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Anonymous writes...

1) Have you read much from the old DC Vertigo imprint? If so, what were among your favorites?
2) Do you see a realistic path towards animation becoming acceptable among the general adult population in the near future?

Greg responds...

1. I read everything prior to 1996. Almost nothing that came after. Sandman and Swamp Thing were obvious favorites, back in the day.

2. Depends what you mean by "acceptable."

Response recorded on March 23, 2017

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Gerg writes...

What are your favorite non-Big Two comics?

Greg responds...

I'm afraid I'm not reading any right now. I'm mostly only reading DC Rebirth titles now, as potential research for YJ.

Historically, I was a big fan of Love and Rockets and Cerebus and many others.

Response recorded on March 13, 2017

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Todd Jensen writes...

I thought I'd tell you that I enjoyed your recent response to the question about how the Martians in "Young Justice" feel about depictions of Martians in human pop culture as invaders (whether H. G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds" and its movie adaptations or Marvin the Martian in "Looney Tunes") - especially the bit about Martian Manhunter being bewildered by the title of "Life on Mars". It reminded me of my occasional musings over how Goliath and his clan must have responded to the way that gargoyles are depicted in pop culture - generally the bad guys (particularly in "Dungeons and Dragons"-type fantasy role-playing games) - with more sympathetic portrayals being much rarer (though I've seen a few outside the series, such as the Ultima computer games or the children's picture book "God Bless the Gargoyles"). (Though I won't ask you about the details of the Manhattan clan's response, since those probably fall in the "no spoilers" category.)

Greg responds...

Yeah, it's always interesting (if somewhat dicey) to start playing those meta-fictional games. How does Dr. Watson's published accounts of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes effect his life and methods, etc.

Response recorded on January 30, 2017

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B writes...

"I'd have to do some research, but I recall both Dark Elves and Dwarves in Norse mythology as two different species."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svart%C3%A1lfar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ni%C3%B0avellir

Greg responds...

That's a start. But I don't use wikipedia as a final source for anything.

I also have no memory what this was in reference to.

Response recorded on January 25, 2017

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Fallenlegend writes...

Hey Greg in one of your questions you answered that you thought that in part of what made Superman great was truth, justice and "the American way" so my questions are:

What is the American way for you?
Do you think superman stands up for those that aren't American.

For example I'm Mexican.

Greg responds...

I do think Superman stands up for those who aren't American. I think standing up for others - in theory - SHOULD be part of the American Way. At our best, which is rarely evident these days, the United States should SET AN EXAMPLE as a bastion of freedom, liberty and democracy. It should respect diversity. It should govern by majority rule with respect - actual RESPECT, not mere tolerance - for minority rights. It should be better than the enemy, not just in might but in right - in a very Arthurian sense. For example, I don't care if the enemy tortures people, the United States government and its representatives NEVER should. NEVER. We need to be better than that.

I believe in the ideals of the United States of America. I trust those ideals. If sometimes they bite us on the ass, then I accept that too. Because the alternative, that we fall into the gutter, is much, much worse.

That, to me, in a nutshell, is the American Way.

Response recorded on January 23, 2017

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Balrog writes...

Mr.Greg do you know Kolchak: The Night Stalker tv show

Greg responds...

Yep. Haven't seen it since it aired first run, but I saw all the episodes way back when.

Response recorded on December 20, 2016

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ND writes...

Have you watched the 'Twilight' movies? Do you dislike them?

Greg responds...

Haven't seen 'em.

Response recorded on November 17, 2016

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Roseeee writes...

How do you feel about fans becoming so passionate to the point of maybe even possessive of your work? The writers of Arrow are introducing the code name Artemis while toting the character as the same Artemis from Young Justice. She;s not, and is actually another character all together, but fans are spitting fire over it.

Greg responds...

I have to shrug to some degree.

I live, so to speak, in a glass house. With Young Justice, Brandon Vietti and I had to (GOT TO) recreate the DC Universe from scratch. We tried to be very true to the core of nearly every character and concept. But who are we kidding? We changed a ton!

The Arrowverse folks have a similar task for themselves.

In some very narrow way, I'd love if their Artemis was closer to ours. But our Artemis wasn't all THAT close to the comic book Artemis, so who am I to complain?

Now, if they adapted the Terror Twins... ;)

As for the fans, the notion that they'd be more upset about something like this than I am is odd to me. But if you do a creative job, you put stuff out into the world, knowing - even hoping - that you'll find fans to adopt it as their own. So whachagonnado?

Response recorded on November 16, 2016

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FallenLegend writes...

Show young justice
character: Superman

Eliot S margins said the following in quora about superman.

"1.-Every attempt to "de-power" him in an effort to make his stories easier to tell has been wrongheaded and ultimately damaging to the character in the short term."
"2.- He's Superman when he wakes up in the morning. Tarantino was right and Byrne was wrong."

a) Given how Superman along with everyone else has been greatly depowered ( A choice i have to applaud you as the danger and takes feel much real). Do you agree on that sentiment?
b) You mentioned in another question that Superman hides a part of himself even though it isn't as radical as him not liking pie in his different identities.

Regarding earth 16's superman, do you agree in Elliot S Maggin's interpretation in that he is superman all the time?

Link to elliot's post so you can see it's legit.

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-most-common-misconceptions-about-Superman

Thank you for reading Greg.

Greg responds...

a. It depends what you mean. If you started taking away his flight or super senses or heat vision or strength or invulnerability, I'd have issues with that. But he doesn't need to be capable of moving planets or flying faster than the speed of light, etc. His powers can be stunning without making him omnipotent. He still needs to be able to be knocked unconscious. He needs to be capable of feeling physical pain. And I hate super-cold-breath and some of the other add-on powers he's acquired over the decades. (Like super-ventriloquism or super-hypnosis.)

b. I don't think he's colloquially "schizo". (I don't think Batman is either.) The Clark Kent he presents to the world is more than an act, and less the whole truth of who he is. The Superman he presents to the world, isn't an act AT ALL, but it also doesn't represent his full truth. I believe - on Earth-16, at least - that the general public does not think Superman has a secret identity. (After all, he doesn't wear a mask.) They assume he's always Superman. And, of course, that's not the case.

I'm consciously NOT going to check out Elliot's statement. I don't know him, but I respect his work tremendously, and it definitely influenced me. But at this point, I have a pretty clear take in my head of who I believe Superman/Clark Kent is. I don't need to muddy it.

Response recorded on November 16, 2016

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FallenLegend writes...

Show: young justice

Question. I love the fact that you have kept the name Captain Marvel. However due to the fact hat Marvel owns the trademark it seems that DC is keen on changing it to "SHAZAM" instead.

1.-How do you feel about this name change?
2.- Do you think the name "captain marvel" will be retired for good in the public's mind? (besides earth16)
3.- Do you prefer "Captain marvel" or Shazam?

Thank you Greg.

Greg responds...

1. To be fair, I haven't read any of the New 52 books where the change is shown. But I don't understand it. How can his name be Shazam if that's still his magic word.

2. No clue.

3. I'm old school. See above. But it's #NotUpToMe.

Response recorded on November 16, 2016

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Hobbiton writes...

What is your opinion on Batman V Superman? Did it disappoint you?

Greg responds...

I didn't see it.

Response recorded on October 31, 2016

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Asker writes...

Hello Greg! DC's Rebirth event recently brought back Kaldur'ahm/Jackson Hyde back into the main DC universe. He's also revealed to be attracted to men and he even has a boyfriend.

Considering your previous tweet about not assuming YJ Kaldur to be straight, does the recent DC reveal have any bearing on his animated counterpart's sexual or romantic orientation?

Greg responds...

It has no bearing. Beyond that, NO SPOILERS.

Response recorded on October 28, 2016

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Jackson writes...

I'm sure you're aware, but Marvel has been churning out plenty of content with the MCU.
1. Have you kept up with the movies and shows? Or do you not go out of your way to do so?
2. Whatever the previous answer is, would you say that it's too much content?
3. What are your thoughts on the franchise as a whole, especially as another interpretation of the Marvel Universe?
4. Do you think doing a direct adaptation of a comic book universe like with Young Justice has its advantages, or is this string of movies (and shows) the way to go?

Greg responds...

1. I've seen all the movies. I'm about a year behind on SHIELD, though I've DVR'd all the episodes and hope to get through a bunch of them when my son comes home from college for winter break. I've seen both seasons of Daredevil, Jessica Jones and am about halfway through Luke Cage. I haven't seen any of the animated content.

2. No.

3. Generally, I love it. I'm not saying it's perfect, but their track record in movies is astounding. Some I think are truly great films. Some I just enjoy. But every single one, starting with the first Iron Man movie entertained. SHIELD has been a mixed bag, but I enjoy watching it with my wife and son. (My daughter's not into it.) I've enjoyed Daredevil, loved Jessica Jones, and I've been enjoying Luke Cage, so far.

4. Young Justice is no more (and no less) a "direct" adaptation than the MCU is. I'm not sure what the contrast is in your mind.

Response recorded on October 28, 2016

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Brian Josephs (VICE, brian.josephs@vice.com) writes...

Good afternoon. My name is Brian Josephs and I'm a reporter working for VICE. I hope this message finds you in good spirits.

I'm writing you because I'm working on an article examining the furry community. A historian told me that Gargoyles has been a point of interest, and the 2014 CONvergence convention honored the 20th anniversary of the show by featuring a panel.

Are you available briefly for a phone conversation tomorrow about the experience? If so, please shoot me an email at brian.josephs@vice.com. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.

Greg responds...

Hey Brian,

You posted this in March, so I'm assuming that I'm getting to it a bit too late to be of any use. And though I welcome fandom of any fur, I must admit I don't know much about the furry community. CONvergence, for example, is not a specifically furry con. Though I'm sure some furries attend.

If you're still interested in talking with me, shoot me a tweet at @Greg_Weisman, and we'll go from there.

Response recorded on October 10, 2016

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Lylatroid writes...

If you were to play a Nintendo game or two, what would it be and why?

Greg responds...

I don't know anything about Nintendo. Couldn't name a single game with confidence.

Response recorded on October 07, 2016

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B writes...

Have you read Buffy the Vampire Slayer Seasons Eight, Nine and Ten?

Greg responds...

I read Season Eight, in a very disjointed way. Meant to sit down and read it through with more coherence after the fact, but never got around to it. And haven't yet read - or purchased - seasons nine and ten.

Response recorded on October 03, 2016

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Anonymous writes...

What are your thoughts on The Incredibles, and the fact that a sequel is in the works?

Greg responds...

I loved The Incredibles, and I have high hopes of loving any sequel.

Response recorded on September 29, 2016

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Adam Arlington writes...

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

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

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

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

Greg responds...

I haven't seen them.

Response recorded on September 22, 2016

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Jackie writes...

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

Greg responds...

I think there's a lot of hope for YJ, but not on CN.

I could be wrong, however.

Response recorded on September 16, 2016

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Jk writes...

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

Greg responds...

I was. I stopped last year. They're not for me. Generally, though, I'm open to new characters. I liked Felicity.

Response recorded on September 13, 2016

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Vincent writes...

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

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

Greg responds...

1. I liked it.

2. I've seen only a handful of Spongebobs. And I have no idea which season they were from.

Response recorded on September 12, 2016

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infernap writes...

Hey, Greg.

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

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

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

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Greg responds...

1. Eh. I always like getting paid. But I'm invested in the YJ version of the DCU. I'm not unwilling to explore another continuity. Could be fun. But I'm not dying for it.

2. It wouldn't. Brandon and I would like to maintain control of Earth-16.

Response recorded on September 12, 2016

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Mr. Chesley writes...

Hello Greg,

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

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

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

Greg responds...

1. I wasn't actually. Hadn't seen it or not much of it, really. When I got the gig, I began watching it and became a fan, particularly of Asohka.

2. I believe the scene with the Emperor is poorly edited and written. If the Emperor just keeps his mouth shut for five minutes, Luke turns to the dark side and the Empire wins. But the Emperor insists on gloating out loud, and it's that very gloating that keeps Luke from turning. Not once. Not twice. But three times. I don't mind the ewoks, by the way. Don't love everything about how they were used in the movie. But they're not my issue with that lukewarm film. I also really hate that Luke and Leia are siblings. I will go to my grave thinking that was not the original plan, and that it was an unnecessary and wrongheaded addition to the canon.

3. Of course. Huge fan. Still am.

Response recorded on September 12, 2016

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Domenic writes...

In Gargoyles, did you have any other Disney characters make any cameos?

Greg responds...

Um...

Well, there was Donald Duck. And of course, Elisa likes to dress as Disney Princess's on Halloween. She was Belle one year on the show, and Jasmine in the comics.

Nothing else pops to mind.

Response recorded on September 09, 2016

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Harlan of Ash and Foam writes...

I wondered this a while ago but only remembered to ask just now.

Being what seems like one of the few fans who enjoys both Gargoyles and Power Rangers (it's never seemed too contradictory to me to enjoy both a fun, Shakespearean adventure romp and a serialized MST3K movie), it's always felt rather bittersweet that one of my childhood loves contributed to the downfall of another. I can't blame your, heavily implied if not often directly stated, reservations about the show.

But I don't really want to confront you about that as much as I wanted to ask: given the history, it really stuck out to me that Aicaya was directly described in Spirits of Ash and Foam as a "Mighty Morphin' manatee." It's not jarring in the book's isolated context, but does seem odd coming from you. Not bad, exactly, quite the opposite: I thought it was amusing that Opie would adopt something like Power Rangers into his shorthand and was a really fun instance of characterization.

But because I feel like asking questions only I could reasonably care about,

1. Does Opie like Power Rangers, or was his word choice based more on the influence that might come from reading the thoughts of Rain, Charlie, et al.?

2. If he does, what about it do you think appealed to Opie?

3. Was Maq's Batman joke an intentional correlation to Opie's reference, them sharing some shared affection for superheroes as some characterization point, or were they both just coincidental larks?

Greg responds...

1. I think it would amuse him.

2. The goofiness.

3. Two separate references.

Response recorded on September 08, 2016


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