I've loved Spider-Man from the time I was a boy – quipping and thwipping around the Masters' living room – to now that I'm an adult – quipping and thwipping around the Masters' living room. I've loved Steven Weber in everything from his hit series Wings to his various Stephen King projects. Weber's been with the Disney XD series Ultimate Spider-Man, as Norman Osborn, since the show's April debut. Finally, on Sunday, October 28, fans will get to see the Rise of the Goblin. This is what it's all been building to, isn't it? Let's try three for three in this ongoing geek love fest. I'm talking about a truly talented storyteller, and Marvel's Head of Television, Jeph Loeb. Loeb took time away from his own web-slinging and wall-crawling to join GeekDad to discuss the upcoming hour-long event.
Be sure to check out the action-packed preview clip, immediately following the interview. And don't forget to stop back by our comments section after the show to let us know your thoughts on the special.
Masters: What's makes Ultimate Spider-Man stand apart from the others Spider-Man shows that have come before?
Loeb: Two things, really: what it's about and how it's made. This is unlike the stories we've known in the past, where everyone has a favorite story. Here, Peter's been doing this for a year; and he thinks he's doing a pretty good job. In the pilot, he's contacted by Nick Fury [of S.H.I.E.L.D.]. They have this great antagonistic and respectful relationship. Nick says he's going to give him a chance to be the best he can be – to be the ultimate Spider-Man. The young heroes in the Marvel Universe aspire to be Avengers. Peter has all this on top of getting his homework done, making money, being bullied by Flash Thompson, and hanging with his friends and Mary Jane. He has the opportunity to be the best super-hero he can be, but because of the Peter Parker luck, it's never gonna happen. Nova, a teenage Iron Fist, and the new White Tiger are part of a youth super-hero group. Peter isn't ready to take on more responsibility, but here he is.
It's all been building up to this. In the pilot, the whole thing was set up, including Norman working behind the scenes to see how Spider-Man's powers work, so he can use them. Norman's go-to guy is Doc Ock. Spider-Man thinks he's the big villain. It'll come as a shock to Peter that Norman's behind it. We'll see his transformation to the Goblin. This is not the one we know from comics. The mask is not from metal like the movie. It's like the Ultimate line, where it's a physical transformation with Hulk-level power.
This is the first [Spider-Man series] from Marvel Animation Studios. The past series may have had the Marvel touch, but they weren't made by Marvel. We have Joe Casey, Brian Michael Bendis – who wrote, like, every issue of Ultimate Spider-man – Steve Wacker, Joe Quesada… It's what I like to call a "Murderers' Row" of Spider-Man storytellers. We all worked closely to create a show that's not only a Spider-Man show, but it also has the Marvel feel to it: double-page splash pages, action coming out of the set and Spider-Man is webbing at you while you're watching. We went for a show with action and adventure, but that also has humor. That's who Peter and Spider-Man is. He breaks the fourth wall to get the audience up to speed, or to show imagination, or to let you know this Spider-Man is as amazing as you imagine.
I probably just answered all your questions. [laughs]
Masters: Yeah, pretty much.
What about Drake Bell? He seems to be a great fit for Peter Parker/Spider-Man. He's really passionate about the role.
Loeb: He's extraordinary. We're going into season two. He's immersed in the part; and he's been a fan since he was a kid. There are two different parts: the mild-mannered Peter Parker and Spider-Man. He has to handle both the thwips and quips, and the emotion. "With great power comes great responsibility." No one captures that better than Drake.
Masters: Spider-Man has so many great bad guys in his sandbox; what is it you, personally, love about Green Goblin and Venom?
Loeb: This is one of the things that is different from other stories. Venom is the opposite of Spider-Man. He's not a villain, necessarily, but he can certainly use his powers in more challenging and difficult challenges than Peter. Several hosts have worn the costume. This time, it's bonded to Harry Osborn. You have two triangles working on several levels. There's Peter, Harry, and Norman – all keeping secrets. There's also Spider-Man, Venom, and Goblin. This is all revealed in the one-hour special, airing this Sunday.
Masters: I know I'll be watching. Thanks, again, for speaking with us. Don't forget: You always have an open invite to join us at GeekDad.
Loeb: I'm always glad to help those talking about the show; and I'm super excited Disney XD is doing this big [special]. I'm excited for season two. It's crazier, bigger, and just MORE!
The special one-hour episode of Ultimate Spider-Man premieres on Sunday, October 28 at 11:00 AM ET/PT on Marvel Universe on Disney XD. In part one, Revealed, Spidey gets a front row seat as Doctor Octopus and Norman Osborn's plans collide, leading to the creation of the Green Goblin. Part two, Rise of the Goblin, will see Spider-Man lead his team in an epic battle to protect Harry Osborn from the Green Goblin, but even S.H.I.E.L.D. can't protect them when the Goblin teams up with Venom.
