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REVELATIONS 2012-08 (Aug)

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Derek writes...

1) So Martian Manhunter knows that Miss Martian was a white martian right? So is she really "legally" his niece via adoption or was that just a cover story?
2) Where did the idea of Miss Martian basing her personality on a sitcom come from? I thought it was very clever.

Greg responds...

1. Right.

1a. Neither. He's her niece. Her mother - a Green Martian - is J'onn's sister. M'gann's father is a White Martian.

2. Uh, I think that was my idea originally, but it was thoroughly worked on by the entire brain trust, i.e. me, Brandon Vietti and Kevin Hopps. In addition, writer and former child sitcom star Nicole Dubuc, also contributed a lot at the script stages.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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Andre writes...

Hey man, been a big fan of Gargoyles since my early childhood days, and have been following your work from Spectacular Spider-Man to Young Justice.

My question refers to the primary antagonist of the Gargoyle universe, David Xanatos. What was the inspiration for you to create such a complex gray villain? Also, where'd the name come from for Xanatos too?

Greg responds...

1. The most immediate inspirations were Captain Hook/Duke Igthorn mixed with a healthy dose of General Wade Eiling, plus some Bruce Wayne and Captain Kirk.

2. The name is a variation on Thanatos, the greek god of death. It also is a real name you can find in most phone books. Assuming you can find a phone book.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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Jason R. Carter writes...

1. Any particular reason why Luthor is pronounced like Luther as opposed to "Lu-thor"?

2. Is Earth-16 Atom stuck at that size or can he grow to human size?

Greg responds...

1. Guess it's what I grew up with.

2. He can be normal sized.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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Paul writes...

1) Is Lex Luthor immune to Queen Bee's control?

2) When Cheshire retreated at the end of "Usual Suspects", was she feeling some respect for Artemis at bringing down Sportsmaster?

3) Is Zatanna a cougar?

Greg responds...

1. Does he need to be?

2. Respect...? I suppose. Some. More like complicity.

3. Huh? She's just a few months older than Robin.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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The spider writes...

Not that i have a problem with it but why is batman so much younger than everyone else(including flash)?
Love the young justice show!

Greg responds...

He's not.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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Thomas Allen Dreyfuss writes...

Hi Greg. I've been a long time reader of your responses and I figured after reading through 100's of responses (for my own purposes), I'd find the courage in me to ask you a question. When it comes to planning for a show like "Young Justice" that's episodic in nature (like many of your other works) yet geared for all ages (see previous statement in parenthesis), how do you and your collaborators approach something as daunting like weaving together multiple plot threads, showing character growth, and create story arcs? What are some of the advantages and constraints to writing in the way that you do? I'm currently studying television production as my major in college (a career path I've been told that is faced with rejection, hard work, and passion) and I'm asking this question (well, now it's questions) because I've been fascinated with well organized/structured series. Being the well accomplished writer that you are, I thought I'd ask you on the subject since you have a lot of experience writing/creating/producing shows like "Gargoyles", "The Spectacular Spider-Man", and "Young Justice". If you don't feel like answering this question, I understand that you're a very busy person (you don't need to tell me how busy, I've read the rambles) who takes the time from work to answer the many questions people send to you and I for one certainly appreciate all the hard work you (and of course, the many people you've worked with) put into your each of your projects. Anyways, thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to ramble and I look forward to whatever stories you have planned next (INVASION! WOOT!).

Greg responds...

I've written quite a bit on this subject already - even recently (like today). So take a look at the archives, and if you have specific questions after reading what I wrote, feel free to post again.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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LupusLover writes...

Was Paula Crock put in a wheel chair before she went to prison or during?

Greg responds...

Before.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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Adam writes...

Hello!

As I'm writing this, "Usual Suspects" aired yesterday. Before I get to my question, I'd just like to thank you for a few things. First, that for "Young Justice," which has more or less replaced "Justice League Unlimited" for me as my favorite DC adaptation of all time, and I didn't think that was going to happen. Second, thanks for "Spectacular Spider-Man", which is tied with YJ as my favorite comic adaptation ever. And finally, thank you SO much for including Icon and Rocket in "Usual Suspects". I'm not sure Rocket will stay with the Team, but as a Milestone fan from way back, it meant a lot to me to see these characters get some screen time.

Now for my question, since I don't recall having seen it asked before: in "Misplaced," did Zatanna understand, before she put it on, that she might never be able to take off the helmet of Fate? It was a powerful moment (I loved the reversal my expectations given Zatara's fate in the comics), but I'm not clear on whether Zatanna had a sense of the potential jeopardy she was in.

"Usual Suspects" was immensely satisfying for me, and I'm looking forward to next week's season finale. I hope you and your fellow creators are proud; I think the work you've done on YJ has been a high watermark for cartoons based on comics.

Greg responds...

I think she understood the risk intellectually, but deep down didn't fully believe it would end up biting her on the ass.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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The black guy writes...

As a kid, I grew up watching superhero cartoons. I watched Spider-man(loved him), Superman(hated him), Batman, and etc. I thought to myself, "There is not a fly in the milk." It wasn't until Justice League Unlimited(Jon Stewart was awesome) and Static Shock where I could see Superheroes who looked liked me. The same culture as me. Green Lantern was raised in the projects and regularly got his haircut in Barbershop just like mine. Static had that same parent who acted just like mine did. What I am trying to say is thank you. Thank you for being so open minded with established characters and having the foresight to think that not all kids in America or the world have to have that "Great White Hero." Adding Icon and Rocket to the Young Justice was a great homage to Dwayne McDuffie, the man who made those characters or pushed for the inclusion of those characters in the mainstream. I'm glad that my little girl can have that same cathartic feeling about Rocket as I did for Static and Jon Stewart.

Greg responds...

Just to be clear, I was a huge fan of Dwayne's work - and specifically of Icon and Rocket. Denys Cowan and I developed an Icon & Rocket series for DreamWorks back in the late nineties, but we weren't able to sell it.

But from a timing standpoint, the decision to include Icon and Rocket in YJ came LONG BEFORE Dwayne's sudden passing. In hindsight, it was a tribute. But at the time, we just loved the characters, which is another kind of tribute in and of itself.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

Why is Superboy in every episode so far? Is he supposed to be the character with more focused, or no real reason?

Greg responds...

These decisions are made as organically as possible... based on what we need to cover and how various characters do or don't fit into the action.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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Foxwolf writes...

Hi Greg

As someone who is interested in writing episodic stories, I was wondering if you could tell me your approach on how you write a season for a series like YJ? I remember seeing an image on Brandon Vietti's blog where he had post-it's on a board mapping out all of season 1. Do you start with the season's overall story first, eg. The Light wants to take control of the Justice League and Red Arrow is the mole who will help them?

Then do you just come up with events that move the story forward and scatter them across episodes? Do you come up with plot points and character development separately or in tandum, eg. Superboy's growth would work well with this event? I ask because in my own writing I have season arc's and checkpoints on where I want some character's to grow but have struggled with "filling in the blanks".

Just off the top of your head, would you be able to share a few of the post-it's from a particular YJ episode?

And what are your thoughts on "filler story episodes". My interpretation was "Secrets" and "Performance" were filler in that they didn't drive the overall season story forward, but did have character development. Do you think it's important in writing for a series to give the audience a break from the story arc at regular intervals?

Thanks for your time Greg on sharing your writing process.

I was also wondering if you could please identify which voice actors voiced the following uncredited characters? Thanks.

120 - Coldhearted
Boston Police Officer
Chicago Police Officer #1
Chicago Police Officer #2
South Dakota State Trooper

121 - Image
Biaylan General

124 - Performance
Dragon's Breath
Carlo
Carlo's Brother

Greg responds...

1. Yes, we start with the overall story first and then break it down in smaller and smaller bites (using index cards - not post it notes - on a bulletin board).

2. We didn't have any filler episodes in this series. Everything played to one degree or another toward the end game. But some episodes are more intense than others and some are more directly involved in the arc than others. For example, after the triptych of mole episodes (121-123), we wanted to use 124 as a bit of a breather before launching into our resolution in 125 & 126. Having said that, 124 still kept our focus on on-going issues from the arc, like who Red Arrow suspected as possible moles, and how Superboy was abusing his shields.

3. I'm afraid my season one record draft scripts are boxed up. So I don't have access to who played minor bit parts handy.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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jjj writes...

Hi Greg,

Thanks for a great show! I have a question about "The Mole". I believe that in Targets, Sportsmaster implied that the mission in Bialya was one of the things his inside source told him about. If that's the case, how did Roy know about Bialya?

Thanks!

Greg responds...

Well, Sportsmaster had many sources for info on Bialya. But Red Arrow had access to the info through League computers and/or Green Arrow and/or his buddies on the Team, who trusted him implicitly.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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Evan writes...

Hi, Greg!
I just wanted to know: is there a death penalty in Atlantis? No real reason, I'm just curious.

Thanks!

Greg responds...

Haven't thought about it.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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Colleen writes...

Did you consider making Lois Lane a TV reporter or presenter, and having her do all the journalistic narration, instead of Cat Grant?

Greg responds...

No. Lois' identity seems entwined with being a print reporter for the Daily Planet. She didn't feel right as a GBS reporter and anchor.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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The Greenman writes...

Excellent, excellent show, ref: YJ.

Just watched "Usual Suspects" and this one was great.

I most especially loved the aspect of mixing science and sorcery to use the Starro chips. I kept thinking to myself, how is it possible to influence the will of Starro if it's incapcitated? You solved it.

For this episode specifically:

What are the names of the t.v. stations 7, 11, and 5?

Greg responds...

I don't know.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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Effie writes...

Wow, "Usual Suspects" was incredible. My favorite episode to date! Can't wait for the finale!

Just one question: how did you and Brandon (and whoever else) decide who the mole would be? Was it a long process, or did the idea just come naturally?

Greg responds...

Both. We pretty much figured that out early, early on. I suggested Speedy/Red Arrow for the series, and Brandon suggested Artemis - who also seemed like a great choice to me. So together (with Kevin Hopps), we came up with a way for both to have very significant roles.

Response recorded on August 30, 2012

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IBGame writes...

I just watched Usual Suspects today- great episode, I might add- and I have one major question.

Artemis is reveals the identity of her mother as "Huntress". Was she not the Tigress in this universe or is she an amalgamation of both (kind of how Earth 16 Robin has many Tim Drake traits)?

Greg responds...

1. She was just Huntress, which was the character's original name in the comics anyway.

2. And for the record, Earth-16 [Season One] Robin has only ONE real Tim Drake trait - i.e. his hacking ability, which seems like a natural for ANY modern day reinterpretation of Robin. The only other Tim Drake 'trait' I can see is LONG PANTS. All of which, should, I hope, be even clearer now that we've introduced Tim Drake. I would think the contrasts are obvious. Our Grayson was never Drake. And hopefully our Drake is not Grayson either.

Response recorded on August 29, 2012

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Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...

Dear Greg,
Watched Usual Suspects today, and I gotta say Thank you for an awesome episode! I've been arguing with a friend over the mole, and I'm happy to see I was right; I knew Artemis wouldn't betray the team. But as for the reveal of the mole-WHAAAA??!! I did not see that coming! Very nicely done! Also, I like the expansion of the League, nice additions. Keep it up, I can't wait for next week's episode!

Greg responds...

Thanks!

Response recorded on August 29, 2012

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Jonathon Sparks writes...

Before I begin, I want to say thanks for taking the time to read all of our crazy questions, I know it can sometimes be taxing dealing with the hive mind that is the internet.

1- Since Episode 25's "Usual Suspects" just aired, I was wondering... Since Red Arrow is now a member of the Justice League, has his designation number changed from B-06 to a JL designation number (I'd guess 21 based on his position in line)? If so... do the designation numbers after him (Artemis for instance) get reduced, is the designation number permanently voided, or does the newest member (Rocket) take over that slot? Or something else entirely that I haven't thought of?

... Yeah, I know that one's probably asking for a Spoiler, but I just saw the episode and my inner "OCD comic nerd" is going nuts over it.

2- Hopefully this one is a bit less crazy. I've been a big fan of the Young Justice tie-in comic as well as the show, and I've been more then happy to recommend it to other YJ fans. In particular, several story arcs from the comic tie into the show's continuity, and I was just curious how the whole process of writing those stories works... are the gaps in the show added intentionally to allow for the comics, or are they stories that you just didn't have the space for in the show?

Greg responds...

1. Yes. He's 21.

1a. No, it doesn't work like that. Numbers are, in essence, retired. The exception is Vandal Savage, because he was never supposed to be 'honored' with a number.

2. More the latter.

Response recorded on August 29, 2012

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J writes...

As Kent Nelson is officially dead (his soul no longer residing in the helmaet) and unlikly to ever appear again can you confirm if he has found Inza?
and since Wally promised to help find a new host for the helmet but Zatanna summoned it to fight Klarion and Zatara agreed to switch places with her as Nabu's host does that mean Wally technically lied?

Greg responds...

1. Wouldn't you like to think so?

2. No, it means that technically the question of whether he lied or not is MOOT.

Response recorded on August 29, 2012

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Maggie writes...

Dear Greg,

Thank you for making a really fantastic show! I have enjoyed it so much over the last year and then some. I also enjoyed Usual Suspects - I especially loved that Conner knew about M'gann's true form since Bialya! So. Cool!

I was just wondering if I could ask about some of your thoughts on Artemis and Wally's relationship, because I was a little surprised at how quickly and easily it was resolved (?) in the last episode.

Certainly, I've expected them to get together since Infiltrator, since they played on the "love at first fight" trope. I can definitely see Artemis's appeal to Wally. She challenges him, and we know he appreciates that because Robin does it, too. Being super kick-ass and pretty doesn't hurt either!

But I'm not really sure I understand where Artemis's feelings for Wally eventually came from. He's not really her standard type - since Superboy seems about as opposite as you can get from Wally to me! :)

Her feelings for Superboy make a lot of sense: he was the one who inspired her to get over her both her initial fears and join the team, and he was the one who made her feel secure enough to finally share her background in Usual Suspects, since they shared the "bad DNA" bond.

Wally has done a couple of nice things, too: the handhold in Bereft and pep talk in Insecurity were great, but by that math I'd expect her to feel the same way for Robin, since his support for her in Homefront was actually enough to help her get over her fears and save the team instead of running. In Insecurity, Wally's pep talk ultimately didn't matter because she still decided to lie to them anyway.

I also do like that Wally challenged her and called her out on her insecurities and fears in Insecurity - but wasn't he also the one that made them so bad she didn't want to share her secret with the team in the first place? He really was the only person on the team who ever made her feel like she didn't belong.

And it seems like he hasn't really done much to counteract that - not that there should necessarily be a one-to-one correlation between sniping at someone and being nice to them in a relationship. I like the bantering.

It's just odd that Robin and Superboy have had more influence in making her feel welcome and accepted, but for some reason she's paired with Wally. As far as I can tell, Wally and Artemis didn't even talk for a month between their fight, since he was still scolding her at the beginning of Usual Suspects for her mistakes in Insecurity.

This is especially in light of the fact that she harbored feelings for Superboy for so long. Did she decide that she liked Wally after she found out about Conner and Megan? It seemed like that was the first time she acted jealous - when she told Wally about M'gann and Conner in the, ah, pretty "coldhearted" way that she did (at his birthday party, in public, where everyone could see, and well ... she knew she would hurt him and seemed kind of pleased and smug to do that to him on his birthday...)

So that feels like she's maybe settling? :(

I think the show has set their relationship up to be really complicated and interesting, and I was just really surprised everything seemed suddenly 100% okay in Usual Suspects, in what amounted to about a sentence and a half (and Robin talked more about how he accepted her no matter what). M'gann and Conner had more of a to-do around them, and they were already getting along.

(Maybe it's not as resolved as it seems?)

At any rate! Thank you for making characters that are so interesting and complicated and deep that I'd even be able to think about them this much and in this way.

Wally and Artemis are two of my very, very favorite characters of all time.

I really look forward to hearing what your take on them is. :)

Greg responds...

Well, first off, by the end of "Usual Suspects", I don't think it is resolved - but it will be shortly - by the end of "Auld Acquaintance" - and without much difficulty. So I think your point still stands.

To begin with, I think you need to go back to Artemis' introduction in "Infiltrator". She saw a cute boy enter and that made her insecure, so she cracked a joke. He reacted VERY badly to being embarrassed, and that put them at odds, but I think that both were attracted to each other from moment one. We tried to show that without telling it - or at least without being on the head about telling it.

Then they challenged each other. Not just her challenging him, but him challenging her. And I think she came to admire his intellect - even when it was misdirected, as in "Denial". There has to be a reason that she kept at him. If he was of no interest to her, why would she bother? Then you have Kent Nelson. Both Wally and Artemis HEARD what Kent had to say, and it wasn't lost on them. But they didn't want to cop to it, because both felt the other didn't like him or her. So that insecurity pushed them both further into denial.

Then you have "Bereft". Here, as I've discussed before, they meet again for the first time without the negative first impression. They genuinely like each other, trust each other and are attracted to each other. When their memories return, so do their insecurities - neither will risk being the first to admit they like the other. But it's not like they forgot that (positive) time spent together. And it's not like their deaf to Robin's "Get a room" line either.

And so on. Artemis saved the day in "Homefront". But she couldn't have done it if Wally hadn't provided the science. (And given her interest in science, revealed in "Denial", I think that would mean something to her.)

Plus, let's not forget the double-whammy of "Failsafe" and "Disordered". Here we reveal just how intensely Wally feels for Artemis, and just how much interest each has in the other. The trick is neither is prepared to take a risk. Rejection from Superboy (such as it was) is nothing compared to the fear Artemis has over being rejected by Wally.

Wally meanwhile is afraid to admit his strong feelings for Artemis, so maintains focus on the safer Miss Martian. Artemis does the same toward Superboy. Both then have to be disabused of the notion that their crushes are viable. I tend to think that deep down, the revelation about Conner and M'gann's relationship was less of a shock to each then it seemed. They didn't want to admit to themselves what they were probably sensing deep down. One reason for Artemis' extreme reaction to the knowledge, I think, is that she was trying SO hard to think that Superboy was a possibility BECAUSE Wally clearly seemed NOT to be, and so she wanted to have something she could use to push Wally out of her mind.

So in "Coldhearted", Wally learns some big lessons. Miss Martian is out of the picture - and that helps clear his mind. But mostly, he matures solidly in the episode. Now he's ready to behave differently. And in "Insecurity", he's willing to take a risk. And Artemis rewards that risk taken, by meeting him part way. But she has other bigger insecurities in the way, and they REALLY get in the way, so that by the time we get to the beginning of "Usual Suspects" - they're still at odds. But one of the reason they are SO at odds, is because for them, the stakes seem very high.

So when the truth finally comes out, it's a HUGE relief. She sees that he accepts her. He doesn't even have to say it. She can see that he does. And he sees that the reason she's been a pain have little to do with him. The deck is cleared.

Then they partner up in "Auld Acquaintance", and they're a good team. All of which leads really easily into the kiss on New Year's Eve. (Another excuse to do something that they otherwise might have been scared about.)

From there, it's fairly clear sailing. I'm not saying there weren't any ups and downs during the five year gap, because there were. But they both know they have a good thing now. And they stick with it.

The irony is that a lot of fans seemed to think this was about opposites attracting. But we never saw it that way. In fact, we saw it as quite the reverse. Artemis and Kid Flash had so MUCH in common, it was nearly impossible for them to get together. But once they did, it felt very right.

The opposites, of course, were Miss Martian and Superboy, but that's another post.

Response recorded on August 29, 2012

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Eagle-Owl writes...

What are Zatanna's spells in Insecurity and Usual Suspects?

Greg responds...

123:
Etativel!
Hctah siri nepo!
Evig mih stnap!

125:
Ekahs siht ebolgwons!
M'i rebbur. Er'uoy eulg! (Although, I think this one might have been cut for time.)
Tekcajtiarts!
Gag mih!
Hguone htiw eht ebolgwons.
Etaerc Nibor snoisulli!

And while we're at it 126:
Etativel taht ssorg gniht.
Trulb tuo Mazahs!
Temleh, esaeler ym rehtaf!

Response recorded on August 29, 2012

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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.

Response recorded on August 29, 2012

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Mirage ( I had hippie parents) writes...

Hey Greg. Thanks for using your creative genius to create another hit Young Justice.

My question is. What inspired the writers to put the Casablanca reference in the dialogue between Chesire, Roy and Wally, "A kiss is just a kiss, A sai is just a sai"
They all fans of Ingrid Bergman? It made me laugh!

Greg responds...

Well, we all love Casablanca, but mostly Peter and I were going for the play on words. Cuz we're cheeky monkeys.

Response recorded on August 29, 2012

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Matthew writes...

I have two questions about sexual attraction in the Young Justice universe. So these questions may be more adult than is normal. I don't think they are particularly vulgar, but if they get removed I'd understand why.

1. It was mentioned that Queen Bee could control "most men" and "some women." I took this to mean she could control anyone who is sexually attracted to women (i.e. heterosexual men, homosexual women, bisexuals of both genders.) Is this correct?

2. This is probably the weirder one. How does Superboy feel about Ms. Martian's true form sexually? Does it bother him at all? So is he okay with it but not particularly attracted to it? Or since he's a clone would he have different standards of sexual attraction and since he obviously cares about who she is inside first and foremost, could he attracted to it.

Greg responds...

1. Yes.

2. He's not bothered by it, but SHE is, so from a sexual standpoint, it's kind of a non-issue.

Response recorded on August 29, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

I love Young Justice, I love how you put a lot of emotional problems and and painful things that the team will go through.

1. What made you chose Sportsmaster/Lawrence Crock to be this amazing bad-ass villain? They're probably other assassin's you could've used but you turn a very funny Golden-Age comic villain character in to one of the most dangerous bad guys in the series so far?

2. Does Lawrence still care about Paula? So far he is disappointed at both his daughters?

I love that there is this complicated dynamic in this family and drama really unfolds little by little in the series.
I hope you continue your success in season 2!

Greg responds...

1. Always liked him. But mostly, we liked the dynamic we saw as possible between Huntress, Sportsmaster and Artemis (and adding Cheshire in seemed very workable).

2. Disappointment is transitory with this guy, I think. I think he still has feelings for Paula - to the extent he has feelings.

Response recorded on August 29, 2012

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YOUNG JUSTICE Issue #19 out now!

Issue #19 of our companion YOUNG JUSTICE comic book has hit the stands - real and virtual. This concludes our two-part Gorilla City story, reveals the origins of Gorilla City and has just about every DC ape I could think of in it.

The cover's by our regular artist Chris Jones, and the interiors are by the talented Luciano Vecchio, who also drew issue 12 (one of my personal favorites). As for the writing, you're stuck with me. This is the last issue, before we transition in issue #20 from first season stories to our cast from Young Justice: Invasion.

Pick an issue up in digital form (https://read.dccomics.com/comixology/#/series/5348) or at your local comic shop (http://www.comicshoplocator.com/Home/1/1/57/575)!


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CGYJ writes...

Mr. Greg Weisman,

I would to say that "Usual Suspects" is one of the very best episodes of Season One. You and your co-workers did a fantastic job! Now for the questions.

1. This Rocket character… I believe that she had a non-speaking role for at least two episodes if I’m not mistaken. I’m glad she’s been given a voice actress, which almost sounds similar to the person who voiced Virgil Hawkins’ sister in “Static Shock.” “Usual Suspects” has already have her established as a member of The Team at this point. Why wasn’t she shown to be properly introduced to the other members of The Team (within the show) and vice versa? I think this was the only point within the episode that has gotten me somewhat confused; otherwise, everything else was great.

2. The crowd was laughing (but not in an insulting way) after Superman made a comment about how one of the three values that the Justice League upholds is also part of the team’s name. Was that supposed to be Superman’s bad attempt at humor or something? Is it rare for Superman to try to be humorous?

3. If Miss Martian was able to permanently remove/block the “red sun” programming in Superboy’s mind, did Superboy had to TELL Miss Martian about it first in order for her to help him or was she presumably able to LOOK into all of the potentially dangerous programming (that was installed) within his mind and got rid of them all?

4. As demonstrated in the episode, Batman preferred working at the Watchtower rather than joining the celebration party for the new Justice League members. When Green Arrow and rest of the previous Justice League members joined within the last seven years (prior to 2010), did Batman ever did that same routine of “business first and celebration later”?

5. While the cliffhanger on “Usual Suspects” took me by surprise, why was it ultimately decided to have this episode to show the cliffhanger instead of the final episode of Season One, which will air in the coming week? If it seems like this question sounds ridiculous, please recall/remember the question from one of my earlier postings, in which I told you my thoughts about the nature of cliffhangers on television shows.

Thanks for taking the time to read my questions. I look forward to the Season finale with much anticipation!

Greg responds...

1. We felt that she was introduced as much as necessary.

2a. It was his attempt at humor. Though I wouldn't say it was "bad". Just a little chuckle for everyone to share.

2b. He's not a laugh riot, but he's not grim.

3. Knowing the kind of thing to look for, she was able to clean out "Red Sun" and check for the rest. But there was nothing in there except "Red Sun". As stated in the episode.

4. Ever? Probably.

5. I'm afraid I can't remember past posts that clearly. But I think the end of "Usual Suspects" and "Auld Acquaintance" both worked well and require no justification from me.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

Just saw "Usual Suspects". Just wanted to say that I love, LOVE the fact that Superboy knew about Miss Martian's true form all along. The simple fact that he already knew makes their relationship seem so much more "real." It would have felt so false if he found out for the first time and then immediately accepted it. It's more believable that he already knew.

Greg responds...

Thanks. We liked it too.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Colton gambrel writes...

Does the public know about miss Martian,superboy,zatanna,rocket,artemis,sphere and wolf,or do the justice league hide them for covert reasons

Greg responds...

Rocket is a public figure, though not as well known as Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash. The rest are not public figures at all, though of course some members of the public have seen one or more of them here and there.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Nino Escobar writes...

Mattel has announced that they are cancelling the Young Justice toy line (along with all current DC action figures, which just plain sucks!) Now, I know that the show isn't as merchandise-based like, say the Transformers, but does this have any effect at all on the likelihood of renewal for a third season?

Keep up the good work!

Greg responds...

It doesn't help.

So we really need big ratings and comic book sales. Wouldn't hurt to buy what YJ toys Mattel is still offering, like the Miss Martian/Superboy two-pack.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Greg Bishansky writes...

The Usual Suspects

In the early promotion of "Young Justice," Greg Weisman said that the theme of the first season was "secrets and lies." He was not kidding, that theme was a major factor in "Young Justice" being one of the darkest animated series in a long time. Both this show and "Avengers - Earth's Mightiest Heroes" premiered around the same time, give or take a few weeks, and I remember my brother and I remarking to each other that it was kind of funny that the series about the adult heroes was bright and rather cheerful with occasional dark moments, while the series about the teen sidekicks was the dark and rather dire with occasional cheerful moments. Well the secrets and lies are out now...

But what surprised me was that the none of Superboy, Miss Martian, or Artemis's secrets and lies were exposed by villains. They confessed them on their own. This by no means a complaint of mine. One thing heroes are defined by is their courage. What can be more courageous than facing your own fears, which each of them did here.

Superboy came clean about his use of the shields, and that Lex Luthor is his other father. Following that, we found out that "Red Sun" was the only bit of programming Cadmus successfully got into his brain before Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad liberated him. And Miss Martian was able to remove the "Red Sun" command from his head.

Artemis came clean about her family connections, and wasn't shunned by anybody. Her moments were quite cathartic, I think. I did enjoy it when Cheshire saved her life, and even though Cheshire managed to escape, I bet she enjoyed kicking her father in the face at the end. I know I would have.

Miss Martian revealed what she really was to the Team, and they all took it rather well. The big surprise for me being that Superboy knew since the Bialya mission, although in retrospect it shouldn't have. I still am curious if Martian Manhunter knows this secret or not. Well, if he doesn't know now, he'll know soon... if he survives. Honestly, I misjudged her entire relationship with Superboy. In my defense, I was assuming based on what I knew at the time, but I don't mind being wrong.

I thought the Santa Prisca battle scene was one of the best in the series. Everyone got something to do, and while it was fun to see Bane again, I can already foresee some 90's fanboys once again complaining. Personally, I never liked Bane, never thought he was worthy to "break the bat" and was happy to see Robin kick his ass. Let's just say that Christopher Nolan has his work cut out for him to convince me that this character can carry a movie once "The Dark Knight Rises" hits this summer.

Rocket is the new member of the Team, and... while I'm sure there will be much more to her than just a sassy black chick, this is a Greg Weisman production after all, she hasn't made an impression on me beyond that yet. But I can't blame her, this is an episode heavy with lots of material and plot threads coming to a head. I did, however, like her scene at the beginning where she said the other sidekicks were her inspiration.

So, who was the mole?

Red Arrow. Who saw it coming? I didn't. I probably should have, I did narrow it down to him and Aqualad last week, but I didn't. I guess I expected the mole to be on the Team, but really all Ra's al Ghul said was that they had an operative on the inside. Red Arrow was... is friends with Kid Flash, Robin, and Aqualad, so I can easily see them casually mentioning things to him before he tips off the Light. But, considering that Red Arrow had no clue that he was the mole himself, I'm guessing that there is far more to this story... and we'll find out next week.

And what a cliffhanger to leave us on. Red Arrow places the Starro pieces on each member of the Justice League, then they all bow down to Vandal Savage. I love a good cliffhanger, and right now I'm really wishing that this was an hour long special. Well, a week isn't that long a time, and the wait will be worth it to see the Team take on their mentors... while the creative team hits us with one last sucker punch for the season.

Personally, I hope Vandal Savage cuts off Superman's head and chucks it into the nearest red sun, but I doubt that will happen. Aw well, tuning in next week, same bat time, same bat channel.

Greg responds...

Wow. What's with the Superman hate?

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Thomas writes...

You are....amazing. No character is wasted in your series, they all connect back somehow, somewhere. Little movement is wasted in plot.

How do you come up with this stuff?

Greg responds...

With help from other very talented people and with a lot of index cards on a huge bulletin board. Oh, and with research.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Michael writes...

Hi Greg!

Like many fans, I was deeply saddened to see Spectacular Spider-Man get cancelled after only two seasons. The show had so many good stories left to tell and really left a lot of open plot threads (Peter and Gwen's relationship, Norman Osborn's future plans, the Venom symboiote's whereabouts etc.) that were just begging to be explored.

With that in mind, have you given any thought to proposing a Spectacular Spider-Man comic book that would continue the storylines you and your creative team had planned? I know that you've gone this route with Gargoyles, and I think a Spectacular Spider-Man comic would really excite and satisfy fans who wanted to see where the series would have gone without incurring the expense of continuing the show (since I realize a lot of your talent has moved on to other projects -- incidentally love Lacey Chabert as Zatanna in Young Justice!). Marvel is already producing an Ultimate Spider-Man comic based on the new animated show -- would it really be out of the realm of possibility for them to produce a Spectacular Spider-Man comic and/or miniseries? After all, DC produced new issues of the Batman The Animated Series comic book, The Batman comic, and Batman the Brave and the Bold long after the cartoons were cancelled.

Best wishes

Michael

Greg responds...

I did propose a Spectacular Spider-Man comic book, but Marvel didn't bite.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Marvelman writes...

Hi Greg. By the time you read this, season one will be long over. There's one thing that I still don't understand. Who created those ice fortresses in "Coldhearted," and why? I'm not asking for a spoiler; I'm just wondering if there's an obvious answer that I missed. Were the ice fortresses just another part of the favor Vandal owed Vertigo? It doesn't seem to advance the Light's cause which may be something more than just taking over the world. Did Vandal cover the U.S. with snow just to stop Princess Perdita from getting a new heart? Isn't that a bit extreme to kill one little girl?

Greg responds...

The ice fortresses were designed by the five ice villains. The Light was indeed working with Vertigo, because having him in control of Vlatava works in their favor, just as it works in their favor that Bialya is ruled by Queen Bee.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Amber writes...

Did Black Canary ever wear her horrible 1980s Stephen DeStefano costume on Earth-16? Please say no.

Greg responds...

No.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Easter egg writes...

I just notice the Aqualad poster in Gar's room during Image.
And I know is there other hidden thing secrets in earlier episodes?
P.S I think Aqualad is the breakout star of show.

Greg responds...

Here and there.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Charlie Grayson writes...

Hey! Just a quick question, I know sometimes Robin or another character is missing from an episode because they're off with their mentors and what not, but I noticed that in a couple episodes since Misplaced, Zatanna has been absent. I was just wondering why? Or where she was?

Greg responds...

Well, "Misplaced" was episode 119. Zatanna appeared in 120, 122, 123, 124, 125 and 126. So when you say "a couple of episodes", I assume you really just mean 121, i.e. "Image", which also didn't include, Aqualad or Artemis. We know Aqualad was busy with Aquaman. So I like to think that Artemis and Zatanna were hanging out.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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CGYJ writes...

Mr. Greg Weisman,

Your response to one of my questions from my first posting (which was posted by me on March 3rd, 2012) stated that you are not familiar with the Smallville interpretation of Krypton’s destruction. The circumstances behind Krypton’s destruction were made clear within an animated series related to Smallville (but also which is not shown on TV) called “Kara and the Chronicles of Krypton.”

The website, http://smallville.wikia.com/wiki/Kara_and_the_Chronicles_of_Krypton, should hopefully be able to help out in some way to help you understand.

If you want to know more about Smallville’s interpretation of Krypton, here is this website, http://smallville.wikia.com/wiki/Krypton.

If you want to know about the DCAU interpretation of Krypton and how its destruction came about (which you claimed to some difficulty remembering), here’s the website, http://dcanimated.wikia.com/wiki/Krypton.

Does this information appear to help in any way to let you understand the nature of my question from the first posting (which I believe was question #5)? I feel that that these sources are well-informative, so please let me know how it all works out.

PS. I would also like to let you know that two days ago (from the date of this posting), around nighttime, I noticed in the unanswered questions archive that an anonymous person posted a very offensive and insulting message towards me; which also accused me of posting too much. Whoever’s posting it belonged to was deleted by whoever is in charge of the approval of the postings, so I don't remember the anonymous person's exact words. If you feel that I AM posting too often, I sincerely apologize and wish to be advised as to how to avoid the problem. Otherwise, I will not post anything from this point forward unless I feel that I need to ask something important regarding Young Justice.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this posting.

Greg responds...

I appreciate you posting these links, but I don't have the time or inclination to check them out. Sorry.

But I don't think you're posting too often. The moderators obviously have NO problem with your posts - since they've remained in the queue for me to respond to - while the post made by your attacker - which I haven't seen - was deleted. So I think it's obvious who belongs here and who doesn't.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

1. Despite having a criminal record (as clearly mentioned in “Agendas”), when and why did Plastic Man decided to become a hero in the first place? Was it to make amends for something he did wrong or was it for some other personal reasons?

2. What grade level are Barbara Gordon and Bette Kane in (currently) at Gotham Academy?

3. Was Barbara Gordon’s enrollment into Gotham Academy of her own decision, or was it her father that pushed for the suggestion that she should enroll there?

4. When Wally was sent to the hospital after trying the experiment to receive super-speed, were his parents furious with him at first (for doing something so reckless and dangerous)? If they were, did Barry ever tried to explain to Wally’s parents that what happened to Wally was actually his OWN fault, and not Wally’s?

5. Out of curiosity, when did “Hello, Megan!” first aired on TV (on Earth-16), and how many episodes did the show have (despite it only being one season)?

Greg responds...

1. That's a story. I don't tell stories here (generally).

2. As of Season One, Barbara was a Freshman. Bette was a Sophomore.

3. I dunno. I'd have to think about it. Maybe both.

4a. Yes.

4b. Well, I think they SHARE the blame - and only up to a point. Nobody held a gun to Wally's head - or even encouraged him. And Barry had no idea Wally had STOLEN his journals. So it was almost entirely Wally's fault to my way of thinking. Though Barry agreed more with you than me. But, yes, everyone talked it all out eventually.

5. "Hello, Megan!" aired across the 1979-1980 television season on GBS. Twenty-two episodes, a full season, aired. But it wasn't picked up for a second season.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

It’s good that Robin was given the chance to lead The Team at least once so far (in the real world), but he didn’t feel 100% confident in his own abilities just yet (given what happened in “Failsafe”). If more situations dictate the need for Robin’s leadership more often (I'll wait to find out), then do you believe in your most honest opinion that he will gradually improve overtime (both in his own confidence and in his own skills)?

Greg responds...

Now that, hopefully, you've seen the start of Season Two, I'll leave that for you to decide for yourself.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

I'm a big fan of multiverses in DC and Marvel Comics, and that's just because each universe presents something that makes them unique from other universes. The problem with handling a multiverse in a comics industry appears to be that sometimes you introduce a parallel Earth, give it a little background information, and eventually you never hear about it again or it is rarely mentioned at all. I remember some time ago that when the DC multiverse crossover event called "Infinite Crisis" ended, the result created a mainstream Earth (New Earth/Earth-0) and 51 other parallel Earths. The parallel Earths (most of them anyway) were introduced in some way in a comic book series called "52." In the years following the introduction of that particular series, I have noticed many contradictions concerning what is canonically the official 51 parallel Earths (not including the mainstream Earth) within the DC multiverse. The problem got bigger when I realized the DC multiverse was rebooted when the DC crossover event "Flashpoint" was finished. After reading Action Comics #8, the tagline at the end of the issue mentioned the introduction of a Superman from Earth-23 in the new DC multiverse. This confused me because I thought that the cartoon series "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" took place on Earth-23 (pre-relaunch of course), which already had its own version of Superman in it. I read on the Internet last night that some people believe that DC cartoons that take place on parallel Earths may not be canon. SO, in the case of your Young Justice cartoon/comic series, is your interpretation of Earth-16 truly a part of the official DC multiverse as one of the 51 parallel Earths, even NOW since the DC multiverse is rebooted?

Greg responds...

Honestly, I don't know.

Since the new 52, perhaps things have changed for the PTB@DC.

But until someone tells me otherwise, Earth-16 is still part of a parallel universe within the DC Multiverse. Frankly, I'm not sure I EVER understood why there were ONLY 52 parallel Earths. Either something is singular or it's infinite. But those are all decisions made above my paygrade.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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B writes...

"What exactly are you asking here? Whether or not I'm going to give a free pass to people who phrase the request sneakily? Or whether folks will stop asking when I make it clear that it's not going to work? "

The latter, of course. You constantly refuse to give spoilers and yet they keep trying that "in your opinion" thing as if it's not a spoiler request.

Greg responds...

Okay... so. Is there still a question here?

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Crystal writes...

Hello. First off, I love Young Justice. The characters (both heroes and villains) and the plot are amazing. I would like to ask you two questions about Rocket specifically.

Are Rocket and Icon related? And are Rocket's powers something she was born with or does she have them thanks to her belt? In the comics, it did say they come from her inertia belt.

Thanks in advance and great job with Young Justice!

Greg responds...

1. Icon is Rocket's mentor. Rocket is Icon's inspiration. They're not blood relations at all. (He's not even really human.)

2. Rocket's powers come from her belt.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Steel writes...

Hello! First off, my sister loves "Young Justice" and is a really big fan. I have yet to see it, but I plan to over the summer. However, I've got a few questions on a much older series you freelanced two episodes for, namely "Buzz Lightyear of Star Command", if you wouldn't mind answering them. (Loved all the inside "Gargoyles" jokes in "Clone Rangers", by the way!) I know it's been almost a decade since then, but I figured I'd give it a go.

1. How were you selected to write the episodes, and how did the process go? (e.g., did you yourself come up with the ideas, or did they present you a premise you had to stick to?)
2. How did you come up with Romac's character? Was there a reason behind him being the only "intelligent" Grounder around? Someone who served as a source of inspiration? (And, this is more trivia than anything, but how old would you say Romac is?)
3. How about the relations between Tangean Royals and Tangean Grounders? The story has a "Romeo and Juliet" kind of feel to it, but did you ever expand on why the two races live apart when they're on the same planet?

Thank you very much in advance! :)

Greg responds...

Wow, this was a LONG time ago.

1. I think I came up with the springboard for "Starstruck" and that Schooley and McCorkle came up with the springboard for "Clone Rangers". But I'm not sure, and my story editor Kevin Hopps may have come up with both for all I know.

2. Romac was based on Romeo. He's about the same age as the princess, whatever her age was.

3. It was all definitely based on R&J, but I don't remember any of the specifics, I'm afraid.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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AQ writes...

Regarding Zatanna's spells, does Ms. Chabert have a difficult time pronouncing some of them on the first go? Do you choose to write the spells a certain way that allows for them to be more easily read?

Greg responds...

1. Yes, sometimes, though she's a real trooper about it, and she practices them all in advance.

2. They are simply written backwards. She and Jamie and I work out the phonetics as we go.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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russianspy1234 writes...

These might be spoilerific but I'll try anyway.

1. Is the green martian body that Miss Martian showed as her "true" form what green martians really look like in this continuity, or do they look like their typical more monstrous selves shown in other continuities?

2. Has Dr. Fate not thought to split body time with someone? It would have been a lot easier for him to convince someone to give up their body a few hours a day than permanently.

3. Parasite's plan was to open a black hole, directly above him... Did he have an escape plan?

Greg responds...

1a. No.

1b. They look like her White Martian form. Only, you know, greeen.

2. NO COMMENT.

3. The question is really: What was Intergang's plan?

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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6f6ea3 writes...

Hey again, Greg. Hopefully this question will catch you while you're at your office or Beverly Hills office, but I'm just dropping by a follow up inquiry about posting the SpecSpidey bible.

Sorry if I'm being a pest, I know by the time you read this you'll have slogged through a couple hundred questions about Red Tornado's shoe-size or the like since you answered my last question. Keep the faith, you're made of sterner stuff then I.

Greg responds...

Sorry, I'm at Warner Bros. today. And I'm still not sure if I WANT to post the SpecSpidey bible.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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Esteban writes...

Hey Greg, I'm a big fan of Gargoyles and I actually have a question for it concerning Brooklyn. How much has his personality changed after he got back from his Timedancing adventure? I didn't see this question posted at the archives but if you did post it then I apologize.

Greg responds...

He's evolved - and aged - more than he's changed.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012

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CGYJ writes...

Hello, Mr. Greg Weisman,

This is posting #36. I've got some questions to ask you.

In regards to things involving the Daily Planet on Earth-16:
a. How long has Perry White been in charge of the Daily Planet thus far?
b. Who was in charge of the Daily Planet prior to Perry White?
c. How long has Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and Clark Kent each have been working at the Daily Planet thus far?

Thanks for taking the time to read these questions!

Greg responds...

a. I don't know.

b. Probably George Taylor.

c. I haven't calculated all this stuff. Sorry.

Response recorded on August 28, 2012


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