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POSTINGS 2008-10 (Oct)

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Brook writes...

Hi Greg,

this is the first question i post in YEARS... sure feels weird...

Anyways, with the comics being quite a success (for us - thank you so much for making this dream come true), I finally hope I got how the "spin-offs" were intentioned. Somehow I allways got the idea of them being "real" spin-offs, with as many episodess as Gargoyles. I'm happy BAD GUYS has come out in this form and this capacity, it suits the story, theme and place in the Garg-universe.

With the future of the comics being on-hiatus though, I would love to hear if you have thought of releasing the other spin-offs on potential mediums.

For example, I just read into the 2198 storyline, and it came to my mind that it would make a quite interesting computer game. Not that I want to limit my question to this, but today there are so many different ways of telling a story, that hold many opportunities in character development and storytelling (be it computer games or a youtube series or "Alternate Reality Games" for the Internet, that consist of prequels or spin-offs, as was done with Dark Knight or LOST or Cloverfield - for the film version of WATCHMEN, there'll even be an animated panel-retelling of the chapters - kind of like what is done at the Gathering with the voice-acting

I know Disney still has to give the OK, but have you ever thought about releasing one of the spin-offs on a totally different medium than Comics or TV? And if you did, would it change the "course" of the story?

I hope this is not too off, since I know you're fighting for the comics to stay alive and the DVDs to be released, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

Thank you so much,
Have a nice day.

Greg responds...

I'm always open to trying new things. But no company has approached me about it. And it isn't as simple as saying Disney would have to okay it. Of course, they would, but their okay would be contingent on being paid a considerable sum of money... up front.

Response recorded on October 16, 2008

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Jason Aiken writes...

Hey Greg,

Wanted to write in and say that I'm looking forward to reading your new comic work in the coming year.

I think you are getting the Red Tornado at a great time after what Brad Meltzer and Dwayne McDuffie have been doing with him in JLA. I am interested in seeing where you take one of the most unique characters in comics. Reading your latest responses Chuck Logan asked about when DC announces when books will be published. The best answer I can give him is to keep up with the solicits every month. DC solicits three months ahead, as I write this it is the end of August and they have previews up for November on their site. Every month, usually the 3rd Monday they release new solicits. So check their website - http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/ or www.newsarama.com for the latest and look for Red Tornado :)

I am also very interested in Mecha Nation and Progeny (or is it Prodigy.. I've seen it spelled both on various sites). I'm always interested in new characters from my favorite creators.

Also, just read Gargoyles: Bad Guys #4... wow the hang em high aftermath of the jailbreak... you couldn't get away with that in any cartoon. Very solid issue though, I'm enjoying all of the Gargoyles comics. Sad to see that #12 of the series and #6 of Bad Guys may be the last, but I have high hopes... Kingdom Comics was just formed so i doubt they would let an established comics property like Gargoyles go to waste.

I have to confess I haven't seen Spectacular Spider-Man yet... but I have all 13 episodes on my DVR... thank goodness for that invention. I plan on sitting down and checking them out soon though as I have heard nothing but good things.

Keep up the great work, you keep writing I'll keep buying.

Jason

Greg responds...

Unfortunately, DC cancelled the Red Tornado limited. It's a shame. The first issue and the designs for characters new and old, penciled by Joe Bennett, were just gorgeous. And I was very happy with the three scripts I wrote before the cancellation.

Oh, and it's Mecha-Nation and Progeny.

Response recorded on October 16, 2008

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Ricky writes...

Hi Greg,

My favorite episode is "The Mirror," not just because the acting, animation and writing are all so great, but I loved seeing Elisa as a gargoyle, and ever since I've been dying for more. Seeing as though the license hasn't been renewed, I realize it could be a while before we get new stories, but I'm not losing faith. So, I don't want to ask if it's possible that we see her as a gargoyle again, cause I'm pretty sure almost anything is possible in the gargoyles universe, so I'll put it differently:

1. How likely is it that we'll see Elisa as a gargoyle again?

2. I don't expect you to be too specific, but how far into the future (in their world, not ours) would it be? Very far in the future? Not too far? The near future?

Also, if you don't wanna answer I'd understand that too. Thanks a lot, keep up the great work!

Greg responds...

Does Delilah count?

Response recorded on October 16, 2008

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Ming writes...

I've watched the first season of Spectacular Spider-Man and let me tell you this show rocks, especially with surprises and characterizations throughout the arcs.

Are there any comic book storylines for the Spectacular Spider-Man series that you would like to do?

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on October 16, 2008

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anonymous writes...

Hello,
1.) Will we see the Enforcers back on "The Spectacular Spider-Man"?
2.) Will we see Spider-Man use his spider-tracers on the show?
3.) People have been saying on message boards of websites about which characters they want to see on your show. The ones I saw listed the most were Beetle, Carnage, Hydro-Man, Jack O'Lantern, and Tarantula. But are there some villains you are not allowed to use on your show as they might be connected to other heroes, like how Hydro-Man has also fought the Fantastic Four?

Thanks for reading.

Greg responds...

1. Yes.
2. Hopefully.
3. There are many villains from the Marvel Universe that we cannot use, and just because they once fought Spidey is no guarantee that they are an actual part of the Spider-Man license.

Response recorded on October 16, 2008

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Juan Reyes writes...

How can the Gargoyles comic be saved?

Greg responds...

Saved?

The current comic -- with single issue releases -- cannot be saved. But the trades will come out finishing both the Gargoyles Clan-Building arc and the Bad Guys Redemption arc. If those sell well enough, SLG wants to do graphic novels and will approach Disney about it. If not, I'll look for a new publisher. But again, high sales on what we have and eventually release will make finding a new publisher easier -- not to mention convincing Disney to license the book to SLG or a new publisher.

Response recorded on October 15, 2008

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Chip writes...

Sorry, I meant Crocodile...not Crodile

Greg responds...

Yeah, I got that.

Response recorded on October 15, 2008

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Chip writes...

Did Sevarius Mutate Thug with Alligator or Crodile DNA?

Greg responds...

Crocodile.

Response recorded on October 15, 2008

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Corrie "Cormak" McDermott writes...

Hello Greg,

Gosh, it's been over 7 years since I asked a question here!

First off, I'd just like to say how thrilled I am that you still continue to push for Gargoyles to reach the fans. No matter the medium! Before the comics, I lived for the "Ask Greg" section of this site, (I still enjoy reading here when time away from work and my horses allows). The comics have really been a godsend. It's always a disappointment to find your favorite show has no new material in the works, so I commend you for helping to keep Gargoyles alive and available to us all no matter what obstacle you must cross.

I'm very upset to hear about the license situation with the comic, but I have not given up hope for the future spin offs and further stories.

I'd guess you write timelines and probably have notebooks and computer documents full of continuing ideas. Have you ever thought about doing an encyclopedia/compliation with all of the characters, places and events as well as future events you have outlined? (Obviously with Disney's approval of course)

I apologize if the question has already been asked. I searched the archives and didn't see a mention. (There are alot of pages!)

Best of luck, keep up the good work and Long live the Gargoyles!

Greg responds...

I've thought often about it. No publisher has ever expressed any interest.

Response recorded on October 15, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

You mentioned that one of your new dogs is named Hermione. Was she named after the Hermione of Greek mythology (the daughter of Menelaus and Helen of Troy), of "The Winter's Tale", or of the Harry Potter series?

Greg responds...

I don't know. She came with the name Hermione from Daphneyland, the basset hound rescue ranch.

See http://www.daphneyland.com/

Response recorded on October 14, 2008

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Blaise writes...

GARGOYLES
BAD GUYS
LOUSE

There were a number of scenes in this issue that just made me say, "Oh...my god."
The first one was, of course, the revelation of the "New Mutates." This is shocking, because we've seen at least three of them (Tasha, Benny, and Thug) as humans. It becomes even more shocking because of the nature of their mutations. The original Mutates, despite having six working limbs and enough eel DNA to channel electricity, don't seem anywhere near as strange as these four. Perhaps that's because their main body ("anthropomorphic big cats" if you will) is still...I don't know. Beautiful? Acceptable? My point is, in comparison what happened to these four seems even more outlandish and strange. Tasha at least is a mammal (albeit not a pretty one), but Thug is now reptilian, and so is Erin I think (a turtle with hair it looks like). But Benny's the weirdest out of all of them. HE'S A FRICKEN' INSECT! How the hell did Sevarius manage that? You know, it's strange--out of all the things I willingly suspend my disbelief for, this one takes the cake. Are insects even considered vertebrates? Still, if Sevarius can isolate and manipulate the genetic code for hexopodial limbs, I guess it's not too much of a stretch for him to do this, too.
The next shocking thing would seem to be the kids' reactions to their predicament--they don't seem that phased. Benny actually seems somewhat proud of being a "roly-poly bug." Erin is more interested in arguing with her brother.
The final shocking thing about this scene to me is...those are GREG'S KIDS! Good god, man! What did they do to you? ;-)

Of course, all of these shocks pale in comparison to the suicide. It's a very powerful scene (despite, or maybe because, we don't see the noose or anything). The shocked reactions of the squad (minus the largely emotionless Matrix), and the reactions of Thug and the kids are well done. Poor Benny can't hug Thug, so he goes into the wood louse version of a fetal position. As if they weren't traumatized enough--homeless, then mutated, now witness to a suicide. I ask again: Greg, what the HELL did your kids do to you?!
Unfortunately, "Fridge Logic"--what you think about after the fact, usually while looking through your fridge for a snack--leaves me wondering how exactly she hung herself.
At any rate, those were the big ones for me. The rest of my impressions will be listed, more or less in the order they occurred.

Fang takes out the robot with a double blast of both gun and electricity. Nice. I liked the "Gigantor" reference.

I love Fang's expression in the 4th panel of page 3. I knew that Fang would get a cliff-hanger, but I never thought the (apparent) threat would be from Yama. Given later (earlier) events, that resonates all the better, though.

"5 Days Ago." Wow...that doesn't sound like a lot of time in the grand scheme of things, does it?

Fang's line about sending Robyn packing "in pieces small enough to pack" made me go "Yikes!"
I wonder if Robyn quite took in the irony of her life being saved by a gargoyle.

I was tickled to get a confirmation that a gargoyle's sense of smell is better (or at least more sensitive) than a human's. Yama knows Fang isn't a gargoyle just by the scent. "Fish," eh? I wonder if that's from Fang's genetic make-up, or his diet.

I was a bit surprised when Yama's attack seemed to knock out Fang. Of course, it didn't.

Matrix and Dingo are fun! I found Matrix's line about "taking matters into my own nanobots" a rather interesting twist on the old phrase.

I'm ashamed to admit that I had forgotten that Sevarius knew Robyn previously.

It never occurred to me that the client Sevarius spoke of might be someone we knew until others mentioned the possibility. Whether it is or not, this new client has certainly helped the good doctor out--right down to apparently providing a lab with holding cells in New York's sewer system (how many "Labyrinths" do they have down there?).

As others have mentioned, we now know what motivates Sevarius: science, money, and...DRAMA!!!!! That last part actually becomes important to the plot, what with Sevarius's device set to go off at exactly midnight and no way to speed it up (much to Fang's annoyance). Of course, mutating all the people in times square, while dramatic, also seems a little...stupid. I mean, cameras are rolling, police are there..is no one REALLY going to notice thousands of people spontaneously mutating? But screw logic, this is...DRAMA!!!!!
He even numbers the carrier virus after the new year number (1997).

And now the term "gargate" is cannon. Sevarius wonders what would happen to a human mutated with gargate DNA, and vice versa...and I'm wondering how many of us, like Matt, have paused to consider that, over the years.
The reactions are intriguing. Robyn is disgusted (maybe even afraid?). No matter how she interacts with Yama, the old prejudice still has it's hold. Yama, on the other hand, just calmly inquires into the identity of the "donor." That surprised me--when it's a normal animal, nobody inquires beyond species, but with a sentient questions of identity arise. We learn the name of the gargoyle (and with it, one of the uses the samples are maybe being put towards), but Sevarius never mentions the human.

Dingo (wearing Matrix) saves the day! Hands up everyone who saw that coming.

Oh that Sevarius.... As soon as they left him in the cell, with that smug look on his face, I knew he'd escape somehow. Tasha immediately jumps on the idea that now Sevarius HAS to cure them. Poor lady....

Spot the cameo in Times Square! Naturally, we have Brendan and Margot. Tri Chung, and I guess his little brother Terry, are there as well. And Karine's roster of garg-fans.

I understood that Fang's electric attack reset Dingo's memory back a couple of seconds on the first incident. As if Dingo didn't need another reason to be wary of joining with Matrix.

"Damn drama." No, I will not get tired of every minor profanity that shows up in these books! Of course, the suicide will kind of steal the thunder....

"Flamin Gallah." We just don't use that insult enough.
Poor Dingo, though. His partner made a logical decision (and a good impression of the New Year's Ball) that left him in free fall. And even though Hunter saves him, his momentum is enough to swing him face-first into a wall. By the handkerchief a few panels later, I guess he got at least a bloody nose.

Love the Eyrie Building in the back ground.

Go Yama! I wonder how Fang's attacks hold up against Taro's electric fans.

I enjoyed the dicotomy between Fang's first reaction to Tasha's death, and his immediate switch to a joke (in extremely poor taste). A defense mechanism, I guess. Not a good one, since it nearly gets him beheaded. Fang's enthusiastic support of Dingo's "He's not worth it" line is in character and extremely funny. Hunter's reaction intrigued me the most, though. Her expression when Yama tries to kill Fang, and then her calming Yama down by...whispering something in his ear.
Great, as if "What the #$^& did Titania whisper" wasn't enough, now we've got "What the #$^& did Hunter whisper." You better answer ONE of those SOON, Greg! ;-)

Now Dingo gets some confirmation that Hunter isn't the top dog, after all. I wonder if her boss's interest in Thug and the kids was altruistic or pragmatic.

"Guess who made the team!" Fang almost seems like a high schooler who just made running back. The rest of the team seems less than thrilled, especially Yama (who's furious).

Good one. And definitely making use of the medium.

Greg responds...

My kids chose the animals they wanted to be mutated into. I was both surprised and somewhat proud of their interesting and pragmatic choices. I built the armor theme around their choices.

The lab that Sevarius is using is part of the old Cyberbiotics complex. (It isn't called a labyrinth for nothing.)

And of course people would notice.

Terry and Tri are first cousins.

The answer to what Hunter whispered is (I think) so obvious in the context of the issue, that I'm NEVER going to reveal it.

Response recorded on October 14, 2008

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Litwolf writes...

Review of Bad Guys #4 Louse:

It's nice to see that Fang didn't desert. And Yama, the mountain. He's certainly as quiet as one. Not that Fang deserves any thanks see as he probably just decided he had a better chance of surviving the robot attack if he stuck with the Squad.

Then comes the flashback, picking up right where we left off. Are you sure Fang wasn't mutated with a possum? Cuz he plays dead like one.

I know what Dingo's thinking: "Why didn't Matrix pull off that trick hours ago?" ^_^

And four new mutates. Pretty damn scary. Though Im glad Benny and Erin were lightening things with their Roly-Poly/Pill-Bug debate. And it's even scarier to see Sevarius going to a larger scale of mutation.

Yama made me laugh, with how he wanted to know which gargoyle and human DNA Sevarius was playing with. Now I wonder two things:

(1) If he had Angela's DNA from the Loch, why didn't he clone her when Demon and Thailog were ordering clones of the Clan? Why mix Demon and Elisa when he had some Angela laying about?
(2) Who is the human DNA he has? My first thought was Elisa from when he got it on Halloween but I don't think he'd waste her DNA when Thailog seems to want it for something.

And, the Redemption Squad needs to think outside the box if they didn't think Sevarius would have a key to the lab and cells somewhere on his person. That would have been the first thing I looked for before I throw him into a cell.

It took me a little bit to realize that Fang's shocks were messing with Dingo's memory but I laughed out loud when the dots were finally connected.

Return to the lab to find Tasha. I knew how desperate she was when she kept begging Sevarius for a cure but that still chilled me.

And I gave Yama a standing ovation when he gut-punched Fang. I wanted to do so myself when he started his 'light bulb' joke.

A real eye-opening issue of Bad Guys. More Mutates, Fang on the team, Sevarius still at large with the knowledge of the mutating virus. This series is certianly keeping us on our toes!

Greg responds...

1. Sevarius is not without plans of his own.

2. He wasn't using any of the DNA Thailog acquired.

I'm sure they searched Sevarius. It can't be THAT easy.

Response recorded on October 14, 2008

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Chip writes...

Whose DNA did Sevarius intend to mutate Yama with? I have a pretty good idea...but I just wanted to confirm.

Also, thanks for placing my review in "Wanted: Posters". It tickled me, and I got to show it the guys in my comic shop.

Greg responds...

I'm not revealing this now.

Response recorded on October 14, 2008

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Janus writes...

What voice actor would you cast to play Staghart aka Amp?

Greg responds...

Alan Cumming

Response recorded on October 14, 2008

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Matt writes...

Since Sevarius was the first person in the series heard to use the term "Gargate", did he, in fact, invent this term in the Gargoyles Universe?

Greg responds...

"Coin" it might be more accurate.

Response recorded on October 13, 2008

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Anonymous writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman,
I read Mysterio and Kraven will be members of the Sinister Six in season two, which means we may see the first-ever Sinister Six roster (Doctor Octopus, Vulture, Sandman, Electro, Mysterio and Kraven) for the first time ever on a Spider-Man cartoon. I can't wait to see that! I had a few questions:

1.) Will Hobie Brown (who becomes the Prowler) speak in season two? He didn't in season one.
2.) In which storyarc of the next season does the Master Planner appear?
3.) Since you have plans for direct-to-DVD movies based on Peter's college years and will feature stories that are a bit more mature, does this mean we might see an adaptation of the "Death of Captain Stacy" story with Spidey and Doc Ock?

Thanks for your time. Keep up the great work with "The Spectacular Spider-Man".

Greg responds...

1. Not gonna spoil Season Two, guys.

2. Ditto.

3. You're way ahead of me.

Response recorded on October 13, 2008

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Matt writes...

My Review For Bad Guys #4, "Louse"...

Well, I just picked up my copy. It was the last copy on the shelf (though the clerk couldn't remember how many copies they got in, so maybe that doesn't mean much). Anyway, on to my review...

I love LOVE the 'Daily Tattler' cover. It is fun, relates to a minor series detail and most of all, it is colorful, which has been one of my main complaints about the Bad Guys covers so far, they've been too drab. So, yeah, very cool.

The content itself is spectacular. The writing is awesome. I love how the Louse theme plays throughout. What is most striking to me about this issue though is how contrasting it is. Dark at times, light at other times... I guess you could say this issue is very black and white... hahaha... But seriously, the light moments and the dark are mixed so well.
Lets start with the lighter moments I loved: Dingo and Matrix's relationship is a lot of fun to watch. I particularly loved Matrix "dumping" Dingo in Times Square and laughed out loud at Matrix as the ball dropping at midnight. Sevarius and Fang are hilarious. It can be hard at times to 'hear' the voices of some characters, but the way Sevarius is written (not to mention the spectacular job Tim Curry did with the character in the TV series) allows me to hear him so well. He is such a ham. I love how the science is fun, the money is better, but his biggest motivation is the drama. Good stuff. Fang is just fun to watch... sometimes. I found myself hating him one moment and laughing at his antics a few frames later. I guess he really puts into perspective that some jokes are funny and some are just so inappropriate. His sheepish "I'm not! I'm really not [worth it]!" and sarcastic "Guess who just made the team?!" are a lot of fun. His (again, and thankfully interrupted) lightbulb joke was so awful it almost makes me sick.
Which leads me to the darker moments. Mere hours before I went to pick up my copy of this issue, I was talking to a coworker about Gargoyles and its continuation in comic form. He is a comic fan himself and liked that the Gargoyles comic allowed the series to gain a darker edge. Of course, I found out after reading the book just how dark it has gotten. Suicide and a near-execution. Yikes. Heavy stuff. Not that I'm complaining. I love that the series is so realistic. Tasha's suicide is just so sad. But I can believe it. I can see what drove her to it. I don't think it was her only option or that she should've done it, I guess I can just sympathize. In many ways, I see Tasha as the Maggie that almost was. Maggie the Cat wanted to be human again, desperately so, but she discovered she probably never would be and it was only through Derek's support that she was able to keep going. Maybe Tasha didn't have anybody. Which makes it all the more tragic and upsetting. Fang sees the tragedy for a moment and then turns it off. Maybe he is using humor as a shield, I don't know, but making a joke like he did at that moment was one of the most despicable things in all of Gargoyles. It really made me hate him a bit. Which is why I can totally understand why someone as honorable as Yama would attack him and even feel like killing him in cold blood. I mean, Yama nearly decapitates Fang. Woah. This whole scene is so powerful and really changed my mindset on something. I used to think that the relationship between Fang and Yama would be this funny, almost brotherly, series of wise-cracks and rebuttals, but they'd always be teammates and perhaps, deep down, even friends. Now I can see that there is some very serious and ugly background here. I don't know if they will ever really get along, cooperate maybe, but friendship? It'd have to really be down the road. And my thoughts of Fang are so altered now too. He used to be a smart-ass, but now I just think he's an asshole, sorry about the language.
Anyway, for good or bad, Dingo and Hunter talk Yama down from executing Fang. We get another "whisper in the ear" moment (damn you, Greg!). I like to think that Hunter reminded Yama of his quest to regain his honor and that killing Fang in cold blood wouldn't be honorable at all. Maybe Yama thought of Sora and proving himself to her, his clan and himself.

Details I liked in "Louse":
- The close comradery between Hunter and Yama. The irony here is so fun and yet so believable. I love that Yama questions Hunter's inaction when attacked by Fang and how he calmly calls her fragile. I love the looks the give each other throughout the issue.
- I found the remark Yama makes about scents to be really interesting. We finally make clear how important the sense of smell is to gargoyles. Yama instantly knows Fang isn't a gargoyle, even though he doesn't look all that different from, say, Leo. Instead he reeks of fish, humanity and ozone, due to his genetic make-up and abilities. Good stuff. Very interesting.
- I like how Sevarius mentions the name Robyn Correy. A name I didn't expect to hear again much, but a nod toward the two meeting before.
- The new mutates are interesting. I wonder who this client is that wants an army of armored mutates? Story for another day, I suppose. Meanwhile, we get an aardvark, woodlouse, turtle and crocodile (the shape and tooth placement of Thug's snout leads me to think Sevarius used croc rather than alligator DNA) mutates. Glad the survivors are off to the Labyrinth. It'll be fun to watch what they do down the road.
- Happy to see the term "Gargate" finally used in the series and I can't blame Sevarius for wondering what would happen to a human mutated with gargate DNA and vice versa, not that I think it is a good idea to experiment, but can't help but be curious. It was neat to see Sevarius putting the cell samples he extracted from Angela in "Monsters" to use. And threatening to inject Hunter with garg DNA is one way to really piss her off apparently, not that I'm surprised.
- Dingo/Matrix's short circuits were really funny.
- Hunter's radio briefing with the mysterious "Sir" is cool too. I like how she knows that Fang isn't a good fit, probably in part because the animosity between him and Yama. I also really like how Dingo questions WHO isn't a good fit. Himself? Thug? I like that Dingo thought Thug might be joining up. Instead it is Fang, to Dingo's surprise and Yama's fury. I gotta say though that we are (for the moment) missing a scene here. I hope down the road we get to see Hunter offering the carrot and stick to Fang. I can hear him now... "Oh, maaaan!"

Awesome issue. Bad Guys continues to pull my emotions every-which way and keeps me desperate for more. Can't wait for #5!

Greg responds...

Armadillo not aardvark. Saving aardvark for someone special.

Response recorded on October 13, 2008

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Todd Jensen writes...

I'd like to thank you for the birthday present. "Bad Guys" #4 came out on August 20, my birthday, so I consider it a birthday present from you (though purely thanks to the coincidence of timing).

I'd suspected that Sevarius's plan to mutate a lot of people at one go (mentioned in the teaser at the end of #3) would involve the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, after it was revealed in #3 that this adventure was taking place on New Year's Eve (the New Year's Eve Celebrity Hockey marathon) - but I was cautious at the same time, simply because such schemes have shown up so often in super-hero cartoons. (I've seen two Batman cartoons where the villain - in one case, the Joker himself - was attempting to gas Gotham City during its equivalent of the Times Square countdown, and it seemed too much of a cliche. But then I remembered that this *is* Sevarius we're talking about, and so the idea didn't seem so improbable. I was pleased that my suspicion was correct.

While Sevarius is his usual over-the-top self, his mutating got much darker than in "Metamorphosis". For one thing, he's now including children among his victims. And then there's Tasha's suicide, which took me by surprise. I wonder who employed him to produce so many Mutates, incidentally.

Fang was his usual loudmouth self (I particularly liked his grumbling over Sevarius having to be so over-the-top as to have the virus go off at precisely midnight). And he showed how insensitive he can be when he dared make a joke about Tasha's hanging herself (I can't say I blame Yama for responding as he did). I'm not surprised that nobody on the Redemption Squad (except for the still off-stage Director, and possibly Matrix - we didn't see his response) wants him on the team.

Was the DNA sample from Angela left over from "Monsters" (when Sevarius took samples from her and thereby learned of her parentage) or from the more recent Double Date Halloween battle?

Trust Brendan and Margot to be present at the countdown (and their usual selves, too).

More Dingo-and-Matrix interaction (I liked Dingo's protest when Matrix "abandoned" him to stop the virus from escaping, and Matrix's explanation). Those two make a fun team.

I'm looking forward to #5 (whether it comes out as a single issue or as part of the trade paperback collection), and the identity of the mystery figure from Dingo's past. (I have a suspicion as to who he might be, but because of the "no ideas" rule, all that I'll say is that it has to do with Dingo's real name - and where else I've come across it before).

Once again, thank you for the birthday present, Greg.

Greg responds...

Angela's sample was from "Monsters".

Response recorded on October 13, 2008

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mike p. writes...

I think spectacular spider-man is great and probably one of the best animated series in the past 5 years. The only other series that I can think of that have equally strong plotlines, acting, and sense of continuity are those in the DCAU (DC Animated Universe) created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini. That whole shebang spun off of what was originally the standalone Batman: The Animated Series because of the commercial and critical success of that show. I already know that you're considering doing DVD movies after Spectacular Spider-Man ends it's run, but would you ever consider doing other shows set in the same self-contained Marvel Universe like that of the DCAU? Just wondering b/c I see how strong a series Spectacular Spider-Man is and can only imagine the potential for adapting other characters.

Greg responds...

And once again, the DCAU was not "created" by Timm & Dini. For starters, of course, it was not CREATED by any of these people, it was DEVELOPED. An important distinction in this business. Secondly, it was developed by a number of people, but certainly the two most important were Timm & ALAN BURNETT (who was Paul Dini's boss). I feel bad about constantly doing this, because I think it leaves the (false) impression that I've got an axe to grind against the very talented Mr. Dini, and I absolutely do NOT. Paul is phenomenal and deserves major props for his work on the DCAU. But I'm really tired of Alan not getting the credit he deserves for (a) RESCUING Batman the Animated Series from mediocre writing and (b) being the Executive Producer (alongside Bruce) of the entire DCAU (including THE BATMAN).

As for Spidey launching a "MCAU"... it isn't likely. Marvel's doing that on their own. Sony has the rights to ONLY Spidey and Ghost Rider. And before you ask, Vic and I have asked Sony about doing an animated Ghost Rider, but they are currently uninterested.

Response recorded on October 13, 2008

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Greg Bishansky writes...

*** BIG BAD SPOILERS ***

Another great issue of "Bad Guys," it ups the ante even more from the last issue. Action packed, and a villain you want to see get beaten up. And great to see Karine Charlebois return after her absence last issue.

Sevarius is, as he's always been, a hammy bastard. But, what a hammy bastard. He destroys peoples' lives, and he has fun while doing it.

The new mutates, I didn't think it was possible, but this is even worse than the first four Mutates. Two of them are just children. Now, they're almost literally insects. It is very strongly implied that this is all being done on Thailog's behalf, which probably makes the clone the perfect employer for Sevarius. Yes, you could really feel Hunter's rage here.

And, when Tasha hung herself... damn. This is an advantage to not having the series on television. Wow.

The scheme to mutate the people at Times Square was just, well, if this is indeed Thailog behind it, he's really stepping up his game. Those poor tourists, because only tourists go to New Year's Eve in Times Square, us natives are at private parties getting plastered (I guess no one invited Brendan and Margot to a party).

We also get more hints as to what Thailog is planning with the DNA he stole from the gargoyles in #5 of the main book. It's not exactly what we thought it was, and knowing Greg, should that surprise us? He keeps throwing us more and more curve balls.

The action was intense, the story was good. It was fun seeing Fang announced as their newest recruit... and everyone looks so happy about it. #3 of "Bad Guys" alluded to Hunter having a superior that she reports to. #4 finally confirmed it. If it was her call, I doubt Fang would be on board.

Now that the team is together, I hope that in #5, ten years after seeing the "Bad Guys" leica reel for the first time, we finally find out what is on that island being protected by those giant robots.

A little comment, of course. I could easily hear Tim Curry and Jim Belushi's voices in my head as I read Fang and Sevarius. Those two are just so over the top, this dialogue is just natural for them. I loved it.

And, cameos, cameos, cameos.

Erin and Benny... Greg mutated his two kids. Cute. ;)

Quite a few at Times Square. Long time fans:
Jennifer L. Anderson... she's the one laughing, and the guy looking back with the "God woman, what is that noise" look amuses me. Funny if you've ever heard her laugh. ;)
Stephanie Lostimolo, the former cover colorist (and colorist for #5 of "Gargoyles") giving Eric "Gorebash" Tribou of Station Eight a noogie. Yup, witnessed that in person too.
Cindy Kinnard making her second cameo in the series, she briefly appeared in #5 at Xanatos's party.
Seth Jackson all the way on the right.

None of them native New Yorkers, because, as I said, only tourists go to Times Square for New Years. Come on people, why? You're not allowed to bring booze, and you'll be freezing your butts off for hours on end. Oh, and you never know when some creepy Rocky Horror Picture Show fan and his Furry thug of a buddy might decide to drop a virus on you!

Great issue, I loved it.

*** END SPOILERS ***

Greg responds...

I probably shouldn't say this, but all your Thailog assumptions are incorrect.

Response recorded on October 13, 2008

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anonymous writes...

Hello, sir,
1.) What storyarc do we see Rhino return in for season two? Is he in the first storyarc (the first four episodes of season two) or in a later storyarc?
2.) Will Tinkerer and Rhino appear in more than one episode in season two?
3.) Is it possible we will see a Spider-Man/Hammerhead fight in season two?
Thanks.

Greg responds...

1. I'm not saying now.

2. Yes, for both.

3. Anything's possible.

Response recorded on October 09, 2008

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James Lipton writes...

I would like to thank Greg Weisman for being here today and to share with us. Many of us know Greg's work as a writer in the comic medium and his endeavours into animation. I myself am particularliy fond of his forays into the world of self expression through the form of facial hair combined with hawaiin shirts. And now the questionnaire used by Bernard Pivot:

What is your favorite word?

What is your least favorite word?

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

What sound or noise do you love?

What sound or noise do you hate?

What is your favorite curse word?

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

What profession would you not like to do?

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive?

Greg responds...

Sorry James and/or Bernard... but I can't even summon up the energy to make smartass responses to these questions. They just don't interest me.

Response recorded on October 09, 2008

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Chip writes...

Wow...

This issue was really heavy. I knew Sevarius was slime...but now I believe that he is an evil man. I really kinda wish Yama could have shown him the business end of his Katana.

The man is twisted...really twisted. And I have to wonder...who is the client who asked about an army of mutates? Thailog? Demona? Xanatos? Taro? Or someone we haven't seen yet.

Robyn's prejudice (Which I've suspected/noted before) shows through when Sevarius threatens her with gargoyle mutation...and it hints at what Thailog has in store for those 8 DNA samples. Also, Yama notes her prejudice with an...unreadable expression.

God, I feel for those four mutates...especially Benny and Erin; I don't think the gravity of what has happened to them has hit them yet. (Of course Greg keeps it light-hearted by having his own kids be the mutates.)

Robyn is as infuriated with Anton as I was...and rightly so. Still, Dingo and Matrix show up before the worst happens...but were clearly to preoccupied to notice that Sevarius had goaded them into putting him in the cell.

That Terry...always noticing the flying anthropomorphic creatures...I do believe he may fall for one one day.

Fang's lightning attacks have a very...unusual effect on Dingo, due--I presume--to his linkage with Matrix. It was funny to see Dingo smack his face on the wall.

And then came the heavy part...poor Tasha...poor Benny and Erin. God...it's what Maggie would have done if Talon hadn't been there for her.

And Fang has no tact...what the hell was he thinking? Frankly...I'm with Yama...take his head off. But unlike when Titania whispered in Fox's ear, or when Angela whispered in Broadway's...I have a pretty good idea what Robyn said to Yama.

Something along the lines of "Everyone deserves to get a second chance...if you deprive him of that, how will you restore you honor?" only, put more eloquently.

Speaking of which, Dingo overhears Robyn's comminque to the Director...but doesn't really get time to chew on it before the newest member of the Squad joins them...and Yama looks absolutely thrilled.

Greg responds...

Yep. Thrilled.

Response recorded on October 09, 2008

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Elisa's fan writes...

Dear Greg,
I discovered the Gargoyles on Toon Disney and this web site when I was 16 in 2000 and became a HUGE fan. I went out of the country for a few years and am just now getting back into my Gargoyles stuff. I just bought all the comics and I LOVE them. I'm depressed they won't continue. I also just bought the available DVD collection and am getting my friend to do the same. I don't have cable right now, so does that mean I really won't be seeing the second half of season 2 ever again? Do you have any idea how long Toon Disney will continue running the reruns?
Please continue the fight, as we faithful fans do the same, and thank you for all you have done. (The comics; I never would have thouht of that.)

Greg responds...

Toon Disney still airs Gargoyles. No way to know if they'll continue forever, but we can hope...

Response recorded on October 09, 2008

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Tim writes...

Is there a squel for gargoyles or not? What is gargoyles 2198? I cant tell by the FAQ weather 2198 is just talking about an episode or a squel idea.

Greg responds...

Gargoyles 2198 was an idea for a spin-off series. CBS was, at one time, interested in airing an earlier version of it. But then Disney bought ABC, so it never happened.

Response recorded on October 09, 2008


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