Adam Arlington writes...

I've been wondering for some time: how do yo feel about the new direction that DC Animated Movies have taken (that is, releasing two movies a year that are a part of a shared continuity and releasing one that isn't)? I know that your style of storytelling seems to be telling incredibly intricately done and well-researched, linear stories. And I also know that, given your status as a hungry writer and sometimes employee of DC Animation, even if you didn't care for the new movies, you'd probably be obligated to find at least something positive to say about them. But I'm speaking from more of a storytelling perspective (i.e. execution of ideas) versus whether or not you like the movies, in and of themselves.

In general, I tend to think that they've released some good offerings, with some (Justice League: War, Batman vs. Robin, Batman: Bad Blood), of course, being better than others (Justice League: Throne of Atlantis, Son of Batman). I also, however, think that the crew behind those movies often fall prey to two problems.

The first problem is the short runtime. I feel like many of those movies start out with or build up to excellent premises or ideas, but because they're only 72 minutes long, an amazing plot will be shoehorned to conclusion in ten to fifteen minutes and the resolution will feel rushed or forced. Characters, both on the side of good and evil, will make major, nonsensical, life altering or, indeed, life ending decisions with next to zero provocation, next to zero buildup, next to zero forethought, and, thus, next to zero payoff in terms of emotional reactions from the audience.

The second problem is that, in my estimation, the producers and writers don't seem to be crafting a linear narrative or working from a single, coherent production bible. The goal seems to be more about putting out two movies while only having a broad idea of what they should include, with no real fine-tuning. I think that that's a problem when addressing what's supposed to be a single continuity of films and it leads to unnecessary and (eventually) gaping plot holes, etc. I digress. I understand that Warner Brothers, Cartoon Network, etc. supposedly doesn't like linear stories, right now. (Even Paul Dini once said something to that effect, arguing that executives feel that linear stories draw in too many girl viewers, versus boys who will purchase toys.) So, perhaps, that's why even with in-continuity movies, there isn't a heavy amount of connective tissue.

Matt writes...

Hey Mr Greg, just recently discovered gargoyles, great show.

Ok pointless question, but how do you think the Manhattan Clan is doing now after living in, Well Manhattan for 22 years?

ClarkeC writes...

Hey Mr.Weisman just have a few comments. First off you're one of the greatest creative producers/showrunners in animation and I don't mean to kiss up or anything; but your shows have consistently been quality work. Spectacular Spider-Man in particular is perhaps my favorite comic adaption.And speaking of Marvel I heard that you was writing some comic book series for their All New Marvel lineup but I can't pinpoint what it is but anyways keep up the good work!

anom writes...

hey greg :)
i wanted to know:
if Miss Martian did have a cloak to make her invisible, why did she get seen in so many episodes?

B writes...

This is the Farano Enterprises that ND was asking what they specialize in and you thought he or she might be talking about Xanatos Enterprises: http://youngjustice.wikia.com/wiki/Farano_Enterprises

What does Farano specialize in?

Rodrigo writes...

How does martian's camouflage works.
Camouflage: Is a power that Martians can master, a specific usage of their shape-shifting abilities. It allows them to blend into the background by bending thelight around them. That's how martian's Camouflage it works?.

Quasim writes...

Hello, Greg! I love Young Justice, and I have done everything that I could think of to support and promote it. It is an understatement to say that I really want a third season, and I know so many other fans who want the same. I know you need funding in order to make another season, so may I suggest that the fans of Young Justice send their receipts to you? The receipts showing that they have bought the Young Justice seasons, merchandise, video games, etc? It would persuade more fans to buy Young Justice merchandise and will hopefully put the amazing show more in demand. Maybe you or I could make a website where we show/post all our receipts? Or an email you have access to? If you answer yes I will share this over social media websites in the hopes to get Young Justice more marketing. Please consider my request, thank you Greg.

Rodrigo writes...

Hi greg :)
1.In young justice Martians have density shifting so they can move through solid objects but, can they increase their density to become more durable and difficult the damage?.
2.You said than Martians are stronger than humans but how much.is their strength similar or equal to Captain marvel's strength or aquaman's strength?.

Anonymous writes...

In Young Justice, when are Don and Dawn Allen born?

Anonymous writes...

In Young Justice/Earth 16, when specifically, did Wonder Woman come back to Themyscira after World War 2?

Howl writes...

Did you ever have any plans for Artemis Crock for your planned run on Green Arrow back in the 80s when you were at DC?

Magnus writes...

I have a comment, and a question.

1. I hope you never have trouble finding work, your writing is quite inspiring. I just rewatched and, with great difficulty, reread the comics (hard to find them without paying a month's rent). It's nice to remember why I loved it so much as a kid, and find a lot more to fall in love with, like how I -never- even noticed 'David and Goliath' before.

2. Would you ever consider Kickstarter or Fig in order to get fundage to be able to work on Gargoyles more in some way?

B writes...

Since from what you've said it sounds like Banshee wouldn't have been the villain of the piece in Heroes of Ulster, would you please shed some light on who or what the antagonists/challenges would have been?

Julie writes...

Hi Greg! This isn't so much a question as it is a statement (I don't have any questions that don't fall into "spoiler" territory and I live in eternal hope that there will be more Young Justice to come, so I wouldn't dream of bothering you with spoilery-questions).

I just wanted to say -- I watched Young Justice devotedly from it's premiere through second season finale, and -- although almost three years have passed since "Endgame" premiered, YJ is still one of my utmost favorite shows. Your characterization and inclusion of some of my most-loved DC characters excited me then, and still excites me now. YJ-canon is, actually, my favorite (and IMO the most logical) canon for the DC Universe.

No matter how many times I rewatch it (repeatedly and often, as I own the bluray), it still captivates and draws in new viewers. Just this previous month I got my boss and his daughter hooked! I'm hoping Cartoon Network (or, well, any network or streaming service with the ability to produce new seasons) notices that after nearly three years without new episodes, the fandom is still devoted and growing. Here's to hoping they get their act together and let you make a third season (sooner, rather than later).

Anywhos, that became a bit long-winded, but I wanted to thank you for gifting us with this wonderful series and wish you well. I hope you had a fantastic holiday! :)

Jason R. Carter writes...

Did Earth-16 Robin ever think that the opposite of deterred should be "terred", then change his mind as soon as he heard himself say it?

TJ BarneyBoy writes...

Biologically speaking, how old are Ra's and Savage.

RexBlazer1 writes...

Hi Greg,

I've asked before about a matter concerning storytelling in a general sense, and now I'd like to ask about a more specific one. Namely about the symbiote in "Spectacular Spider-Man." What I'm going to ask is not really spoiler-ish, I think, but is more of an issue that I didn't think about until recent months. And, to be honest, it's one that I don't see a lot of people noticing.

Simply put, why does the Symbiote costume look the way it does when Spidey first dons it in the show? The audience recognizes it because of how iconic it is, but what's the in-universe reason for its overall appearance? Admittedly, I may've missed something when I first watched the show, and it could be that I'm not thinking of any reason due to not having seen the full show in a while, but it's a question that I think needs answering. Plus, it's something that wasn't addressed in the 90s animated series either.

In the original comics where the Symbiote first appeared, the "Secret Wars" miniseries, the story did give an in-universe reason for the way Spidey's black costume appeared. The heroes had an alien machine that would repair their outfits or give them new ones. When it was Spidey's turn, he was subconsciously thinking about Spider-Woman's (Julia Carpenter's) outfit, which was mostly black and had the classic white spider symbol. There, it made sense.

Now, obviously, you guys couldn't do the Secret Wars stuff within "Spectacular Spider-Man," but in doing the Symbiote storyline, I respectfully don't think you explained its appearance. It just appears and almost instantly becomes a black suit not long after. Sure, the characters acknowledge the different outfit on Spidey, but, again, there wasn't any apparent reason for the costume's design to look the way it did, aside from it just being iconic to the audience.

So, again, I ask you; was there an in-universe reason within the "Spectacular Spider-Man" show for the Symbiote's costume look to appear the way it did?

Glen Longwell writes...

Sorry if this is not the right place for the question but i would like to ask if you are able to come on the podcast that i co host it's the glen and dean show. If you are interested please email me at glenlongwell@Gmail.com

Mexi Gremillion writes...

Hi Greg!

My name is Mexi Gremillion and I am going to be writing for film and television when I finish college in May. I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions possibly about your experience as a creator and writer of fantastic television series like Gargoyles and Young Justice via email if possible, but it is totally fine if I ask you publicly on this sort of forum. I love your work and it's totally fine if you don't answer this, but I hope you do. Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely,

Mexi Gremillion

Windona writes...

Long time fan, occasional asker here. I've loved all your work on Spectacular Spider-Man, Young Justice, Gargoyles, and now Star Wars Rebels. (Hearing that you were going to be working on Rebels about a year and a half ago is actually what got me to start looking at the greater Star Wars universe and become a huge fan, so I also have to thank you for getting me into a wonderful fandom!)

I am curious though about your work on the Kanan comic.

1) Was it something you asked to do or were asked to do? (I guess I'm curious if you went and said 'I have a great idea for a comic' or if someone came up to you and said 'So we have a comic idea we want you for...')
2) Kanan's traits of curiosity; I find it interesting that the fact he asks questions a lot was something prominent as a child, but seems very muted as an adult. Did he stop asking questions a lot due to trauma, or was it a natural result of growing up on the run?

I want to thank you for taking the time to answer these questions, and have a wonderful day!

Anonymous writes...

You know, I've thinking/remembering about something lately. Back in 2014, there was an April Fools' joke where can article spring up about a Gargoyles movie in the works. A lot of people believed it. In 2012, Cartoon. Network played a practical joke where it revived the Toonami block for that single night. The feedback it received, after it's cancellation in 2008, were amazing! Anyone looking it up on Wikipedia and who helped with it's revival knew what an impact it made with CN.

So, I thought, "Hey, if something that can happen on CN, where they continue to show really old animes and other cartoons, then why can't Disney stop being such money-grubbers for a single day and do something similar? Like in 2014, pull an "April Fools' joke with Gargoyles and air a few episodes. See what happens, can't hurt, right?"

What do you think? Think something like that could ever happen?

Anonymous writes...

Hi, Greg. Gotta question for you: Since Disney cancelled the release of season 2 part 2 due to low sales back in day, and as fans, we openly support the release of the DVD when it finally came out in 2013 to show how popular and profitable Gargoyles is and can be, I'm curious to know know how the sales went.

As Disney only cares for profit nowadays, then it stands to reason that they be considering Gargs for a reboot or SOMETHING is the sales are a bit hit, right? Do you think it's possible for you learn how the sales went, just to see the level of interest for your own show, financially-wise? I got my copies as soon it wasn't in the $100s after its release.

Anonymous writes...

Hello! Big Gargoyles fan here! I want to ask about Katana, Nashville, and Fu-Dog! This is probably be too spoiler-y, but I'm gonna give it a shot.

1.) We don't much about Katana as a character. Are there details you can give to the fans about her personality, her interests, her quirks, etc.? You described Brooklyn and Katana's relationship as a Sam-Diane, Bertrand-Beatrice thing, so I imagine Katana being a lot of more serious than the wise-cracking Brooklyn, which probably why the had conflict. Being raised in the way of Bushido, I also imagine she's honorable and from what we've seen from her appearance in the comics, she's very protective over Egwardo (Taichi).

2.) Nashville is about 10 in human years, and 20 in gargoyle years, right? He's really young, though, no matter how you look at it. I find it a little hard to imagine Brooklyn and Katana allowing him on dangerous missions. I think he is quite skilled, but are there any limitations they set for their son?

3.) Katana and Gnash are both bilingual. What's their speech pattern like? Gnash seems more like Brooklyn in personality, so his way of speaking is probably similar to his father. I imagine Katana being more formal with her words. When they speak, do they string English and Japanese words in a sentence? Does Katana speak solely in Japanese sometimes when speaking to Gnash?

3.) Fu-Dog is Brooklyn's first companion in his TimeDancer adventures. What kind of personality does he have, besides being fiercely loyal to Brooklyn? Is he similar to Bronx or dissimilar?

Anonymous writes...

Hello! Will you be posting the script for the 2014 CONvergence Radio Play, "Recruits", here on the site like you did with the previous one? :)

Mike writes...

What do you think about the Genesis Gargoyles game

Dan Carter writes...

Around the 2nd season of Gargoyles when The Pack was in Egypt, were Hyena and Jackal spies for Preston Vogel?

YJistheBEST. writes...

Hello Greg!
It's such an honor to be able to write to you through this site. Thank you so much for replying to your fans questions. Not many cartoon creators do that and I think is a big shame... Then again, I understand it can be hard to deal with unwanted questions too. Anyways; I'm a huge fan of Young Justice and its second season. I can't say enough how much I love everything about this show. From the characters, to the action, to the plots, to the drama, to the voice cast, to the comedy, to the animation and effects, etc. Everything about YJ says awesomeness. Needless to say I am one more of those fans who would die to have a third season :'( I really miss this series and in just the past four days I have rewatched the whole show again. I love this show and I really miss it on the air D:
Ok, to the questions (hope you'll be helpful, please) Regarding the so devastating Endgame episode and my #1 couple on the show, Artemis and Wally. When everything was over and Barry and Bart stopped running, Artemis was obviously sad and worried searching and asking for Wally. She doesn't start crying until Barry let her know that Wally loved her:
1) Were Wally's words a surprise to Artemis?
2) In all those years together. Did Wally ever told Artemis to her face that he loved her?
3) The same for Artemis. Did she ever told Wally to his face that she loved him?
I think is pretty obvious these two really loved each other, is just that Artemis' loss of Wally felt so deep... Wally's death was a huge sacrifice to save the world, and it really showed what a great hero and man he was. And Artemis breaking down in tears and when her and the Wests are comforting each other are scene that break my heart whenever I see them. I am sad for everyone who lost Wally. And I am sad that Wally can't be with his family, friends, and love of his life anymore. But that doesn't take away what a well done and dramatic finale Endgame is. Thank you for creating this show, which is one of the best shows I have ever watched (I grew up watching Gargoyles and Justice League, just so you can imagine how old I am) and though it might sound crazy, I don't lose hope it might get a new season some day.
Thank you for your time.

safminako writes...

Do you think Keith David could voice any other of your characters? If so, which ones?

P.S
I am still a fan of the show and totally used jump off of an ironing board trying to fly when I watched Gargoyles as a kid.

Jackie writes...

So it was recently announced that Samurai Jack is getting new episodes after more than ten years. Does this signal a general interest on the part of CN in reviving shows that were popular with older viewers? Is there hope for Young Justice?

Domenic writes...

How long did it take to write and make an episode for Young Justice?

By the way, you are THE BEST writer on TV ever!!!

Joshua P. Christie writes...

Hey Greg-- just making you aware of this so you can throw it out to the fandom. Hot Topic currently has a Gargoyles shirt for sale that is officially licensed by Disney. I purchased one myself as anything Disney sees fit to market the property with at this point should be taken advantage of. I came across it by chance doing some holiday shopping and am not sure if it is available in stores or not:

http://www.hottopic.com/product/disney-gargoyles-characters-t-shirt/10465487.html

Thanks,

Joshua P. Christie
Glendale, AZ

Oakley writes...

Why did Miss Martian show Garfield her true form?

Prosky writes...

Is Happy Harbor in ruins in 2056 at the end of Young Justice Invasion episode Bloodlines?

Anonymous writes...

So, okay, here's one for you.

Most of the Light's plans make sense. They follow a consistent pattern: one or two surface ruses to draw attention, and one lower-level plan to advance Vandal Savage's philosophy that humans need to evolve and take their place on the cosmic stage. Even the entire season 1 plot seemed engineered to put Earth in the galactic crosshairs, so as to give humanity the chance to grow from overcoming the Reach. And THAT seemed engineered to make Earth interesting to Darkseid.

The one thing that I DON'T get, however, was one tiny little plan.

How on earth did the Light, humanity, or indeed ANYONE but Count Vertigo benefit from killing Queen Perdita?

If Savage's plans had been successful, Vertigo would become King. ... What good does that do Savage? Or the Light? How is that worth using four ice villains to freeze the planet?

So, basically, if it's not a spoiler to answer... Why would Vandal Savage get involved in that one?

Anonymous writes...

Do atlanteans wear underwear?

Harlan of Ash and Foam writes...

Rewatched the beginnings of Young Justice season one and I had a question about Denial.

Given how much time travel factored into the second season's overarching story, was there ever any point where Abra Kadabra was significant in some fashion? Considering how important the future became, it is a little odd that Abra Kadabra has futuristic technology so casually.

Chip writes...

I have a question about the proposed Disney Villains series that you developed but never quite managed to sell.

Who would have been the protagonists of this series? Who, or what would actually have prevented the Disney Villains from accomplishing their goals?

GoliathFan223 writes...

Hello, Greg!It's me again. How are you? Well, I hope.

I was re-watching one of my favorite Gargoyles episodes, "Long Way to Morning" and I had a thought, particularly about Demona: How exactly did Demona know where Elisa's home was? I don't recall her knowing before this episode and i was curious. Was she somehow keeping tabs on her or spying?

Thank you for your time and answering my question. (:

Alexis writes...

Why did Martian Manhunter not stop Miss Martian from abusing her powers in season two of Young Justice?

Kiri B-G writes...

Hello Greg! First of all, thank you for making my childhood awesome.

I have about billion question I'd like to ask, but the one I keep coming back to over and is this. What was life after the Reach Apocalypse like for the average human civilian? Was all of humanity made into slave laborers and the entire Earth rendered barren, or is that just the bits we got to see? All of what have been shown of that time is from Impulse's point of view, so I wasn't sure if those scenes were to be taken as a world wide example or specific to metahumans in the vicinity of Mount Justice.

Clone Trooper Commander Doom writes...

In regards to issue #7 of Kanan(great so far by the way) we see Depa Bilaba going through retraining by the council after going through a war campaign with casualties. Firstly, does this mean that all the events of the novel Shatterpoint are null and void? And also, Pong Krell still got to serve in the clone wars despite having massive casualties(according to Fives). Does this make the Jedi council inconsistent? Thank you.

Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

I'm way behind reading Ask Greg so I can't comment on anything current except this: Just showed my 7 year old her first episode of Gargoyles. (Also her almost 4 year old sister: My big one was willing to wait till seven, but not until we found a time my little one wasn't watching too, so she agreed to let her sister come into her bed if she woke up scared. I'm not being overprotective; she's crawled into my lap on Sofia the First episodes.) No big surprise, but they loved it. They begged to watch the second episode past bedtime because of the cliffhanger. (I would have caved had Awakenings been just a two parter.) It was pretty fascinating to keep my mouth shut and see them guess who was a good guy and who was a bad one.

Dragomir writes...

Greetings Greg, what are the origins of Psimon's psychic powers? As well as his awesomely bizarre appearance what with his transparent skull and creepy visage? I'm honestly curious as to whether he's Metahuman, an experiment gone wrong, alien, or supernatural in nature etc

Thanks for your time :D

Jk writes...

Are you watching DC's live action shows? What do you think about them? Do you like the new characters like Felicity?

Dragomir writes...

Greetings Greg, what are the true names of the Reach Scientist, Ambassador, & Black Beetle? I really liked how you provided all three alien invasion leaders with distinct personalities, which made them feel like actual people rather than stock villains, but was curious as to whether or not they had actual personal given names beyond their ranks & titles within the Reach hierarchy, or in Black Beetle's case his codename as a scarab bearer. Thanks for your time & for Young Justice & its entertaining baddies :D

P.S. poor Reach Scientist, Beetle & Ambassador TOTALLY should have listened to her, no respect I tell ya, no respect XD

Vincent writes...

1. I know you've seen the Justice League animated series, and hopefully it hasn't been too long since then when you get to this, but what did you think of its first season?

2. Have you seen Spongebob Squarepants, particularly episodes of its earlier seasons? If so, what did you think of them?

infernap writes...

Hey, Greg.

I'm sure that you've heard of the new JLA show that was confirmed recently by Cartoon Network Canada for next year. My questions are:

1. How crash would you be if they asked you to work on the show (like as an adviser)?

2. How crash would you be if they decided to set it on Earth-16?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Mr. Chesley writes...

Hello Greg,

1) Chelsey here. Just wanted to congratulate you on Star Wars Rebels, huge fan of it. Were you a fan of the Clone Wars prior to Rebels?

2) I am disappointed to here your thoughts on ROTJ. Haha, I think you're a bit crazy for it(I kid). I get your critique on the Ewoks but the scenes in the Emperor's Throne Room....I am not sure how you could have done that any better. The Emperor is using the second death star as a trap to lure the Rebels to zap them one by one, not sure what's so bad about that. Also, the reason why Darth Vader is character he is who he is today is because of Return of the Jedi.

3) Were you a fan of the Kevin Conroy Batman animated series in the 90's?

Jade writes...

Hello,
I absolutely love Young Justice! !! But I was curious if Artemis is supposed to look asian? Because both Jade and Artemis look American to me.