Creepy, crawly.
I used to have a tarantula when I was a kid and now I pretty much let spiders run free in my house. We have an understanding. They kill the other bugs, I let them crawl about and occasionally rescue them from drains. I had a funny conversation with a friend the other night about that. I'd said that I let the spiders go so they can eat the ants and the flies, and he said, "Well they're all bugs. Don't you think you're siding with the spiders just because they're the loners and rebels of the bug world and the ants aren't? Isn't that why you play a spider on TV? Aren't you just projecting your own worldview onto the bugs? Is that fair?" I thought about it and said, "Ants are stupid. &@#$ those ants!" So technically I'm the Spider King. Now if I can just learn to control them...
July is here and it’s a big month for Billy & Mandy. It might be the last big month for Billy & Mandy ever! That’d show you! Seriously, “Wrath of the Spider Queen” is coming up on July 6th and ComiCon is happening again in San Diego at the end of July. We’ll be having our second (and most likely final) Billy & Mandy panel during the weekend, so I hope some of you stop by and give a shout-out to Stupid.
To answer some questions I’ve been getting lately:
1. Yup. “Wrath of the Spider Queen” is the series finale. Because I say so, that’s why. Cartoon Network has chosen to hold onto a few of the final episodes for Fall, but any permanent changes to Billy and Mandy’s world caused by the Spider Queen won’t affect your enjoyment of those last few one way or another. If it bothers you, you can always Tivo Spider Queen and watch it next Christmas. It’s really just all about me believing that we went out with a bang…
2. This really is the end of “The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy”. I don’t think there’s any going back now. I feel really lucky that it got made at all, and the fact that we got to 78 half-hours in the current media climate is a miracle. Like, a no-kidding-bloody-flaming-frogs-falling-from-the-sky-and-healing-your-boils kind of miracle. With the crew gone, the network changing, and 78 already in the can, I seriously doubt you’ll see any more new episodes of Billy & Mandy. Specials, probably yes. Episodes, no. Don’t get me wrong. Nothing better will ever come along to fill the void. Ever. There will never be another funny cartoon ever made. It’ll be “Billy & Mandy” and “Tijuana Toads” forever, and that’s all we get. Just grieve and move on.
3. Yeah, I guess there are Billy and Mandy toys out in Kay-Bee now. If you can find a Kay-Bee. Someone told me they’ve been out for weeks now. I had no idea… I personally prefer the stuffed ones that smack-talk when you beat them up.
Again, I have to thank the fans for keeping the show alive for the run. You guys rock, and you have great taste. And cool hair, and a killer style. Great shoes. And I’m sure you’re pretty smart, too. You look smart, at least. Do you wear a puffy shirt? You look like you would.
May you not see the Grim Reaper again for a long, long time.
-Maxwell
P.S. – Enjoy the “spider fun” below!
The "Wrath of the Spider Queen" trailer:
Education on a box:
It could happen to any of us:
I'll stick with the chicken marsala, thank you.
July is here and it’s a big month for Billy & Mandy. It might be the last big month for Billy & Mandy ever! That’d show you! Seriously, “Wrath of the Spider Queen” is coming up on July 6th and ComiCon is happening again in San Diego at the end of July. We’ll be having our second (and most likely final) Billy & Mandy panel during the weekend, so I hope some of you stop by and give a shout-out to Stupid.
To answer some questions I’ve been getting lately:
1. Yup. “Wrath of the Spider Queen” is the series finale. Because I say so, that’s why. Cartoon Network has chosen to hold onto a few of the final episodes for Fall, but any permanent changes to Billy and Mandy’s world caused by the Spider Queen won’t affect your enjoyment of those last few one way or another. If it bothers you, you can always Tivo Spider Queen and watch it next Christmas. It’s really just all about me believing that we went out with a bang…
2. This really is the end of “The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy”. I don’t think there’s any going back now. I feel really lucky that it got made at all, and the fact that we got to 78 half-hours in the current media climate is a miracle. Like, a no-kidding-bloody-flaming-frogs-falling-from-the-sky-and-healing-your-boils kind of miracle. With the crew gone, the network changing, and 78 already in the can, I seriously doubt you’ll see any more new episodes of Billy & Mandy. Specials, probably yes. Episodes, no. Don’t get me wrong. Nothing better will ever come along to fill the void. Ever. There will never be another funny cartoon ever made. It’ll be “Billy & Mandy” and “Tijuana Toads” forever, and that’s all we get. Just grieve and move on.
3. Yeah, I guess there are Billy and Mandy toys out in Kay-Bee now. If you can find a Kay-Bee. Someone told me they’ve been out for weeks now. I had no idea… I personally prefer the stuffed ones that smack-talk when you beat them up.
Again, I have to thank the fans for keeping the show alive for the run. You guys rock, and you have great taste. And cool hair, and a killer style. Great shoes. And I’m sure you’re pretty smart, too. You look smart, at least. Do you wear a puffy shirt? You look like you would.
May you not see the Grim Reaper again for a long, long time.
-Maxwell
P.S. – Enjoy the “spider fun” below!
The "Wrath of the Spider Queen" trailer:
Education on a box:
It could happen to any of us:
I'll stick with the chicken marsala, thank you.
posted by Maxwell Atoms at 8:52 PM
41 Comments:
No more Billy & Mandy. Wah! But, of course, nothing lasts forever.
Need to head to the mall to buy some B&M toys!
Spiders give me the willies. But I do have an agreement with the ones in my house. As long as they maintain a respectful distance from me, they are allowed to stay where they are. Spiders are good bugs. They eat the more annoying bugs.
You sir have created the greatest cartoon show EVER, and I thank you greatly for that!
Personally, spiders really creep me out. Not as much as centipedes, though. I think the more legs a creature has, the more they scare me. Heck, my first intention when I see a spider isn't even to get rid of it, it's to have someone else get rid of it. But we're talking cartoons here, which is a completely different story. I love cartoons more than I hate spiders, and Billy & Mandy has been my favorite (and will probably remain so) for a long time. I remember seeing the original short way back on the Cartoon Cartoon Show, and thought the concept was awesome. I remember voting for it too when Cartoon Network had their big Cartoon Cartoon Fridays weekend thing to bring in a new cartoon. Sure, the other shorts were cool, and I liked them, but only as shorts. Grim & Evil was the only one that seemed to have the potential to go on and be a hit. Plus it was two shows in one!...until Evil Con Carne just kind of disappeared. But still, B&M had an amazing run, and it's been a perpetual inspiration to me over the years. Sure, it's sad to know that it's "over," but it's not like we'll never see it again. Not just in reruns, but DVDs, man! I can't wait to get my hands on those!
I don't know why I just summed up the history of the show, but either way, I'm very excited for Spider Queen. It looks utterly amazing. Kari Wahlgren's perfect for the part too, from what I've seen! Can't wait for Friday!
Unfortunately, I can't make it to Comic Con (I'm never able to make it, but I always dream of going) because I've always wanted to meet you and other members of the crew, but I'm sure it doesn't exactly sadden you that one annoying fan can't make it. Ah well. I look forward to your future works and apologize for such a long post, heh. Good luck!
-Niko
Well, at least the DVD comes out in the fall! Please release all seasons on DVD, not just the first. I will buy them!
I look foward to the finale.
I will FOREVER be creeped out by the S&M video of the spider on that damn box.
Thanks a lot. You owe me a Guinness.
Melissa
Hello. I have an off-topic question.
Is Hoss Delgado supposed to appear in an episode as he appears in the background of your MySpace?
I really hate spiders. I can't believe you like them. Anyway you have a great cartoon. Can't wait for the movie.
I loved this show really this show and Grey were the only reasons I watched Cartoon Network it's mature level is really going to hell or something like it. Now the score is Grim and Evil, The Grim adventures of Billy and Mandy, and Evil Con Carne it's like all the shows that were good are gone, hell they showed Mission Hill for awhile then go rid of it, well I hope to see more soon, please?
Mr. Atoms, I just want to thank you for your hard work. I know I'll see more of your awesome stuff in the future, but since Friday's coming up (I'm shaking with antici..... pation) I figure I'll let out some heartfelt words in your direction.
You're awesome, Mr. Atoms. You create stuff that's funny, inspiring, and cool to look at. I'm also happy to have met you at Wondercon.
So yeah. Thank you and good luck!
You are so right. Nothing will ever replace Billy and Mandy. CN will be hurting without it but you sir are a genius and I know you will move on to do great things. Thank you for all the wonderful years you have invested into this awesome cartoon. The world of animation is inspired and is forever changed by you and your brand of humor. Much love and respect. =)
I'm gonna be sad Billy and Mandy will be no more, but it was awesome while it was with us. :) I'll never forget the hilarious moments. You did a good job, Maxwell Atoms.
Go out on top I say!! We'll be at your panel, we is coming over from NZ!!! Wooo Hoooo, exciting times!!
Can you do Billy and Mandy text based stories now that the show is over? Maybe add some pictures, add a few short scripts. You wont get sued by Cartoon Network [who I think REALLY own the rights]. It's like fanfiction, except it's written by the creator of the show. The creator of George Liquor still posts stories with some pictures on his blog.
watch the movie now gotta say its great so far
Just wanted to say I watched Spider Queen a bit ago and it was great! Very inspiring and fun! Loved it!
Why did CN not say that this is the end? They could of said "And now: Cartoon Network presents: The final tale, of Billy and Mandy"
But all in all, this was a great movie. The cattle were great(were they supposed to come over as a bit gay?) Nice job! And thank you for giving the worl Billy, Mandy, Grim, Dracula, Fred FB, and the rest!
spiders are cool if your spider king well i ges im spider price
Man, I can remember watching the pilot for the show on ye olde days of Cartoon Network. It's a little sad to see it go, but still. Congrats to you and your staff for a series well done.
Crap. I missed it. I'm sure reruns will air on a Wednesday.
Great run, Max. Can't wait to see what greatness you pull outta your ass next.
Also, a dvd for "Wrath..." would be greatness in purity.
Dear Mr. Atoms,
I have no idea where to begin, so I'll start with a simple thank you. Thank you. For everything.
Next I will attempt at prying some information from you... I saw that you're going to Comic-Con. What days will you be attending the large convention center? This year is my first time going, and I would love to see you there. :)
Much respect,
Anna-nonymous
Mr. Atoms, you should give us, the fans, a list of have-to-see-cartoons.
And... I hope we will see more of B&M&G, because, yess, it's top 3 of the best shows that ever WILL BE created, Im sure.
Good luck with whatever's your next big thing.
Well, sorry to those of you who didn't get the "series finale movie" that you wanted. To that I would remind you that unlike Big Boogey, Spider Queen came from our regular block of episodes and was not a true "movie" in the sense that BBA was. And since I was told "not to end Billy and Mandy's storyline" there was never any hope at all of Mandy dying or Grim being set free or any of the other stuff you seemed to want to see. (Not that Cartoon Network will even allow a bee to die.) It was just a big "event" that took up two regular episodic half-hour slots. It's not the last you'll see of Billy, Mandy, and Grim, and I'm sorry that CN billed it as an action film.
It was more Grim's story then anyone else's, and considering what we had to do to get it made, I'm still pretty proud of it.
As for Comicon, I know I'll be doing a panel and signing on Saturday. I'll dig up the info...
Why the heck would Cartoon Network cancel the best show on their network? Oh yeah, because they don't want the show to overstay it's welcome. But just look at The Simpsons! It just reached it's 400th episode! Billy and Mandy deserves a 400 episode run. Maybe if we're lucky, the show can be picked up by another network, or get more episodes on Cartoon Network. Wait, of course that wont happen. UNLESS WE START SOME BIG PETITIONY PROTESTY TYPE THING! It saved Kim Possible. Or we can try to convince people to buy the DVDs. Also, I didn't like how Billy and Mandy ended with spiders taking over the world though. I would have wanted a happy ending. Big Boogey Adventure is better. Oh well. Mr.Atoms, there is a question that I, and probably many of the fans, would like to know the answer to. Cartoon Network is working on an MMORPG to be released in Spring 2008. Will there be any areas, weapons, or features of any sort that are based on Billy and Mandy?
Where can I get an awesome shirt like Boogey's back when he was in Jr. High! I WANT!!!
I couldn't stop marveling at that shirt at his every appearance!
it sucks that B&M is ending...it's one of the few cartoons i can sit down and watch with my kids
what now...Kim Possible? (*shudders*)
That stinks that Billy & Mandy is done. I love that show! (I can't wait for the season 1 DVD to come out...but since it took me three months to find Big Boogie Adventure, it'll probably take me three months to find that, too)
Yes, it is true that all good media-based things must come to an end (except maybe the Thanksgiving Day parade, but that all depends on if you find that good or not). The show had an awesome run, and even though some of us probably wish we could go back in time or whatever it wouldn't matter 'cause it'll still be the same thing over and over again.
Probably not word for word, but I do believe I said similar things about Danny Phantom, Invader ZIM, Teen Titans, and the Stone Cold Steve Austin era in the WWE, which were also awesome in their own right and are either done or on the verge of being done.
I hope someday I can say the same thing for SpongeBob but unfortunately they're still pulling out some dried-up plots.
Hi, Maxwell, Please reply, I know CN is making a MMOG game for PC, and (once again, please reply) I just wanted to know if Billy and Mandy are in the game.
Thanks for the comments everyone!
@ Fizzlo:
I don't have anything to do with the MMO, but last I heard Mandy and Grim were definitely in. In some form.
um when is the dvd comin out cuz i wanna get it for my birthday wich is july 20
WOO! I avoided hanging out with my girlfriend and her parents to watch 'Spider Queen' and it was totally worth it! Also, I'm writing this comment whilst I'm vacationing in "fabulous" Las Vegas.
I understand all the stuff about CN restrictions and whatnot. It was a great movie, Mr. Atoms. Velma Green is quite the spiderlady! Lots of hilarity. I loved the bits with the talking milk cartons. I was repeatedly slayed.
Great job again. I look forward to the DVD and and anything else that you got coming for us in the future.
I'm proud to own a personally drawn picture of Meeeeandy drawn by you. Plus I shook your magic hand.
High five, Maxwell.
Oh I think it's you that wears puffy shirts my friend. Ones of the bright pink variety.
Oh, and you smell nice.
Like almonds and mint gum.
(Will call soon)
-Queen of the Bugs (stop eating us!)
I asked before Fizzlo. Anyway, I hope that The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy gets as much attention in the game as other shows. I want my character to be a demon. Wait...a nacho frozen yogurt demon. I will use my scythe to destroy all the level ten Spiders. Man, this is the only kids TV show that doesn't suck. My Dad just outlawed all the great TV shows such as South Park and The Simpsons, and kids TV mostly sucks. Billy and Mandy is a light in a dark hall of kids television. Follow the light, and you will find something you thought only adults get to see...ACTUAL HUMOR. Okay, I better get started on that petition to save the show.
I've seen some people say that they were disappointed with it. I think comparing "Boogie" with "Spider" is like comparing TNBC with Corpse Bride. They were both good, just different.
I liked Wrath of the spider queen, even though JR had no lines. It's sad to see it go, but it'll always be my favorite cartoon! It's too bad cartoons today are nothing like they used to be, too censored for my taste. Ah well.
i have always loved spiders. i find them adorable ^^
Thank you for Billy, Mandy, Grim, Dracula, Irwin, Mindy, and every character on TGAoB&M. The show had a great run, and I've enjoyed every minute of it. Looking forward to your panel at Comic-con. (I wish I were bringing my Mandy dress along with me, but changing into and out of costume is difficult when the hotel's several miles down the road.)
that fear factor video is gross... i almost just ran into your office and puked on you.
This show, and maybe Foster's Home (which I'm still deliberating in my opinion on- watched it from its first airing but lack much hope in it these days) were the only animated programmes worth watching, and I know that statement gets thrown around a lot. Especially with this bloody politically-correct atmosphere we're all stuck in nowadays, shows like Billy and Mandy are a dying breed. (And it was never just teenagers, scenekids or stoned college kids who watched your show (should you be glad or lamenting of that?), but also those of us who enjoyed your slightly insane sense of humour and storytelling.)
Whatever happened to the great animated shows of our youth? Especially growing up in 70s/80s Britain... dear god there was some strange and wonderous television back then (see: Pob, Count Duckula, etc.)
Thank you muchly for you continuance of somewhat mental, and thoroughly enjoyable, animated television though. Props to you, Sir.
Well done series.
Too bad it had to end an...*drifts off to sleep*
Anyway, look back on the quite measured series and be happy it ended while still of decent quality. And if you already knew this, this is directed at the anonymous perusers of this blog.
thanks for visuals. i am so arachnophobic. *twitches*
spiders... ah... that reminds me of last year, new student week at school... everyone kept calling me to come and swish the spiders in their room... apparently all the spider eggs hatch over the summer so all the dorms are filled with 'em... my friends called me the spider slayer... little did they know I didn't really kill them... I let them loose in the room of some kid I didn't like!!! hahaha... lately the spiders at my house haven't really been doing their jobs... I keep finding ants in the weirdest places... you're so right about those ants by the way...
The Wrath of the Spider Queen was hilarious by the way!! It really made my day when I saw it... I kind of expected it to be longer, cause of the way CN promoted it.. but I loved it none the less!!! Awesome work!
-Andry
Dear Mr. Atoms,
Not sure if you ever read your comics, but I just want to say how much of an inspiration B&M has been to me. I discovered it back in Middle-school when I was in the midst of a depression(7th was a crummy year for me :\) and I've loved it ever since. I'm not as obsessed with it as I was back then, but let's just say that I wouldn't forget one of the big factors that helped me through my slump, that easily. B&M is also what made me want to draw, something I'd always had a slight potential in, but never explored. Now I draw all the time and I've gotten much better thanks to countless B&M fanarts and practice~ =] I've also decided to go into the field of art, because of it; maybe a graphic designer, or an illustrator, or a cartoonist!
So, yeah..thank you, Mr. Atoms for creating one of my most favourite shows ever, and although it's "over" now, I'll never forget it.
Plus I'll be buying those new super awesome DVDs when they come out; I've been looking forward to them for a long time~!^-^
Your fan,
Melissa P.
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