"Survival of the Fittest" Discussion Thread

[PJBoy]

Talk about the first episode here:

Synopsis:

"Summer is over for Peter Parker and school's ready to start -- both literally (it's his junior year of high school), and in the real world of crime-fighting -- as Spider-Man faces his first real challenge (The Enforcers) and his first real super-villain (Vulture)."

Robert Englund from A Nightmare on Elm Street provides the voice of the Vulture. Englund recently provided the voice of Riddler in The Batman.

"Survival of the Fittest" was written by Greg Weisman and directed by Victor Cook.

[CaptainStacy]

I'll flip out if we get a Goblin vs Vulture episode! :wow:

[Spider-ManHero12]

I really think this episode is going to be fantastic. With not only the Vultrue in the first episode, but The Enforcers, Norman Osborn, and Dr. Otto Octavius will amke an appearance! That's just great right there. Also, the clip from the first episode left me begging for more, more, more, and that is a really good result. :up:

[Kal-El 8]

I'm so hyped up to see this episode

[Prison Mike]

looking forward to this episode. I'll be home for spring break!

[Web-Head]

I'm looking forward to this, especially since Greg's writing the first episode.

[GoldGoblin]

I wonder if were gonna see Norman's Goblin's Lair.

[Spider-ManHero12]

I wonder if were gonna see Norman's Goblin's Lair. I'm sure we will, it was a very special place for the Green Goblin in the comics. :up:

[spiderbob]

Didn't the 90s cartoon have an episode with a very similiar plot to this, the Toomes after Norman thing?

[3dman27]

as i recall yes

[Nebins]

When does this air?

[Web-Head]

When does this air?
March 8th at 10 AM.

[Sarcastic Fan]

He won't be the Green Goblin in the first episode.

[Spider-ManHero12]

He won't be the Green Goblin in the first episode. Yeah, they will establish his character first and then he will probably become the Green Goblin at some point in the first season.

[Orb]

From what I hear you guys are hyped WAYYYY too much. I think putting ALL these villains in one season is not a good idea.Lets judge episode when we SEE it.

[Sarcastic Fan]

They are not throwing everyone into one season, I'm sure that a lot of villains are being saved for the second season also.

They threw more into the first season of the crappy 90s show.

[Spider-ManHero12]

^ Yep, Villains such as Morbius, etc.

By the way, the 1990's Spider-Man animated series is the best Spidey animated series so far.

[3dman27]

March 8th at 10 AM.

thanks for the info:spidey:

[PJBoy]

He won't be the Green Goblin in the first episode.
It will be Vulture.

[srm1]

Didn't the 90s cartoon have an episode with a very similiar plot to this, the Toomes after Norman thing?

Episode #26 - Shriek of the Vulture

While CEO Adrian Toomes is absorbed in regaining his youth, Norman Osborn is engineering a hostile takeover of Toomes Aeronautical. Toomes vows revenge and takes to the air as the Vulture, armed with youth-absorbing talons that temporarily make him young. Meanwhile, on campus, Peter arrives to see Mary Jane in Faust where Harry Osborn is snatched out of the audience by the Vulture. Spidey rescues Harry, but the Vulture escapes. Later, as Toomes' talons grip Spider-Man's shoulders, Spidey's strength and vitality fade while the Vulture revels in newfound youth and super strength. To make his victory complete, Toomes begins to rip off Spidey's mask...

Episode #27 - The Final Nightmare

The shocking conclusion to the "Neogenic Nightmare" storyline!! Spider-Man seeks Curt Connors aid to help reverse the aging effects of the Vulture's talons. The Vulture meanwhile sporadically turns into the man-spider from the mutagenics he absorbed with Spidey's youth. At the same time, the Scorpion grabs Dr. Farley Stillwell to seek a cure for his own mutation. With Doc Connors caught in the middle, feeling the onset of his own his reptilian transformation, will everyone be cured in time for Peter to meet up with Mary Jane as she confronts her wayward father?




http://marvel.toonzone.net/spideytas/epguide.htm

[Web-Head]

http://marvel.toonzone.net/specspidey/media/gallery/promo1.jpg
A promotional pic from Survival of The Fittest.

[PJBoy]

Pretty dawn awesome!!

[Spider-ManHero12]

http://marvel.toonzone.net/specspidey/media/gallery/promo1.jpg
A promotional pic from Survival of The Fittest. Holy crap! That's an awesome picture! That has classic Spidey written all over it. :wow::up:

[MetalloX]

http://marvel.toonzone.net/specspidey/media/gallery/promo1.jpg
A promotional pic from Survival of The Fittest.

I dont see a pic :csad:

[ironman29758]

awsome and if that isn't then this should be

http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/kids/spectacularspiderman/

[PJBoy]

High-def of the new picture released:

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s79/PJBoySv/SM01.jpg

[PJBoy]

First post edited with the real synopsis.

[Spec Spider-Man]

I cant wait till march 8, for not 1 but 2 episodes!!! Its gonna b great!!!

[Asteroid-Man]

March 8th!? What an AMAZING birthday present!

[Spider-ManHero12]

The clip is now online and it truly shows that there is alot of classic Spidey in there. I praise Greg Weisman for what most likley will be an amazing show! :up:

http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/kids/spectacularspiderman/

[PJBoy]

^
Awesome!

[Web-Head]

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0802/11/spidey.jpg

[Green Goblin 1964]

"Surf's Up!"-Spidey
"AHH!"-Vulture



LOL PWNED.

[Ratcrawler]

Englund portrayed my favorite version of The Riddler so I'm looking forward to his vulture. ^_^

[vinny2]

This episode will rock so much...

[IamProdigy]

I hope they keep the red/black Vulture and not have him slowly change into the green-suited one, because Spidey has enough villains that wear, or are, green.

[SpideyFan85]

In case you guys care, I was at Wondercon today and watched the premier, I posted the plot outline over in the "New Spider-Man Animated Series in 2008" thread...

http://forums.superherohype.com/showpost.php?p=14143446&postcount=6084

[3dman27]

thanks for the tip

[Web-Head]

http://i.enewsi.com/g/albums/Entertainment/Spectacular_Spider-Man/SM101c066.jpg
A new promotional image.

Thanks to PJBoy for the pic.

[Grievous]

High-def of the new picture released:

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s79/PJBoySv/SM01.jpg
that would make a good Wallpaper for anyway that wants one. I don't though.

[PJBoy]

Almost there guys!

[The Kid]

I hope this show doesn't suck.

[Green Goblin 1964]

I hope this show doesn't suck.From the reviews it'll probably not. But find out for yourself in 5 min.

Also Lizard's episode looks SWEEET!
www.kidswb.com

[Visionary]

I hope this show doesn't suck.It doesn't matter, you'll still watch it, along with all the haters....they always do. :dry:

[cabel]

it's nice that this spidey's allowed to punch

[Webhead2006]

yea so glad he can punch, or atless tried to punch. First episode was pretty sweet. I liked it alot.

[samsnee]

Don't like the look of Parker... he has a weird nose. All the super round eyes on the characters make them look like they're Lego heads.

[samsnee]

Don't like the look of Parker... he has a weird nose. All the super round eyes on the characters make them look like they're Lego heads.

[Webhead2006]

I thought the pilot was pretty sweet episode overall liked it alot. Also i agree with u samsnee peter does have an odd looking nose, and i do wish they gave the characters pupils in there eyes.

[terry78]

So Uncle Ben is still alive then. Interesting. The black football player's "it's cool" non-chalant response to Peter asking his girlfriend out was hilarious. As was her outburst afterwards.

[cabel]

Uncle Ben's dead. Peter said so himself.

"I won't let Harry lose his father the same way I lost Uncle Ben."

I like Peter's design, althought the mole under his eye seems a little of

[Nova Prime]

I really enjoyed this episode. I like that they are using Gwen. Does this mean they will eventually kill her?

[terry78]

Uncle Ben's dead. Peter said so himself.

"I won't let Harry lose his father the same way I lost Uncle Ben."

I like Peter's design, althought the mole under his eye seems a little of

You're right, I glanced at the scene where they were in the kitchen, saw another white haired person and thought Ben. :p

[DOG LIPS]

This series is going to be A LOT of fun. Vulture was great, the animation rocked, and the character designs were pretty easy to get used to. Theme song rocks as well.

[Webhead2006]

that was anna waston with may.

[cabel]

ah man, the power went out in my house and screwed up my tivo

[Visionary]

^Hahaha...you lie. :O

[Spider-ManHero12]

I loved this episode and I really enjoyed seeing Adrian Toomes so angry at Norman Osborn and Dr. Otto Octavius. It was so awesome when Vulture and Spidey were fighting in mid air and I also loved it when Peter came downstairs and over heard Aunt May talking to Anna Watson. I truly got a classic 1960's Spidey comic book feel from it. :up:

[Brad Redfield]

I loved this episode and I really enjoyed seeing Adrian Toomes so angry at Norman Osborn and Dr. Otto Octavius.

Wait...that was Otto? Whoa. Didn't realize that was him. :oldrazz:

[webhead731]

Yeah it was him. Sad, huh?

I wish they'd just release the 90's toon on a big box set.

[Spider-ManHero12]

Yeah it was him. Sad, huh?

I wish they'd just release the 90's toon on a big box set. I thought it was obsvious it was him. I mean just look at those glasses and his built, only Otto is like that. Also, I tohught Otto looked and sounded great.

[Web-Head]

I loved this episode, truly a wonderful spark for the show to start on. All the villains jammed into this and it didn't even feel rushed. I'll be watching this one again soon.

[Green Goblin 1964]

Norman's voice was just what I wanted. Even when stories high dangling by Vulture's feet he still manages to be an ********* to Toomes lol. Loved it.

[Mister J]

This was my favorite of the two offerings this morning. Didn't really care for Vulture's face and big ass nose, but the overall re-design wasn't bad. Fight scenes were pretty good too. Big thumbs up on Spidey's humor.
Wait...that was Otto? Whoa. Didn't realize that was him. :oldrazz:

Yeah it was him. Sad, huh?
It threw me off too. That realization was pretty much the only part out of either episode that made me cringe.
I wish they'd just release the 90's toon on a big box set.
:up:

[Spider-ManHero12]

Norman's voice was just what I wanted. Even when stories high dangling by Vulture's feet he still manages to be an ********* to Toomes lol. Loved it. Defenitley, I love Norman being mean and confident. I can't wait to see how he acts the Green Goblin.

[Gotham]

Good start.

The second episode proved the series can flow. I'll continue watching.

And Rhino's design (*shown during the commercial break) is fantastic.

[Spider-ManHero12]

Good start.

The second episode proved the series can flow. I'll continue watching.

And Rhino's design (*shown during the commercial break) is fantastic. Another positive result. :word::up:

[Ratcrawler]

Anybody else find it amusing how right after this episode, Transformers came on CN with an episode entitled "Survival of the Fittest" as well? PS This show owns Transformers.

"I like Peter's design, althought the mole under his eye seems a little of"

I know! Peter's always been a nondescript white male brunette and now he actually has a distinguishing characteristic! :)

"Wait...that was Otto? Whoa. Didn't realize that was him."

Ditto!

[Webhead2006]

Yup that was otto. He was pretty timid and meek in the episode. but we all know that will be different once he gets his 4 metal friends.

[Ratcrawler]

Harry, Larry, Mo & Flo? ;)

Hooray for actual character development in superhero cartoons again!

[Spider-ManHero12]

Yup that was otto. He was pretty timid and meek in the episode. but we all know that will be different once he gets his 4 metal friends. Indeed, and we all know that in the comics his brain was damaged after the radiation explosion.

[Ratcrawler]

So we get another semi-plausible reason for turning evil if the actual storyline doesn't justify it? Groovy!

[PJBoy]

Does anyone know where I can find the subtitle of this episode?

[Gold Samurai]

Yup that was otto. He was pretty timid and meek in the episode. but we all know that will be different once he gets his 4 metal friends.

I think they're going for the Ultimate version where Otto works for Norman

[Arcturus]

This was a wonderful first episode! And this is a Vulture I actually liked! I think i'm going to stick around for this series.

[CaptainStacy]

The fight with The Enforcers is what made this episode for me.

Everything else was just the icing on the cake. :word:

[Kamarov]

Yeah, although I didn't appreciate ox breaking spidey webbing. Other than that, the combat was great, spidey throwing punches was a welcome relief and the web-slinging was perfect. The style of swinging was a jovial, intricate acrobatic masterpiece which spidey executed in an almost trinial-like manner. Great stuff. The dialogue was great and I loved the little touches that harkened back to the lee/ditko/romita era. I knew that was the gimmick of this show but I underestimated just how respectful to the original source material they were going with this. This show is good for what it is and more and I see it lasting a long time. The potential is more than there as evidenced in this 1st episode.

[Spider-ManHero12]

The fight with The Enforcers is what made this episode for me.

Everything else was just the icing on the cake. :word: I love that fight with The Enforcers. It was so awesome to finally see them in a Spidey animated series and see them in a badass fight. :up:

[CaptainStacy]

Yeah, although I didn't appreciate ox breaking spidey webbing. Other than that, the combat was great, spidey throwing punches was a welcome relief and the web-slinging was perfect. The style of swinging was a jovial, intricate acrobatic masterpiece which spidey executed in an almost trinial-like manner. Great stuff. The dialogue was great and I loved the little touches that harkened back to the lee/ditko/romita era. I knew that was the gimmick of this show but I underestimated just how respectful to the original source material they were going with this. This show is good for what it is and more and I see it lasting a long time. The potential is more than there as evidenced in this 1st episode.

Agreed. When Spidey was throwing punches and Dan was blocking them, my jaw hit the ground. Loved it. :applaud

[CaptainStacy]

I love that fight with The Enforcers. It was so awesome to finally see them in a Spidey animated series and see them in a badass fight. :up:

Dan flipping the bo staff around ruled. :word: :up:

[Kamarov]

Agreed. When Spidey was throwing punches and Dan was blocking them, my jaw hit the ground. Loved it. :applaud

It really was a great fight! I loved how spidey had to fight the enforcers, vulture and keep Norman safe. It was action packed but not once did it feel over saturated. Also, Peter's character is spot on. He has that ballsy and gutsy attitude all the while still coming off as a dork at times, vintage Stan Lee characterization.

[Spider-ManHero12]

Dan flipping the bo staff around ruled. :word: :up: Defenitley, it was so fast paced and awesome. I also loved seeing Hammerhead. :up:

[Spiderine]

Defenitley, it was so fast paced and awesome. I also loved seeing Hammerhead. :up:
It has such a classic feel to it. Seeing all the characters from the comic is just great.

[Spiderine]

It really was a great fight! I loved how spidey had to fight the enforcers, vulture and keep Norman safe. It was action packed but not once did it feel over saturated. Also, Peter's character is spot on. He has that ballsy and gutsy attitude all the while still coming off as a dork at times, vintage Stan Lee characterization.
Vulture was intent on killing Norman.LOL

[Spider-ManHero12]

It has such a classic feel to it. Seeing all the characters from the comic is just great. Defenitley, and there is going to be more and more and more coming. :spidey::up:

[PJBoy]

What is the best quote you like?

[Visionary]

I smell a QUOTE THREAD...

[Dread]

It has been about 5 years since the last time Spider-Man graced the small screen. Of course, that was on MTV, a network that all but gutted the show they had acquired and despite good ratings it was gone in a flash. Naturally in that time the movie franchise spawned two blockbuster sequels and the comics have had him join the Avengers, gain various wonky new powers and dig out someone's eyes, fight both for and against fascism in CIVIL WAR, and finally save Aunt May by getting Mephisto to annul his marriage. Suffice it to say, the comics have been a wasteland for a while. Some say BND is actually good, but to enjoy that in any way is to have to admit that OMD was worth it, and that is something I don't think I can ever do.

I was counting on this show to provide my "Spidey fix". He is my favorite superhero deep down, and the fella who got me into comics in the first place. Must've been those SPIDER-FRIENDS reruns that aired alongside SMURFS when I was a wee lad.

Naturally this show has had a lot of debate about it and a lot of sneak peeks and interviews with Greg Wiesman, Victor Cook, and others. The biggest stickling points seemed to be the character model designs by "Cheeks" Galloway and the fact that the Kingpin was "off limits" because he is considered part of the dead-in-the-water DAREDEVIL media franchise. But once the previews started coming, everyone seemed to agree this has potential. Greg always seemed to say the right things in interviews, and March 8th was noted on my calender, and not just because it was the day before my birthday. It meant missing TMNT, but damn it, it was Spidey. Even better, Kid's WB was kicking things off with TWO episodes. Of course, after they show 4-5 episodes we'll be in reruns for 2 months, but something is something.

My first impression of the pilot was; damn, this is the most non-decompressed pilot for a cartoon I'd seen in ages. A dozen or so characters were showing up within 22 minutes. From start to finish it was also a blast to watch.

The theme soing is quite catchy. It took me a season to get used to the TMNT one and THE BATMAN's new themesong by Season 3 I never quite liked at all. But the SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN theme seems like a modern day attempt to come up with something catchy like the old 60's theme. It's been in my head even 24 hours later, so I guess it worked.

The pilot showcases what Greg said he and the other writers would do; look at everything from Ditko to Ultimate and use what works for modern day and what doesn't. Spider-Man is quickly shown foiling a bank robbery and webbing up two thugs, one of which is Flint Marko (who we all know will become Sandman). That alone is what we call foreshadowing and this episode would lay the groundwork for more modest subplot work. Much as in the 90's show, the actions of Spider-Man over his short career (Peter apparently got his powers at the end of his last school year and acted as Spidey all summer long) have gotten the attention of the local mafia. Hammerhead acts as a second in command and the Enforcers are gathered; replacing the Kingpin is The Big Man, which works find as he pre-dated Fisk anyway and to my knowledge hasn't been animated before. Plus, Big Man is voiced by Keith David, and you don't get much better than that.

Peter's immediate supporting cast are Harry Osborn and Gwen Stacy, and I thought it was a bold move not having MJ show up at all yet, either here or even in the second episode. Gwen takes the place of "brainy Jane" from Ultimate, acting as Peter's fellow geek-in-arms who secretly has feelings for him, but Peter is too oblivious. Boosted with confidence at being Spidey, he tries talking to cheerleader Sally Avril (best known via Untold Tales of Spidey, beyond one panel in Amazing Fantasy #15), only to get pushed around by the jocks, led by Flash Thompson. May is naturally struggling with bills without Ben around and while the tone is mostly light, Peter naturally wants to bring in some money into the household. Thus, he jumps when he is recommended for a lab position with Dr. Curt Conners, whose lab it was that he got the spider-bite. In another bit of foreshadowing, Conners is experimenting on his missing arm with reptile-DNA shots, and we all know where that is leading. The final guy in the immediate cast for the first few episodes is Eddie Brock, who is basically a nicer version of the Ultimate incarnation. He is a lab tech with Conners, who graduated from Midtown High and is now in college, and used to protect Peter from bullies. He's not a jerk at all and things may become very interesting when he ultimately becomes Venom. They may be building him as a tragic character.

The voice work is pretty good. Josh Keaton is near seemless as being Spider-Man/Peter Parker. Daran Norris makes an antic J.J. (although no one will ever match Ed Asner), and Lacey Chabert & James Arnold Taylor are fine as Gwen and Harry, respectively. But easily stealing the show is Robert "Freddy" Englund as The Vulture.

In more foreshadowing, Harry's father Norman steals Adrian Toomes' anti-gravity technology, in a move we all figure will ultimately lead to the Green Goblin emerging. Naturally miffed at having his work taken from him as well as being mocked for his age, Toomes becomes the high-flying Vulture, out to get revenge on Osborn. Englund has quickly become a stable voice actor; while his Felix Faust on JL/U was kind of generic, he was great in his 3 episodes of THE BATMAN as the Riddler and as Vulture is probably the best version of him that has ever been animated (and Vulture's shown up in a few cartoons). The design incorporates Terry Dodson's design from MKSM and that is good, helps eliminate one more "green" enemy of Spider-Man's.

Galloway's models take some getting used to for traditionalists. I liked them for the HELLBOY ANIMATED stuff, but naturally that is in homage to Mike Mignola's style and seeing that style in more traditional fare can be jarring. But the important thing about a cartoon is that it has to animate FLUIDLY. Bruce Timm realized that for his now-iconic simple style and considering the 90's Marvel shows had horribly complicated models that only stifled animation when the budgets fell every season, this is a good move. Spidey moves very well, and that is the main thing. While, no, he doesn't really punch, there's more to a Spidey fight than punching. And it isn't like the network has banned it. THE BATMAN plays for the same audience and Batman punches people all the time. Wait for it. Yeah, the pupils are big and I'd say Brock's is the model that takes the most getting used to (Norman looks a bit wiggy too), but they move well, and that is the main thing.

The pilot was packed to the GILLS, man. Spider-Man not only meets Norman and we see the "Norman sees in Peter the son he wishes Harry was" dynamic, and a funny bit with Peter forgetting his shoes there, but two battles with Vulture and then a tangle between the birdy and the Enforcers. Fancy Dan has been remade as a black man with a bo-staff, but I didn't mind that. Montana piloted the chopper with nary a sign of the lasso, but there is always time. I mean, when was the last time THESE three saw animation? And just when I thought that Peter/Spidey was acting TOO light considering Ben's death was only months ago, he narrates, "Harry shouldn't have to lose his father just like I lost Uncle Ben!" as he gives another try at beating Vulture. That ground it home and I liked that. Naturally, Spidey turns the tables on his enemies and comes home, only to then have to buckle to May's curfew rules. A day in the life...

I liked how the Spidey-mask seemed to cover the sky at the end, which is a clear homage to how Ditko would seemingly draw the last panel of many of the early ASM stories. There was also that "half mask" bit at the school. The only quibbles are that Peter's "sense" didn't seem to kick in on the bullies and his webbing is once again easy to break for anyone with even moderately inhuman strength, but that's been common in cartoons. Anyone catch the "Gargoyle" reference?

The 90's show is fondly remembered for the writing and voice-acting but the animation never was quite up to par, and only got laughable by the later seasons. The MTV show had great animation but the writing was off, and earlier projects of the 60's-80's were simply products of their time. In some ways we have NEVER had a Spidey show that had it all; good writing, acting, action, AND animation. SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN is on it's way to trying to be that show, and it is off to a great start.

[SpideyZERO]

Nice review :D

I have to wonder what was Ox thinking when he jumped down from the building to grab Spidey. Can he fly or something? LOL

[Spider-ManHero12]

It has been about 5 years since the last time Spider-Man graced the small screen. Of course, that was on MTV, a network that all but gutted the show they had acquired and despite good ratings it was gone in a flash. Naturally in that time the movie franchise spawned two blockbuster sequels and the comics have had him join the Avengers, gain various wonky new powers and dig out someone's eyes, fight both for and against fascism in CIVIL WAR, and finally save Aunt May by getting Mephisto to annul his marriage. Suffice it to say, the comics have been a wasteland for a while. Some say BND is actually good, but to enjoy that in any way is to have to admit that OMD was worth it, and that is something I don't think I can ever do.

I was counting on this show to provide my "Spidey fix". He is my favorite superhero deep down, and the fella who got me into comics in the first place. Must've been those SPIDER-FRIENDS reruns that aired alongside SMURFS when I was a wee lad.

Naturally this show has had a lot of debate about it and a lot of sneak peeks and interviews with Greg Wiesman, Victor Cook, and others. The biggest stickling points seemed to be the character model designs by "Cheeks" Galloway and the fact that the Kingpin was "off limits" because he is considered part of the dead-in-the-water DAREDEVIL media franchise. But once the previews started coming, everyone seemed to agree this has potential. Greg always seemed to say the right things in interviews, and March 8th was noted on my calender, and not just because it was the day before my birthday. It meant missing TMNT, but damn it, it was Spidey. Even better, Kid's WB was kicking things off with TWO episodes. Of course, after they show 4-5 episodes we'll be in reruns for 2 months, but something is something.

My first impression of the pilot was; damn, this is the most non-decompressed pilot for a cartoon I'd seen in ages. A dozen or so characters were showing up within 22 minutes. From start to finish it was also a blast to watch.

The theme soing is quite catchy. It took me a season to get used to the TMNT one and THE BATMAN's new themesong by Season 3 I never quite liked at all. But the SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN theme seems like a modern day attempt to come up with something catchy like the old 60's theme. It's been in my head even 24 hours later, so I guess it worked.

The pilot showcases what Greg said he and the other writers would do; look at everything from Ditko to Ultimate and use what works for modern day and what doesn't. Spider-Man is quickly shown foiling a bank robbery and webbing up two thugs, one of which is Flint Marko (who we all know will become Sandman). That alone is what we call foreshadowing and this episode would lay the groundwork for more modest subplot work. Much as in the 90's show, the actions of Spider-Man over his short career (Peter apparently got his powers at the end of his last school year and acted as Spidey all summer long) have gotten the attention of the local mafia. Hammerhead acts as a second in command and the Enforcers are gathered; replacing the Kingpin is The Big Man, which works find as he pre-dated Fisk anyway and to my knowledge hasn't been animated before. Plus, Big Man is voiced by Keith David, and you don't get much better than that.

Peter's immediate supporting cast are Harry Osborn and Gwen Stacy, and I thought it was a bold move not having MJ show up at all yet, either here or even in the second episode. Gwen takes the place of "brainy Jane" from Ultimate, acting as Peter's fellow geek-in-arms who secretly has feelings for him, but Peter is too oblivious. Boosted with confidence at being Spidey, he tries talking to cheerleader Sally Avril (best known via Untold Tales of Spidey, beyond one panel in Amazing Fantasy #15), only to get pushed around by the jocks, led by Flash Thompson. May is naturally struggling with bills without Ben around and while the tone is mostly light, Peter naturally wants to bring in some money into the household. Thus, he jumps when he is recommended for a lab position with Dr. Curt Conners, whose lab it was that he got the spider-bite. In another bit of foreshadowing, Conners is experimenting on his missing arm with reptile-DNA shots, and we all know where that is leading. The final guy in the immediate cast for the first few episodes is Eddie Brock, who is basically a nicer version of the Ultimate incarnation. He is a lab tech with Conners, who graduated from Midtown High and is now in college, and used to protect Peter from bullies. He's not a jerk at all and things may become very interesting when he ultimately becomes Venom. They may be building him as a tragic character.

The voice work is pretty good. Josh Keaton is near seemless as being Spider-Man/Peter Parker. Daran Norris makes an antic J.J. (although no one will ever match Ed Asner), and Lacey Chabert & James Arnold Taylor are fine as Gwen and Harry, respectively. But easily stealing the show is Robert "Freddy" Englund as The Vulture.

In more foreshadowing, Harry's father Norman steals Adrian Toomes' anti-gravity technology, in a move we all figure will ultimately lead to the Green Goblin emerging. Naturally miffed at having his work taken from him as well as being mocked for his age, Toomes becomes the high-flying Vulture, out to get revenge on Osborn. Englund has quickly become a stable voice actor; while his Felix Faust on JL/U was kind of generic, he was great in his 3 episodes of THE BATMAN as the Riddler and as Vulture is probably the best version of him that has ever been animated (and Vulture's shown up in a few cartoons). The design incorporates Terry Dodson's design from MKSM and that is good, helps eliminate one more "green" enemy of Spider-Man's.

Galloway's models take some getting used to for traditionalists. I liked them for the HELLBOY ANIMATED stuff, but naturally that is in homage to Mike Mignola's style and seeing that style in more traditional fare can be jarring. But the important thing about a cartoon is that it has to animate FLUIDLY. Bruce Timm realized that for his now-iconic simple style and considering the 90's Marvel shows had horribly complicated models that only stifled animation when the budgets fell every season, this is a good move. Spidey moves very well, and that is the main thing. While, no, he doesn't really punch, there's more to a Spidey fight than punching. And it isn't like the network has banned it. THE BATMAN plays for the same audience and Batman punches people all the time. Wait for it. Yeah, the pupils are big and I'd say Brock's is the model that takes the most getting used to (Norman looks a bit wiggy too), but they move well, and that is the main thing.

The pilot was packed to the GILLS, man. Spider-Man not only meets Norman and we see the "Norman sees in Peter the son he wishes Harry was" dynamic, and a funny bit with Peter forgetting his shoes there, but two battles with Vulture and then a tangle between the birdy and the Enforcers. Fancy Dan has been remade as a black man with a bo-staff, but I didn't mind that. Montana piloted the chopper with nary a sign of the lasso, but there is always time. I mean, when was the last time THESE three saw animation? And just when I thought that Peter/Spidey was acting TOO light considering Ben's death was only months ago, he narrates, "Harry shouldn't have to lose his father just like I lost Uncle Ben!" as he gives another try at beating Vulture. That ground it home and I liked that. Naturally, Spidey turns the tables on his enemies and comes home, only to then have to buckle to May's curfew rules. A day in the life...

I liked how the Spidey-mask seemed to cover the sky at the end, which is a clear homage to how Ditko would seemingly draw the last panel of many of the early ASM stories. There was also that "half mask" bit at the school. The only quibbles are that Peter's "sense" didn't seem to kick in on the bullies and his webbing is once again easy to break for anyone with even moderately inhuman strength, but that's been common in cartoons. Anyone catch the "Gargoyle" reference?

The 90's show is fondly remembered for the writing and voice-acting but the animation never was quite up to par, and only got laughable by the later seasons. The MTV show had great animation but the writing was off, and earlier projects of the 60's-80's were simply products of their time. In some ways we have NEVER had a Spidey show that had it all; good writing, acting, action, AND animation. SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN is on it's way to trying to be that show, and it is off to a great start. Amazing review and I agree that this show is off to a great start! :applaud:up:

[Dread]

Nice review :D

I have to wonder what was Ox thinking when he jumped down from the building to grab Spidey. Can he fly or something? LOL

Ox was never too bright. In the comics he seemed to call all his punches "haymakers". He had some nice mutton-chops.

Amazing review and I agree that this show is off to a great start! :applaud:up:

Thanks.

I also am glad the webs are mechanical. Not that it is a deal-breaker for me, but I'm old-school damn it.

[Green Goblin 1964]

Always love your reviews Dread! Always spot on...

Nicely done.

[Spider-ManHero12]

I also am glad the webs are mechanical. Not that it is a deal-breaker for me, but I'm old-school damn it. Agreed, I like the organic web shooters for the films, but I like the mechanicals for the comics and cartoons. :up:

[Dread]

Always love your reviews Dread! Always spot on...

Nicely done.

Thanks. I do try. :D

Agreed, I like the organic web shooters for the films, but I like the mechanicals for the comics and cartoons. :up:

Exactly. Plus, I always felt they help showcase Spider-Man/Peter's inventive side. There's more to what makes Spider-Man a hero besides his heart and his powers, but his intellect comes into play as well. "Realists" who sometimes grumble things like, "if he was that smart, why isn't he Bill Gates and whatnot" miss the point, IMO.

[PJBoy]

Nice review pal! :up:

[Dread]

Nice review pal! :up:

Thanks. When I have the time I like to bust 'em out. :)

[Spider-ManHero12]

Thanks. I do try. :D



Exactly. Plus, I always felt they help showcase Spider-Man/Peter's inventive side. There's more to what makes Spider-Man a hero besides his heart and his powers, but his intellect comes into play as well. "Realists" who sometimes grumble things like, "if he was that smart, why isn't he Bill Gates and whatnot" miss the point, IMO. Defenitley my opinon. :applaud:up:

[Araneae]

I like what I've seen so far. The animation is excelent, the character designs are a bit simplistic but I'm not saying it's a bad thing.

When Toomes was ranting about Norman stealing his flight technology all I could think was "well now we know how where he gets the glider in this series."

[CaptainCanada]

Spider-Man is quickly shown foiling a bank robbery and webbing up two thugs, one of which is Flint Marko (who we all know will become Sandman).
The other is the would-be Rhino.

They also introduced Jean DeWolff (voice of Irene Bedard, the title character in Disney's Pocahontas) and her eventual killer Stan Carter (voice of Tom Wilson, Matt Bluestone on Gargoyles); I can't really imagine them doing that story here, but it's a nice reference either way.

[Spiderine]

The other is the would-be Rhino.

They also introduced Jean DeWolff (voice of Irene Bedard, the title character in Disney's Pocahontas) and her eventual killer Stan Carter (voice of Tom Wilson, Matt Bluestone on Gargoyles); I can't really imagine them doing that story here, but it's a nice reference either way.
I thought I heard at some point he becomes Sin-Eater so who knows. Nice nod anyways. And I also thought that thug was a would be Rhino.

[Dread]

The other is the would-be Rhino.

They also introduced Jean DeWolff (voice of Irene Bedard, the title character in Disney's Pocahontas) and her eventual killer Stan Carter (voice of Tom Wilson, Matt Bluestone on Gargoyles); I can't really imagine them doing that story here, but it's a nice reference either way.

I sort of wondered if that second thug would be Rhino. I missed the DeWolff/Carter ref outright, though.

[Spider-ManHero12]

I sort of wondered if that second thug would be Rhino. I missed the DeWolff/Carter ref outright, though. We have to watch out for those things. They come out of nowhere. :cwink:

[Ratcrawler]

Damn, this show's like LOST! Everything is a hidden reference!

[Webhead2006]

yea since they are fans of the classics era we have to be very watchful to catch all the nods.

[Spider-ManHero12]

yea since they are fans of the classics era we have to be very watchful to catch all the nods. Yeah, but that's a very good thing because I'm a huge fan of the comics. :up:

[Webhead2006]

Yea i am a huge fan of the comics too but never really read many classic lee/ditko lee/romita stuff i just know of them. I only been reading and collecting from the more modern era of stuff late 90s-current.

[Spider-ManHero12]

Yea i am a huge fan of the comics too but never really read many classic lee/ditko lee/romita stuff i just know of them. I only been reading and collecting from the more modern era of stuff late 90s-current. I have a very good amount of Romita Issues, and a ton more non-Romita Issues, but not that many Ditko Issues. I only have a few Ditko Issues.

[Webhead2006]

yea the oldest issues i have is secret wars issue he got the symboite and the issue where he got the cosmic powers. The rest are late 90s-current.

[PeterFan87]

Finally watched this for the first time on youtube. I was very impressed. A lot better then the recent and 90's cartoons... :)

[Hurm...]

Finally watched this for the first time on youtube. I was very impressed. A lot better then the recent and 90's cartoons... :)
LOL this is just the beginning. This episode was one of the weaker ones. Wait and see what's to come :cwink::word:

[Spider-ManHero12]

Wait and see what's to come :cwink::word: Indeed, it'll blow you away.

[Anwar]

LOL this is just the beginning. This episode was one of the weaker ones. Wait and see what's to come :cwink::word:

You think so? I thought this did a good job of ending the "Peter at Connors' lab" arc, set him up for the Bugle, and showed the price of his life as Spidey (and that Peter doesn't always think everything through). A good solid episode.

[Hurm...]

You think so? I thought this did a good job of ending the "Peter at Connors' lab" arc, set him up for the Bugle, and showed the price of his life as Spidey (and that Peter doesn't always think everything through). A good solid episode.What I meant was that it's just the tip of the iceberg :cwink:

[The Bruce]

I have a very good amount of Romita Issues, and a ton more non-Romita Issues, but not that many Ditko Issues. I only have a few Ditko Issues.

I wish I had the cash to get the issues :csad: Reading reprints don't cut it.

[Hurm...]

I wish I had the cash to get the issues :csad: Reading reprints don't cut it.

"It feels good...until you lose yourself to it." -Ebay :o

My life story :o

[SpideyTheBest]

My review of this episode:

I had been looking forward to see a new Spider-Man series, and animated. I always hated the MTV series. I watched a couple of episodes and I was just so bored watching it. Boring and lame new villains, Electro was screwed up, they killed off Doctor Connors etc, hated the supporting cast. It was just so dull. I wanted an animated series based on the classic Spider-Man. I always felt that the 90s cartoon didin't give me that "classic" feeling, I mean, the first episode had the Lizard and it was probably the darkest episode in the whole series, then they jump right to Scorpion and the Spider Slayers. Introduce characters like Eddie Brock and Felicia Hardy before Mary Jane, Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson and Liz Allan. If I remember correctly, Liz Allan only appeared what, 3 times on the show? And her first appearance was in season 2? Plus, no Gwen Stacy. Sigh, does this character always have to lead to her death? And why was there no Betty Brant? And Ned Leeds didin't appear until what, the fourth season? Plus, Anna Watson didin't appear until season 3 and she was just a mean old b***.

However, I was very happy that this show was going to be based on the old Stan Lee, Steve Ditko and John Romita stories while also having a few nods from the movies and the Ultimate comic books. I really wanted a show that had The Vulture, Electro, Sandman, Doc Ock, Green Goblin and Mysterio in one season and done RIGHT. Unfortunately we had to wait one season before seeing Mysterio but that doesn't matter. I didin't like that they left out Sandman and Electro and later turn Electro into Red Skull's son in the last season, having Vulture stealing other people's youth and becoming Man-Spider and having his first appearance at the end of the second season and also, having Hobgoblin appear before Green Goblin and we had to wait until season 3 for Green Goblin to appear. I know there where a few classic villains in the first season but they just didin't feel classic enough as they should be. Plus, having the symbiote, Venom, Hobgoblin and Felicia Hardy in the very first season before so many other important characters just felt so wrong to me. Not to mention, The Kingpin being involved in EVERYTHING. Every story arc they came up with, Kingpin will sooner or later be involved with. I hated that. Plus, some villains where just lackeys to him.

I realise I should talk about this episode. I really liked it when I first saw it. I mean, let's look at all the characters that appeared in the this first episode besides Spider-Man himself:
Flint Marko(hurray!), Alex O' Hirn, Hammerhead, The Big Man/Tombstone, Aunt May, Anna Watson(and a very nice Anna), Norman Osborn(and this Osborn, is badass), Otto Octavius, Adrian Toomes/Vulture(done right for once), Gwen Stacy(INCREDIBLE!), Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson, Sally Avril(!), Randy Robertson, Liz Allan(yay!), Kenny "King Kong"(surprising), The Enforces(fantastic), Professor Warren, Stan Carter and Jean DeWolfe(Sin-Eater storyline?), Eddie Brock(fine), Curt Connors, Martha Connors, J. Jonah Jameson(duh, of course he is in the first episode, otherwise it will be a terrible show), Betty Brant(yay!), Ned Lee(ds)(very good), Robbie Robertson and Fredrick Foswell(The Big Man and Patch? Wonderful! Although, he is not the Big Man in this show). Did I miss anyone? I think I mentioned everyone. Having all these characters in the pilot episode, that's just, amazing.

I really loved to see The Enforces in this episode, though, I wish we could have seen more of them before they become "The New Enforces" in season 2. Ah well, it's great seeing them here. And The Vulture, one of my favorite Spider-Man villains, voiced by Robert Englund, my god, The Vulture was just fantastic in this episode. And how fantastic wasn't it to see Gwen Stacy as a supporting character in a Spider-Man show? No seriously. She was just wasted in Spider-Man 3 and she was just an extra in the last episode of the 90s show. Wonderful to see her here but as a nerd? Well, didin't bother me so much, at least not now when she threw away those glasses in the second season and became one hot babe. Hehe. I loved her, she was just so sweet. I will be heartbroken if they kill her off in this show. Bastard Goblin(still love you Goblin but killing Gwen was too much, hehe). I really liked this show when I first saw it and I kept liking the show more and more. Now of course I love it. Though, I was a little mad at the "race changes" but now it doesn't bother me at all. And the character designs never bothered me while I was watching the show. In the trailer, yeah, it did a little but once you get used to it, you simply just don't care. And hey, we get better action sequences too, so it's all good.

A great pilot episode, 8/10.

Best line:
Vulture: I'm The Vulture!
Norman: I called you a buzzard!
Vulture: What?
Norman: You can't even get the name right.