Last Updated 11/18/2009
Granted, we have the second season airing on Disney XD this spring, but what about a third season? If there is one, Mr. Weisman said that he plans to have the Scorpion and the Hobgoblin on as two of the new villains. The Prowler is also hinted as a possible new character, but aside from that, nobody knows who or what will be included in the series. As "The Spectacular Spider-Man" remains my favorite Spidey animated series to date, there are a few things I'd love to see on the show. Here are the characters, villains, stories, guest heroes, and guest villains I'd love to see on this show.
VILLAINS I'D LOVE TO SEE MAKE THEIR DEBUT
Scorpion and Hobgoblin will appear in season three, as confirmed by Mr. Weisman. There are also online rumors that insist Carnage and Prowler may make their debut, as well. But there are countless other villains who have yet to make their debut. If there is a season three (and I sure hope there is), here are the top five foes from Spidey's rogues gallery that I'd most like to see appear on this animated series:
5.) Man-Wolf
John Jameson will get powers in season two and fight Spider-Man, just like in the comics. But that's not the same as seeing John Jameson get a red stone from the moon and then ultimately find himself turning into a werewolf. Sure, Man-Wolf has appeared on a cartoon show before (Fox Kids' "Spider-Man Unlimited"), but I'm sure most fans would rather forget his appearance on that ill-received show.
John Jameson will get powers in season two and fight Spider-Man, just like in the comics. But that's not the same as seeing John Jameson get a red stone from the moon and then ultimately find himself turning into a werewolf. Sure, Man-Wolf has appeared on a cartoon show before (Fox Kids' "Spider-Man Unlimited"), but I'm sure most fans would rather forget his appearance on that ill-received show.
4.) Beetle
Yes, you read right. Beetle isn't one of Spidey's most popular foes, but he's still a classic and has only appeared on one Spider-Man animated series to date (that would be "Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends"). Also, Beetle's been a member of the Masters of Evil, the Sinister Syndicate and the Sinister Seven, so it'd be fairly easy to pair him up with a team to fight Spider-Man in a future season, right?
Yes, you read right. Beetle isn't one of Spidey's most popular foes, but he's still a classic and has only appeared on one Spider-Man animated series to date (that would be "Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends"). Also, Beetle's been a member of the Masters of Evil, the Sinister Syndicate and the Sinister Seven, so it'd be fairly easy to pair him up with a team to fight Spider-Man in a future season, right?
3.) Jack O'Lantern
Before Hobgoblin made his debut, we had Jack O'Lantern flying through the skies and fighting Spider-Man. But despite being a classic foe, he's never appeared on a Spider-Man animated series. Granted, Jack O'Lantern's alter-ego, Jason Macendale, did appear on the Fox Kids "Spider-Man" series, but on that show, he was the Hobgoblin. I'd rather see him don a pumpkin head mask and zip around on his glider than take on the Hobgoblin mantle, but that's probably just me.
Before Hobgoblin made his debut, we had Jack O'Lantern flying through the skies and fighting Spider-Man. But despite being a classic foe, he's never appeared on a Spider-Man animated series. Granted, Jack O'Lantern's alter-ego, Jason Macendale, did appear on the Fox Kids "Spider-Man" series, but on that show, he was the Hobgoblin. I'd rather see him don a pumpkin head mask and zip around on his glider than take on the Hobgoblin mantle, but that's probably just me.
2.) Hydro-Man
After appearing only one time on "Spider-Man: The Animated Series" (I'm not counting the two appearances by Hydro-Man's clone on that show's fifth season), this classic villain deserves to get some more recognition. Besides, could you imagine what'd happen if Hydro-Man and Sandman crossed paths on this show?
After appearing only one time on "Spider-Man: The Animated Series" (I'm not counting the two appearances by Hydro-Man's clone on that show's fifth season), this classic villain deserves to get some more recognition. Besides, could you imagine what'd happen if Hydro-Man and Sandman crossed paths on this show?
1.) Carnage
Seriously, who's surprised? While I'm skeptical about the odds of Cletus Kasady making his debut in season three, there's always season four, right? Even if he doesn't appear on the show, maybe he could appear in a direct-to-DVD animated movie. After appearing only two times on the "Spider-Man" cartoon series on Fox Kids, and several appearances on the widely-panned "Spider-Man Unlimited", Carnage deserves to pop up -- if the show's creators are allowed to use this sociopathic symbiote, of course.
Seriously, who's surprised? While I'm skeptical about the odds of Cletus Kasady making his debut in season three, there's always season four, right? Even if he doesn't appear on the show, maybe he could appear in a direct-to-DVD animated movie. After appearing only two times on the "Spider-Man" cartoon series on Fox Kids, and several appearances on the widely-panned "Spider-Man Unlimited", Carnage deserves to pop up -- if the show's creators are allowed to use this sociopathic symbiote, of course.
CHARACTERS WHO DESERVE TO RETURN IN SEASON THREE
I know that new characters must pop up every season, but there are villains I hope don't get lost in the shuffle as the series progresses. I know there are only so many stories you can tell and you must be careful not to overuse a villain so that they don't wear out their welcome (just look at what happened on "Spider-Man: The Animated Series" - and I'm especially referring to Morbius and Scorpion). My favorite Spider-Man villain ever, Doctor Octopus, had appeared in every season on "Spider-Man: The Animated Series", so I'm confident he'll pop up in season three for "The Spectacular Spider-Man". And I can't imagine a season of the show that'd dare to skip old Doc Ock. But there are other foes besides Doc Ock who deserve to pop up next season, in some capacity. These are the top five foes I'd love to see make their return...
5.) Vulture
Do you remember how Robert Englund did an incredibly good job as the voice of the Riddler on the Kids WB cartoon series "The Batman"? And do you remember how he was only on for, like, four episodes and then was never heard from again? I sure hope that doesn't happen to Mr. Englund this time, especially since he's done such a wonderful job with the Vulture. But here's hoping that they keep Vulture old and don't go with the "young-looking Vulture because he regained his youth" route like the Fox Kids Spidey show did. Thankfully, I doubt that'll happen on this series.
Do you remember how Robert Englund did an incredibly good job as the voice of the Riddler on the Kids WB cartoon series "The Batman"? And do you remember how he was only on for, like, four episodes and then was never heard from again? I sure hope that doesn't happen to Mr. Englund this time, especially since he's done such a wonderful job with the Vulture. But here's hoping that they keep Vulture old and don't go with the "young-looking Vulture because he regained his youth" route like the Fox Kids Spidey show did. Thankfully, I doubt that'll happen on this series.
4.) Rhino
The "Spectacular" version of Rhino, quite frankly, is probably the best incarnation of the character on an animated series to date. Whether it's his partnership with Flint Marko (even before Alex O'Hirn becomes Rhino and Marko is turned into Sandman) or being shown as a more formidable threat than previous cartoon series, Rhino is as tough as he is funny (just see "The Invisible Hand", when Rhino loses it in the steam tunnel). Also, you can't go wrong with having more Clancy Brown on the show.
The "Spectacular" version of Rhino, quite frankly, is probably the best incarnation of the character on an animated series to date. Whether it's his partnership with Flint Marko (even before Alex O'Hirn becomes Rhino and Marko is turned into Sandman) or being shown as a more formidable threat than previous cartoon series, Rhino is as tough as he is funny (just see "The Invisible Hand", when Rhino loses it in the steam tunnel). Also, you can't go wrong with having more Clancy Brown on the show.
3.) Electro
For a guy with a mask that has lightning bolts in the shape of a starfish, Electro sure is a powerful - and popular - classic foe for Spider-Man. But he's also been grossly underused in past Spider-Man animated series. Still, as much as I love the "Spectacular" incarnation of Electro, I'd love to see him try to get cured or whatever and end up becoming human again. That way, we get Dillon donning the green costume and trademark classic mask. No offense to those who like the design, but I've never been a fan of the "Electro is an actual electric being" look, like the way they did on MTV's animated "Spider-Man" show.
For a guy with a mask that has lightning bolts in the shape of a starfish, Electro sure is a powerful - and popular - classic foe for Spider-Man. But he's also been grossly underused in past Spider-Man animated series. Still, as much as I love the "Spectacular" incarnation of Electro, I'd love to see him try to get cured or whatever and end up becoming human again. That way, we get Dillon donning the green costume and trademark classic mask. No offense to those who like the design, but I've never been a fan of the "Electro is an actual electric being" look, like the way they did on MTV's animated "Spider-Man" show.
2.) Mysterio
I haven't even seen season two yet, and already I want to see more episodes devoted to Mysterio. He's rarely been used on any Spider-Man animated series, and the photos of the "Spectacular" incarnation of Mysterio looks pretty darn neat, if you ask me. Besides, there's a ton of good Mysterio stories to choose from (where he poses as psychiatrist Dr. Reinhardt to try and drive Spider-Man insane, or when he makes Spidey think he's become six inches tall), and whether alone or back with the Sinister Six, I'll be looking forward to his next appearance on this show... after I see his first appearances in various episodes of season two, of course.
I haven't even seen season two yet, and already I want to see more episodes devoted to Mysterio. He's rarely been used on any Spider-Man animated series, and the photos of the "Spectacular" incarnation of Mysterio looks pretty darn neat, if you ask me. Besides, there's a ton of good Mysterio stories to choose from (where he poses as psychiatrist Dr. Reinhardt to try and drive Spider-Man insane, or when he makes Spidey think he's become six inches tall), and whether alone or back with the Sinister Six, I'll be looking forward to his next appearance on this show... after I see his first appearances in various episodes of season two, of course.
1.) The Lizard
So far, he's only popped up once on the "Spectacular" series, and it doesn't seem likely Lizard will return in season two. However, there's always season three, and Dr. Connors' reptilian alter-ego is simply too cool to stay away for long. Whether he's featured solo in an episode or in a comic storyarc (the Tablet of Time and six-armed Spider-Man vs. Morbius stories come to mind), I'm sure we'll see the Lizard pop up again eventually...and I sure hope that's in season three.
So far, he's only popped up once on the "Spectacular" series, and it doesn't seem likely Lizard will return in season two. However, there's always season three, and Dr. Connors' reptilian alter-ego is simply too cool to stay away for long. Whether he's featured solo in an episode or in a comic storyarc (the Tablet of Time and six-armed Spider-Man vs. Morbius stories come to mind), I'm sure we'll see the Lizard pop up again eventually...and I sure hope that's in season three.
GUEST HEROES I'D LOVE TO SEE ON THIS SHOW
5.) Wolverine
Since we have the current "Wolverine and the X-Men" animated series on Nickelodeon and "The Spectacular Spider-Man" is on Disney XD, the odds of seeing Wolverine paired up with Spider-Man are slim to none. Still, I'd love to see what kind of interaction the "Spectacular" writers would come up with if they paired Spidey with old Wolvie. And if the X-Men managed to make a cameo appearance, that'd just be icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned.
Since we have the current "Wolverine and the X-Men" animated series on Nickelodeon and "The Spectacular Spider-Man" is on Disney XD, the odds of seeing Wolverine paired up with Spider-Man are slim to none. Still, I'd love to see what kind of interaction the "Spectacular" writers would come up with if they paired Spidey with old Wolvie. And if the X-Men managed to make a cameo appearance, that'd just be icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned.
4.) Captain America
Well, despite the fact that Marvel owns the rights to the "Captain America" movie and they're making an "Avengers" cartoon that features Cap as the team leader, I'm not sure how likely it is we'd see him appear on "The Spectacular Spider-Man". However, Spidey and Cap have paired up many times before in the comics and I'd love to see what the writers of "Spectacular" would do with a Spidey/Cap team-up.
Well, despite the fact that Marvel owns the rights to the "Captain America" movie and they're making an "Avengers" cartoon that features Cap as the team leader, I'm not sure how likely it is we'd see him appear on "The Spectacular Spider-Man". However, Spidey and Cap have paired up many times before in the comics and I'd love to see what the writers of "Spectacular" would do with a Spidey/Cap team-up.
3.) Daredevil
We got a very good story involving Spider-Man and Daredevil on Fox Kids' "Spider-Man" show, but since then, these guys haven't been paired up on a cartoon show in a while. The creators admitted they can't use Daredevil on the show, or even the two heroes' common enemy the Kingpin. Of course, that was BEFORE the TV rights for Spidey went back to Marvel from Sony. Besides, next to the Human Torch, Daredevil is Spidey's most famous ally and the two have had so many classic stories together that I'm sure it'd be hard to pick just which one of those stories to use on the show. Speaking of the Torch...
We got a very good story involving Spider-Man and Daredevil on Fox Kids' "Spider-Man" show, but since then, these guys haven't been paired up on a cartoon show in a while. The creators admitted they can't use Daredevil on the show, or even the two heroes' common enemy the Kingpin. Of course, that was BEFORE the TV rights for Spidey went back to Marvel from Sony. Besides, next to the Human Torch, Daredevil is Spidey's most famous ally and the two have had so many classic stories together that I'm sure it'd be hard to pick just which one of those stories to use on the show. Speaking of the Torch...
2.) The Fantastic Four
Spider-Man and the Human Torch go way, waaaay back in the comics. Their friendship is one of the most famous in Spidey's history, and Spidey owes a lot to the Torch. In fact, one of Johnny Storm's speeches is what made Peter Parker decide to still keep donning the Spidey costume when he nearly quit the hero biz after his first defeat by Doctor Octopus. Also, the Spider-Man and Fantastic Four play off of each other very well, and they've teamed up to stop several villains over time together (such as Sandman, Hydro-Man and Trapster). The debut of the F.F. would likely top any fan's wish list of the one superhero team they'd like to see most on "The Spectacular Spider-Man", but if I could pick just one hero I'd like to see on the show the most, it would be...
Spider-Man and the Human Torch go way, waaaay back in the comics. Their friendship is one of the most famous in Spidey's history, and Spidey owes a lot to the Torch. In fact, one of Johnny Storm's speeches is what made Peter Parker decide to still keep donning the Spidey costume when he nearly quit the hero biz after his first defeat by Doctor Octopus. Also, the Spider-Man and Fantastic Four play off of each other very well, and they've teamed up to stop several villains over time together (such as Sandman, Hydro-Man and Trapster). The debut of the F.F. would likely top any fan's wish list of the one superhero team they'd like to see most on "The Spectacular Spider-Man", but if I could pick just one hero I'd like to see on the show the most, it would be...
1.) The Incredible Hulk
I can't believe it's been over twenty years since we last had a Spider-Man/Hulk team-up and/or versus story in an animated series. Ever since their last encounter on the "Spidey Goes Hollywood" episode of "Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends", Dr. Robert Bruce Banner and his green-skinned alter-ego have yet to meet to either team up to fight an enemy, or fight each other. Sure, the Hulk may not be the closest ally Spidey has, but their match-ups are always fun to watch and plans to bring these two iconic characters together have fallen through in the past. Just look at The Incredible Hulk's absence in Fox Kids' "Spider-Man" series, most notably in the "Secret Wars" storyarc where the Lizard took the Hulk's place. Now that Marvel has the TV rights to Spider-Man back, I sure hope they are able get the Hulk on Spidey's current cartoon series. Hulk Smash!!
TEAMS I'D LOVE TO SEE ON THIS SHOW
5.) The X-Men
While this is listed as #5, it's actually my #3 pick. But since Nickelodeon airs episodes of "Wolverine and the X-Men" and Disney XD airs "The Spectacular Spider-Man", don't expect to see Marvel's team of mutants meet our resident Web-head any time soon. Regardless, whether it's the classic team (Cyclops, Jean Grey/Marvel Girl, Iceman, Beast and Angel), or any of the other famous X-Men who have been on the more modern team rosters (Rogue, Gambit, Nightcrawler, Shadowcat and Colossus come to mind), I'd love to see Spider-Man cross paths with the X-Men.
While this is listed as #5, it's actually my #3 pick. But since Nickelodeon airs episodes of "Wolverine and the X-Men" and Disney XD airs "The Spectacular Spider-Man", don't expect to see Marvel's team of mutants meet our resident Web-head any time soon. Regardless, whether it's the classic team (Cyclops, Jean Grey/Marvel Girl, Iceman, Beast and Angel), or any of the other famous X-Men who have been on the more modern team rosters (Rogue, Gambit, Nightcrawler, Shadowcat and Colossus come to mind), I'd love to see Spider-Man cross paths with the X-Men.
4.) The Avengers
This is, truthfully, actually my #2 pick in terms of heroic teams I'd like to see on this show. Still, I dare any fanboy not to cheer if they found out Spider-Man would team-up with Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, and the other team members of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
This is, truthfully, actually my #2 pick in terms of heroic teams I'd like to see on this show. Still, I dare any fanboy not to cheer if they found out Spider-Man would team-up with Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, and the other team members of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
3.) The Fantastic Four
This is actually my #1 pick for good hero teams I'd love to see on this show. Still, I'd love to see Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four paired together, especially since they have so much history together. At least give us a Spidey and Human Torch meeting!
This is actually my #1 pick for good hero teams I'd love to see on this show. Still, I'd love to see Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four paired together, especially since they have so much history together. At least give us a Spidey and Human Torch meeting!
2.) The Sinster Syndicate
To think, nobody's ever used this team on a Spider-Man cartoon series. Sure, the line-up doesn't include a lot of A-list classic villains (along with Rhino and Hydro-Man, we get lesser-known villains Beetle, Boomerang and Speed Demon). Even so, I'm sure the "Spectacular" crew could come up with some way to include the team.
To think, nobody's ever used this team on a Spider-Man cartoon series. Sure, the line-up doesn't include a lot of A-list classic villains (along with Rhino and Hydro-Man, we get lesser-known villains Beetle, Boomerang and Speed Demon). Even so, I'm sure the "Spectacular" crew could come up with some way to include the team.
1.) The Classic Sinister Six
I'm especially surprised no Spider-Man animated series has used the original Sinister Six line up yet. Not one. You see, in their first appearance, the original Sinister Six line up included Vulture, Sandman, Electro, Mysterio, Kraven, and the team's founder Doctor Octopus acting as their leader. However, as much as I'm looking forward to seeing the new Sinister Six roster in season two (which consists of Vulture, Sandman, Electro, Mysterio, Kraven and Rhino), I'm disappointed that Doctor Octopus is not on there as team leader. Granted, Doc Ock shows up for several episodes in season two (or at least, so I've read online), and Doc Ock hasn't been in every Sinister Six roster in the Spider-Man comics. But still, if the writers decide to come up with a way to have Doctor Octopus lead the original Sinister Six on this series, for me, it'd be like a dream come true.
I'm especially surprised no Spider-Man animated series has used the original Sinister Six line up yet. Not one. You see, in their first appearance, the original Sinister Six line up included Vulture, Sandman, Electro, Mysterio, Kraven, and the team's founder Doctor Octopus acting as their leader. However, as much as I'm looking forward to seeing the new Sinister Six roster in season two (which consists of Vulture, Sandman, Electro, Mysterio, Kraven and Rhino), I'm disappointed that Doctor Octopus is not on there as team leader. Granted, Doc Ock shows up for several episodes in season two (or at least, so I've read online), and Doc Ock hasn't been in every Sinister Six roster in the Spider-Man comics. But still, if the writers decide to come up with a way to have Doctor Octopus lead the original Sinister Six on this series, for me, it'd be like a dream come true.
THE TOP 5 SPIDER-MAN STORIES I'D LOVE TO SEE AS DIRECT-TO-DVD FILMS
Now, keep in mind that four out of five of these are stories that deal with death in one way, shape or form, and death on an kids' animated series is a rarity. You could have death on a cartoon show somewhat, but with the exception of a few (like policeman Daniel Turpin killed off on "Superman: The Animated Series"), you can rarely see it happen. And when it did, they'd either be zapped, vaporized or whatever. Mr. Weisman has said he might do direct-to-DVD movies when "The Spectacular Spider-Man" concludes its run. While I'm way ahead of Mr. Weisman and the other creators of the "Spectacular" show with my following comments, these stories are the ones I'd love to see the most adapted into animated direct-to-DVD films the most:
5.) The Death of Jean DeWolff
Yeah, I think there's no way you could rightfully do this story on a kids' animated series, especially since the villain of the piece, Sin-Eater, kills the titled supporting character and nearly shoots Betty Brant. But as an animated direct-to-DVD movie, you might get away with it, so long as it's handled right. Now, I know Daredevil is unlikely to appear, due to the "Fox owns Daredevil's movie rights, Sony owns Spider-Man's" legal nightmare. But if they work it out, I'd love to see Spidey and DD pop up together. Even if you can't get old horn-head, maybe you could have Black Cat or Prowler or whoever substitute for the Man Without Fear.
Yeah, I think there's no way you could rightfully do this story on a kids' animated series, especially since the villain of the piece, Sin-Eater, kills the titled supporting character and nearly shoots Betty Brant. But as an animated direct-to-DVD movie, you might get away with it, so long as it's handled right. Now, I know Daredevil is unlikely to appear, due to the "Fox owns Daredevil's movie rights, Sony owns Spider-Man's" legal nightmare. But if they work it out, I'd love to see Spidey and DD pop up together. Even if you can't get old horn-head, maybe you could have Black Cat or Prowler or whoever substitute for the Man Without Fear.
4.) Kraven's Last Hunt
The premise alone shows why it can't be aimed for kids - Kraven shoots Spider-Man, buries him alive, and impersonates him to prove himself superior to the Web-head. He even defeats the villain Vermin, a foe Spidey couldn't defeat on his own. In the end, Kraven retires to his home, and, feeling at peace, he commits suicide after having achieved victory over Spider-Man. Sure, there's no way you could actually do this on a kids' show, but as a possible PG-13 direct-to-DVD animated film, I'm sure they could pull it off quite nicely.
The premise alone shows why it can't be aimed for kids - Kraven shoots Spider-Man, buries him alive, and impersonates him to prove himself superior to the Web-head. He even defeats the villain Vermin, a foe Spidey couldn't defeat on his own. In the end, Kraven retires to his home, and, feeling at peace, he commits suicide after having achieved victory over Spider-Man. Sure, there's no way you could actually do this on a kids' show, but as a possible PG-13 direct-to-DVD animated film, I'm sure they could pull it off quite nicely.
3.) The Death of Captain Stacy
One of the greatest Doctor Octopus stories ever told is also one of the most unforgettable and classic Spider-Man stories ever, as well. As much as I love Clancy Brown's Capt. Stacy on this animated series, I must admit, I'd love to see this as a direct-to-DVD animated movie. From the classic Spidey/Doc Ock fight to the shocking reveal during the final moments between Spidey and a dying Captain Stacy, this one's a classic I'd love to see adapted eventually.
One of the greatest Doctor Octopus stories ever told is also one of the most unforgettable and classic Spider-Man stories ever, as well. As much as I love Clancy Brown's Capt. Stacy on this animated series, I must admit, I'd love to see this as a direct-to-DVD animated movie. From the classic Spidey/Doc Ock fight to the shocking reveal during the final moments between Spidey and a dying Captain Stacy, this one's a classic I'd love to see adapted eventually.
2.) The Death of Gwen Stacy
Like Clancy Brown, I love Lacey Chabert's Gwen Stacy. However, I'd sure love to see this story adapted into a direct-to-DVD animated movie. This is arguably one of the best Spider-Man stories ever told, with the Green Goblin abducting Spidey's love and then Spidey fails to save her life. After Gwen's death, we get the then-final encounter of Spider-Man and the Green Goblin.
Like Clancy Brown, I love Lacey Chabert's Gwen Stacy. However, I'd sure love to see this story adapted into a direct-to-DVD animated movie. This is arguably one of the best Spider-Man stories ever told, with the Green Goblin abducting Spidey's love and then Spidey fails to save her life. After Gwen's death, we get the then-final encounter of Spider-Man and the Green Goblin.
1.) The Wedding
No death and gloom here. Since the "Spectacular" cartoon focuses on Peter Parker's teenage years in high school, seeing Peter and Mary Jane tie the knot on the series is a no-go. But a direct-to-DVD film, that's another thing entirely. And while those who know me know I loathe the retcon of the Spider-Marriage in the current continuity of "The Amazing Spider-Man" comics, I'd sure as heck love to see it adapted into an animated film once "Spectacular" concludes its planned 65-episode run. Also, Mr. Weisman himself admitted on his Ask Greg section that they eventually plan to do this as a direct-to-DVD movie, so it looks like eventually, this one will get made.
MORE TO BE ADDED SOON...
