beeftony writes...

Not sure if this was intentional on your part or not, but I'd like to thank you for making "Image" a perfect metaphor for what it's like to be Trans. Obviously M'Gann is transspecies rather than transgender or transsexual, but I know a few transpeople and the attitudes are almost exactly the same, in that what she presents herself as is who she really feels she is inside, though obviously it's easier for a shapeshifter to make that a reality.

I like that M'Gann completely rejects Psimon's insinuation that her white martian form is her "true form," and insists that she really is Megan on the inside. I also enjoy how she made it a point to mention that she keeps herself in that form for *her*, because while she desperately craves acceptance from the others, she wants to be in control of her own identity rather than live in a predefined role based on how she looked like when she was born.

Whether you intended it or not, it sends a very powerful message that people can be free to present themselves as who they are inside instead of letting society dictate their "true form." It's one I certainly didn't expect to see on a show on Cartoon Network, and it's one of the many reasons I love this show.

Greg Bishansky writes...

Image

The fourth episode in a row to completely knock it out of the park. I am speechless. I suppose I shouldn't be, as I never disliked the show, I just didn't love it. But the creative team behind it has long ago earned my trust, and that trust has been paying off. This episode was great.

Let me be honest, up until now, I didn't care for Miss Martian, or that catch phrase. I wasn't complaining about it like other people were, because I knew that there is no way this team would put something as annoying as M'Gann crying "hello, Megan!" into the show without a damn good reason. While I saw the twist coming, I wasn't quite prepared for just how dark and disturbing the revelation would really be. In one fell swoop, she's become one of the darker characters on the team... a role that, for the most part, was held by Artemis. They weren't kidding when they said the theme of the season was "secrets and lies" and M'Gann is a pathological liar. Frying the brains of her friends, and maybe mindwiping Psimon just to keep her secret.

I figured she modeled herself after a sitcom star, but I was unaware of just how much. She even named Connor after "Megan's" love interest in the sitcom. Cute theme song for that sitcom, by the way. Very 1980's. But Garfield was wrong, it can't be that rare a series, since it was on TV in Artemis' apartment several episodes back. Marie Logan was justified in being put off by her at first. Although it was touching when Marie finally came around after M'Gann saved her son's life.

And here's a quick note, Connor and M'Gann are kinky teens. I don't know how far they've actually gone together, but I tend to think they've done more than kiss by now. Who else has she transformed into when they've gotten busy? Okay, enough of my verbal voyeurism... but that was a pretty big entendre.

I enjoyed the return of Psimon, especially when he got into M'Gann's head and tore down all her defenses laying all of her secrets out in front of her. Her true form is... hideous. Monstrous even. I feel bad saying so about what we've been told in the past is an oppressed minority... but I am curious as to exactly how much Martian Manhunter knows about her. And what else has she lied about? Her entire life is, at this point, a lie... and now she is beginning to feel the consequences of those lies, and it's only going to get worse for her. But, suddenly, I like this character. I didn't like her before now, but... talk about a one-eighty.

The conflict between Bialya and Qurac was nice, and pretty topical considering current events in the Middle East. We've gone through Arab Spring and the toppling of tyrannical regimes. I know Bialya is an acronym for Libya, and sadly they haven't had a chance to put down their own dictator, but as a political junkie, this made it even more fun to watch.

I can't end this review without mentioning Queen Bee, and Marina Sirtis. I've been waiting to see, and hear, more of her and I was not disappointed. The way the episode ended, I know we'll be seeing and hearing even more from her and I cannot get enough of Marina's voice. But I've been a big fan of Marina Sirtis for longer than either of us would care to admit, which is funny considering I never much cared for the character of Deanna Troi. Marina may have been put on the map by playing the nicest character in the universe, but villainous roles like Demona and now, Queen Bee, are where she shines. I definitely cracked a smile at that line about how Queen Bee can enthrall "most men and some women" although, I tend to think that's a Marina Sirtis ability more than anything... fifty-six years old, and still gorgeous.

Loved it, can't wait to see what comes next.

Anonymous writes...

Do Green and Red Martians 'true/natural' form look like Miss Martians?

Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...

Hi Greg, so I watched Image today, man that was amazing. First off, thank you for the cameo by Garfield. I'd ask if the transfusion could have 'unexpected side effects', but I know you won't answer. As for the use of Queen Bee and Psimon, very nicely done. I thought Robin did great for his first time as team leader. And I like the design for Megan's true form (no offense, but not much of a reveal there). Honestly, my favorite part of the whole thing was the opening to "Hello Megan!" I know it's purposely corny but I enjoyed all the name drops and especially Greg Vietti and Brandon Weisman, very cute.

Please keep up the good work and I can't wait for next week!

Eagle-Owl writes...

YJ question:

"Created by Greg Vietti and Brandon Weisman" Clever, Greg. You always outdo yourself.

Here's the question: In the opening credits for the "Hello Megan" show in "Image", are some of the names references to other staff members of YJ? Or are they existing characters in the DC Universe? If they're YJ staff members, who are they?

Cameron writes...

What nationality are Gar and Marie? Are they from Qurac?

Chaz! writes...

First of all, I'd like to say that the last two episodes "Coldhearted" and "Image" have been fantastic. They just blew me away. Please keep up the good work and pass my complements on to the writers & directors. as for questions
1) How have the ratings been since the six month hiatus? Enough to keep yj healthily on the air I hope.
2) Can we get any episode titles for season 2 yet?
3) Has the justice league or any of it's members encountered any of the New Gods yet (aside from the incident in “Disordered”?
I thought this had been asked but I searched the unanswered questions file and the archive to no avail. maybe I used the wrong wording. If that's the case, I'd like to apologize.

Ray writes...

Hi Greg,
I really applaud you for your series. The plot is so smooth and cryptic, the prefect tone for this type of series!
1. What were the incantations of The two-dimensions-merging spell and the the ice-tower-explosion spell?
2. Why does everyone refer Zatarra by his last name Zatarra? Even Zatanna does it. It's like calling your father by his last name (which is also your last name).
3. Do Zatanna and Giovanni know that their spells are reversed? Do they make it up on the spot? Or are they already existing spells, and that having it backwards was jus for fun?

Knuckles writes...

Doesn't Aqualad ever lose his cool?