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Jurgan writes...

I just wanted to thank you for something else. Your lengthy rambles are what got me to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and from there most of Whedon's other work. Thank you so much for that- I have experienced many hours of enjoyment thus. I was surprised that you haven't commented on any of his post-Firefly work, as far as I can tell from searching the archives. If you don't mind, assuming you've seen the following, what did you think of:

1. Dollhouse?
2. The Avengers?
3. Cabin in the Woods?

Thanks again! Oh, and I've completely missed the boat on Young Justice, but I may be getting season 1 for Christmas. I'll let you know what I think!

Greg responds...

Please do.

1. I watched all of Dollhouse and will admit to mixed feelings. But it was long enough ago that I don't think I remember it clearly enough to speak to what exactly wasn't working for me. (And there was a lot I liked about it too.)

2. Great. There are little things I could quibble with, but in general, great.

3. Haven't seen it.

Response recorded on December 23, 2012

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Khayyaam writes...

Hey Greg. I'm wondering if you've seen Arrow, the recent Live-Action series about Oliver Queen. Personally, I liked it a lot, especially with the focus on the character's civillian identity rather than his antics as a vigilante.

If you've seen it, what did you think? Did you like some of the ideas they had?

And I know you're a fan of Black Canary, which is also why I asked, since Laurel Lance is a major supporting character. Did you like what they did with her?

Thanks for taking the time to ask all these questions!

Greg responds...

I haven't seen it.

Response recorded on December 12, 2012

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celestia writes...

Hey Greg! I think you adviced people that wanted to become writters to read great literature and the classics.

Beyond Shakespeare (who is a must read :) ) What kind of literature would you recomend for this purpose?

Greg responds...

Homer, for sure.

Cervantes.

Austin.

Dickens.

Hardy.

Faulkner.

Even Hemingway.

The list of authors are probably endless. Personally, I'm a big fan of mysteries/detective stories, and my favorite author in that genre is Ross Macdonald, who I believe transcends the genre. I also like James M. Cain, Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, Michael Connelly and Maj Sjöwall & Per Wahlöö, to name a few.

I'd scarf up myths and legends. Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Arthurian, etc., etc., etc. And I wouldn't just limit myself to Western Culture. Chow down on the stories of the far east, of the mid-east, of aboriginal peoples everywhere...

Read NEWSPAPERS.

History books. Biographies. Some are deadly dull, but others are fascinating.

Anyway, that should keep you busy for awhile.

Response recorded on December 05, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

Did it amuse you that the main villain in season six of Dexter was named Travis Marshall?

Greg responds...

It REALLY did! Or in any case, it freaked me out a little.

Response recorded on December 04, 2012

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Tyler Reznik writes...

Hello again, Mr. Weisman.

I know you've previously stated that you don't play video games, but I was wondering: what's your opinion on video games as a story-telling medium?

Greg responds...

I'm all for it.

Response recorded on December 04, 2012

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Sammy writes...

I just wanted to say I love all th puns on your show! I especially love the Powerpuff Girls pun in "Darkest" or rather, the Rowdeyruff Boy reference xD

Greg responds...

Not that I don't love the Powerpuff Girls and the Rowdyruff Boys, but you do realize that that nursery rhyme WAY pre-dates that show, right?

Also, it's not a pun.

Response recorded on December 03, 2012

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Toasthider writes...

Hi Greg,
I was wondering if you read Hellboy at all? It just occurred to me recently that the use of folklore and mythology in the series is kind of in the same vein as Gargoyles!

Greg responds...

I've read some Hellboy and seen both movies. I see some overlap, though we did Gargoyles long before I read any Hellboy.

Response recorded on November 30, 2012

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Smallville fan writes...

Hello Greg I just wanted to apologize for my superman complaining and ask some questions regarding him.

As a fan I am a bit tired of writers using him just to make batman look cool.I think he is a great character, that few people are actually able to write well (many writers complain that he is too powerful).

When I saw him treating superboy as a brother. I regretted every word I said. You gave is a flawed yet true to the character that is Superman.

On to my questions!

1.-Do you think it is possible to write a superman show as great as past batman shows have been?
2.-Have you considered a superman show?
3.- How has superman survived against lex Luthor. I know superman is the super powered one... But he is too nice and naive while Lex is perhaps as smart as Xanatos.

Thank you for your time!

Greg responds...

1. Yes.

2. Not specifically, since I don't own Superman, it's not up to me. But I'd be game to try.

3. Observe for yourself.

Response recorded on November 30, 2012

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Ky writes...

Concerning the titles of the next two episodes in Young Justice Invasion ("Darkest" and "Before the Dawn"), I was wondering if they were a reference to the song Shake It Out by Florence and the Machine or if that was just a pure coincidence?

Greg responds...

"It's always darkest before the dawn." is a very old phrase that pre-dates both our series and the birth of Florence or the Machine.

Response recorded on November 29, 2012

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Clark Cradic writes...

Any characters that you don't like that everyone else you know seems to love? Doesn't have to be DC, it can be any character in general.

Greg responds...

Um... none spring to mind this second.

Response recorded on November 29, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

I you ever thought of creating a young justice like TV show for the marvel universe?

Greg responds...

It's not up to me.

Response recorded on November 29, 2012

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Kyle Reece writes...

I was wondering, was Blade a possible inspiration for Macbeth's modern design?

Greg responds...

No.

Response recorded on November 06, 2012

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btgr writes...

Have you watched Mission: Impossible 3 or Die Hard 4? I only asked because Maggie Q starred in both of those movies. BTW I actually have Mission: Impossible 3 on DVD.

Greg responds...

Um... I don't think I've seen M:I 3. I think I have seen DH4, but it was a while ago. I do watch Nikita every week.

Response recorded on October 29, 2012

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Mirage (I had hippie parents) writes...

Greg, I have three questions for you!

1.) How did you catch the comic fan bug?

2.) If you could have dinner with any superhero, what would you serve? (dessert included)

2.)

3.) with the Avengers out soon, and the success of countless tv shows including Young Justice, What do you think it is about comic books that is so intriguing and fasinating to people?

Greg responds...

1. By reading comic books.

2. I don't know. I know the question's meant to be fun. But my brain just doesn't work like that. Sorry.

2.

3. Archetypes.

Response recorded on October 09, 2012

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Mr. Curious writes...

Out of curiosity, Mr. Weisman,

Have you ever considered doing a Marvel animated series which could take place in 2099 (or whatever year it would now be in that then-alternate future)?

Greg responds...

I haven't. But I'd be willing. It is, of course, NOT UP TO ME!

Response recorded on October 03, 2012

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Captain Fan writes...

Someone in a Captain Action discussion group, found a clip from a Gargoyles episode entitiled "Eye of the Beholder". There is a brief appearance by Action Boy, who is the sidekick of Captain Action, a 1960's action figure from Ideal toys. His emblems were blacked out, I'm sure for copyright purposes. I was wondering if someone envolved with the show was a Captain Action or Action Boy fan. Anyway, it was a cool thing to see.

Greg responds...

I have no memory of this, I'm afraid.

Response recorded on September 12, 2012

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Old Fan writes...

What other cartoons are watching right now and would recomend?

Greg responds...

Green Lantern is the only cartoon I have time to watch these days, I'm afraid. And I would definitely recommend it.

Response recorded on September 12, 2012

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Anonymous writes...

1. Besides being a butler for the Wayne family, what else is known about Alfred’s early life before he became a butler?

2. In the film Batman Begins, there was a line spoken by Rachel Dawes, a childhood friend of Bruce Wayne. I can’t remember the exact words, but I think she said, “It’s not about who we are, but what we do that defines us.” Given what happened on “Usual Suspects,” was the lesson you wanted us to learn from that episode was loosely based on that quote from the movie?

Greg responds...

1. Plenty.

2. It wasn't at all based on the movie quote - which I'd completely forgotten - though the sentiment was similar. (It's not like that's a new lesson in pop culture. For example, Gandalf says a more memorable version - to me, at least - of the same thing to Frodo in "The Fellowship of the Ring".)

Response recorded on September 04, 2012

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kitty writes...

1- Are you a fan of the x-men and if you are who´s your favourite character,writer and story arc?

Greg responds...

1. I'm a fan of the X-Men, but I haven't read anything recently - except Joss Whedon's run. I loved the original Lee/Kirby stuff, of course, and Roy Thomas' work with various artists, and I was really hooked on the Claremont/Byrne stuff.

Response recorded on September 04, 2012

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Miten dama writes...

Have you seen batman year 1 and if you
have what did you think of the movie

Greg responds...

I haven't seen it.

Response recorded on August 29, 2012

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Codeman1992 writes...

Hi Mr. Weisman, I just wanted to give you props on developing one of the most interesting and creative superhero series on television. Young Justice is one of the greatest superhero series I've watched. I put it up there with the great Batman The Animated Series and all the Timmverse Shows. So, like I said before, I give you props and you are a extremely well versed writer and it's proof in your work. With the new Spider Man movie coming out soon, I've noticed it's very reminiscent of The Spectacular Spider man. At least in the case of turning Gwen into a potential love interest in High School, who both her and Pete intern somewhere. That's my first question, have you noticed that? My second question is regarding The Spectacular Spider Man. I'm in my Spidey Obsession phase and always turn to your show whenever I'm in that phase. Since there's not gonna be a Season 3 of the show, can you drop any potential storylines or where the show was gonna go after the finale of Season 2? I know this is really long, but I'm a huge fan and hope I can be as great of a writer as you are one day. Thank You Mr. Weisman for your time.

Greg responds...

1. I did notice similarities, but we're all working off the same source material, so there are bound to be similarities.

2. ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on August 23, 2012

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EXALT writes...

1)Have you seen any of the movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Iron Man-The Incredible Hulk-Iron Man 2-Thor-Captain America: The First Avenger)? If yes, what do you think of them?
2)Have you seen Joss Whedon's The Avengers (It's not out yet, but it'll probably be when you'll answer this)?

Greg responds...

1. Yes. And I'm generally, a fan. I like some better than others, but they've all been fun.

2. Yes. And I enjoyed it - a lot.

Response recorded on August 16, 2012

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Clark Cradic writes...

Is there any character from a comic, book, movie, or other form of media that you just don't like but everyone else seems to?

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on May 16, 2012

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Megen writes...

So this doesn't really have anything to do with Young Justice (which is soooo good, definetly in my top 5 favorite tv series, and thats saying something cause i watch a lot of tv. xD ) but are you a Dr. Who fan? It's a stupid question, i know, but i think that i saw that you were somewhere..... Whose your favorite Dr.?? Mine's the 11th! :)

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on May 07, 2012

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Blizzard Sprite writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman.

My questions today are more closely related to television programming. So here goes.

1. Have you viewed the new ThunderCats on Cartoon Network that debuted last year? Assuming so, what did you think of it?

2. Have you viewed any of the original episodes of the ThunderCats cartoon? Assuming so, what is your opinion of the old show, and how do you think it compares to the latest incarnation?

3.The original ThunderCats cartoon met the 65 mark episode needed to go into syndication, and produced episodes beyond it. While many of the new episodes were entertaining, I could not help but notice, in my opinion, a decline in certain qualities of the show. One of the areas hit hardest, in my opinion, was the writing in the episodes. This seemed to manifest itself in terms of more predictable scenarios occurring, less creative solutions to the problems that arose and eventually lackluster storylines. ThunderCats wasn’t the only show to suffer from this though. Cartoons like Captain Planets, which also surpassed the 65-episode mark, began to experience a bit of a lag, and lost many of the original voice actors/actresses who made their characters so exceptional.
4. So my question is what exactly happens to a show behind the scenes after moving beyond syndication? Is a show’s storyline only plotted out for 65 episodes and not expected to pass it? Or does the writing team have to brainstorm an entirely new set of ideas for episodes beyond? Are new writers assigned to the program or the old ones retained? Are the initial voice actors/actresses replaced with new people, choose not to renew their contract or different causes altogether?

Thanks for the time.

Greg responds...

1. I haven't had time to see it, but I really like the people involved with it.

2. I did a long time ago, when I was working on a single script for a different reboot that didn't see the light of day. But you need to understand that I never saw it when it first came on, so I have no nostalgia for it.

3. I just have no opinion on this. I only saw a handful of episodes.

4. Every case is different. And obviously, I have no idea what went on with ThunderCats.

Response recorded on May 07, 2012

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Blaise writes...

Hey Greg! It's been a while. Glad to see you busy, and "Young Justice" is great!

Anyway, I just saw in one of your answered questions that you're a fan of "Doctor Who."

I've actually been working my way through the ENTIRE series (both Classic and New) in airing order for a while now, thanks to a friend of mine who is a HUGE "Doctor Who" fan (mostly of the classic series). So that's why I find myself asking the following questions:

1) Are you more familiar with the New series (2005-present), or the Classic series (1963-1989)?
2) Do you have a favorite/preferred Doctor? If so, who?
3) What appeals to you most about the show?

Thanks!

Greg responds...

1. New, almost exclusively. Though I've seen the very first two episodes of the classic series, and a handful of others.

2. Christopher Eccleston, I guess. But I haven't disliked any of the others I've seen - though there are entire Doctors I've never seen more than a still picture of.

3. I actually admire how it plays so fast and loose with its own rules, but still makes it work somehow with a combination of tone and character and great twists.

Response recorded on May 04, 2012

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Zach Baker writes...

Hey Greg!

I recently saw this line from an interview with Steven Bochco in the early 80's, talking about Hill Street Blues (which currently has its first two-and-a-half seasons on Hulu Plus, by the way):

"Maybe the biggest problem with Hill Street, in terms of popular success, is that it is a show that demands to be watched. And most people do not watch television. They simply are in its presence."

I love that quote. What an insightful way to encapsulate about what was essential and great about Hill Street Blues, without going into all the details of what made it so outstanding. Just leave at this: unlike nearly anything before it, in many ways it was a show that demanded to be watched. I think that characteristic also applies to Gargoyles as well, no doubt due to the major influence Hill Street Blues had on the show (as you've often mentioned).

Nowadays, that quality, of being a show that "demands to be watched," is characteristic of so many excellent shows that appear on HBO, Showtime or AMC (before hitting DVD boxsets and iTunes), places where popular success isn't the one and only yardstick. And again and again, we've seen how this kind of series can flourish in the atmosphere of creative freedom offered by these outlets.

Can viewers hope that someday soon, that kind of environment will produce an animated serial drama that has the same level of quality, complexity and acclaim as these channels' current headline series? If so, what might it take for that to happen?

Greg responds...

Hey, Zach. Long time no see. I'd heard that quotation about Hill Street before, and couldn't agree more.

I appreciate you think Gargoyles falls in the same category. It's flattering and certainly what we strived for. I don't pretend that we were as good as Hill Street Blues, but no one can accuse us of not going for it.

As to your question, I like to think that W.I.T.C.H., Spectacular Spider-Man, Young Justice and Young Justice: Invasion also qualify. At least at Gargoyles' level. So I think it's already possible. But that's just my - apparently not so - humble opinion.

Response recorded on May 03, 2012

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Anthony Tini writes...

Greg,

What did you think of the latest season of Dexter ? Did you enjoy it? [Spoiler]Unfortunately, I read an online review after the first episode aired where the reviewer suggested that the Dr. Geller wasn't alive so that ruined the big reveal later in the season.[/Spoiler] I wish I was able to watch the show not knowing what I had read. I might have enjoyed the season more if I had figured it out on my own.

I was happy that they were tackling Dexter's issue with religion and I thought that the character of Brother Sam was a good method to do it since the show kept me guessing whether he was a good or bad. I didn't enjoy the whole Doomsday killer due to being spoiled, but I did like that his name was Travis Marshall. (I like Gargoyle's Travis Marshall better.)

I read that a lot of people were bothered by the way that Debra/Dexter were handled this season. I didn't mind it, but I don't think it was needed. Will her "increased" feelings really be a factor proceeding the events of the finale? I look forward to finding out.

Good luck with rest of Season 1 and Season 2 of Young Justice. I'll be watching. Take care.

- Tony

Greg responds...

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS

I did kinda feel like the Debra thing came out of left field for me a bit. But I think they played it fairly well, and Erin and I mostly really enjoyed the Season.

Response recorded on May 01, 2012

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EXALT writes...

1)Why is Dinah Lance/Black Canary your favourite DC character?
2)Who is your favourite Marvel character and why?
3)Do you happen to know Brandon Vietti's favourite DC character?

Greg responds...

1. To some extent, I'm not sure I have an answer to this. She just... is. But I think it's a combo of factors. Part of it, I'm sure, goes back to the adolescent boy in me that just thought she was hot. (I'm not necessarily proud of this, but I'm not ashamed of it either.) She's a strong, beautiful woman, who holds her own in the company of folks like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, etc. - even without any super-powers. (And you need to keep in mind, I'm old enough to remember a Black Canary who didn't even have a Canary Cry.) She's developed over time into a leader. I also REALLY like her relationship with Green Arrow (though I haven't always liked the way some writers and editors have portrayed it.) I love the martial arts skills, and I love (and even miss a little) her original undercover m.o., i.e. the way she operated as a criminal underworld figure, secretly working on the side of the angels. I mean, the lady kicks ass! What's not to like? Then add in the fact that one of my very first assignments at DC in the eighties was to write a Black Canary mini-series (that never got published). So I feel a personal connection to the character also.

Now, having said all that, there are a TON of DC Heroes that I really love. Black Canary is the first among equals, really.

2. See the last sentence of my previous answer. I don't feel like there's a single character that stands out in the same way for me over at Marvel, though there are many, many, many that I love. Of course, working on Spectacular Spider-Man gave me an insight into Peter Parker that almost qualifies. (Same with Flash Thompson, actually.)

3. Nope, but you can ask him on his website: http://brandonvietti.blogspot.com/

Response recorded on March 23, 2012

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

I was wondering your opinion on the New 52. Not the execution, I have a hunch you don't have the time to read much of any of it, but the idea of it.

Although I have found a few books I really like, in general I object to heaving aside continuity and trying to rejam the history back into a too short time frame while wiping out character development. The idea of accessibility is a red herring because if they were capable of sticking to self contain arc inviting to new readers they wouldn't need a reboot to do so. Then again, I came into comics after Crisis on Infinite Earths and am conditioned into thinking it was necessary.

Greg responds...

As you noted, I have NOT had the time to read the New 52, so I will not comment on that specifically. Whether or not it works creatively depends more than anything else on execution. Since I haven't seen the execution, I can't respond to how it works creatively. But I KNOW that commercially it's been a HUGE hit. I like to believe that it wouldn't have done quite so well, if it wasn't executed well too.

But generally, on the idea of reboots, I do have a handful of thoughts:

1. I don't want to be a hypocrite. When we started Spectacular Spider-Man and again on Young Justice, we were effectively doing a continuity reboot. I feel when adapting something to a new media, that's essential, but it doesn't change the fact that (a) we did it and (b) I was relieved to be able to do it. Relieved to be able to jettison elements that I felt didn't work or were redundant or confusing, etc. Our goal, particularly on Spider-Man, was to come up with something Classic, Cohesive, Coherent, Contemporary and Iconic. So how can I object if the comics themselves want to do this?

2. In the end, whether or not either SpecSpidey or YJ was/is successful depends on our execution of our ideas, additions and cullings. I like to think both shows are successful, but that's a judgement each individual viewer would have to make for him or herself.

3. I was working on staff at DC Comics during the publication of the original Crisis on Infinite Earths. In fact, during my very first editorial meeting, I raised the question as to why we weren't starting ALL our books over (with the numerical exceptions of Detective and Action Comics) with issue #1. I remember very clearly a collective groan rising up from the conference room table. (They had dealt with this question for months before my arrival.) On the one hand, they wanted Crisis to be a real sea-change, a true reboot (before we knew that term). On the other hand, if you truly reboot Batman, then Robin doesn't exist yet. No Robin, no other sidekicks either. So no Teen Titans. And at the time, the New Teen Titans was the company's best selling book.

4. So the end result was that some things got rebooted and some did not.

5. This was complicated by the fact that certain creators came late to the party, and certain characters got reboots too long AFTER Crisis.

6. And so, as a READER, I couldn't help feeling that - rather than simplifying the continuity - Crisis made it more complicated. This will happen in general, naturally, as time passes and more and more comics are produced by a variety of creators and editors, but Crisis seemed to exacerbate the problem for me personally.

7. In part this was because, I really liked the DC Multiverse. I agree that it was abused to the point of confusion. (And I think it was nuts that Earth TWO had the forties heroes and Earth ONE had the sixties heroes. Just the odd backwards numbering itself created additional unnecessary confusion.) But if limits had been placed on the number of parallel earth stories and crossovers, I think it could have been fine.

8. ESPECIALLY, if they had created a new Earth-THREE, starting over with heroes of the eighties, with Superman and Batman (being new to the hero thing but) remaining relatively constant. But with a new Green Lantern (for example) as different from Hal Jordan as Jordan was from Alan Scott.

9. But that didn't happen. And in fact, though I've read very few comics since 1996, my understanding is that reboots have hit over and over at both DC and Marvel. That negates reader trust in the worth and weight of the stories they're reading. It's more insidious than obvious. And you risk alienating old readers, even as you may or may not attract new ones. You'll always get a short term gain off of a reboot, because everyone wants to check it out. But long term...

10. And going back to my first point - which is that most everything depends on execution - I personally didn't love the execution of some of the post-Crisis rebooting. Some people may have loved it. And that's totally legit. But some of the rethinking on certain individual characters didn't work too well for me.

11. Though personally I think the Bates-Weisman-Broderick reboot on Captain Atom from his Charlton incarnation was brilliant. ;)

12. So, personally, my feeling on reboots in general is that you either do them or you don't. You've got to be thorough and ruthless about it, or don't bother, because otherwise - long term - you're creating more problems than you're solving.

13. And still and all, ultimately, it all depends on execution.

Response recorded on February 15, 2012

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bob writes...

why did clu kill his own men on tron betrayal.

Greg responds...

I have no expertise on Tron. And I'm betting you knew that.

Response recorded on February 14, 2012

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Artemis writes...

Is the Teen Titans show coming back, or is that just a rumor?

Greg responds...

No idea.

Is that even really a rumor - or are YOU trying to start a rumor here?

Response recorded on February 10, 2012

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Todd Jensen writes...

Recently, somebody asked you if you were familiar with C. S. Lewis' work, and you said "No", apart from seeing a couple of adaptations of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". I thought that you might like to know that Lewis and Roger Lancelyn Green were friends, and that it's thanks to Green that "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" was finished and published.

When Lewis was writing "Lion", he read some of it to J. R. R. Tolkien; Tolkien had done the same to him with "The Lord of the Rings" when he was writing it, and Lewis wanted to return the favor. Tolkien thought that "Lion" was dreadful, however, and made that clear. Lewis was so saddened by Tolkien's critique that he considered abandoning the story, but first read it to Roger Lancelyn Green. Green told him, "No, this is a great story, you mustn't drop it," and his words encouraged Lewis to complete the story and get it published.

Green also included a tribute to Lewis in his King Arthur book. One of Lewis's fantasy novels for adults, "That Hideous Strength" had Merlin awakening in the modern world to help the main characters defeat an Illuminati-type organization; Lewis had Merlin sleeping beneath a forest called Bragdon Wood. In Green's "King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table", one of the places where Merlin is said to be sleeping is "beneath the Wood of Bragdon". Since you especially liked Green's book on King Arthur (and even drew on it for Blanchefleur, and Percival's parentage), I thought you might enjoy hearing about that (and I hope the Wood of Bragdon wasn't on your list of places for King Arthur and Griff to visit during their search for Merlin, since it was Lewis' invention!).

Greg responds...

I did not know about the Green/Lewis connection. I did know about Tolkien/Lewis, but this is great additional info. Thanks.

Response recorded on February 10, 2012

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Onesweetsuprise writes...

I heard somebody asked Dwayne McDuffie this question about Ben 10, so I'll ask you 'cause I'm curious.

If you could have Young Justice crossover with any other TV series, what would it be?

Note: By any TV series, I really mean ANY. X)

Greg responds...

My mind just doesn't work that way, really. But I guess... hmmm.... we've already kinda crossed over with Super-Friends, so...

I'll say Scooby-Doo.

After all, we've got meddling kids and a big dog and a neat vehicle to go around and solve mysteries. It's a perfect fit.

I mean wouldn't you just love to see Fred, Daphne, Shaggy, Velma and Scooby as reimagined by Phil Bourassa?

(Actually, I'm cheating. This is totally Brandon's idea.)

Response recorded on February 09, 2012

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Phoenician writes...

So the story behind this ramble actually goes back two years, starting when I first read your Ramble on EQUIVOCATION:

http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?rid=817

Regrettably I would not have the chance to attend the Oregon Shakespeare Festival that year, dedicating my travel expenses to the last Gathering in Los Angeles. Before I go any further, can I say that I am quite jealous that you and your family go every year to Ashland? Because I am d:

Anyways, it didn't hit me until about month or so later that I could simply buy a copy of the script just as you had mentioned doing. A thorough look at (and a telephone call to) the OSF's Tudor Guild Gift Shop revealed they had quickly sold out of their entire supply, and that odds were, it'd be a while till they got more, if ever. Of course, by the time I DID check back with them, the OSF was done foe the season and Equivocation was not being performed again in the near future.

Fast forward to summer 2011, where I stumbled upon a copy of the play script at my old college in Los Angeles. I don't know how the conversation started, but the person I was talking to mentioned that the school was trying to get permission to perform the play that school year!

But before I allowed myself to get excited, I remembered I was only in town for the week to visit some friends I hadn't seen in over a year since I graduated in May 2010. My friend sympathized that my horrible, horrible timing wouldn't have me in Los Angeles if and when they did perform the play (and especially after hearing me recite your ramble from 2009 with alarming precision) he was generous enough to let me take a script with me back home!

I tried to be patient, reminding myself that I had waited two years to find a copy and that the AskGreg queue was closed during the Young Justice hiatus, but that VERY short flight back to Phoenix was suddenly felt like an eternity. Of course, its just my luck that even though I read it back in early August, I only JUST now remembered to write this rambling as yesterday (November 5th, 2011) was Guy Fawkes Night.

So did I enjoy the play, even when I only read it as a script?

In a word: YES. :D

But one thing is for sure: I really, really want to catch an actual performance now. I won't go into too much detail here (since you've seen the play and I don't want to spoil others that might read this before catching/reading the play themselves), but I will say this play reminds me quite a bit like Shakespeare in Love (a film I also remember you writing about more than once), though its obvious that (even if Stoppard and Cain were working with the same muse) this is a noticeably older Shag than the Will we saw in the 1998 film. For one, Shag's working for the King James VI/I and not Queen Elizabeth. For another, the only person caring for him these days is the very mature Judith. Finally, he's now an established name (he'll still be remembered in, oh, fifty year's time!), though the romances and comedies seemed to have been eclipsed with his slew of historical plays, earning him the reputation of killing "more Kings than any man alive."

The various references to Shag's other plays were fun, especially Hamlet and Macbeth. Speaking of the Scottish Play, remembering what you said about how Macbeth (in the Gargoyles Universe) was a drinking buddy of Shakespeare's, I vaguely wonder how the events in Equivocation looked from his perspective. ;)

I'll also say that after briefly mentioning "Doc Shakespeare" in your Equivocation ramble, I made sure to pay close attention to Judith's interactions with Shag, if only to one day have them as a reference point in understanding the characters . . . much like I hear Roger Lancelyn Green's works are a good place to see your early inspirations for King Arthur.

I must also admit to re-reading your thoughts from 1999/2000 about how Shakespeare in Love opened a door to understanding Will as a man . . . and having missed out on the 2005 Gathering in Las Vegas, I can only imagine how you treated Will (and Judith) in Doc Shakespeare. I guess I'm just hopeful to one day see you a work of yours introduce William Shakespeare the man, be it in the Gargoyles Universe or some other original work (and references in shows like The Spectacular Spider-Man will always be fun too).

I'll end this by saying THANK YOU so much for recommending Equivocation. I look forward to watching a performance one day (may the stars align soon) and its only a matter of time before I find my way to Ashland for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Greg responds...

Well, I've seen Equivocation twice now. That first time in Ashland, and again here in Los Angeles (Westwood, specifically) at the Geffen Theatre, starring Joe Spano (from Hill Street Blues) as Shag. He was also fantastic in the part. I just love this play.

His take on Judith is different from mine, as is his take on Susannah (who doesn't appear but is mentioned). But I've got no complaints.

I do tend to shy away from portraying Will Shakespeare himself in my stuff. It makes me nervous. Even in Doc Shakespeare, Will is an off-screen presence. Talked about - but never appearing.

We do try to go to Ashland every year, and I've never been disappointed. Ashland was also the first place I ever saw Stoppard's ARCADIA, which may be one of the most brilliant plays I've ever seen.

Response recorded on February 08, 2012

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hallofjustice writes...

Greg, do you have any favourite DC couples? I'll tell you my favourites. My favourites are Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon as well as Traci Thirteen and Jaime Reyes.

Greg responds...

Dinah and Oliver is the big one for me. Then probably Bruce and Selena.

Others I've enjoyed (depending how they were written) include John and Kathy, Arthur and Mera, Barry and Iris, Cameron and Bette, Clark and Lois.

This is all historical. NONE of the above should be meant to imply anything about our plans for YOUNG JUSTICE. And for that reason I've intentionally NOT included any couples I've liked involving teen heroes.

Response recorded on February 06, 2012

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Gareth writes...

Love the work you're doing on Young Justice so far. Really enjoying the detail the animators are putting into the animation (i.e persistent mud on heroes) and your usage of macguffin plot items to damn good effect (Helmet of Fate in Revelations). Seriously, kudos to you for having the heroes actually use the gamebreaking artefact they have stored away in their trophy room. Heaven knows there're enough shows in circulation now which wouldn't dare do the same.

Question;

Was the recent reference by Red Volcano to "Meatbags" a HK-47 Star Wars reference or simply a general anti-human robot thing?

Greg responds...

I don't know what HK-47 is, so I'm guesing no.

I've seen and enjoyed Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back many times. I probably saw Return of the Jedi twice, maybe three times. I've seen Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones once each. I never did get around to seeing Revenge of the Sith.

Response recorded on February 02, 2012

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a random nobody writes...

Hey greg a couple months ago you answered a question asking about avatar the last air bender and I think you said you were near the end of book 1. So I was just wondering have you had the time to finish watching the series? And if you have finished what did you think of it?

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on December 28, 2011

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Masterdramon writes...

Hiya, Greg! Glad to see Station 8's question-asking feature back from hiatus, despite the absolute flood of "ZOMGSPOILYOUNGJUSTICEPLEEZ" comments that've come in over the past three days; speaking of which, I finally saw "Targets" in television-level quality and loved every single minute of it all over again, and simply cannot wait for "Terrors." The villains in YJ are, in my humble opinion, the single greatest aspect of this wonderful show, so I was quite ecstatic to read the summary for that one.

Anyway, I'll apologize in advance if this question grows ridiculously fanboyish, but I'd really like to follow-up on a little blurb you typed way back in March. To whit:

"I don't know about Brandon, but I've begun watching Avatar with my son Benny. We're near the beginning of Season Two. I like it. I don't know how much of an influence there's been, since we started YJ before I started watching Avatar."

Now, I don't know about anyone else, but I was pretty much reduced to happy giggles the moment I read that. Personally, I consider "Gargoyles" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (alongside several shows in the DC Animated Universe) to, together, represent the absolute pinnacle of Western television animation, and the notion of the creator of one watching the other excites me in a way I can't really describe. As such, if you'll permit me, I'd like to ask a few more questions about your experience watching this fantastic show:

1. Have you completed watching the series yet? If not, how far do you still have to go? If so, do you have any general thoughts? What do you think "Avatar" did especially well, compared to other animated shows you've watched and critiqued? Where do you think it could've been improved?

2. Do you have a favorite character or episode? I realize that you dislike being asked this question with regard to your own shows (as they're all pretty much like your children, a viewpoint to which I can certainly relate), but I'm curious as to whether you think about these sorts of things when watching shows you aren't necessarily connected with?

3. Did you and Benny discover the series together, or did he introduce it to you? The latter is pretty much what happened with my Dad and I, LOL, so I'm interested.

4. Have you seen the Comic-Con 2011 trailer for the sequel series, "The Last Airbender: Legend of Korra"? If so, do you intend to catch it when it airs in 2012, if you happen to have the time (an unlikely prospect for you, I know, but still XD)?

Aaand...yeah, I think that's enough. Thank you so much for your patience and dedication to your fanbase, and I greatly look forward to seeing what YJ has in store for us all in the coming months!

Cheers! :D

Greg responds...

1a. No. We have it on DVD, so the stuff we watch together on the DVR takes precedence, because my DVR is pretty much full to bursting... and it's even deleted some stuff that we were planning to get to because it was overloaded.

1b. Still in the middle of Season Two.

1c & d. I like it. Quite a bit, actually. But I don't think it's appropriate for me to go into detailed analysis of the work of my peers. It's one thing for me to talk about live action movies or television and/or stuff from long before I was working in the business. But it's awkward otherwise.

2. I guess I just don't think that way.

3. Benny introduced it to me. He's seen the whole thing, but enjoys rewatching it with me.

4. No, I haven't seen the trailer. I'm reluctant to watch the new series BEFORE I've finished the old one. SPOILERS, right?

Response recorded on October 31, 2011

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Another fan writes...

I would like to ask you your opinion on the new show My little pony friendship is magic. In case you haven't seen it It's a show I strongly recomend.

Greg responds...

Haven't seen it. But I've heard good things.

Response recorded on October 27, 2011

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Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...

Dear Greg, I have a comment and a question.

First, I'm sorry to hear about the vitriolic hatemail regarding Megan's catchphrase. I know comic fans are a very opinionated bunch, but this seems extreme and ridiculous. But not all of us hate it to that extreme. Do I find it annoying? At first, but it grew on me. Did I ever hate it? No. I thought you'd appreciate someone supporting your choices rather than condeming.

Now, onto some questions. As you've no doubt heard, DC is revamping their universe in September, and much specualtion is being made about what will happen. Do you think YJ will influence any changes in the mainstream comics(besides Kaldur being a supporting character in Geoff's new Aquaman series)? Would you be flattered if your show contributed to the history of mainstream DC?
As always, thanks for answering these fans questions (well, the ones that aren't fishing for spoilers)

PS- Oh, humorous note; in the newest Previews catalog, they left off half your name on the YJ comic,so apparently you're Greg Weis.

Greg responds...

I suppose I would be flattered, but I don't have any expectations of that.

Response recorded on August 19, 2011

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Cal writes...

Have you watched any episodes of Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Generator Rex and Sym-Bionic Titan? They're really great shows and they are very similar to each other in a lot of ways, oh and it would be great if you are able to writing an episode or two for those shows.

Greg responds...

I haven't seen any of them. And I'm too busy at this time on Young Justice to write on them - even assuming I was invited to.

Response recorded on July 27, 2011

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AJC writes...

Just watched Downtime and it was a great episode! I'm impressed by the amount of detail in the choreography and backgrounds, and the number of voice actors you had in the episode. While I thought cutting from scene to scene of each YJ member during their downtime would be a bit choppy, it was actually very insightful, and it made it very realistic to see each of their lives.

How do companies decide what kind of budget to give to cartoon shows? Some older cartoon shows (ie from the 90s) had worse animation as the series progressed. I noticed the even the batman's animation wasn't as good as its earlier days(although still never went that bad).

Have you or brandon watched avatar the last airbender? I feel your show is taking some cues from the show (ie, the water sorcery, the diverse locations the team travels to each ep).

I have a question about aqualad. He obviously does not live at mount justice so would he not return to atlantis when he's not crime fighting? So wouldn't that mean he sees tula and garth still? Or is he that busy?

Greg responds...

Let's answer these in reverse order.

As I've MENTIONED BEFORE, Aqualad DOES go home to Atlantis (the continent/country) between missions. He just doesn't live in the city of Poseidonis, so that, yes, a couple months had passed since he had last seen his friends. He was surprised that it had been that long. But time flies, you know...

I don't know about Brandon, but I've begun watching Avatar with my son Benny. We're near the beginning of Season Two. I like it. I don't know how much of an influence there's been, since we started YJ before I started watching Avatar.

The way companies decide on budgets is an arcane science beyond my pay grade. But guys like Brandon and myself make it our mission to squeeze as much onto the screen from whatever budget we have.

Response recorded on May 12, 2011

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Gothic-Cowboy writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman. I just wanted to ask if you'd ever seen anything about this:
http://screenrant.com/batman-gotham-high-concept-art-benm-95793/
I ask because I remember reading a previous exchange here about a theoretical Justice League Babies cartoon, which reminded me of this dropped series. I'd love to see either of those, they sound like a lot of fun, if you don't take it all too seriously (and I don't).

Greg responds...

It's all about execution.

Response recorded on May 03, 2011

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Spencer writes...

Greg,

I was curious how you would compare working with DC's collection of characters with Marvel's.

Thanks for your time,
Spencer

Greg responds...

I love 'em all. For a more complete answer, search the ASK GREG Archives.

Response recorded on May 02, 2011

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Maki P writes...

How do you feel about the idea of making a Green Lantern cartoon? (Personally I think it should exists, something like Cops IN SPACE!)

Greg responds...

I think it's a great idea. Bruce Timm and others at Warners are working on a new Green Lantern series even now.

Response recorded on April 07, 2011

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Ed Rabka writes...

There have been many forums who have been comparing Young Justice to Chris Yost's Avengers series that's coming on Disney XD. Personally, I think they're both great shows that comic book fans and the general audience can enjoy at the same time. I mean this is the first time in animation where there's a cartoon featuring the Earth's Mightiest Heroes and another one with the Justice League. Anyway, what do you think of this debate from maybe both a perspective of a comic book reader and a professional writer? Also, what do you think of Mr. Yost's Avengers series?

Greg responds...

I haven't seen Avengers, but there are a bunch of great people working on it, so I'd hardly be surprised if it was kick-ass.

I don't see much to be gained even by comparing the shows, let alone putting them in some kind of hypothetical competition. They're not even on opposite each other. And in this DVR age, what difference would it make to most people even if they were?

Anyway, if you like one of the two series but not both, watch the one you like. If you like both, watch both and enjoy each for its merits - which may have a few things in common, but are likely very different.

Response recorded on March 09, 2011

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Jurgan writes...

Thirty minutes left until the reairing of the Young Justice premiere, so I thought I'd pass the time asking a completely unrelated question.

I saw your recent response about zombies, and how you like the old-fashioned "voodoo zombies" but not the modern, post-Romero zombies. I at least partly disagree, as I feel the best zombie movies can be good vehicles for social commentary (for instance, I thought the recent Land of the Dead was a brilliant metaphor for war profiteering- on the other hand, Dawn of the Dead was probably pretty clever at the time, but criticism of shopping malls now seems hopelessly dated). But that's just a difference of opinion. I was more interested in seeing how zombies might show up in your work.

1. Did you think of Goliath in "Temptation" as a zombie? Was that intentional on your part?

2. Do you think zombies may make a more formal appearance in Gargoyles, or have you covered that ground in "Temptation?"

Thanks for reading. I'll probably write up a ramble on YJ sometime this weekend, once I've seen it.

Greg responds...

1. Loosely, I guess.

2. At the moment I have no plans, but...

Response recorded on February 07, 2011

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Baron Ultron writes...

Few thing have bugged me since cancelation of Spectacular Spider-Man.

1)Does Marvel hate Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon or not.I ask this because they are making new Ultimate Spider-Man Cartoon and Spectacular Spider-Man was canceled and there was lack of promotion in Marvel.Com(While Avengers or Super Hero Squad have many promotions).Also in one of your answers you said that Marvel are not planning to make comic book based on your show or something like that.So does Marvel hate your show or not?

2)This might be stupid question but worth a shot.Will you ever work for Marvel or Disney again due to cancelation of your show and Disney retooling Gargoyles into Gargoyles Goliath Chronicles.

3)What do you think about Avengers:Earth's Mightiest Heroes Cartoon.Do you think it is as great as Spectacular Spider-Man or bad.Also in your opinion which show is better:Young Justice or Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

4)Will you watch Ultimate Spider-Man Cartoon?And also is there a chance that you will work on Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes or some Marvel Comic Book?

Good Luck

Greg responds...

1. I hope not. Ask Marvel.

2. I'm perfectly willing.

3. I haven't seen Avengers, but Frank Paur is producing it, so I take it for granted that it's great. But in any case, I don't see YJ as being in competition with Avengers. There's room for both.

4a. No. There's no upside in me watching Ultimate. If it's great, I'll be jealous. If it sucks, I'll be frustrated.

4b. No. I'm plenty busy on YJ.

4c. I hope so. Ask Marvel.

Response recorded on January 21, 2011

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Anthony Tini writes...

Greg,

I searched the archives and also asked in the Comment Room concerning your opinion on zombies, but I didn't get an answer, so I decided to ask you. What is your opinion of them? Do you enjoy reading stories or watching movies where zombies are involved?

The reason I ask is because there is a show on AMC called the "The Walking Dead" which has been fantastic! Are you familiar with the show? Well, according to news sources, there has been talk that Frank Darabont (writer and director) and Robert Kirkman (writer and executive producer) may possibly be going with freelance writers for the second season. I think it would be great if your agent (assuming you have one) could inquire about a possible gig writing one of those episodes (assuming it is something you'd be interested in doing.)

I don't know what your schedule will be like with Young Justice next year, but I just thought of you when I was thinking of some of the great talent that could possibly be involved with that show. Thanks for taking the time to read this! Take care.

- Tony

Greg responds...

I like stories about real Zombies, i.e. those raised by voodoo or magic to serve against their will.

The modern "plague" zombies don't interest me at all. (And, in fact, I resent that they've appropriated the classic term 'zombie' and so removed it from it's original tragic meaning.) With the sometimes exception of Zombieland -- movies based on this version of Zombies seem to be an exercise in gross-out futility.

I'm clearly not the right guy for "The Walking Dead", which I have not seen.

Response recorded on December 30, 2010


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