Coffee With Kenobi Podcast

I'm a guest on the Coffee With Kenobi Podcast. It was a fun interview, covering Star Wars Rebels, Gargoyles 20th Anniversary, Young Justice, Rain of the Ghosts and Spirits of Ash and Foam. You can find it here:

http://www.coffeewithkenobi.com/coffee-with-kenobi-presents-rebels-reactions-exclusive-interview-with-executive-producer-greg-weisman/

Diversity

Diversity in pop culture has always been an issue that concerns me greatly. I've tried to do my share to increase diversity on series like Gargoyles, W.I.T.C.H., The Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice.

Now, that I've entered the world of publishing, my sister Robyn brought this article to my attention:

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/opinion/sunday/where-are-the-people-of-color-in-childrens-books.html?referrer=

The article asks valid questions, and - yes, to toot my own horn - I'm going to provide at least a piece of the answer with my new books, Rain of the Ghosts and Spirits of Ash and Foam. Both feature protagonists of color. Rain Cacique is Native American, as is her grandfather Sebastian Bohique. Her best friends are Charlie Dauphin, who's African American and Miranda Guerrero, who is Hispanic-American. Many - if not most - of the other characters are also of color. This reflects the Caribbean setting of the novels, i.e. the fictional Ghost Keys and the actual mythology of that region.

The books are available here:

http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791

and here:

http://www.amazon.com/Spirits-Ash-Foam-Ghosts-Novel/dp/1250029821/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379977280&sr=8-1&keywords=spirits+of+ash+and+foam+a+rain+of+the+ghosts+novel+by+greg+weisman

I urge you to check them out, and to suggest them at schools and libraries.

Michael Chabon knows Gargoyles

So in my car, I've been listening to the audio book of Michael Chabon's novel: TELEGRAPH AVENUE, read by the amazing Clarke Peters (of THE WIRE and TREME). I'm a little over halfway through the book, which is set (largely) in a used record store in Oakland in 2008 and revolves around a diverse cast of characters. It's full of all sorts of pop cutlure references, but I was still pretty stunned when suddenly the narrator starts talking about GARGOYLES. Not generic gargoyles, but our GARGOYLES televsion series.

I was going to try to cut and paste the section here, but Amazon won't allow that. So you can check it out yourself here: http://www.amazon.com/Telegraph-Avenue-Novel-Michael-Chabon/dp/006149335X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=09RDPEC6XPYS8K9E3CQR

Or better yet, buy the book. I haven't finished listening to it yet, but so far it's definitely worth the price of admission.

The GARGOYLES' references begin on or about p. 293. (At least on the Amazon Look Inside function.) It's all pretty cool, and very specific. Though Keith David isn't mentioned by name, Goliath is, and his amazing voice is referenced, along with Goliath's backstory, etc. The character seems to have been part of a significant moment in the life of Julie Jaffe, one of the many protagonists of Chabon's book.

Chabon's written many books, including two particular favorites of mine: THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY and THE YIDDISH POLICEMEN'S UNION. So the fact that our little series registers with him is fairly gratifying.

Ikki Tousen Xtreme Xecutor

I am happy to announce that Funimation will be releasing the Ikki Tousen Xtreme Xecutor Season 4 DVD set officially on Tuesday, March 11, 2014.

Ikki Tousen Xtreme Xecutor not only has all 12 episodes of season 4, but also includes the bonus 90 minute movie, Ikki Tousen in Kyoto, and some amazing commentaries by many of members of the cast. I recorded one, but I don't know if they used it. (Sadly, they couldn't include everyone's commentary on the DVD, but they are making them all available online).

It was fun revisiting the character of Sousou. I hope you check it out!

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS signings

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS signings

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Had two great signings for RAIN OF THE GHOSTS over the last few days.

On Saturday, at Gallifrey One, I coerced a roomful of Young Justice panel attendees to buy my new novel. And I sold out!

Then last night, had a reading, discussion and signing at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena. We had a full house, and again, we SOLD OUT!

I want to thank all the friends, family, fans and strangers who attended either or both and bought books and generally put a smile on my face.

But there are still books out there to buy, so...

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS is the first book in a nine-book series of adventure, intrigue, mythology and mystery with a touch of horror. Rain Cacique is a thirteen-year-old girl, who lives on the tropical island of San Próspero - one of the eight Ghost Keys - where she goes to school and works for her parents in the tourist service industry. She feels trapped. But she's soon going to discover that she has a special ability - she can talk to the dead - and a destiny to fulfill. The second book in the series, SPIRITS OF ASH AND FOAM, is already written and will come out on July 8th, 2014. The other seven books are in limbo, dependent - frankly - on sales of the first book.

If you've enjoyed my work on W.I.T.C.H., Gargoyles, Spectacular Spider-Man or Young Justice, I can guarantee you'll like Rain!

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS can be purchased here:

http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377806211&sr=8-1&keywords=rain+of+the+ghosts

SPIRITS OF ASH AND FOAM can be pre-ordered here:

http://www.amazon.com/Spirits-Ash-Foam-Ghosts-Novel/dp/1250029821/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

Thanks...

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS Reading and Signing

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS Reading and Signing

As many of you know, I will be reading, discussing and signing my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, at Vroman's Bookstore, tonight, Tuesday, February 18th, 2014 at 7pm.

Here's the address:

Vroman's Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, California
91101
United States

My wonderful wife is bringing refreshments, so if the book isn't incentive enough, come for the Sparkling Apple Cider, cheese, crackers, cookies, grapes and/or Red Vines.

Honestly, I'm more nervous about this appearance then I've ever been about pretty much any appearance ever. So there's more incentive: come and watch me sweat!

More information here:

http://www.vromansbookstore.com/greg-weisman2014

Greg's Gallifrey One Schedule

Greg's Gallifrey One Schedule

Hey, gang. As some of you know, I'll be at Gallifrey One this Saturday, February 15, 2014.

http://www.gallifreyone.com/

The convention is located at:

Marriott Los Angeles Airport Hotel
5855 West Century Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045

I'm told convention membership is sold out, but even if you don't have a badge/ticket, we've got an event for you (see below).

Here's my schedule for the day:

2pm - 3pm - I'll be doing a signing at Christopher Jones' table. I'll pretty much sign anything you put in front of me for free. However, I'll also be bringing multiple copies of my new novel RAIN OF THE GHOSTS. For a mere $10 in cash, you get a signed copy of the book and signed copies of the original inspirational character designs (drawn by Kuni Tomita) for the animated series version of Rain that we never made back at DreamWorks in 1997-98. (While supplies last.)

3pm - 4pm - Christopher Jones and I will be doing a KaffeeKlatsche with a small group of fans. You need to sign up for this in advance, I believe, as space is limited.

5pm - 6pm - The big YOUNG JUSTICE event!! I'll be moderating a Q&A panel of THIRTEEN GUESTS who worked on the series in Program Room B. In alphabetical order, the guests are:

1. Cameron Bowen - Voice Actor: Robin/Tim Drake, Toyman
2. Kris Carter - Composer: Dynamic Music Partners
3. Christopher Jones - Comic Book Artist
4. Stephanie Lemelin - Voice Actor: Artemis/Artemis Crock/Tigress, Catherine Cobert/Computer
5. Eric Lopez - Voice Actor: Blue Beetle/Jaime Reyes, Scarab
6. Vanessa Marshall - Voice Actor: Black Canary/Dinah Lance, Amanda Spence, Ida Berkowitz, Noor Harjavti, Red Inferno/Firebrand
7. Michael McCuistion - Composer: Dynamic Music Partners
8. Masasa Moyo - Voice Actor: Bumblebee/Karen Beecher, Reach Scientist, Amber Joyce, Cat Grant, Secret/Greta Hayes, Sharon Vance, Wendy Harris
9. Lolita Ritmanis - Composer: Dynamic Music Partners
10. Andrew Robinson - Writer: "Drop-Zone," "Targets," "Disordered"
11. Brent Spiner - Voice Actor: Joker
12. Jason Spisak - Voice Actor: Kid Flash/Wally West
13. Greg Weisman - Producer; Writer: "Independence Day," "Fireworks," "Terror," "Humanity," "Misplaced," "Auld Acquaintance," "Happy New Year," "Salvage," "Satisfaction," "The Fix," "Summit"; Voice Actor: Lucas "Snapper" Carr

6pm - 6:30pm - Immediately following the panel, we'll conduct a signing right there in Program Room B. Not all the guests may be able to stay, but I know, for example, that Kris, Michael & Lolita will be there, signing and selling copies of the Young Justice Soundtrack CD. And once again, I'll be signing and selling RAIN OF THE GHOSTS ($10 in cash, for the signed novel and the signed character designs, while supplies last).

6:30pm (more or less) - ??? - And then right after the signing, we'll move out to the lobby of the Marriott for a Young Justice Fan Meet-Up. This is the part that does NOT require you to have paid for the convention. Just show up and hang out, as we chat with fans, take pictures with Cos-Players, sign and sell stuff (say, for example, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS) in a more informal setting. Chris Jones and I will stay for the duration, frankly until it begins to wane of its own accord. I'm sure some of the other guests will hang out for at least a little while (though that's not guaranteed).

So stop by #gally1 for the big #YoungJustice multi-event!!!!!

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS Book Signing

Hello Friends, Fans & Family,

I'm having a reading, discussion and signing of my first novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena on Tuesday, February 18th, 2014, starting at 7:00pm. More details are below.

I'm terrified I'll be sitting in a room by myself, so whether or not you've already purchased the book - or ever intend to - I'd still appreciate any moral support your attendance might provide. (And it would provide a lot.)

No R.S.V.P. is necessary, but I'm hoping to see at least a few of you there. (And if you wanted to buy a book, I wouldn't complain. No, really. I swear I wouldn't.) Oh, and please feel free to bring along additional victims bodies friends and family to the event - children are especially welcome - and please help spread the word, forwarding this to anyone you think might be (even vaguely) interested.

Thanks!

Greg Weisman

Greg Weisman reads, discusses & signs Rain of the Ghosts at VROMAN'S BOOKSTORE

Start: 02/18/2014 7:00 pm

Location:
695 E. Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, California
91101
United States

Growing up in the tropical paradise of the Ghost Keys, a (fictional) chain of islands near the Bermuda Triangle, should be paradise, but for twelve-year-old Rain Cacique, it feels more like a life sentence that dooms her to a future of bending over backwards for ungrateful tourists. Her beloved grandfather, 'Bastian, is the bright spot in her world, so when he passes away, Rain immediately attributes her newfound ability to see dead people to grief. Eventually, however, she discovers a hidden world of mystery and adventure. RAIN OF THE GHOSTS.

Young Justice at Gallifrey One

Young Justice is coming to Gallifrey One!

Gallifrey One, the Doctor Who convention in Los Angeles, will be hosting a pretty impressive Young Justice panel followed by a casual Young Justice meet-up afterward.

On Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 5pm is the YJ panel, featuring (in alphabetical order) an even dozen members from cast and crew:

1. Cameron Bowen - Voice of Robin (Tim Drake)

2. Kris Carter - Composer

3. Christopher Jones - Comic Book Artist

4. Stephanie Lemelin - Voice of Artemis

5. Eric Lopez - Voice of Blue Beetle

6. Vanessa Marshall - Voice of Black Canary

7. Michael McQuistion - Composer

8. Lolita Ritmanis - Composer

9. Andrew Robinson - Writer

10. Brent Spiner - Voice of the Joker

11. Jason Spisak - Voice of Kid Flash

12. Greg Weisman - Producer

I think we can all agree that's a pretty impressive list.

After the panel, at approximately 6pm, we'll be having a casual YJ meet-up for photos and autographs in the lobby. I'm told that Gallifrey One is already sold out, but you don't need a badge for this informal post-panel get together. Not all the guests will be able to stay for it, but I guarantee a bunch of us will. (Chris Jones and myself, at a minimum.)

For more info on the convention, check out:

http://www.gallifreyone.com/

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS TYPO CONTEST

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS TYPO CONTEST

It's been a long time since we had a contest here at ASK GREG, so here we go:

There are two typos in my new novel RAIN OF THE GHOSTS that make me crazy - especially since they were both things I caught, which should have been corrected. (Most mistakes were corrected, but these two were not.)

Since there are two typos, I'm expecting two winners. So the first person to find each of these typos will receive a free signed copy of the book AND copies of the inspirational art drawn by Kuni Tomita, which we used to help sell RAIN OF THE GHOSTS to Nickelodeon back in the late 90s. (The series was indeed sold, but they ended up pulling the plug.)

[A caveat: I'm looking for two specific objective errors, which are the only two I'm aware of in the book. If you find another error that I've missed, I am theoretically willing to issue more than two prizes. But I reserve the right to decide for myself if it is an actual error as opposed to a stylistic choice or something along those lines. My decisions will be final.]

If you are searching a hard copy of the book, please indicate page number and be very specific about the error. I'm aware that some of you may be reading the book on Kindles, iPads and the like, where page numbers aren't clearly identifiable. If that's the case, indicate the chapter number and carefully count the number of paragraphs from the top of the chapter where you believe the error has occurred. If you're looking at a pirated copy of the book, please be aware that those copies contain many errors that were corrected in the final product. Those errors will not be awarded prizes, obviously.

And if you don't know where to find the book to search, try asking for it at your local bookstore. They can always order it for you. Or of course, you can order it online:http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377806211&sr=8-1&keywords=rain+of+the+ghosts

Good hunting!!