by Molten Man as he battles an overwhelmed Spidey. As the battle rages on, Spidey notices a scared MJ and Liz behind one of the nearby counters and alerts Molten Man to this. MM doesn't believe Spidey and the fight continues as Liz watches on.

As Liz watches Molten Man, we jump back to the points leading up to the current predicament. Liz and MJ are on stage reciting their lines and the director is none too pleased with their performances. A quick cut back to the fight is then interlaced with more build up scenes which involves Peter trying to apologize to Liz. It's at this point that Liz relays to Peter that she's worried about her brother Mark. She think he's addicted to gambling and has a debt. Harry overhears this and warns Peter that he can't help Mark unless he's ready to be helped.

Back to the fight, Peter manages to finally save MJ and Liz and Molten Man realizes that Spidey was telling the truth. We then jump into another flashback which involves Mark being brought in to pay his debt to a bookie. Seconds later, Green Goblin interrupts and declares himself the new "Big Man" and single handedly defeats the whole bar. GG then asks the Bookie to fulfill a deal for him and the Bookie has a perfect candidate. Mark is then taken to Osbourne who inquires about Hammerhead. Plans have changed and Molten Man is created.

In the present, Molten Man has a change of heart and tries to help Spidey save the girls + the Bookie. Unfortunately, he only manages to spread the fire as we jump into another flashback of Mark seconds after he gains his new powers. Mark freaks out, but he's informed that he can control the armor by having a strong will. Mark does so and is released with a C-note...which he bets on a horse race...which he loses (GG is also there). This loss triggers his transformation and a set of guards attack him. Spidey catches this and tries to handle Mark himself.

In another substory, MJ goes to the Allans to check up on Mark whom she hasn't seen in 3 days. Liz isn't thrilled with MJ and suspects that the red-head doesn't really care about her brother. When MJ tells Liz that she suspects Mark is gambling, they begin to bond.

To tie this all up, Spider-man saves Liz, the Bookie, and MJ and they plead with Mark to stop attacking Spider-man. He doesn't listen and we find out Mark was never able to control his armor. It was all a ploy by GG to test his latest gadget and to force Mark into his bidding to kill Spider-man. This last series of flashbacks brings us to the beginning and aftermath scenes of the episode.

The episode comes to a close with Spider-man detaining Mark and GG removing the armor from afar. Liz is devestated and turns to Peter for support. Meanwhile, at the Conner's lab, Kurt learns about the experiments Miles has been doing and is blackmailed to keep quiet. The episode ends on a mixed note, on the plus side, MJ and Liz are able to channel their sadness into their acting, on the negative, Mark is in jail.

And that's that. It was a pretty good episode and not an issue that is typically tackled by cartoon's in today's heavily PC/"G" world. Only two episodes to go before another GG/Spidey showdown.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Podmark on March 17, 2009, 03:41:38 AM
I saw the Enforcers ep this week, and I must say I love this show. It knows how to do subplots and work with a lot of characters. I kinda marvel at how they can fit so much in every episode.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Previsionary on March 17, 2009, 06:54:16 AM
Spec.  Spidey #212: Opening Night

Spoiler
The episode opens with JJJ, Norman, and Captain Stacey in a penitentiary overseeing the lockup of their newest captive...SPIDER-MAN! Why is he there you ask? Simple! He's testing the security. Meanwhile, outside, Felicia/Black Cat finds herself breaking into prison.

Meanwhile, at the play, Harry is late and MJ is looking for him. She calls Gwen, but she doesn't know where he is. Liz also calls Peter to make sure he'll be at the play, but he doesn't respond. Obviously.

Back at the prison, Spidey has remained unmoving in his cell for over an hour. JJJ is overjoyed, but Norman has to leave the "party" to handle other business. After waiting a few more minutes, Peter finally makes his move and escapes his cell with ease. As Spidey races towards freedom, JJJ and the prison operaters realize that their computers have been hacked and all of their men have been locked in their stations. This is revealed to be yet another plan orchestrated by Green Goblin, who's outside the prison controlling various electronic devices within the prison. Spidey eventually reaches the cells of some of his old foes, and thanks to his big mouth, gives GG the plan to unleash them all on him. Spidey takes care of most of them easily, but the Enforcers/Silvermane/Mysterio bot give him a tougher fight. As Spidey handles his foes, Felicia manages to save her father. Spidey and Black Cat are eventually overwhelmed and end up hiding in a cell where it's revealed that Cat's father is the same man that killed Peter's uncle.

Eventually, Cat, Spidey, and Mr. Harding end up in a room where the villains can be gassed to sleep. Peter, of course, leads them to the room. In a flashback, Cat learns the truth about her father's actions towards Peter's uncle and she leaves him angrily. This scene also reveals that Mr. Harding agreed to stay behind to manually release the gas as the other two escape. Peter accepts this, but doesn't forgive his uncle's killer.

Peter finally makes it outside the prison and is instantly attacked by GG. Black Cat comes to his rescue, and together they are able to drive GG off. However, the friendship between Cat and Spidey is now strained. The episode ends on the play as the "Goblin" gives his final speech.

I enjoyed the episode, and I loved how the play paralleled Spidey's predicament so very well. The episode didn't involve any Peter action and it foreshadows that Liz and Peter might not get their happy ending in the finale.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Previsionary on March 18, 2009, 12:47:40 AM
double post, but the finale seems to have been aired already.

Episode 213: Final Curtain

Spoiler
This episode ties up most, if not all, of the storylines of season 2. The Green Goblin is reigning havoc across New York with his new Goblin crew and Spider-man still hasn't figured out who he is for sure. When Harry finally returns and asks Gwen (with her full new look) and Peter for help, he reveals that he may have been Goblin at one time, but he's not now. The current Goblin kidnapped him. peter and Gwen convince Harry to tell his father. When Harry leaves, Gwen and Peter finally admit the truth to each other--they love each other. Pete and Gwen agree to break off their current relationships, but Harry overhears and walks off angrily.

The rest of the episode focuses on Gwen and Peter trying to break off their relationships and Spider-man's final showdown with Goblin that reveals something shocking from the finale of season 1. It also cements the damaged relationship between Harry and Spiderman AND Harry and Peter.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on March 18, 2009, 05:06:58 AM
I just watched Subtext and my only complaint is the flashback/forward setup.  I don't think it really added anything to the story, and I'm pretty sure they've done it before to better effect.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on March 19, 2009, 05:35:36 PM
I just saw the finale: any word on whether Spectacular Spider-man has been picked up for another season yet?
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: JeyNyce on March 22, 2009, 07:58:29 PM
It's a shame that the toon is better than the comic.  I'm loving this show.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: TheMarvell on March 26, 2009, 05:51:16 AM
just watched the last episode on youtube. It was quite a finish and I wasn't expecting it
Spoiler
(especially when one of the characters shows up that hasn't been in any of the episodes for the entire season - Chameleon - who I'm still not a fan of in this series, but that was pretty cool nonetheless).
All in all this is a great series and even though season 2 started off pretty badly, it certainly ended very well and exciting.

FYI - I've read a few times on IGN that the producers of the show are planning on releasing actual seasons of the show starting sometime this summer with season 1 and then later on season 2 (probably around christmas) so it looks like the "few episodes on dvd" dvds that have come out so far are for the kids, while adult fans will get theirs this summer. Keep your fingers crossed. And I hope they get picked up for a third season, as it would really suck to end it so soon.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on March 26, 2009, 07:07:46 AM
I think saying the second season started off pretty bad is a complete overstatement.  It wasn't as good as the end of the season, but that's still a long way from bad.

I too hope for complete season DVD sets, because I refuse to buy those individual disc releases.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: thalaw2 on March 26, 2009, 04:04:23 PM
Wow this was awesome!  I wish I was a kid again so I could grow up with this.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: TheMarvell on March 27, 2009, 03:49:23 AM
Quote from: Talavar on March 26, 2009, 07:07:46 AM
I think saying the second season started off pretty bad is a complete overstatement.  It wasn't as good as the end of the season, but that's still a long way from bad.

In your opinion. I thought the first few episodes of the season felt pretty rushed and, at least in comparison to everything else the show has shown so far, were pretty bad. I really didn't like Mysterio or Kraven's debut here. But then again, these were two villains I was never that fond of to begin with. Still, it didn't help when Mysterio's trash talking disney-esque bat creatures show up (wtf?), nor Kraven having a pet lion that acts exactly like a dog. I know it's a kids show, but cmon.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Talavar on March 27, 2009, 04:39:33 AM
Quote from: TheMarvell on March 27, 2009, 03:49:23 AM
Quote from: Talavar on March 26, 2009, 07:07:46 AM
I think saying the second season started off pretty bad is a complete overstatement.  It wasn't as good as the end of the season, but that's still a long way from bad.

In your opinion. I thought the first few episodes of the season felt pretty rushed and, at least in comparison to everything else the show has shown so far, were pretty bad. I really didn't like Mysterio or Kraven's debut here. But then again, these were two villains I was never that fond of to begin with. Still, it didn't help when Mysterio's trash talking disney-esque bat creatures show up (wtf?), nor Kraven having a pet lion that acts exactly like a dog. I know it's a kids show, but cmon.

Yes, in my opinion - clearly delineated by my opening with "I think."  But whatever.  If you think the beginning of the season was bad and the end of the season was good, I just can't see it - because the increase in quality wasn't very big. 
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: TheMarvell on March 27, 2009, 05:21:20 AM
Well, I guess we can just agree to disagree then, lol. I explained why I didn't like the first few episodes. No need to get into it further. They weren't completely horrible by any means, but every series has at least a handful of episodes that aren't very good. It's still a very good show and that's what matters.

Greg Weisman has stated he wants Scorpion and Hobgoblin in season 3, and they've already introduced Roderick Kingsly, and Norman Osborn vaguely mentioned Mac Gargan. Hopefully they do a little more with these two beyond the "create a super villain to beat and/or distract spider-man" ordeal. I also hope this series includes some of the lesser used villains that didn't make it into previous series, like Beetle and Owl.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: thalaw2 on March 27, 2009, 06:49:24 AM
I really liked the episode with Kraven.  If you're not a big Kraven fan then it's very funny.  My only gripe is that 13 episodes is too short!
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Silver Shocker on March 27, 2009, 06:53:34 AM
Quote from: TheMarvell on March 27, 2009, 05:21:20 AM
Greg Weisman has stated he wants Scorpion and Hobgoblin in season 3, and they've already introduced Roderick Kingsly, and Norman Osborn vaguely mentioned Mac Gargan. Hopefully they do a little more with these two beyond the "create a super villain to beat and/or distract spider-man" ordeal. I also hope this series includes some of the lesser used villains that didn't make it into previous series, like Beetle and Owl.

Actually Beetle appeared in Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends, and Owl made a brief appearance in the 90's cartoon as one of Kingpin's underlings.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: TheMarvell on March 28, 2009, 05:05:45 PM
Quote from: Silver Shocker on March 27, 2009, 06:53:34 AM
Quote from: TheMarvell on March 27, 2009, 05:21:20 AM
Greg Weisman has stated he wants Scorpion and Hobgoblin in season 3, and they've already introduced Roderick Kingsly, and Norman Osborn vaguely mentioned Mac Gargan. Hopefully they do a little more with these two beyond the "create a super villain to beat and/or distract spider-man" ordeal. I also hope this series includes some of the lesser used villains that didn't make it into previous series, like Beetle and Owl.

Actually Beetle appeared in Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends, and Owl made a brief appearance in the 90's cartoon as one of Kingpin's underlings.

I've actually never seen Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends (I know. I know. A lot of people claim it was awesome, but it aired before my time lol. By the time I was old enough to remember the cartoons I watched, TMNT was the big thing) But that's cool that Beetle was in it. And I do remember Owl in the 90's show now. He was in the Insidious Six episode, but he never showed up beyond that.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: thalaw2 on March 28, 2009, 05:14:38 PM
Never watched Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends?!?!?!  Go do your homework now!
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Ajax on April 02, 2009, 02:38:18 AM
Why the heck did Disney decide to not air season 2 till the summer? They aren't even playing the first season so it isn't the "we are going to air season 1 and go right into season 2". It just doesn't make sense. It's as if they want the series to fail. Maybe they are ticked Marvel sued em.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Tomato on April 02, 2009, 03:12:48 AM
Disney making bad marketing decisions? Say it isn't so! [/sarcasm]
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Silver Shocker on April 13, 2009, 01:10:45 AM
Just saw the season finale. The way the show played off past continuity for this story was awesome. I loved the episode. This show might actually be better than Gargoyles, which I loved (3rd season doesn't count, of course). As far as I'm concerned, the Mysterio and Kraven episodes weren't bad by any means. Wasn't a big fan of the Kraven one, but it was still good. Even the episodes with a not-that-great A plot are great because they continue B plots/subplots. That's what makes this show so good, you can't miss a single episode.

I'll be looking forward to season 3 whenever it comes out.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Podmark on April 13, 2009, 03:09:15 AM
Season finale was awesome. I really had no idea who the goblin was right down to the reveal.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: BWPS on April 13, 2009, 10:02:14 PM
5 more episodes to catch up on, but so far I have to say this show is actually better than the 90s AS that I love so very much. It's pretty much perfect, and has the coolest action scenes of any cartoon ever.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: docdelorean88 on April 14, 2009, 01:04:15 AM
Quote from: Podmark on April 13, 2009, 03:09:15 AM
Season finale was awesome. I really had no idea who the goblin was right down to the reveal.
Wow, in the states this hasn't even started yet. It is going to be aired on Disney XD right? If not, could somone link me to a site. I have stayed away from this thread so i could watch it eventually.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: thalaw2 on April 14, 2009, 03:48:45 AM
The season finale made so much sense it was criminal.  I really love the sub plots more than the "main events".  I wish they would do more with Black Cat...although Petey has enough women in his life in this program.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: BWPS on April 14, 2009, 03:50:17 AM
Quote from: docdelorean88 on April 14, 2009, 01:04:15 AM
Quote from: Podmark on April 13, 2009, 03:09:15 AM
Season finale was awesome. I really had no idea who the goblin was right down to the reveal.
Wow, in the states this hasn't even started yet. It is going to be aired on Disney XD right? If not, could somone link me to a site. I have stayed away from this thread so i could watch it eventually.

I've found every episode on youtube by searching in the format S02_E01 (season 2 episode 1)

Sorry if I'm not allowed to say this, I apologize.
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: TheMarvell on August 08, 2009, 06:30:06 PM
in case anyone has forgotten, the complete first season of this show was released on DVD a couple weeks ago. I just picked up my copy at Best Buy and I gotta say, it's way cool watching it on a wide screen TV with good video quality, as opposed to cable or youtube. :)

You guys should pick this up. Support this show!
Title: Re: Spectacular Spider-Man
Post by: Tomato on August 08, 2009, 07:12:36 PM
Finally made a somewhat believer out of one of the few holdouts... my dad >P. I might buckle him to a chair and marathon it soon... the ones he hasn't seen anyway.

After that... I have to persuade the last non-believer. I'm looking at YOU Vertex!