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VELATIONS 2013-04 (Apr)
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Anonymous writes...
What were Zatanna's spells (besides 'etativel') in Cornered, and what was Kaldur saying in atlantean in The Fix?
Greg responds...
1. Zatanna's spells from Cornered:
Knis nwod otni eht-- (not completed before she was put out of commission)
Ees tahw I ees!
Etativel!
Etavacxe! (This one may have been cut for time. I can't remember.)
Etaerc a elbbub fo elbisivni ruomalg! (Ditto.)
2. ASKED AND ANSWERED.
RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Twelve:
RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Twelve:
In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I've decided to countdown my progress on writing the SECOND book in the Rain franchise.
I just finished writing Chapter Twelve. But that's more complicated than it sounds. Remember when I had to split what was originally Chapter Six into two chapters? ("No, I don't remember." "Quiet, kid, you bother me.") Well, I hadn't mentioned it before, but the exact same thing also happened with Chapter Three, which I split into two Chapters (Three and Four), also.
Anyway, as I was working on what was Chapter Twelve, I began to realize it really should be part of the already completed Chapter Eleven. So I combined the two together into a new revised Chapter Eleven. I was also tempted to combine the former Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen into this revised Chapter Eleven too. But it soon became clear that wouldn't work. So the new Chapter Eleven is the old Chapters Eleven and Twelve. And the new Chapter Twelve is the old Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen. And tomorrow, I need to start the new Chapter Thirteen, which is the old Chapter Fifteen. Except that, when you think about it, the old Chapter Fifteen was (before I split Chapters Three and Six) the even older Chapter Thirteen in the first place.
So now, from Thirteen on, the Chapters are all back to their original alignment.
Clear as mud, right? ("No, sir, I'm confused." "Quiet, kid, you bother me.")
Okay, so too much information, I know. But that's process for ya.
I'm hoping that when you read the book, you'll ignore all this. Then when you love it so much you decide to RE-read it, you can refer to these rambles and get more of a sense of HOW the book was put together, and thus find a whole NEW way to enjoy it.
That's my dream, anyway.
wintersmith writes...
Are you cursed? If so please provide name of curser and last known adress, thank you.
Greg responds...
Let's please not perpetuate this "cursed" thing. I mean, seriously, that's all I need. For the next guy who might want to hire me to think I'm cursed and/or incapable of going beyond two seasons.
James M. writes...
I'm very angry to hear about Young Justice being canceled and feel great sorrow for you as this is the FIFTH TIME IN ROW it's happened to your works. Why does this keep happening to you? You're Greg Wiseman, creator, writer and producer of some of the best American animation shows ever made which have gained a multitude of devoted fans and yet no project you start is ever allowed to finish. I just can't comprehend it. What do the TV Network executives have against you and how do you put up with it?
Greg responds...
<sigh>
ASKED AND ANSWERED.
Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...
True Colors
Shorts-
Batman of Shanghai - Still a loving parody of not my type of anime.
Amethyst- That's one weird meadow and lake...
Again- no questions, just comments.
1- Fantastic Voyage anyone? I can't tell if Karen's infatuation is with the science alone or just the man. Dr Cross...still with good eyes. Mmm...
2- 'Noted philanthropist Lex Luthor' J
3- GGG praises tours of the farm facility. Of course you won't see anything more than folks used to see on tours of the Hall of Justice. Touring the UN doesn't make it any more open than it's component parts. Even if GGG is just a normal human- he's drunk the Kool-Aid in this case. Ironic considering what's being made there.
4-"Your Scarab has had multiple opportunities to betray us. It hasn't...."
"There Jamie Reyes, listen to the Night Wing, his logic is flawless
-Setting it straight out to be ignored. Evil. ;)
5- Tim as team leader- liking the training of a leader.
Arsenal - An angry young man...just like his clone was. Ironic the Watchtower was the last straw back then too. Of course it sounds like this Roy doesn't know it is not weaponized.
6- Pa Kent :)
7-Now that's a Rutabaga!
8-Sportsmaster wants vengeance for form not love. (Ironically Black Manta genuinely loves his son.) It doesn't seem to me that Cheshire's eyes are smiling under her mask.
9-Roy screws the mission. The question is how much damage he'll cause before he learns. I'm thinking this won't be enough. This level of anger will have him walk away from the group before that sort of maturity.
10- Black Beetle is one scary dude.
11-Roy's arm cannon from Lex can at least damage Black Beetle. Lex is a 'partner' with the Reach. I'm guessing that isn't a coincidence...or at very least it won't be anymore upon Lex seeing that on the closed circuit tv.
I'm guessing that the Light joined with the Reach so humanity could be tested and progress.
12- "Nothing like a warm plasma bath...and clean off the tomato stains." HA!
13- "As a father myself I understand your pain." He's not much for fatherly love....
14- Cornfield or cornfield? Cornfield.
15- Green Beetle. Ba-az Ahom...Barsoom? I don't trust him. He may only think he's in control. Or maybe not even that. It's just too tight on Jaime's wants and fears.
Greg responds...
Now that's a Response!
Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...
Cornered
Shorts-
Batman of Shanghi- I'm guessing it's a beautifully crafted parody of not particularly my thing.
Amethyst- cute enough
No questions- just comments.
1-Virgil ("Static Shocks" cute name drop.) The voice is familiar...sounds like the old voice but...internet...isn't.
2-Duncan and Karens' living situation makes Duncan so sad. I don't know if it is from the comics or new for the show, but he deserves better, at least I hope he has some better luck come his way soon.
3-LRon and Despero; I don't know enough outside of the cartoon to compare portrayals.
4-The Reach is smooth...set up the frame of dialogue to leave the JLA at a disadvantage- "When did you stop beating your wife?"
5- Shazam! Doesn't work? DANG. (Nice mid teen design on Billy.)
6- Can't quite catch all the JSAers at the end of the line as the tubes get smashed- ...Red Torpedo, Flash, Phantom Stranger. Was there someone else in red mixed in at the end?
7- Megan is totally debilitated by recent events, it actually speaks well for her character.
8- Duncan and the Guardian outfit was clearly telegraphed- still very nice. (Though Bumble Bee's taking out the 3rd eye helped a lot.)
9- Another headquarters destroyed....sheesh.
10- Watchtower revealed: I can't tell if it was a surprise to Eeling or not. The first view seemed yes, but the second seemed not.
11- Jamie's reveal of the Scarab and prophesy - I'm conditioned to think well of the Scarab from the Blue Beetle comics, but even this version, underneath every homicidal and over the top suggestion thus far, the Scarab's only impulse is survival. It wants nothing of the Reach, nor any grouping. Jamie is just too close to see it as anything other than a threat.
Random: The DC nation 'expert archer' looks like one of the cops in the current Gangster Squad movie.
Random two: I'm also enjoying Green Lantern. That Steam Lantern twist has got to be the most British stiff upper lip ever broadcast. I saw the big misunderstanding thing coming, but after that? Say some say the world ends in fire and some ice, but they say a pot of tea. :)
Greg responds...
6. No Phantom Stranger. You might be thinking of Sandman.
10. It was a surprise.
JayEl20 writes...
Dose Black Manta think Kaldur and huntress love eachother.
PS:Love the show. Hope its not canceld, but if it is. Just wanna say thank you to you, Brandon, and the crew for the best comicbook show in years, and one of the best animated series ever.
Greg responds...
Yes, Manta was under the mistaken impression that his son and Huntress were lovers.
Devastated writes...
Young Justice was the only thing that could get me through long, hard and stressful weeks... Now I have nothing.
Greg responds...
Don't you think that was a bit premature to post. Back in January there were multiple episodes and a comic or two left. And Legacy is still to come.
Erica writes...
Why do networks love canceling your shows? Seriously, your shows are always my favorite on any network that they're on, and yet that network always thinks that it's a great idea to cancel it!
Greg responds...
It's nothing personal. Believe me. I'd love to indulge my paranoid side and think it is, but it just isn't.
Secret <- lol writes...
I don't know if you are allowed to make suggestions for merchandise, but can you suggest Young Justice T-Shirt?
Can you suggest T-shirts for each team member, such as a black shirt with the S-shield on it?
I know that there is a Young Justice shirt with the team on it, but these might sell better, maybe making enough money for another season.
Sorry, this might go against the 7th rule.
Greg responds...
None of this is within my power. Sorry.
Paul writes...
If it's true that Young Justice is cancelled, I hope it's all right if I ask this question:
Would you please reveal who the the Team members who joined and left the Team during the five year gap were (other than Tempest, Aquagirl and the second Robin)?
If the remaining season 2 episodes and Young Justice: Legacy don't answer this question (or only answer it in part) then I hope you'll answer it, please.
Greg responds...
ASKED AND ANSWERED.
Though, Paul, I have to ask, why WOULD you ask this now? Why clog the queue? Why not wait and SEE if your question is answered?
Shellhead writes...
Well, another great show bites the dust before its time.
Thank you for all your effort on YJ. Your respect and enthusiasm for the source material shined through in each and every episode.
My question to you: Do you ever feel like you just can't catch a break when it comes to 3rd seasons? First Gargoyles, then Spectacular Spider-man, and now Young Justice. It's just a damn shame.
Best of luck Greg. I know you'll end up somewhere doing great things sooner rather than later.
Greg responds...
I won't deny a certain amount of frustration. But the circumstances for each of the shows you mentioned were all very different. It's the biz.
Kelly writes...
Greg,
I was so disappointed to come home from school and see that Young Justice has been apparently cancelled. I know that you have nothing to do with the decisions made by greedy and corrupt network executives and are truly the better person in this situation. You have made a beautifully written and amazingly touching show with a strong and true message that no matter how young or old you are, you can still make a difference. I think this message has touched and brought joy to many people who have watched Young Justice. I know it has to me. I'm a huge Flash fan and I remember sitting down and watching the episode "Bloodlines" and just feeling pure joy at my favorite characters from different times and eras being brought together in such an awesome way. Thank you so much for that Greg. I love this show. I truly do and so do many other people. And just thank you so much for it. Thank you.
Greg responds...
You're very welcome. I feel more than obligated to point out that many, many people went in to making YJ the show you love, including - but not limited to - Brandon Vietti and the writer of "Bloodlines" Peter David.
Jarrod writes...
Hey Greg! I have loved Young Justice and I am very Sorry to hear that the show will not be returning. I never understand how great shows end up dying premature deaths. I look forward to your next work!
Greg responds...
Thanks.
Rou writes...
Why did Artemis chose instead of Mia Dearden?
Greetings from Chile
Greg responds...
I assume you mean why did Brandon and I chose Artemis instead of the second Speedy to be part of our series. That's basically ASKED AND ANSWERED already. It was Artemis' background that interested us and seemed to work in our series better than those of the DC's three other blonde, teenage, female archers, including the second Speedy.
RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #6
RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #6
In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I'm going to direct you to Rain's page on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791
"A superb builder of new worlds and their rules of magick." -Nicole Dubuc
Nicole is an extremely talented writer, story editor and actress. She was the voice of Iris West-Allen on Young Justice. She also wrote episodes for YJ, Spectacular Spider-Man, W.I.T.C.H. and many other series. And she's currently a story editor (and I think Producer) on Transformers: Rescue Bots.
Here's her full quotation:
"Always a superb builder of new worlds and their rules of magick, Greg Weisman now serves as ferryman to the eldritch Ghost Keys, where the Bard and secrets from the past intertwine in a thrilling mystery... And characters are never what they first seem." -Nicole Dubuc
C'mon, you know you want to pre-order. So, go ahead! INDULGE!!!
RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #5
RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #5
In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I'm going to direct you to Rain's page on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791
They've posted some quotations from a handful of folks, who have already read the book. More often than not, these are merely partial quotes, so I'm going to post the full quotation here over the next few days. Next up:
"Magical realism for all ages!" -Jonathan Frakes
Jonathan, of course, is a talented actor and director; he's William Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation and the voice of David Xanatos on Gargoyles.
I can't post his entire quotation here and now, because he SPOILED some major plot points!! But here's a bit more of his whole quote:
"I read and thoroughly enjoyed Rain of the Ghosts last night cover to cover (if there is such a thing on the IPad). Rain is a wonderful, empowering heroine... funny, impulsive, and yet sensitive. The generational bond between 'Bastian and Rain is particularly endearing. Magical realism for all ages! ... The writing style is clear, textured and moves with alacrity and never feels like it panders to kids... beautiful and clever...the soundtrack in Rain's mind adds a filmic layer to an already visual story. I look forward to ... many returns to The Ghosts." - Jonathan Frakes
C'mon, you know you want to pre-order. So, go ahead! INDULGE!!!
Hana writes...
Does Jaime's family knows about his superhero life? If not, then what's his cover story for his parents?
Greg responds...
His parents, at least, know. Or at least they know the basics.
Paul writes...
You said that there were six or seven major characters you wanted to include in season 2, but that you didn't have room for them in the end. I have a few questions about that:
1a) If season 2 had been 26 episodes, would you have had enough room to include them?
1b) If so, would all six or seven have featured or just a handful of them?
2) You mentioned that Starfire is a character you're thinking of for season 3 if you get one. Was she one of the major characters you originally wanted to include in season 2?
3) Regarding the two characters you originally wanted to include in the bridal shower scene in "Satisfaction": were either of them intended to be significant characters in season 2?
Greg responds...
1a. I'm not too interested in hypotheticals. We didn't. So we didn't.
1b. More episodes might have meant more characters, but there's no guarantee. It's not like we broke 26 episodes and then had to reduce them down to 20. We broke 20.
2. WHEN did I ever say Starfire was in Season Three? I just searched the ASK GREG archives for Starfire, and EVERY time I was asked that question, my response was (you'll never guess) SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT. <sigh> No, Starfire was never a candidate for Season Two.
3. Ever? Maybe in some early discussions. But not once we really got rolling.
Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...
Dear Greg,
Got to last week's episode of YJ & the hits keep on coming. First off, I'm really liking how you guys handled Deathstroke, right attitude, right power level, overall done right! The main thing I was happy about was at the end, seeing Kaldur on the road to recovery. This will also be good for Megan, I'm sure. And Green Beetle, man I like the guy, but I can't help this nagging in the back of my head that he's a mole.
Awesome work as always!
Greg responds...
Thanks. We tried.
Shyann writes...
First I'd like to say that I really love the show. Everything about it is quality and I'm so happy to see an animated show be done with such respect. I'd also like to say I'm really happy that you included the character of Klarion. Without you guys, I probably would have never found out about him. I'm also glad you guys went with a version that's more like the originally since I'm not a fan of the blue skinned innocent pilgrim boy version. And everyone seems to always use that one. Also I'd like to say I like yalls version of The Joker. I see people complain about it a lot but I personally think it's rather fresh and I enjoyed seeing him in action. So thank you for trying something different with him! Umm that aside I've got a couple of questions if you don't mind, sir.
1. Is Klarion capable of having affectionate feelings for anything other than his cat? Is he above romantic feelings? Or is he just tooo uhhh non human for that type of thing?
2. How old is Deathstroke?
3.(This is half compliment and half question) I really like the direction you guys took with Deathstroke's design. It's different from any past versions I can remember. It actually made me think of his daughter as soon as I saw the white hair sticking out like it did. What did you guys have in mind when designing him?
Greg responds...
1. He's chaotic, not emotionless.
2. ASKED AND ANSWERED.
3. You'd have to ask Phil Bourassa and Brandon Vietti, though the marching orders are generally the same for any new character. We want the character to feel iconic. But we want to translate what's great about him or her into the design style of our world.
Amy writes...
Greg,
1. When you write an animation spec how much blocking do you put into the episode? My research says I should describe every single twitch of the character's face and body so that the animators in Korea will get everything right. But I wrote a short episode for a company that told me I should only do that if I'm both the writer AND the animator. I should just stick to short details like I would for live action. So who is right?
2. I assume the best way to answer that question is to read examples of animated scripts--Is it possible to obtain copies of Young Justice scripts from season 1 somewhere? Should I go to a script library in LA or attempt to contact Cartoon Network for a copy?
Greg responds...
1. There is no right and wrong. Every series has it's own rules. I'd love to say there's a standard, but there just isn't. On MY SHOWS, we use the scripts to direct the entire episode, including camera angles, etc. The actual directors and storyboard artists aren't restricted to doing the script exactly as written, but by being thorough like that, I feel more confident that at the very least, they know what I'm looking for. If they come up with better ideas, great. I don't know that I've ever seen an animation script that was totally Master Shot style, a la live action. But I've seen many that lean way more in that direction. But it's not the way I work.
2. You can. But I don't recommend it. Currently, though we're not thrilled about it and hope the situation changes someday, YJ is dead. You want your spec script to be for a show that's CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION. On that level alone, YJ doesn't qualify as a good way to spend your time if you're serious about getting work in the industry.
Peter S. writes...
Hey Greg! Huge fan of Gargoyles. Just recently bought season 1 and 2(half of it ;p) and can't get over how ahead of its time this show was. Anyways I was wondering if you we're going to be at comi con in Toronto? Excited to hear back from you!
Greg responds...
I'd be happy to go, but I haven't been invited. Talk to the people who run the con and have them invite me as a guest, and I'm there.
J writes...
Sice Stephanie Brown is confirmed to exist on Earth-16, is her father Cluemaster?
It seems like if he is, her story would be just a retelling of Artamis...but if not, she would loose a lot of who her charactor really is...so i'm not shure what i'm hoping to see. I'm guess if we ever see her again i'll be happy with what you decide either way.
And, since Cissie King-Jones exists, did her mother briefly operate as Miss Arrowette?
Her mother pushing her to become the hero she could never be (to the point of temporarily loosing her due to child-endangerment laws) was the primary aspect of her charactor in the comics, and their dynamic was one of my favorites in all of DC...but it looks like if she is ever used in the show again, your leaning more to her just being inspired by Artemis. I'll admit, if that happens i'll be dissapointed to not see her bicker with her mom...but i'll be estatic just to see her.
On the topic of Arrowette...there was a huge fan-based (myself included) speculation that she could possibly be Green Arrows illigitamate
daughter (with a lot of evidence to support that fact). I'm assuming you probably couldnt get away with that on your show, so i'm not going to het my hopes up, but i'm curious about your thoughts on that...or, do you just not even think about that since you wouldnt be allowed to do it even if you wanted to?
Thanks.
Greg responds...
1. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.
2. Ditto, but, what the heck, I'm in the mood, so: YES.
3. Oh, come on. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.
Akino writes...
Sorry if these questions mean having to think way back. I've been reviewing the W.I.T.C.H. series, and now that I'm on season 2, I had a couple questions about developments in the show.
1. When season 2 first aired, rumors went around that Will's father was originally going to be written as unpleasant and manipulative as he had been in the comics, but due to resistance from Disney, this idea was scrapped. Is there any truth to this?
2. I absolutely loved how Matt ended up becoming Shagon. Did you plan from the beginning that this would happen, or did the idea come later on? Because this was brilliant.
3. Similar to the above, the relationship between Caleb and Nerissa. You hinted early enough into season 2 that the Mage might be Caleb's mother and that Nerissa was the Mage. Caleb was already very different from his counterpart in the comics. How did you decide that Nerissa should be his mother? It was such a surprise.
4. The final question is more of an opinion question. As I watch the series, I find myself wanting to feel sympathy toward Nerissa, despite the things she does throughout the series. What is your take on her?
Thank you and all the staff for doing an awesome job with this show, and for everything else you've worked on.
Greg responds...
Actually, I'm kinda impressed I remembered as much as I did:
1. No. He was originally written as more at odds with Susan over custody, but we never were going to write him as a bad guy like in the comics. We were just going to have two well-meaning parents at odds, and then realizing that they were only hurting Will by fighting. But Disney didn't like Susan and Tony to even argue. So instead of the issue being custody, we made the issue Tony's new wife and Will's (mistaken) belief that she was really Nerissa in disguise. In a way, this worked out even better for our overall arc.
2. Well, I planned it from the beginning of my run, but keep in mind I didn't start on the series until Season Two.
3. It all seemed to fit with Nerissa having multiple identities throughout the cast. And, heck, the whole "Luke, I am your father" thing is still too tempting not to use.
4. That she's complex, interesting and fascinating with the tragic flaw of most great villains. Plus she loved and mourned Cassidy. And in her twisted way, loved Caleb and Julian too. And that makes her at least a little sympathetic. Though, of course, the fact that she killed Cassidy and used her, Caleb AND Julian also undercuts that sympathy more than a little.
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