Ultimate Spider-Man Season 2 Preview

12 Comments

1. I just finished watching the first two episodes of season 2 with my 8 year old son and I am appalled. I seriously think they are damaging the brand. If this spider-man is the only introduction to the character for my son’s generation, I predict a strong drop in popularity. Who would want to be a fan of that idiot?

   Episode 1: Spider-man still feels guilty for Connors losing his arm (so he did something stupid last season). He wants to help but messes up and trips security protocols. This causes Connors to inject himself to save Spider-man. So Spidey screw-ups are the cause of the Lizard.
   Episode 2: Spider-man gives Electro a charge-up by webbing him to a big screen and firing a charge down his web. Electro thanks him while taking over all the electricity for the city. So, more screw-ups have Spidey responsible for the new Electro.
   On top of the big stupids, the writers have Spidey/Peter constantly saying moronic things or statements like “Puerile humor? I’d be insulted if I knew what that means.” or “…for the coup-de-grace; whatever that means”. (These examples may not be exact since I’ve deleted the episodes so I can’t check them but they are close enough for my discussion) I can only assume the powers-that-be must think Peter has to be shown as an idiot so he can be relatable to the mass public. Sorry but this can’t-be-bothered-with-no-book-learning isn’t true to the character and isn’t the Spider-Man/Peter Parker that I grew up with.
   Peter knows what words mean. Peter knows how to defeat security measures. He is a genius in the top 10 if not the absolute top of the minds in the Marvel universe. He may screw up on occasion but he is not the _complete_ screw up as written for this show.
   I’m embarrassed to show this rendition of the character to my son. I think I had to stop both episodes about 5 or 6 times to talk about how the “real” spider-man isn’t like the moron depicted on Ultimate Spider-Man. I want to watch the rest of the episodes because I’m a fan and I am always interested in any Spidey story but I really don’t want to imprint that idiot onto my son’s psyche as what spider-man means.
   One last nit (not a small one in my opinion) is that the producers don’t even take care to assure that physics works on their show. If the “Men Of Action” are too stupid to know how physics works, they should hire someone to review and help them fix things. For example, if you jump a bike, it will continue on its path and perhaps crash at the end of the parabolic curve even if you shut off all power after you leave the ground. It will _not_ drop out of the sky like it hit an invisible wall.
   Sorry for wasting space here and on the other tread with my rant but this is the only Spidey review web site that I frequent. If anyone wants to pass on an email address or forum site that would help get my review in front of someone who could make a difference, I would welcome the information. It is my opinion that they need to change this show fast or run a big risk of irreparable damage to the brand. Good ratings for this show is a bad thing for Spider-Man.

2. @7

   I’m sorry, man… but I gave it a chance a bunch of times throughout the first season and came away with the feeling that the guys behind this series didn’t understand Peter Parker, Spider-Man, or his world at all. Like I said, it’s a tremendous shame given that the level of animation and some of the great character designs (Taskmaster, Beetle, etc) were so good. Peter Parker looked as though he were ripped right from the pages of the Ultimate Spider-Man comic. But the approach to the show was just depressing.

   I think if this had been an action-oriented cartoon following the dual life of a 15-16 year old Peter Parker ( while adhering a bit more closely to the early Ultimate books in tone) and had the same animation/character designs, it would have been hailed as a modern classic by the older fans and entertained the kids.

3. @1: You said it
   He can’t fight his fights

4. I did the whole first season. I remember a couple episodes I thought were decent and one I actually like. It wasn’t rocket science why, fewer bad jokes and forth wall breaking stints. I actually got absorbed in it. The episode had a flow, a pace. It was still only half as good as any spectacular spider-man episode. But then again that show was legend. It drives me nuts that they won’t make such simple fixes because they have enough ratings so it’s meh, good enough. It’s this kind of thinking that really makes me think marvel is broken. Like the wrong person is charge.

5. #7:

   I already gave it two chances, it just isn’t my thing. The constant fourth wall breaking is kind of grating, the jokes really aren’t my style (Spectacular really had the best jokes, and that’s not because of nostalgia), and the team……… the team gets on my nerves.
   If you like it, that’s great. But for me, I think I’ll stick with the comics for now (I’m looking forward to the Venom Wars arc.)

6. I will definitely watch it. Really guys, give it a chance. It’s really funny and the animation is top notch. Put in mind that this is not Amazing Spider-man or The Ultimate Spider-man comic…this is a new take on spider-man…just watch it and have a few laughs or just admire the incredible animation…besides, this is the only Spider-man who is still Peter Parker hehehe…

7. At least they’re finally exploring the rest of Spidey’s huge rouge gallery…still won’t watch it

8. Spidey is to be a loner. He has to ‘earn’ the right to lead a team. I liked the comic series better. It was darker, Nick Fury scared the CRAP out of Peter so badly by saying “I own you..”. This Nick is tough, but not so much to make him cry. I really do hope, if they make another comic series, they hire back the artists, but pick others to work on the storyline that will actually follow the ‘Ultimate’ Spider-Man comics ina darker tone. There are dark kids cartoons that kids and adults can enjoy. This ‘team-up’ with few unheard of characters is distracting.

9. Too ‘Teen Titans-ish” for my taste. Not a fan of the 4th wall breaking nonsense.

10. A definite “no” for me as well. The writing and concept behind the series is awful, but the animation is terrific. A shame.

11. As the format has not changed, I fear I will be a “no” on this one…..animation however is superb…..

12. If he’s Ultimate, why does he need a team of sidekicks to battle one of his main villains at a time?