A Station Eight Fan Web Site

Gargoyles

The Phoenix Gate

Ask Greg Archives

VELATIONS 2013-04 (Apr)

Archive Index


: « First : Displaying #21 - #120 of 254 records. : 100 » : Last » :


Posts Per Page: 1 : 10 : 25 : 50 : 100 : All :


Bookmark Link

K writes...

I was ridiculously excited when I realized that Tye was based on Apache Chief, and I'm even more ridiculously glad to see a whole episode based around him and the other runaways. I remember people wishing Static would appear in the show since episode one, and I was definitely one of them. The whole crew is so endearing. Everyone I've talked to about the show has a favorite among this group, and not all of them are Virgil. It makes the cancellation of Young Justice all the more tragic, because these characters really deserve the chance to grow like the season one team did.

But, for questions.

1) Why was the "Samurai" stand-in chosen to be gender-flipped? Speaking as a girl myself, I'm thrilled there's a girl at all, but was there any specific reason or did she just win the coin toss?

2) Young Justice has used several characters more famous for being created by previous animated adaptations, like Wendy & Marvin or Mercy Graves. Did these three in specific come to mind immediately for their roles, or only after you exhausted the characters created in the comics?

I'm kind of amused that Mercy's appeared in several episodes, but the character who paved the way for her creation, Harley Quinn, has only appeared as a Halloween costume. That and the fact that Joker and Poison Ivy appeared together in an episode without her. I like to imagine her breaking them out of Arkham or Belle Reve or wherever they ended up. There's no question here; just a random thought.

And to finish up, thank you. Thank you for helping to nurture one of the most diverse cartoons I have ever seen. The fact that Young Justice appears to gone out of its way (I don't know if it actually is OUT of the way, but compared to other shows...) to have multiple women, multiple people of most minorities, and many in fleshed-out, starring roles, is really that amazing. The fact that we're going to lose all this in five more episodes is heartbreaking, but we ARE grateful.

I admit, I was one of the people who was concerned by the fact that it took YJ five episodes just to pass the Bechdel Test (getting two female characters to have a single conversation about something besides boys, and "Schooled" passed on one exchange between Miss Martian and Black Canary). While I still think YJ *could* have done better on that front, I believe that it wasn't for lack of trying. I really am devastated to see the show go, and I hope there's a chance for revival in the future.

Greg responds...

1. There's no science to this. It just felt right.

2. We haven't come close to exhausting the characters from the comics. That's not really the point at all. But we have a fondness for these characters too. Both Brandon and I wanted Wendy & Marvin. I think using Mercy and doing our versions of Apache Chief, El Dorado, Samurai and Black Vulcan was Brandon's idea, though I signed on right away. And I seem to recall it was my idea to combine our version of Black Vulcan with our version of Static and to eventually give him Black Lightning as a mentor. And here's a spoiler: we also have very specific ideas for our version of the Wonder Twins, Zan & Jayna, for Season Three.

3. As for our "slow start", I make no apologies. Miss Martian and Artemis are the stronger in the series as a whole for how - and when - they were introduced. We were building a series based on existing characters, many of whom were created in the days when nearly every hero was white and male. Diversity was a priority for us from moment one, and I think that shows in the final analysis, as your post indicates. But we wanted that diversity to be organic, not contrived. And I believe we succeeded on that front too.

Response recorded on April 29, 2013

Bookmark Link

YJ Fan writes...

(On a Flash topic) I know that Barry and Bart are faster than Wally and Jay, but what is the order of speedsters--in this universe--from fastest to slowest? Would it be:
1) Barry
2) Bart
3) Wally
4) Jay
Or would it be some other variation?

Greg responds...

You have the order correct - as of "Endgame".

Response recorded on April 29, 2013

Bookmark Link

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Fourteen

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Fourteen:

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 Fourteen.

This was one of the harder ones. Though I thought I knew the subject matter cold, I found myself revisiting my research. But the other issue was how to present it. There was a day or two there, where I was somewhat stumped and actually found myself procrastinating. Now, generally, I'm big on procrastination, but it hasn't really been a problem writing this book, because honestly, I've been enjoying the process so much. Anyway, I finally sort of cracked it open for myself. And now I'm pretty darn happy with how it turned out.

So tomorrow, I'll start writing the new Chapter Fifteen.


Bookmark Link

Jon Weisman's 100 Things Dodger Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die - Revised and Updated Edition

While I'm in the mode of pimping books, I'd like to pimp the recently released book by my brother, Jon Weisman, which I ordered on Amazon and received today:

100 Things Dodger Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die - Revised and Updated Edition

If you love baseball, the Dodgers and/or history, this is a great, fascinating and massively informative book, now revised and updated since its previous release. You can find it here.

http://www.amazon.com/Things-Dodgers-Should-Before-Things-Fans/dp/1600788041/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367099692&sr=1-3&keywords=jon+weisman

In addition to writing about the Dodgers and baseball in this book and on his blog - http://www.dodgerthoughts.com/ - Jon also wrote multiple episodes of Young Justice, W.I.T.C.H., So Weird and others. He's a very good read.


Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Which episode is the one when Robin turns 14 and throws a birthday party?
Sorry for the stupid question...

Greg responds...

It was in our companion comic books, over issues 20-25.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

Bookmark Link

Sheena writes...

What colour are Tye's eyes, exactly? In "Beneath", they were brown, but "The Runaways", they were either blue or grey- I couldn't tell which.
By the way, I think Virgil, Tye, Eduardo Jr and Asami deserve their own show, Never have I loved supporting characters so much in my life- I think the excellent voice actors chosen for them helped big time.
While we're on the topic of voice actors, I can't say how happy I am to see Janice Kawaye in an American cartoon again after goodness-knows-how-many years. I've been a big fan of her since Captain Planet, and when I recognised her voice coming out of Asami's mouth I couldn't help but let out a silly little squeal.

Greg responds...

1. I don't know.

2. I'd love to do a show around these or any of the Earth-16 characters. Heck, I'd do a Professor Ojo show if they'd let me.

3. I agree the voice talent on the runaways, Janice included, was top-notch!

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

Bookmark Link

Annie writes...

Greg, I love the show and the fact that you're trying to make it racially diverse is awesome. But as someone majoring in Japanese, I hope you'll pardon my rudeness when I say that Asami's use of the language in the latest episode was seriously off.

For one thing, "sumimasen", which is usually used as an apology, is used here to indicate Asami basically having no idea as to what the boys were talking about. The context really didn't mesh well, and it bothered me. While "sorry" can be used as questioning manner in English, the same doesn't exactly apply in Japanese. I think, given her situation, a simple "Nani?" (what?) would have sufficed.

Another thing that annoyed me was when she told the boys "Ja issho ni ikuwayo!". I assume you wanted her to say "Let's go!", but what you really got was "We're going!"
and it's a slight mismatch considering what Virgil, Tye and Eduardo were saying earlier (By the way, the correct phrasing is "Ja issho ni ikimashou!").

I hope I didn't sound bossy or anything. This was just a small blotch on an otherwise excellent episode, and whatever problems I may have with Asami's Japanese, as a person, I like her already.

Greg responds...

She uses it as an apology more than once.

Anyway, as previously stated we had at least two people involved who spoke fluent Japanese. One is a native of Japan, who consulted for us on the writing. The other was the actress who played the roll and is fluent in Japanese.

That doesn't mean we got it right, but I don't know how we could have done any more to insure it.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

Bookmark Link

Jane-Doe writes...

Great job on the latest episode! A few questions:
1) When did Barry Allen (Flash) marry Iris West?
2) Are Jonathan and (presumably) Martha Kent related to Clark and, by extension, Conner? I noticed in the episode "True Colors" that Jonathan referred to Superboy as his "son" (or some other family-ish relation, I can't quite remember); but then I thought Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van were still alive in this universe (making it so Martha and Jonathan couldn't be Clark's adoptive parents), so...confusion.

Greg responds...

1. Four years before the start of Season One.

2. I have absolutely no idea why you'd think Jor-El and Lara are alive. They're not. Maybe that's your clever way of getting me to reveal a SPOILER, in which case, you're successful. But the destruction of Krypton and the death of Superman's birth parents is such an essential part of his origin, I don't even consider that to be a true Spoiler. You might as well ask if Thomas and Martha Wayne are dead. (They are.)

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

Bookmark Link

A Flash Fan writes...

Hey Greg,

It's me again. Sorry you've been bogged with work, but I'm sure it will come out excellent as it thus far has proven to be. I know by the time you get to this post Young Justice Invasion will most likely be over (I'm predicting you'll answer this around the first week of May...let's see if I'm right :)
Anyway I just wanted to say I feel sorry that Young Justice is not continuing, at least for the time being. You made a really good show along with all your team. Like others' comments you've read, I must say watching this show during some less than perfect times for me, was a great experience. I did have some questions regarding the cancellation...

1. Did CN give you a reason(s) and if so what is/are they if you are able to tell us? Did costs of production have something to do with it?
2. After seeing the series, I've seen a lot of reliance on mind links, which perhaps reduces costs in animation. I think because the animators can keep the image of the character a longer time rather than drawing new frames with moving lips. Was this on purpose or is there another reason?

On Runaways, I don't know if El Dorado originally had a civilian name in Super Friends, but if not is that why you came up with Eduardo because of the close similarity?

In other news, I think I get where you're going, but geez! I have no idea how you're going to wrap up so much in so little time. I read your recent interview http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=43480 and I agree the extra 6 episodes would have helped. So one more question...If you did have those extra episodes would have spaced out the events more, included new characters, or what?

A final comment based on the previous episodes which I began guessing after Cornered, and left me nodding today after Nightwing's comment and eventual occurrence in Runaways...Zeta Tube destruction really isn't very helpful for slow superheroes is it? First Speedy in Satisfaction, Aqualad in Darkest, Despero/L Ron in Cornered, now Red Volcano in Runaways...Flash must get very tired...

Greg responds...

More or less the last week of April, so you were close.

Okay, let's start with this. CN and WBTVA have both gone OUT OF THEIR WAY to state that the show isn't cancelled. It's just not picked-up. It makes no practical difference as far as I can see, but it seems to matter to them, so I'm not just going to accept the terminology your using and slide by it.

1. Not really, no.

1a. The cost of production relative to the income the production was bringing in was definitely a reason. The loss of the toyline was a huge blow. The perception that the ratings on action series in general are not as strong as the ratings on a comedy like Adventure Time was another blow.

2. Mind-links were not a cost-saving measure, no. We had a telepathic Martian on a Team going on covert ops. It just made sense.

3. I think it was Brandon's idea to give him the initials E.D. for El Dorado. But it also worked as Ed Dorado, which sounds like El Dorado. And Ed was short for Eduardo. Which is all to say, it just seemed right.

4. People seem to misinterpret what I said as if we HAD those six episodes and had to take them out. But we NEVER had them. So we never built a 26 episode season. We built a 20 episode season. I have some notions as to what might have been included with more episodes, including more with Zatanna and Red Tornado, plus more screen time for characters like Batgirl, Robin, Wonder Girl and Beast Boy, who got shorter shrift this season. But it's not like we had six specific stories plotted out.

5. I've reread this paragraph four times now, and I'm not really sure what you're saying. Your examples seem to conflict with each other. Obviously, without Zeta Tubes, there are only a handful of heroes who can come from a long distance in a timely manner... unless they already happen to be nearby.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

Bookmark Link

Just a Nerd writes...

Runaways was awesome. Don't know how Red Volcano survived. We all saw him die. Liked the Super Friends character's... Parallels, for lack of a better term. Hoping for some Wonder Twins action later!

Mr. Weisman, I would like to thank you and your team for such a wonderful show. It has intrigued me since Independece Day, through trials and tribulations. It is a tragedy that it must end after only two seasons.

Sorry I'm not as fanboy-ish as usual. I don't feel great right now.

Greg responds...

I hope you feel better by now.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Are people who have a scarab bonded to them aware they are being controlled?

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

Bookmark Link

Siobhan writes...

Who did you consult with regards to Asami's Japanese? My friends were complaining that the way she spoke the language seemed a little off (I don't know anything about Japanese,so I detected nothing wrong).

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

Bookmark Link

JC writes...

I have a question about the title of today's show, "Runaways"...does that imply that all four of the new young meta-humans were, well, runaways?
Weve seen the reason why Longshadow ran away, but why wuld Static leave home? Everything else I've read/saw of him portrayed a stable home life...if not for the bullying he recieves from the other kids at school.
Does this also imply that most or all the kids that the Reach kidnaped were alsi runaways?
If so does that mean that Stephanie Brown is origionally from Gotham, but ran away, and was abducted in Star City?

Thank you.

Greg responds...

As STATED IN THE EPISODE, Virgil was mistaken for a runaway because he was waiting to meet his sister at a bus or train station (I'm blanking out on which at the moment). I'm not sure how you missed that.

But ALL or nearly all the rest of the kids that the Light had abducted for the Reach were runaways, which I believe was ALSO STATED IN THE SERIES.

As for Stephanie Brown, ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

Bookmark Link

Sean writes...

Okay so i reaslie with your lack of actvity here, this post will go unawsered for a very long but i do hope it dosent get deleated like my last post.
In Double Jeapordy(which is probabley my favourite episode, for reasons you can guess), i noticed recently two things that i thought were strange. When serveius received the kidnapping instructions from thailog, thinking it was xanatos, did these instructions state specfically whether or not thailog was going to be in on it? That is to say did they tell serverius that thailog was going to know about xanatos plan to fake kidnap him? I ask because, when the comadoes bring thailog to the oil rig, serverius prepares to drug him, then thailog breaks out of the container and looks angry(of course you said he likes to perform). Then when he drugs golaith, he says his shackles werent locked and he clearly was not drugged himself. So what happened? Why did serverius put him in a cell unchained and in full strength? The only thing i can think of is, after thailog killed the comadoes, serverius told him about *ahem* xanatos plan, thailog then feigned ignorance and simply waited in the cell to make it look more convincing for whoever servius thought the plan was directed at.
The second thing i am wondering about is when xanatos arrives with ransom money and then attacks serverius. If xanatos had no clear intention of paying and was simply going to "make a example" out of serverius, then why did he bring the money at all? Also what xanatos mean by that? Was he actually going to kill serverius for his betrayal or just punish him in a very severe way?
And now that im done i actually thought of another question. When lexinton finds the gen-u-tech band, did thailog leave that here intentionally or was simply an accident? If his goal was to lure golaith to the oil rig, then why did he leave a clue that could have lead golith all the way back to the city? Anyway i hope you are able to answer these for an old fan like me and i also hope that when i read your answer in the future young justice was still be on. Have a nice day!

Greg responds...

Sometimes it feels like every day here at ASK GREG has a theme.

Today's theme is "ask me extremely specific questions about stuff from SO long ago that there's no chance I'll remember". I'd love to have the luxury of time to go back and watch the episodes, but I don't. I barely have the luxury of time to answer these questions.

Anyway, I'll do my best.

1. This one I really don't remember. It all made sense at the time though, and I tend to think it makes sense now.

2. Xanatos brought the money because he didn't know what the set-up would be when he got there. He thought he might have to show real money to get what he wanted. As for what he planned to do with Sevarius, I think it's best to leave that to your imagination.

3. Thailog knew there was more than one gargoyle. He wanted ALL to be discovered. If I'm recalling correctly.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

Bookmark Link

Tom McC writes...

Hello Greg!

I have watched both seasons of the Spectacular Spider-man last year and I honestly loved every minute of it, I thought it was both written and animated very well andbecause of this its a real shame the series never continued from where it was left off (imagine the possibilities!). Now its officially my favourite Spidey continuity, hats off to you and the team.

But there has been something thats been bugging me, just one small thing that I wouldn't mind your feedback on. Throughout the series Norman Osborn has been portrayed as a no-nonsense character who never apoligizes for any faults from his company, his son or even himself, a trait which becomes very important on the last episode. However in the episode "Market Forces" Norman apologized to Hammerhead for being interrupted by Harry which seems to be breaking character given the hype about it. What I want to know is was there a reason for it? Are Tombstones lackeys special in some way that they need special treatment or was this simply a continuity oversight?

Hope you can answer my question and good luck in your future endevours!

Greg responds...

It's been a while. I don't remember Norman - the REAL Norman - ever apologizing. But if he does, it may have slipped past us. Or maybe back then we had some reason for it. I just can't remember.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

Bookmark Link

CORRECTION

CORRECTION:

At the very end of Team Year Five, i.e. right before the start of Season Two:
TYE LONGSHADOW - 16
VIRGIL HAWKINS - 15
EDUARDO "ED" DORADO, JR. - 14
ASAMI "SAM" KOIZUMI - 14
I have not yet had a reason to calculate their exact birth dates, so I have no idea whether each of them had one during the six months of Season Two or whether one or more of their birthdays came after the end of the season. So, for example, in the episodes you saw, Tye might have been 16 still, or he might have been 17. Or he might have been 16 in his first appearance, but 17 by his next. Or whatever. You get the idea.


Bookmark Link

Jaden writes...

You're probably tired of these types of questions by now but I was wondering how old Tye, Eduardo Jr, Virgil and Asama are?

Also, I heard from an insider that Ultimate Spider-man might be replaced after this season. I hope Marvel is smart enough to bring you back for a new series

Greg responds...

At the very end of Team Year Five, i.e. right before the start of Season Two:

TYE LONGSHADOW - 15
VIRGIL HAWKINS - 14
EDUARDO "ED" DORADO, JR. - 13
ASAMI "SAM" KOIZUMI - 13

I have not yet had a reason to calculate their exact birth dates, so I have no idea whether each of them had one during the six months of Season Two or whether one or more of their birthdays came after the end of the season. So, for example, in the episodes you saw, Tye might have been 15 still, or he might have been 16. Or he might have been 15 in his first appearance, but 16 by his next. Or whatever. You get the idea.

As for Spider-Man, I haven't heard what you've heard. Quite the reverse. And certainly, no one at Marvel has said anything to me about it. Nor would I expect them to. My understanding is that Ultimate is doing quite well.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

Bookmark Link

dailyplanetintern writes...

Oh my GOODNESS!

No questions just utter appreciation for you and your team. That was such a GREAT episode. Virgil was AWSOME!!! I loved every second I got to see him. The rest of the characters too. They are all very likable (I really liked the scientist's son, and the situation with the Japanese girl and no one being able to understand her nor her them was just hilarious). I hope we get to see a lot more of them before the season closes out.

I'm trying to do everything to help save the series (if it's even possible) I couldn't just sit by and do nothing. We have 6 weeks left before the season ends so maybe we can make enough noise to really catch CN's attention. That press release they gave because fans were flooding their facebook page? What do they take us for incompetent? We knew what their statement meant and it didn't address our concerns; more like ignored them. Saying that some shows would "run their course". Somehow I don't think the full story of either Green Lantern or Young Justice will be told by the end of either of their seasons so I don't see how that's a true statement.

But OMG Blue Beetle has been taken over by the Reach!

I have to admit I never really trusted Green Beetle, I wanted too, but it was pretty much too good to be true. Once he said he could help BB I was worried, even if his intentions had been good I was afraid that it would still cause Jamie to succumb to the control of the Reach. As far as I was concerned the scarabs influence was what was keeping Jamie and it from being controlled. So I figured that he might fall to them if it was just his will trying to keep them at bay, but it was just a simpler answer. GB was of the Reach all the time. But that is curious. Miss Martian didn't sense his treachery so either she was distracted from the guilt she was feeling due to what she had done to Kaldar or GB and his scarab was able to evade her probing...

But this season just continues to improve with every turn! Both Young Justice and Green Lantern, it was great today as well. Just when both series are finding their real footing, establishing themselves and digging in their heels CN wants to call it quits? We have to find someway to change their minds....

I've done what I can so far, signed the petition, told my facebook friends to do the same, left a message to CN on facebook, and left a message to CN themselves on their official site. Maybe I'll send some letters too...

Anyway I'm excited to see the remainder of the season and even if Young Justice can't be rescued I really hope that this season doesn't end on a cliff hanger. I hate when that happens I always wonder what would have been and it kills me.

Young Justice is too good of a series to end this way. I would like to think that it's just moving to another network, but the creator of the Green Lantern series said that GL was no longer in production so that would suggest that that isn't happening...

Its just got me in such a vicious cycle of excitement and depression. Bittersweetness. Excitement for the new episodes and depression that the shows life seems like it's going to be cut short. This series just has so much potential! It could go for a minimum five seasons total if not longer. It has the goods to go much further than that though. You have the whole DC universe at your disposal and the freedom of an alternate earth so you can have as much creative freedom as you want! That like setting a kid loose in a candy store! Another reason why I was excited for this series.

But as I said awesome episode today! Really through me for a loop. I was suspecting that something was wrong though when Jamie got so aggressive. I was thinking that he'd be less aggressive without the scarab, not more, that was a great clue that something was amiss, that and when he had cut his radio off and Nightwing has to reach him on his cell... that had me suspicious too...

It's just so frustratingly great! I mean whose using who here? The Reach think they're using humanity, The Light thinks they are using them... who is really on top here? Only time will tell...

Can't wait for next week! (And then again I can, I REALLY don't want Young Justice to end like this.)

Greg responds...

Glad you enjoyed the episode.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

Bookmark Link

Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...

Dear Greg,
Watched the newest YJ this morning, and first let me get this outta my system; DAMMIT I HATE IT WHEN I'M RIGHT! Everything about Green Beetle screamed mole to me. I hope Bart & maybe Megan can help him.
On to everyone else, first off kudos on the runaways. I love how you incorporated Apache Chief, El Dorado, & Samurai. Their powers are just similar enough, but just different enough to be unique. Especially Tai, I love how his powers work. And Lex at the end, I'm slightly confused by him. On the one hand, I can see him genuinely wanting a countermeasure for The Reach when they backstab him. But I can also see him doing this as another part of some Xanatos-like scheme against the League. Or maybe both.

Anyway, excellent work, keep it up!

Greg responds...

Hopefully, by now, you have a clearer understanding of Lex's behavior.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

Bookmark Link

SHAZAM! writes...

So, it was announced that Young justice had been cancelled, which is very unfortunate because it's one of the best shows around since JLU.

I was wondering, I know there are a few petitions going around, but is there a chance that a canceled contract could be renewed? Also, is there any other way that the show could go back in the air?

If not, I'm glad we did get two seasons, and i can't wait for the rest of season 2, but could you please not leave it on a cliffhanger :0 ? I hope you guys do get un-cancelled, and thanks for all your hard work and effort, i just hope the next DC show is as good or better, because honestly, we really don't need another batman show, we need good DC universe stories like Young Justice created.

PS. As for season 3, you mentioned you had an idea for it, is the story all written out, and did it ever get to the animation stage?

Greg responds...

To be clear, and it may seem like mere semantics, but the show was not cancelled. It simply has not been picked up for more episodes. The odds of that changing are slim, but not impossible. And the odds of something Earth-16 coming back some day are also not impossible. After all, a new version of Teen Titans just hit CN's schedule.

The best way to convince TPTB is with your wallet. By the video game, by the DVDs, by the Trade Paperbacks. By whatever YJ merchandise you can find.

And I'd suggest giving the new Beware the Batman show a real chance. I've read many of the scripts (and wrote one of them), and I really liked what I read. REALLY.

As for Season Three of YJ, no. Of course not. If we didn't get picked up, how would it have been scripted, let alone animated?

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

Bookmark Link

CGYJ writes...

Hello Mr. Greg Weisman,

"Runaways" was a crazy episode, and bad things are definitely happening more often than good things are. Here are my thoughts below.

My thoughts about "Runaways":

Red Volcano is Back?! - That's impossible! We saw his demise in Season One! How is it that he came back?!

Blue Beetle's Aggressiveness - What a way for Blue to screw up! He tries to take on Red Volcano and nearly kills one of the people he is trying to help and loses their trust, all in one night. But then again, it's not his fault…

More like a Green Scorpion than a Green Beetle - It's insane. I thought he was one of the good guys, but now we see that he's in cahoots with Black Beetle and we don't know why. Worse, now we know that Green Beetle is part of the reason why the Reach Apocalypse happens; all because he rebooted the blue scarab to control Jaime…

What did Asami say? - I didn't understand a single thing that she said when she spoke. It would've nice if there were English subtitles to translate her language…

Deal with the Devil? - Lex wants the Runaways to join the cause of the Light? They'll probably say yes and that's not good. The Runaways would probably be viewed as heroes by the public but the Justice League and the Team would be viewed as villains…

Thanks for taking the time to read this posting.
CGYJ

Greg responds...

I think all of your questions have been ASKED AND ANSWERED, but they may have been rhetorical anyway.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

Bookmark Link

Markus L. McClellan writes...

1. Do any of the Reach have names?
2. How old is Despero?
3. How old is Lobo?
4. What year did Lagoon Boy joined the team?
5. What exactly are Sam's powers?

Greg responds...

1. None that you could pronounce.

2. I don't know.

3. I don't know.

4. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

5. ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

Bookmark Link

Eagle-Owl writes...

Oh, and why were there no subtitles for Asami's dialogue? And what was she saying throughout the episode "Runaways"?

Greg responds...

There were no subtitles because we intentionally wanted the audience to be in the same boat as Ed, Virgil and Tye.

Below is all the Japanese dialogue and the translations that are in the script. Some of it might have been slightly different in the final on screen product.

(I want to state in advance that we did the best we could. The translations and transliterations were all run by a Japanese native in advance. And the actress who played Asami, Janice Kawayi, is fluent in Japanese. I have no way of knowing if there are errors, but no one can claim that we didn't do our very best to get it right.)

Wilcox: Mo oshi my. Oyasumi nasai, Asami-san. [We're finished. Goodnight, Asami.]

Asami: Domo, domo. [Thank you, thank you.]

Asami: Suimasen? [Excuse me?]

Asami: Suimasen!

Asami: Suimasen!

Asami: Suimasen!

Asami: Suimasen?

Asami: Yabai. Yasura ga kulu. [Trouble. They're coming.]

Asami: Suimasen!

Asami: Tahsukute kureru no? [Will you help us?]

Jaime: <sigh> Hai. I'll help you.

Asami: Nadaka yoku wakaranai kado, ja ishoni ikuwayo. [I have no idea what's going on, but I'll follow.]

Asami: Doitashimashite. Achoto, suimasen! [You're welcome. Now, please, excuse me!]

Wilcox: Virgil, Asami-san. Domo. Thank you.

Asami: Suimasen.

Virgil: "Suimasen." That means "trouble", doesn't it?

Lex: Kimi no chikara ni, naritain da. [Lit: I want to be a power behind you. Fig: I want to help.]

Asami: Ah… domo?

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

Bookmark Link

Rose Jackson writes...

This isn't a question, but just a show of appreciation.
I'm not a fan of DC myself but I have younger siblings and cousins who are. Let me start by explaining that my family is a mixture of cultures: Hispanic, African, and Native American. The younger children are often perturbed by the lack of diversity they see in the cartoons they watch, especially in the superhero shows. I once had the youngest of my cousins state that she wished that she was Caucasian, because that was the only way she could be a superhero. I instantly went out to buy her a DVD of Static Shock. She loved it, but it made me sad to realize that this show isn't on tv, and it scared me to think how many other children must feel the same.
But recently the little ones have come to me declaring their love of the show Young Justice currently playing every Saturday on Cartoon Network, because they finally see characters they can relate to. I can't tell you how many times I have heard about Aqualad, Bumblebee, Blue Beetle, and others. They have even chosen who they want to dress up as for Halloween! So I'm just sending out my thanks to you Greg because I don't think many people realize the impact cartoons can have on kids and their self image. And I'm glad that my siblings and cousins can finally see a positive superhero icon they can relate to.

-Rose

Greg responds...

Thank you, Rose. This is a big concern to me. So I'm glad that in our own small way we're making a difference.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

Bookmark Link

Eagle-Owl writes...

Called it! I KNEW Green Beetle couldn't be trusted!

So, how did Red Volcano come back?

Greg responds...

Does it matter?

Anyway, there's a whole story involved, but this isn't a forum where I tell entire stories. And even if it was, it'd be a spoiler request. So I'm back to: Does it matter?

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

Bookmark Link

Brock writes...

So, what exactly is Asami's power? It just didn't seem explained in the episode

Greg responds...

Brandon Vietti answers that (and other things) here:

http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/youngjustice/backstage/interview13.php

WF: Lots of fans asked this one: Could you break down what is Asami's power?

BV: Asami's power gives her the ability to gather and channel the flow of her inner energy (chi, ki, or chakra). She can expel this energy to propel herself forward, cushion a landing or push things away from her. She can also reverse that flow which allows her to stick to a vertical surface for a short period of time. Reversing the energy flow only has an affect on things she touches and not objects outside her grasp. The pattern of concentric circles that trail behind her when leaping or project in front of her when pushing are supposed to represent an air disturbance. Asami's body glows slightly as she utilizes her energy which also provides her a little protection from rough landings and impacts but won't stop a bullet.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

Bookmark Link

J writes...

Since Red Volcano is back (this shouldnt be a spoiler to anyone...you said this yourself in your latest post in the response section), does that mean Red Inferno, a.k.a Firebrand, could still be "alive" (for lack of a better term) as well?
I never believed she was gone in the first place...I mean wouldnt she have been designed to withstand extreamly high tempuratures? How could she melt from lava? I know lava is really hot...but if Red Volcano can survive it (and he was shown to have melted, at least partially), then she should too...at least thats my theory.
Poor Red Torpedo though, he has no excuse to have survived...but he kind of came off to me as suicidal anyway, and he went out like any hero should...so maby its for the best.

Greg responds...

SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Few questions about "True Colors"
1. Did Lex Luthor want the Team to procure the additive that the Reach was using?

2. Did Luthor have any way of knowing that they had procured the additive (e.g. hidden cameras that Robin didn't hack, counting the inventory)?

Greg responds...

1. A sample of it, yes.

2. He has faith in their skills.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

Bookmark Link

HOPE FOR YJ? writes...

Greg,
Is there anything us fans can do to keep YJ alive?! We love the show! Don't tell us this is the end!

Greg responds...

It's not the end. BUY YOUNG JUSTICE LEGACY.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Greg, please find another network to air this amazing show you've got.
I mean seriously, Young Justice made me feel more confident with myself. I became healthier and smarter because the characters are like role models on this show.
I cannot imagine not waiting for new Young Justice episodes every weekend, a hiatus is bad enough!
I'm on the verge of tears. I cannot be more serious.
Please Greg, we're going to keep supporting Young Justice and make Cartoon Network change their minds. Help us!!

Greg responds...

<sigh>

I don't know how many ways I can say it: I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THIS SITUATION. NONE. I can't take it to another network. I can't make anyone change their minds. It's just flat out not within my power.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

Bookmark Link

Craig writes...

Is J'onn a Cubs fan or a White Sox fan?

Greg responds...

Cubs.

The DH rule disgusts him.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

Bookmark Link

dailyplanetintern writes...

Cries inconsolably.... T_T

CN has pretty much officially/unofficially put the last nail in the coffin of YJ:I.

It's just such a cop out, giving people and fans the run around, saying that the show isn't canceled since they still have new episode premieres left.

That isn't what people are asking, we already knew that the end of season 2 was going to air. We wanted to know about a season three.

And then to list the show a not returning but not officially say that she show isn't coming back due to cancellation? There's a big difference between a show having run it's course and end, than a show that's going fine and then just not renewed. The public views that as canceled, not just when a show is yanked mid-season and the episodes that remain are never shown.

And why won't they just say GL:TAS and YJ:I are not coming back? Why can't they say that officially? Why treat the fans so badly? We had horrible hiatuses, and then the stunt they pulled back in October. They owe us that much. They should just officially say that they're killing both series.

I just don't understand why. Both shows do well in ratings as far as if can tell. They may have not done so well in toy sales but I could never find them anywhere except Target and there's no Target where I live; had they sold them at Walmart then I would have bought Conner, Wally, Artemis and Robin. But the Young Justice Comic sales are HUGE so I don't get it.

The people are right, what there needs to be is a DC Channel on tv. I think DC shows would fair better if they did so.

I just thought that DC Nation would rotate between GL:TAS and YJ:I and TTG and BTB. It made sense to me. I mean that doesn't bode well for any DC Nation show, I mean either they are going to be on air forever with no room for anything new or no series is going to last long which isn't fair to fans who hope for more than 2 seasons.

Where's the petition to bring back YJ? I want to sign it.

I knew I was fortunate that Smallville lasted as long as it did and was able to end properly, and even it is still going in comic form. Pretty much for every other show I watch I don't hold out for it. I'm thankful when they get renewed, but I'm not so attached to live-action anymore, because almost everything new I like gets cancelled. When the shows brake during the year or for the summer I don't feel like I'm going to die anymore like I did with Smallville and for that I'm thankful. But I am that way with Young Justice. I've just never come across an animated series that is as amazing as YJ is.

As much as I live GL I could survive if it didn't come back, but not with Young Justice. It's just so perfect. If it is really gone this is officially the last time I'm going to allow myself to get attached to ANYTHING that comes on tv. It just if you find a show to love be thankful you have it while you can because no matter how popular or well written/animated a series is the next season isn't promised.

It'll be like life.

I just keep hoping that they'll say that the show will come back because even though YJ:I isn't coming back it's under another production name like they've done with all the Ben 10 series. The new shows are separate from each other as if there's no relation even though it's the same continuing storyline, but I don't think that's going to happen.

Which is sad because something like YJ could go on for quite a while. It's open to SO many more stories and adventures. With these 2 season we've seen a lot but at the same time we haven't. I would love to see inside these characters lives more, not just what happens on mission or the fall out from missions. I want to see how Conner handles his state as his friends "outgrow" him. That would be very interesting to see.

Why is it that all the thought provoking, and engaging series are the ones that get axed, and stupid humor/comedy somehow has immortality?

I think it's because people don't want to watch anything that makes them think, or watch a show where they can't figure out the ending within the first five minutes.

I just wish you could post and tell is that Young Justice is really gone. I won't believe it until you say it.

Morning with you...

dailyplanetintern

PS: I am though very much looking forward to seeing "The Runaways" this Saturday. I can't wait to see Virgil/Static. It just pains me that I maybe won't be seeing him past these next seven episodes.

Greg responds...

Um, I'm mostly going to assume that you just felt the need to vent. And chose Ask Greg as your vent-location of choice. Which is fine. But there's not much for me to say.

YJ returns this September in the video game Young Justice Legacy.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Who exactly owns the rights to the Young Justice TV show? Cartoon Network?...DC?...you?

Greg responds...

I was tempted to answer this sarcastically, but I just know someone would take it at face value, so I refrained. (Aren't you all proud of me.)

Warner Brothers owns the cartoon. DC owns the characters. Both are divisions of Time Warner, as is Cartoon Network.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

Bookmark Link

Mark of Jargon writes...

B'arzz O'oomm is Jemm, isn't he?

Greg responds...

No.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

Bookmark Link

Bruce Watkinson writes...

As it was mentioned in the episode "Earthlings," Conner had stated that he doesn't age physically. While it's common knowledge that Young Justice is coming to a close later this year, I'm still curious if this problem would've been addressed in a future conflict/subplot for the series.

Greg responds...

With enough time and episodes or issues, yes.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

Bookmark Link

CGYJ writes...

Mr. Greg Weisman,

I don't want to believe that Young Justice is going to end! IF it does, then it defeats the purpose of introducing the New Gods and the use of New Genesis and Apokolips technology on Earth-16. I still suspect that the entire cast of the New Gods are somehow coming to the Earth-16 universe (if not because of what's happening in the New 52, then for another reason altogether). The hints are there, and I'm sure some people are suspecting the same things as I. If the New Gods are going to get a big role in Young Justice, we'll know, right?

Thanks for taking the time to read this posting. For the sake of the fans who love your show, please find some way keep Young Justice (and the Earth-16 universe, by extension) alive!

We're counting on you!
CGYJ

Greg responds...

Okay (a), the New 52 had nothing to do with YJ. That's not a value judgement, it's just a pragmatic FACT of the schedule we were on. And (b), DON'T COUNT ON ME!!!

I've said it over and over FOR YEARS!! I don't control this stuff. I have no influence. NONE.

If I COULD control this stuff, frankly, I'd still be doing Gargoyles fulltime, and I probably never would have worked on anything since.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Greg, please please please dont let Cartoon Network do this!
Young Justice has motivated me to start working out (with amazing results!) and become more intelligent!
I cannot imagine no new Young Justice episodes to look forward to.
We won't let them cancel Young Justice!

Greg responds...

And, again, I have NO control over whether or not ANY series is picked up or not.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

Bookmark Link

Black Friar writes...

I have a few questions, but first let me congratulate you on an absolutely incredible show! I've only recently started watching Young Justice (being from Ireland, it has a rather spotty airing schedule over here) so it was actually a friend who introduced me. And right from episode one I was hooked! The artwork is GORGEOUS, the dialogue snappy and fun, the storylines clever and intriguing, but most importantly (to me anyway) the characterization is phenemonal. I love all of the characters you have created on the show (especially Wally, Artemis and Black Canary), but Robin is my absolute favourite. In fact, speaking as someone who's absolute favourite Superhero is Dick Grayson's Robin, I will pay you the highest compliment that I can; YJ's season one Robin is the best animated Robin EVER! And I am including Batman: The Animated Series in that. Up until now, there hasn't been a single animated Robin who even comes close to touching BTAS' Dick Grayson in terms of brilliance, but your little Robin has even blown him out of the water. I take my hat off to you on that one, Sir.

Now, on to my questions. I do apologise if some of them were asked already, but I've looked through the list and haven't seen any of them. However, there were SO many questions that I developed double vision for a finish and may have missed them.

Q. 1. I noticed that you already responded to the question "why did Queen Bee want Robin taken in alive in Bereft?" with the answer "think of Speedy as a cautionary tale." However, my question is was it just Robin that she wanted, or was she hoping to make clones of the rest of the team? And if it was just Robin she wanted to capture, then why?

Q. 2. How or why did Robin reveal his identity to Wally? I've read the Face your Fears comic but it never explains why Robin revealed who he really was to Wally.

Q. 3. Who came up with the idea of having Robin play with prefixes? (well done to whomever it was, sheer genius and brilliant characterization) And was it intended as a nod to Dick Grayson's corny one liners from the Golden age of Batman comics?

Q. 4. This is probably like asking do you have a favourite child but…do you have a favourite character from season one and if so, whom?

Q. 5. When it came to the design of the female characters, who decided they should wear flat boots? Because I would like to shake the hands of that person. The design is the most realistic portrayal of any female superhero that I've ever seen on an animated show. I've seen some nasty digs on this site at the female characters in YJ, and I don't know what those people were smoking. Your female characters are incredible (especially Artemis and Black Canary).

Incidentally, thank you for taking the time to respond to fans like this. It's very good of you.

Greg responds...

1. I think she would have taken any of the heroes she could get.

2. They quickly bonded, and over time, Robin just decided he wanted to tell Wally the truth.

3. My kids and I did.

4. I don't have a single favorite character.

5. I didn't want physically active characters in high heels, and I expressed that, but I got no argument from Brandon or Phil. We all wanted to be as realistic as possible. On the other hand, I had no problem with a character like Zatanna being in heels, but when she had to run, she magically changed her shoes.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

What are your thoughts about:

1- The Gargoyles fandom?
2- The W.I.T.C.H. fandom?
3- The Spectacular Spider-man fandom?
4- The Young Justice fandom?

Greg responds...

I'm not sure what exactly you're looking for here. Generally speaking, I love all four fandoms (and there's a lot of overlap). My life has - without a doubt - been enriched by my associations with the fandoms of the series' I've worked on. Some of the Gargoyles' fans are some of my best friends.

In person, the fandoms are almost without exception fantastic.

Sometimes on line, less so. I think that the anonymity of the internet does at times encourage bad behavior. And I think that's gotten progressively worse with each passing year. But that has more to do with the internet than with any individual fandom. And, yet, even with that caveat, I love interacting with fans on line. At least most of the time.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

Bookmark Link

Louissa writes...

Greg, please, don't let them end your show. I'm begging you, you have no idea how much this show helped me! I have been a hardcore comic book fan ever since I was 4. I know every episode of every superhero show that's ever been done. I grew up watching Batman Beyond and Justice League. I grew up hoping I'll see Jason Todd, Bart Allen, Blue Beetle, Cassie Sandsmark. I wished to see Deathstroke as he is, not Slade or anything. I wanted to see Vandal Savage fierce as he is. I wanted Stephanie Brown. I wanted Static Shock.
I was having quite a rough time last year, around this date I think, when I discovered Young Justice. Rough time? Let's say depression. Reasons aren't necessary, I was just lost.
Young Justice was something I could hang onto. The plot was just so smart and well-made. The characters were so realistic and true to their comic selves. It was just perfect. Better than Teen Titans, Batman Beyond, Justice League. It was that show I had been waiting for all my life.
Now, really, with only 2 seasons, and the second one is not even complete, on FanFiction, Young Justice is place 8 in cartoons. The first places are occupied by shows that were around for some time(Avatar: The Last Airbender, Teen Titans, Danny Phantom, X-Men Evolution).
It became so popular because it is so good! In the first season, that dynamics between Artemis and Wally, along with the secrets that started to float around, the mystery, that Dick Grayson you created, the lies and all made this show one of the best that was ever made.
Season two is just as full of surprises. I had never ever thought, but hoped that I'll get to see all the characters that made it to the screen in your series.
I'm sure that Cartoon Network can't complain about the number of viewers, seriously. This show has an army of fans. I know it because I was one of the founders of a Young Justice army on FanFiction.
I don't want to believe that this show is going to be cancelled. I don't want to understand that. I want to wake up and find out that Young Justice is having a third season. You just can't let them do this.
Do you have any ideas of how many thngs I was hoping from this show? It already gave me so much, but I was hoping for even more. I am sure that you had plenty of ideas for a third season. I am sure that the characters that would have been part of it were some of those I had always wanted to see.
Please, move it anywhere, on any channel, make episodes and put them on Itunes, anything. I just...I just want this show to go on. Cartoon Network can't just ignore us, right? Well, they can, but it should be clear for them that they'll lose at least 1/2 of their watchers. I mean, other shows they have are lame, except for Adventure Time, maybe.
You know what, you should make them(them whoever cancelled your show) read all this, all the stuff you get from fans that just don't want Young Justice to fade away. They have to know, they have to find out what we think about their decissions.
Well, I hope that there's still hope for this amazing show. Thank you for putting my childhood and all my hopes and dreams into your show. Thank you!

Greg responds...

Louissa, you HAVE to know I have no control over whether or not a series gets picked up. If it was up to me, I'd still be doing YJ forever. But IT'S JUST NOT UP TO ME.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

Bookmark Link

Jasser writes...

Well I'm really sad now, like proper, legitimately sad. I really liked this show, beautifully complex narrative, engaging characters(although it takes awhile to get to know them, wish you focused on fewer characters), and phenomenal animation-something that has been lacking of late. There goes another of the few threads binding me to television, now I just have Avatar the last Airbender and I'll be done with TV whenever Korra finishes. Sigh..

Wish you the best, thanks for the interactivity and devoting some of your time to us. Well, /continuing/ to do that, but I won't be around, so yeah. Just wanted to waste your time with a redundant sign off.

Greg responds...

I wouldn't give up on all television just yet, Jasser. There's a LOT of great stuff out there. I personally watch a ton of television every week.

And in any case, I hope you didn't give up on YJ in JANUARY! We had two more months of episodes!

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

Bookmark Link

YJ Fan writes...

Can I ask what the inspiration was for Green Beetle (assuming there was one at all). Or rather, what made you decide to write a Green Beetle at all?

(Also, nice shout-out with his name!)

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Gang, you NEED to check the queue in front of you to make sure no one's already asked your question. Otherwise, you're just clogging the queue.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

Bookmark Link

SuperMartian89 writes...

What's the episode where Miss Martian's eyes glowed red, not green? While she's in her usual form, not her white martian form.

Haven't given up on the renewal of Young Justice or SuperMartian. May you have many more seasons as you can create and may SuperMartian get back together and STAY together.

Greg responds...

I don't recall them ever glowing red. (But I won't deny it might have happened.)

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

Bookmark Link

Elizabeth writes...

As I was looking at the official ages for characters in Young Justice, I grew confused about Paula Crock's age being 48. That would mean she was born long before 1975, and before then there were practically no Vietnamese in America. I could understand if she came to America as a refugee, if it wasn't for her first name. If she wasn't born in America (which given her age, seems most likely) how does she have a first name as non-Vietnamese as 'Paula'?

Greg responds...

Many Vietnamese took on more Anglo-sounding names upon moving to the West. Some orphans raised in Western orphanages in Vietnam were also given Western names. I'm not going to go into Paula's origins here, but there are any number of possible explanations. I will confirm that she was born in Vietnam.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

In your post promoting "The Fix", you mention having been swamped with work lately. What have you been working on?

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

Bookmark Link

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Thirteen

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Thirteen:

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 Thirteen.

But once again, I've miscalculated. Because it's now clear that what I thought was going to be Chapter Thirteen is actually going to be Chapters Thirteen AND Fourteen.

So tomorrow, I'll start writing the new Chapter Fourteen, which started out as the second half of Thirteen.

(For a guy who plans his stories down to the last detail, I've really been doing this a lot. But that's okay. It is what it is. I've got to let the writing itself dictate where to break these chapters. It's not like we're going to commercial here. It's just has to be what feels right for the characters and the story.)


Bookmark Link

DC fan writes...

Hey Greg, thank you for Young Justice, one of the best animated show ever made, thank you for Tim Drake, Wonder Girl, Blue Beetle, Nightwing, Captain Atom, Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman,Superboy, Miss Martian, Aqualad, Wally, Impulse, Barry Allen, Jay,(Flash Family) Queen Bee, Sports Master, DeathStroke, Rocket, Wendy & Marvin, Mal Duncan, Despero, L-Ron, Catherine Cobert, Lobo, Arsenal, all the green lanterns,Black Canary, and many more. for a truly DC Fan like you. Bravo.

Greg responds...

You're very welcome.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

Bookmark Link

Grant writes...

What is your next project after Young Justice?

Greg responds...

I am currently freelancing scripts for a couple different companies. (Octonauts, for example.) Mostly, I'm working on the sequel to my novel, Rain of the Ghosts, which debuts in December 2013.

Beyond that, I'm looking, talking to people, etc. I've gone over 14 months now without a consistent paying gig, and it is nerve-wracking. But I'm hopeful I'll have something soon.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

Bookmark Link

colton writes...

would asking for more stephanie brown be a spoiler request?please tell me you get this.

Greg responds...

I get it.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

Bookmark Link

Spectacular Spider-Man Fan writes...

Hi, Greg. I really enjoyed Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice.

I do know the reason behind the cancellation of SSM but it's been confirmed that Young Justice is canceled. Can you please tell us why? The show had great ratings!

Greg responds...

The show often had great ratings. And often had mediocre ratings. And occasionally had bad ratings.

There's also the fact that they had two other series waiting in the wings to get their shot in the limelight.

There's also the fact that our toyline was cancelled.

There's also the fact that we weren't in sync with the New 52.

There's also the fact that there is currently a perception that action is not doing as well as comedy in kids' television.

All, some or none of the above may be part of the reason why. I DON'T KNOW. I'm NOT part of that decision making process.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

Bookmark Link

Just a Nerd writes...

Hey, Greg. Sorry to hear about the cancellation of Young Justice. I spent last night screaming at my iPad.
Watching Artemis's contemplation about the Glamour Charm in The Fix, I got to wondering, how exactly did Nightwing convince Zatanna to give him the charm? What justification could he have come up with? I mean, they have "history", but why would he want a charm to change his appearance?

Greg responds...

He gave no justification. Told her he couldn't. But she trusts him.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

Bookmark Link

CGYJ writes...

Hello Mr. Greg Weisman,

I've read on various sites around the internet that Young Justice was going to be cancelled by Cartoon Network once Season Two is over. That seems rather unfortunate, because I was hoping to see characters like Damian Wayne and Terry McGinnis get their Earth-16 debut. I've seen on the internet that there are at least two petitions going around to try to save and continue Young Justice. If in the event that the petitions fail:

A. Have you considered moving Young Justice to another network so the show can continue? ONE example HAS proven something liked this can work. In my lifetime, that ONE example was the television series called "JAG," which started on NBC from 1995 until 1996 and then later moved to CBS in 1997. The show itself has continued on up until 2005 and became a successful television series.

B. Have you considered rebooting the entire Earth-16 universe? If the show becomes cancelled, then the entire history of the Earth-16 universe would be left for open interpretation and countless theories and questions. If Young Justice was rebooted, then maybe you'd be free to give the characters a New 52 look and pursue things you could not have done before, such as introducing Wildstorm characters...

C. Maybe you could try a new series that takes place in the Earth-16 universe, just like Young Justice? Perhaps it's time to show a different era in the Earth-16 universe with new heroes and villains?

D. Maybe do a new series that serves as BOTH a replacement and a continuation of Young Justice? Marvel is actually doing something like that with the upcoming cartoon series called "Avengers Assemble," which in itself is serving as both a replacement and a continuation of "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes." This might be considered as one of my better suggestions, but it should NOT be confused with suggestions "B" (which is suggesting a complete reboot of the Earth-16 universe) and "C" (which is suggesting a new series that does not involve Young Justice but still takes place in the Earth-16 universe), as those two are completely different from this one.

I hope something will work out somehow; I just don't want Young Justice to end. You created something that a lot of potential, and it doesn't feel right that Cartoon Network would pull this outrageous stunt and put this potential to waste.

I'll be praying for Young Justice to continue somehow...

Thanks for taking the time to read this posting.
CGYJ

Greg responds...

A. This is not something I can control. (I don't know how many times or how many ways I can say that before it sinks in.) Time Warner owns Warner Bros, Cartoon Network and DC Comics. It's all one big company, and they aren't likely to let one of their assets go to a different conglomerate - if for no other reason than they'd risk it being a success there. But in any case, I'm not privy to this upper level decision making, and I have absolutely NO say in the matter.

B. Earth-16 is, in and of itself, a rebooted universe. How would this help even assuming I could command it? Which of course I can't.

C. This has been pitched in multiple and various ways. TPTB showed no interest.

D. See above.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

Bookmark Link

Paul writes...

Did any members of the Team have a hangover on January 1st, Team Year Six?

If so, who?

Greg responds...

SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

One of the best shows I have seen. I wanted to ask you if there is a possibility for a season 3 of Young Justice. And if not, I would just like to know why??? :(

Greg responds...

If you find out, let me know.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Is Green Beetle a character made specifically for the show? Or is he an existing character in the comics? If he is, I'll search him up myself to see how he was done in the comics.

I'm really enjoying the concept of a Martian with the powers of a Reach scarab. Thanks for his introduction.

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.


Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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!

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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?

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

Bookmark Link

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!!!


Bookmark Link

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!!!


Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

Bookmark Link

Alexia writes...

What was Kaldur saying in Atlantean in his psyche in "The Fix"?

Greg responds...

I think the following covers all of the Atlantean in the episode:

Kaldur: Keh eh-GO, keh eh-GO… What is left of Kaldur'ahm? Udam-OS en keh-RO teh-LES-so… [And I, and I… What is left of Kaldur'ahm? I'll never finish in time…]

Kaldur: LIHS-soh-meh, Artemis. LIHS-soh-meh! [Please, Artemis. Please!]

Kaldur: Keh eh-GO? I am alone. There is no one here. Nothing. Ruins…

Artemis: We're here! We care about you and want to help! And we can do it… <burn> What is that word?! Sim-bih-OH-se! Together! Help us save you! Sim-bih-OH-se!

Artemis: Sim-bih-OH-se. Together.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

Bookmark Link

Tyler Reznik writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman. (Okay, so "three consecutive posts" didn't turn out like I planned. In the interest of not blocking the queue, this is the last set of questions I'll be posting for at least a few weeks). My questions today return to the subject of Ra's al Ghul and his League of Shadows.

1. When did Ra's learn Batman's secret identity (I get the distinct feeling that asking how he found it out would result in a SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT)

2. Has Deathstroke ever been a member of the League of Shadows?

3. You've stated that Ra's was able to force Clayface to fall asleep via a "pre-programmed hypnotic failsafe" that all the Shadows were subjected to at the start of their training. Did Ra's subject Talia to it as well?

4. On the subject of the hypnotic suggestions, what happens after someone leaves the League of Shadows? Would the suggestions still work on (for example) Sportsmaster?

5. Why did Ra's create the League of Shadows?

Greg responds...

1. I haven't nailed down an exact date at this time.

2. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

3. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

4. Assuming he hadn't had it removed or overcome it somehow.

5. Lots of reasons, starting with this: it's lucrative.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

Bookmark Link

Mirami writes...

It feels so good to have the show back from hiatus.

"Cornered," "True Colors" and "The Fix" have all been stupendous episodes and I'm loving the direction the story's following.

Keep up the good work and let's hope we get some good news about the show's future after season 2!

Greg responds...

Well, we can still hope, at least. No one can stop us hoping.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

Bookmark Link

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #4

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #4

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:

"All of the excitement and hyperbole of teen emotion is captured in this quick-moving debut." -Shannon Delany, author of the 13 to Life Series

I've never met Ms. Delany, so once again, it's nice to have someone more objective saying something so neat.

Here's the full quotation:

"All of the excitement and hyperbole of teen emotion is captured in this quick-moving debut. Filled with adventure, ghosts, and mystery, this book shouts to be read." - Shannon Delany, author of the 13 to Life Series and the upcoming Weather Witch

C'mon, you know you want to pre-order. So, go ahead! INDULGE!!!


Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

why did M'gann let herself believe in the visions in "The Fix" to allow Tula to hurt her?

Greg responds...

Guilt and shame.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

what is your favorite episode from season 1?

Greg responds...

They're all my children. Though I'll admit "Misplaced" came to mind first when I read the question.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

What is your favorite episode from season 2 of Young Justice? If it's that hard to decide, what are your top 3? :D And thanks for the intense episodes!!

Greg responds...

They're all my children.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

Bookmark Link

Tyler Reznik writes...

Hello yet again, Mr. Weisman. This is the first of three consecutive posts (REALLY hoping I won't be blocking up the queue). For this post, my questions revolve around Roy Harper (both of him; three if one were to count Jim).

1. After the the clones (Red Arrow and Guardian) were force-grown to whatever age the Light needed them to be, they subsequently aged at a normal human rate, meaning that Red Arrow is (as of Team Year Six) biologically 23 or 24, and Jim Harper is physically 29 or 30. Am I correct in assuming this?

2. Once it was discovered that Red Arrow and Guardian were clones, did the League and/or the Team take measures to remove the programming that left them vulnerable to the Light's control? If so, what measures?

3. When did Guardian discover that he was a clone?
3a. Is he aware that he's a clone of Roy Harper, rather than Jim?
3b. For that matter, what's the status of the original Jim Harper? I would assume that he's dead, but I have no way to be sure.

4. Now that he's found the original Roy, has Red Arrow rejoined the Justice League?

5. I've noticed personality differences between Arsenal and Red Arrow, some that are subtle, some that are... less so (for instance, I can't really see Red Arrow risking the outcome of a mission just to spite Luthor). These differences are, I think, the result of the vastly different life experiences of the two Roys. Was exploring the ways that experiences can shape a person's personality part of the plan when you (and, I'm assuming, Brandon Vietti, and probably several other writers) devised the whole "Roy Harper clone" plotline, or was it just something you all realised would come up after devising the storyline itself? I mean, experiences changing someone is all a part of character development, but I'm referring to how the different lives managed to produce two very different versions of what is essentially the same man (Cadmus programming for Red Arrow notwithstanding).

Also, I'm happy to say that I received a set of Gargoyles DVDs for Christmas. The show's every bit as good as I remember, and Keith David's performance at the end of Awakening Part I was some of the best voice acting I've ever heard.

Greg responds...

1. At the start of Season Two, Roy is biologically 23. Jim is biologically 30.

2. Yes. Miss Martian made the first pass on Roy. Both Miss Martian and Martian Manhunter subsequently scanned Roy and Jim.

3. More or less immediately following the events depicted in "Auld Acquaintance".

3a. He is now, yes.

3b. He's long dead.

4. He's continued his leave of absence. But for a very different reason. Right now he's focused on being a dad.

5. All of the above.

6. Glad you liked it! Can't say enough good things about Keith.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

Bookmark Link

Just a Nerd writes...

Spoilers within. Fair warning.

Holy crap, Greg. You, sir, have outdone yourself. The Fix was amazing. So much happened so fast. In most shows it would seem cluttered and rushed. But this episode was perfect. The animation was fantastic. The writing was fantastic. The acting, however was simply mediocre. PSYCHE!!! Everything was FANTASTIC!!! I LOVED everything in this ep. Manta wants to fix Kaldur. Psimon discovers the Team's secrets, goes ballistic. They want to use M'gann now, on the advice of Artemis/ Tigress. M'gann gets kidnapped. Lagoon Boy attacks Deathstroke with a refrigerator, which I found hilarious. Lagoon Boy goes bonkers that Conner isn't looking for her. Nightwing if forced to reveal their secrets to Lagoon and Super Boys. Nightwing learns that M'gann fried Kaldur's brain. Some crazy Reach commercial for a soda. Green Beetle 'fixes' Jaime's scarab. M'gann and Artemis go inside Kaldur's head. Some crazy stuff happens. Kaldur without a face. Pissed off Tula. Destroyed Atlantis. Holy CRAP NUGGETS. I sat in silence for a good five minutes through the next show just trying to comprehend everything that had happened. Time for questions.
1. So Green Beetle isn't an existing character. Was his "alter ego" based on anyone?
2. Who came up with the concept for Kaldur's broken mind? It was frightening.
3. Why was Impulse less than enthusiastic about Jaime being in control? (I'm joking. There's no way that could be anything but a SR.NC.)
4. Is it odd that I'm more emotionally invested in a TV show than in my school drama stuff-ness?

Greg responds...

1. Not particularly.

2. Mostly me but with a lot of help from Brandon Vietti and Kevin Hopps. Plus some great artists. (See the credits.)

3. I don't think he was unenthusiastic so much as stunned and a little unsure if it was truly legit in that first moment.

4. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT. ;)

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

Bookmark Link

btgr writes...

My review on "Fix":

Best portrayal of Deathstroke EVER! I don't watch Prison Break, but I believe Wentworth Miller is a FAR better Deathstroke than Ron Perlman.

I really enjoyed the illusion sequence between Miss Martian and Artemis. And do you know what I think is the most funniest part of "Fix"? Lagoon Boy interrupting the illusion sequence!, although Blue Beetle saying "zzzz's" was also hilarious.

Greg responds...

Glad you liked it!

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Hey Greg,

I was just hoping you could clear something up for me.

1) You previously mentioned that Wally only knew about the plan because Artemis "insisted" he be told. That would seem to suggest that Nightwing approached her and asked her to fake her death and do this mission behind Wally's back, and she put her foot down on that idea. Is that really how it went down?

2) If so, does Wally know that his "best friend" wanted to leave him out of the loop and let him believe she was really dead? If he does know, I don't see how he could ever call Dick his friend or trust him ever again. And even if Dick and Artemis kept the fact that Dick didn't originally want to tell him about the mission from him, I don't see how I could ever buy them as friends anymore. Or even think that they were ever friends in the first place as I see no beneficial reason as to why Dick wouldn't want to tell Wally. I mean, wouldn't it complicate the mission more? I can't believe Wally would be too happy with Kaldur if he thought he killed Artemis for real.

Greg responds...

1. I don't want to put it in such black and white terms, but basically: more or less.

2. Wally and Dick were friends to the end. Which is OBVIOUSLY not to say they never argued or disagreed or went through a rough patch. Justify it or be disgusted by it in whatever manner you choose, but their friendship is just a hard fact. For me, loyalty and a certain understanding of the business they're in counts for a lot. A good ultimate result doesn't hurt either.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

Bookmark Link

Caroline writes...

Dear greg,does artemis want to go back to her life with wally, or she wants to stay as tigress or something like that?

Greg responds...

I think at the time of "The Fix" she was conflicted. Now, I think she'd give anything to get Wally back.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

Bookmark Link

CGYJ writes...

Hello, Mr. Greg Weisman,

"The Fix" was a well-done episode and kept me guessing every other moment. Here are my thoughts below.

Topics of Thought on "The Fix":

Reach Apocalypse…Averted?: By the end of this episode, I felt that's what most likely happened. But then again, nothing concrete has been shown to tell the audience that Green Beetle is pure good. What would really shock me is if Green Beetle was actually later shown to be a bad guy; making him a scorpion of sorts. Heck, I'd be surprised if a later episode is called that name…

Artemis' Self-Doubt: Hearing everything she's been thinking to herself, I bet all Artemis fans might be reasonably worried. It would be a shame if she actually decides to become a villain for real. But then again, it would defeat the whole point of what she's been establishing for herself in Season One, and more importantly, Wally would be heart-broken if she defects…

Secrets and Lies = Divided They Fall?: With at least two more members knowing the truth about Aqualad and Artemis as well as the resulting frustration, I fear it might lead to an episode that might actually bear the name. The addition of Miss Martian's life being in jeopardy doesn't help much either.

The Additive: Well-explained… though I thought it would be some kind of mind-control drug to turn the public against the Justice League… I might be wrong, but I'll wait to see what else happens.

Tula, Aqualad's Mental Defense Mechanism? = What the heck was that all about?! I thought that Tula would be shown in some kind of flashback, but that was just crazy beyond belief. On the other hand, Aqualad is on the slow road to recovery; I just hope that as he does, he doesn't accidentally slip about Artemis or himself to his biological father…

Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts.
CGYJ

Greg responds...

You're welcome. Seems like you'd like a gig titling episodes.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

Bookmark Link

Harlan Phoenix writes...

What was the creative incentive for writing "The Fix" personally?

Greg responds...

I think the curb appeal was going inside Kaldur's devastated mind. Plus, the Artemis internal monologue.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

Bookmark Link

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #3

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #3

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:

"A thoroughly entertaining joyride." -Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Rot and Ruin

I've never met Mr. Mayberry, so this is the first quotation that came from a stranger.

Here's the full quotation:

"RAIN OF THE GHOSTS is quirky, clever and downright creepy. A thoroughly entertaining joyride into the world of the fantastic." -Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of ROT & RUIN and ASSASSIN'S CODE

Salivating yet? (Ugh. That was over the top, huh?)


Bookmark Link

J writes...

Does your version of Despro have telepathic powers like in the comics, or can he do anything other than paralize with his third-eye?

If he does have telepathic powers, why didn't he "hear" the conversation between Miss Martian and Guardian?
Was it because he didn't have his third-eye open at the time?

Greg responds...

You're assuming that his paralytic power isn't telepathic in nature.

You're assuming that all telepaths operate on the exact same frequency.

Neither of those are safe assumptions.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

Bookmark Link

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.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

Bookmark Link

Kevin writes...

1. Do the inhibitor collars also take away invulnerability when they are used on individuals with super strength?
2. Does Black Beetle's strength come from the suit or is it a superpower from his own species?
3. Who was the person in the Star Labs coat besides Eduardo Dorado Sr. in Cornered?
4. Is Star Labs a public or private organization?
5. Who storyboard/animated the shot of Deathstroke with his sword between his shoulders in the Fix? I was actually a little intimidated.

Greg responds...

1. Depends on the nature and origins of said invunerability.

2. Mostly the scarab/suit. Though he is a fairly large specimen, and he has training.

3. I think you're referring to Dr. David Wilcox.

4. Private.

5. Oh, I'm sorry. I don't recall. It was pretty cool though. Brandon might remember. You could ask him.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Which fandom do you honestly appreciate the most:
1- Gargoyles fans
2- Spectacular Spider-Man fans
3- Young Justice fans
4- Greg Weisman fans

Greg responds...

See, now, the Hulk is more powerful because the madder he gets, the stronger he gets. But the Thing can still beat him if he keeps his wits about him.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

Bookmark Link

Chris writes...

Were Ivo or Morrow ever members of S.T.A.R. Labs?

Greg responds...

Morrow wasn't. Haven't thought about Ivo in that context. Honestly, I haven't given any thought to when S.T.A.R. was founded.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013


: « First : Displaying #21 - #120 of 254 records. : 100 » : Last » :