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ASSURED MUSINGS 2022-05 (May)
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Family writes...
Is Ilona Delamb-Markov an original character, based on someone from the comics, or a combination of both?
Greg responds...
She was a combo of sorts.
Family writes...
When was Sphere transported to Earth?
Greg responds...
September 3, TEAM YEAR ZERO.
Steve Hockensmith writes...
Does Catherine Cobert know about The Team?
Greg responds...
Yes.
Michael Broder writes...
Why did J'onn not want to bring M'Gann to the Hall of Justice?
Greg responds...
She hadn't - at that point - done any work as a hero, sidekick or even, really, as a protegee. He didn't think she was ready.
Verdragon writes...
Who is ranked the absolute lowest in terms of importance on your scale? If that's a spoiler, who is the least-important character we're allowed to know about?
Greg responds...
I assume you're talking about Young Justice. I'm not revealing this stuff yet - at least not until after Young Justice: Targets.
maya writes...
did bart know wally was gonna die since he knew about the cave blowing up?
Greg responds...
No. He knew about Barry's death - as a result of Flash's conflict with Neutron. But once Bart changed that, everything else was in flux. Some things he knew about happened. Some did not. Etc.
Algae writes...
Hi Greg,
As of writing this, it's been a couple of days since Nomed Esir aired and I'm am LOVING the current Zatanna arc. Easily my favorite of the Season four arcs so far and we're only two eps in.
I'm just wondering if Vandar's Atlantean alias of "Varl'jat" was supposed to be a reference to something specific or did you guys make it up out of whole cloth.
Anyway, keeping up the good work.
Greg responds...
It's a slight reworking of one of Vandal's old aliases from the comics. Karl Jat from THE ATOM #5, I believe. It's not definitive that ol' Karl was Vandal, but I like to think so.
Anonymous writes...
When was Nabu (Marduk's son) born?
What year did Marduk fought Starro?
Greg responds...
1. Nabu was born in 1836 B.C.E. More or less.
2. Marduk and Nabu and Ishtar fought Starro in 1,800 B.C.E.
Andrew writes...
Greetings, Greg, hope you're doing fine. On The Spectacular Spider-Man, as I have been doing a rewatch recently, I have but one question, related to the choices in design: what inspired essentially the looks of the main characters? Of course, the comics, but what iterations were more important, for example, when deciding how Spidey's suit would look?
Greg responds...
It's really more of a question for Sean "Cheeks" Galloway (our character designer) and Vic Cook (my producing partner). I wanted something that looked essentially iconic, but contemporary. But of course in Cheeks' style. I had less concern over locking into some specific comic book issue's take on a character. But of course, our overall guiding lights were the work of Steve Ditko and John Romita, Sr.
As for Spidey's suit, the main challenge is to lock into something that is animatable but still iconic. You have too many weblines on his suit, and those lines tend to get messy when he's moving. Too few, and it just doesn't look like Spidey anymore. I wanted a lean Ditkoesque Spider-Man, not the over-muscled version that I'd seen in many other animated shows. Etc. Lots of factors, really. Hasbro and Marvel weighed in, as well on him.
Matt Itelson writes...
What are the first names of the guards at Belle Reve? We've seen their last names on their nametags, but I want to know their first names too.
Greg responds...
You'll have to be more specific. I can't search "prison guards" in my document and find their names.
I will say that I think only one or two were ever given first names. Henchy didn't have a first name until VERY recently.
Anonymous writes...
What happened to Wally's parents in the years after they received the news of his death? Are they still married, or did they get divorced?
Greg responds...
No spoilers.
Anonymous writes...
Young Justice Season 4 Questions In Regards to The Legion of Super-Heroes And The Time-Traveling Saboteur:
#1. Is Saturn Girl’s full name Imra Ardeen?
#2. Is Phantom Girl’s full name Tinya Wazzo?
#3. Is Chameleon Boy’s full name Reep Daggle?
#4. How old is the as-of yet-unnamed time-traveling saboteur?
Greg responds...
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.
4. Um... it depends how you're counting, as he was born in the 31st Century. So he's deep into negative numbers chronologically. If you mean biologically, he's approximately 16 in Team Year Ten.
John writes...
Dear Mr. Weisman,
I just wanted to say that I think you are one of the most amazing writers of any comic-inspired animated show. You have gone into so much depth & I'm loving it. You say it's your job to torture us mercilessly and leave us begging for more, may I request more torture then? because I am so addicted to Young Justice. Especially all the backstories that you have put in with Vandal Savage & Klarion. I could watch this show forever!!! Thank you for everything.
Greg responds...
Thanks, John. I hope to continue torturing you ad infinitum.
Tom writes...
Do South Korea and North Korea exist in Earth-16? Or are they replaced by what is now Rhelasia?
What state is Dakota City in?
Greg responds...
South and North Korea both exist.
We consciously stay vague about the specific locations of most of our fictional places. But timezones should help.
Twig writes...
You mention that The Powers That Be prevented a single character from being presented at LGBT+ on the show. I know there's not much you can do from your position, but is there any way that we, the fans, can criticize TPTB for this sort of thing? Like it's almost 2022, this is getting a little ridiculous.
Greg responds...
We've been given tremendous freedom on Season Four. I don't know if that single character issue would still be an issue now. I haven't asked because I haven't had to ask, and I don't want to generate a potential argument for the sake of a hypothetical, when otherwise we're all getting along. If and when it comes up, we'll ask again, and then we'll see.
Anonymous writes...
Dear Mr Weisman i have some Young justice questions for you 1.How old is Jason Blood and how long have he and the Phantom Stranger known each other? 2. I noticed some vary familiar looking artifacts in Mr blood's home that he told Mary not to touch. Have he or Etrigan ever traveled to any other universes outside of Earth 16 and the Dc multiverse including a universe where '' One thousand years ago superstition and the sword ruled'' to claim the artifacts ? 3. How long have Zatanna and Etrigan known each other ? 4. Did you consider hiring Dee Bradley Baker for the role of etrigan before hiring David Shaughnessy for the role instead ? P s thank you for giving my alien theory about the driver and kids on that school bus that Zatanna and her students avoided in the previous episode some footing
Greg responds...
1. Jason Blood was born @500 A.D.
1a. Long time.
2. I doubt it. But you never know.
3. A while.
4. Not that I recall. Love Dee. But I thought David - whom I worked with on Star Wars Rebels - would give us an amazing version of both Blood and Etrigan.
Kirill writes...
Hello, Greg, first of all, thank you for giving millions of children, including me, the W.I.T.C.H. television franchise.
It has been more than 15 years since the popularity of this series and now Disney clearly does not know how to win an audience..
1) I have a question, do you happen to know or maybe you've heard something about adding old cartoons to Disney Plus?
I understand that W.I.T.C.H. has been abandoned by everyone for a long time, but I wonder if they are somehow going to add this cartoon to streaming in order to warmly review all 2 seasons and so that others get acquainted with the best cartoon of the 2000s
2) By any chance, you will not return to cooperation with Disney in any way?
I would like to see season 3 of WITCH
Greg responds...
1. I have no idea. Sorry.
2. I'd be happy to do more W.I.T.C.H. if Disney wanted more.
Adam "MadMan" Martinez writes...
While I know you weren't involved in "The Shnookums & Meat Funny Cartoon Show" creatively speaking, you were a development executive at Disney when was being produced, so I figured I could ask to see if you could answer a couple of questions about it.
1. There's a story circulating on the internet (and even immortalized on the TV Tropes page) that the series was meant to just be a Pith Possum/Tex Tinstar series until, when creator Bill Kopp was pitching it to Disney executives, somebody suggested the addition of a cat and dog based on the success of Ren & Stimpy. I have my doubts about this story, though, due to the fact that Shnookums and Meat debuted as a segment on the Marsupilami series, not headlining their own series, not to mention there's an interview with DAF Radio where Bill Kopp implies that he came up with Tex Tinstar when he was asked to make the full series, not when he was pitching it. At any rate, do you remember if that story has any truth to it?
2. From what I've been able to gather from info I've seen, Shnookums and Meat seemed to perform decently enough in the ratings, but Disney never bothered giving it a merchandising push, not to mention there were apparently plans for theme park costumes that were scrapped before it was even on the air. Given what you've said in the past about how Gargoyles suffered from the domino effect caused by Frank Wells' death and Jeffery Katzenberg subsequently leaving for DreamWorks (and taking several high-ranking Disney TV execs with him), do you think the turmoil led to Shnookums and Meat being cancelled, or do you think it was just doomed either way?
Greg responds...
1. I pitched the cat and dog to Bill and Jeff DeGrandis. They ran with it and filled out the series with Pith and Tex. At some point, I'm sure they had to pitch Pith and Tex to myself and Bruce Cranston and Gary Krisel, but that was after the show was greenlit. Which doesn't mean they might not have already had those characters in their back pockets. That I don't know. But the dog and cat (not yet named Scnookums or Meat) came first from Disney's standpoint.
2. I honestly don't know and/or remember. Keep in mind, by that time, I was no longer an executive myself. I'd moved to the other side of the desk, so to speak, to produce Gargoyles. So I was no longer had the inside track on executive decisions.
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
In the "Nomed Esir!," Klarion mentioned Earth-17 during his talk with Child. Now, given what is known in the DC Comics Multiverse, is the Earth-17 that was mentioned in this episode happens to be the one that has been completely laid to waste as a result of nuclear war in the year 1963, and that version of Earth is the home of the Atomic Knights of Justice? This question is assuming that the version of Earth-17 is the post-Flashpoint version that was first introduced/mentioned in "The Multiversity Guidebook #1."
Greg responds...
NO SPOILERS.
Cade Creighton writes...
Good afternoon!
I LOVED YJ episode 4x10, nomeD esiR. But I do have one question regarding the flashbacks. If Vandal's son Arion was immortal like his father, how is it that he died by being crushed when Atlantis fell? Shouldn't he have just regenerated like Vandal always does when he is "killed?"
Greg responds...
First off, Vandal is Arion's grandfather, not his father. And I guess Arion's not quite as immortal as granddad.
Or is he?
No, he's not.
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
1. In the Young Justice episode, "Nomed Esir!," there appears to be three "Gargoyles" Easter Eggs in the forms of the Grimorum Arcanorum, the Phoenix Gate, and the Eye of Odin. Interestingly, the latter two items are designed differently than what is seen in the "Gargoyles" carton series; with the Phoenix Gate being mirror-flipped and having a gold background instead of blue, and the Eye of Odin being red instead of blue. Why were these changes made for this episode?
2. For some unknown reason, there is no logline description provided for "Teg Ydaer!" like the rest of the episodes for the Zatanna story arc. What was the logline description for this episode supposed to be?
3. I saw on the Young Justice Wiki for Season 4 that Zatanna's story arc will have one extra episode in comparison to the previous two story arcs (which were four episodes each). If I may ask, what was the decision of doing this, as opposed to making episode 13 being part 1 (of 2) of an interlude chapter for the fourth season?
4. With the title for episode 13 of "Young Justice: Phantoms" revealed, I cannot properly guess the potential meaning of the hidden message for this season. The message thus far is: "Invitation to K". I had hope that the message would be indicated to be a hopeful one, but that does not seem to be the case anymore.
Greg responds...
1. No one really wants to get sued.
2. THIRTEEN and her friends face their greatest challenge.
3. Twenty-six episodes divided by six arcs, when the season had to be divided in half, into two sets of thirteen, meant that the arcs would run four, four, five, four, four, five.
4. I guess it depends on one's point of view. The House of Zod might find it hopeful.
Musicfacter writes...
Hey Greg, greatly enjoying Season 4
It was stated because Martian's are telepathic, news travels pretty quickly across their planet. With that in mind, did the news of Connor's death manage to reach any of M'gann's siblings? And if so, did ANY of them bother to check up on her?
Greg responds...
I'm sure the news spread fast. As to whether they checked up on her, with the exception of Em'ree, of course: no spoilers.
Michael Broder writes...
Why did Superman think Captain Marvel was Krptonian?
Greg responds...
They seemed to have similar powers.
Family writes...
Who thought of Artemis and Jason Bard?
Greg responds...
I assume you mean who thought to put them together as a couple. Brandon and I discussed who Artemis might be dating in Season Four, and I suggested Jason.
The Greenman writes...
Hello Greg,
As a fan of the original Milestone books, I have alot of excitement seeing them in animation after all these years.
1. Was Virgil ever mentored by Holocaust or even knowing each other?
Greg responds...
I'm not clear what you're asking. Do you mean in YJ? If so, then no. Virgil becoming Static predates Leonard becoming Holocaust. But if you're asking whether Leonard and Virgil had some kind of relationship before either got meta-powers, the answer is NO SPOILERS.
Steve Hockensmith writes...
In "Misplaced", how has Wotan escaped incarcetion since "Revelation"?
Greg responds...
Magic.
Matt Itelson writes...
How did L-Ron have access to the Krolotean database?
Why didn't Despero speak in "Corned?"
By the way, Keith David, the voice of Mongul here, previously voiced Despero in Justice League.
Greg responds...
1. I dunno. Does it matter?
2. It was beneath him to communicate directly with inferiors.
3. Keith's a talented guy!
Michael Broder writes...
How old was Dan Garrett when he became the first Blue Beetle?
How old was Ted Kord when he became the second Blue Beetle?
Greg responds...
1. Dan Garrett, born in 1915, became Blue Beetle in 1939.
2. Ted Kord, born in 1983, became the Blue Beetle in Team Year One.
Family writes...
Why was Shimmer in a pod next to Lagoon Boy?
What information was in the flash drive that Aqualad gave to Nightwing besides intel needed to track Lagoon Boy?
Greg responds...
1. She had tested positive for the meta-gene and - in part as a punishment for her failure in preventing a clutch of kids from being captured - she was included in the shipment from Bialya.
2. Pretty much what Nightwing spells out on screen.
Steve Hockensmith writes...
How old where Jamie and Tye when they met?
Greg responds...
I'm assuming Jamie is a typo for Jaime. Or did you mean Jamie Thomason our voice director? Nah.
So, Jaime and Tye were both born in 1999. I haven't specifically worked out exactly when they met, but from their point of view, they've been buddies forever.
Jen writes...
How do you feel about DC comics adapting your original characters or your interpretations of minor characters?
For instance, how would you feel if Artemis Crock was made Cheshire's sister on Earth-Prime? Would you take it as a compliment to your choices? Or dislike someone else using your story beats?
You've also made clear that Kaldur'ahm and Jackson Hyde are two different characters to you. Is that because there are too many differences between the two? Or because only the Earth-16 Kaldur will ever be seen the character in your eyes?
Greg responds...
I'm hesitant to address ideas without taking the execution of those ideas into account, but generally (and hypothetically)...
1. I think that'd be cool, again, depending on how it was handled. I like them as sisters.
2. I think there are too many differences between Jackson and Kaldur. I have other behind-the-scene resentments, as well, which are not politic for me to comment on in any more detail.
Anonymous writes...
1 Why did you choose ocean master as a member of the light?
2 Since Artemis said that acquiring the justice league’s Intel has been a goal that the light has been after for a long time why didn’t vandal savage steal the data when he had the entire justice league under his control
Greg responds...
1. Many reasons, including but not limited to (a) his reach across the oceans and (b) his intimate knowledge and access to the Atlantean leadership and (c) his resources.
2. Maybe he did. But that was ten years ago. Maybe he wanted an update.
Anonymous writes...
What is Arsenal’s relationship with Lian like
Greg responds...
Avuncular.
BatFan2099 writes...
Were Mal Duncan and Karen Beecher married when their daughter was born?
Greg responds...
Yep.
Anonymous writes...
Isn’t m’comm like the biological equivelant of 18? Since he is so young how is he the leader of the white martian resistance? Aren’t there any older white martian’s with more experience in the resistance?
Greg responds...
1. M'comm M'orzz was born in 1968.
2. He took leadership.
3. There clearly are.
Kimmy writes...
What month in 2016 was Wally west's funerial happen? What month in 2017 did Garfield's stepdad take Garfield from Miss Martian? How did Queen Perdita find out Wally West was dead?
Greg responds...
1. June.
2. It was late 2016, but we haven't nailed down a specific month.
3. No spoilers.
Anonymous writes...
What is halo exactly? A motherbox in gabrielle body or a new entity created from both the motherbox and gabrielle?
Greg responds...
Yes.
Anonymous writes...
I find the way you've responded to criticism for seasons 2 and 3 really off-putting. Whenever people say they didn't like the 5 year time-skip, or that they don't like how only a few characters get focus, or that they miss the season 1 style storytelling, etc. your response is almost always something like "it's my show I'll do whatever I want and I don't care what you guys want" and I've even seen you imply that fans are entitled for getting upset that their favorite characters don't get screentime. A writer doesn't create content just for themselves, you create content that is meant to be consumed by others. And you have one of the most dedicated fanbases in history who performed a miracle resurrecting this show. We're allowed to have opinions. Why is it so hard for you to acknowledge that you took a big risk after season 1 and understand why not everyone is happy with the direction you went in?
Greg responds...
I do understand. I totally understand that we took a big risk and I totally understand that not everyone is happy with it. FULL STOP.
What I'm at a loss to understand is what I'm expected to do about it.
Keep in mind, responses come after the work is concluded. Concluded. I can't change history and undo stuff that's already been done.
And, of course, I don't want to, either. Cuz I like what we did. (I mean maybe not every second of every episode, but the vast tapestry of the thing, certainly.) And, frankly, the majority of our fandom agrees, judging by numbers alone. So even if I could, whom should I make changes for? A minority of fans who want one change or a different minority of fans who want some other change?
Beyond that, I'll simply repeat what I've always said. Brandon and I have to be passionate about what we're doing. That means following our best instincts and hoping that a majority of the fans like the result. So far that's basically worked for us. Not for EVERY fan, but for the great majority. It may not always work, of course, but what's the alternative? That we write stuff we don't like, to maybe please a subset of the fandom? How would that work? I mean, if Brandon and I aren't passionate about the work, how can we expect anyone - ANYONE - to view it and feel passionately about it. It would be hollow.
And your post is resplendent with that very contradiction: you say we have "one of the most dedicated fanbases in history who performed a miracle resurrecting this show," and I would sincerely agree wholeheartedly. But I have to think that the reason the fanbase is dedicated and performed that miracle is because they basically like what BV and I are doing. I mean the miracle happened after the timeskip. If the timeskip killed the show for the majority of the fandom, then I have to assume they wouldn't have helped us come back, right?
I can see how you interpret all of the above into "it's my show I'll do whatever I want and I don't care what you guys want," but I don't think that's fair. It's certainly doesn't capture the gist of what I've said, even if in essence, it reflects the end result. What I'm saying is, "we're the creators of the show and we HAVE to do the show we want because the alternative is something that literally winds up pleasing nobody."
If that's off-puttiing, I'm sorry. But it does have the virtue of being honest.
Liam writes...
1: Is madame Xanadu the Arthurian nimue?
2: If Xanadu is nimue, how is she alive today? Reincarnation or immortality?
3: Considering you did your own takes on arthurian legends in gargoyles, will that those interpretations influence Xanadu and maybe other dc characters tied to arthurian legends?
4: Was Xanadu's accent authentic or was it always just something she played up while fortune telling?
5: When did Xanadu start using real magic in the present day?
Greg responds...
1. No spoilers.
2. No spoilers.
3. If I'm understanding your question correctly, than no. My interpretations of the Arthurian myths and legends for Gargoyles won't influence any adaptations of the DC version of Arthurian myths and legends for YJ.
4. Which accent?
5. After meeting Kent and (ironically) being convinced that real magic exists thanks to Abra Kadabra.
Borris writes...
Hi Greg.
1: Has Lois won a pulitzer in universe?
2: How proud of you about the continued success of Kaldur'ahm? DC's Aquaman: The Becoming shows that he's become a mainstay of the DC universe
Greg responds...
1. Hm. Not sure. I'd want to discuss that with Brandon.
2. I know I should just say, "It's great!" But iIs it fair to say I have mixed feelings? On the one hand, I feel like the Jake that's soon to star in his own show is two iterations removed from Kaldur (via Jackson), and that Brandon, Phil and I don't get the proper credit for creating what was the basis for the character. On the other hand, I'm glad that his reach is expanding on any level. It's a conundrum.
Charles writes...
Greg,
I don’t believe this first question constitutes a spoiler, though the second might.
1) You’ve stated that the chairman/chairwoman of the Justice League is elected by a majority of the League. 1a)Does a chairman serve a term? 1b)if so, how long is the term? 1c)Or do they serve until such time as they resign/the League prefers new leadership?
2) Vandal Savage’s view of encouraging the evolution of the human race can be morally ambiguous, with him acting for the betterment of humanity often at the expense of individuals and smaller groups. This seems to have placed him as both a hero and as a villain at various points in history. Do you think his quest to advance the human race would have allied him with the Allies or the Axis powers in WWII?
To clarify, I’m not stating that Nazi Germany’s genocides would have improved the human race, however, from where I sit, I can see Savage either ignoring the plight of a minority race to strengthen the rest, or opposing the extermination of a race because of the potential that may be lost among their dead. With these two conflicting potentials in a morally horrible decision, I was hoping you might offer clarity into Savage’s character, but I understand if that clarity would cause a spoiler reveal.
Greg responds...
1. They normally serve for a year. Sometimes, as with Jeff this time out, they are reelected to a second term. Most choose not to serve more than one or two years in a row.
2. No spoilers.
3. See my answer to 2.
Nick writes...
Did you hold auditions during the pandemic? If so, how did that work?
Greg responds...
We didn't hold in person auditions. We did have performers submit tapes of them performing the part for certain roles, e.g. Amistad Ervin. It's not as good a system - in theory - as you can't see how an actor takes direction. But fortunately, it all worked out for us remarkably well. Of course, we didn't hold a ton of auditions for roles this season. We mostly just cast new roles without auditioning. And some that we did audition for were done pre-pandemic. But again, I can't complain with the end results.
Nick writes...
Forgot to ask: how did you cast Logan Browning?
Greg responds...
I'm pretty sure Jamie suggested her for the role. Brandon and I listened to her voice in other things, and we agreed. I don't think we held auditions for Onyx. But it was pre-pandemic, and my memory is fairly fuzzy of those days.
Anonymous writes...
Why did you suddenly start indicating Khuiten Peak as the Light's HQ while up until then it was simply "Western Mongolia"?
Also, what's the story behind that HQ's location? How long has it been Vandal's HQ? Who built it?
Greg responds...
1. I never loved "Western Mongolia" for the timestamp. It was too big, too vague. Honestly, I wish I had thought to use the Peak from the beginning.
2. It is and was Vandal's HQ. It's not the Light's HQ. It's where Vandal generally is when he's speaking to the rest of the Light, who normally teleconference, as we've seen since episode 101. As the de facto leader of the Light, often Light business gets done at Vandal's place. Often. Not Always. Again, as we've seen.
3. Western Mongolia is more or less where Vandal is from. Kinda.
4. How long? In one form or anothe, for a long, long time.
5. Vandal had it built. He may have even helped some.
Nick writes...
This season has some great new voice actors!
Can you tell us how you cast Carl Lumbly, Usman Ally, Erika Ishii, D.B. Woodside?
Greg responds...
1. Not that anyone was arguing with me over the choice, but I really wanted to cast Carl as M'gann's father. In part, as a tribute to his work on Justice League as J'onn J'onzz. But also cuz he's truly great, and I've been a fan of his going back all the way to Cagney & Lacey.
2. We held some auditions for someone who could play both Khalid AND Muhammed Nassour. And Khalid won the roles by being great at both.
3. We held auditions for someone who could play both Mary Bromfield and Child. Brandon and I had seen Erika perform an amazing stand-up routine about playing the violin and being frustrated by the ending of Game of Thrones, so she was one of the people we suggested as a possibility. And she killed it as both characters.
4. Brandon wanted to make Phantom Stranger Black, so he and Jamie Thomason and I began brainstorming who might be a good choice to play the role. I believe Jamie may have suggested D.B., and I was immediately enthusiastic based on his work in Lucifer and Buffy and 24 and other stuff that I've loved him in forever.
Strong Girl writes...
How did Queen Bee react when she learns that the boy Garfield whose mother Marie was killed by Queen Bee was dating Queen Perdita?
Greg responds...
I'm sure she wondered if there was a way she could make use of it.
Anonymous writes...
Is Bonnie King related to Arthur King (Merlyn)? Or do they simply share the same last name?
Greg responds...
You don't even really have confirmation that either of these characters are in the show. And you certainly don't have conformation of Merlyn's real name in the show. That renders your question fairly moot if not spoilery. Sorry.
Anonymous writes...
Why did orphan bow to ra’s al ghul?
Greg responds...
Training. Habit.
Anonymous writes...
1 Why did the remaining villagers of Atlantis not try to escape while klarion was busy killing savage for 300 days and how did they survive that long?
2 I know klarion as a lord of chaos has excited since the dawn of the universe, but how old would you say his child form pysically is?
3 How pysically old is child’s new human form?
4 Zviad mentioned in “odnu†that he used a psychic nudge passed down from king brion to his people to convince them to activate their meta gene for markovia. Does this mean that people who are effected by zviad’s meta ability can spread the effect to others?
5 Did teekl actually attempt to explain to the light what was happening in “odnuâ€
Greg responds...
1. There weren't that many remaining villagers. I'm sure some of them did run. All we saw were a couple of frightened orphaned kids.
2. Nine.
3. Um... nine?
4. No. He nudges Brion. Brion speaks patriotically to his people. But there's no second-hand psychics involved.
5. Sure.
Deon Nzembe writes...
Hello Greg! How are you doing? I'm Deon from Kenya and a big fan of your show Young Justice. I've been watching it since i was 8 during the Cartoon Network days and 11 years later I'm still watching it (grateful for season 4). During the lockdown last year (2020) I would rewatch the series,read the comics and browse through here and the wiki to a point where i can call myself an expert on this show (that and also the fact that i think that I'm the only African fan of YJ)
So here's my question(s):
1. Could you please share your notes on the Watchtower's layout, the league members who live there and who does the maintenance?
2. As of Phantoms, how hold is Tim, Wondergirl and Beast Boy?
3. What basis did you guys use when designing wondergirl's original suit as well as her new one in sn4?
4. Apart from the renewal of sn5, is there anything the fandom could do to get new companion-comics that fill in the blank spaces here and there?
5. How does the Justice League work as an independent organisation. Like where do they get finances and stuff like that?
6. Lastly, i would like to know why Tim left the Team and joined the Outsiders?
That's it for me. I would like to say thanks to you, Brandon and the rest of the team responsible for this beautiful show. Its been a really big part of this teenager's life, thanks a lot and have a nice day.
Greg responds...
Hey Deon! Hope you're not the ONLY African fan, but we're glad to have you. Now, you asked WAY more than 5 questions, which is our maximum per post. I mean, you've numbered six yourself. And frankly, each numbered question is really multiple questions. Normally, if someone takes this much advantage of the system, I reject the entire post. But I'll give you a break. THIS TIME. Fair warning, if you do it again.
1. I don't have any notes on the Watchtower layout.
1a. No one lives there. I'm sure there are a couple of suites that a person can crash in, if necessary. But it has no permanent residents.
1b. Uh...
2. Tim Drake was born in 2001.
2a. Cassie Sandsmark was born in 2001.
2b. Garfield Logan was born in 2002.
3. I'm not sure what you mean by "basis". Phil Bourassa designed her original outfit with input from Brandon Vietti and myself. I seem to recall that Phil wanted to give her a sporty look.
3a. We felt Wonder Girl (two words) was due for a costume update by Season Four, and her new suit was designed by Dou Hong and/or Jerome Moore and/or Austin Reinkens, with input from Brandon and I. This version felt a little more grown-up to us.
4. Our new companion comic book six-issue limited series, Young Justice: Targets, will premiere this summer (2022). If fans buy it, i.e. vote with their wallets, it seems likely that DC might want to make more.
5. They are a chartered United Nations organization. They therefore get some funding from the U.N. and some from private donations. I hear the Wayne Foundation is a major donor.
6. I've answered this before. Robin had been a public hero in Dick's days. Tim felt it was time that Robin be an inspirational public hero again.
Thank you for watching, Deon!
Anonymous writes...
Questions in regards to the Young Justice version of Stargirl:
#1. Is her real name Courtney Whitmore?
#2. Was Stargirl's Cosmic Staff invented by Ted Knight?
#3. When did Stargirl decide to become a superhero?
#4. How old is Stargirl?
#5. Does Stargirl's family currently consists of Pat Dugan (her step-father), Sam Kurtis (her biological father), Barbara Whitmore, (her mother), Mike Dugan (her step-brother), and Patricia Dugan (her half-sister)?
Greg responds...
1. She states as much in Season Three, so... yes.
2. No spoilers.
3. No spoilers.
4. Courtney Whitmore was born in 2003.
5. No spoilers.
Anonymous writes...
In the Gargoyles universe, what is the name of Maria Chavez's daughter?
Greg responds...
Sonia Chavez.
Matt Itelson writes...
How many people have piloted the Bio-Ship?
Greg responds...
I haven't counted. And I don't feel like attempting a count. Sorry.
Michael Broder writes...
What was Dick doing during "The Prize?"
Greg responds...
Couldn't say. Now Dan Danger, on the other hand...
Family writes...
When did Eric Needham become Black Spider?
When did Leonard Snart become Captain Cold?
When did George Harkness become Captain Boomerang?
When did Albert Michaels become Atomic Skull?
When did Teth-Adam become Black Adam?
Greg responds...
1. 2009.
2. 2001.
3. 1996.
4. 2006.
5. 1276 B.C.E.
Verdragon writes...
Is it just a crazy coincidence that your version of Phantom Stranger is so similar to Uatu The Watcher from What If? on Disney+?
Greg responds...
Is it? I've seen What If, but I'm not particularly struck by the similarities beyond the obvious. In any case, whatever similarities exist, it has nothing to do with the production of either series.
Steve Hockensmith writes...
In "Quiet Conversations," is the fact that Calvin Durham was born in San Diego a reference to the fact that in the comics, he became mayor of Sub Diego?
Greg responds...
I suppose you could look at it that way.
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
With the Season 3 episode "Evolution," and the Season 4 episode, "Odnu!" showing us Vandal Savage's past, it seems almost as though he practically knows everybody on Earth and he's probably the direct ancestor of most (if not all) of Earth's heroes and villains in your version of the DC Universe; at least, that how it seems in my opinion.
Greg responds...
I think you're exaggerating a bit. But, yeah, he's well-connected.
SuperFam Fan writes...
1. Is Martha Kent's maiden name Martha Clark, like in the comics?
2. Did Lois Lane keep her maiden name after marrying Clark, or is she known as Lois Lane-Kent? Given the credits, the former seems likely, but confirmation would be wonderful.
3. Did Clark Kent attend Metropolis University? If so, did he major or minor in English and/or Journalism?
4. Considering Clark, Lois, and Jonny were in Smallville, and Jonny mentioned how Uncle Conner and Wolf would always meet them there, is it safe to assume there is at least one zeta-tube in or nearby Smallville? Is this how Robin, Arsenal, Blue Beetle, and Impulse got to Smallville (to infiltrate LexCorp Farms) back in Season Two, or did they use the Bio-Ship?
5. Do Clark, Lois, and Jonny reside in Metropolis?
Greg responds...
1. Yes.
2. She kept Lane.
3. No spoilers.
4. You're forgetting about Super-Cycle.
4a. I can't remember off the top of my head.
5. Yes.
Spellcaster writes...
Can you please post the spells from episode 409?
Greg responds...
Here are the spells in the script. I don't have time right now to go through and double-check to see if they totally match up with final picture. But you can do that.
ZATANNA
Sgowogort egreme rednu a Ruomalg!
[Trogowogs emerge under a Glamour!]
KHALID
TAHM-tah-doo OH-chee- dehn-TAHL-ees!
[Stretch Sycamore!]
MARY
Speed of Mercury!
THIRTEEN
Vee-AI UHR-bees, ee-OO-vah!
[Streets of the city, help!]
KHALID
MOON-tah-feekh VEHN-tree!
[Bloated stomach!]
MARY
Strength of Hercules!
ZATANNA
Etativel!
[Levitate!]
ZATANNA
Sexob enibmoc.
[Boxes combine.]
ZATANNA
Sgowogort, nruter ot eht Htrae!
[Trogowogs, return to the Earth!]
ZATANNA
Ruomalg hsinav!
[Glamour vanish!]
ZATANNA
Erotser erutan!
[Restore nature!]
ZATANNA
Ylf, ym seitterp!
[Fly, my pretties!]
ZATANNA
Nruter!
[Return!]
XANADU
Partum a portal!
[Create a portal!]
ZATANNA
Yenom no eht elbat.
[Money on the table.]
ZATANNA
Rehtaf, ediug ym yenruoj hguorht S’etaf Yloh Hkna!
[Father, guide my journey through Fate’s Holy Ankh!]
ZATANNA
DLEIHS!
[SHIELD!]
MARY
Power of Zeus!
MARY
Strength of Hercules!
ZATANNA
Slatrop, tcerider rewop!
[Portals, redirect power!]
KHALID
Yahnahm, felice!
[Sleep, cat!]
THIRTEEN
Kymento, disolvunture!
[Mortar, dissolve!]
ZATANNA
Mrofer--
[Reform--]
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
Since the word "Marvel" can no longer be used in Earth-16, and Captain Marvel is now identified as Shazam, does that mean...
A. The Marvel Family is now addressed as the Shazam Family like in the New 52?
B. Lieutenant Marvel (Freddy Freeman) is now addressed as Shazam, Jr. like in the New 52?
C. Sergeant Marvel (Mary Bromfield) is now addressed as Lady Shazam like in the New 52?
Greg responds...
A. I suppose. Haven't really thought about it. So far, we haven't been asked to retcon anything.
B. No.
C. No.
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
In "Odnu!" we see the Earth-16 debut of the Phantom Stranger. Now, despite the ethnicity change (from Caucasian to African-American), is his real name identified as Judas Iscariot; like his New 52 counterpart (as indicated in "Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger: Futures End #1")?
Greg responds...
I haven't read that - or any Pre-Rebirth New 52 comics. (That's not a comment on their quality. I just wasn't reading comics during that era and didn't hop back on again until Rebirth.) So if PS is JI, it's news to me. Not saying no. Just haven't thought about it at all to see if it fits with what I do know about the Earth-16 version of PS.
Paul writes...
1) Why was Klarion wearing a suit (his trademark look) during his first encounter with Vandal Savage, when that fashion style had yet to be invented? Do the Lords of Chaos emulate styles from the past, present and future, since they themselves are "ageless" beings? If so, how is this possible? I hope there's a deeper explanation for this than "it's magic, anything goes"... but it isn't a big deal.
2) Klarion and Child wear suits (or at least, smart/formal clothing). Likewise, so does Phantom Stranger. Is this just a coincidence or is it significant in some way that they all select smart attire?
I doubt that clothing will be discussed in any depth in the next few episodes, so I feel that it's safe to submit these questions.
Greg responds...
1. For the time being, let's say that before choosing his physical form, Klarion bounced around space and time until he found something he liked.
2. Lot's of people wear smart attire. Clark Kent wears a suit. I wouldn't read too much into Stranger's turtleneck. Whether Klarion and Child's attire mirrors each other is a more interesting question to me.
Zachary Zatara writes...
Does Zatanna watch Lacey Chabert Hallmark movies?
Greg responds...
Doesn't everybody?
Rob writes...
Hi Greg, I’m loving season 4! Thank you, Brandon, and all of your crew for all the hard work. A few questions,
1. Who all is living in the premiere building in season 4? We’ve seen Beast Boy is there but did all the Taos meta kids move in when they joined the outsiders/team?
2. What team year did Batgirl join the team?
3. What team year did Bumblebee join the team?
4. What team year did Lagoon Boy join the team?
Greg responds...
1. Daniel Cassidy, Garfield Logan, Forager, Violet Harper, Andie Murphy, Leslie Willis, Lia Briggs and Wendy Jones all live at the Premiere Building.
I feel like I've definitely already answered the rest of these, but what the heck...
2, 3, 4. Batgirl, Bumblebee and Lagoon Boy all joined the Team in Team Year Four.
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
Forgive me if this sounds too insensitive or anything, but with the way that Beast Boy's storyline is being handled thus far in Season 4 of Young Justice, are you ultimately trying to deliver some kind of message to viewers about the importance of suicide prevention? The reason I am asking about this sensitive topic is because given that Beast Boy's depression has now been shown (as of the time of this posting) in "Odnu!" to have progressed to a point where he is now suffering from lack of sleep and needs medication to help him deal with it, I'm deeply worried that his depression may eventually drive him to the point of attempting to commit suicide because he can't deal with the culmination of the personal losses that have occurred throughout his life; with the apparent loss of Superboy apparently being the final straw for Beast Boy. To be fair though, if this is your intent, then I can understand because I have never seen a cartoon TV series that has ever publicly addressed this specific issue; as such, I suspect this is going to be a first if my suspicion about what might happen to Beast Boy turns out to be true. I do, however, remember watching a Static Shock episode years ago that addressed the issue of guns, and that was a pretty dark episode.
Greg responds...
Hopefully, you've continued to watch as Garfield's story has unfolded and as it continues to unfold throughout the rest of the season. This was really a story about someone suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress. But many issues were dealt with across it.
NoOneSpecial writes...
You know, watching Vandal sire an entire lineage throughout the centuries, I can't help but think about Demona during her 1000 years of life and wonder why she did not try the same approach to 'repopulate' the gargoyle race herself. Ironically, that might work out quite well for Demona in more ways than one since she become the 'mother' of her whole race. I know gargoyles were sparse throughout the years, and I can't remember if Demona even knew about any of the surviving clans. And of course, given her current predicament, I don't see her having kids to be a option, unless she wants to run the risk of giving birth as a human.
Still, it does seem like it would have been at least a potentially useful idea if she ever encounter another gargoyle over the course of her long life to maybe at least 'try' and procreate. Of course I understand, gargoyles are monogamous by nature, but then again, I wouldn't nesscessarily put anything past Demona
Assuming she ever met another gargoyle in the last 1000 years, would she have ever even considered having another egg? Personally, if I had to guess, I would say she would not try, and the reason being there is big difference between her and Vandal; she would have to carry the child to term. And if Demona has one constant, it's her own self-preservation. Still, it's an interesting parallel to ponder.
Greg responds...
It's interesting. But I'm forced to answer NO SPOILERS, for all the usual reasons.
Anonymous writes...
Mr. Weisman,
The episode "Odnu!" identified Vandal Savage's real name as Vandar Adg. Just for clarification, is this his birth name or is this name something that he came up for himself at some point in his life?
Greg responds...
The latter I believe. We've never stated his so-called "birth name."
Anonymous writes...
Dear Mr weisman before i ask my questions i want to apologize for the spelling error as i meant to say Vandal Savage and the phantom stranger but hit a v instead of an s by mistake now for the questions 1 . How long as Zatanna been mentoring Mary Bromfield ? 2. How old is the Phantom stranger ? 3.I like the cute lizard that Traci has how long has she had him? 4 .Does Mary Bromfield wear a baseball cap (like Traci does) or a newsgirl cap ( like Gabi Gabriell does) when not in costume?
Greg responds...
1. Haven't locked in a specific start time, but not all that long.
2. Asked and answered.
3. A year or less.
4. You've seen her out of costume. Was she wearing a hat?
Anonymous writes...
Dear Mr Weisman 1. How long have Zatanna and Madame Xanadu known each outer? 2. Has Madame Xanadu seen the movie Xanadu and how does she feel about it ?( especially the title being the same name as her last name) 3. When did Blue devil take up the role of "'Den Dad'' to the outsiders ? 4. how long have Vandal Vavage and the Phantom stranger known each outer ?
Greg responds...
1. I haven't locked in a day or date when they met. But it's been some time.
2. For all we know, she was inspired to choose that name BECAUSE of the movie. I'm not saying it's true but...
2a. For the record, Madame Xanadu is her stage name/nom de guerre. Her real name is Nimue Inwudu.
3. Again, I haven't nailed down a precise date, but sometime after Helga Jace, um... disqualified herself from the gig.
4. A very long time.
Marvelman writes...
1) Is season 4 Shazam as strong and as fast as season 1 Captain Marvel?
2) Is there a limit to the amount of kinetic energy Rocket's force-field can absorb? Is there a point beyond whic the force field will just break?
Greg responds...
1. Nope.
2. There's no limit for kinetic energy. Other energies aren't as compatible.
Marvelman writes...
If Madame Xanadu is a true medium then she can communicate with the dead, right? If that's the case, why didn't Zatanna just bring Artemis to Xanadu so that Artemis could speak to Wally's spirit during "Overwhelmed"?
Greg responds...
It's not that simple. If a spirit is truly at rest, you generally cannot reach them. And in any case, you seem to think it's healthy to attempt to commune with the dead. Zatanna might not agree with you.
Anonymous writes...
Hey Greg,
I was wondering about Arsenal’s amputation. Is his arm amputated below the elbow?
How does Jason Bard come to lose his leg?
Greg responds...
1. Uh... just below the elbow. Barely.
2. In combat. He's an ex-Marine.
Anonymous writes...
Is Helga Jace aware that zviad is a member of the light?
Greg responds...
No spoilers.
Paul writes...
"Odnu!" was amazing!
1) How old is Mary Bromfield?
2) How old is Khalid Nassour?
3) Mary mentions that she gave up (or "had to" give up) being Sergeant Marvel -- but we know that she would have appeared as Sergeant in "Satisfaction" (per your remark some time ago that she would have said "Shazam!" in this scene). Did Mary therefore give up being Sergeant Marvel after Raquel's bridal shower, rather than before that event?
4) Now that Mary has appeared, would you be able to reveal the in-universe reason for her absence in "Satisfaction", please?
5) Silly long-shot question: how old is the Phantom Stranger?
Greg responds...
1. Mary was born in 2000.
2. Khalid was born in 1998.
3. Stuff we once may have planned but didn't end up doing are NOT canon. Beyond that, NO SPOILERS.
4. Maybe. If I had one.
5. He's biologically 28.
traught4life writes...
hey Greg i just want to ask about something i've been wondering about for a while did dick reveal his identity to Artemis and show her the picture he took if so how did she react and will we ever see her reaction in a flashback or future episodes???
Greg responds...
At this stage, yes, Artemis knows Dick's identity. Beyond that, NO SPOILERS.
Anonymous writes...
mister Greg why did you have Garfield join the Doom Patrol if you just kill them?
Greg responds...
History is a mystery.
camila perez writes...
is supermartian your favorite couple? it feels like they're the mainstream couple and I'm absolutely in love with that
Greg responds...
I don't have one favorite. But I'm glad you like them.
Anonymous writes...
You’ve mentioned a few times that the pandemic likely hit Earth-16 in 2021 instead of 2020. Can we infer from that that the virus in the Young Justice universe is called COVID-20 instead of COVID-19?
Greg responds...
Potentially. I have to think out all the ramifications, and I haven't yet.
Anonymous writes...
Not really a question, but I rewatched the entire show recently and season 1 is really just something special. It's so rare to see something in DC media that's character focused and optimistic. It still has its dark moments, but the characters are there to pick each other up. And I think it's the only show that accurately shows the relationships between the mentors and the proteges; most either focus on the older heroes or the younger ones with minimal interaction. I still love the show, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss the earlier vibe.
Greg responds...
That's fair. But kids grow up. It's inevitable, and we wanted to explore that.
Anonymous writes...
when creating halo, did no one stop to think that killing gabrielle and having a motherbox use her corpse was a bad idea for your first (and only) female muslim hero? i know your response before was that it was taken from the comics, but now with oracle's origin we can clearly see you guys aren't afraid to change things. so you could've easily changed it to have gabrielle resurrected with the powers of a motherbox instead.
and i feel like you still don't see the issue here, which is that violet is not a muslim woman of color, so you don't get credit for "turning a woman of color from a victim to hero" as you've said. you killed a woman of color and possessed her corpse. i'm sorry but i just can't get over how no one saw a problem with that.
Greg responds...
We talked about this a lot, actually, with a number of people, including with a Muslim woman of color. And, no. No one saw a problem. As with all things, people's mileage varies.
We had not, yet, involved MPAC in our creative process. Maybe they would've had a problem with how we introduced Halo if they had been involved in Season Three. But MPAC's involvement and interaction with us began during the creation of Season Four. At that point, when we told them where we were going with the character, they were good with it. Even, I dare say, enthusiastic. MPAC and other Muslims we've consulted have been happy with who Halo/Violet has become, or in any case, with the journey that we've put them on.
But just so I'm clear, you'd have preferred - since we were doing THIS story - that the character had been white?
I mean I get that you'd have preferred that the character had been a Muslim woman of color with a different story, but I'm not a big fan of fans who tell me which story to tell. This was the story we wanted to tell. This was the version of Halo we wanted to create.
But we could have made Gabrielle a white girl, I guess. She's a white girl in the comics. We could have had yet another blonde in the cast.
But we already had aliens who present as white, including Superman and Hawkwoman, among others. We've also had a dead girl who was white, i.e. Secret.
It seems to me that having Halo be a person of color - even a person of color who (as you dismissively note) was created from a corpse possessed by an alien spirit - was a step in the right direction. Especially since we knew where we were going with the character. You may not like how Violet became Violet, and I respect that. (I don't apologize for it, but I respect it.) But now that you've seen where we've taken the character, I wonder if there's another way to look at it.
Yes, Gabrielle is dead. Her death is horrible and tragic. She was vulnerable. And she was exploited and murdered. Now, she's dead.
But Violet is alive. They are not Gabrielle. But they are definitely a person of color (as much as Clark Kent's a white guy - and I think we can all agree that Clark Kent is a white guy). And now they're a person of color, who's interested in exploring the Muslim heritage that mattered so much to Gabrielle. In essence, Violet is seriously thinking about converting to Islam, in part because of Gabrielle's memory of faith. And I doubt we would've gotten that story if we'd made Gabrielle a white girl.
Because, here's the thing: we're doing genre fiction here. That means we are using aliens, demons, ghosts, mermaids and robots to tell stories about the human condition. I reject the notion that all our diversity MUST somehow come from fully human characters like Dick Grayson and Artemis Crock. Again, no one doubts that stories about a Kryptonian aren't capable of telling us something about the human condition. Or that Atlanteans and Amazons aren't human enough to empathize with. So some of our characters are going to have bizarre and even horrifying origins. That's the genre. So do we play it safe and only do white characters when we go inhuman?
Some of our aliens look like space aliens. Some look like humans. Most of those humans look white historically. We're trying to turn the battleship on that notion. So Martian Manhunter - when he looks human - looks Black. Icon is Black. Highmother and General Zod are Black. Lor-Zod is biracial. B'arzz O'oomm, when he looks human, looks Latinx. And Halo looks Arabic. It's not much. But it's a start.
Now, don't get me wrong. I understand that a big problem that you have with Halo is that Gabrielle was the only Muslim woman of color in the show. (It's not actually true, of course. But no one wants to count villains like Queen Bee or Talia al Ghul, who probably only pay lip service to being Muslim.) So we need more representation. More representation is always better. We're working on it. Maybe not as fast as everyone would like. But we're trying. Truly, honestly, trying. In fact, I've been trying to increase representation my entire career for all sorts of different communities. I know my track record is mixed. I've taken a lot of swings, and some of those swings have been misses. (And maybe Halo was another miss - though I truly don't think so.) But Elisa Maza didn't come from nowhere. I PUT her in Gargoyles. And that was nearly thirty years ago. We need to do better, and we continue to strive to do better. And, meanwhile, we have increased the Muslim representation in YJ. Madia's role has expanded. Khalid Nassour joined the cast. We met his Muslim parents briefly. And we're only getting started, frankly. I can't promise you we'll get more seasons. So maybe our progress on this particular show will be arrested. But I'm not done (I hope). And I will continue to strive to do the best I can. Because this MATTERS to me. I promise you. And we're also learning to bring in more voices. More readers like the folks at MPAC and GLAAD and ASAN. More diverse writers. An increasingly diverse cast. Etc. We're a work in progress. But even that IS progress.
All of which is NOT to say that you need to agree with us, with me, with any of it. Again, I respect your point of view. The decisions we made still work for us. But I don't have any illusion that I can somehow TALK you into making it work for you. Your responses to what's on the screen are your own. And they're valid. Period.
Still, we've done everything in our power in Season Four to make sure that everything we do with the character of Halo is as respectful as possible going forward. We don't always succeed. I just hope you see that we're trying.
Nate writes...
Hi Greg! Here are some rather odd-ball questions that you may or may not have thought about regarding the worldbuilding/characterization in YJ, that I hope you'll have fun answering/pondering about.
#1 - Do Martians (in their natural form) have tear ducts? We've seen Miss Martian cry in her more humanoid-looking Martian appearance, but I don't believe we've ever seen Martians (like J'emm, for example) shed tears.
#2 - Do you interpret the main colors of hero's costumes to symbolize that character's favorite color? For example, do you think Dick's favorite color is blue, given that's the color of his Nightwing insignia? Artemis' green/orange? Barry's red? Batman's black? Etc. etc.?
#3 - I know you're big on tracking dates and times and all that jazz, but are you a stickler for checking such things as the moon cycle, days of the week, differing sunsets/sunrises, etc. etc. when coming up with dates? For example, say you had a scene take place right after midnight on August 16 (of whatever year), would you go and check what stage the moon would be that night? What day of the week that landed on? Etc. etc.
#4 - In the recent episodes of Artemis' arc, it was revealed that Onyx was the granddaughter of Will Everett, a.k.a. the Amazing Man, who Cheshire (and later Artemis) seemed to be unaware of. It was evident that the League of Shadows knew about him (it was why they kept an eye on her in the first place), but given that everyone else hadn't heard of him, is it safe to say that the history of superheroes just isn't a basic subject in school? Do kids not learn about the Justice Society of America or the All-Star Squadron when learning about World War II? (I realize that Amazing Man might not have been a member of either superhero group, but given Onyx's reaction to him not being known it seemed to imply he was at least a public hero and not a covert one).
#5 - Is Bart legally known as Bart Allen or Bart Garrick on his documentation? I know his guardians were the Garricks, but was he posing as their grandson? An orphan taken in by them? A relative of Barry and Iris? This might constitute a spoiler, but I thought I'd ask anyway. The situation kind of reminds me of how Artemis officially handled her "death" back in S2 from a legal standpoint once she came back from undercover, if that makes sense.
Anyways, thank you for your time. I hope you had some fun (or at least some food for thought?) answering these, and I sincerely hope you're having a great day. I'm still binging YJ:Phantoms and crossing my fingers for S5 every day!
Greg responds...
#1 - Haven't given it any thought. I'd have to confer with Brandon for a final answer, but I'm leaning toward... yes or maybe no.
#2 - Not necessarily.
#3 - I try to remember to check things like that, but it's already hard enough, so I'm definitely not a stickler. I do try to get the times of sunsets and sunrises correct in various locations.
#4 - He was a public hero. I doubt it's a school subject. And I'm not sure I agree that Tigress didn't know about him. Keeping one's response close to the vest can be prudent.
#5 - Bart Allen. No one said he was posing as their grandson. Jay and Joan were his legal guardians. That doesn't mean they had to be blood relatives - even fictional blood relatives.
Michael Broder writes...
Is Henchy an original character, based on someone from the comics, or both?
Have you ever thought of doing a motion comic where the actors read the whole comic?
Greg responds...
1. He's more-or-less original. He's based on a model created for the Green Arrow Showcase short and a specific voice that I love, which actor Steve Blum has used for me in multiple series: Raythor (W.I.T.C.H.), Blackie Gaxton (The Spectacular Spider-Man), Zeb (Star Wars Rebels).
2. Yes. I'd love to do that. But there's no budget for it, generally. The YJ Wiki did a few using volunteer labor and volunteer voice actors. Here's one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42QKFkSy4DU
Oh, and what the heck, here's another: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N3Z2b-UlTE
Anonymous writes...
where does Arsenal’s katana go after they leave the library? He’s not shown to carry it afterwards
Greg responds...
Really? That seems odd. Are you sure?
Anonymous writes...
A. Does Will Harper know Moo Gi Gong? What martial arts does he practice?
B. Does Will train regularly with the other Star City vigilantes?
Greg responds...
A. I've never done the research into this.
B. Nowadays? When he has time, I suppose. (And by "other Star City vigilantes," I assume you're talking about the Arrow Family.)
Giorgio writes...
How did Steve Dayton find out were Beast Boy and Miss Martian living at so he takes Beast Boy from Miss Martian?
Greg responds...
I've never given it much thought. I guess the logistics of that don't interest me all that much. Beast Boy's legal guardianship was transferred to Megan Morse after the death of Rita Farr. There must have been an address of record. And Steve probably had some intel about Megan from his Doom Patrol days. It's not like Gar and M'gann never saw each other back then.
Anonymous writes...
Why Superboy has the side effect of physically not age being a clone but Will and Jim both ages? I don't think that's because he is half kryptonian since Clark can age
Greg responds...
It was a weird side-effect of trying to combine human and Kryptonian DNA.
Nimh writes...
What happen to Garfield's pet monkey after Marie logan was kill by Queen bee?
Greg responds...
That's a damn good question. But it assumes that Monkey was still around that long.
Gustavo writes...
Artemis Arc ends and i feel thats the time to me do some questions
1- In Marzz Arc we see a flashback with Tim Drake with the outsiders, is that right, a Batfamily member being a public hero?
2- Also Tim's uniform changed a lot since Season3, the same season that introduced Barbara as Oracle and Spoiler and Orphan already on the team. The questions are:
2a- Tim is Robin or Red Robin currently?
2b- If the last Stephanie was a Robin before being Spoiler?
2c- She and Cassandra were Batgirl at some moment or they started already as Spoiler and Orphan?
2d- Which year these two joined the team?
3- I really love how different the show decided adapt The Killing Joke event. Barbara's accident and Jason's death are two events the audience already saw so many times that it started being previsible but the show was in a totally original route, thank you. That's bring the question, when (Team Year) The Killing Joke event happened in YJ?
4- Artemis Arc was full or photos portraits and two of them intrigued me. When and where Will and Jade took that photo with Lian and most importantly when Will took that photo with the Team 0? Rocket joined in the end of Season1 and is in the picture and after Season1 Will was desesperate looking years for Roy, also Megan is too young there then sure that is before Season2. When Will found time to take that picture?
Greg responds...
1. Yep. Keep in mind, back in Season One, Robin was a public hero. BATMAN & ROBIN, the DYNAMIC DUO! Most people don't really get that this is a different Robin, anyway.
2a. Robin.
2b. The last Stephanie? Anyway, no. Stephanie's first - and so far only - nom de guerre is Spoiler.
2c. Spoiler and Orphan. There's only been one Batgirl to date: Barbara.
2d. Feels like I answered this already, but Spoiler joined in Team Year Eight. She also resigned from the Team in Team Year Eight. She rejoined in Team Year Nine. Orphan joined the Team in Team Year Nine.
3. If you mean the event at the U.N. when Batgirl was injured, it occurred in Team Year Eight.
4. That photo of the Team was taken in the Hall of Justice Library on the day - but just before - Red Arrow was officially inaugurated into the League. I mean, I shouldn't even tell you that. But all the evidence is there, including the winter clothes and the BG, so I figure it's pretty obvious.
Steve Hockensmith writes...
How old the Flying Graysons when they were murdered?
Greg responds...
I'm not going to do all that math for you, but...
Karla Grayson was born in 1968.
John Grayson was born in 1969.
Mary Lloyd Grayson was born in 1969.
Johnny Grayson was born 1990.
They died in 2006.
Talos writes...
Would you say Vandal Savage has some respect for his old foes The Justice Society of America particularly Alan Scott The Green Lantern?
Greg responds...
A man like Vandal Savage would be wise to respect all his enemies, I suppose.
Hermin writes...
1)How is Lady Shiva able to survive a full sword strike through her body, and even more, able to stand up with just a bandage around her chest ?
2)How is Orphan able to defeat Shiva ("the most dangerous woman alive") while she can't even beat Black Spider during the last episode ? That feels unrealistic (even for a show with superheros ^^).
3) I know that's a bit old, but you said that Zatanna and Zatara cannot compete with chaos lords, so how is Zatara able to take them all down in season one (children/adults episode) ?
4) Dick feels to be the YJ emblem (B-01), but strangely he also feels to be a side character many times, don't you think he's sadly underused in your show ? I want to see more of him please :)
Greg responds...
1. She's a badass.
2. Shiva trained Orphan to be a killer, an even better killer than Shiva herself. But generally speaking, Orphan holds back, because she doesn't want to be a killer. Against Black Spider, Orphan is holding back, and her killer training doesn't always translate to her winning without killing. When fighting Shiva - the second time - Orphan was no longer holding back, thus proving Shiva right. Orphan's training makes her the perfect killer. But she doesn't want to use that training - except when she does. So (even for a show with superheroes) I have ZERO problem with this one.
3. He doesn't. Rewatch it.
4. The fact that Dick's designation is B-01 doesn't mean he's the emblem for the show, whatever that means. Every character's screen time varies from episode to episode and from season to season. There are plenty of characters who have had way less screen time than Dick, who by my detailed account ranks number three for all characters behind only Conner & M'gann. Beyond that, every fan has a different list of characters that they'd like to see get more screen time. I sympathize. BUT I HAVE TO IGNORE ALL OF YOU!!!! I mean, there is literally no way to make everyone happy. So instead, Brandon and I make ourselves happy and hope that enough of you still jam on the show to stick around.
NoOneSpecial writes...
Decided to re-watch W.I.T.C.H this week. Really loved the work you guys did on the show for Season 2. Not to disparage the people who worked hard on Season 1 as well, but the show really becomes something special in the second season
1. When Nerissa became corrupted, the Oracle took the Heart of Kandrakar from her and gave it to Cassidy. But the general rule is that a Heart must be given willingly. So how could the Oracle take the heart from Nerissa if she wasn't willing, which I very much must assume she wasn't.
2. Did Nerissa plan to have a child with Julian? Did she intentionally seduce him in order to conceive Caleb? Or was his birth accidental and something she didn't plan on? When speaking to Caleb, she makes it sound as though she wanted to have a child, so that Caleb could 'lead' the rebellion to victory against Phobos, though reading between the lines, that just sounds more like Nerissa trying to take credit for an obviously coincidental success after the fact in order to validate her actions, which certainly fits with her character. So, why did she initially have Caleb?
3. When did C.H.Y.K.N retire from their Guardian duty? Was it after Kadma left the group to live on Zambala? Also, who had the Heart of Kandrakar following Cassidy’s death?
4. You said before that Irma was gay but that she tries to "fight to be straight" by going after guys that are inherently unattainable, which sounds as though she was not yet fully accepting of her sexuality. Does mean the rest of W.I.T.C.H were unaware of her sexuality by the end of Season 2?
5. I really love the episode titles going as letters of the alphabet. It's really clever especially when you have exactly 26 episodes to work from. Whose idea was this originally? Would you have been inclined to do it again for Season 3?
Greg responds...
It's been a VERY long time since I've seen these episodes - let alone since we produced them - so my memories are extremely vague. Therefore, take the following answers with a massive grain of salt.
1. Maybe she was willing at first but then had second thoughts (and resentments).
2. I'm thinking a part of Nerissa loved Julian. When she discovered she was pregnant, she wanted the child. The rest is self-justification, after-the-fact.
3. I just don't remember. And I don't have the same documentation on W.I.T.C.H that I have on Gargoyles and YJ.
4. Yes, that's what it means.
5. It was my idea, inspired by the title of the series and by the fact that we had a 26-episode order. It seemed right.
5a. Hard to say.
Clare Ionis Goat writes...
Regarding Cassandra's infiltration, I have some questions:
1. Why was she seen already using the Glamour Charm in the flashback fighting Onyx and later discussing with Lady Shiva about Onyx if the charm was part of the plan they concocted AFTER exchanging their concerns about Onyx? Why was Cassandra using it way before?
2. If they had to get the infiltrators back to Santa Prisca ASAP, why didn't Shade just teleport her along with the Lady Shiva and the others? If they didn't want a mole on the Team and had both things they were after - Orphan and the JL intel - why tell Tigress to bring Cassandra to Santa Prisca when they could have both things right there and then?
Greg responds...
1. I'm not sure you have the timeline right. Onyx overheard them talking long after they had any discussion about their concerns over her. But in any case, the plan for infiltration didn't have much to do with Onyx. That was an add on bit that worked to their advantage later. So the glamour charm - and the story about Killer Croc was put out there earlier.
2. You're giving Shade a lot of credit, and not giving much credit to Tigress and Cheshire, who would have defended Cassandra. Maybe Shade could've gotten her out. Maybe not. You're also assuming that Shiva knew that Cassandra already had the intel. That's not a safe assumption either.
Marriages? writes...
Hello! I hope you're having a good day, I just wanted to stop by and ask some questions about the relationships (specifically, the married couples) in Young Justice.
1. You've been asked this before, but at the time you said that you never got around to calculating the date. I figure there's a chance you've done the math since then, so: what year did Orin and Mere get married?
2. What year did Clark and Lois get married?
3. What year did Jonathan and Martha Kent get married?
4a. What year did Jefferson Pierce and Lynn Stewart get married?
4b. What year did the two of them get divorced?
5. Given that Raquel had a bridal shower, it can be assumed she indeed got married not long after. Not asking for spoilers or a specific date or anything, but did you guys have the actual wedding date in-mind or just a vague timeframe?
I figure these are generally safe questions to ask, given that you've previously answered a similar question about when Iris and Barry got married. If not, though, I do apologize for wasting your time. I hope all is well, and given the nature of these questions, I hope your wife is having a nice day too! Enjoy!
Greg responds...
1. Nope. Sorry.
2. This one's easier to narrow down, but I haven't put it in the timeline, as of this moment.
3. 1956.
4a. Team Year Zero.
4b. Not yet on the timeline.
5. No spoilers.
Kyle writes...
I know you've discussed this a lot, so no offense will be taken if you skip this question, but in terms of the character that is gay but tptb won't allow to be, how did you come to that conclusion?
Did you know before you even started writing the character? Or was it something that clicked after the character was on the page? Was there a specific scene or moment? Or was it just a desire for representation?
Also, getting LGBT representation right is hard. And there's a lot of traps people can fall into, even among those in the community. Just wanted to say I think you've gotten a lot right and appreciate that you've always tried to do right by the community, despite the limitations that have been placed on you in the past and the one that still is.
Fingers crossed that last one is lifted soon though! Know you're trying your best and that's all we can ask for!
Greg responds...
I don't know that we started out thinking that particular character was gay OR straight. It wasn't an issue. But, yes, after putting the character on paper, it felt right for that character. We're always looking for an opportunity to increase our representation in all sorts of categories, and we were very much caught off guard when told this one character could not be objectively labeled as gay. Especially since we'd been writing him that way and setting up his relationship for some time, so it couldn't have come as a great shock.
And thanks for your kind words, Kyle. I don't think we always get things quite right, but we are trying and strive to do better all the time.
Clary writes...
Do you ever regret making your universe so full of specifics and details? You certainly inspired fans who want to know literally everything about Earth-16 and its characters. I'm one of those people, mind you, but are you ever just like: Why on earth is this person asking me this question?
Be as chalant as you like.
Greg responds...
I often wonder that, frankly. But I guess it's a testament to how much detail we do give that it inspires the desire for even more. So I run with it as much as possible.
Regrets? I have a few. But then again, too few to mention.
Marvelman writes...
In Phantoms, you have thus far been more conservative with depictions of sex, language, and violence & gore. This is not a criticism - just an observation. Is this a deliberate decision on your part, or has the shift from DC Universe to HBO Max imposed more limitations upon your subject matter? Or, is it a combination of the two?
Greg responds...
I don't think we have. But in any case, we've had no additional limitations "imposed" on us by HBO Max.
Jason R Carter writes...
1. We have a pretty good idea of what Joker thinks of Riddler, but what does Riddler think of Joker?
2. Is it weird that I'm curious how Lex Luthor might be taking the news of Conner's apparent demise, assuming he knows?
3. Does Vandal Savage have an actual middle name?
Greg responds...
1. For the time being, I'll leave that to your imagination.
2. I don't think it's weird.
3. He has many.