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Fallenlegend writes...
Hey Greg, got some multiverse questions. Not going to ask about earth 17 as I know that:s a spoiler…but ignoring that:
1.- How open would you be to earth 16 interacting with other universes?
2.- How open would you be to the idea of Canon crossovers with other shows for earth 16 ? I know there are plays, but those aren’t canon. Say Teen titans and the team of Young justice meeting for real instead of that Beast boy nightmare.
2b Also how do you feel about the ides of canon crossovers between other shows with Gargoyles (not counting your planned spin-offs like Bad guys’’
3.- Do you view Earth 16 as being isolated from the multiverse? As in part of the multiverse, but more bound to interact with other universes?
Thanks Greg
Greg responds...
1. Not very. It all sounds like fun in any individual story, but I think it's extremely ripe for abuse. EXTREMELY RIPE FOR ABUSE.
2. Same answer.
2b. I don't much care for the idea on the surface. But we did have plans to cross over with the Team Atlantis Universe. Or rather a version of Gargoyles existed in the Team Atlantis Universe. And a version of Team Atlantis exists in the Gargoyles Universe.
3. I really am not sure I understand either way that you phrased the question.
One Last HERCULES springboard
This last HERCULES springboard I can recall must have only been a verbal pitch, as I don't seem to have a document to cut and paste here. So, I don't remember too much about it. But it was a Western pastiche, based on the television series BONANZA, called "Hercules and the Sons of Poseidon".
The idea was to treat Poseidon like he was Lorne Greene/Ben Cartwright.
And he had three sons:
THESEUS (Pernell Roberts/Adam Cartwright)
POLYPHEMOS (Dan Blocker/Hoss Cartwright)
TRITON (Michael Landon/Little Joe Cartwright)
Polyphemos, of course, is the cyclops from the Odyssey. Triton was going to be the youngest brother, but he was going to be the Triton who would someday grow up to become Ariel's father in THE LITTLE MERMAID.
And that's about all I can remember about the idea. Mark and Bob didn't go for it. But somehow, we took Theseus and found our way to making him the Grim Avenger for the one episode I DID end up writing for HERCULES.
Anonymous writes...
Two Questions In Regards To Earth-16 Black Canary:
#1. Is her full name Dinah Laurel Lance?
#2. Does she have a sister (Sara Lance) like her Arrowverse counterpart?
Greg responds...
1. Not committing to that.
2. I doubt it. I don't think that fits our history for her. But I'm not committing to this either.
In general, though, I'd avoid looking to other media versions of these heroes as reference points. Each series or movie generally goes its own way.
RJB writes...
Hi Greg,
1. Do you think that "quality of writing" is something that the average person might have a stronger opinion about compared to other subjective creative forms like art or music? Does that make it more likely that you'll get people complaining about the quality of the writing in a show rather than any other aspect of it?
2. Is it fair to say that a lot of complaints of this nature are ignorant of the many factors that go into making a show outside of purely creative decisions? Stuff like budget, scheduling or availability that might influence what's reasonably possible to do in a specific time frame?
3. Have you noticed these kinds of criticisms getting worse over time? I feel there wouldn't have been as many people complaining about "Hello, Megan" during the time of Gargoyles, or maybe even Spidey.
4. I get that armchair criticism has always been around and that social media has provided a bigger platform for it, but the recent negative reception to stuff like the ending of Game of Thrones or Star Wars The Last Jedi has made me curious about your perspective on this kind of thing.
Greg responds...
1. I do think that. My hypothesis - untested, unconfirmed - is that in a literal sense, nearly everyone knows how to "write". They know how to grab a pencil, pen or keyboard and put words on a page in an order that is at least comprehensible to another human being. So there is, perhaps, a subconscious assumption that if they just set their minds to it, that they could write stories, too - as good or better as most of the professional writers out there. On the other hand, to take your examples, not everybody believes they can draw or make music. Those talents seem esoteric, special, unique. I believe they strike a bit more awe - at least generally - than writing does. So the writing becomes the easy target. Or at least the easier target. But, of course, I'm a writer that can't draw or make music. So it makes sense that I should believe I'm under attack more. Human nature. So take it all with a grain of salt.
2. I think that's very fair to say. (And this is reading a bit like I posted these questions myself in order to defend myself with the answers. Not that I'm complaining.)
3. The internet is... well... awful... in so many ways. And its spread and influence has increased over the years, so, yes, it is definitely getting worse. But it hasn't really changed. Back in the pre-internet days, I'd still get nasty letters (sent via the post office) on Captain Atom. And the basic percentage of praise to criticism to abuse is really about the same. It just feels multiplied by the internet. The quantity of feedback is exponentially larger. And, again, human nature being what it is, I can get literally 50 tweets of praise, which are then wiped out of my mind by one mean tweet.
4. Well, I hated the ending of Game of Thrones, too... and I had mixed feelings about Last Jedi... but that wasn't the point of your question. It definitely FEELS worse. The main thing that people don't seem to get is that I LIKE MY SHOW. Brandon and I like what we've done. Not every frame, mind you, but overall, we LIKE OUR SHOW. And we are making the show WE WANT TO MAKE. I don't mind that people don't like it. (It'd be lovely, I suppose if we had 100% praise for the thing, but I honestly don't expect that. Ever.) What gets on my nerves is the assumption that many "fans" (or hate-watchers) have that we should be making the show that THEY WANT US TO MAKE, and that we're failing because we're not MAKING THEIR SHOW instead of MAKING OUR SHOW. That does grind on me. You want to shout out: "GO MAKE YOUR OWN DAMN SHOW!! No one's forcing you to watch ours!" But, of course, that's not a particularly politic statement to make. And more hate-watchers are still more watchers.
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
In the comics, the full name of Batwoman is addressed in two different ways:
#1. In pre-Flashpoint DC Comics continuity (New Earth), her full name is addressed as Katherine Rebecca "Kate" Kane.
#2. In post-Flashpoint DC Comics continuity (Prime Earth), her full name is addressed as Katherine "Kate" Rebecca Kane.
As such, in the Earth-16 continuity, which version of Batwoman's full name is the correct version to address her by?
Greg responds...
This doesn't make any sense to me. Her birth certificate wouldn't read as either option. So where one chooses to place her nickname "in quotation marks" is arbitrary or, at best, based on a style guide. Neither is right or wrong. And I don't see any actual difference between options #1 and #2. It certainly has nothing to do with whether it's pre or post flashpoint. I'd guess it has more to do with the stylistic choices of various writers and/or editors.
Also, to be clear, I'm not confirming that her middle name is Rebecca, by the way.
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
In the DCEU film, "Man of Steel," and in the second episode of the second season of the Arrowverse TV show, "Superman & Lois," Kal-El is indicated to be a natural-born Kryptonian; while all other Kryptonians were genetically-engineered. Is this true for the Earth-16 version of Superman as well?
Greg responds...
Absolutely not.
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
In 2017, Bruce's full name was established as "Bruce Thomas Wayne" in post-Flashpoint DC Comics continuity. Does this full name also apply to the Earth-16 version of the character?
Greg responds...
Not necessarily.
Anonymous writes...
Considering that the YJ versions of Wonder Girl, Artemis, Zatanna, and Miss Martian appear in "Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery", does that mean that it's canon to the YJ universe or is it just fun cameos?
Greg responds...
Just fun cameos. At least for now...
Anonymous writes...
Which of these two would you rather do?
A Spectacular Spider-Man Season 3 or writing the next Spider-Man trilogy for the MCU?
(I mainly ask this because I think you'd be the best choice for writing the next Spider-Man films)
Greg responds...
The hypotheticals attached to these questions are so vast as to make it impossible to answer. I'd love to do additional seasons of Spectacular. And I certainly wouldn't say no to writing anything for the MCU, let alone three Spider-Man films.
Claire writes...
Is Achilles gay? Was/is he in a romantic relationship with Patroclus?
Greg responds...
I would say so. But honestly, I'm not sure why you're asking me.
Verdragon writes...
Since you've written for the character before, what are your thoughts on the MCU version of Spiderman, and what do you think makes a good Spiderman adaptation as a whole?
Greg responds...
Generally speaking, I like the MCU Spider-Man. There's a lot to like. I like his youth and inexperience. I like his good intentions, not always backed up by his relatively inexperienced actions. I may have quibbles here and there, but they're relatively minor.
What "makes a good Spiderman adaptation as a whole?" Well, for starters, you definitely need a hyphen. It's Spider-Man, not Spiderman.
Beyond that, I think I've answered this question in great detail - over two seasons and twenty-six episodes: it's called THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN. That's my version of the best way to adapt the character. I'll let it speak for itself.
Guest Ramble
I'm attaching a ramble J. Michael Straczynski posted back in 1995 on usenet in response to a very negative reaction to even a hint at a same-sex tryst on an episode of "Babylon 5". The point of Greg Weisman posting this is not to get into a discussion of religion or LGBTQ+ issues. Or even to get into a discussion of "tolerance," which was a big buzzword in the 90s, but which, as I've stated before in many ways, I find insufficient. The point of me posting this is to show that just because SOME FANS don't like something doesn't mean EVERY FAN feels the same way. And so, be careful what you wish for, right? Because if people start telling creators what they can and can't put into their shows, you may not like what ELSE they remove.
See, here's where I start to have a problem. For starters, I don't do any thing to be politically correct, or politically incorrect, I do what I do in any story because that's what the story points me toward. Anybody who says "It's not necessary" isn't entitled to that judgement, frankly; you don't know what's necessary to the story. And by framing it in the "is this NECESSARY?" way is designed to make you defend your position when such defense isn't the point; is it NECESSARY to have humor? to have a romance? to have correct science? No, *nothing* is NECESSARY. It's what the writer feels is right for that scene, that story, that character.
"Oh, well, I saw it, but was all that violence NECESSARY?" This is, frankly, a BS observation usually offered by someone with an agenda, who wishes to invalidate the notion of an artistic view and impose some kind of quota, or objective criterion to what is and isn't necessary for a movie or film. As far as I'm concerned, the first person to throw this into a discussion has, frankly, just lost the argument.
Point the second: one of the most consistent comments I get, in email and regular mail, is the spirituality conveyed in the show, that we have shown, and will continue to show, tolerance toward religion, even created sympathetic religious characters. "Thank you for your tolerance," they say...until we show somebody or some action THEY don't like...and at that point suddenly it's a lot of tsk-tsking and chest thumping and disapproval; so okay, how about I just stop all positive religious aspects of the show?
It seems to me, that if I do *all that* with religion, and with thje (the) simple act of showing maybe ONE PERSON in all the long history of TV science fiction across 40 years has a different view of life, that the show is somehow degraded, or downgraded, or dropped in opinion...this simply reinforces the notion, held by many, that a lot of folks in the religious right wish to make sure no other perspective or lifestyle is ever shown on television, at any time, unless in a negative fashion.
The thing of it is, while on the one hand I'm getting praise from religious folks for addressing spirituality in my series (speaking here as an atheist), I've gotten flack from others who think it has no place in a SCIENCE fiction series, and why the hell am I putting something in that goes right against my own beliefs? "Because," I tell them, "this show is not about reflecting my beliefs, or yours, or somebody else's, it's about telling this story, about these people, with as much honesty and integrity as I can summon up. That means conceding the fact that religious people are going to be around 260 years from now." Well, fact is, all kinds of people are going to be around 260 years from now. And what did the anti-religion folks say specifically about including spirituality in my series? "It's not *necessary*," they said.
Translation: they didn't like it. Well, tough. It was right for this story, and this show. And it seems to me rather hypocritical for some folks, who applaud the show for tolerance, for my standing up to those who want to exclude religion from TV, to then turn around and say the show is diminished because it showed that same tolerance...to another group or perspective. I guess tolerance is only okay as long as it's pointed one way.
You say that as a christian, you think any sex except that between a husband and a wife to be wrong. Well, as I recall, the bible also speaks against murder. We've depicted deaths by the hundreds of thousands. (And we're talking here about the *depicting* of the act, simply showing it, not the value judgements made after the fact.) Why does the one (which is so barely hinted at as to be almost invisible) cause the show to be diminished where the other does not?
My job is not to reinforce your personal political, social or religious beliefs. My job is not to reinforce MY personal political, social or religious beliefs. Then it isn't art or storytelling anymore, it's simply propaganda. My job is to tell this story, about these people, AS people, as mixed and varied as they are today. And there is no outside objective criteria as to what is, or isn't *necessary* in a story; that is the sole province of the author. You may or may not like it. You may or may not choose to watch it. Just as people who don't like to see religion and god discussed on TV may dislike it or choose not to watch it.
But you'll excuse me if I see complaints about this one little thing from the religious side, after all I've done to present religious characters and the religious life in a positive fashion, to be hypocritical and frankly somewhat ungrateful. It's as though all this means nothing because of one thing, one outside-imposed litmus test that disregards anything and everything else that has been done.
So straight up...if I should stop tolerating or showing viewpoints that are not my own (spoken as someone who is absolutely straight), then should I now stop showing religion as well? Because that's what this comes down to. Is that what you want? Because religion is included at my discretion as well as anything else on this show. You want me to be less tolerant? Just say the word.
Borris writes...
Hi Greg.
1: Has Lois won a pulitzer in universe?
2: How proud of you about the continued success of Kaldur'ahm? DC's Aquaman: The Becoming shows that he's become a mainstay of the DC universe
Greg responds...
1. Hm. Not sure. I'd want to discuss that with Brandon.
2. I know I should just say, "It's great!" But iIs it fair to say I have mixed feelings? On the one hand, I feel like the Jake that's soon to star in his own show is two iterations removed from Kaldur (via Jackson), and that Brandon, Phil and I don't get the proper credit for creating what was the basis for the character. On the other hand, I'm glad that his reach is expanding on any level. It's a conundrum.
Anonymous writes...
Have you by some chance seen or read "March Comes In Like A Lion"/"3-gatsu no Lion", somehow the storytelling in that is very reminiscent of your style of writing, if you have not I highly recommend you watch it.
Greg responds...
I have not.
Anonymous writes...
Hi Mr. Weisman, really love watching Phantoms and the fruits of your labor! I had a bit of a different question for you.
You said in the past that you were impressed with Avatar: The Last Airbender and you were planning on watching The Legend of Korra after.
1) What did you think about the sequel series? Particularly in relation to its predecessor?
2) I know you try to keep your own work original and you try to avoid taking outside ideas, but were there certain elements (story or character) from either Avatar:TLA or TLOK that you felt were interesting to use in your stories?
3) If you had an opportunity to work within that universe, would you craft a story with gambits that you're so famously known for or would you take a different direction than usual?
Thank you again. Young Justice and Avatar/Korra were large elements of my childhood and what stands out to me are the very strong themes, characters, and over-arching narrative. I feel pretty blessed to be part of a generation that could have not only enjoyed it but grew up with them as well.
Greg responds...
1. I haven't watched it yet. I watched Avatar with my son. Now, he's all grow'd up and living 3,000 miles away, and we don't have the same kind of time to sit together and watch an entire series. Still would like to someday.
2. I actively try not to think that way.
3. That's such a massive hypothetical, I don't even know how to answer it.
Crossoverparinglover writes...
Unrelated to the last one and thought I'd ask.
Are/were there any other series, beside Scooby Doo, that you explored/are curious about crossing into YJ from beyond DC (I assume if you are, say, in talks for Ben 10 x Young Justice you can't say)
Not sure how the legalese of that question works, as sometimes it feels like rights get lost in WB sometimes.
Greg responds...
I can't think of anything, honestly. Doesn't mean some random idea wasn't tossed out at some point, and I've simply forgotten. But nothing's coming to mind.
Unless you count the just-for-fun Gargoyles/Spectacular Spider-Man/Young Justice crossovers I wrote for various radio plays at various conventions, all of which can be viewed on YouTube.
Isaac writes...
Hello! I was wondering if you ever watched Robert Kirkman's Invincible (2021) animated series? It's about superheroes and gave me the same vibes as Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice (just WAY gorier). I really enjoyed it, and one aspect of it that I absolutely loved was the longer episodes, running about forty-to-fifty minutes each. I know it's way above your pay-grade, but I was just curious, if you had the choice, would you want to extend your episodes to fifty-some minutes like Invincible? Or would you want to keep them a little over twenty minutes? Assuming of course you'd be able to still produce twenty to twenty-six episodes for each season, which Invincible didn't do at just eight episodes per the first season.
Anyways, Happy Halloween! I'm eagerly awaiting the next episode of YJ Phantoms! Artemis' arc is looking to be fantastic!
Greg responds...
I haven't seen Invincible.
In some ways, I'd love to stop worrying about episode lengths entirely. But I'd still want the same quantity of episodes (or more). And budget is definitely a factor. It's been great on the last couple of seasons of YJ that if we have (within our budget) been freed from the constraints of a maximum length. But I don't feel like we've been hugely restricted by running between 22 and 27 minutes. Don't know that we need "fifty-some".
Josh writes...
1. Do you consider yourself a fan of the horror genre?
2. I read on here that you watched the pilot of Penny Dreadful. What did you think of the show in its entirety, assuming you continued to watch it? Personally I thought it was one of the best shows of the 2010's.
3. Did you enjoy the FX show Legion?
Greg responds...
1. Not particularly.
2. I liked it quite a bit until the last season, where I felt they were working REALLY hard to tie it all up and finish it. I also watched Penny Dreadful: City of Angels and wasn't as thrilled.
3. Most of it.
Todd Jensen writes...
A couple of weeks ago or so, the comic strip "Sally Forth" had a scene where the family was discussing Halloween decorations for their house - and suggested gargoyles, but wanted to make them the ones from the "Disney nineties series". I thought it was a pleasant surprise for the show to get a casual allusion like that (and in the Comics Kingdom discussion section, a few posters had fond memories of the series; one particularly praised the voice actors).
Greg responds...
That's nice. Sally Forth isn't in the Los Angeles Times anymore, so I missed that. Too bad.
Antiyonder writes...
1. Is there still the interest in doing a Young Justice/Scooby Doo film? I figure even with YJ now being for a older audience it wouldn't be out of place considering Scooby's appearance on Supernatural.
2. Was it planned as a canon story (and as such the Mysteries Inc. Gang being part of continuity)? Or does the Newsgirl Legion presence change such is previously a yes?
Greg responds...
1. Brandon and I are still interested. I don't know that anyone else at WB ever was.
2. We never got that far. But we were, at the time, willing to do a Scooby import into the YJ universe, or a YJ import into the Scooby universe.
Todd Jensen writes...
Earlier this year, two of Disney's television animated series included allusions to "Gargoyles". The first was the series finale of "Duck Tales", which had an already-established character, a headless horse named Manny, become a Goliath-counterpart (including a scene where he grows a head and wings while the theme music of "Gargoyles" plays, then cries - voiced by Keith David - "I live again, again!" - it makes sense in context). The second was in the Season Two finale of "Amphibia", where one of the characters is seen looking through a book on legends, which had a picture of Goliath drawn in the style of Leonardo da Vinci's "Vitruvian Man".
I was wondering if you'd heard of these two nods to the show, and if so, what you thought of them.
Greg responds...
I'd heard about both, though I haven't seen them myself.
It tickles me.
Alex writes...
1. Do you think Xanatos will ever form a club with Lex Luthor and Norman Osborn? I can't imagine he would find Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark fun for long :)
2. Regarding their wealth do you think Xanatos and Luthor are billionaires and Osborn was a multi millionaire in terms of wealth?
Greg responds...
1. I think we touched on this in one or two of the RadioPlays. You can check 'em out on YouTube. There are links in the Gargoyles Wiki.
2. I haven't done the math.
Krazyfan writes...
You like Ghost Rider, right? since they have the ability to amplify and boost anything they ride on, what kinda things would you ever want to see one ride? I kinda like the idea of Johnny or another Rider Riding, and therefore Boosting, either The Hulk, or the Helicarrior...
Greg responds...
Um... how about a motorcycle? Is that too radical?
Jim writes...
Would you ever like to write for Power Rangers?
Greg responds...
Ironically, I'm not categorically opposed. But that's a very big hypothetical. No one's ever asked me.
Zero writes...
What do you think of Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Greg responds...
I generally like him quite a bit.
FallenLegend writes...
Hey Greg just wondering if you noticed how Keith David mirrored Puck's role n gargoyles.
In Star vs the forces of evil, Keith plays Glossarick who is basically a magic mentor. In one episode he took a baby magical princess called Meteora in a magical adventure to teach her magic while her mother wasn't aware.
This reminded me of Puck doing the exact same thing with Puck and Alex Xanatos.
Just wanted you to know Goliath now went full circle and played Pucks' role. Cool, isn't it?
Greg responds...
Very.
Jack Carpenter writes...
Who's your favorite Captain America villain?
Greg responds...
Um... probably Red Skull. Haven't given it much thought though.
SLI writes...
Hello,
Like many people, I watched Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse recently and found it delightful (don't worry though, SpecSpidey will always be my favourite rendition of the character).
Into the Spiderverse was very clearly a Sony production and not a Disney one, which I take to mean that while Sony gave Disney back the rights to making animated Spider-Man shows, that clearly does not apply to animated Spider-Man films, at least not at the moment.
1) Does that mean that the SpecSpidey art/story assets would be usable by Sony in a film?
2) Could this realistically mean that if a future "Into The Spiderverse" sequel or spin were made and more "Spider-verses" were introduced (which seems like an obvious next step for them), that we could see SpecSpidey as one of those spider-verses?
Given that they brought spider-man noir into 3D space and somehow made that work, I don't imagine they'd struggle with SpecSpidey's art style, if it came to that.
After all, they were willing to bring in the 1967 cartoon as one of their alternate universes, though hopefully in the case of SpecSpidey they'd take it a bit more seriously, perhaps by bringing in Josh Keaton and a writer or two from the original show...?
Greg responds...
1. I don't know, but I doubt it's that simple.
2. I don't know, but I tend to think it unlikely.
One can dream...
Marvelman writes...
Have you seen Julie Taymor's a Midsummer Night's Dream? Do do you own the Blu-Ray? What did you think of it?
Greg responds...
I did see it, some time ago. I recall liking aspects of it a lot. I don't own the Blu-Ray. I don't own many Blu-Rays.
Alpha 3 writes...
Hello! You most definately get this alot but i am a huge fan, and this question is of a personal nature, although not too personal i think.
You see there is someone close to me who keeps trying to "shame" me because i like to watch cartoons, such as Young Justice/Ducktales/Star vs the forces of evil
Just to name a few. As well as animated movies, this person believes that animation is solely for little kids, and i shouldnt be watching any of them just because im a young adult.
I have tried to get this person to watch some, you know give it a chance and all that, i tried getting him to watch the Gargoyles dvd i bought! but he is hellbent on not doing so. So my question is, how do i explain to this person that not every animated show and movie isnt just for kids?
I know getting him to do a complete 180 on this subject is just wishful thinking lol but i'm mostly asking just to maybe tell him a more indepth response, especially if it comes from someone who works in the industry.
Greg responds...
I'm not sure how to convince your "someone." But if you're a young adult, I think it's fair to say, "I disagree with you strongly. Animation is a medium. It is not by definition for kids or adults. It all depends on the content. And even if some of the stuff I watch IS for kids, how does that affect you in any way? Please respect that I know what I like and watch what I like."
Or something like that.
FallenLegend writes...
Hey greg It saddens me the fact that you will only read this in lik 3 years. I guess this will be a time capsule of sorts. But I jus wanted to take the time and state my admiration of your writting.
I honestly believe you're a very underrated writter. Yes you've been head of many shows.
But I think, big studios haven't fully apreciated your talents.
For example, how Dc comics ia losing big time by not hiring you as lead of their cinematic universe. People love the MCU, but I think that your tv shows have better writting than anything marvel has ever done on cinema.
If I were a big sstudio executive I would have you as lead writer of my franchise or movie universe and not just as freelancer you hire now and then. They would be earning millions.
I played fate go, the mobile game, and Nasu reminded me a lot of you in writing style (except he likes fanservice a lot more). Shakespeare is even playable in that game!
Probably the biggest think that is holding you back is the fact that you, unlike masu, don't own those franchises (hopefully rain will be your big success).
You changed the way I view stories, and taught me a lot by reading your answers and watching your shows.
I just want to thank you for sharing your talent with all of us. Thank you.
Greg responds...
Only two and a half years...
Anyway, it's not like I'd turn down the gig if by some miracle it was offered to me, but I don't honestly know if anyone (myself included) would consider me qualified to run a movie franchise. I might be good for the committee, maybe. But I've never made a live action movie.
And I personally LOVE the MCU. I'm not saying it's perfect, but every single movie has - at minimum - entertained me. And none of them has made me want to shout at the screen in anger.
But thanks for your kind words.
Anonymous writes...
Hi.
I just watched Young Justice Outsiders episode 4 and was wondering if the scene with Superboy & Brion fixing that bike was inspired by the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig?
Greg responds...
To a degree, yes. Maybe influenced is a better word than inspired?
Spitfire writes...
I bought a DCU membership soley for YJ, but since there's a number of shows available on the platform I decided to start watching Batman Beyond too (i'm 3 episodes in, but so far so good)
(1) Do you have a favorite episode/moment that you liked from Batman Beyond?
(2) Thoughts on Terry McGinnis?
Greg responds...
1. I only ever watched the pilot. And that was when it first came out.
2. I'm just not that familiar with the character.
B writes...
In https://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?qid=22687, where Mo asked "I just rewatched spectacular spiderman and I feel there were a few bits inspired by the Rami trilogy, is that true?" and you said "Since I don't know what the Rami trilogy is, I'm gonna say no.", they must have been referring to the original trilogy of Spider-Man films starring Tobey Maguire and directed by Sam Raimi. The Raimi trilogy.
Greg responds...
Oh, I get it. In that case, the answer is definitely yes. Sorry I misunderstood.
Anonymous writes...
"Young Justice: Oustiders" Questions:
1. So the Outsiders on this show is essentially the DC equivalent of Marvel's Secret Avengers...?
2. Barbara is now Oracle; that means "The Killing Joke" happened, right? No point in denying it... Anyway, hope Barbara will be able to recover and walk again...
3. Why is the Roy Harper clone going by the name Will now...? Did you get this idea from Star Trek: The Next Generation; more specifically, William Riker and his duplicate Thomas Riker?
Greg responds...
1. I'm not familiar with Marvel's Secret Avengers.
2. Something happened.
3. Will is Roy's middle name. It's a logical choice for him to give Roy full possession of the "Roy" name. I've seen those Thomas Riker episodes of the Trek franchise, but I don't think we really borrowed it from there. Just the same logic.
Jason R. Carter writes...
1) Thoughts on Jurnee Smollet-Bell playing Black Canary in the Birds of Prey movie?
2) Who would you have cast as a live-action BC?
Greg responds...
1. Haven't seen it. But based on Lovecraft Country, I'm a fan of hers, so it seems like a good potential fit.
2. I've largely stopped playing that game. I've come to think it winds up being potentially insulting to the actors involved, both those I might propose and those who wind up with the roles.
Karney writes...
Hey, Greg.
I just wanted to know what kind of stuff you read as a kid that got you interested in the whole mythological genre. Are there any good books you recommend, and are there any you read as a kid that you just couldn't put down?
Greg responds...
D'aulaire's Norse Gods and Giants and D'aulaire's Greek Myths started me on the path to loving mythology. Mary Renault's The King Must Die and The Bull from the Sea were also influential, as was Mary Stewart's tetralogy about Merlin, King Arthur and Mordred. Also Roger Lancelyn Green's King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table. There were many others, too. But those got me started.
QueerGuy writes...
Big fan of your work. Not really a question, but I felt the need to clarify after seeing your response to another question regarding queer-baiting.
In your response, you (respectfully) provide some push-back against the concept, while expressing a willingness to learn more. I had a few quick responses to your comments I wanted to share.
You talk about some of the examples given in the Wikipedia entry for queer-baiting to be unfair, citing Sherlock Holmes and John Watson as an example. To be clear, in both the Wikipedia article and in popular usage of this example, people refer to Holmes and Watson as they are depicted in the BBC series, "Sherlock", and not (necessarily) in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories or other adaptations.
Queer-baiting refers to creators of media actively misleading a fan-base with hints or indications of "queerness" without any intent of follow-through. NOT -- as you indicated in your prior comment -- a fan-base misinterpreting close same-sex friendships and sexual. "Sherlock" (the BBC series) is a famous example of queer-baiting, as the series very often hints at homoerotic attraction between the two leads in the series' writing, the performances of the lead actors, and in the ways that other characters in series refer to their relationship. I won't go into specific details and examples from the series, but if you are interested in examples there are scores of them documented and easily locateable on the internet.
The key aspect of queer-baiting is the attempt to take advantage of queer fans by providing the bare minimum of queer(ish) interactions, without ever following through for fear of alienating a non-queer audience. This is very different from both presenting close same-sex friendships without any romantic or sexual relationship developing between the two characters, and the presentation of queer characters without the ability to actively show examples of their queerness due to external factors, such as network interference (such as Lexington in "Gargoyles" or Korra in "The Legend of Korra"). These are non-malicious and do not seek to mislead a queer audience.
To be clear, I don't think you have been guilty of queer-baiting in any of your work. I simply wanted to clarify the concept a bit more so that you can hopefully understand where the concern of the initial comment came from. Looking forward to "Young Justice" season three!
Greg responds...
I get the concern. I do.
And my response probably shows my (relative) queer blindness. I've seen every episode of "Sherlock," and never noticed any significant difference between how John and Sherlock are depicted here than in other versions.
I don't want to be defensive; I want to be open. But as you indicated, I've never intentionally queer-baited. Lex was gay to the extent allowed at the time (which was not at all). Some fans read a homo-erotic charge into the Dick/Wally relationship and the Bart/Jaime relationship, but that was never our intention - and I sincerely don't think we were trying to fool anyone. (Though one of those four characters is gay, in our minds, at least. But not in the minds of TPTB, even though TPTB did allow us to be objective about other characters on the show, starting with Season Three.)
Stinkbutt writes...
Are you a fan of digimon if so I have a question for you if a human falls in love with a digimon and the two get married do you think they will adopt a child
Greg responds...
Never seen the show.
Anon writes...
Is there a character in comics that is your personal favorite that you'd like to bring to life in an animated show given the chance?
Greg responds...
You mean beyond the ones I've already done?
Alex Costa writes...
Hi Greg, I read somewhere you're a big X-Men fan. Now that I think about it, I do see some surface similarities between Brooklyn and Scott Summers. Would you say there was some inspiration there or no?
Greg responds...
No. I don't see them as having much in common.
Cyclops is/was originally built in the Gary Cooper mode: solid, laconic tall, thin, heroic, unfancy.
Brooklyn is way more Errol Flynn.
Marvelman writes...
How do you like the plays of Checkhov? In particular, did you enjoy the 1962 black and white version of The Cherry Orchard with Judi Dench as Anya and John Gielgud as Leonid?
Greg responds...
1. I've seen some great productions and some nothing productions.
2. Haven't seen it.
Marvelman writes...
Do you remember Superman: TAS?
There was an episode in which Darkseid creates a nuclear fireball and shoots it towards the center of the world to turn Earth into a second apocalypse. Superman stops the fireball by drilling up and down through the ocean floor around the fireball to allow the salt water to quench the fireball. It was an impressive shot with Superman flying up out of the water and then diving back down again, using his own body as a drill - a real money shot.
Two questions. Do you remember the scene I am referring to? And, is YJ Superman powerful enough to perform the same feat?
Greg responds...
1. I didn't see much of STAS after the pilot. That's not commentary; I simply never had the time. So, no, I don't remember that scene as I'm pretty confident I never saw it.
2. So, since I've never seen it, it's hard for me to evaluate. But from the way you describe it, I'd guess the answer is no. But it's just a guess.
roni writes...
hey greg! gotta ask:
1. How have you been? :)
2. So, what's your opinion on Voltron: Legendary Defender, the one currently airing on Netflix made by Dreamworks? Have you watched it, or worked with anyone who has also worked on it?
3. I wish you knew how excited I am for YJS3, because can't explain in words. :')))
hope you have a good day!
Greg responds...
1. Really good, actually. Got through the pandemic largely unscathed personally. My family stayed healthy, and we all stayed employed. I can't complain. (I mean, I DO complain all the time, but really I shouldn't.) Young Justice: Phantoms is going great guns through Post-Production. So all is well.
2. Haven't seen it, so I have no opinion, but I know a bunch of people who worked on it, and they're all great, so I imagine the show must be great, too.
3. Hope you liked it and are now equally excited for YJS4
You have a good day, too!
Bream writes...
How come Beast BOY did not figure out clack kent and superman were are the same person with the same face and voice ?
Greg responds...
How come Perry White didn't?
I'll refer you to the 1978 SUPERMAN motion picture, starring Christopher Reeve. Before that film, I always just had to suspend disbelief to buy that people didn't realize that Clark and Superman were the same person. But after seeing that movie, I no longer had any problem buying it.
Taha writes...
Would you be interested in working on the upcoming Carmen Sandiego series if you were approached? (And you weren't already busy with the new Young Justice season?)
Greg responds...
Potentially. But I honestly don't know anything about Carmen Sandiego, so it's not a natural fit. But I do consider myself a quick study.
Bob writes...
Hey Greg, just wondering your opinion on the last Jedi? The response is polarizing and me personally, I loved it aside from a few scenes where I'd edit out a line of dialogue out.
Greg responds...
God, it's been awhile now. I seem to recall there's a lot I liked about it. I had some problems with it, but most of my issues were really just extensions of my issues with the previous film's set up.
I liked Rose a lot.
Luthor writes...
I remember reading your mini run with The Amazing Spider-man.
Would you be open to doing a one off comic. I'd love to see you do something with Superman and Batman in the comics, like a fun one off. Like Max Landis does
Greg responds...
"mini run"? I wrote half of one issue. That's VERY mini.
I'd love to do more comics work for the big two. I haven't been invited.
FallenLegend writes...
Hey there it's me again. Sorry for asking so many things, but I admire your writing and love your shows.
I have two questions regarding your storytelling techniques.
First How do you manage to always see up us guessing? I know you're very protective on spoilers. But I mean, how do you plan these seeds of questions in our minds?
I have a lot of questions you won't answer because they are spoilers. But how do you manage to make us want to know in the first place.
Your questions are like Hydra. Whenever you answer a question we have as fans (like who are the members of the light) two more questions take their place.
Second
I've heard you mention that you would do series forever if you could. But how would you do that with licensed properties?
Specially after you said you do like characters growing.
Sure with Gargoyles you said you could keep the story after Goliath dies and sure you could make a lot of villains and plots. We already got Alexander Xanatos in the future for one.
But what about Spectacular Spiderman? by season 2 you had already introduced like 90% of his most famous villains. How could you've kept things fresh without creating original characters?
And with Young justice, not complaining about time skips, but eventually all of them will become adults right? Wouldn't you be running out of teenage superheros by time skipping?
I know you're skilled writer. But it seems like theres no way on making these lost longer and keep character growing without creating new characters that aren't part of the franchise.
I'm very curious. Thank you greg!
Greg responds...
1. Planning, I guess. (If I'm understanding your question correctly.) We block out our stories beat by beat over an entire season. Some of it's instinct, I suppose. A lot of it is experience. But our rule of thumb is if it intrigues us, it might just intrigue our audience.
2. The DC Universe has been going for over 80 years. The Spider-Man corner of the Marvel Universe has been going for almost 60. No one's run out of characters yet. And as I believe YJ proves, you can age your original leads and still constantly intro new young leads as you go. (We're not even vaguely close to running out of young heroes that are canon to DC.) If anything, I think our audience is sometimes annoyed that we don't focus enough on existing characters and keep introducing more.
FallenLegend writes...
Hey there Greg I wanted to clarify and fix question I asked you a while back about how making comics more apealing to the general public.
I correct myself as DC's Rebirth is indeed fantastic.
However new 52 was a disaster (their superman was awful) and Marvel is having a crisis of having low sales of these writting. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/07/books/marvel-comics-diversity-thor-hulk.html
The think is comics are very niche.
Best selling comics from the big two are at best on the hunred thousands (if they are lucky). And we are talking big names like Spider-Man or Batman.
They are dwarfed by TV. But not even the convenience of TV being free an accesible is an excuse becuase Manga (aka japanese comics) again dwarf them by selling on the millions range.
There was a time Fawcett sold in the millions. Yet today most people simply aren't atracted to comics.
A big issue in my opinion is how the continuity os a nightmare. Just a glance at the retcons and illy explanations like "superboy punched reality" are a nightmare to follow for new comers.
As an outsider I see chaos and very confusing plotlines. But yes as you pointed out "zooming in" there are plenty of fantastic comics.
So my question is, how would you make comics more appealing to the general public?
And
How would you fix all these continuity nighmares caused by cosmic retcons like having hundreds of retcons ( superboy prime, antimonitor, etc)
Thank you Greg. Love your shows.
Greg responds...
I'm not entirely sure what you're asking me? How I would fix things if DC and Marvel gave me full and complete power over their respective Universes? That's a massively huge hypothetical, right?
Otherwise, on a somewhat more reasonable level, if you're asking what I would do with, say, my version of the DC Universe, you can see that by watching YOUNG JUSTICE.
FallenLegend writes...
Hey Greg the topics on my questions are about popularity. The other day I was thinking abiut gargoyles, and W.I.T.C.H and I always wondered why it didn't get a far better mainstream appeal.
This was odd for me as gargoyles being your baby, it does have brilliant writting and well developed characters.
I mean sure it does have a relative big following , theres a fan hosting this very site. But on the whole of dinsey propierties Gargoyles is a bit on the obscure side of things. I apologize if that comes as an insult. By the standards of a 90's disney cartoon your show is reasnably well rememebered, sure.
But had the fanbase being larger, the comic would've lasted longer I think.
I rather consider this a paradox. A brilliant show with great writting doesn't gett that much attention. Consider for a second how ducktales got a revival, and gargoyles is still waiting despite our best wishes as fans.
I think I found the reason.
Gargoyles lacks escapism.
I'm not saying that's a bad thing. You love your show and just how things are. Nothing wrong with that. I don't want you to change what you love.
Gargoyles are supposed to be feared and disliked as the whole point of them is a statment against prejudice. That's the entire point.
But it does affect their popuilarity.
Say people might want to be like Nightwing or spiderman as teens with incredible lifes. But I think few people would want to be a gargoyle hiding from the world.
People admire Goliath but I don't think anyone (mainly the kids of the audience) would like to be him nor Hudson or Lexington.
X-men has also the prejudiced characters. But there's a line of kids that would love to be like Wolverine or even Mystique.
I think it's safe to say that nobody would like to be in Puck's shoes.
Xanatos, Fox and oberon were probably the closes to escapist characters given their confort. But I think that's a stretch give the gargoyles are the focus.
So my question is what do you think?
Greg responds...
I simply disagree. There's plenty of escapism in Gargoyles. More, I'd argue, than in X-Men. Why would someone want to be Wolverine and not, say, Brooklyn? (I mean from an escapist, point of view.) Is it because Wolverine is a badass? Well, so is Goliath.
Warren writes...
In honor of their upcoming 50th anniversary
Why do you think the Duo of Hawk and Dove have struggled so hard in the Modern incarnations -post 2005, Dawn/Holly and Dawn/Hank Redux- compared to Hank/Don and Hank/Dawn 1.0 which are more fondly remembered?
Greg responds...
I can't answer that, honestly, as I have nearly no familiarity with the more recent versions.
Of course, Don and Hank were designed to be emblematic of the Sixties. And it can be tough to contemporize characters so locked to a specific time period. But I liked the Chaos/Order configuration they eventually laid across the characters. And it seems like a fun way to keep the concept going in theory.
Todd Jensen writes...
I thought you might be amused to learn that not long ago, the Titan Comics "Doctor Who" comics did a story where the Doctor (the Christopher Eccleston version) and his friends were tracking a living gargoyle (actually, a human who was turned permanently into a gargoyle - long story) through the woods at night, and encountered a young woman also searching for the gargoyle, who was wearing a red jacket, black t-shirt, and blue jeans. The jacket had a different design than Elisa's, but the overall look of her outfit was close enough to make me wonder if it was intended as a "Gargoyles" tribute. (Then again, Ellen Yin's similar outfit in "The Batman" turned out to be - apparently - a coincidence.) I hope it was intentional - meaning that someone working on that comic still remembered "Gargoyles" after all these years.
Greg responds...
That'd be nice. Also, the ninth doctor is my favorite.
Mecha Mach writes...
Have you seen the new Ducktales reboot? If so what are your thoughts on it?
Greg responds...
I have not. I hear good things.
unbbc writes...
I checked the archives and I couldn't find this question so,what do you think of new 52 superboy?
Greg responds...
I haven't read it/him.
Matthew writes...
I saw from a recent response that you love Ghost Rider. What do you think about the way the character was handled in the 4th Season of "Marvel's Agents of SHIELD"?
Greg responds...
It's not particularly wise for me to answer this kind of question. I'm trying to work in this industry. But, briefly, the version they created fulfilled a need in that show and looked cool. But it didn't have too much to do with what I view as the classic version of the character. Which is just fine.
Aaron writes...
Would you ever make a scooby-doo show?
Greg responds...
If someone asked me too, sure. I love Scooby.
John Doe writes...
Hey Greg. I have a few questions.
1) I've read somewhere that you stopped reading comics all together in the mid 90s. Not asking why as you've already abetted that but rather did that ever stop. The abstaining from comics that is for lack of a better word. I assume that you've picked up a read a comic every now and then since you quit obviously but was there a time where you went back consistently?
2) How do you determine when you will answer questions. I tend to check this site maybe once a month and sometimes I'll be back and you've answered dozens of questions, a lot of the times in one day. Other times you'll haven't answered a question in weeks. Is it just as simple as whenever you have free time and want to our is there some uniquely complicated schedule that you follow. (The question sounded more silly as I continued.)
3) Do you consider yourself to have a dry sense of humor. I've been told I do and I find some of your replies downright hilarious that to others might seem to come off as blunt. Or on the contrary are you just more of very blunt person.
4) Can you explain the little joke you do every time someone asks you who would win what fight and you reply with that quote about the hulk and the thing.
Greg responds...
1. I started reading comics again when I started working on The Spectacular Spider-Man (around 2007, I think) after about a decade break. By the time Marvel did a soft reboot after Secret Wars in 2015, I was reading nearly everything in their line, in part because I was also writing Starbrand & Nightmask for Marvel. Plus I was reading all their Star Wars Books, in part because I was also writing Star Wars Kanan for Marvel and Lucasfilm. Both those books were cancelled, and Marvel no longer had any work for me. And then the third season of Young Justice began, right about the same time as DC did its own soft reboot with Rebirth. I started reading everything in the DC line at that point, edging out any free time I had for Marvel for the time being. I've continued to read the entire DC line (with very few exceptions) ever since. I'm about three or four months behind in my reading, but I'm still purchasing everything and reading as fast as I can manage.
2. It's just when I have time. Ideally, I try to answer five questions every weekday, but there are some days (many days, really) when even that is impossible. And then there are some (rare) days when I find myself with free time, and I just go to town on the queue.
3. I like to think I have a dry sense of humor. Certainly when I write. My verbal humor may be goofier or more sarcastic or whatever. I may also be blunt. The two things aren't mutually exclusive.
4. I think it's fairly self-explanatory. "Hulk vs. Thing, who would win?" is one of the oldest fan questions in comics. It's all situational, and the question - and those like it (including most hypotheticals) - just doesn't interest me. Fans can decide that sort of thing for themselves. They don't need me to weigh in.
Anonymous writes...
1. Have you watched any of the Arrowverse shows (Arrow, The Flash, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl)?
2. In your opinion, what are the strengths and flaws of each show...?
3. In your opinion, do you think it is better that "Supergirl" be in the same universe as the other three shows or is it better that it stays as its own universe...?
Greg responds...
1. Yes.
2. I'm not playing this game.
3. See answer to #2.
Marvelman writes...
1) Have you read Marvel's Power Pack by Louise Simonson and June Brigman? What did you think of it?
2) Don't you think someone should make a movie or tv series based on it? To me, it's a no-brainer.
Greg responds...
1. Long ago. I remember liking it.
2. Um, sure.
Anonymous writes...
Good day.
1.) In regards to the "4 Robins" question, you forgot Duke Thomas. Biggest one you left out from your list
2.) On top of that, there're also the other Robins who head-lined "We Are Robin": Riko, Dre, Dax, and Izzy. And then there are all the other kids/teens who were apart of that movement, though so far, Duke's the only one who's mentored under Batman (unless Alfred counts in place of Batman; if so, that'd include pretty much everyone).
3.) Is it sometimes hard to think about what you like most about these characters (any, not just Robins specifically)?
Thanks for your time!
Greg responds...
1. Duke - at least in Rebirth - doesn't seem to be a Robin, at least not yet.
2. You know more than I. Congrats. Was this New 52 stuff? I'm not up to speed on that. I jumped back on when New 52 morphed into Rebirth.
3. Not really.
Steven writes...
Hi Greg, did you that there was an avengers cartoon titled avengers earths mightiest heroes which was also cancelled after 2 seasons it was great show and if you didn't watch it I highly recommend it. It also featured spider man who was originally voiced by Josh Keaton but then redubbed by drake bell if you would like to hear Josh's voice in that show I would recommend spreading the #joshkeatonisspiderman and #drakebellisnotspiderman
Greg responds...
I love Josh, but that's not a campaign that would make any sense for me to participate in, unless my goal was to NEVER work on another Marvel show again.
ThatEnglishChap writes...
Hi Greg, I was reading up on Disney's Atlantis and it was said that Mike Mignola had been approached by Disney before about doing a Hellboy animated series, but declined. It was implied that the idea to do the Hellboy series evolved into Gargoyles. I was curious how much of this was true? Thanks!
Greg responds...
I have no knowledge of Disney approaching Mike about Hellboy. I know Mike helped develop Atlantis.
But Hellboy and Gargoyles have zero connection. ZERO. We began developing Gargoyles in 1991, two years before Hellboy first appeared. I later became a fan of both the Hellboy comics and the movies, but that was long after Gargoyles was in the works and fully developed.
RexBlazer1 writes...
Hi Greg,
I can't honestly predict when you'll get around to answering this, but it is something that I would like your opinion on. From what I've been informed, a lot of science fiction stories, including that of the anime variety, tend to be rather lacking in optimism, revolving the sense that the future of mankind is either compromised or in jeopardy.
One guy whose show I watch pointed it out, and after doing some reading and viewing myself, I have to say, he's not far off. Interestingly, he set up a graph of sorts, placing science fiction stories according to how rosy each one views the future.
On one end is Star Trek, the optimist; war is abolished, sentient races work together, and the only conflict that pops up is by unknown forces that are encountered through exploration.
On the other end is the Sigourney Weaver "Alien" movies, the pessimist; mankind barely made it out into space, and only by the virtue of corrupt businesses and unethical private military contractors, and where a killer alien attack would be a welcomed reprieve from the daily drudgery under the company's thumb.
In between these two is every science fiction story ever made, with the ones that are smack dab in the middle presenting us with worlds that are too fantastical for the pessimist, but too fraught with danger for the optimist. In other words, not too light and not too dark; middle-ground.
Do you know of any science fiction movies, books, comic books, and/or TV shows that would qualify for the middle ground?
Greg responds...
Star Wars? Starship Troopers? Blade Runner? Pacific Rim? You've defined a pretty wide middle, so almost ANYTHING fits in it.
Anonymous writes...
Hi Greg!
I saw that you said you're more familiar with Cassandra Cain now :D Were you able to read her Pre-nu52 run as batgirl ?
Greg responds...
Nope.
FallenLegend writes...
Hey Greg, theres something I would like to ask your opinion about.
You see comics have been notorious for being hard on average people to get into. You should know that your cartoons have been much more influential than whatever it's publised on printed form.
For millions of people when they think Young Justice they think of earth 16 and when they think of spiderman they think of spectacular.
Say Teen Titans Tv show' has Starfire as a cute alien and naive girl wich is among the best female characters ever in my opinion. While on comics she is a dumb bimbo with hardly more personalitybthan a brick
Comics on the other hand are harder to get into and well you might jot agree but the quality is much better in cartoons such as yours. I would rather watch young justice that get into the continuity mess that comics are.
It would seem that every continiuity reboot that tries to make things simpler just makes things worse.
In your experience what would you do to make comics as approachable as tv shows are?
Greg responds...
Well, I'm going to start - without going point by point - by NOT agreeing with everything you've stated above. Some comics have issues. Some are both accessible and very well-done. In general, I'm really liking DC's REBIRTH, for example. I'm reading all of it - trying to keep up. I don't love every series, let alone every issue, but generally, I think they're doing a pretty darn good job. I'd particularly recommend Wonder Woman.
And I think there are plenty of crap television series, as well.
It's all about execution. Plenty of good comics series. Plenty of good television series. Plenty of lousy examples of both. But I'm glad you like YJ and Spectacular.
Jake Cannon writes...
Hi Greg,
My name is Jake Cannon and I'm working on an oral history podcast about Paul Germain and Joe Ansolabehere focusing on One Saturday Morning, using the participants real voices. For the podcast, I've already spoken with Jymn Magon, Bill Kopp, and Tad Stones from Disney Afternoon.
I was wondering if you would be interested in being interviewed since your show is the largest break from the Disney style and universe.
I could do a quick skype or phone interview if you're available.
Thanks,
Jake Cannon
Other guests interviewed:
Holly Huckins
Denis Hannigan
Mark Mueller
Jim Lang
Barry Blumberg
Tom Snyder
Jeff Pescetto
Dave Robb
Phil Walsh
Greg responds...
I don't really know Paul or Joe, and didn't really work on One Saturday Morning. I'm enough of a publicity whore to enjoy doing podcasts, but it doesn't seem like I'd have anything to contribute to this particular one.
Jack Carpenter writes...
What is your favorite animated series that you haven't worked on?
And why?
Greg responds...
Oh, the list is semi-endless. Batman The Animated Series is up there. So is The Simpsons. Avatar. Jonny Quest. Space Ghost. The Herculoids. Etc.
giorno writes...
hey greg do you watch anime if not try watching jojo bizarre adventure or read the manga its a really good anime
Greg responds...
I don't watch much anime (or many cartoons in general). It's unfair, but because I spend my professional life immersed in animation, it kinda feels like work to me. And I don't read much manga either.
Jack Carpenter writes...
1) So aside from Spider-Man and Young Justice, are there any other comic properties you'd love to adapt?
2) Which one would you like to have the chance to do most?
Greg responds...
1. Yes.
2. I'm so not picky.
Jason writes...
Haha i noticed your didn't answer questions for a few days after March 3rd, and then very few until March 8th. Am i correct to assume you were playing ,or by the time you see this, played the Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild? Its mighty amazing.
Greg responds...
No. I'm not a gamer. At all.
Anonymous writes...
Hey Greg,
I know you said there was a possibility for a new video game to be made in 2014. Has there been any new talk about making one? Or is it still just a maybe?
Thanks!
Greg responds...
What property are we talking about?
Anon writes...
What are your thoughts on the return of Samurai Jack?
Greg responds...
I'm happy for my buddy Phil LaMarr. But I haven't ever seen the show myself. That's not meant as a comment on it. I just never got around to it.
Jackson writes...
Have you seen any of the following movies, and if so, can you give your thoughts on them?
1. Inside Out
2. Finding Dory
3. Big Hero 6
4. Zootopia
5. Moana
Greg responds...
1. Saw it. Liked it well enough.
2. Haven't seen it.
3. Saw it. Liked it well enough.
4. Haven't seen it.
5. Saw it. Liked it a whole lot.
Zachary Marquez writes...
I have a major question for you. Greg, what do you think of the infamous animation critic Mr. Enter.
Greg responds...
Never heard of him. Which is not meant as an insult to the man. I don't get around much. Especially on the internet. Keep in mind, I'm 53 and a borderline Luddite.
Billy writes...
When can we expect updates with Young Justice in terms of release or which platform it will be released on?
Greg responds...
EXPECTING things is problematic. Smacks of entitlement. ;)
But you can sign up for updates at www.DCFanUpdates.com.
Meanwhile, this was announced on April 25th:
Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment Announce All-New Live-Action Series "Titans," from Executive Producers Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns, Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter, To Debut In 2018
"Young Justice: Outsiders," The Highly Anticipated Third Season Of Warner Bros. Animation's "Young Justice," Also To Bow Next Year
Series Will Air Exclusively on Upcoming DC-Branded Direct-to-Consumer Digital Service
Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment today announced that executive producers Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns, Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter are teaming up for the all-new live-action drama series "Titans," which will debut in 2018. Additionally, Warner Bros. Animation's "Young Justice: Outsiders," the highly anticipated third season of the popular "Young Justice" series, is also ramping up for its first mission next year.
Both fan-driven series are in early stages of production and will air exclusively on a DC-branded direct-to-consumer digital service in 2018. Operated by Warner Bros. Digital Networks Group, the new digital service will deliver an immersive experience designed just for DC fans.
"Titans" follows a group of young soon-to-be Super Heroes recruited from every corner of the DC Universe. In this action-packed series, Dick Grayson emerges from the shadows to become the leader of a fearless band of new heroes, including Starfire, Raven and many others. "Titans" is a dramatic, live-action adventure series that will explore and celebrate one of the most popular comic book teams ever.
"Titans" will be written by Akiva Goldsman ("Star Trek: Discovery," "Underground"), Geoff Johns (President & Chief Creative Officer, DC Entertainment; "The Flash," "Arrow") and Greg Berlanti ("Arrow," "DC's Legends of Tomorrow," "The Flash," "Supergirl"). Goldsman, Johns, Berlanti and Sarah Schechter ("Arrow," "DC's Legends of Tomorrow," "The Flash," "Supergirl") are executive producers of the series from Weed Road Pictures and Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
In "Young Justice: Outsiders," the teenage Super Heroes of the DC Universe come of age in an animated world of super-powers, Super-Villains and super secrets. In the highly anticipated new season, the team faces its greatest challenge yet as it takes on meta-human trafficking and the terrifying threat it creates for a society caught in the crossfire of a genetic arms race spanning the globe and the galaxy. Equally praised by critics and viewers for its impressive visuals and rich storytelling, "Young Justice" reached more than 25 million unique viewers in each of its two seasons on Cartoon Network. This passionate fan support set the stage for the new third season.
Sam Register ("Teen Titans Go!," "Justice League Action") is executive producer of "Young Justice." Brandon Vietti ("Batman: Under the Red Hood," "Superman Doomsday") and Greg Weisman ("Star Wars Rebels," "Gargoyles") are producers of the series, produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Emmy Award winner Phil Bourassa ("Young Justice," "Justice League Dark," "Teen Titans: The Judas Contract") serves as the series' art director.
For updates on these exciting new series and the upcoming DC digital service, visit www.DCFanUpdates.com.
Anonymous writes...
What do you think of the current works of the DCEU and MCU? (Especially about the latest releases like Civil War, Dr Strange, Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad.)
Do you have a favorite movie from these franchises?
Greg responds...
I love some. I like some. Don't like others. Haven't seen a few. But it's not politic for me to get specific. Sorry. But I have to work in this industry.
ThatBoiZero94 writes...
Hey Greg, huge fan of everything you've done. This question is in regards to just Superman himself. In your opinion, what do you think his favorite food, movie and song would be? Thought of this while writing the other day and thought, "Hey, I wonder?" lol thanks for answering!
Greg responds...
For food, I'd guess Apple Pie. But for the rest, your guess is as good as mine.
ClockworkFirefly writes...
What is your opinion on Green Lantern (2011)?
I personally think it's average compared to the dislike of many people.
Greg responds...
I think common sense dictates that I not answer this question.
Icon Milestrone writes...
What's your favorite power of Superman?
Greg responds...
Not super-breath.
Anonymous writes...
1) Have you read much from the old DC Vertigo imprint? If so, what were among your favorites?
2) Do you see a realistic path towards animation becoming acceptable among the general adult population in the near future?
Greg responds...
1. I read everything prior to 1996. Almost nothing that came after. Sandman and Swamp Thing were obvious favorites, back in the day.
2. Depends what you mean by "acceptable."
Gerg writes...
What are your favorite non-Big Two comics?
Greg responds...
I'm afraid I'm not reading any right now. I'm mostly only reading DC Rebirth titles now, as potential research for YJ.
Historically, I was a big fan of Love and Rockets and Cerebus and many others.
Todd Jensen writes...
I thought I'd tell you that I enjoyed your recent response to the question about how the Martians in "Young Justice" feel about depictions of Martians in human pop culture as invaders (whether H. G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds" and its movie adaptations or Marvin the Martian in "Looney Tunes") - especially the bit about Martian Manhunter being bewildered by the title of "Life on Mars". It reminded me of my occasional musings over how Goliath and his clan must have responded to the way that gargoyles are depicted in pop culture - generally the bad guys (particularly in "Dungeons and Dragons"-type fantasy role-playing games) - with more sympathetic portrayals being much rarer (though I've seen a few outside the series, such as the Ultima computer games or the children's picture book "God Bless the Gargoyles"). (Though I won't ask you about the details of the Manhattan clan's response, since those probably fall in the "no spoilers" category.)
Greg responds...
Yeah, it's always interesting (if somewhat dicey) to start playing those meta-fictional games. How does Dr. Watson's published accounts of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes effect his life and methods, etc.
B writes...
"I'd have to do some research, but I recall both Dark Elves and Dwarves in Norse mythology as two different species."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svart%C3%A1lfar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ni%C3%B0avellir
Greg responds...
That's a start. But I don't use wikipedia as a final source for anything.
I also have no memory what this was in reference to.
Fallenlegend writes...
Hey Greg in one of your questions you answered that you thought that in part of what made Superman great was truth, justice and "the American way" so my questions are:
What is the American way for you?
Do you think superman stands up for those that aren't American.
For example I'm Mexican.
Greg responds...
I do think Superman stands up for those who aren't American. I think standing up for others - in theory - SHOULD be part of the American Way. At our best, which is rarely evident these days, the United States should SET AN EXAMPLE as a bastion of freedom, liberty and democracy. It should respect diversity. It should govern by majority rule with respect - actual RESPECT, not mere tolerance - for minority rights. It should be better than the enemy, not just in might but in right - in a very Arthurian sense. For example, I don't care if the enemy tortures people, the United States government and its representatives NEVER should. NEVER. We need to be better than that.
I believe in the ideals of the United States of America. I trust those ideals. If sometimes they bite us on the ass, then I accept that too. Because the alternative, that we fall into the gutter, is much, much worse.
That, to me, in a nutshell, is the American Way.
Balrog writes...
Mr.Greg do you know Kolchak: The Night Stalker tv show
Greg responds...
Yep. Haven't seen it since it aired first run, but I saw all the episodes way back when.
ND writes...
Have you watched the 'Twilight' movies? Do you dislike them?
Greg responds...
Haven't seen 'em.
Roseeee writes...
How do you feel about fans becoming so passionate to the point of maybe even possessive of your work? The writers of Arrow are introducing the code name Artemis while toting the character as the same Artemis from Young Justice. She;s not, and is actually another character all together, but fans are spitting fire over it.
Greg responds...
I have to shrug to some degree.
I live, so to speak, in a glass house. With Young Justice, Brandon Vietti and I had to (GOT TO) recreate the DC Universe from scratch. We tried to be very true to the core of nearly every character and concept. But who are we kidding? We changed a ton!
The Arrowverse folks have a similar task for themselves.
In some very narrow way, I'd love if their Artemis was closer to ours. But our Artemis wasn't all THAT close to the comic book Artemis, so who am I to complain?
Now, if they adapted the Terror Twins... ;)
As for the fans, the notion that they'd be more upset about something like this than I am is odd to me. But if you do a creative job, you put stuff out into the world, knowing - even hoping - that you'll find fans to adopt it as their own. So whachagonnado?
FallenLegend writes...
Show young justice
character: Superman
Eliot S margins said the following in quora about superman.
"1.-Every attempt to "de-power" him in an effort to make his stories easier to tell has been wrongheaded and ultimately damaging to the character in the short term."
"2.- He's Superman when he wakes up in the morning. Tarantino was right and Byrne was wrong."
a) Given how Superman along with everyone else has been greatly depowered ( A choice i have to applaud you as the danger and takes feel much real). Do you agree on that sentiment?
b) You mentioned in another question that Superman hides a part of himself even though it isn't as radical as him not liking pie in his different identities.
Regarding earth 16's superman, do you agree in Elliot S Maggin's interpretation in that he is superman all the time?
Link to elliot's post so you can see it's legit.
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-most-common-misconceptions-about-Superman
Thank you for reading Greg.
Greg responds...
a. It depends what you mean. If you started taking away his flight or super senses or heat vision or strength or invulnerability, I'd have issues with that. But he doesn't need to be capable of moving planets or flying faster than the speed of light, etc. His powers can be stunning without making him omnipotent. He still needs to be able to be knocked unconscious. He needs to be capable of feeling physical pain. And I hate super-cold-breath and some of the other add-on powers he's acquired over the decades. (Like super-ventriloquism or super-hypnosis.)
b. I don't think he's colloquially "schizo". (I don't think Batman is either.) The Clark Kent he presents to the world is more than an act, and less the whole truth of who he is. The Superman he presents to the world, isn't an act AT ALL, but it also doesn't represent his full truth. I believe - on Earth-16, at least - that the general public does not think Superman has a secret identity. (After all, he doesn't wear a mask.) They assume he's always Superman. And, of course, that's not the case.
I'm consciously NOT going to check out Elliot's statement. I don't know him, but I respect his work tremendously, and it definitely influenced me. But at this point, I have a pretty clear take in my head of who I believe Superman/Clark Kent is. I don't need to muddy it.
FallenLegend writes...
Show: young justice
Question. I love the fact that you have kept the name Captain Marvel. However due to the fact hat Marvel owns the trademark it seems that DC is keen on changing it to "SHAZAM" instead.
1.-How do you feel about this name change?
2.- Do you think the name "captain marvel" will be retired for good in the public's mind? (besides earth16)
3.- Do you prefer "Captain marvel" or Shazam?
Thank you Greg.
Greg responds...
1. To be fair, I haven't read any of the New 52 books where the change is shown. But I don't understand it. How can his name be Shazam if that's still his magic word.
2. No clue.
3. I'm old school. See above. But it's #NotUpToMe.
Hobbiton writes...
What is your opinion on Batman V Superman? Did it disappoint you?
Greg responds...
I didn't see it.
Asker writes...
Hello Greg! DC's Rebirth event recently brought back Kaldur'ahm/Jackson Hyde back into the main DC universe. He's also revealed to be attracted to men and he even has a boyfriend.
Considering your previous tweet about not assuming YJ Kaldur to be straight, does the recent DC reveal have any bearing on his animated counterpart's sexual or romantic orientation?
Greg responds...
It has no bearing. Beyond that, NO SPOILERS.
Jackson writes...
I'm sure you're aware, but Marvel has been churning out plenty of content with the MCU.
1. Have you kept up with the movies and shows? Or do you not go out of your way to do so?
2. Whatever the previous answer is, would you say that it's too much content?
3. What are your thoughts on the franchise as a whole, especially as another interpretation of the Marvel Universe?
4. Do you think doing a direct adaptation of a comic book universe like with Young Justice has its advantages, or is this string of movies (and shows) the way to go?
Greg responds...
1. I've seen all the movies. I'm about a year behind on SHIELD, though I've DVR'd all the episodes and hope to get through a bunch of them when my son comes home from college for winter break. I've seen both seasons of Daredevil, Jessica Jones and am about halfway through Luke Cage. I haven't seen any of the animated content.
2. No.
3. Generally, I love it. I'm not saying it's perfect, but their track record in movies is astounding. Some I think are truly great films. Some I just enjoy. But every single one, starting with the first Iron Man movie entertained. SHIELD has been a mixed bag, but I enjoy watching it with my wife and son. (My daughter's not into it.) I've enjoyed Daredevil, loved Jessica Jones, and I've been enjoying Luke Cage, so far.
4. Young Justice is no more (and no less) a "direct" adaptation than the MCU is. I'm not sure what the contrast is in your mind.
Brian Josephs (VICE, brian.josephs@vice.com) writes...
Good afternoon. My name is Brian Josephs and I'm a reporter working for VICE. I hope this message finds you in good spirits.
I'm writing you because I'm working on an article examining the furry community. A historian told me that Gargoyles has been a point of interest, and the 2014 CONvergence convention honored the 20th anniversary of the show by featuring a panel.
Are you available briefly for a phone conversation tomorrow about the experience? If so, please shoot me an email at brian.josephs@vice.com. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.
Greg responds...
Hey Brian,
You posted this in March, so I'm assuming that I'm getting to it a bit too late to be of any use. And though I welcome fandom of any fur, I must admit I don't know much about the furry community. CONvergence, for example, is not a specifically furry con. Though I'm sure some furries attend.
If you're still interested in talking with me, shoot me a tweet at @Greg_Weisman, and we'll go from there.
Lylatroid writes...
If you were to play a Nintendo game or two, what would it be and why?
Greg responds...
I don't know anything about Nintendo. Couldn't name a single game with confidence.
B writes...
Have you read Buffy the Vampire Slayer Seasons Eight, Nine and Ten?
Greg responds...
I read Season Eight, in a very disjointed way. Meant to sit down and read it through with more coherence after the fact, but never got around to it. And haven't yet read - or purchased - seasons nine and ten.
Anonymous writes...
What are your thoughts on The Incredibles, and the fact that a sequel is in the works?
Greg responds...
I loved The Incredibles, and I have high hopes of loving any sequel.
Adam Arlington writes...
I've been wondering for some time: how do yo feel about the new direction that DC Animated Movies have taken (that is, releasing two movies a year that are a part of a shared continuity and releasing one that isn't)? I know that your style of storytelling seems to be telling incredibly intricately done and well-researched, linear stories. And I also know that, given your status as a hungry writer and sometimes employee of DC Animation, even if you didn't care for the new movies, you'd probably be obligated to find at least something positive to say about them. But I'm speaking from more of a storytelling perspective (i.e. execution of ideas) versus whether or not you like the movies, in and of themselves.
In general, I tend to think that they've released some good offerings, with some (Justice League: War, Batman vs. Robin, Batman: Bad Blood), of course, being better than others (Justice League: Throne of Atlantis, Son of Batman). I also, however, think that the crew behind those movies often fall prey to two problems.
The first problem is the short runtime. I feel like many of those movies start out with or build up to excellent premises or ideas, but because they're only 72 minutes long, an amazing plot will be shoehorned to conclusion in ten to fifteen minutes and the resolution will feel rushed or forced. Characters, both on the side of good and evil, will make major, nonsensical, life altering or, indeed, life ending decisions with next to zero provocation, next to zero buildup, next to zero forethought, and, thus, next to zero payoff in terms of emotional reactions from the audience.
The second problem is that, in my estimation, the producers and writers don't seem to be crafting a linear narrative or working from a single, coherent production bible. The goal seems to be more about putting out two movies while only having a broad idea of what they should include, with no real fine-tuning. I think that that's a problem when addressing what's supposed to be a single continuity of films and it leads to unnecessary and (eventually) gaping plot holes, etc. I digress. I understand that Warner Brothers, Cartoon Network, etc. supposedly doesn't like linear stories, right now. (Even Paul Dini once said something to that effect, arguing that executives feel that linear stories draw in too many girl viewers, versus boys who will purchase toys.) So, perhaps, that's why even with in-continuity movies, there isn't a heavy amount of connective tissue.
Greg responds...
I haven't seen them.
Jackie writes...
So it was recently announced that Samurai Jack is getting new episodes after more than ten years. Does this signal a general interest on the part of CN in reviving shows that were popular with older viewers? Is there hope for Young Justice?
Greg responds...
I think there's a lot of hope for YJ, but not on CN.
I could be wrong, however.
Jk writes...
Are you watching DC's live action shows? What do you think about them? Do you like the new characters like Felicity?
Greg responds...
I was. I stopped last year. They're not for me. Generally, though, I'm open to new characters. I liked Felicity.
Vincent writes...
1. I know you've seen the Justice League animated series, and hopefully it hasn't been too long since then when you get to this, but what did you think of its first season?
2. Have you seen Spongebob Squarepants, particularly episodes of its earlier seasons? If so, what did you think of them?
Greg responds...
1. I liked it.
2. I've seen only a handful of Spongebobs. And I have no idea which season they were from.
infernap writes...
Hey, Greg.
I'm sure that you've heard of the new JLA show that was confirmed recently by Cartoon Network Canada for next year. My questions are:
1. How crash would you be if they asked you to work on the show (like as an adviser)?
2. How crash would you be if they decided to set it on Earth-16?
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
Greg responds...
1. Eh. I always like getting paid. But I'm invested in the YJ version of the DCU. I'm not unwilling to explore another continuity. Could be fun. But I'm not dying for it.
2. It wouldn't. Brandon and I would like to maintain control of Earth-16.
Mr. Chesley writes...
Hello Greg,
1) Chelsey here. Just wanted to congratulate you on Star Wars Rebels, huge fan of it. Were you a fan of the Clone Wars prior to Rebels?
2) I am disappointed to here your thoughts on ROTJ. Haha, I think you're a bit crazy for it(I kid). I get your critique on the Ewoks but the scenes in the Emperor's Throne Room....I am not sure how you could have done that any better. The Emperor is using the second death star as a trap to lure the Rebels to zap them one by one, not sure what's so bad about that. Also, the reason why Darth Vader is character he is who he is today is because of Return of the Jedi.
3) Were you a fan of the Kevin Conroy Batman animated series in the 90's?
Greg responds...
1. I wasn't actually. Hadn't seen it or not much of it, really. When I got the gig, I began watching it and became a fan, particularly of Asohka.
2. I believe the scene with the Emperor is poorly edited and written. If the Emperor just keeps his mouth shut for five minutes, Luke turns to the dark side and the Empire wins. But the Emperor insists on gloating out loud, and it's that very gloating that keeps Luke from turning. Not once. Not twice. But three times. I don't mind the ewoks, by the way. Don't love everything about how they were used in the movie. But they're not my issue with that lukewarm film. I also really hate that Luke and Leia are siblings. I will go to my grave thinking that was not the original plan, and that it was an unnecessary and wrongheaded addition to the canon.
3. Of course. Huge fan. Still am.
Domenic writes...
In Gargoyles, did you have any other Disney characters make any cameos?
Greg responds...
Um...
Well, there was Donald Duck. And of course, Elisa likes to dress as Disney Princess's on Halloween. She was Belle one year on the show, and Jasmine in the comics.
Nothing else pops to mind.
Harlan of Ash and Foam writes...
I wondered this a while ago but only remembered to ask just now.
Being what seems like one of the few fans who enjoys both Gargoyles and Power Rangers (it's never seemed too contradictory to me to enjoy both a fun, Shakespearean adventure romp and a serialized MST3K movie), it's always felt rather bittersweet that one of my childhood loves contributed to the downfall of another. I can't blame your, heavily implied if not often directly stated, reservations about the show.
But I don't really want to confront you about that as much as I wanted to ask: given the history, it really stuck out to me that Aicaya was directly described in Spirits of Ash and Foam as a "Mighty Morphin' manatee." It's not jarring in the book's isolated context, but does seem odd coming from you. Not bad, exactly, quite the opposite: I thought it was amusing that Opie would adopt something like Power Rangers into his shorthand and was a really fun instance of characterization.
But because I feel like asking questions only I could reasonably care about,
1. Does Opie like Power Rangers, or was his word choice based more on the influence that might come from reading the thoughts of Rain, Charlie, et al.?
2. If he does, what about it do you think appealed to Opie?
3. Was Maq's Batman joke an intentional correlation to Opie's reference, them sharing some shared affection for superheroes as some characterization point, or were they both just coincidental larks?
Greg responds...
1. I think it would amuse him.
2. The goofiness.
3. Two separate references.
Anonymous writes...
You have stated that you are "'just not that familiar with Cassandra Cain'".
1. Are you familiar with Nell Little?
1. Are you familiar with Jamie Harper?
Greg responds...
1. Familiar? No. Aware? Yes.
1. Familiar? No. Aware? Yes.
By the way, I'm more familiar with Cassandra Cain now.
Anonymous writes...
Have you read the Grimm storyline from Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #149 - 153?
Greg responds...
Nope.
Felgrand writes...
1. Assuming you were able to, would you write an episode (or a comic issue) of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic if you were asked?
2. Would you also be a part of the creative team for the show if asked (again, assuming you were able to)? I'd like to think the show would be better with your input.
Greg responds...
1. Probably. I'm not particularly familiar with the property. But a paycheck is a paycheck.
2. Sure. Though I somehow doubt they need me.
Broncos fan writes...
Do you watch Arrow,Flash,or Marvel Agents Of Shield?
Greg responds...
1. I did.
2. I did.
3. I do. But I'm almost an entire season behind, because I watch it with my son, and he's been away at college.
Tyler writes...
Do you think the newer live action movies based off of the DC comics will have any impact on the chances of Young Justice returning? Could it possibly make some new fans interested?
Greg responds...
Anything's possible. But the best ways to get a third season of Young Justice are:
1. #KeepBingingYJ on Netflix
2. Purchase and binge the episodes from iTunes or other LEGIT sources
3. #BuyYJBluRaysDVDs
4. #BuyYJComicsonComixology or iTunes
Kellen O'Rourke writes...
Hello again Greg,
A couple of things, I read the archives and I got a couple of answers to my previous questions. I'd like to ask your opinions on the Spider-Man film franchise, specifically the two The Amazing Spider-Man films.
1. Do you agree with the general response on those films or not. As you know none of those films were really loved much.
2. What do you think of it ending prematurly and the franchise getting a third reboot? Are you excited for that?
3. Also wondering, how did the sales go for the complete series of The Spectacular Spider-man on blu-ray? I got it as soon as it was released and let me tell you, it's one of the best investments I ever made.
Hope you're doing well and thank you for your time.
Greg responds...
1. I didn't see the second one and thus can't comment on that at all. I thought there was a lot to like about the first one, but felt I didn't really need the origin again.
2. I have no opinion on that specifically. But I did like Spidey's appearance in Civil War. So that's promising. Not sure about hot Aunt May. Seems ageist.
3. I have no idea. They don't give me that information.
Marvelman writes...
Have you ever read Shakespeare's Dog by Leon Rooke? (It is the story of Shakespeare's marriage to Anne Hathaway as told from the perspective of Shakespeare's dog.) Here it is on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeares-Dog-Novel-Leon-Rooke/dp/0880010932. It's quite funny.
Greg responds...
Nope.
Atelson Fitgerald writes...
By the time you answer this, I bet the movie is in quick production or you've been sworn to silence. With all the rumors of Marvel's untitled Spidey film coming up, there are tons of rumors saying that it's pulling from the Spectacular Spider-Man animated series including the title and teen dynamic. By any chance, are you involved in any way with the film?
Greg responds...
No. And that's NOT me being cagey. I'm not involved at all.
Cheston writes...
What are your thoughts on David Ayer's upcoming Suicide Squad movie?
Greg responds...
I haven't seen it. So I have no thoughts for public consumption. I try not to pre-judge stuff I haven't seen, and I certainly wouldn't post prejudice or supposition on the internet. It's too pristine for that.
Anonymous writes...
Random question. If the main cast of Gargoyles was in a horror movie, like let say Friday the 13th, what order you think they die in?
Greg responds...
I don't watch horror movies.
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
Have you read the DC Comics event "Convergence" yet? The final issue (#8) indirectly suggests that the "Young Justice" animated TV series, which is your version of the Earth-16 universe, can now come back and now your stories set in that universe can still continue...
Greg responds...
I never read it.
CONvergence 2016
I leave tomorrow for CONvergence 2016 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Okay, really Bloomington, MN, but close enough.) CONvergence is one of my favorite cons. And I have the honor of being their first fan-funded guest. Here's my schedule for the long weekend:
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
GUEST RECEPTION 07:00pm - 09:00pm
Atrium 4
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016
"Why Gargoyles is Still Relevant" 12:30pm - 01:30pm
Atrium 6 w/Christopher Jones, Patrick Fisher, Alana Profit, Chandra Reyer.
RADIO PLAY AUDITIONS 02:00pm - 03:00pm
Plaza 3 w/Christopher Jones.
"Physics of Time Travel" 03:30pm - 04:30pm
Edina w/Renate Fiora (m), Dan Berliner, Melanie Galloway, Jim Kakalios.
"Fancy Bastard Pie Competition" 08:30pm - 09:30pm
Garden Court - Southwest w/GPS.
FRIDAY, JULY 01, 2016
SIGNING 11:00am - 12:00pm
Autograph Table B.
RADIO PLAY AUDITIONS 12:30pm - 01:30pm
Plaza 3 w/Christopher Jones, Khary Payton.
"Writing by Ear" 02:00pm - 03:00pm
Bloomington w/Patrick Marsh (m), Emma Bull, Aimee Kuzenski, Jim McDoniel.
"Don't Call Them Sidekicks: The Enduring Power of Teenage Superheroes" 03:30pm - 04:30pm
Bloomington w/ Christopher Jones, Jessa Markert, Khary Payton, Sylus Rademacher.
"Drawing with the Masters" 07:00pm - 08:00pm
Plaza 2 w/Christopher Jones, Ruth Thompson.
"Why Diversity Needs to be Deeper than Marketing" 08:30pm - 09:30pm
Edina w/ Trisha Lynn (m), Kate Norlander, Jonathan Palmer, Dirk Ykema.
"Xanadu Cinema Pleasure Dome Live Podcast" 10:00pm - 11:00pm
Edina w/Windy Bowlsby, Melissa Kaercher.
SATURDAY, JULY 02, 2016
"Building Worlds for Fiction" 09:30am - 10:30am
Plaza 1 w/Michael Carus (m), J.M. Lee, Melissa Olson, Lynne M. Thomas.
"Why We Need Representation in Superheroes" 11:00am - 12:00pm
Edina w/ Christopher Jones, Bri Lopez Donovan, Khary Payton, Lynne M. Thomas.
RADIO PLAY REHEARSAL 12:30pm - 01:30pm
Atrium 6 w/ Christopher Jones, Jim Kakalios, Khary Payton and a cast of tens.
RADIO PLAY PERFORMANCE 02:00pm - 03:00pm
Atrium 6 w/ Christopher Jones, Jim Kakalios, Khary Payton and a cast of tens.
"Superficially Strong Female Characters" 05:00pm - 06:00pm
Edina w/ Crystal Huff (m), Kathryn Sullivan, Chrysoula Tzavelas, Joan Marie Verba.
"One on One with Christopher Jones" 07:00pm - 08:00pm
Edina (m) w/Christopher Jones.
ANIMATION BLUE 07:00pm - 08:00pm
Atrium 6 w/Christopher Jones, Lyda Morehouse, Khary Payton, Jenna Powers, Edmund Tsabard.
SUNDAY, JULY 03, 2016
YOUNG JUSTICE 09:30am - 10:30am
Atrium 6 w/Christopher Jones, Khary Payton.
SIGNING 11:00am - 12:00pm
Autograph Table B.
RAIN OF THE GHOSTS 12:30pm - 01:30pm
Edina.
READING 02:00pm - 03:00pm
Rm 2201.
ONE ON ONE 07:00pm - 08:00pm
Atrium 6 w/Melissa Kaercher.
Coby writes...
How do you feel about the next DEATH BATTLE episode with X-Men's Beast and Goliath? Who do you think would win?
Greg responds...
I can't figure out why they would fight.
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
1. What is your opinion on the DC Universe Original Animated Movie, Justice League: Gods and Monsters?
2. Have you ever considered doing a DC Universe Original Animated Movie of your own?
Greg responds...
1. Haven't seen it.
2. I'd love to. But it's not up to me.
Jamey Dean writes...
Hey, did you take note that in a recent episode of Once Upon A Time, the Chernabog appeared, and actually looked quite a bit like Goliath?
Greg responds...
No, I missed that. I assume he looked more like Chernabog than Goliath, since Goliath looks a bit like Chernabog (who was one of Goliath's visual inspirations).
Casual writes...
Have you read Austin Grossman's 'Soon I Will Be Invincible'?
Greg responds...
Nope.
Taha writes...
Would you be open to writing an episode of Ultimate Spider-Man?
Greg responds...
I would have been.
ryan writes...
What was your favorite arc in star wars the clonewars?Also who was your favorite charcter?
Greg responds...
My brain doesn't really work that way.
I don't have a favorite arc, per se. And I still haven't seen all of clone wars. But Ahsoka popped for me.
Anomymous Writes writes...
What you think of Teen Titans Go?
Greg responds...
I like it. I think it's funny.
Wonderfulakari writes...
Name five of your favorite animated shows not run by you in no particular order.
Counting live action as well what TV show gets you most excited for the next episode?
Greg responds...
I dunno. I may have to turn in my geek card, because my brain doesn't rank things. In times past, I've loved the Simpsons, Futurama, Avatar: the Last Airbender, Jonny Quest, Space Ghost, the Herculoids and many more.
I still watch a ton of television. I'm about four weeks behind, and there's a lot I like, but nothing that makes me want to jump things ahead in the queue. There's nothing I binge. I generally don't like binging stuff. I'd rather watch one episode at a time.
ShadZ writes...
Have you been reading the Gotham Academy comic book (since Gotham Academy first appeared in Young Justice)? It's good...
Greg responds...
Nope.
A History of Disney Television Animation, Volume One
I've contributed to this worthy Kickstarter. I thought some of you might want to also: http://kck.st/1WRcqGd
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
Out of curiosity, what is your opinion about the title of the new Star Wars movie (The Force Awakens) and what do think is the possible meaning/interpretation behind the naming of title?
Greg responds...
I didn't know when you asked the question, and to be honest, I still don't know now. The title is just the title for me in this case. Or maybe it refers to the two young leads stepping up.
But I do like the movie.
b_bee430 writes...
Greg, have you seen The Flash on The CW? If you have, what are your thoughts on it? Also, last year there was a rumor that the CW were planning a Young Justice live action teen drama for 2015. Have you heard about it at all? And do you think a live action adaption of YJ would be good? I was just wondering and thanks for answering!
Greg responds...
1. Yes.
2. I really liked Season One. I'm way behind watching Season Two. Been busy.
3. The rumors are complete bologna.
4. A live-action adaptation of YJ COULD be good. It's all about execution.
Raphael writes...
5. It seems like you say books and TV sort of go atop everything else as far as entertainment goes. I'm sure it's been asked before, but I'm interested in what you're watching right now (or when I wrote this), specifically within the realm of animation. The animation I'm watching right now would be Korra, Gravity Falls, and, well Star Wars Rebels. Do you have any interest or attachment to any of these (aside from SWR of course)? I'm particularly interested in your thoughts on Avatar because I connected to it hugely when I must have been only seven or eight so I have a huge attachment to it. But I would be interested to hear about what TV you watch in general, at the time I wrote this, or when you answer this, whichever you want to answer. Perhaps just from recent months?
Thanks a bunch, I'm really interested to hear your responses to these questions.
Greg responds...
I loved Avatar, The Last Airbender. Watched it with my son. I want to see Korra, but my son is now in college, so it'll have to wait until his vacations.
I keep up with Star Wars Rebels, and I still love the series, even though I have nothing to do with the second season.
I still watch the Simpsons.
I'm watching the first season of Shimmer & Shine, though I'm only working on Season Two. But I want to see what they did.
And that's pretty much it, animation-wise. I think because I work in animation all day, every day, I'm a bit burned out on it. So I'm mostly watching only live action stuff.
Long Beach Comic Expo - 2016
Here's my schedule for this weekend's Long Beach Comic Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2016
11:30am - 12:30pm
DOWN TO NERD: INVADER ZIM AND GARGOYLES: CONQUEROR VS PROTECTOR
Thunderdome (Seaside Pre-Function) w/RuthAnn Thompson (moderator), Dave Crosland, Greg Weisman.
Description: Some come from another time to protect, another from a different planet to conquer- but both hold a special place in our hearts! Gargoyles VS Invader Zim. We will focus on the first 5 episodes of the TV series Gargoyles with writer/creator Greg Weisman and the first 5 issues of the Invader Zim comic books with Dave Crosland. What are the differences and similarities do these creatures out of space and time have? How will they fit in on modern day earth? Casual Fans and Hard Core Nerds alike join host RuthAnn Thompson and be "Down To Nerd"!
01:00pm - 02:00pm
THE ART OF STAR WARS & THE FANDOM BEHIND IT
Danger Room (S1) w/Ben Paddon (moderator), Terry Dodson, Craig Miller, Cat Staggs, Greg Weisman.
Description: Cat Staggs has been working for the Star Wars / LUCASFILM family since 2004, for which she has illustrated short fiction for starwars.com, produced sketch and trading cards, exclusive prints for Star Wars Celebrations III, IV, Europe, Celebration V, and Celebration VI. Terry Dodson is an American comic book artist who penciled the Dark Force Rising comic series in 1997. He has also provided art for Mark Waid's Princess Leia limited series. Moreover, Dodson has drawn the Books-A-Million variant cover to the first issue of the Shattered Empire miniseries, and the CBLDF variant to Star Wars: Vader Down, Part I. Greg Weisman is the writer for Star Wars Rebels - "The Machine in the Ghost", "Art Attack", "Droids in Distress", "Breaking Ranks", "Gathering Forces" and Star Wars: Kanan: The Last Padawan. Craig Miller was Director of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm from 1977-1980. He created and oversaw the Official Star Wars Fan Club as well as having edited and written virtually all of the first two years of Bantha Tracks. He was the producer of the Star Wars Sesame Street episodes in addition to operating R2-D2's head in the episodes, as well as being Producer for Lucasfilm on commercials such as the ones for licensee Underoos.. He was also responsible for creating the 800-number telephone hotline for The Empire Strikes Back that allowed fans to call up to receive more information about the movies and characters.
02:30pm - 03:30pm
DWAYNE MCDUFFIE AWARDS
Creator's Lab (S5)
Description: Long Beach Comic Con is proud to announce the commencement of the Second Annual Dwayne McDuffie Award. This one of a kind award will be granted on February 20, 2016 to an American comics work, published in print or digitally in 2015, deemed by the Selection Committee to promote diversity. In the spirit of Dwayne McDuffie, "promoting diversity" can be judged as either broadening the range of characters portrayed in comics, or adding to the variety of creators contributing to the medium.
04:00pm - 05:00pm
THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN PANEL
Danger Room (S1) w/Greg Weisman (moderator), Victor Cook, Kevin Hopps, Kelly Hu, Josh Keaton, Pamela Long.
Description: In 2008, a new version of everybody's favorite friendly neighborhood Web-Slinger - dedicated to recreating the feel of the original Stan Lee & Steve Ditko and Stan Lee & John Romita, Sr. comics - hit the air. Come hear the creative talents behind The Spectacular Spider-Man talk about what went in to making this classic take on a classic character. Panelists include Victor Cook (Director-Producer), Kevin Hopps (Writer), Kelly Hu (voice of Sha Shan Nguyen), Josh Keaton (voice of Peter Parker/The Spectacular Spider-Man), Pamela Long (Color Stylist) and Greg Weisman (Writer-Producer)!
06:00pm - 07:00pm
GETTING ANIMATED WITH TOP ANIMATION EXPERTS
Rumble Room (S4B) w/Ray-Anthony Height (moderator), Chris Copeland, Greg Weisman, Dean Yeagle.
Description: Top animation experts Greg Weisman (Gargoyles, Spectacular Spider-Man), Dean Yeagle (Caged Beagle Productions), and Chris Copeland (Marvel/Disney Animation) discuss how they broke into animation, their work and a Q&A with the audience!
I'll also have a table a on the show floor, specifically table AN-11 in "ANIMATION ISLAND" between Ellen Jin Over and Amy Mebberson, and near Dino Andrade, Michael Bell, Keith Coogan, Chris Copeland, Matt Doherty, Loren Lester, Tiffanie Mang, Joey McCormick, Chuck Patton, Peter Paul, Sara Richards and Aaron Sparrow. I'll be there between panels on Saturday and all Sunday morning until noon. (Not as sure about Sunday afternoon. We'll have to see.)
I'll sign and personalize anything you put in front of me, but I will also be selling copies of my two novels, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS and SPIRITS OF ASH AND FOAM ($10 each), CD sets of the RAIN OF THE GHOSTS AudioPlay ($30 each) and RAIN OF THE GHOSTS prints, drawn by artist Christopher Jones ($10 each, but free with a purchase of the AudioPlay and/or both RAIN and SPIRITS). In addition, I'll be selling animation scripts from series including GARGOYLES, W.I.T.C.H., THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN, YOUNG JUSTICE, STAR WARS REBELS and others, ($20 each). Finally, I'll be selling script copies of a couple of the special one-off convention radio plays we did, i.e. THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN MEETS GARGOYLES and GARGOYLES MEETS THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN MEETS YOUNG JUSTICE ($20 each). All purchases are cash only.
I hope to see you there!
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news. In "The Multiversity: The Just #1", your "Young Justice" universe apparently only exists as a video game series on Grant Morrison's Earth-16.
How screwed up is that?! I would have to assume that if you plan to come back to "Young Justice," you'd probably reboot the series on yet another parallel Earth (perhaps one of the seven intentionally unknown parallel Earths in the new 52 DC multiverse)?
Greg responds...
We were given Earth-16. Not sure why DC/Morrison chose to do what they did in Multiversity. I wasn't privy to that decision. It's disappointing, but I'm sure they had their reasons.
If we come back, we're still Earth-16. It's too late for us to change.
If that screws things up, well... c'est la vie.
And if all we are is a video game on someone's world, well - we're a hell of a game!
Andres writes...
Greg you work for Disney again and are doing Star Wars I am curious I was looking at work for an Indiana Jones animated project artist Patrick Shoenmaker did that never came to be. My questions is if Disney ever produced an animated series would you be interested? Were you a fan of the Indiana Jones films? Did you ever read or get exposed to the comics either Further Adventures or Darkhorse run? The writing in those seem up your ally long archs I think it would be awesome if u are ever offered that opportunity what do you think?
Greg responds...
Well, I'm no longer working on Star Wars Rebels or at Disney - unless you count the work I'm doing at Marvel Comics, writing Star Wars Kanan and Starbrand & Nightmask.
But this is really just a hypothetical question anyway, so it doesn't really matter where I'm working.
Anyway, I loved Raiders of the Lost Ark. Didn't love the second or third movies as much and haven't seen the fourth. I loved the television series about Young Indy (though I can't remember it's exact title at this moment). Haven't seen any Indiana Jones comics.
But I have tremendous fondness for the franchise and would of course leap at the chance to work on it.
Tyler Reznik writes...
Hello again, Mr. Weisman.
I just wanted to ask, are you a fan of John Carpenter's "The Thing"? Keith David and Charles Hallahan were both in it, and they were both on "Gargoyles". Could just be a coincidence, but I'm curious.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.
Greg responds...
I've never seen it.
Gabriel writes...
Hey, I just wanted to ask if you've seen the first two episodes of The Flash and what you thought of it? I really enjoyed Young Justice and just finished it and it's such a shame it was cancelled I hope you get to continue the story soon because I could see it being just as good or even better than The Justice league.
Greg responds...
I saw all of season one of Flash. And I'm just a couple episodes behind on Season Two.
Generally, I like Flash. It's probably my favorite of the Berlanti DC shows.
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
Have you read "The Multiversity: The Just" yet? If so, then what are your thoughts about this issue, considering it uses the same designation (Earth-16) as the setting of the "Young Justice" TV series? Do you feel this could create any problems for you if you ever decide to go back to "Young Justice" someday?
Greg responds...
I haven't read it and thus have no thoughts about it.
Blizzard Sprite writes...
Hello, Mr. Weisman.
1. Are you familiar with the manga and animé series known as Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)? The show has been a very large success in the country of Japan as well as in the United States.
2. What are your impressions of the show?
Thank you for your time.
Greg responds...
1. I've heard of it, but I've never seen it.
2. I have none ... cuz.. I've never seen it.
Otho Fernandes Damasceno writes...
Hey Greg, I have a few personal questions for you, unrelated to your shows:
1)Given the link you provided in this blog, you obiously know about TvTropes, but I would like to know what are your favorite Tropes. (for exemple, my favorite tropes are "Physical god", "Eldritch Abomination" and "Sufficiently advanced aliens")
2)Have you watched Maleficent? What to you think about this movie?
3) What's your opnion about furries in general?
Sorry if I am being annoying, but I am just curious.
Greg responds...
1. I don't have any. I haven't studied the site. I've just looked at my shows there on occasion for fun.
2. Yes, when it first came out. In general, I liked it. A couple of minor complaints, maybe. But nothing that interfered with my overall enjoyment.
3. To each his or her own.
btgr writes...
What are your thoughts about JJ Abrams taking over the Mission Impossible film series since Number 3?
Greg responds...
I have no thoughts. I haven't seen those films.
AhhGoodTimes writes...
How involved were you or will you be in the upcoming Young Justice/Teen Titans Go crossover? Which btw I'm very excited for. It sounds fun!
Greg responds...
Not involved at all. Calling it a crossover is pushing it. It was more like a YJ cameo in TTG. I enjoyed it. It was fun.
Avi writes...
How is eveything Greg? I am currently in an X-Men mood, with the new movie out so I felt like asking a few X-Men questions.
1. What is your opinion on X-Men First Class? It's one of my favorite comic book films so I wanted to ask.
1A. I remember you saying in your X-Men movie ramble you would rather the black leather suits over the comic book costumes translated to the big screen. In First Class, we got yellow and blue costumes that worked, for me at least. In a post-Avengers world, do you think the X-Men costumes can be adapted on the big screen? Or at least a variation of them, ala First Class?
2. What is your opinion on X-Men Days of Future Past (The film)?
3. Do you like Joss Whedon's X-Men run?
4. What is the X-Men story or run that you enjoyed the most?
5. Since your dropped the X-Men comic book long before dropping comics in general, has that tainted your love of the X-Men? What I mean is, if offered by Marvel and Disney, would you like to be involved in the making of an X-Men series?
Oh and, Long live Gargoyles! It's the best animated series I have ever watched. I'm on Pendragon. I got out of it because of school work but I'm gonna definitely get back into it. Thanks for your amazing work! Hope everything is "crash"!
Greg responds...
1. I love the milieu, the ambience, and the acting of the leads. But I thought the story was borderline nonsensical. And I wasn't wild about some of the character choices.
1a. A variation. Depending on the variation.
2. I liked it, in general. They pulled off telling one of the most significant comic book stories of my life. There are plenty of little things I could object to, but overall, great work.
3. Mostly.
4. Probably the Claremont stuff from the 80s before things got out of control. Ironically, though I loved "Days of Future Past," it led to exactly the kind of stuff that made me give up reading the X-titles.
5. I still love those characters. If any company wanted me aboard an X-project, I'd leap at the chance.
Dude writes...
Do you watch anime? If so, have you watched death note?
Greg responds...
A little bit. But no.
B writes...
I just read that you haven't seen much of Justice League Unlimited, so I was wondering if you had seen this short scene from "This Little Piggy", which is my favorite scene in JLU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAlC4e1gbWk
Greg responds...
I hadn't. Now I have. ;)
KenRD writes...
Well I've now read Rain of Ghosts so congrats on a great book, but I'm a little annoyed I've got to buy a new series to add to my collection, damn you talented writer!
In my last post I asked if you ever read Terry Pratchett books to which you said you haven't, well if you ever do find the time to read his books I would love to hear your thoughts and just to sway you have a look at this post by Brandon Sanderson the author of Elantris, The Mistborn Trilogy, The Way of Kings and, with Robert Jordan, the New York Times bestselling The Gathering Storm, Towers of Midnight, and A Memory of Light, the final volumes to the epic Wheel of Time. http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/04/terry-pratchetts-discworld-might-be-the-highest-form-of-literature-on-the-planet
Greg responds...
As I've mentioned, I tend to split my limited free time either reading detective fiction (Ross MacDonald, Walter Mosley, Michael Connelly, etc.) or rereading classic authors (William Faulkner, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, etc.).
But I'm thrilled you enjoyed Rain. I hope by now, you've picked up Spirits of Ash and Foam. And you could do me a big favor by reviewing both on Amazon!
Tupka writes...
Brandon, Sam Register, Dusty Abell, David Wilcox and a whole slew of others you'd be well familiar with got a new movie out, Scooby-Doo! Wrestlemania Mystery, and it features four surprise guests: Cassie, Artemis, Zatanna and M'Gann, all enjoying the WWE Action.
1. Please tell me this is canon and they're WWE fans.
2. Did Brandon tell you?
Greg responds...
1. Ask Brandon.
2. Yep.
fan writes...
out of these 3 heroes Spiderman wolverine and batman who do
you find the most interesting.
Greg responds...
I find all three interesting. You'll find - as others have - that ranking things isn't big on my list of stuff to do. Just not the way my brain works.
13th Dimension Interview
In anticipation of my FIVE panels at Long Beach Comic Con, here's a nice little article/interview on 13th Dimension:
http://13thdimension.com/greg-weisman-from-gargoyles-to-young-justice-to-novels-and-more/
My Long Beach Comic Con Schedule
Stop #6 on the Gargoyles Twentieth Anniversary Tour is LONG BEACH COMIC CON: http://longbeachcomiccon.com/
The full schedule can be found here: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=55700
But here's MY schedule. I'll only be there the one day - Saturday, September 27, 2014 - but as you can see, I'm certainly keeping busy, with five panels and three signings!
LONG BEACH COMIC CON
Saturday, September 27, 2014
11:30am - 12:20pm - Room 102B/C
GARGOYLES TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Moderator: Greg Weisman (Creator, Producer, Writer)
1. Thom Adcox-Hernandez (Voice of Lexington, Brentwood)
2. Vic Cook (Storyboard Artist)
3. Elisa Gabrielli (Voice of Obsidiana & Maria Chavez)
4. Frank Paur (Producer, Director)
5. Dave Schwartz (Development Art Director)
12:30pm - 01:30pm - Signing Area
GARGOYLES SIGNING
I won't be attending this signing (because I have to rush off to another panel), but the rest of the Gargoyles panelists will probably be there.
12:30pm - 01:50pm - Hero Complex Theater, Room 104A
WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION PRESENTS YOUNG JUSTICE
Moderator: Jevon Phillips (Los Angeles Times)
1. Phil Bourassa (Emmy Winning Character Designer)
2. Cameron Bowen (Voice of Robin/Tim Drake)
3. Kris Carter (Composer)
4. Nicole Dubuc (Writer, Voice of Iris West-Allen)
5. Oded Fehr (Voice of Ra's al Ghul)
6. Kevin Grevioux (Voice of Black Beetle)
7. Kevin Hopps (Writer)
8. Bryton James (Voice of Virgil Hawkins/Static)
9. Josh Keaton (Voice of Black Spider)
10. Curtis Koller (Talent Coordinator)
11. Eric Lopez (Voice of Blue Beetle/Jaime Reyes, Scarab)
12. Michael McCuistion (Composer)
13. Jay Oliva (Director)
14. Mark Rolston (Voice of Lex Luthor, Jonathan Kent)
15. Jason Spisak (Voice of Kid Flash/Wally West)
16. James Arnold Taylor (Voice of Flash, Neutron, Topo, Burton Thompson)
17. Brandon Vietti (Producer, Writer)
18. Greg Weisman (Producer, Writer, Voice of Lucas Carr)
19. David Wilcox (Line Producer)
02:00pm - 03:00pm - Signing Area
YOUNG JUSTICE SIGNING
I plan on being here for only the first twenty minutes or so - before I have to run off to yet another panel. But for as long as I can stay, I will sign for free, anything you put in front of me. I will also be signing and selling copies of my animation teleplays for $20 cash. Among the series you'll have to choose from are Gargoyles, Men In Black, Team Atlantis, W.I.T.C.H., The Batman, The Spectacular Spider-Man, DC Showcase/Green Arrow, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Young Justice, Beware the Batman and two radio-plays: The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Gargoyles and Gargoyles Meets The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets Young Justice. All while supplies last, and for as long as I can stay. So show up promptly at 2pm.
02:30pm - 03:20pm - Room 102B/C
THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN
Moderator: Greg Weisman (Supervising Producer, Writer, Voice of Donald Menken)
1. Kevin Altieri (Director)
2. Kris Carter (Composer)
3. Victor Cook (Supervising Producer, Supervising Director)
4. Nicole Dubuc (Writer)
5. Elisa Gabrielli (Voice of Ashley Kafka)
6. Sean "Cheeks" Galloway (Lead Character Designer)
7. Kevin Hopps (Writer)
8. Josh Keaton (Voice of Peter Parker/The Spectacular Spider-Man)
9. Andrew Kishino (Voice of Kenny Kong, Ned Lee)
10. Phil LaMarr (Voice of Fancy Dan/Ricochet, Joe "Robbie" Robertson, Rand Robertson, Homunculus)
11. Joshua LeBar (Voice of Flash Thompson)
12. Eric Lopez (Voice of Mark Allen/Molten Man)
13. Michael McCuistion (Composer)
14. Daran Norris (Voice of J. Jonah Jameson, John Jameson/Colonel Jupiter)
15. Deborah Strang (Voice of Aunt May Parker)
16. James Arnold Taylor (Voice of Harry Osborn, Frederick Foswell/Patch, Alan O'Neil, Homunculus)
17. Wade Wisinski (Line Producer)
03:30pm - 04:20pm - Room 102B/C
DISNEY AFTERNOON: THE CONTINUING LEGACY
Moderator: Aaron Sparrow (Writer of Darkwing Duck: The Duck Knight Returns)
1. Jim Cummings (Voice of Darkwing Duck, Bonkers, etc.)
2. Jymn Magon (Creator/Producer Talespin)
3. Greg Weisman (Creator/Producer Gargoyles)
4. Mark Zaslove (Story Editor/Producer Talespin)
04:00pm - 05:00pm - Signing Area
SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN SIGNING
I'll have to miss this one too, as I'll be in the Disney Afternoon Panel, followed by the Disney Afternoon signing.
04:30pm - 05:20pm - Disney Afternoon Reunion Booth/Signing Area
DISNEY AFTERNOON SIGNING
I'll be at this one for the entire signing. Again, I'll sign anything you bring along for free. And I'll also be signing and selling my teleplays.
05:30pm - 06:20pm - Room 102B/C
RAIN OF THE GHOSTS
Greg Weisman (Author)
06:30pm - 7:30pm - Booth 104 on Show Floor
MYSTERIOUS GALAXY SIGNING
I'll be selling and signing copies of my two novels, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS and SPIRITS OF ASH AND FOAM.
(Whew!)
LINKS
I'm back (briefly) after a great trip to Ashland for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Saw eight plays (Comedy of Errors, Richard III, Tempest, Into the Woods, Great Society, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Wrinkle in Time, Family Album) in four days, and though I didn't love every play, I have to say that every production was stellar.
Then last night I saw a very cool production of King Lear at the Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon, starring Ellen Geer as Lear.
Anyway, I'm in town for just a few days, then I leave again to drop my daughter off for her junior year at Tulane and take my son (starting his senior year of high school next month) to look at a number of schools, including Tulane, Emory, Duke, UVA and Georgetown. ROAD TRIP!!
Starting in September, I'll be in town for the foreseeable future, and I promise to get back to answering questions here. Meanwhile, here are some cool links:
Warner Archive Podcast interview, regarding Young Justice:
http://bit.ly/wacyjpod
In case you need to know where to find the Young Justice Blu-ray:
http://bit.ly/yngjs1
And another podcast:
http://www.goldenspiralmedia.com/as-09-arrow-squad-episode-09-interview-with-greg-weisman-of-young-justice (specific episode for Arrow Squad)
http://www.goldenspiralmedia.com/ccu-02-central-city-underground-episode-03-interview-with-greg-weisman-of-young-justice (specific episode for Central City Underground)
http://www.goldenspiralmedia.com/ (general website)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/arrow-squad/id891769883?uo=8&at=1l3v5ck (iTunes link for Arrow Squad)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/central-city-underground-flash/id904991850?uo=8&at=1l3v5ck (iTunes link for Central City Underground)
And some sights promoting Rain of the Ghosts and Spirits of Ash and Foam:
Plain Talk Book Marketing http://www.plaintalkbm.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gillianfx
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00EAUDZM6
Book Information: http://www.plaintalkbm.com/family-portrait-novel/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels
APOLOGIES
Hey gang,
I'd like to apologize for not getting to many of your questions recently. It's really due to all the travel I've been doing this summer - and the need to fit a LOT of work in between the trips.
Some of you have commented that the same excuses don't seem to apply to my Twitter account, and that's true. But the difference is that I can tweet from my phone at odd times and before bed - AND with little thought.
I've tried doing Ask Greg from my phone, but it's just too difficult. I'd rather give considerable thought and have the option of answering questions in depth. But if you want to make quick contact, by all means follow me on twitter at @Greg_Weisman.
The travel isn't over, either. I leave Monday for Ashland, Oregon, for my family's annual trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. For the curious, we're seeing the following eight plays over four days & nights:
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS by William Shakespeare
RICHARD III by William Shakespeare
THE TEMPEST by William Shakespeare
INTO THE WOODS by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine
THE GREAT SOCIETY by Robert Schenkkan
THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA by William Shakespeare
A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L'Engle and Tracy Young
FAMILY ALBUM by Stew and Heidi Rodewald
We're really looking forward to it.
Anyway, then I'm back for half a week, before the family takes another trip - this one to (a) drop my daughter off at college for her junior year and (b) take a road trip to look at five different colleges in five different cities with my son before he enters his senior year of high school. The entire trip will take eleven days, bringing me to the end of August.
But in September, my current plan is NO TRAVEL. (Stop #6 on the Gargoyles 20th Anniversary Tour is Long Beach Comic Con, which is driving distance. http://longbeachcomiccon.com ) So I should be back to answering a few questions every weekday regularly. Thank you for your patience.
DENVER COMIC CON REVISED & UPDATED #3
ONE MORE TIME!! This looks to be as final a revision as it's going to get for Denver Comic Con website (http://denvercomiccon.com/), before I head for the airport in a couple minutes. But, again, follow me on TWITTER @Greg_Weisman to stay up-to-the-minute on when and where I'll be.
DENVER COMIC CON LATEST PANEL, INTERVIEW & SIGNING SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, JUNE 13th, 2014
10:30am - 11:20am - ART OF THE PITCH in ROOM 110/112.
Victor Cook, Greg Guler and myself will be talking about pitching and selling animated telvision series to the Powers That Be.
11:30am - 12:30pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
I'll be signing my novel RAIN OF THE GHOSTS throughout the weekend for $10 cash. (That $10 includes the book, a personalized signature and copies of the original development art by Kuni Tomita for the television version of Rain that never was.) I also have a half-dozen copies of Young Justice teleplays, which I'll sell (and sign) for $20 cash. I'll also sign anything else you bring and put in front of me for free - especially if you buy my book. ;)
12:50pm - 1:20pm - INTERVIEW with Tim Beyers of MOTLEY FOOL in the MEDIA LOUNGE.
1:30pm - 2:20pm - CARTOON VOICES I in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM.
I'll be moderating this panel, which features Kevin Conroy, Jim Cummings, Michael Dorn, Jennifer Hale & Veronica Taylor.
3:30pm - 4:30pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
4:45pm - 5:35pm - YOUNG JUSTICE in the MINI-MAIN ROOM.
This one includes myself (writer-producer, voice actor) & Christopher Jones (YJ companion comic book artist).
5:35pm - 6:05pm - OPENING CEREMONIES in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM.
7:00pm - 10:00pm - FOUR COLOR MIXER at Breckinridge Brewery/Hilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14th, 2014
9:35am - 10:00am - INTERVIEW with BEYOND THE TROPE at my table at Booth 122.
10:00am - 10:20am - INTERVIEW with WESTWORD at my table at Booth 122.
10:30am - 11:20am - RAIN OF THE GHOSTS in ROOM 201.
I'll be reading from and discussing my new novels, Rain of the Ghosts & Spirits of Ash and Foam.
11:45am - 12:35pm - ANIMATION PROFESSIONALS in ROOM 201
I'm moderating this panel, which features Chris Beaver, Victor Cook, Greg Guler, Derek Hunter, Christy Marx, & Jan Scott-Frasier.
3:00pm - 3:50pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
4:00pm - 4:50pm - GARGOYLES 20th ANNIVERSARY in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM.
This is a big one, with me (writer-producer-creator), Victor Cook (storyboard artist), Jim Cummings (voice of Dingo), Jonathan Frakes (voice of David Xanatos), Greg Guler (character designer), Salli Richardson-Whitfield (voice of Elisa Maza) and Marina Sirtis (voice of Demona) .
5:00pm - 6:00pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15th, 2014
9:30am - 10:20am - INTERVIEW with EXAMINER.COM at my BOOTH 122.
10:30am - 11:20am - THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN in the MINI-MAIN ROOM.
Includes myself (writer-producer-voice actor), Victor Cook (director-producer), Jim Cummings (voice of Crusher Hogan) & Greg Guler (artist).
1:30pm - 2:30pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
2:45pm - 3:35pm - CARTOON VOICES II in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM.
Again, I'm moderating for Robert Axelrod, Kimberly Brooks, Jennifer Hale & April Stewart.
4:00pm - 5:00pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
In addition to the times listed above, I'll often just be hanging out at my table, so stop by. Attend a panel, buy a book, say hello!
DENVER COMIC CON REVISED & UPDATED #2
Okay, so I just took a look at the Denver Comic Con website (http://denvercomiccon.com/), and the schedule there doesn't always match up with the schedule I was sent. I'll make adjustments below, but what this really means is that I'm not 100% sure where I'll be at any given moment. I will be tweeting throughout the weekend though, so follow me @Greg_Weisman to stay up-to-the-minute on when and where I'll be.
DENVER COMIC CON LATEST PANEL, INTERVIEW & SIGNING SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, JUNE 13th, 2014
10:30am - 11:20am - RAIN OF THE GHOSTS in ROOM 201
I'll be reading from and discussing my new novels, Rain of the Ghosts & Spirits of Ash and Foam.
11:30am - 12:30pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
I'll be signing my novel RAIN OF THE GHOSTS throughout the weekend for $10 cash. (That $10 includes the book, a personalized signature and copies of the original development art by Kuni Tomita for the television version of Rain that never was.) I also have a half-dozen copies of Young Justice teleplays, which I'll sell (and sign) for $20 cash. I'll also sign anything else you bring and put in front of me for free - especially if you buy my book. ;)
12:50pm - 1:20pm - INTERVIEW with Tim Beyers of MOTLEY FOOL in the MEDIA LOUNGE
1:30pm - 2:20pm - CARTOON VOICES I in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM
I'll be moderating this panel, which features Kevin Conroy, Jim Cummings, Michael Dorn, Jennifer Hale & Veronica Taylor.
3:30pm - 4:30pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
4:45pm - 5:35pm - YOUNG JUSTICE in the MINI-MAIN ROOM
This one includes myself (writer-producer, voice actor) & Christopher Jones (YJ companion comic book artist).
7:00pm - 10:00pm - FOUR COLOR MIXER at Breckinridge Brewery/Hilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown
SATURDAY, JUNE 14th, 2014
9:35am - 10:00am - INTERVIEW with BEYOND THE TROPE at my table at Booth 122.
10:00am - 10:50am - INTERVIEW with WESTWORD at my table at Booth 122.
11:45am - 12:35pm - ANIMATION PROFESSIONALS in ROOM 201
I'm moderating this panel, which features Chris Beaver, Victor Cook, Greg Guler, Derek Hunter, Christy Marx, & Jan Scott-Frasier.
3:00pm - 3:50pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
4:00pm - 4:50pm - GARGOYLES 20th ANNIVERSARY in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM
This is a big one, with me (writer-producer-creator), Victor Cook (storyboard artist), Jim Cummings (voice of Dingo), Jonathan Frakes (voice of David Xanatos), Greg Guler (character designer), Salli Richardson-Whitfield (voice of Elisa Maza) and Marina Sirtis (voice of Demona) .
5:00pm - 6:00pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15th, 2014
9:30am - 10:20am - INTERVIEW with EXAMINER.COM at my BOOTH 122.
10:30am - 11:20am - THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN in the MINI-MAIN ROOM
Includes myself (writer-producer-voice actor), Victor Cook (director-producer), Jim Cummings (voice of Crusher Hogan) & Greg Guler (artist).
1:30pm - 2:30pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
2:45pm - 3:35pm - CARTOON VOICES II in the MAIN EVENTS ROOM
Again, I'm moderating for Robert Axelrod, Kimberly Brooks, Jennifer Hale & April Stewart.
4:00pm - 5:00pm - SIGNING at my BOOTH 122 on the main floor.
In addition to the times listed above - and especially since I'm no longer 100% sure of my schedule - I'll often just be hanging out at my table, so stop by. Attend a panel, buy a book, say hello!
Wonderfulakari writes...
I think it's wonderful you respond to praise and observations as well as questions. It feels like you're really close to your fans.
So this is a different kind of question:
1.Are there any shows on air recently that you enjoy?
2.Do you ship anyone together?
Greg responds...
1. I'm really enjoying Fargo on FX. I've seen the pilot of Penny Dreadful. It's definitely very LoEG, but I'm intrigued. I enjoy Game of Thrones, and Good Wife was great this season. I'm religious about watching the Daily Show and now Last Week Tonight. I like both Elementary and Sherlock. Cosmos has been terrific. Big Bang Theory still makes me laugh. There's more too, but I'm blanking at the moment.
2. I guess I definitely shipped Penny and Leonard, but that's not exactly a surprise, and now it seems redundant to ship 'em. I mean does one "ship" an existing couple? No one else leaps to mind. Even among the thousands of characters on GoT, I can't think of a single couple that really feels right. (Though I can think of a few I don't like.) And there aren't any two characters that I'd like to see the writers move heaven and earth to put together.
hmmaster writes...
Hey, Greg, what an amazing show in Young Justice. I have a couple of questions for you.
1) I was hoping you could comment on this, because you've answered variations of this question at different times, but never this specific one. I thought of an idea that would make a lot of sense for where a certain character's situation would go after the events of Summit and Endgame, but I won't share it with you to avoid getting a spoiler. You've talked in interviews/answers before about Roy and Jade having to get married off-screen in order for CN to approve Lian being born. Were there any story-lines of similar controversial topics that you and Brandon had planned that could have created tensions between you and the network?
2) I recently rewatched JLU, specifically JLU's season 1, and I noticed a striking similarity in the way the format works there and the masterfully-crafted interwoven network of plot-lines of YJ. It seemed like you may have been inspired by that format where there were several stories being told all at the same time, as opposed to other shows that have a more episodic nature (like the first JL cartoon, before JLU). Was it a conscious decision to draw heavily from that idea, or was it something that just happened independently?
Thank you for a wonderful show.
Greg responds...
1. None spring to mind at the moment. We didn't have a lot of fights with S&P.
2. I haven't seen all that much of JLU. (Started to when we were in the development phase, but ran out of time once pre-production got started. [I'm really not much of a binge watcher. The most of any show I can stand to watch in any one sitting - no matter how good it is - is two episodes, and for me, even that's pushing it.]) The way we plotted YJ is really more in line with the way I've done other series in the past, such as The Spectacular Spider-Man and Gargoyles. And all of that goes back to lessons learned from reading and writing comic books, and, of course, from Hill Street Blues.
A Flash Fan writes...
Hi Greg,
On a slightly different note...
1. Do you watch/like the TV series "The Big Bang Theory"?
2. As you may know (if you've seen or heard about the show) some scenes in some episodes take place in a comic book store. Now I am not that much of a regular viewer but one time in an episode in the comic book store in the background on the racks was a copy of one of the Young Justice comic books! It must have been from a while back because I believe it was either issue #0 or #2. So I'm sorry I don't know the exactness but if I find out I'd let you know (or do you already know?)
3. I ask because I wonder if you are in some entitled to something because your comic book appeared on a TV show. Do you know if there should be some sort of payment or recognition for people whose work appears in such a manner due to copyright material?
4. Do you know or would you know someplace I could be directed about copyright issues? Like say I want to use the Flash in a comic strip; some people would say it's fine, but does credit need to be given to DC Comics or do I have to get permission from DC to use him? Or say I want to take a clip of the Flash from one of the YJ episodes; again should DC be consulted? Do you think the same thing would go for stores?
5. What's been your experience with issues like these? Say you might have wanted in one of your shows for characters to enter a Starbucks; do you have to ask permission from said company first?
Thanks a lot Greg!
Greg responds...
1. Yes and yes.
2. I'd heard, but I hadn't noticed it myself. So I missed seeing the issue/episode.
3. DC owns all that. They don't have to pay me for using it as a prop.
4. Personally, I'd avoid using someone else's property in your work, period. But I'm no lawyer. And, no, I don't know where to direct you to research this.
5. I would pretty much NEVER do that. At most, I'd do a pastiche, like the FOREVER 16 SUBURBAN OUTFITTERS (instead of FOREVER 21 and URBAN OUTFITTERS) that appeared in Young Justice #0.
simone writes...
Do you think if I call cartoon network on a regular and complain about how unfair they are for taking down YJ before we was able to have a 3rd/4th/5th season but yet they have all these other shows like bakugan still coming on.? Im not trying to down play them but seriously. ?! Why that play all the time but yet there is never a rerun of YJ .?? It came on on Saturday and Sunday morning. ..that's it.! I wouldn't blame the ratings if its so low.. who really wakes up at 8 or 9 to watch that show (could have came on at 10, not sure since it been so long) unless they know it was going to play that time.?
And that's another thing.. how is anybody suppose to know is there was gonna be another season if y'all don't advertise it.? I realized that y'all didn't do that for the 2nd season or if you was gonna have one (unless I looked it up on Google or something). There was times were I didn't know if a show was coming on that Saturday morning and I would have woke up for nothing ... just upset and sad.. I think that's another reason why y'all did not have that many ratings... we never really knew when it would come on unless we look it up. Please answer ... I really wanna know
Greg responds...
I've lost track of exactly what question you "really wanna know" the answer for. So I'll try to comment on what I can.
I think we can all agree that the series didn't receive as much promotion as we might have liked. Frankly, no show I've ever worked on has ever received as much promotion as I would have liked. None. (Although Star Wars Rebels may be the exception. Lucasfilm has quite the machine up and running to create buzz.) That's just the way things go in a business where promoting an animated series is an additional expense that most networks have decided they can't afford.
Whether you like Bakugan or not, keep in mind it's an acquisition, not an original series. It's considerably cheaper because the U.S. network doesn't have to pay for production, only for a license fee to air it in America.
Calling CN to complain daily does NOT sound like a good plan. Imagine if someone did that to you?
Anonymous writes...
hi greg quick question ive just watched justice league war and I noticed some of the characters (T.O. Morrow Dr. Serling Roquette) have a striking resemblance to your own in young justice designs, his has also happened in the past in flashpoint paradox with kaldur, garath and tula.
so my question is
1) Do Dc just take your staffs work/designs since they own the characters or is it stored on some archive other projects can have access to.
2) also do you get some say in the matter? or compensation for the use of your work?
3) since dc seems to like copying your work so much why are they so reluctant to do a direct to dvd film to finish of young justice?
I hope you are allowed to answer and thank you in advance if you do
Greg responds...
1. I really don't know the answer, but I have a question: isn't Phil Bourassa the character designer on all these projects? If so, maybe it's Phil himself who is borrowing from himself or simply that what he's doing is similar for both.
2. It's not MY work. I can't draw stick figures with any competency. And, no, no say. Not that I need say.
3. Apples and oranges. One thing has nothing to do with another.
Jackson writes...
1. Have you seen the Disney movies Tangled or Frozen?
2. If so, what did you think of them, and how do you think they compare to the other Disney movies?
Greg responds...
1. Yes and yes.
2. I enjoyed both but neither moved me as much as some of the older films did. I still like 101 Dalmations, Great Mouse Detective, Little Mermaid and Aladdin more. I do wonder if I find CGI distancing in a way that I don't find traditional cell animation. That seems ridiculous. And the odds are what I'm really responding to is not the type of animation but the script. But I do wonder.
Algernon writes...
I know you've said before that you've never read any Lovecraft. But I wonder if you've ever tried any of Robert E. Howard's works or Robert W. Chambers' "King in Yellow" stories. And if so, what did you think of them?
Greg responds...
Long ago, I read a few of Robert E. Howard's Conan stories. (And I read many of Marvel's Conan and Kull and Red Sonja comics.)
I remember liking Howard enough, but clearly not enough to keep reading.
I've never read Chambers.
I have seen True Detective.
Blizzard Sprite writes...
Hello, Mr. Weisman.
I hope you had a Happy New Year. Here is to 2014 being a year of prosperity and success. I had questions about some lesser known book series.
1. Have you ever read a series of books known collectively as Everworld? They were a set of twelve books written by the author K.A. Applegate and published between 1999 and 2001. If so, did you enjoy reading them and being immersed in the story?
2. Have you ever read a series of books known collectively as Spooksville? They were a set of twenty-four books written by author Christopher Pike and published between 1995 and 1999. If so, did you think they were a good read?
a. Have you seen the television series based off of the Spooksville book series? If so, what is your opinion about the program? And if you have read the books, do you think that they adhere closely to the material in the books or go in a different direction?
Thank you for your time.
Greg responds...
1. Nope.
2. Nope. (Is that Christopher Pike the former Captain of the Enterprise?!)
2a. I haven't seen the TV series either, I'm afraid. But my buddy Jim Krieg and many more of my favorite writers have worked on it. So I'm betting it's great!
Uehara writes...
Have you watched Neon Genesis Evangelion? I was just struck by a lot of similarities Superboy had to the Clone Rei Ayanami, the white outfit, the alien/human hybrid, labeled inferior by others because of his clone status, the manipulation by a equivalent of a father figure to further his goals and the moon motif. But I'm pretty sure Lex still is a better father figure than Gendo Ikari.
Greg responds...
I think I saw the first episode back in the late nineties when I was working at DreamWorks. My memories are extremely vague. If it had any influence on Young Justice and/or Superboy, it would have to be entirely subconscious on my end. Can't speak for other members of the YJ crew, of course.
Anonymous writes...
As a writer, what, in your opinion, is the reason that every child born to a major character in DC comics is killed-off, ret-conned into having different parents or out of existance entirly, or aged?
Think about it. Aquaman's son...dead. Wonder Woman's daugher...ret-conned to not even be hers. Batman's daughter...ret-coned out (albeit braught back, but now from a different reality). Batman's son...killed by his own clone. Arsenal's daughter, who had the potential to become a great character someday...dead. Flash(Wally)'s twins...first dead, then aged. And the list goes on.
Is it supposed to be common practice among comic writers so that they can maintain a static universe where the hero doesn't age over the years & a baby would force the story into progressing?
The main reason I quit reading comics is because it seemed that as soon as any characer was even beginning to progress, a new writer would come along and revert everything back to when they were a fan, including ignoring or killing off any other character that wasnt there back then, including children.
Greg responds...
I think you've basically answered your own question.
One additional factor: I know "writing" a baby or even a toddler or young child is tough. (Teens are relatively easy by comparison.) And weighing a character down with a child who is too young to fend for his or herself is always a challenge. The alternative of giving the lead a spouse or co-parent to help out, creates an entire family unit that imposes additional challenges for the lone wolf superhero archetype to overcome - once you've gotten past the endless "My family is in danger" stuff. So it's a writerly challenge, as well.
Now, that kind of content interests me tremendously. But when faced with pressure to keep heroes static and angsty and troubled, and couple that with the inherent difficulties of writing the character with ongoing familial relationships - and as you noted, the feeling that a new writer or editor might have that they want a shot at writing the character in his or her pristine, unencumbered form, and you can see why the trend exists.
But personally, it's a trend I despair of.
Soraya writes...
Hi! Hope all is well and that Rain of Ghosts is selling well (I'm reading it on my tablet and it's awesome so far!) anyways a question I've wanted to ask for a while now was is the title for The Usual Suspects in season one of Young Justice in reference to the movie?
Thank you!
Greg responds...
If you mean Casablanca, yes. If you mean The Usual Suspects, not really, though of course THAT is also a reference to Casablanca.
Glad you're enjoying Rain. Hopefully now, you're done and have written a review on Amazon? Huh? Huh? ;)
btgr writes...
Something I just want to let you know:
Ever since I've watched the Disney movie Frozen, I can never take any DC Comics ice villains seriously anymore. It's all because of the constant use of ice puns.
Greg responds...
Careful, an Ice Pun can knock you out at twenty paces.
CTD
Harlan Phoenix writes...
I have a few questions about some of your unmade projects that've been mentioned in passing. Hopefully you'll be at liberty to discuss these, but I'd understand if not.
1. On a panel about developing television animation, you'd mentioned that your and Brandon Vietti's Green Lantern development "didn't even have the same lead [character]" as Green Lantern: The Animated Series. Though I'm very happy with how that show turned out, as it was left in very capable hands, I'm curious. Who was the lead in your Green Lantern development?
2. I was also surprised to hear you'd worked on a Space Ghost, as he's my favorite superhero. Though it didn't seem like you developed it for long, what was the general tone you and Vietti were pushing toward with that series?
2b.What was the cast like?
3. You mention working on a Thundercats reboot here (http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?qid=14819). Was it the infamous "rock band" development of the series, or a different one entirely?
4. At Dreamworks, you'd developed Small Soldiers: The Animated Series. Was the show meant to be a series about the continuing battle between the toys or was it going to be a show that used the mythology behind the toys (the battle between the Gorgonites and the Commando Elite) as the basis for its stories?
Greg responds...
1. Charlie Vickers. Though pretty much every Earth Lantern you can think of would have gotten in there eventually. (Plus a lot of extra-terrestrial Lanterns, as well.) Hal would have had a prominent role in the pilot.
2. Space Ghost is also a favorite of mine. General tone: action, mystery, fun. Lots of HB action characters, including another of my personal favorites: the Herculoids.
3. So long ago... Might have been a rock band though my one episode didn't feature that as an element. It was for Duane Capizzi, if that helps narrow it down.
4. Even LONGER ago. But both, I think.
Diversity
Diversity in pop culture has always been an issue that concerns me greatly. I've tried to do my share to increase diversity on series like Gargoyles, W.I.T.C.H., The Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice.
Now, that I've entered the world of publishing, my sister Robyn brought this article to my attention:
The article asks valid questions, and - yes, to toot my own horn - I'm going to provide at least a piece of the answer with my new books, Rain of the Ghosts and Spirits of Ash and Foam. Both feature protagonists of color. Rain Cacique is Native American, as is her grandfather Sebastian Bohique. Her best friends are Charlie Dauphin, who's African American and Miranda Guerrero, who is Hispanic-American. Many - if not most - of the other characters are also of color. This reflects the Caribbean setting of the novels, i.e. the fictional Ghost Keys and the actual mythology of that region.
The books are available here:
http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791
and here:
I urge you to check them out, and to suggest them at schools and libraries.
Kenny McCormick writes...
Thoughts about Black Spider-Man? Heard anything about him?
Greg responds...
It's all about execution, which I have not seen. So no, no thoughts.
Michael Chabon knows Gargoyles
So in my car, I've been listening to the audio book of Michael Chabon's novel: TELEGRAPH AVENUE, read by the amazing Clarke Peters (of THE WIRE and TREME). I'm a little over halfway through the book, which is set (largely) in a used record store in Oakland in 2008 and revolves around a diverse cast of characters. It's full of all sorts of pop cutlure references, but I was still pretty stunned when suddenly the narrator starts talking about GARGOYLES. Not generic gargoyles, but our GARGOYLES televsion series.
I was going to try to cut and paste the section here, but Amazon won't allow that. So you can check it out yourself here: http://www.amazon.com/Telegraph-Avenue-Novel-Michael-Chabon/dp/006149335X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=09RDPEC6XPYS8K9E3CQR
Or better yet, buy the book. I haven't finished listening to it yet, but so far it's definitely worth the price of admission.
The GARGOYLES' references begin on or about p. 293. (At least on the Amazon Look Inside function.) It's all pretty cool, and very specific. Though Keith David isn't mentioned by name, Goliath is, and his amazing voice is referenced, along with Goliath's backstory, etc. The character seems to have been part of a significant moment in the life of Julie Jaffe, one of the many protagonists of Chabon's book.
Chabon's written many books, including two particular favorites of mine: THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY and THE YIDDISH POLICEMEN'S UNION. So the fact that our little series registers with him is fairly gratifying.
Anthony Tini writes...
[Dexter Spoilers]
Well Dexter is over and I was very disappointed with the ending. If the series had ended with Dexter driving into the storm, then I would have been fine, but the whole lumberjack scene and the final season, in general, was horrible. I thought the characters acted very out of character. Of course there were exceptions to the rule and I thought Charlotte Rampling did a great job as Evelyn Vogel. Unfortunately, the story/writing was too convoluted for me to really enjoy her character but her acting was some of the best the show has ever seen.
In my opinion, this season didn't do anything to add to the overall story of Dexter, but I can't put all the blame on it. The show hasn't been up to the same caliber it once was. I really loved the first four seasons, but the last four didn't do the show justice. Sadly, it won't be a series I will recommend to anyone.
What did you think of the final season? What are your thoughts of the series as a whole?
Greg responds...
[Dexter Spoilers]
Personally, I enjoyed every season of Dexter to one degree or another, even this last one. It's hard to top the first season and the Lithgow season, of course, but I don't think that any of the other seasons were bad or even weak - except relative to those two stellar seasons.
There was a lot of great stuff in the final season, I thought, but it was highly flawed. And the last episode was, I agree, extremely disappointing. (And the fact that Breaking Bad's last episode was brilliant and perfect, didn't help poor Dexter in comparison.)
The main problem in the last season was the Brain Surgeon. There was good build-up, but he wound up being very uninteresting. Charlotte Rampling was great, as you noted, but her son wound up being bland. And bland is just no good for a series finale.
I also had a huge problem - not so much with Deb's death (though it did seem like too easy an out to me), but with the fairly ridiculous conclusions that Dexter drew from it, and the choices he made following it. Dexter had grown as a person through the seasons, so the backsliding at the end was horribly anti-climactic.
And there were other disappointments too. I had for years felt certain that the original showrunners were building toward the major revelation that Harry was Dexter's biological father. And that Dexter's brother was in fact his half-brother - and that Deb was his half-sister. Even now, I find it impossible to believe that that was not the original plan. So for me, the fact that that thread never played out was infuriating.
But again, I liked Dexter from the first episode to the second to last episode. And I would recommend the series to anyone who likes that sort of thing.
Harlan Phoenix writes...
The Wizard of Oz references in Gargoyles are among my favorites when it comes to your various literary sources. My all time favorite literary allusion in Gargoyles comes from issues 3-5 of Clan Building, where Lexington's "post-modern Tin Man" is the very cyborg visage he possessed when losing his heart in the Future Tense scenario.
Given that the original book is in the public domain, was there any thought ever given to how the events of the Wizard of Oz related to the Gargoyles Universe?
Greg responds...
Like Frankenstein, I mostly thought in terms of references, rather than working the story into actual continuity. But you never know...
Anonymous writes...
I know you said before that the New 52 has no effect on what goes on with "Young Justice," and to be honest confuses me still. I mean if the events of "Flashpoint" changes the entire history of the mainstream DC universe, then wouldn't that create some kind of domino effect that affects all other parallel Earths (including Earth-16) in some way or another, no matter how big or small that change could be? I mean, isn't the DC multiverse considered to be like a pyramid or a tree and the mainstream DC universe (Prime Earth) is the one that hold it all together in place?
Greg responds...
Oh, I see what you're asking. But I don't know how to answer THAT. Previously, I was asked whether the New 52 altered the production of YJ and/or influenced the creative choices we made, and it did not - because we were way too far along in production by the time we even knew the New 52 was coming, let alone by the time we had potential access to any of its creative content.
What it means IN-MULTIVERSE is a question that I guess you'd have to ask the folks at DC.
In my mind, it changed nothing. I would think that Earth-16 is still Earth-16, as Brandon and I envisioned it. But then again, I haven't had the chance to read Flashpoint, and the only New 52 issue I've read is the first issue of Justice League, so I'm very far from being an expert on the subject.
A fan from far away writes...
Hi Greg!
I'm a huge fan girl of YJ from Singapore. I really love your show and hope to see more seasons if possible.
My favorite character in the show is Artemis, she really struck me in season 1 and her tenure as Tigress in Season 2 was really impressive. So I would like to ask a few questions about her.
1) What served as your inspiration for creating her?
2) Are any of her character traits inspired by strong female characters from other sources? Cos I noticed that she was rather similar to some of my other favorite ladies, such as Katniss Everdeen from Hunger Games, Eponine from Les Miserables, Mulan, Ravager (Deathstroke's daughter), to name a few.
3) How abusive was Sportsmaster? Cos I figured he had to be pretty bad to his girls for Jade to pack up and abandon her younger sister.
4) Unrelated but... Will YJ be translated into Chinese? I'm ethnic Chinese and I would love to know their Chinese names.
Thanks for looking through my queries, though they may have been answered. Thank you for giving us fans a really wonderful show while it lasted!
Greg responds...
1. The DC Comics character.
2. Well, I'm not familiar with Katniss. I mean, obviously, I've heard of her, but I haven't read the books or seen the movies. I'm only passingly familiar with Ravager, though we had plans for her in YJ, given enough seasons. I would have done more research on her before bringing her in, of course. I don't really see much Mulan in Artemis, other than the fairly generic notion of a woman in combat. So that just leaves Eponine. And I can indeed see a bit of Eponine in Artemis. But if so, I wasn't conscious of the influence at the time.
3. He was emotionally and verbally abusive. He was not sexually abusive. It's debatable whether or not you'd consider him physically abusive. He didn't beat them. But he did endless combat drills with them, and they took punishment from him. Given that he was a full-grown man and they were young girls, it's absolutely fair to say he was physically abusive.
4. No idea.
Laura 'as astra' Sack writes...
And now for something completely different...
You mentioned you wrote a few episodes of Octonauts. My daughter loves that show. (Catchy tune… and who would have thought there was such a thing as a blob fish?) As far as I noticed the credits only list the head writer.
1. Which episodes did you pen?
2. Did they by chance explain what exactly Turnip and kitchen crew are?
3. On a less frivolous note-
I was thinking about shows like Octonauts or Doc McStuffins or Dora or Little Einsteins or etc, the shows aimed young, as opposed to the shows my kids think are on screen for them but are really for Mommy, like the action plot shows, or the crazy clever ones like Phinias and Ferb. Ironically, a lot of the little kid shows are in a way more realistic because they center on smaller things- "3 simple steps to tying your shoe" or being worried how your old and new friends will get along at your first big sleepover party. The fact that a panda is teaching you to tie that shoe, or you are now a princess in a castle and that's why you have old and new friends to invite to the castle is not something that needs particular explanation. And without having to explain those things you can leave the world gentle.
As you get older you require a setting to make the fantastic events explainable. You can cling to a wall? Radioactive spider! You put on a suit and fight crime from the shadows? You're a rich orphan with a mission to protect the world from suffering as you did! You're a giant scary looking flying 'monster' with the soul of a poet wandering around Manhattan? You a magically time lost nearly lone survivor of a horrible betrayal of a near extinct species! (And you can only glide, not fly!) In order to explain why your heroes act as they do, whole worlds are dreamt up in which the hero's action is logical. The fantastical setting makes the actions in them realistic or at least self-consistent. A side effect of that is to introduce a dark element into the world- parental units are murdered, crime or war is at the door, etc
Which leads me to the dilemma: When, in your opinion, do you begin to transition a small child from the world of Octonauts to the world of Young Justice? (Transition isn't the best word, since you can go on watching the old stuff.) It's not a question of comprehension. Kids can understand an awful lot. The question is; when do you make your child's world less gentle? When my eldest saw the TiVo grabbed an episode of Batman she wanted to watch it. With my luck it's the episode with the amnesia girl who turns out to have started out as a piece of Clayface. Great episode. It ends when she rescues Robin and gets reabsorbed. The show explicitly calls it a murder. Then I got to explain how it is murder, what is murder, to a 3 or 4 year old. What fun! I look forward to watching Gargoyles with her, but not it being her introduction to what a massacre is. ("Well it's just like what happened to your great grandparents...") It's not that you plan on sheltering forever, but small children deserve to be sheltered, and sometimes parents are better as the zone of shelter rather than source of disturbing imagery.
Yes, there is another set of cartoons that avoid the dilemma- she loves Tom & Jerry. But frankly, I can say- 'Wow you could really hurt someone if you did that in real life- but isn't it funny when it's fake? Isn't it funny how everyone overreacts!" And then I'm done. Watching Tom getting hit in the face by a rake doesn't make her life less gentle. Explaining why Tye Longfeather left home would.
There are parallels as kids get older. Harry Potter is age appropriate to whatever age Harry is in the book. So you give an 11 year old book 1. If your 11 year old is a reader he or she will want to tear through the series and might be at the last book before turning 12. The last book is appropriate for a 17 year old. Or as my friend complained that it is frustrating to have so many comics she can't share with her 13 year old - it's not that he isn't going to be reading things with mild sexual imagery, (or not so mild; she was considering starting reading Saga), but maybe it's best he not get it directly from mom. She knows he'd love Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, but he doesn't want to start the series only to stop before the 4th book with the aerial sex scene.
At least I only have to worry about it once : The younger one will see everything too early over her sister's shoulder :}
I guess this isn't so much a question as a ramble, but I was wondering your thoughts on the matter.
Greg responds...
1. My episodes haven't aired yet.
2. They seem to go out of their way NOT to explain. ;)
3. I may not be the right guy to ask. My kids grew up on Simpsons in utero. I remember watching Dexter with my 15-year-old daughter and realizing what a bad parent I must be. (And yet, I have great, great kids despite this.)
My kids learned at an early age how to figure out murder mysteries on television (hint: casting plays a major role), how to expect and anticipate surprises, etc. (We've evolved a system of high-fives when one of us correctly guesses a surprise revelation in advance.) They're fairly sophisticated television watchers. But that doesn't mean they didn't have their time with Barney and Friends. They did. But they probably graduated earlier than most. And there was a ton of overlap.
I myself had a television in my room literally from infancy - as my mother placed televisions in nearly every room of the house for her sake - with no restrictions on what I could watch. So I've always let my kids tell me (mostly) what was appropriate and inappropriate. NOTE: I'm NOT recommending this approach. Just explaining why I'm unqualified to judge.
But I have always believed that kids can handle/fathom more than is traditionally believed. If YOU feel good about (for example) Young Justice's moral center - than I personally don't think there's anything particularly problematic in the series, and that includes the reason Tye ran away from home. Teachable moments are worthwhile - even necessary (though perhaps that's unfortunate) - at even the youngest age, particularly in the world we live in today.
So I don't think it's too soon for your kids to watch Gargs or SpecSpidey or WITCH or YJ assuming it holds their attention and assuming you watch WITH them. But again, I'm no expert on parenting. So follow my lead at your children's peril.
Vincent writes...
Bioshock infinite you playing it?/out tonight
Greg responds...
I don't know what those words mean...
Todd Jensen writes...
This question was inspired by your mention of recently visiting a "Doctor Who" convention.
One of the episodes of the revived series (written by Neil Gaiman), had the Doctor getting to speak to the TARDIS when its essence is temporarily transferred into a human body, and saying "You never got me where I wanted to go". To which the TARDIS replies, "But I always took you where I needed to be". I wondered, if you'd seen that episode, what you thought of that exchange, which echoes Avalon's properties in "Gargoyles" down to the wording.
Greg responds...
I've seen it. It was cool. But I'm not feeling like we were copied or anything.
Brella writes...
Hello!
Not a very significant question here, but I couldn't help noticing as I was watching Young Justice that there were a few little references to the film "Casablanca." I really, really love that movie, and I loved the recurring callbacks to it - the episode entitled "Usual Suspects," the exchange in "Insecurity" of "At least a kiss is still a kiss," "And a sai is just a sai!", and (though this one's a bit more tenuous) the whole "We'll always have Paris" implication that was in "Endgame."
It's just really great stuff. I guess I've been wondering for quite a while what the inspiration or reasoning was behind it, or if it was just for fun, or just a coincidence; I dunno! They were all great little Easter eggs and made me smile whenever they'd pop up.
YJ is (was) a spectacular series and really changed my life, no joke! Thank you so, so much for sharing it with all of us (and for taking the time to answer fan questions; wow).
Greg responds...
I'm a huge fan of the movie. Slipped a visual reference to it into Gargoyles even. But I don't think there was much of a plan here. Some of its dialogue has simply slipped into the vernacular.
KenRD writes...
Im interested in reading your book Rain of Ghosts because of my respect and fondness of you as a storyteller. I have yet to pre-order it however because I have not yet been able to find a summary for the story, so I was wondering if you had any idea when the details would start comming out?
Speaking of books what are your favorite authors?
My favorite is Sir Terry Pratchett, have you read any of his books? If not I would always recommend them as he has such and interesting take on the world and twists things in the most wonderful way.
Greg responds...
By now, I hope you've seen the synopses of RAIN OF THE GHOSTS on Amazon and here.
My favorite authors are William Shakespeare and William Faulkner. I'm also a fan of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, and many others.
I've never read Pratchett.
My genre of choice tends to be detective fiction. Among my favorites in that arena are the works of Ross MacDonald, Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, James M. Cain, Maj Sjöwall & Per Wahlöö, Michael Connelly, Walter Mosely, Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle.
DanM writes...
Hey there Greg, 1 - how are you?
DanM again here, I'd like to thank you for spending your time to answer my questions. Much appreciated.
I know quite a bit from the comics' market, industry and its works, and used to assume that it wasn't that much different from the animation universe. But your answer really enlightened me a lot about it. For instance it never crossed my mind that being a Producer would earn you nothing, financially speaking, this certainly made the level of respect I already had of you go way up to the stratosphere! And thank you for that! To me that doesn't just show how much you care for your stories and characters but also to you fans. Really man, thank you very much!
Said that, I do know that the characters and the show itself are not your property to do as you please, I just thought that you might have certain leverage w/ the guys at DC comics, you know, seeing how awesome and well received, for the comic fans, your work has been. I've gotta say that so far the New 52, for me at least, has been ok… w/ one or another good story popping up. But YJ bests them all easy. Seeing how Geoff Johns went on board w/ Ivan Reis to do that new Aquaman title, when the character wasn't really in DC's plan at all (That I DO know for a fact). It was really a shocker to me that he did not sign you to keep working w/ DC, you know w/ him being said to be the Chief Creative Officer and all. Especially when I could see the same kind of treatment both of you gave the characters. Well anyways, I'm really sorry your pitches didn't really hit jackpot, like I've said before I would certainly enjoy them.
And perhaps we all are mourning a bit more than it is healthy, but if the Teen Titans show is coming back, then to me there is still a chance for YJ too. Just hope that that chance doesn't come without you and/or your team.
I really wish you the best of luck on your upcoming novel and of course your work hunt, I'm sure it won't take long for you to land your next solid gig man! And as soon as Rain hits the shelves here in Brasil, you can count I'll definitely do my part to make sure you're properly rewarded. That's the least I can do for all your work in YJ, which gave me and the family lot of good times.
Just so not to miss this opportunity here are a few more questions:
2 - Could I send you my copy for you to sign? (That is when I get it, of course).
3 - Do you work with movie scripts also?
4 - What do you think of Tolkien's work? Have a favorite?
That's all for now… Once again, thanks!!!
Greg responds...
1. I'm good.
1a. I clearly have no leverage at all.
2. I'm sorry. I don't give out my personal address. But I come to many fan conventions throughout the year. Maybe you could get it signed at one of those.
3. I've never had one of my scripts made into a movie, but I've tried.
4. I'm a fan of THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS.
btgr writes...
Have you heard that Karl Urban is starring in a JJ Abrams TV show called "Human"?
Greg responds...
No.
Matthew writes...
Since you are a big Shakespeare fan, I thought to ask if you've read A Midsummer Tempest by Poul Anderson? It's set in a world where all of Shakespeare's plays really happened?
Greg responds...
No. And I won't, so as not to crowd my head with other folks' ideas. Sounds really cool, though. We were trying to accomplish the same thing (among other things) on Gargoyles.
Nevets22 writes...
If you had worked on the shows "American Dragon: Jake Long" or "Teen Titans", what would you have done differently?
Greg responds...
No idea.
Whedonite writes...
I loved your Spectacular Spider-Man TV series. It was far by the BEST interpretation I've seen of Spdier-Man in any of the movies/Televison
1. have you seen The Amazing Spider-Man? Did you notice the little elements they used from SpecSpidey? Like the satchel and the blue shirt? What are your thoughts on that?
2. Would you work on a Spider-Man or a MARVEL show in general again?
Greg responds...
1. I don't know if it's fair to cite the blue shirt. I mean, it's a blue shirt. You might as well say "shirt". Even the satchel is pushing it. I did notice little things that seemed to come from our series, but the operative word is SEEMED. Everyone is working off the same source material, so the notion that two groups of creators might independently come up with similar approaches makes a lot of sense.
2. I'd love to. I love those characters. All Marvel has to do is ask.
Feedback writes...
Regarding Dexter, I still think Deb poisoned herself. I think having Hannah admit it was her was the actual red herring.
Hannah took the blame because Dexter had already betrayed her. What's done is done. Dexter wouldn't have believed her even if she said the truth. Why even bring it up?
She was already planning her escape. She doesn't need Dexter's help or acceptance. Now that she escaped, I'm guessing she will get revenge on Dexter, and when Dexter finds out about Deb's deception, it will be a turning point in the 8th season. You think this is plausible or do you think I'm reading too much into it?
P.S. I loved the season, but I would have liked to see a little more development on the fact that Debra helped Dexter kill Jordan Chase. Dexter should have brought it up every time she complained about his killing.
Greg responds...
That thought has crossed my mind too.
Liam writes...
Hello Mr. Weisman,
Sorry to hear about Young Justice not being renewed for a third season. I really enjoyed its entire run, just as I enjoyed the two seasons your previous shows were given. I look forward to the next two we get as well.
I'm kidding, of course; I certainly hope you get more than two seasons in whatever project you work on next. It is frustrating, however, that shows of the caliber that you produce are consistently robbed of a longer run. No matter what happens in the future, I know your fans can rely on you to give us some quality entertainment.
On that note, consider your book bought, by the way. I very much look forward to reading it.
My question to you is this: Have you gotten a chance to see the film Cloud Atlas? I ask mainly because Keith David has a few supporting roles in it, which i found very enjoyable. From my own family and friends' reactions to it, I'd say it is rather a "hate-it-or-love-it" film, but I liked it, and I'd think you might, too.
Thank you, and good luck.
Greg responds...
I didn't see it. I did read the book some time ago. There was a lot I loved about it, but a few things I had problems with. Enough that I didn't run out to see the movie.
Anonymous writes...
For real? Young Justice is being replaced by Teen Titans, Go...For real?
A much as the fans may feel like theyre getting slaped in the face so some three year olg can get a good giggle...you must feel like Cartoon Network just took a big ole' dump on your face...
As much as I'm sad that YJ is almost over, I feel 10 times worse for you. I mean, I know youll go on to create something else prpbably just as incredible that we'll all fall in love with...but...for real? Teen Titans, Go. For REAL?!
Which imbicil(s) at CN that decided this should be fired and never allowed to work in television again.
Greg responds...
Wow, such pleasant imagery.
Anyway, I'd give TTG a chance. I haven't seen it, but there are some great people working on it. It's not meant to replace YJ, nor is it even vaguely meant to be the same kind of show. But that doesn't mean it won't be terrific in its own way.
Anonymous writes...
If each member of the Team on Young Justice were to be replaced with a character from Marvel Comics (regardless of which universe they are from) who would act as their potential equivalents (in terms of similar skills/abilities), who would they be and why (in one sentence per character)?
Greg responds...
Why are you asking me this?
If this is an exercise that interests you, go for it. But I have no inside information on something so arbitrary.
Guys, please, I appreciate that you want to have fun with these kinds of things, but that's not what ASK GREG is for. Creating make-work for me - because, I can only assume, you think I'll enjoy it - is not going to get a positive response here. And all it really does is clog the queue.
CGYJ writes...
Hello, Mr. Greg Weisman,
I thought I might want to let you know about this. It's seem kind of funny when I think about it.
It seems that anything DC Comics-related is recently making the strange use of the number 5.
How do I know this? Well, to recap things:
A. Following the events of the DC universe-changing Flashpoint on 2011, it is stated that the age of heroes began FIVE years prior to the present day (which would be about 2006).
B. The first issue of "Earth 2," which was released on May 2012, also took place FIVE years prior to the present day (which is about 2007), and then the rest of the series takes place in the present day.
C. The time-skip between Seasons One and Two of Young Justice was FIVE whole years, a period of time of which whatever happened to our heroes (both old and new) remains mostly a mystery (probably about 90% unsolved by my guesstimate)...
D. Recently, DC Comics has just started a prequel comic for the upcoming video game called "Injustice: Gods Among Us" which will comic out in April. The first chapter (which was released digitally) came out the week prior to the date of this posting (on a Tuesday). The events of the prequel comic happens to take place FIVE years prior to the events of the game.
Does it seem like a coincidence that the number 5 is being used in such a manner by DC Comics?
Thanks for taking the time to read this posting. I'm interested to hear your opinions.
CGYJ
Greg responds...
It seems like five is a nice round number for a time skip.
Clark Cradic writes...
You said that Macbeth found the play bearing his name to be rather amusing in how it got most about him wrong. What do you think his view on the Highlander film would have been?
Greg responds...
I think he would have found the notion of Sean Connery playing an Egyptian Spaniard, while Christopher Lambert played a Scottish Highlander, hilarious.
Eclectic Emma Ellason writes...
Hi Greg,
I have no idea if this has been asked or answered before but, have you read/watched the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling? And if so, what Hogwarts Houses do you think the Team (2010 and 2016) belong to?
It's okay if you aren't that knowledgeable about it and don't want to delve into that specificity, but I - as a fan - am just curious. :) Love your shows!
Greg responds...
1. I have read all seven books (and the Deathly Hallows follow-up), listened to all seven books-on-tape and seen all eight movies.
2. Your guess is as good as mine.
LOVE AND CAPES
I should have posted this days ago, but I just want to strongly recommend Volume 4 of LOVE AND CAPES (subtitled "What to Expect") by Thomas F. Zahler.
I'm a huge fan of Thom's work, and this book is just great.
I wrote the introduction to the volume, so I won't repeat it here, but I will say that this saga of super-heroes and romance just keeps getting better and better. Other fans include Mark Waid and Kurt Busiek, two of the best writers in comics.
You should really check it out.
Tyler Chun writes...
Hi Greg, as a big fan of your work, Id love to hear your opinions on certain films I love:
-Terminator 2
-Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula
-Fight Club
-Silence of the Lambs
-The Shawshank Redemption
Hope to hear from you soon and thank you
Greg responds...
Terminator 2 - Best movie ever!!
Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula - Did not once induce uncomfortable snickers!
Fight Club - I've seen it!!
Silence of the Lambs - Did not care for the lambs.
The Shawshank Redemption - Was that the one with Dingo, Matrix, Yama and Fang?
Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.
Donna writes...
hi!
Is it a possibility that you can make a comic out of the Steam Lantern storyline/Universe?
Greg responds...
Me? The YJ guy? Um. I suppose anything's possible, but (a) that wasn't my story or my series, so (b) I have no connection to it other than being a viewer who enjoyed that particular episode of GLTAS, which suggests that (c) I wouldn't be the guy to pitch it to DC, and in any case (d) it's not at all up to me.
A Flash Fan writes...
These 2 are related...
1. While on the topic of inspirations I have a question about your series Gargoyles. When it originally came out I really don't remember it because I was really young, but I did always know of its existence. When I learned that you, who are producer of YJ, also created Gargoyles I was motivated to watch the series and I am doing so know (soon I hope to see SSM too!). It is very interesting and I really like your character portrayals and interesting plots. Now the question I have about inspiration is did you derive anything of Gargoyles from the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series, and if so what? I apologize if the question seems strange, but I notice how both series were produced in the close time frames, they both take place in NYC, and in essence both show are about groups of outcasts by society who in turn fight crime. I think what merely stood out for me is that when I see Elisa Maza and her friendship with the gargoyles it kind of reminds me of April O'Neil and the turtles. Besides there are mutants in both series, most cool stuff happens by night (for the turtles so they won't be seen); Gargoyles because they don't have a choice, etc. Anyway these are the similarities I see and I just wanted your opinion on them.
2. While on the topic of the TMNT, have you seen the new CGI series, and if so what do you think? I think it's a cool adaptation.
Greg responds...
1. Not so much, because as you say, both were being produced at more or less the same time. There may have been some influence in little things, like when we started saying Jalapeña all the time - though the origin of that (as discussed elsewhere) was nevertheless very different. And I won't deny the two series have things in common. But just as often we tried to AVOID having things in common with Turtles. If the series started to veer in that direction, there were plenty of people (Frank Paur, especially) who would make sure to course correct.
2. I haven't seen it - or, frankly, most any version of TMNT. That's not meant as a critical comment. I just haven't had the opportunity.
Marvelman writes...
Who are your favorite legionnaires?
(Mine's Matter-Eater Lad with Arm Fall-Off Boy a close second.)
Greg responds...
Hm. It's been so long since I've read any Legion of Super-Heroes books. Always liked Ultra Boy, I guess. But I liked a LOT of the Legionnaires.
Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...
No question, just wanted to say I noticed your name on the Spiderman 700 cover. (Well, on the Comic News Insider with the full size image of the cover.) It's a nice acknowledgement.
I meant to tack this on to another post but kept forgetting. Since the last time I saw a similar nice reference I took so long to remember I totally forgot I realized I should just post it on it's own. (The last had something to do with either Love & Capes or Lions & Tigers & Bears, but for the life of me I can't remember which or what it was.)
Greg responds...
I'm guessing it was something to do with Love and Capes, which I'm a HUGE fan of, as opposed to Lions & Tigers & Bears, which I'm completely unaware of. (The latter's not a value judgement. I just don't know anything about it.)
The Spidey 700 thing was nice. I feel honored to be included, particularly since I've only ever written half of an issue.
btgr writes...
1. Favourite Simon Pegg movie besides JJ Abrams' Star Trek movies? My favourite is Hot Fuzz.
2. Favourite Karl Urban movie besides JJ Abrams' Star Trek movies? My favourite is Out Of The Blue. Out Of The Blue is a 2006 New Zealand movie that was based on the terrible 1990 Aramoana Massacre. If you do watch the movie on youtube, keep an eye out for a police officer named "Nick Harvey", that is in fact Karl playing that officer. Plus in 2008 Karl won a New Zealand Film and TV Award for his role in that movie.
Greg responds...
1. Um. Well, I haven't seen Hot Fuzz. I'm going to have to probably say Narnia, because I haven't seen a lot of Simon Pegg films.
2. Haven't seen Out of the Blue. I guess The Two Towers.
Clearly, I don't get to the movies very much.
Props to GLTAS
I just want to extend my congratulations to a great season of Green Lantern The Animated Series.
I had no involvement in it, other than as a fan. I watched it every week on DC Nation, and really enjoyed it. And I think their last episode was just killer. I've been really impressed with the work that Jim, Giancarlo, Bruce and the rest of the crew has done all year, and with a core voice cast of Josh Keaton, Kevin Michael Richardson, Jason Spisak and Grey Delisle, it just doesn't get any better.
Obviously, I wish they were making more, but that doesn't change the fact that what they already accomplished was stellar!
Rob In Chicago writes...
Hey Greg,
Once again, you and your team are incredible. Each new episode of YJ is better than the last. I'm sure that you are bummed about the unscheduled hiatus, but I (and I'm sure everybody else who has followed you since Gargoyles) will be there Jan 5th, feeling like it is Christmas morning. Perhaps absence will make the heart grow fonder. But enough of the propers, as I've had a question that I've been wanting to ask you for months.
1) Have you seen Looper? If not I STRONGLY suggest that you do. I would imagine it is right up your ally.
2) If so, I wanted to hear your take on the time travel aspects. How does its interpretation of multi-verse/multiple timelines mesh with your working theory on Gargoyles. You have talked at length about working vs non-working paradoxes. As the movie suggests, "I don't want to talk about time travel because if we start talking about it then we're going to be here all day talking about it, making diagrams with straws." So, let's face it, it isn't an exact science.
2)Obviously, it doesn't hold true to your interpretation, based on the ending (I'm not going to spoil it for anyone here), but do you think that it implies a working or non working paradox? If you see it and are like "WTF?", there is a great piece online, where they actually lay it out with straws that I would suggest.
Just wanted to see if you had checked it out and get your spin.
Thanks once more to you and your team (and The Team) for Young Justice. I have a feeling that it is going to come back to serious fanfare and you'll be answering questions about Bibbo's blood type for years to come. At least I hope so.
Happy New Year! I know this next one will be a big one for you!
P.S. You teased something about Gargoyles a few weeks ago... anything? Just a tiny taste? A morsal for a long time fan?
Greg responds...
1. I have not.
2. (You had two question twos.) But since I haven't seen the movie, I can't respond to either.
P.S. I did? I seriously don't recall. What did I say?
Jakon writes...
Hi greg,
As you worked on spectacular spiderman, i assume that you're a fan of spiderman comics and how do you feel about peter parker's death in the ultimate comics and miles morales taking up the mantle as the new spiderman?
Greg responds...
I haven't read it, so I have no opinion.
Clark Cradic writes...
Do you remember what the first superhero comic you ever read was?
Greg responds...
Nope. It'd be cool if I could though.
Anthony Tini writes...
*** Dexter Season 7 spoilers ***
Hey Greg,
After two lack luster seasons of Dexter, I thought Season 7 had some great writing and I really enjoyed all the call backs to previous events. Most of the episodes had me on the edge of my seat especially during the Dexter/Deb scenes and during the later Dexter/Hannah scenes. I was fairly certain that Deb took a page out of Dexter's book of deception and poisoned herself to frame Hannah. I felt that the writers were building toward the complete corruption of Deb, but I never realized that it would be in the way that it would happen in the finale. I loved how Dexter used Hannah's words on Deb which felt like honesty with a hint of manipulation. The overall theme of the latest season laid the groundwork for the final season while still providing great satisfaction with each plot element. Sadly, the season was not without flaw as while the main characters shined, the minor ones did not get that same opportunity. I really have no idea how the show is going to end and I like that. I want to be surprised. I don't want to see it coming. What did you think?
Thanks for taking the time to respond and good luck with the second half of season 2 of Young Justice: Invasion. Take care.
- Tony
Greg responds...
Well, for starters, I wouldn't agree that the last two seasons of Dexter were lackluster. I enjoyed both thoroughly. But I also thought this season was great. I thought it was structurally VERY odd - with characters building to less (and even more) than you'd expect - and like you, I thought Deb had poisoned herself, but I think that was a red herring that they wanted us to think.
I do wish that in the very last scene, both Dexter and Deb had been wearing a change of clothes, but...
Arthur Lias writes...
This will be risking DELETION huh?S
Spectacular spider-man ended...but it was an awesome show that adapted the great elements about spider-man.I don't have a problem with Ultimate spider-man but your show was amazing,SPECTACULAR even. Also love Young Justice!The five year time skip was surprising but the writing is great.Hope superboy doesn't punch reality;)That would be really surprising.Anyway, in a vain attempt to not get DELETED I will ask a question:
1)How do you feel about 52 joker
2)How about him,um,uh,losing face
Yours questioningly,
A.Lias
Greg responds...
1. Haven't seen it.
2. I don't know what you're referring to.
Pimping John Wells
John Wells, as many of you may have noticed on the credit lists I've posted for Young Justice, has provided invaluable research on the DC Universe for those of us working on the YOUNG JUSTICE comic and television series.
He's written a book: American Comic Book Chronicles: 1960-1964, and he's recently been interviewed by KC Carlson about the book, his secret origins and the work he's done in and for the industry. (Coincidentally, KC was - once upon a time - my associate editor on CAPTAIN ATOM.)
Anyway, here are links to the three-part interview:
http://comicsworthreading.com/2013/02/11/interview-with-john-wells-comic-historian-part-1/
http://comicsworthreading.com/2013/02/12/interview-with-john-wells-comic-historian-part-2/
http://comicsworthreading.com/2013/02/13/interview-with-john-wells-comic-historian-part-3/
Check 'em out! And congratulations, John!
YOUNG JUSTICE: INVASION: EPISODE: 212: "True Colors": Premieres!
YOUNG JUSTICE: INVASION: EPISODE: 212: "True Colors": Premieres!
A new mission! A new Teammate! And a new player in the game!! You won't want to miss our newest episode of Young Justice, premiering on DC NATION this Saturday (and Sunday), January 19th (and 20th) along with a new GREEN LANTERN and more new DC NATION super-hero shorts! Check local listings for times.
And also Saturday night on the SyFy Channel, check out this new original movie: TASMANIAN DEVILS, starring our own Miss Martian, Danica McKellar. That's right, the live-action Danica is kicking some Tasmanian ass and taking some Tasmanian names!!
Meanwhile, for those who have been wondering why I haven't answered many questions recently, here at ASK GREG, it's because I've (a) been out of town on a much needed vacation and (b) been swamped since I got back. I'll try to get back on the horse next week.
the greenman writes...
1) Reading the Stargate bible, have ever considered a Star Trek animated series? I know Paramount is very strict on that property.
2) Will you ever do another series of your own creation?
Thank you very much. Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Greg responds...
1. I'd love to do one, but no one's asked me. (Keep in mind, I was asked to develop Stargate. I don't just go out and independently develop series based on properties that somebody else owns.)
2. Again, I'd love to, but no one's bought anything original that I've pitched in a VERY long time.
Jurgan writes...
I just wanted to thank you for something else. Your lengthy rambles are what got me to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and from there most of Whedon's other work. Thank you so much for that- I have experienced many hours of enjoyment thus. I was surprised that you haven't commented on any of his post-Firefly work, as far as I can tell from searching the archives. If you don't mind, assuming you've seen the following, what did you think of:
1. Dollhouse?
2. The Avengers?
3. Cabin in the Woods?
Thanks again! Oh, and I've completely missed the boat on Young Justice, but I may be getting season 1 for Christmas. I'll let you know what I think!
Greg responds...
Please do.
1. I watched all of Dollhouse and will admit to mixed feelings. But it was long enough ago that I don't think I remember it clearly enough to speak to what exactly wasn't working for me. (And there was a lot I liked about it too.)
2. Great. There are little things I could quibble with, but in general, great.
3. Haven't seen it.
Khayyaam writes...
Hey Greg. I'm wondering if you've seen Arrow, the recent Live-Action series about Oliver Queen. Personally, I liked it a lot, especially with the focus on the character's civillian identity rather than his antics as a vigilante.
If you've seen it, what did you think? Did you like some of the ideas they had?
And I know you're a fan of Black Canary, which is also why I asked, since Laurel Lance is a major supporting character. Did you like what they did with her?
Thanks for taking the time to ask all these questions!
Greg responds...
I haven't seen it.
celestia writes...
Hey Greg! I think you adviced people that wanted to become writters to read great literature and the classics.
Beyond Shakespeare (who is a must read :) ) What kind of literature would you recomend for this purpose?
Greg responds...
Homer, for sure.
Cervantes.
Austin.
Dickens.
Hardy.
Faulkner.
Even Hemingway.
The list of authors are probably endless. Personally, I'm a big fan of mysteries/detective stories, and my favorite author in that genre is Ross Macdonald, who I believe transcends the genre. I also like James M. Cain, Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, Michael Connelly and Maj Sjöwall & Per Wahlöö, to name a few.
I'd scarf up myths and legends. Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Arthurian, etc., etc., etc. And I wouldn't just limit myself to Western Culture. Chow down on the stories of the far east, of the mid-east, of aboriginal peoples everywhere...
Read NEWSPAPERS.
History books. Biographies. Some are deadly dull, but others are fascinating.
Anyway, that should keep you busy for awhile.
Anonymous writes...
Did it amuse you that the main villain in season six of Dexter was named Travis Marshall?
Greg responds...
It REALLY did! Or in any case, it freaked me out a little.
Tyler Reznik writes...
Hello again, Mr. Weisman.
I know you've previously stated that you don't play video games, but I was wondering: what's your opinion on video games as a story-telling medium?
Greg responds...
I'm all for it.
Sammy writes...
I just wanted to say I love all th puns on your show! I especially love the Powerpuff Girls pun in "Darkest" or rather, the Rowdeyruff Boy reference xD
Greg responds...
Not that I don't love the Powerpuff Girls and the Rowdyruff Boys, but you do realize that that nursery rhyme WAY pre-dates that show, right?
Also, it's not a pun.
Toasthider writes...
Hi Greg,
I was wondering if you read Hellboy at all? It just occurred to me recently that the use of folklore and mythology in the series is kind of in the same vein as Gargoyles!
Greg responds...
I've read some Hellboy and seen both movies. I see some overlap, though we did Gargoyles long before I read any Hellboy.
Smallville fan writes...
Hello Greg I just wanted to apologize for my superman complaining and ask some questions regarding him.
As a fan I am a bit tired of writers using him just to make batman look cool.I think he is a great character, that few people are actually able to write well (many writers complain that he is too powerful).
When I saw him treating superboy as a brother. I regretted every word I said. You gave is a flawed yet true to the character that is Superman.
On to my questions!
1.-Do you think it is possible to write a superman show as great as past batman shows have been?
2.-Have you considered a superman show?
3.- How has superman survived against lex Luthor. I know superman is the super powered one... But he is too nice and naive while Lex is perhaps as smart as Xanatos.
Thank you for your time!
Greg responds...
1. Yes.
2. Not specifically, since I don't own Superman, it's not up to me. But I'd be game to try.
3. Observe for yourself.
Ky writes...
Concerning the titles of the next two episodes in Young Justice Invasion ("Darkest" and "Before the Dawn"), I was wondering if they were a reference to the song Shake It Out by Florence and the Machine or if that was just a pure coincidence?
Greg responds...
"It's always darkest before the dawn." is a very old phrase that pre-dates both our series and the birth of Florence or the Machine.
Clark Cradic writes...
Any characters that you don't like that everyone else you know seems to love? Doesn't have to be DC, it can be any character in general.
Greg responds...
Um... none spring to mind this second.
Anonymous writes...
I you ever thought of creating a young justice like TV show for the marvel universe?
Greg responds...
It's not up to me.
Kyle Reece writes...
I was wondering, was Blade a possible inspiration for Macbeth's modern design?
Greg responds...
No.
btgr writes...
Have you watched Mission: Impossible 3 or Die Hard 4? I only asked because Maggie Q starred in both of those movies. BTW I actually have Mission: Impossible 3 on DVD.
Greg responds...
Um... I don't think I've seen M:I 3. I think I have seen DH4, but it was a while ago. I do watch Nikita every week.
Mirage (I had hippie parents) writes...
Greg, I have three questions for you!
1.) How did you catch the comic fan bug?
2.) If you could have dinner with any superhero, what would you serve? (dessert included)
2.)
3.) with the Avengers out soon, and the success of countless tv shows including Young Justice, What do you think it is about comic books that is so intriguing and fasinating to people?
Greg responds...
1. By reading comic books.
2. I don't know. I know the question's meant to be fun. But my brain just doesn't work like that. Sorry.
2.
3. Archetypes.
Mr. Curious writes...
Out of curiosity, Mr. Weisman,
Have you ever considered doing a Marvel animated series which could take place in 2099 (or whatever year it would now be in that then-alternate future)?
Greg responds...
I haven't. But I'd be willing. It is, of course, NOT UP TO ME!
Captain Fan writes...
Someone in a Captain Action discussion group, found a clip from a Gargoyles episode entitiled "Eye of the Beholder". There is a brief appearance by Action Boy, who is the sidekick of Captain Action, a 1960's action figure from Ideal toys. His emblems were blacked out, I'm sure for copyright purposes. I was wondering if someone envolved with the show was a Captain Action or Action Boy fan. Anyway, it was a cool thing to see.
Greg responds...
I have no memory of this, I'm afraid.
Old Fan writes...
What other cartoons are watching right now and would recomend?
Greg responds...
Green Lantern is the only cartoon I have time to watch these days, I'm afraid. And I would definitely recommend it.
Anonymous writes...
1. Besides being a butler for the Wayne family, what else is known about Alfred’s early life before he became a butler?
2. In the film Batman Begins, there was a line spoken by Rachel Dawes, a childhood friend of Bruce Wayne. I can’t remember the exact words, but I think she said, “It’s not about who we are, but what we do that defines us.†Given what happened on “Usual Suspects,†was the lesson you wanted us to learn from that episode was loosely based on that quote from the movie?
Greg responds...
1. Plenty.
2. It wasn't at all based on the movie quote - which I'd completely forgotten - though the sentiment was similar. (It's not like that's a new lesson in pop culture. For example, Gandalf says a more memorable version - to me, at least - of the same thing to Frodo in "The Fellowship of the Ring".)
kitty writes...
1- Are you a fan of the x-men and if you are who´s your favourite character,writer and story arc?
Greg responds...
1. I'm a fan of the X-Men, but I haven't read anything recently - except Joss Whedon's run. I loved the original Lee/Kirby stuff, of course, and Roy Thomas' work with various artists, and I was really hooked on the Claremont/Byrne stuff.
Miten dama writes...
Have you seen batman year 1 and if you
have what did you think of the movie
Greg responds...
I haven't seen it.
Codeman1992 writes...
Hi Mr. Weisman, I just wanted to give you props on developing one of the most interesting and creative superhero series on television. Young Justice is one of the greatest superhero series I've watched. I put it up there with the great Batman The Animated Series and all the Timmverse Shows. So, like I said before, I give you props and you are a extremely well versed writer and it's proof in your work. With the new Spider Man movie coming out soon, I've noticed it's very reminiscent of The Spectacular Spider man. At least in the case of turning Gwen into a potential love interest in High School, who both her and Pete intern somewhere. That's my first question, have you noticed that? My second question is regarding The Spectacular Spider Man. I'm in my Spidey Obsession phase and always turn to your show whenever I'm in that phase. Since there's not gonna be a Season 3 of the show, can you drop any potential storylines or where the show was gonna go after the finale of Season 2? I know this is really long, but I'm a huge fan and hope I can be as great of a writer as you are one day. Thank You Mr. Weisman for your time.
Greg responds...
1. I did notice similarities, but we're all working off the same source material, so there are bound to be similarities.
2. ASKED AND ANSWERED.
EXALT writes...
1)Have you seen any of the movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Iron Man-The Incredible Hulk-Iron Man 2-Thor-Captain America: The First Avenger)? If yes, what do you think of them?
2)Have you seen Joss Whedon's The Avengers (It's not out yet, but it'll probably be when you'll answer this)?
Greg responds...
1. Yes. And I'm generally, a fan. I like some better than others, but they've all been fun.
2. Yes. And I enjoyed it - a lot.
Clark Cradic writes...
Is there any character from a comic, book, movie, or other form of media that you just don't like but everyone else seems to?
Greg responds...
Yes.
Megen writes...
So this doesn't really have anything to do with Young Justice (which is soooo good, definetly in my top 5 favorite tv series, and thats saying something cause i watch a lot of tv. xD ) but are you a Dr. Who fan? It's a stupid question, i know, but i think that i saw that you were somewhere..... Whose your favorite Dr.?? Mine's the 11th! :)
Greg responds...
ASKED AND ANSWERED.
Blizzard Sprite writes...
Hello, Mr. Weisman.
My questions today are more closely related to television programming. So here goes.
1. Have you viewed the new ThunderCats on Cartoon Network that debuted last year? Assuming so, what did you think of it?
2. Have you viewed any of the original episodes of the ThunderCats cartoon? Assuming so, what is your opinion of the old show, and how do you think it compares to the latest incarnation?
3.The original ThunderCats cartoon met the 65 mark episode needed to go into syndication, and produced episodes beyond it. While many of the new episodes were entertaining, I could not help but notice, in my opinion, a decline in certain qualities of the show. One of the areas hit hardest, in my opinion, was the writing in the episodes. This seemed to manifest itself in terms of more predictable scenarios occurring, less creative solutions to the problems that arose and eventually lackluster storylines. ThunderCats wasn’t the only show to suffer from this though. Cartoons like Captain Planets, which also surpassed the 65-episode mark, began to experience a bit of a lag, and lost many of the original voice actors/actresses who made their characters so exceptional.
4. So my question is what exactly happens to a show behind the scenes after moving beyond syndication? Is a show’s storyline only plotted out for 65 episodes and not expected to pass it? Or does the writing team have to brainstorm an entirely new set of ideas for episodes beyond? Are new writers assigned to the program or the old ones retained? Are the initial voice actors/actresses replaced with new people, choose not to renew their contract or different causes altogether?
Thanks for the time.
Greg responds...
1. I haven't had time to see it, but I really like the people involved with it.
2. I did a long time ago, when I was working on a single script for a different reboot that didn't see the light of day. But you need to understand that I never saw it when it first came on, so I have no nostalgia for it.
3. I just have no opinion on this. I only saw a handful of episodes.
4. Every case is different. And obviously, I have no idea what went on with ThunderCats.
Blaise writes...
Hey Greg! It's been a while. Glad to see you busy, and "Young Justice" is great!
Anyway, I just saw in one of your answered questions that you're a fan of "Doctor Who."
I've actually been working my way through the ENTIRE series (both Classic and New) in airing order for a while now, thanks to a friend of mine who is a HUGE "Doctor Who" fan (mostly of the classic series). So that's why I find myself asking the following questions:
1) Are you more familiar with the New series (2005-present), or the Classic series (1963-1989)?
2) Do you have a favorite/preferred Doctor? If so, who?
3) What appeals to you most about the show?
Thanks!
Greg responds...
1. New, almost exclusively. Though I've seen the very first two episodes of the classic series, and a handful of others.
2. Christopher Eccleston, I guess. But I haven't disliked any of the others I've seen - though there are entire Doctors I've never seen more than a still picture of.
3. I actually admire how it plays so fast and loose with its own rules, but still makes it work somehow with a combination of tone and character and great twists.
Zach Baker writes...
Hey Greg!
I recently saw this line from an interview with Steven Bochco in the early 80's, talking about Hill Street Blues (which currently has its first two-and-a-half seasons on Hulu Plus, by the way):
"Maybe the biggest problem with Hill Street, in terms of popular success, is that it is a show that demands to be watched. And most people do not watch television. They simply are in its presence."
I love that quote. What an insightful way to encapsulate about what was essential and great about Hill Street Blues, without going into all the details of what made it so outstanding. Just leave at this: unlike nearly anything before it, in many ways it was a show that demanded to be watched. I think that characteristic also applies to Gargoyles as well, no doubt due to the major influence Hill Street Blues had on the show (as you've often mentioned).
Nowadays, that quality, of being a show that "demands to be watched," is characteristic of so many excellent shows that appear on HBO, Showtime or AMC (before hitting DVD boxsets and iTunes), places where popular success isn't the one and only yardstick. And again and again, we've seen how this kind of series can flourish in the atmosphere of creative freedom offered by these outlets.
Can viewers hope that someday soon, that kind of environment will produce an animated serial drama that has the same level of quality, complexity and acclaim as these channels' current headline series? If so, what might it take for that to happen?
Greg responds...
Hey, Zach. Long time no see. I'd heard that quotation about Hill Street before, and couldn't agree more.
I appreciate you think Gargoyles falls in the same category. It's flattering and certainly what we strived for. I don't pretend that we were as good as Hill Street Blues, but no one can accuse us of not going for it.
As to your question, I like to think that W.I.T.C.H., Spectacular Spider-Man, Young Justice and Young Justice: Invasion also qualify. At least at Gargoyles' level. So I think it's already possible. But that's just my - apparently not so - humble opinion.
Anthony Tini writes...
Greg,
What did you think of the latest season of Dexter ? Did you enjoy it? [Spoiler]Unfortunately, I read an online review after the first episode aired where the reviewer suggested that the Dr. Geller wasn't alive so that ruined the big reveal later in the season.[/Spoiler] I wish I was able to watch the show not knowing what I had read. I might have enjoyed the season more if I had figured it out on my own.
I was happy that they were tackling Dexter's issue with religion and I thought that the character of Brother Sam was a good method to do it since the show kept me guessing whether he was a good or bad. I didn't enjoy the whole Doomsday killer due to being spoiled, but I did like that his name was Travis Marshall. (I like Gargoyle's Travis Marshall better.)
I read that a lot of people were bothered by the way that Debra/Dexter were handled this season. I didn't mind it, but I don't think it was needed. Will her "increased" feelings really be a factor proceeding the events of the finale? I look forward to finding out.
Good luck with rest of Season 1 and Season 2 of Young Justice. I'll be watching. Take care.
- Tony
Greg responds...
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS
I did kinda feel like the Debra thing came out of left field for me a bit. But I think they played it fairly well, and Erin and I mostly really enjoyed the Season.
EXALT writes...
1)Why is Dinah Lance/Black Canary your favourite DC character?
2)Who is your favourite Marvel character and why?
3)Do you happen to know Brandon Vietti's favourite DC character?
Greg responds...
1. To some extent, I'm not sure I have an answer to this. She just... is. But I think it's a combo of factors. Part of it, I'm sure, goes back to the adolescent boy in me that just thought she was hot. (I'm not necessarily proud of this, but I'm not ashamed of it either.) She's a strong, beautiful woman, who holds her own in the company of folks like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, etc. - even without any super-powers. (And you need to keep in mind, I'm old enough to remember a Black Canary who didn't even have a Canary Cry.) She's developed over time into a leader. I also REALLY like her relationship with Green Arrow (though I haven't always liked the way some writers and editors have portrayed it.) I love the martial arts skills, and I love (and even miss a little) her original undercover m.o., i.e. the way she operated as a criminal underworld figure, secretly working on the side of the angels. I mean, the lady kicks ass! What's not to like? Then add in the fact that one of my very first assignments at DC in the eighties was to write a Black Canary mini-series (that never got published). So I feel a personal connection to the character also.
Now, having said all that, there are a TON of DC Heroes that I really love. Black Canary is the first among equals, really.
2. See the last sentence of my previous answer. I don't feel like there's a single character that stands out in the same way for me over at Marvel, though there are many, many, many that I love. Of course, working on Spectacular Spider-Man gave me an insight into Peter Parker that almost qualifies. (Same with Flash Thompson, actually.)
3. Nope, but you can ask him on his website: http://brandonvietti.blogspot.com/
Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...
I was wondering your opinion on the New 52. Not the execution, I have a hunch you don't have the time to read much of any of it, but the idea of it.
Although I have found a few books I really like, in general I object to heaving aside continuity and trying to rejam the history back into a too short time frame while wiping out character development. The idea of accessibility is a red herring because if they were capable of sticking to self contain arc inviting to new readers they wouldn't need a reboot to do so. Then again, I came into comics after Crisis on Infinite Earths and am conditioned into thinking it was necessary.
Greg responds...
As you noted, I have NOT had the time to read the New 52, so I will not comment on that specifically. Whether or not it works creatively depends more than anything else on execution. Since I haven't seen the execution, I can't respond to how it works creatively. But I KNOW that commercially it's been a HUGE hit. I like to believe that it wouldn't have done quite so well, if it wasn't executed well too.
But generally, on the idea of reboots, I do have a handful of thoughts:
1. I don't want to be a hypocrite. When we started Spectacular Spider-Man and again on Young Justice, we were effectively doing a continuity reboot. I feel when adapting something to a new media, that's essential, but it doesn't change the fact that (a) we did it and (b) I was relieved to be able to do it. Relieved to be able to jettison elements that I felt didn't work or were redundant or confusing, etc. Our goal, particularly on Spider-Man, was to come up with something Classic, Cohesive, Coherent, Contemporary and Iconic. So how can I object if the comics themselves want to do this?
2. In the end, whether or not either SpecSpidey or YJ was/is successful depends on our execution of our ideas, additions and cullings. I like to think both shows are successful, but that's a judgement each individual viewer would have to make for him or herself.
3. I was working on staff at DC Comics during the publication of the original Crisis on Infinite Earths. In fact, during my very first editorial meeting, I raised the question as to why we weren't starting ALL our books over (with the numerical exceptions of Detective and Action Comics) with issue #1. I remember very clearly a collective groan rising up from the conference room table. (They had dealt with this question for months before my arrival.) On the one hand, they wanted Crisis to be a real sea-change, a true reboot (before we knew that term). On the other hand, if you truly reboot Batman, then Robin doesn't exist yet. No Robin, no other sidekicks either. So no Teen Titans. And at the time, the New Teen Titans was the company's best selling book.
4. So the end result was that some things got rebooted and some did not.
5. This was complicated by the fact that certain creators came late to the party, and certain characters got reboots too long AFTER Crisis.
6. And so, as a READER, I couldn't help feeling that - rather than simplifying the continuity - Crisis made it more complicated. This will happen in general, naturally, as time passes and more and more comics are produced by a variety of creators and editors, but Crisis seemed to exacerbate the problem for me personally.
7. In part this was because, I really liked the DC Multiverse. I agree that it was abused to the point of confusion. (And I think it was nuts that Earth TWO had the forties heroes and Earth ONE had the sixties heroes. Just the odd backwards numbering itself created additional unnecessary confusion.) But if limits had been placed on the number of parallel earth stories and crossovers, I think it could have been fine.
8. ESPECIALLY, if they had created a new Earth-THREE, starting over with heroes of the eighties, with Superman and Batman (being new to the hero thing but) remaining relatively constant. But with a new Green Lantern (for example) as different from Hal Jordan as Jordan was from Alan Scott.
9. But that didn't happen. And in fact, though I've read very few comics since 1996, my understanding is that reboots have hit over and over at both DC and Marvel. That negates reader trust in the worth and weight of the stories they're reading. It's more insidious than obvious. And you risk alienating old readers, even as you may or may not attract new ones. You'll always get a short term gain off of a reboot, because everyone wants to check it out. But long term...
10. And going back to my first point - which is that most everything depends on execution - I personally didn't love the execution of some of the post-Crisis rebooting. Some people may have loved it. And that's totally legit. But some of the rethinking on certain individual characters didn't work too well for me.
11. Though personally I think the Bates-Weisman-Broderick reboot on Captain Atom from his Charlton incarnation was brilliant. ;)
12. So, personally, my feeling on reboots in general is that you either do them or you don't. You've got to be thorough and ruthless about it, or don't bother, because otherwise - long term - you're creating more problems than you're solving.
13. And still and all, ultimately, it all depends on execution.
bob writes...
why did clu kill his own men on tron betrayal.
Greg responds...
I have no expertise on Tron. And I'm betting you knew that.
Artemis writes...
Is the Teen Titans show coming back, or is that just a rumor?
Greg responds...
No idea.
Is that even really a rumor - or are YOU trying to start a rumor here?
Todd Jensen writes...
Recently, somebody asked you if you were familiar with C. S. Lewis' work, and you said "No", apart from seeing a couple of adaptations of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". I thought that you might like to know that Lewis and Roger Lancelyn Green were friends, and that it's thanks to Green that "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" was finished and published.
When Lewis was writing "Lion", he read some of it to J. R. R. Tolkien; Tolkien had done the same to him with "The Lord of the Rings" when he was writing it, and Lewis wanted to return the favor. Tolkien thought that "Lion" was dreadful, however, and made that clear. Lewis was so saddened by Tolkien's critique that he considered abandoning the story, but first read it to Roger Lancelyn Green. Green told him, "No, this is a great story, you mustn't drop it," and his words encouraged Lewis to complete the story and get it published.
Green also included a tribute to Lewis in his King Arthur book. One of Lewis's fantasy novels for adults, "That Hideous Strength" had Merlin awakening in the modern world to help the main characters defeat an Illuminati-type organization; Lewis had Merlin sleeping beneath a forest called Bragdon Wood. In Green's "King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table", one of the places where Merlin is said to be sleeping is "beneath the Wood of Bragdon". Since you especially liked Green's book on King Arthur (and even drew on it for Blanchefleur, and Percival's parentage), I thought you might enjoy hearing about that (and I hope the Wood of Bragdon wasn't on your list of places for King Arthur and Griff to visit during their search for Merlin, since it was Lewis' invention!).
Greg responds...
I did not know about the Green/Lewis connection. I did know about Tolkien/Lewis, but this is great additional info. Thanks.
Onesweetsuprise writes...
I heard somebody asked Dwayne McDuffie this question about Ben 10, so I'll ask you 'cause I'm curious.
If you could have Young Justice crossover with any other TV series, what would it be?
Note: By any TV series, I really mean ANY. X)
Greg responds...
My mind just doesn't work that way, really. But I guess... hmmm.... we've already kinda crossed over with Super-Friends, so...
I'll say Scooby-Doo.
After all, we've got meddling kids and a big dog and a neat vehicle to go around and solve mysteries. It's a perfect fit.
I mean wouldn't you just love to see Fred, Daphne, Shaggy, Velma and Scooby as reimagined by Phil Bourassa?
(Actually, I'm cheating. This is totally Brandon's idea.)
Phoenician writes...
So the story behind this ramble actually goes back two years, starting when I first read your Ramble on EQUIVOCATION:
http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?rid=817
Regrettably I would not have the chance to attend the Oregon Shakespeare Festival that year, dedicating my travel expenses to the last Gathering in Los Angeles. Before I go any further, can I say that I am quite jealous that you and your family go every year to Ashland? Because I am d:
Anyways, it didn't hit me until about month or so later that I could simply buy a copy of the script just as you had mentioned doing. A thorough look at (and a telephone call to) the OSF's Tudor Guild Gift Shop revealed they had quickly sold out of their entire supply, and that odds were, it'd be a while till they got more, if ever. Of course, by the time I DID check back with them, the OSF was done foe the season and Equivocation was not being performed again in the near future.
Fast forward to summer 2011, where I stumbled upon a copy of the play script at my old college in Los Angeles. I don't know how the conversation started, but the person I was talking to mentioned that the school was trying to get permission to perform the play that school year!
But before I allowed myself to get excited, I remembered I was only in town for the week to visit some friends I hadn't seen in over a year since I graduated in May 2010. My friend sympathized that my horrible, horrible timing wouldn't have me in Los Angeles if and when they did perform the play (and especially after hearing me recite your ramble from 2009 with alarming precision) he was generous enough to let me take a script with me back home!
I tried to be patient, reminding myself that I had waited two years to find a copy and that the AskGreg queue was closed during the Young Justice hiatus, but that VERY short flight back to Phoenix was suddenly felt like an eternity. Of course, its just my luck that even though I read it back in early August, I only JUST now remembered to write this rambling as yesterday (November 5th, 2011) was Guy Fawkes Night.
So did I enjoy the play, even when I only read it as a script?
In a word: YES. :D
But one thing is for sure: I really, really want to catch an actual performance now. I won't go into too much detail here (since you've seen the play and I don't want to spoil others that might read this before catching/reading the play themselves), but I will say this play reminds me quite a bit like Shakespeare in Love (a film I also remember you writing about more than once), though its obvious that (even if Stoppard and Cain were working with the same muse) this is a noticeably older Shag than the Will we saw in the 1998 film. For one, Shag's working for the King James VI/I and not Queen Elizabeth. For another, the only person caring for him these days is the very mature Judith. Finally, he's now an established name (he'll still be remembered in, oh, fifty year's time!), though the romances and comedies seemed to have been eclipsed with his slew of historical plays, earning him the reputation of killing "more Kings than any man alive."
The various references to Shag's other plays were fun, especially Hamlet and Macbeth. Speaking of the Scottish Play, remembering what you said about how Macbeth (in the Gargoyles Universe) was a drinking buddy of Shakespeare's, I vaguely wonder how the events in Equivocation looked from his perspective. ;)
I'll also say that after briefly mentioning "Doc Shakespeare" in your Equivocation ramble, I made sure to pay close attention to Judith's interactions with Shag, if only to one day have them as a reference point in understanding the characters . . . much like I hear Roger Lancelyn Green's works are a good place to see your early inspirations for King Arthur.
I must also admit to re-reading your thoughts from 1999/2000 about how Shakespeare in Love opened a door to understanding Will as a man . . . and having missed out on the 2005 Gathering in Las Vegas, I can only imagine how you treated Will (and Judith) in Doc Shakespeare. I guess I'm just hopeful to one day see you a work of yours introduce William Shakespeare the man, be it in the Gargoyles Universe or some other original work (and references in shows like The Spectacular Spider-Man will always be fun too).
I'll end this by saying THANK YOU so much for recommending Equivocation. I look forward to watching a performance one day (may the stars align soon) and its only a matter of time before I find my way to Ashland for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Greg responds...
Well, I've seen Equivocation twice now. That first time in Ashland, and again here in Los Angeles (Westwood, specifically) at the Geffen Theatre, starring Joe Spano (from Hill Street Blues) as Shag. He was also fantastic in the part. I just love this play.
His take on Judith is different from mine, as is his take on Susannah (who doesn't appear but is mentioned). But I've got no complaints.
I do tend to shy away from portraying Will Shakespeare himself in my stuff. It makes me nervous. Even in Doc Shakespeare, Will is an off-screen presence. Talked about - but never appearing.
We do try to go to Ashland every year, and I've never been disappointed. Ashland was also the first place I ever saw Stoppard's ARCADIA, which may be one of the most brilliant plays I've ever seen.
hallofjustice writes...
Greg, do you have any favourite DC couples? I'll tell you my favourites. My favourites are Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon as well as Traci Thirteen and Jaime Reyes.
Greg responds...
Dinah and Oliver is the big one for me. Then probably Bruce and Selena.
Others I've enjoyed (depending how they were written) include John and Kathy, Arthur and Mera, Barry and Iris, Cameron and Bette, Clark and Lois.
This is all historical. NONE of the above should be meant to imply anything about our plans for YOUNG JUSTICE. And for that reason I've intentionally NOT included any couples I've liked involving teen heroes.
Gareth writes...
Love the work you're doing on Young Justice so far. Really enjoying the detail the animators are putting into the animation (i.e persistent mud on heroes) and your usage of macguffin plot items to damn good effect (Helmet of Fate in Revelations). Seriously, kudos to you for having the heroes actually use the gamebreaking artefact they have stored away in their trophy room. Heaven knows there're enough shows in circulation now which wouldn't dare do the same.
Question;
Was the recent reference by Red Volcano to "Meatbags" a HK-47 Star Wars reference or simply a general anti-human robot thing?
Greg responds...
I don't know what HK-47 is, so I'm guesing no.
I've seen and enjoyed Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back many times. I probably saw Return of the Jedi twice, maybe three times. I've seen Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones once each. I never did get around to seeing Revenge of the Sith.
a random nobody writes...
Hey greg a couple months ago you answered a question asking about avatar the last air bender and I think you said you were near the end of book 1. So I was just wondering have you had the time to finish watching the series? And if you have finished what did you think of it?
Greg responds...
ASKED AND ANSWERED.
Masterdramon writes...
Hiya, Greg! Glad to see Station 8's question-asking feature back from hiatus, despite the absolute flood of "ZOMGSPOILYOUNGJUSTICEPLEEZ" comments that've come in over the past three days; speaking of which, I finally saw "Targets" in television-level quality and loved every single minute of it all over again, and simply cannot wait for "Terrors." The villains in YJ are, in my humble opinion, the single greatest aspect of this wonderful show, so I was quite ecstatic to read the summary for that one.
Anyway, I'll apologize in advance if this question grows ridiculously fanboyish, but I'd really like to follow-up on a little blurb you typed way back in March. To whit:
"I don't know about Brandon, but I've begun watching Avatar with my son Benny. We're near the beginning of Season Two. I like it. I don't know how much of an influence there's been, since we started YJ before I started watching Avatar."
Now, I don't know about anyone else, but I was pretty much reduced to happy giggles the moment I read that. Personally, I consider "Gargoyles" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (alongside several shows in the DC Animated Universe) to, together, represent the absolute pinnacle of Western television animation, and the notion of the creator of one watching the other excites me in a way I can't really describe. As such, if you'll permit me, I'd like to ask a few more questions about your experience watching this fantastic show:
1. Have you completed watching the series yet? If not, how far do you still have to go? If so, do you have any general thoughts? What do you think "Avatar" did especially well, compared to other animated shows you've watched and critiqued? Where do you think it could've been improved?
2. Do you have a favorite character or episode? I realize that you dislike being asked this question with regard to your own shows (as they're all pretty much like your children, a viewpoint to which I can certainly relate), but I'm curious as to whether you think about these sorts of things when watching shows you aren't necessarily connected with?
3. Did you and Benny discover the series together, or did he introduce it to you? The latter is pretty much what happened with my Dad and I, LOL, so I'm interested.
4. Have you seen the Comic-Con 2011 trailer for the sequel series, "The Last Airbender: Legend of Korra"? If so, do you intend to catch it when it airs in 2012, if you happen to have the time (an unlikely prospect for you, I know, but still XD)?
Aaand...yeah, I think that's enough. Thank you so much for your patience and dedication to your fanbase, and I greatly look forward to seeing what YJ has in store for us all in the coming months!
Cheers! :D
Greg responds...
1a. No. We have it on DVD, so the stuff we watch together on the DVR takes precedence, because my DVR is pretty much full to bursting... and it's even deleted some stuff that we were planning to get to because it was overloaded.
1b. Still in the middle of Season Two.
1c & d. I like it. Quite a bit, actually. But I don't think it's appropriate for me to go into detailed analysis of the work of my peers. It's one thing for me to talk about live action movies or television and/or stuff from long before I was working in the business. But it's awkward otherwise.
2. I guess I just don't think that way.
3. Benny introduced it to me. He's seen the whole thing, but enjoys rewatching it with me.
4. No, I haven't seen the trailer. I'm reluctant to watch the new series BEFORE I've finished the old one. SPOILERS, right?
Another fan writes...
I would like to ask you your opinion on the new show My little pony friendship is magic. In case you haven't seen it It's a show I strongly recomend.
Greg responds...
Haven't seen it. But I've heard good things.
Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...
Dear Greg, I have a comment and a question.
First, I'm sorry to hear about the vitriolic hatemail regarding Megan's catchphrase. I know comic fans are a very opinionated bunch, but this seems extreme and ridiculous. But not all of us hate it to that extreme. Do I find it annoying? At first, but it grew on me. Did I ever hate it? No. I thought you'd appreciate someone supporting your choices rather than condeming.
Now, onto some questions. As you've no doubt heard, DC is revamping their universe in September, and much specualtion is being made about what will happen. Do you think YJ will influence any changes in the mainstream comics(besides Kaldur being a supporting character in Geoff's new Aquaman series)? Would you be flattered if your show contributed to the history of mainstream DC?
As always, thanks for answering these fans questions (well, the ones that aren't fishing for spoilers)
PS- Oh, humorous note; in the newest Previews catalog, they left off half your name on the YJ comic,so apparently you're Greg Weis.
Greg responds...
I suppose I would be flattered, but I don't have any expectations of that.
Cal writes...
Have you watched any episodes of Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Generator Rex and Sym-Bionic Titan? They're really great shows and they are very similar to each other in a lot of ways, oh and it would be great if you are able to writing an episode or two for those shows.
Greg responds...
I haven't seen any of them. And I'm too busy at this time on Young Justice to write on them - even assuming I was invited to.
AJC writes...
Just watched Downtime and it was a great episode! I'm impressed by the amount of detail in the choreography and backgrounds, and the number of voice actors you had in the episode. While I thought cutting from scene to scene of each YJ member during their downtime would be a bit choppy, it was actually very insightful, and it made it very realistic to see each of their lives.
How do companies decide what kind of budget to give to cartoon shows? Some older cartoon shows (ie from the 90s) had worse animation as the series progressed. I noticed the even the batman's animation wasn't as good as its earlier days(although still never went that bad).
Have you or brandon watched avatar the last airbender? I feel your show is taking some cues from the show (ie, the water sorcery, the diverse locations the team travels to each ep).
I have a question about aqualad. He obviously does not live at mount justice so would he not return to atlantis when he's not crime fighting? So wouldn't that mean he sees tula and garth still? Or is he that busy?
Greg responds...
Let's answer these in reverse order.
As I've MENTIONED BEFORE, Aqualad DOES go home to Atlantis (the continent/country) between missions. He just doesn't live in the city of Poseidonis, so that, yes, a couple months had passed since he had last seen his friends. He was surprised that it had been that long. But time flies, you know...
I don't know about Brandon, but I've begun watching Avatar with my son Benny. We're near the beginning of Season Two. I like it. I don't know how much of an influence there's been, since we started YJ before I started watching Avatar.
The way companies decide on budgets is an arcane science beyond my pay grade. But guys like Brandon and myself make it our mission to squeeze as much onto the screen from whatever budget we have.
Gothic-Cowboy writes...
Hello, Mr. Weisman. I just wanted to ask if you'd ever seen anything about this:
http://screenrant.com/batman-gotham-high-concept-art-benm-95793/
I ask because I remember reading a previous exchange here about a theoretical Justice League Babies cartoon, which reminded me of this dropped series. I'd love to see either of those, they sound like a lot of fun, if you don't take it all too seriously (and I don't).
Greg responds...
It's all about execution.
Spencer writes...
Greg,
I was curious how you would compare working with DC's collection of characters with Marvel's.
Thanks for your time,
Spencer
Greg responds...
I love 'em all. For a more complete answer, search the ASK GREG Archives.
Maki P writes...
How do you feel about the idea of making a Green Lantern cartoon? (Personally I think it should exists, something like Cops IN SPACE!)
Greg responds...
I think it's a great idea. Bruce Timm and others at Warners are working on a new Green Lantern series even now.
Ed Rabka writes...
There have been many forums who have been comparing Young Justice to Chris Yost's Avengers series that's coming on Disney XD. Personally, I think they're both great shows that comic book fans and the general audience can enjoy at the same time. I mean this is the first time in animation where there's a cartoon featuring the Earth's Mightiest Heroes and another one with the Justice League. Anyway, what do you think of this debate from maybe both a perspective of a comic book reader and a professional writer? Also, what do you think of Mr. Yost's Avengers series?
Greg responds...
I haven't seen Avengers, but there are a bunch of great people working on it, so I'd hardly be surprised if it was kick-ass.
I don't see much to be gained even by comparing the shows, let alone putting them in some kind of hypothetical competition. They're not even on opposite each other. And in this DVR age, what difference would it make to most people even if they were?
Anyway, if you like one of the two series but not both, watch the one you like. If you like both, watch both and enjoy each for its merits - which may have a few things in common, but are likely very different.
Jurgan writes...
Thirty minutes left until the reairing of the Young Justice premiere, so I thought I'd pass the time asking a completely unrelated question.
I saw your recent response about zombies, and how you like the old-fashioned "voodoo zombies" but not the modern, post-Romero zombies. I at least partly disagree, as I feel the best zombie movies can be good vehicles for social commentary (for instance, I thought the recent Land of the Dead was a brilliant metaphor for war profiteering- on the other hand, Dawn of the Dead was probably pretty clever at the time, but criticism of shopping malls now seems hopelessly dated). But that's just a difference of opinion. I was more interested in seeing how zombies might show up in your work.
1. Did you think of Goliath in "Temptation" as a zombie? Was that intentional on your part?
2. Do you think zombies may make a more formal appearance in Gargoyles, or have you covered that ground in "Temptation?"
Thanks for reading. I'll probably write up a ramble on YJ sometime this weekend, once I've seen it.
Greg responds...
1. Loosely, I guess.
2. At the moment I have no plans, but...
Baron Ultron writes...
Few thing have bugged me since cancelation of Spectacular Spider-Man.
1)Does Marvel hate Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon or not.I ask this because they are making new Ultimate Spider-Man Cartoon and Spectacular Spider-Man was canceled and there was lack of promotion in Marvel.Com(While Avengers or Super Hero Squad have many promotions).Also in one of your answers you said that Marvel are not planning to make comic book based on your show or something like that.So does Marvel hate your show or not?
2)This might be stupid question but worth a shot.Will you ever work for Marvel or Disney again due to cancelation of your show and Disney retooling Gargoyles into Gargoyles Goliath Chronicles.
3)What do you think about Avengers:Earth's Mightiest Heroes Cartoon.Do you think it is as great as Spectacular Spider-Man or bad.Also in your opinion which show is better:Young Justice or Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
4)Will you watch Ultimate Spider-Man Cartoon?And also is there a chance that you will work on Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes or some Marvel Comic Book?
Good Luck
Greg responds...
1. I hope not. Ask Marvel.
2. I'm perfectly willing.
3. I haven't seen Avengers, but Frank Paur is producing it, so I take it for granted that it's great. But in any case, I don't see YJ as being in competition with Avengers. There's room for both.
4a. No. There's no upside in me watching Ultimate. If it's great, I'll be jealous. If it sucks, I'll be frustrated.
4b. No. I'm plenty busy on YJ.
4c. I hope so. Ask Marvel.
Anthony Tini writes...
Greg,
I searched the archives and also asked in the Comment Room concerning your opinion on zombies, but I didn't get an answer, so I decided to ask you. What is your opinion of them? Do you enjoy reading stories or watching movies where zombies are involved?
The reason I ask is because there is a show on AMC called the "The Walking Dead" which has been fantastic! Are you familiar with the show? Well, according to news sources, there has been talk that Frank Darabont (writer and director) and Robert Kirkman (writer and executive producer) may possibly be going with freelance writers for the second season. I think it would be great if your agent (assuming you have one) could inquire about a possible gig writing one of those episodes (assuming it is something you'd be interested in doing.)
I don't know what your schedule will be like with Young Justice next year, but I just thought of you when I was thinking of some of the great talent that could possibly be involved with that show. Thanks for taking the time to read this! Take care.
- Tony
Greg responds...
I like stories about real Zombies, i.e. those raised by voodoo or magic to serve against their will.
The modern "plague" zombies don't interest me at all. (And, in fact, I resent that they've appropriated the classic term 'zombie' and so removed it from it's original tragic meaning.) With the sometimes exception of Zombieland -- movies based on this version of Zombies seem to be an exercise in gross-out futility.
I'm clearly not the right guy for "The Walking Dead", which I have not seen.
Bryant Bradby writes...
from ptrunks19@aol.com
Hey Greg, I know this is kinda' off the usual topics, but when is Buena Vista going to release the Uncut Gen13 animated movie?
Greg responds...
How would I know?
Algernon writes...
Hey again Greg,
You once said that while you were working at Sony, you and Victor Cook tried to get Sony interested in doing a Ghost Rider series. Now the impression I got was that the "Powers That Be" weren't interested and the concept never got far beyond the "I just had a neat idea" stage, so I understand if you didn't draw out some big five season master plan about how you'd handle the series.
But I was just wondering if you'd given any thought to how you would have dealt with a lot of the S&P challenges that related to the character. Mainly that both GR himself and a good chunk of his rogues gallery are literal demons from Hell. Is America ready for a superhero cartoon where the Big Bad is Satan?
Greg responds...
I would have crossed that hellbridge when I came to it.
Clark Cradic writes...
Ever watch Scooby-Doo as a kid? Favorite monster?
Greg responds...
Absolutely. Not sure about favorite, but the most memorable to me is the guy in the diving suit.
lamberto writes...
hi, greg.
i remember reading here that you're a fan of dexter. from what i know of your writing career (gleaned online), you've written mostly pg-13 to g-rated material. i was just curious if you've ever written hard-r type stuff whether for fun or for work. if the opportunity presented itself, would you write a dexter: early cuts short? thanks.
Greg responds...
I've written more adult material here and there -- though of course, it's not wise to confuse me with Edmund Tsabard or imply that I have anything to do with Blue Mug Productions.
Anyway, yes, I'd love to work on ANY aspect of Dexter. Though I'm also happy just watching it!
Anonymous writes...
Thank you for answering my "Requiem for a Scarlet Speedster" questions. As a follow-up, I was wondering if I could get your opinion on this: speaking as both a fan and a notable writer, is there any realistic potential for an animated series based around the Flash? Or does the character require a greater toehold in public consciousness, perhaps through a bigger media event (i.e., a film) before such a series would be likely to succeed?
Greg responds...
I'd tend to think the latter, but that's just a guess...
Andres writes...
I wish you well on Young Justice! I must say while it seems there is so much comic/ superhero material from animation to movies to so many comics that is almost hard to get into anything if your a little bit more than a casual fan but I am excited and anticipating Young Justice and the reboot of Thundercats. I wanted to ask you if you saw and what you thought about The Secret of Kells? if you thought that it deserved to win the Oscar? Lastly what impact you think small indie animation and European animation will have on the larger animation industry?
P.S Loved the inclusion of St.Columcille/ St. Columbia in Secret of the Kells made me re reread the Gargoyles comic
Greg responds...
I haven't seen The Secret of Kells.
CapFan writes...
Is there a taboo against using Nazis in cartoon shows? I know "Gargoyles" featured Nazis in one episode, but most cartoons, even when they have flashbacks set during World War II seem to do everything possible to not address the enemy as Nazis.
Take the new "Avengers" show for instance, they got rid of the Nazis in Captain America's past and replaced them with Hydra. Hydra was now conquering Europe.
Did you have trouble getting Nazis and swastikas onto MIA? And why are so many cartoons scared to say the word Nazi?
Greg responds...
We had no particular problem that I can recall. I wasn't aware that other shows WERE having a problem with this. First I've heard of it.
Anthony Tini writes...
Greg,
From one Dexter fan to another, what did you think of the Season 4 finale? Does being a writer and involved in the creative process of creating entertaining television give you an edge to kind of guess or see events like that coming? Personally, I did NOT see it coming and I very surprised and bothered by it. It took me a long time to finally fall asleep after watching that final scene. It was fantastic and probably one of the best scenes I've ever seen on TV. I'm purposefully not mentioning details for those who have yet to see it.
At the time of this question, the first episode of Season 5 has premiered, but I have yet to watch it. By the time you get to this question I hope to have watched it. If you've seen it, I'd love to hear your thoughts about it, where you think the season will go, and your hopes for future seasons. Speaking of the Dexter premiere, good luck with yours! Take care.
- Tony
Greg responds...
Dexter aside, I often astound my kids by being able to predict what is to come on series. (I always pause the playback and ASK if they want me to tell them my theory. Usually, they say yes.) Often, my guesswork is a combination of story savvy and casting savvy. For an easy example, take the classic Murder, She Wrote template. Only one regular character and a handful of occasional recurring friends of hers. The rest of who you're seeing on screen is guest cast. The guests usually include some great character actors and some newbies in the mix. But there are almost always two stars (of varying degrees of magnitude). That's the eyeroll for me. Because inevitably one star is killed in either the Teaser or the first act. And the other star is always the killer. Because that's the thing with stars. They either want the one great scene that leads to their death -- but also means they don't have to work many scenes for the money. Or they want to be the killer, i.e the most significant character in the episode (not counting Jessica Fletcher). Few series were as casting blatant as Murder She Wrote was, but to some extent casting is still a tremendous indicator of what's to come on nearly every kind of series.
I don't just use casting either, of course. I know story. I know how writers think. Which does NOT mean I can't be surprised. But I think I'm a bit harder to surprise than the average joe or joan. I don't mind, generally. It's the ride for me, and if the ride is good...
Of course, none of that has much to do with Dexter and/or last season's season finale. I think I had a feeling of dread at the very least. Maybe a notion. But I don't remember, and even if I had a clear sense of what was going to happen, it didn't mitigate the horror of what came. My daughter and I needed a palette cleansing episode of The Office afterwards before bed.
I have seen the Dexter season premiere. But I hesitate to make any predictions. Trying just to enjoy the ride.
Clark Cradic writes...
What comic universe would you say you're more knowledgeable about: DC or Marvel?
Greg responds...
I'm pretty equal on both companies.
Fairly knowledgeable (all things considered) on pre-1970s stuff.
More knowledgeable on the 70s.
Extremely knowledgeable on the 80s.
Less knowledgeable on the early and mid 90s.
Almost completely ignorant of the mid 90s through 2006.
Somewhat knowledgeable but with huge gaps on 2006 through the present...
Of course, I worked at DC as a freelancer from 1983-1991, and on staff from 1985-1987, so I have more INSIDE knowledge of that company, but during that period I was reading ALL the Marvel books too, so if we're talking CONTINUITY and CHARACTERS, I know both companies pretty darn well. I certainly grew up reading both. And when I was a little kid, I didn't even get that there were different companies that made comics. I'd see Green Lantern team up with Superman in one book. And Spider-Man team up with the Fantastic Four in another. And I didn't know that next month I might not see Captain America team with Batman. It took me a while to get the whole competing companies idea.
lamberto writes...
hi, greg.
thanks for coming out to comic con this year. always nice to see you.
just wondering if you ever caught pirates of dark water, and what you thought of it. i hear that WB's releasing the series DVD "made-on-demand". we need to get Disney to do that with Gargoyles. there probably wouldn't be any bells or whistles added to the release, but i'll take it any way i can!
Greg responds...
I never saw Pirates of Dark Water.
And I'm game for getting Gargoyles out any way we can.
Paul writes...
How much of Teen Titans and Justice League/Justice League Unlimited have you seen? I got the impression that you'd watched a bit of them since you referred to them as great shows in a Comic-con interview.
Greg responds...
When we first began developing Young Justice, I watched the first two seasons each of Teen Titans and Justice League and was halfway through the first season of Justice League Unlimited when production started up . Meant to watch EVERY episode of both (all three) series, but unfortunately I just don't have the time now.
Greg Bishansky writes...
I wrote this blog entry up a few months back, and I thought I'd share it with you. I'm curious as to your thoughts on the matter:
Ever since Disney bought Marvel, people have been asking Greg Weisman if he has any interest in integrating the "Gargoyles Universe" (which would be the first sixty-five episodes of the series, and the two SLG comic series "Gargoyles" and "Gargoyles: Bad Guys") into the Marvel Universe, and Weisman keeps saying no. Yet people keep asking him.
I love "Gargoyles" and I love the "Marvel Universe." I love "Gargoyles" more, and I'm not afraid to say it. But this is a terrible idea, and I'm going to talk about why it's a terrible idea.
First of all, the two universes are pretty incompatible. Time travel works differently in both universe for one. In "Gargoyles" you cannot alter history, and that series is so much better for it. If it were a part of Marvel, it would be too easy for Goliath to, let's say, go back in time and prevent the massacre of his clan back in 994 Scotland.
I suppose you could retcon away those Marvel time travel stories like "Age of Apocalypse" and "Days of Future Past." While I would not mind that, it wouldn't be fair to the fans and creators of those stories.
Second, while I have no doubt the existence of gargoyles would be shocking to the people of the Marvel Universe, it wouldn't have the same impact it should. Not in a world where mutants, super-beings, Atlanteans, Inhumans, Eternals, Norse gods, and Fin Fang Foom are already known to exist with Galactus stopping by every other Tuesday.
Third, okay, Marvel's Odin is now a Child of Oberon, as are the Asgardians. Okay... how well do you think that's going to go over with the fans of Jack Kirby's Thor who have been reading it for nearly fifty years now? Hell, there are still some people who are uneasy about Odin being subject to Oberon in "Gargoyles." I'm not one of those people, but I understand where they're coming from.
Now, I know some people are bound to mention the NON-CANON Radio Play from the 2009 Gathering, that was a crossover between "Gargoyles" and "The Spectacular Spider-Man," so let's get this out of the way. That wasn't actually the Marvel Universe. It was a re-imagined, and stream-lined version of it. It also helped that both shows were created or developed by Greg Weisman. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed it, but I don't think anyone wants this to be a regular, or even a recurring occurrence. I think it worked well as a pandering love letter to fans of both franchises, and the voice actors who brought these characters to life.
Finally, and perhaps most important, the Marvel Universe is not really going anywhere. It is very cyclical. Things come, things go, status quos change and are restored. Spider-Man is married for twenty years, then he is single again. Magneto reforms, then is a villain again, then reforms, etc, etc.
For example, I respect a lot of what Joe Quesada has done for Marvel. However, the notion of him having any kind of creative influence over "Gargoyles" scares me. "Goliath and Elisa were more interesting before they finally declared their love and got together. The core of it was always impossible love, so now we have to split them up." You know it would happen.
"The Gargoyles Universe" is going somewhere, even if we're currently not getting any new fiction, it was always evolving. Never going backwards, but moving forwards. It was an evolving tapestry, and change was constant. Marvel, on the other hand, lives and breathes on the illusion of change, while actual change is non-existent. Death is meaningless. Characters don't age, and the status quo may shake up on occasion, but it is always eventually restored.
The Marvel Universe was built by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko, and maintained by many very talented and creative people acting as custodians of that work. But, for better or worse, it is a soup with hundreds of cooks. Many great chefs, and more than a few fast food fry cooks.
"Gargoyles" was co-created by Greg Weisman, and while he had a lot of help, he was the only co-creator, and the one who never stopped working on it. He was the first author of "Gargoyles" and more than likely he will be the last author of "Gargoyles." For the better. We saw "Gargoyles" without Greg Weisman, and it was nothing good.
Both universes have their place, but you couldn't merge them without one of them being significantly altered in the process. Now, I will admit my bias again and say that I wish the "Marvel Universe" was more like the "Gargoyles Universe" but, there's no real point. It's been around for nearly five decades (over seven if you want to talk about Timely Comics), and it's not going to change. As I've made clear, I think that's kind of the problem, but an understandable one given the nature of Marvel Comics. DC too, for that matter.
Now, I realize a lot of the above makes it look like I'm saying "Gargoyles" is great and Marvel is awful, but I don't feel that way at all. I just don't think such a thing would work without one of the universes suffering for it.
Greg responds...
I agree.
The Radio Play was a ... lark, a goof. But even if we were ONLY talking about the Spectacular Universe merging with Gargoyles, I'd be opposed.
Battle Beast writes...
Greg:
In the 201st epsiode of the show "South Park," Comedy Central censored the final monologue from the character Kyle.
I think some extreamists threatened Comedy Central/Paramount, and they bowed down.
I don't know if you watch "South Park," but "South Park" has always gone way over the line, to disgusting levels at times, but has never been censored save profanity "F" and "Sh" words.
My questions is: From your point of view, do you think Comedy Central/Paramount went too far, or do you think they were justified in their actions? Or, do you think "South Park" finally went too far? (IE, it's creators?)
Thanks!
Greg responds...
My knee-jerk reaction is to be anti-censorship, but since I know none of the particulars of this specific incident, it would be irresponsible to take any stand. (And, no, that's not a veiled request to get me more info.)
Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...
This is touching on the type of theoretical questions you hate, but I’ll attempt it…
Are there any shows you watch that you wish you were involved in? Any shows you are glad you weren’t involved with because you wouldn’t want it any other different than it is? Any shows you didn’t enjoy, but think you could have made the concept shine? I don’t necessarily mean something you worked on and it didn’t work out, (like when you wrote the series bible to Roswell Conspiracies or the like), I mean even seeing a cartoon as an adult that you enjoyed as a child and thinking ‘if I were doing that…’. That creative itch that sometimes hits when watching a show and really wanting to play in that sandbox.
I figure either you'll hate this question or one or two examples will suddenly spring to mind.
Greg responds...
Yeah... I would have loved to work with Joss Whedon on Buffy or Angel or Firefly. Not that I think I would have improved on it, but I would just have loved to play in that world with the master.
There are cartoon series I was really jealous of, like the MTV Spider-Man series. But (no surprise) I'm over that now.
I haven't seen anything but a few clips of the upcoming series, so this isn't a comment on it per se, but I would have loved to do an Avengers series. Frankly, I would have loved to have taken what we did on SpecSpidey and widened it, building an entire Marvel Universe. It's one of the things that's so fun about Young Justice. We're not just adapting YJ or Teen Titans, but the entire DC Universe (or one of them (#16) anyway).
The Highlander TV series was one where I thought it had moments of greatness, but was also a bit of a mess at times. I would have loved the POWER (Bwahaha) to grab the reins of that one.
I'm sure there are plenty of other examples, as I have generally -- and I'm not proud of this -- lived a professional life filled with (and marred by) tremendous ENVY. I just can't think of any others at this time. At least not any others that wouldn't get me in some trouble. ;)
Clark Cradic writes...
What are your thoughts on The Princess and the Frog? I thought it was a wonderful throwback to the days of the Disney Renaissance.
Greg responds...
I enjoyed it. And it's hard not to love Keith's performance -- if anything, I wish he had been in it more -- but it didn't quite send me the way movies like Little Mermaid, Mu Lan and Aladdin did.
Leon 'the wolf' Johnson writes...
Hey man greg,
have you ever seen Steven Spielberg comedy series: Freakazoid? This series came out way back when, during the production of Gargoyles, but if you ever seen the second part to the episode 'And his name is fanboy', you'd probably be laughing in your seat. Steven did a big parody off of your series Gargoyles, staring Lawn Gnomes that change from stone during the day to flesh at night because of a curse. Man it's so funny, during the end of the skit, the Gnomes break of of their stone shells (and the lawn sprinklers come on) and the scream "WE. ARE. LAWN GNOMES!", just like Goliath did during the opening sequence. Man, so funny! If you haven't seen it, you need to check it out on youtube.
Greg responds...
I haven't seen more than a soundbite of it, but I've heard about it.
Jess writes...
Hey Greg! I was wondering if you'd seen any of the recent BBC series Merlin, where Merlin is roughly the same age as Arthur, and if so, what did you think of it?
Thanks for your time!
Greg responds...
Haven't seen it.
Bazell writes...
Do you like musicals?
Have you seen Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog?
Greg responds...
Yes.
Yes.
And, yes, I thought it was great.
Todd Jensen writes...
I recently bought a copy of Dan Rosa's "The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck". The first chapter had the young Scrooge, as a boy in Scotland, learn about many of the deeds of his McDuck ancestors in Scottish history; one of them, Sir Quackly McDuck, fought for Macbeth in the "civil war of 1057" and was rewarded for his services with a large treasure chest (unfortunately, while walling it up in his castle to keep it safe, he accidentally walled himself in with it).
I thought you'd like to know that someone else at Disney's been working on early Scottish history (other MacDucks were connected to Hadrian's Wall, Kenneth mac Alpin, Malcolm II, and the Battle of Hastings).
Greg responds...
Very cool.
Balron writes...
Are you a MARVEL or a DC?
And even if you aren't one or the other, did you like the movie "Watchmen?"
Was that particular comic book any good inspiration on the works you have done in this decade? And if so, who was a favorite character of yours from that particular story?
Greg responds...
I'm both. I've worked for both companies, and even before that I was a fan of both sets of characters. When I was very young, I didn't even understand that they were too separate companies. I saw Superman team with Batman and Spider-Man team with Daredevil, and figured next issue I might see Daredevil team with Batman. Of course, I soon realized the truth, but it doesn't change the fact that I have an abiding affection for characters from both companies.
There were things I admired about the movie "Watchmen". But I thought Ozymandias was massively miscast, and that spoiled a lot of the film for me.
Watchmen's influence is probably in the mix somewhere, but I can't think of any specific way it has inspired me. As to my favorite character... I'm tempted to say Rorshach, but just because I donated his thumb prints to the original book.
Gareth T writes...
Given that you've done work for DC comics (I.e captain atom),
1) Do you still keep in touch with current DC comics continuity, like recent developments such as Final Crisis and Blackest Night?
2) If so, what do you think of them?
3) also, have you been approached to work on any of their more recent straight-to-DVD movies like Superman: doomsday or Green Lantern: first flight?
thanks for answering, if you do.
Greg responds...
1. Just a little.
2. I'm not up to speed enough to comment, one way or the other.
3. Yes. We'll see.
Pete writes...
back again, just want to rephrase some of my questions and ask a few more, hope its not to much...
1.) If you could use any one else in the marvel universe for his or her own show who would it be?
2.) Same as question 1 but DC?
3.) Have you ever read Amazing Spiderman To Die a Hero, when F. Fosswell dies? I just want to know what you think of it, I personally think it's one of the better comics from the Lee/Romita stories right next to Spiderman No More.
4.) Which issue was the Kraven mutation I've read a few Ultimate comics. I just ordered Issues 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. I already have 1,2 and 6.
Greg responds...
1 & 2. The list is nearly endless for both Marvel and DC. I've been reading those comics since I was a kid. Not every character has as rich a history as Spidey, but even the ones with less canon... leave me free to develop them more.
3. Yes. I like it.
4. I don't remember off the top of my head, and I don't have my Ultimates with me at this moment. Besides, that's research you can do on your own.
Todd Jensen writes...
I was rereading "Quidditch Through the Ages" (a small book put out by J. K. Rowling a few years ago as part of a support to a British charity group) last night, and came upon a passage that mentioned a Quidditch match between the Toyohashi Tengu (a Quidditch team from Japan) and the Gorodok Gargoyles (a Quidditch team from Lithuania) in 1994. Now, this is probably just a coincidence (I don't know if Rowling's even ever been that aware of "Gargoyles"), but I thought that you might be amused at the notion of two teams with those names having a match in the very year that "Gargoyles" premiered.
Greg responds...
That is very cool. Thanks.
abnormalpixarfan writes...
if you could would do a revamped of johnny quest with you at the helm?
Greg responds...
I'm a big fan of Jonny Quest, so if anyone asked me...
Bazell writes...
Will you/did you participate in Free Comic Book Day and pick up the offerings? If so, what did you think?
Greg responds...
I don't know about this.
CL writes...
Did you see James Cameron's Titanic, and if so, how did you like it?
Greg responds...
I have not seen it.
Antiyonder writes...
Since you mentioned having not seen The Incredible Hulk tv series for quite a while, I thought you might want to check the page: http://www.hulu.com/the-incredible-hulk
Has the first 3 seasons of the show as of now for viewing.
Greg responds...
Thanks, but I just don't have the time right now.
Wesley Nichols writes...
I read on one of youre answers that you are a huge batman fan. Did you see the Dark Knight and what did you think of the Joker? I feel that the Joker blew all the other characters away, but apparently some people don't like the interpretation. One person said that the Dark Knights's Joker is the best film version to date, but didn't approve of the interpreation, because of how sloppy he was and he considered Joker to be a neat freak.
Greg responds...
I thought it was a stunning interpretation.
Tex writes...
If Conan the Cimerian fought Goliath who would win?
Greg responds...
Uh... Disney?
Todd Jensen writes...
You mentioned reading "Bone" at Comic-Con. What did you think of it? (I read it a few years ago - I have the one-volume edition as well as the first two individual volumes, which I bought before the one-volume edition came out - and enjoyed it.)
Greg responds...
I love it. I think it gets a bit messy toward the end. Thorn's "powers" seem to come and go at will, as does her ability to be sick, be healed, etc. Episodically, it may not have registered, but read in one sitting...
And although I wasn't at all disappointed with the ENDING, ending, I really felt like Bone's crush went unresolved. And I would have liked to see a scene where it was DEALT with.
But these are quibbles. Overall, I thought it was great.
kyle tonarella writes...
hey greg i just want to say thank you once again for making Spectacular Spider-Man. It has become my second favorite cartoon after Batman The Animated Series becasue you handle the charcters just like bruce timm and paul dini did. I look forward to the second season. here is my question will we Doc Ock come back to lead the sinister six in the second group ?
Greg responds...
Bruce Timm and ALAN BURNETT. Not to knock Paul, but Paul and Michael Reaves and quite a few others were working for ALAN, and I just don't understand why Alan never gets credit for being (with Bruce) the driving force on that series.
Doc Ock will be back in Season Two.
Bruno writes...
Hi, Greg,
Nobody seems to have asked you this in a long time, so:
Which tv series have you been watching lately? LOST, Smallville, maybe?
Thanks.
Greg responds...
Smallville is a show I try NOT to watch, though an occasional commercial tricks me into tuning in. I do watch Lost.
My favorite shows of last season were... well, House and Life come to mind. I liked Slings & Arrows a lot. Pushing Daisies was fun. And I had a number of guilty pleasures.
I do miss Veronica Mars.
Right now I'm enjoying Swingtown, and I kinda like Flashpoint too, though that may be because I'm a big Enrico Collatoni fan.
Movie-Brat writes...
Hi, my name is Movie-Brat but if you like, you can nickname me M-B for short. And I like your show (Gargoyles) and your work in general and I do find your work on Gargoyles fascinating and anyway, to ask my question, what are your thoughts on such film as The Incredible Hulk (The new film taht just came out), A Nightmare on Elm Street (And its sequels), The Hills Have Eyes (Remake), The Saw films, Borat, Kiki's Delivery Service and Wes Craven's Shocker?
Greg responds...
I enjoyed the recent Hulk movie quite a bit, which surprised me, I must admit. Not a perfect fit, but...
Nightmare - I'm not a big fan of slasher films. I did see the first two NIghtmare films (way back when) because I went to college (and took a drama class and had one date) with Heather Langenkamp. But it's really not my thing.
Never saw and have no interest in Hills or Saw.
Never saw Borat.
I think Kiki is terrific!
Never saw Shocker.
Antiyonder writes...
Since you've mentioned the Hulk being one of the comics that you've picked up quite a bit (I believe you said that you never missed an issue), I was wondering what your thoughts on the 1970s series The Incredible Hulk (with Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno) provided you've seen it. Also if you've watched them, your opinions on the following TV Movies they've made:
- The Incredible Hulk Returns (Which features Don Blake and Thor).
- Trial Of The Incredible Hulk (Which features Matt Murdock/Daredevil and Wilson Fisk)
- The Death Of The Incredible Hulk
Greg responds...
I never said I never missed an issue. I read a good chunk of Peter David's run -- until events elsewhere in the Marvel Universe made it incoherent for me. It was the last Marvel book I gave up before I stopped reading comics in 1996. I've since started again, but the only Marvel comic I'm currently reading is Amazing Spider-Man (for work reasons).
I have fond memories of the Bixby/Ferrigno Hulk series, though it's been so long that I do wonder if it would hold up.
I remember the first two movies you referenced. Don't remember thinking they were very good, but I remember almost no details. I don't recall the third at all.
Beth B. writes...
Dear Greg,
I was just wondering if you had seen the new Transformers: Animated show now airing on Cartoon Network... I checked back in the archives and found that no one had asked this yet, so I thought I'd give it a go.
It's interesting that it centers around five Autobots, "in statsis" for the past few decades or so that are suddenly reawakened when they are in need. The five include Optimus Prime (David Kaye), Rachet (Corey Burton ), Bumblebee (Bumper Robinson ), AND
Bulkhead (Bill Fagerbakke ) and Prowl (Jeff Bennett ) !!!!
I was pretty amazed when I saw this. Not only did the former voice actors from Gargoyles come back to do a show together but in relatively the same roles as they had played back in Gargoyles!
Jeff Bennett does a superb job as Prowl (a sleek cyberninja... kind of an outcast of the group= Brooklyn!!!), and sounds about as dead pan as Owen Burnett, which makes me giggle with joy. Bulkhead is... bulky and the bigger guy of the group (and voiced by our old friend Broadway!).
Even the others match up:
Rachet: old veteran 'bot, akin to Hudson
Bumblebee: smallest of the group: Lexington
So all that to say this: What do you think of your formula being used again in another hit show? I know we can't credit you coming up with the archetypes, but certainly perpetuating them in a way that many fans have grown to love. Have you seen the show? What are your impressions of the show?
Thanks again,
-Beth B.
Greg responds...
I'm afraid I haven't seen it, but I'm always glad to hear Bill, Jeff and Corey are getting work.
Algernon writes...
Hey Greg, just thought I'd clarify something I read in one of your recent responses.
On the 14th of March you wrote "I'm not sure I know what 616 means". As I understand it in the context of Marvel's fictional multiverse, Earth-616 refers to the mainstream Marvel Universe that read about in the comics every month. As opposed to the various alternate universes like Ultimate Marvel and those old issues of What If? The term was allegedly first coined by Alan Moore in an old Captain Britain story.
Greg responds...
Oh.
Miranda Doughty writes...
How would you like to team up with Kevin Eastman, Peter Laid, and Kevin Munroe, and Make the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles meet the Gargoyles based on a script I am Writing?
Greg responds...
I wouldn't.
UmbrellaFish writes...
Hello! First off, I want to say thank you for creating Gargoyles. It was an amazing show, truly. And it certainly modeled bits of my personality. When it premiered, I was still pretty young, but I can remember drawing pictures of Goliath and me. When I later rediscovered the show, I found out that the voice actor of my favorite character, at least when I was younger, Keith David, had the same first name as me! I just find that so cool, kinda geeky, but cool.
The comic books are great! I never would have imagined that one day there'd be more Gargoyles to enjoy. I have all the comics so far, and I plan to buy the book later. I'm still waiting for a little more Demona, though. Demona, I would say, is my favorite character. Then Macbeth and later Goliath.
I missed the premiere of The Spectacular Spider-Man, but I did watch the third episode today. First off, I know next to nothing about Spider-Man, so I'll admit I was somewhat confused with the characters. I do know some basic stuff, though, and when I watched it, I thought it was really great! I'm definitely going to tell my cousin about this, at least if she hasn't already discovered it. She's a big Spider-Man fan, and of the little knowledge I know of the franchise, I learned it from her.
Now, I hope its okay to ask a question that's not about any of the stuff above. Have you seen the film "Enchanted" yet? I'm a huge Disney fan, so I might be a little biased, but it is a terrific movie. I pre-ordered the film in January!
Greg responds...
I did see it. But I'm afraid I'm not a fan. The animated world and the characters that emerged from it felt too generic to me. You'd never get away with them in a current animated movie. I know that was kind of the point, but it grated on me. And the real world wasn't real enough to me. Patrick Dempsey never tries to get her medical help. (Compare "Miracle on 34th Street".) Anyway, I can see why it charmed some people, but it just didn't work for me.
Robert writes...
Hey Greg have you seen the JJ Abrams Mystery Trailer from Bad Robot Productions? If so, is there anything you'd like to tell us?
Greg responds...
I have seen it. Don't know what to make of it. I know someone who's pretty obssessed with finding out, but I'm not that interested. Maybe it's unfair, but it looks very "Independence Day" to me, which was a movie I couldn't stand. And to be fair to me, if they're going to market the thing this way, then they're stuck with whatever impressions I get from it.
Antiyonder writes...
With the upcoming Spider-Man cartoon, I was wondering if you saw Spider-Man 3. Did you think it was overall a good end for the first two movies? Also:
1. What did you think of Superman Returns as well as Fantastic Four 2 Rise Of The Silver Surfer, providing you saw them? The Silver Surfer is currently in the works for the movie
1a. For that matter, you looking forward to seeing the upcoming Ant-Man film? Suppose to be out next year. It'll be featuring both Henry Pym and Scott Lang. The former being the 1960s version and the latter being the modern day version.
2. You see any episodes of the recent Fantastic Four cartoon?
3. Are you looking forward to seeing the upcoming Wolverine and The X-Men cartoon?
Greg responds...
Spider-Man 3 - I work for Sony, so I think I'll refrain.
Superman Returns - Plenty I liked about it, though I would have loved to have edited the thing differently. And there was stuff that just drove me nuts. I initially appreciated all the touchstones to the Donner Superman movie, but at some point it seemed almost slavish to it.
FF2 - Well, it was SO much better than FF1, that it's hard to be too critical, but I still think that Reed Richards and Dr. Doom were both horribly miscast.
1a. I don't know who Scott Lang is. But I'd love to see a Hank Pym Ant-Man movie, assuming he was the Hank Pym I remember and not the sob that I've heard they've turned him into.
2. I have not.
3. It's not a lock that I will see it. I work during the day, and I don't get cable.
Jarrod writes...
Hi Greg! I was very sorry that again, i could not make the gathering this year, I had the time, but not the funds. :-( Very sad. Anyways, my question is:
Have you seen the new Transformers movie yet? I just saw it tonight, and it is amazing! I do not know if you even like transformers, but I figured as one cartoon guy to another, What do you think? Thanks!
PS- Oh and I love the comics, and I cant wait for Bad Guys!
Greg responds...
I have seen Transformers, and I enjoyed it. But that's not the same as thinking it's very good. I thought the movie had a lot of problems. A lot of logic gaps. Fight photography that got on my nerves because it made it difficult to tell who was who -- although to be fair my color deficiency may also have played a role in that. But I was dreading it a bit, so I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it.
Also, I do NOT know the Transformers cartoons (any of them) at all. So I have no emotional connection to any of the characters, human or robot. And I still don't, I'm afraid.
Charisma82 writes...
Have you ever seen the movie "Dead Poet's Society"? (Robin Williams and Ethan Hawke were in it, if that helps ring a bell for you). If you have, what was your opinion on it? If you haven't, then I would highly recommend you see it. It is definitely in my top 10 favorite movies of all time. I would write a ramble or something on the movie, but I don't want to in case you haven't seen it. Heck, I still might right something on it even if you haven't seen it… but at a later date…
Thank you for your time and all that you do.
-Charisma82
Greg responds...
I've seen it. I remember being a bit frustrated by it. There's a lot of good performances, but -- SPOILERS -- I remained unconvinced by Sean Leonard's demise -- though my father felt that given the era it was set in, that it was fairly realistic.
Antiyonder writes...
You mentioned not hearing about Daredevil The Director's Cut, so I'll explain it as much as I can. Daredevil as was originally planned was R Rated. Characters like Foggy Nelson and The Kingpin (who's sense of menace is built upon more) got more screen time. It includes a murder subplot missing from the theatrical cut, which had Coolio playing accused murderer Dante Jackson (Though his name was left in the credits in the theater). Overall the murder case plays a part of how Wilson Fisk was revealed as the Kingpin.
As the commentary would describe it, the Director's Cut puts more emphasis on Matt representing the underdog, less on the love story. You'd probably like it (better than the theatrical cut).
Greg responds...
I saw Daredevil on a plane, and I'm generally more forgiving of movies on a plane. Having said that, my memory of the film is pretty vague.
Emperor Auladarr I writes...
Not really a question but a bit of info:
Mr. Weisman,
You said you wished to know what had happened to the elves at Helm's Deep in LOTR: The Two Towers. It is my belief (if I'm reading Tolkien's original work correctly) that the elves there all "died." The quotation marks are used because on Middle-earth, the elves are immortal. If they are killed, they are re-born, so to speak, some time later with full memories of their past experiences.
Just thought I'd share that...although, by the time you read this, I'm sure you'll have sated your curiosity.
Greg responds...
It's been years and years since I read Tolkien, and it may be true that in the book the elves all died. But I see NO indication of that in the movie. So when I comment on the movie version of Return of the King, I think it's fair to ask the question what happened to the elves from the movie version of TT.
Now of course, we very dramatically see one elf die. The guy we've met before, whose name escapes me at the moment. But I saw no indication that either he was the last one left and/or that all the others died after him.
Given how the movie presents the elves as SO much better fighters than anyone else we meet, I likewise find it hard to believe that so many humans survived and not one elf.
Keep in mind, though, that I DO love these movies.
Buffy Season Two Character Countdown
As noted yesterday, I'm as big a geek -- if not bigger -- than anyone in the room.
So now, for no particular reason, I've put together a countdown of the GREATEST BUFFYVERSE characters from Seasons One & Two.
I thought about doing Season Two separately, as if it stood alone, but that felt artificial. (Like the rest of this feels natural? Yeah, right.) Think of the Buffyverse as an eight year horse race. You're not sure which nag is going to go the distance... But cumulatively, you begin to discover things.
So here's the top 30 characters of the Buffyverse for Seasons One & Two combined. In reverse order...
#30 - The Judge. Medieval demon raised by Spike & Dru to burn the humanity out of, well, humans. Killed by a rocket launcher. (Previous Rank: Did not appear in first season.)
#29 - Mr. Norman Pfister, a.k.a. Worm Guy. One of the assassins hired by Spike to kill Buffy. Could transform his whole body into worms. Stomped by Xander & Cordy. (Previous Rank: Did not appear in first season.)
#28 - Dalton. A relatively brainy vampire flunky, who appeared in a couple of episodes working for Spike & Dru. Burned by the Judge. (Previous Rank: Did not appear in first season.)
#27 - Luke. Still a fairly memorable first opponent for Buffy even a year later. (PR: #14. Okay, he's memorable, but not that memorable, falling 13 rankings with no where to go but down.)
#26 - Harmony Kendall - Made another humorous appearance. (PR: Honorable Mention.)
#25 - Hank Summers. Still, if barely, a part of his daughter's life. (PR: Honorable Mention.)
#24 - Willy. The weasley guy who runs the demon-bar hangout and plays both sides of the fence. (PR: Did not appear in first season.)
#23 - Amy. Back as a full-fledged witch. (PR: Honorable Mention.)
#22 - Ethan Rayne. Giles old chaos-worshipping "friend". (PR: Did not appear in first season.)
#21 - Uncle Enyos, a.k.a. Gypsy Man. Jenny Calendar's vengeance-seeking Gypsy uncle. Killed by Angel. (PR: Did not appear in first season.)
#20 - Jesse. (PR: #13. Drops seven rankings, and counting, as he's been totally forgotten.)
#19 - Jonathan (variously spelled Johnathan and Jonathon, a.k.a. Student and/or Hostage Kid and/or Freshman (which he later turns out not to be, unless he skips a couple grades by the time Buffy graduates). Jonathan with something like 6 appearances but VERY little screen time in each really makes an adorable impression, thus it's not surprising that he winds up playing an increasingly larger role with every year. (PR: Did not appear in first season.)
#18 - Whistler. The demon, played by the always interesting Max Perlich, who helped redeem Angel from the gutter. This guy interested me a LOT, but never (as I recall) returned. I always wondered if Doyle was a reworking of Whistler when they couldn't get Perlich to be a regular on Angel. (PR: Did not appear in first season.)
#17 - Kendra the Vampire Slayer. Came and went. But before you know how interesting Faith can be, she was very cool. (PR: Did not appear in first season.)
#16 - Principal Bob Flutie. (PR: #9. Drops 7 places and being still dead, likely to keep heading south.)
#15 - Darla. Appears in a wonderful flashback, where she sires Angel. (PR: #11. Only drops 4 ranks, and is likely to make a comeback, because death plays much more fast and loose with Darla than with Principal Flutie.)
#14 - The Annointed One. Spike just overwhelmed this guy (and then flambéd him). I suppose it was also a liability to have an eternally youthful child in an ongoing series. It won't take long before a growth spurt changes the kids looks significantly. (PR: #10. Another four rank drop and falling.)
#13 - The Master. Influence still being felt... (PR: #8. Down five rankings.)
#12 - Oz. Becomes Willow's guy after a slow burn. And gets to be a Werewolf to boot. (PR: Did not appear in first season.)
#11 - Jenny Calender, a.k.a. Janna the Gypsy spy. Becomes SO important that Angel has to snap her neck, breaking Giles heart -- and falling into a Buffy/Angel trap that is common to most TV dramas (except Gargoyles) which states that no relationship really has long term potential. (PR: #15. Actually moves up 4 rankings, while most are moving down.)
#10 - Principal Snyder. (PR: #12. Also moving up a bit.)
#9 - Spike, a.k.a. William the Bloody. Enters the list in the top ten.
#8 - Drusilla. This surprised me a bit. Would not have guessed that Dru would beat out Spike. But in their first season, she's actually a tad more important. His villainy culminates in hers. (Of course, both are overshadowed by Angelus) (PR: Did not appear in first season.)
#7 - Joyce Summers. (PR: #7. Holding her spot.)
#6 - Angel, a.k.a. Angelus. Really starts to come into his own here, but missed a couple episodes and Cordy had a headstart from season one. (PR: #6)
#5 - Cordelia Chase. And Cordy also begins to truly come into her own in this season. Evolving out of her funny but one-note stereotype from Season One and beginning a relationship with Xander that I was sorry never got to be played again in Angel (even historically). (PR: #5)
#4 - Willow Rosenberg. Xander's headstart kept him ahead in a season where they had a much more neck-and-neck pointscore. (PR: #4)
#3 - Xander Harris. (PR: #3)
#2 - Rupert Giles. Still a bit surprised how he continues to rank above X&W. (PR: #2)
#1 - Buffy Summers. (PR: #1)
Honorable mention goes to the following (for making one or two memorable appearances):
Catherine . Okay, normally, I'm not going to honorably mention someone in consecutive seasons, but that great scene where Oz is watching the Cheerleading trophy follow him with his eyes, is priceless continuity.
Absalom. Vampire working for the Annointed One trying to raise the Master. The last champion of the Season One storyline. Buffy burns him.
Nurse Greenliegh. Eaten by fishboys. Probably gets extra juice because I like actress Conchatta Ferrell in just about anything.
Ted Buchanon - Psycho Robot Serial Killer. Lots of evil fun. Trashed by Buffy.
Devon - Dopey lead singer of Oz's band.
Inca Mummy Girl, a.k.a. Empada. Poor kid. She just fell apart on us.
Larry. School bully who turns out to be a sensitive gay guy.
Lyle Gorch - Cowboy vampire, barely smarter than his brother.
Chanterelle - Goofy vampire wannabe.
Detective Bob & Detective Stein - Each appeared twice. Bob was Snyder's cop. The one who helped Snyder cover up the macabre doings at the school. Stein was Buffy's vague nemesis. The one who questioned her about Ted's "death" and suspected her of Kendra's. Both are interesting and feel more important than they wind up being.
The Mayor. Doesn't appear at all. But Snyder's both scared of him and desperate to impress him.
And that's it. But Season Three just came in the mail today. It'll obviously take me some time to watch it. But eventually, I'll be continuing this pointless exercise...
Aren't you glad?
Buffy Season One Character Countdown...
Yes, that's right, I'm as big a geek -- if not bigger -- than anyone in the room.
I bought the 1st and 2nd Seasons of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER on DVD. And I've been watching the episodes. Or studying them actually.
So now, for no particular reason, I've put together a countdown of the GREATEST BUFFYVERSE characters from Season One.
(WHY, you ask? Because it amuses me and appeals to my geeky mind. <Yeesh, what a dopey question.>)
Now, this is a truly subjective (if not pointless) exercise that I've tried to reduce to an objective task. I've awarded points per episode to each character based on a number of criteria. Then I totalled up the points for each character for the season. In case of a tie, I made a subjective call.
I tried NOT to make the point totals reflect what happened with characters in subsequent seasons. This is a countdown reflecting Season One only. Though I won't deny the fact that if a character reappeared later in the series, it probably meant that said character was memorable to the creators (and the viewers) in his or her original appearance(s). So I allowed some bias to filter in. But I tried to be strong.
Most of the results aren't particularly shocking, but a few things surprised me a bit.
Originally, I was just doing this for myself. But I figured, what the heck, might as well share my obssessive behaviour with you poor victims.
So here's the top 15 characters of the Buffyverse for Season One in reverse order...
#15 - Jenny Calender. In season one, she's merely the computer teacher/techno-pagan. But she already seems to have some interest in Giles.
#14 - Luke. The vampire who was the surrogate for the Master's "Harvest" during the 2-part pilot. An impressive first foe, who'd be topped many times over. But he set the bar well. He received the same point total as Jenny, and long-term she's MUCH more important, but in the first season, I think Luke's role was much more crucial.
#13 - Jesse. Jesse was Xander's best friend, who became a vampire in the pilot and was accidentally staked. Jesse would have been more important if anyone had EVER mentioned him again -- even in episode three. It strikes me as a very un-Joss like thing that Jesse completely faded from memory... INSTANTLY.
#12 - Principal Snyder. The new and harsh replacement principal makes an immediate impression.
#11 - Darla. The vampire who served the Master and was revealed as Angel's sire. Jealous, vulnerable, greedy and sweet all rolled into one. She was staked in her third appearance, but it's not surprising she came back both in flashbacks and in ANGEL.
#10 - The Annointed One. Also known as Colin and/or the Boy. This guy was built up to be VERY important in Season One, though he wound up not being important at all.
#9 - Principal Bob Flutie. The conflicted original principal of Sunnydale High. For obvious reasons, adjusted to be MOST sympathetic just before he was eaten by the quartet of Hyena-Avatars.
#8 - The Master. The main recurring villain for Season One. Staked at the end of the season, though his influence would continue into Season Two and beyond. (FYI, one of the DVD extras revealed that his real name was Heinrich Joseph Nest.)
#7 - Joyce Summers. Buffy's mom.
#6 - Angel. Made a pretty big impression in relatively few appearances. Obviously.
#5 - Cordelia Chase.
#4 - Willow Rosenberg.
#3 - Xander Harris. This surprised me. I would have thought that Willow and Xander would have been neck and neck -- impossible to declare as anything but a tie. But at least in Season One, Xander really got more screen time and a much bigger overall role in the series.
#2 - Rupert Giles. This surprised me a bit too, as I would have guessed that Xander & Willow would have both scored ahead of Giles. But nope. Not when you break it down.
#1 - Buffy Summers. Duh.
Honorable mention goes to the following (for making one or two memorable appearances):
Catherine & Amy, mother & daughter witches. Amy obviously will become more important, but Catherine's end, forever imprisoned in the cheerleading trophy, was too cool.
Dr. Gregory. Buffy's biology teacher. Made two appearances before being killed by the She-Mantis. Was the only teacher who believed in Buffy.
The She-Mantis. A fun villain.
Harmony Kendall. Only made two brief appearances, but she stood out enough as one of Cordelia's "Cordettes" that she would wind up being brought back again and again. A certain comic timing, probably.
Hank Summers. Buffy's dad.
Joy. The Senior Cheerleader.
Sid. The human trapped in the body of a ventriloquist's dummy.
That's it. I'll have Season Two shortly. I bet you can't wait.
SPIDER-MAN 2 - SPOILERS
Took the kids to see Spider-Man 2 yesterday.
SPOILER WARNING
The murder of all those doctors seemed gratuitous to me. Trashing them, sure, but why did the arms (particularly at this early stage) feel the need to kill. I know, I know, self-defense. But in a movie like this, where otherwise I thought it was more-or-less okay to bring my kids, I thought it was really unnecessary.
The death of Otto's wife didn't bother me. Except that it became gratuitous as nothing at all was done with it. Her entire character became gratuitous. And I like Donna Murphy.
I've already talked about my whole Kirsten Dunst would make the perfect Gwen Stacy but is unconvincing as Mary Jane Watson thing. Nothing in this movie convinced me otherwise, despite the "Go get 'em, Tiger" line at the end. I guess you just have to get used to the idea that they've combined these two characters into one and chosen MJ's name.
Peter's objection to dating MJ, because it could put her at risk seems a little preposterous given how much risk she's been put in over these two movies even though they haven't been dating. I don't mind this, I just wish that someone, specifically MJ in their last scene together would have pointed that out.
The theme of this movie is "LET'S REVEAL MY SECRET IDENTITY TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE". At the end of the previous film, it was beyond clear that MJ had figured out that Peter was Spider-Man. This is somewhat successfully slid by in this film. But by the end of the second film, the list of people who have seen Spidey's face is nearly endless:
MJ
Doc Ock
Harry
The New Green Goblin
About thirty-seven people on the train
and let's face it, even Aunt May seemed to be strongly implying that she had figured it out.
A little bothered by the way some of Peter's late-arrivals were staged.
Did he really lose THAT much time delivering Pizza.
But more importantly, it seems clear that being Spider-Man aside, he just flat out didn't leave enough time to get to MJ's show in the first place. Face it, he lost his mo-ped but arrived in the bad-guys car. And it took less than a minute to capture them. And he was still late. This bugged me because he was blaming Spidey for screwing up his life, when clearly if he had left for the play in a timely fashion, he would have arrived on time (and missed the crime completely).
I didn't quite know what to make of the whole thing with the landlord's daughter. Kept expecting her to see Peter with MJ in the last scene and turn into a super-villain or something. She was sweet. Didn't catch the character's name, though it's a very similar character to the character that same actress plays on Joan of Arcadia.
Everyone seems wowed by Molina's performance and by Doc Ock, especially as compared to the last film's Green Goblin. I have no objections to either Molina or Doc, but I don't get the raves. Green Goblin's motivations made a lot more sense to me than Ock's. Sure the arm effects were cool. But the whole AI thing effecting his brain seemed forced. And frankly, a bit unnecessary.
From all of the above, I'm sure it must seem like I didn't like the movie. But in fact I did. I even liked how nearly everybody now knows Parker's secret. How did it help any of those people to not know?
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO SECOND & THIRD BASE?
The following RANT is somewhat ADULT. You've been warned.
There are two prime time television series that I'm fond of that I'm annoyed with for a very specific reason.
One is GILMORE GIRLS. The other is JOAN OF ARCADIA.
Last week, on Joan of Arcadia, 16-year-old Joan nearly decided to lose her virginity with Adam.
Last week on on Gilmore Girls, 19-year-old Rory lost her virginity with Dean.
In both cases, it's not the losing or not losing that bothers me.
It's just that in both cases, we've more or less been witness to these girls sexual awakening. And I've never gotten any indication that either girl has done anything beyond kissing, that neither guy has ever gotten past what we used to call first base.
One of my biggest pet peeves about television is that second & third base (including anything and everything in between kissing and sexual intercourse) do not exist. Oral sex? Doesn't exist. Touching and/or nudity without intercourse? Doesn't exist.
I don't need to see it. (Not that I'd object, but this isn't about me being a pervert for once.) But I would think that two shows as smartly-written as Gilmore & Joan should be able to find a way to suggest that such "intermediate steps" DO exist. I mean if they can talk about full-on intercourse, why can't they talk about things that are safer, younger, more exploratory, with FEWER consequences.
I feel it's TERRIBLY irresponsible to teach kids and teens that there's no way to express themselves sexually, once they've gotten past a kiss, except by going all the way. By hitting home runs, by scoring, so to speak.
Look, when I was a teen, there was a LONG, LONG gap between my first kiss and my first time engaging in sexual intercourse. There was a pretty substantial gap between my first kiss with the girl that I would end up losing my virginity to and the actual act of losing said virginity. In fact, in every relationship I ever had, up to and including my wife, kissing was a prelude to touching, etc., which was in turn a prelude to "making love"... assuming the relationship lasted that long.
The frustrating truth is that I really like both Gilmore Girls and Joan of Arcadia. I even really liked the episodes that are currently annoying me. But I'm still waiting for someone to brave the taboo and bring back second and third base.
PROPS TO "THE WONDER YEARS" for the only example of Second Base on a Prime Time series that I recall. But what was that -- ten years ago? Has there been no progress since?
A Farewell to Joss...
Let me get this out of the way first:
I love the television work of Joss Whedon.
Love Buffy.
Love Angel.
Love Firefly. (I'm very much looking forward to Serenity too.)
I am stunned that after eight years (thirteen seasons worth of television) that I won't be able to get new episodes of a Joss Whedon series next year.
Yes, they claim they'll bring back Buffy or Angel or both in t.v. movies. But frankly, I don't want to get my hopes up too high.
This season of Angel was brilliant in episode after episode. The insane Slayer. The Angel muppet. The return of Cordelia. The return of Conner.
And last night's finale... was stunning.
---SPOILERS---
The really smart thing was what they left out -- ironically, mostly action. I mean face it, do we really need to SEE Gunn take out six vamps? Do we really need to see Illyria take out four demons in a car? Do we really need to see Spike take on a cult? (Well, actually it might have been fun to get a little more of this -- what with his Lone Wolf & Cub dilemma of fighting while holding a baby.)
Harmony was a bit weak, i.e. I don't mind that she betrayed Angel or that Angel knew she would, but how did she know anything to betray him with. And I've never understood the transition between the Lyndsey who left L.A. at the end of season two and the Lyndsey who came back midway through season five. Why was he suddenly Angel's enemy again? It was cool that Lorne shot him, but I have to admit I wasn't sure if it was justified. Didn't he deserve a chance at redemption? And what was the deal with Eve at the end?
But that's quibbling.
Wesley had a decent death. And an even better end. The Illyria stuff was all great.
And of course, the final final ending, with the four warriors against the horde and Angel's last line, "Personally, I'd like to
slay a dragon." was just brilliant.
This was, in my opinion, much superior to the Buffy series finale. Both had the problem of only having one hour to stuff a ton of content in. But again, Angel was much smarter about what it LEFT OUT. Buffy's finale just seemed VERY rushed to me. Anya's death barely registered, even with Xander. And did the First get any comeuppance at all?
And sure, I'll admit that the last couple seasons of Buffy suffered from a real one-step-forward-two-steps-back-then-the-SAME-step-forward syndrome.
But all these negatives are quibbling based largely on the superior quality of Joss' series in general.
How did this happen? (Not the great work. But the absense of it next year.)
Just a couple years ago, I was in Whedon heaven. Buffy. Angel. Firefly. And any minute the Buffy Animated Series (which I was SO dying to work on, but couldn't even get my foot in the door) and Ripper. How did five series (four set in the Buffyverse) drop down to zero in just 18 months?
Yes, thank god for Serenity, which is in production.
But whether he likes the grind or not, Joss was born for Series TV not one-shot movies.
I'm really going to miss him.
Guess it's time to buy the DVDs.
Aris Katsaris writes...
<g> I'm asking this question with the assumption that it'll be past December 19th that you'll respond to it. And the assumption that you saw the movie. Uh... and the assumption that you took your family to see it also. :-)
What did you think about the Lord of the Rings movie? What did your children think?
Greg responds...
I have really loved BOTH LOTR movies. (See, you were right. It's past Dec. 19th. TWICE OVER.)
My kids, however, are six and eight. (Younger than that when the first one came out.) I don't think either film was appropriate viewing material for them. But I bought the DVD of the first one, so when their older, they can see it.