Homecoming So where does the spider come from?

[theinfernoman]

But it actually doesn't. I can go to the store and get a genetically modified watermelon right now. I will not become part watermelon. There are plenty of GM animals. If they bite me, no super powers.

There are, to this day, experiments being done using radiation to induce mutations. There was a study using flies that was pretty interesting. Radiation does have the ability to break ionic bonds and change DNA, therefor there's at least some logic there.

All you need is some creative techno-babble, like the Neogenic recombinator. Invent a machine that uses a principal similar to structural resonance frequencies in sound. Harmonic radiation fields are generated to mold a DNA molecule into a specific arrangement. It's not that hard.

All that doesn't matter when the amount of radiation in the spider would be too small to have any effect whatsoever. The thing about the spider being genetically modified is that we really have no idea what has been done to the spider, making it a lot more believable.

 

[The Slang]

All that doesn't matter when the amount of radiation in the spider would be too small to have any effect whatsoever.

What? How do you know what the amount of radiation is? You don't. So, that's not a valid criticism.

The thing about the spider being genetically modified is that we really have no idea what has been done to the spider, making it a lot more believable.

No, if you know how GMO's are made then we do have a good idea what has been done. SM1 even showed us exactly which spiders contributed their genes to the the GM spider. Radiation is actually the catalyst with more mystery behind it. We have no idea in what way the radiation has affected the spider, which makes it more believable.

 

[theinfernoman]

What? How do you know what the amount of radiation is? You don't. So, that's not a valid criticism.

The amount of radiation that could be in a spider...

 

[The Slang]

Right. How can you determine the amount of radiation in the spider? and how can you determine whether it's enough?

 

[theinfernoman]

Right. How can you determine the amount of radiation in the spider? and how can you determine whether it's enough?

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/explainer/2012/07/spider_man_what_happens_if_you_get_bitten_by_a_radioactive_spider_.html

 

[The Slang]

I could just as easily post an article talking about how GMOs don't transfer their powers to you when they bite you. I already suggested that the writers could invent a new fictional technology that would generate a special kind of radiation for the purpose of changing DNA. It doesn't have to be a spider exposed to a nuclear meltdown.

 

[NotSoLongAgo]

We might not even get an explanation for this. I think I'd prefer it that way. The Genetically modified BS was one of the most stupid and pointless parts of tasm. It not something that should be dwelled on.

 

[theinfernoman]

I could just as easily post an article talking about how GMOs don't transfer their powers to you when they bite you. I already suggested that the writers could invent a new fictional technology that would generate a special kind of radiation for the purpose of changing DNA. It doesn't have to be a spider exposed to a nuclear meltdown.

With the genetically modified angle, we have no idea how they were genetically modified. Not knowing the specifics allows us to suspend our disbelief more than a radioactive spider that in no conceivable way could do anything near turning a person into Spider-Man. A genetically modified Spider couldn't either but it is much more believable, that is why they decided to go that route in both film series.

 

[theinfernoman]

We might not even get an explanation for this. I think I'd prefer it that way. The Genetically modified BS was one of the most stupid and pointless parts of tasm. It not something that should be dwelled on.

It was in the Raimi series as well.

 

[NotSoLongAgo]

I don't recall it being a whole subplot

 

[theinfernoman]

I don't recall it being a whole subplot

like it was a subplot in the Ultimate comics? I don't see how it was "stupid". The TASM series is where his powers make the most sense really.

 

[The Slang]

With the genetically modified angle, we have no idea how they were genetically modified. Not knowing the specifics allows us to suspend our disbelief more than a radioactive spider that in no conceivable way could do anything near turning a person into Spider-Man. A genetically modified Spider couldn't either but it is much more believable, that is why they decided to go that route in both film series.

I already addressed this. We do know how the spider in SM1 was created. It was the result of splicing multiple species of spider together. Just like the dinosaur in Jurassic world. That dinosaur didn't turn people into dinosaurs when it bit them.
With an experimental radiation emitting device, we have no idea how the spider was affected, making it easier to suspend our disbelief. Once again I reject your assertion that a GM spider is more believable, it's actually less.

 

[theinfernoman]

I already addressed this. We do know how the spider in SM1 was created. It was the result of splicing multiple species of spider together. Just like the dinosaur in Jurassic world. That dinosaur didn't turn people into dinosaurs when it bit them.
With an experimental radiation emitting device, we have no idea how the spider was affected, making it easier to suspend our disbelief. Once again I reject your assertion that a GM spider is more believable, it's actually less.

A GM Spider is more believable I assure you. I'm not specifically talking about SM1, i'm talking about a genetically modified spider in general.

 

[The Slang]

You're not in a position to assure anything. A gm spider giving you powers makes as much sense as a raptor from Jurassic Park turning you into Dinosaur man. Radiation does exactly what you're suggesting gm does, it creates a sense of mystery that allows us to suspend disbelief. The radiation could have done anything, such as cause the creation of a retrovirus able to infect Parker (which as I mentioned, is -according to at least one biologist- the most realistic way to create Spider-man)

 

[theinfernoman]

You're not in a position to assure anything. A gm spider giving you powers makes as much sense as a raptor from Jurassic Park turning you into Dinosaur man. Radiation does exactly what you're suggesting gm does, it creates a sense of mystery that allows us to suspend disbelief. The radiation could have done anything, such as cause the creation of a retrovirus able to infect Parker (which as I mentioned, is -according to at least one biologist- the most realistic way to create Spider-man)

I don't know if you have seen Spider-Man tech but it mentions a retrovirus in relation to a genetically modified spider which they agree is more plausible than a radioactive one.

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The spider bite talk starts around the 2:30 mark. A retrovirus is mentioned around the 8:30 mark.

 

[The Slang]

In that sense I'd agree with them, but if they go the retrovirus route, why not just say that the virus mutated due to radiation exposure? Why distort the source material and remove the element of it being a freak accident that would be difficult to replicate?

Here's a scenario: Parker attends a demonstration where radiation is being harnessed for the specific purpose of causing mutations in bacteria (which happens in real life). A spider is exposed to the test, microbes in its body are mutated, a retrovirus is created that can infect Parker.

 

[theinfernoman]

If they go the retrovirus route, why not just say that the virus mutated due to radiation exposure? Why distort the source material and remove the element of it being a freak accident that would be difficult to replicate?

Here's a scenario: Parker attends a demonstration where radiation is being harnessed for the specific purpose of causing mutations in bacteria (which happens in real life). A spider is exposed to the test, microbes in its body are mutated, a retrovirus is created that can infect Parker.

It was still a freak accident in SM1. I don't think the Spider being radioactive is essential to the story, so as long as Peter was bitten by a spider, and I am able to suspend my disbelief, I am fine. Your scenario works in that regard.

 

[The Slang]

It was still a freak accident in SM1. I don't think the Spider being radioactive is essential to the story, so as long as Peter was bitten by a spider, and I am able to suspend my disbelief, I am fine.

In SM1, the spider that bit Parker was one of 15 spiders that were engineered. There's no reason to assume the one that bit Parker was special in anyway, meaning those 15 spiders could have potentially produced an army of Spider-people. The spiders were merely hybrids of different species, which on its own has no way to transmit powers. If there was something unusual about the spiders (like a virus), it's likely the scientists studying those spiders might have discovered it eventually.

Your scenario works in that regard.

I'm glad you think so. I'm hoping for a scenario like this, mostly because it stays close to the original story.

 

[theinfernoman]

In SM1, the spider that bit Parker was one of 15 spiders that were engineered. There's no reason to assume the one that bit Parker was special in anyway, meaning those 15 spiders could have potentially produced an army of Spider-people. The spiders were merely hybrids of different species, which on its own has no way to transmit powers. If there was something unusual about the spiders (like a virus), it's likely the scientists studying those spiders might have discovered it eventually.

Oh, I see what you mean now. Maybe the chances of the spider affecting Peter the way it did in SM1 were very slim.

 

[Webhead2006]

For me I still like how I explained it last page.

 

[TheGearMan]

Yeah, I have to give kudos to The Slang, he knows his stuff. The radioactive origin has always been the best way to go. Keep it up!

 

[PeterBenParker]

I remember TASM having a genetically modified spider that also got zapped with radiation.