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GREG-SPONSES 2010-07 (Jul)

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Steven D. writes...

Hello again.
I have one other Young Justice question.

I was always a fan of the shows set within the DC animated universe.
While doing some of the most faithful adaptations I have ever seen, they still occasionally created a brand new character for the show. Some would get so popular, they would eventually find their way to the comics themselves, becoming a full part of the mythology (Harley Quinn being the most famous example).

This is obviously the opposite of what you did with Spectacular Spiderman, which drew entirely from the Spider's already rich mythos.

Since DC has just as rich of a mythos to draw from, I'm curious, which path are you taking with Young Justice:
1) Drawing entirely from the existing DC mythology, or
2) Occasionally creating a brand new character.

Also, are there any lessons you've taken from past DC adaptations for developing Earth-16?
Thanks again.

Greg responds...

All of the above.

Response recorded on August 18, 2010

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

Looking forward to the new cartoon. I am a huge fan of Young Justice… of course that could be a double edged sword. I don’t want to ask any specifics that I might as well just wait and see, but in most general terms: When I saw the poster image it made me think more of Teen Titans than Young Justice, of course the line between dramatic and angsty is very thin and subjective. Afterwards I saw a clip of Ms Stirtis talking about being Queen Bee, traditionally a Teen Titan villain. Is this cartoon based mainly on Young Justice or on the two series? Personally I prefer the tone of YJ over TT, but I'm open to new things. (I’ve been reading TT to keep up with the YJ characters. When I was finally going to give up on it they brought in Blue Beetle, another ‘gone too soon’ book, so I stayed.)

What the heck- just so you can answer ‘wait and see’
Is Argent Arrowette?
Are any of the YJ comic book characters not in the image going to show or play important roles in the cartoon? Most obviously Secret?
Is it true there is some sort of legal snare that keeps Wonder Girl out of cartoons? wait..ignore this one, someone asked it ahead of me.
Did you choose to make Bart Kid Flash instead of Impulse or was that decision from on high?
Hey! Those last two are legit none spoiler questions! One more…
When, thereabouts, is YJ expected to hit the airwaves...er...coax/fiber optics?

Saw a link to preview image in one of the waiting questions...certainly looks purty :)

Greg responds...

The tone of the comic series Young Justice was pretty much the arena of the Teen Titans animated series. We are in fact going for something a bit more dramatic and realistic, despite the name. But that's NOT to say there won't be humor in the series. If you've seen my work on Spectacular Spider-Man and other series, you know that drama and comedy are not mutually exclusive in my book.

The new Young Justice series is based on elements from the original 1960s Teen Titans, the 90s Young Justice and even more recent Teen Titans and Justice League comics. Plus everything in between. In some ways, this series is an adaptation of the entire DC Universe. But the key word is "adaptation". I strive (as does my "new" producing partner Brandon Vietti) with any adaptation (again cf SpecSpidey) to stay true to the spirit and intent of each and every character. But that doesn't mean there won't be changes. You wouldn't want a show with zero surprises, right?

Of course, another perfectly legit way to look at this is that the entire series is set on Earth-16 and Universe-16 (out of DC's 52-universe multiverse). It's a parallel universe, a parallel Earth, so some things will be the same and other will not. All without diverging from DC's multiverse continuity.

Artemis is neither Argent nor Arrowette.

Whether or not Secret appears is a... secret.

Brandon and I chose WALLY WEST as Kid Flash over Bart Allen as Impulse in part because it is EARLY DAYS in this particular DC UNIVERSE. And Wally was the original Kid Flash, just as Dick Grayson was the original Robin.

We're slated to premiere in November.

Response recorded on July 30, 2010

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Demonskrye writes...

I just saw the teaser for "Young Justice" and I'm very excited. I don't know most of these characters well or at all, but the premise sounds great and I can't wait to see what you do with it.

In the comments for the teaser video on YouTube, I noticed that someone had said that there was a legal issue that prevented you from using Wonder Girl. Is that true or is it just one of those odd rumors like your supposed hatred of Carnage? I don't really mind her absence since I don't know the character well; I'm just curious.

Greg responds...

There is NO LONGER a legal issue about Wonder Girl. But there was when we originally developed the series.

Response recorded on July 30, 2010

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Adam writes...

Hi Greg. Got a quick question that I couldn't find in the archives. Where in New York City was Macbeth's home located?

Greg responds...

Upper, upper, upper west side... on the water.

Or so I recall. It's been a while.

Response recorded on July 30, 2010

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Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...

Dear Greg,
Congratulations on your new gig with Young Justice. I'm eagerly awaiting the premiere because YJ was one of my first superhero comics I really collected. Now obviously the cast has been expanxded beyond the original team, but I was curious do you have plans for the character Secret? Or Cassie Wonder Girl? They were such fun characters and I did love them so. Also, will you be interpreting any stories from the original book (IE Sins of Youth, their trip to Myrg, Arrowette/Artemis almost killing a guy)?

Thanks, and good luck with YJ!

Greg responds...

No comment at this time. You'll have to wait and see...

Oh, but I will say this, since I said it at ComicCon: Artemis is NOT Arrowette (Cissie). Two different characters.

Artemis is also not Speedy (Mia) or Wonder Girl (any of them) or an Amazon (at all) or from Apokolips (period). But she is an existing DC Comics character. We did NOT create her. In fact, I'm somewhat surprised no one seems to have identified her.

Response recorded on July 30, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

Hey, Greg *waves*. First time asking questions.

So I have a couple of questions revolving around Japan, Ishimura, and Bushido.

1) Is "Ishimura" supposed to be written with any specific Kanji / Japanese characters?

1b) If so, which characters would those be?

2) Given that the punishment for Yama's betrayal was banishment and not the usual open-your-guts-and-die [I]seppuku[/I], one can conclude that there are significant differences between the Gargoyles' conception of [I]Bushido[/I] and the traditional conception of it, in which ritual suicide is the appropriate way to restore lost honor. Are the Ishimura gargoyles themselves aware of this discrepancy? If so, how do they view the traditional version, vis-a-vis their own?

Greg responds...

1. I wouldn't know.

1b. See above.

2. There are some differences, which is not to confirm or deny that seppuku may or may not be part of the Ishimuran Clan's code of honor. But not for all offenses. They are aware of the discrepancy and consider their version of Bushido to be the true and original one. Whether they're right might be up for debate.

Response recorded on July 30, 2010

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Anonymous writes...

How long has Young Justice been in development? Can you say how many episodes are finished at this point?

Greg responds...

In development for over a year.

No episodes are complete yet, though we have 14 scripts done out of the initial order of 26. The other twelve are all in the works.

Response recorded on July 29, 2010

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Todd Jensen writes...

Some time ago, I mentioned a book by Eleanor Prosser called "Hamlet and Revenge", which argued that Hamlet's goal to avenge his father on Claudius was not a righteous duty, but a misguided and dangerous quest. Recently, I thought about a passage in it in connection to "Clan-Building: Volume Two".

In one of the early chapters, the author discusses Kyd's "The Spanish Tragedy", one of the leading revenge-plays before "Hamlet". The protagonist, Hieronimo, is out to avenge the murder of his son Horatio. After discovering his son's body near the start of the play, he decides not to bury it until he can achieve his revenge, an act which, Prosser comments, would have unsettled the audience.

This reminded me of the scene in "Clan-Building" where, after Demona reports the slaughter of the Sruighlea cell by Constantine and Gillecomgain, True suggests that they hold a Wind Ceremony for the dead gargoyles, and Demona rejects it in favor of pursuing revenge on the humans who did the deed. I just thought I'd share it with you.

Greg responds...

Thanks. I like the parallel a lot. And I agree with what it reveals about character... though I've never read "The Spanish Tragedy" unfortunately. At least not yet.

Response recorded on July 29, 2010

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W. C. Reaf writes...

Hi Greg.

A fan from England here.

Not so much a question but I just wanted to let you know that thanks to my lovely University I’ve managed to book a lecture theatre once a week to show Gargoyles on a big screen to my friends, and watch it again myself on said glorious big screen. We should be finished at the end of summer.

Currently they’re enjoying it, some more than others, and it feels great to expose people to a real classic of western animation. We’ve even got a running joke about how Xanatos is behind everything. They’re not liking the rather varied Scottish accents, or takes on them at least, but I understand there’s only so much an American production can do to get proper accents right.

We’re just starting the Avalon World Tour and I’m curious to see what they make of the revelations in the Gathering. Specifically Puck’s role but also Fox’s heritage and Xanatos’ shift into not quite being such a bad guy.

Just thought to tell you that the Gargoyles love is being spread to people across the pond that never saw it the first time ‘round.

Greg responds...

Wow, W.C., that's really cool! Thanks!

Sorry, about those accents. We do have a range of actors playing Scots. (Americans. Englishmen. And even the occasional Scot, like Sheena Easton, who's lived in America so long, she admits to having trouble summoning it up.) And since, Jamie and I aren't British, it can be tough for us to know whether we're getting it right. So generally we settle for being in the ballpark.)

gdw

Response recorded on July 28, 2010

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Any chance of bringing back "This Day in Gargoyles Universe History?" We've had more comics since it ended, and two Gatherings since then?

Greg responds...

Not at this time.

Response recorded on July 28, 2010

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Greg Bishansky writes...

Okay, this one has been on my mind for a while.

Demona trusted Thailog with a lot of her secrets. Thailog even said that they had no secrets from each other. Obviously, he was lying. But, did she keep things from him too?

Specifically, was Thailog aware of Operation Clean Slate? I don't think he'd have been on board with her plans for genocide. Neither did we see him feign a hatred for humanity in her presence. I tend to think that if he knew, he'd have put a stop to it while she was imprisoned in the Labyrinth.

But then again, she told him the secret to killing her, that's kind of a biggie.

So, do you think he knew about Operation Cleanslate, or not? And if he didn't know, why do you think she trusted him with the secret to killing her, but not her master plan?

Greg responds...

I don't think Demona had TIME to reveal every little detail of her life or every little plan she has in the works... it's been a long life and there's been a lot of time to scheme.

Response recorded on July 27, 2010

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Greg Bishansky writes...

I think we may have discussed this at a Gathering once, so forgive me.

We all know Demona holds Angela in a much higher regard than she has held anyone in, well, a very long time. Does the biological connection matter to her? I almost wonder if she would have gone through the trouble to turn Gabriel or Ophelia if either of them left Avalon with Goliath instead.

She did pause briefly in "Avalon Part Three" when Goliath pointed out that she was pointing a gun at her own children, after all.

But then, Demona has always been atypical of most gargoyles.

Greg responds...

I think the biological connection does matter to her (though she'd never admit it). She's so human that way.

Response recorded on July 27, 2010

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Landon Thomas writes...

I thought of these questions after viewing WB's new Young Justice preview video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiOjAmXDjW4

1. How does your new job at Young Justice compare/contrast with your old Spectacular Spider-Man position?

2. Do you and Brandon Vietti have a professional relationship similar to the work you and Victor Cook did on Spectacular Spider-Man?

3. Does being a studio project vs. a syndicated project affect your work at all?

4. Does it feel quite a bit different working under the auspices DC Comics compared to Marvel?

The show looks great so far and the animation clips look amazing. Keep up the good work!

Greg responds...

1. All shows are different and unique, but it's basically the same job.

2. Yes.

3. Uh... I assume you mean network vs. syndicated, since EVERY show I've ever worked on was a studio project. But I don't think I've worked on a syndicated project since Roughnecks. There aren't a lot of significant differences, except perhaps that with no network, there's one less company looking over your shoulder.

4. Not significantly.

Response recorded on July 27, 2010

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Landon Thomas writes...

In mid-July, Variety wrote an article about Disney developing a new movie about gargoyles coming to life. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118021704.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 Variety was clear that this movie is unrelated to the Gargoyles TV series or comic.

The Hollywood Reporter followed up with this line: "The project seeks to build a mythology around the carvings, originally designed in medieval times to act as spouts but later took on roles as powerful symbols to ward off or attract evil. The story is being developed, but it is known to be set in modern times." http://heatvision.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/07/disney-developing-gargoyles-project.html

Fans are understandably freaking out.

1. Were you aware of this project before the Variety article and has Disney contacted you about it?

2. Do you share fan fears that this project could replace the Gargoyles property in Disney's mind and hamper the chance of future Gargoyles stories being told?

3. How do you feel about the 'Make a REAL "Gargoyles" movie, Disney!' Facebook page effort? http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=142182852459700&v=wall

4. How many people have asked you about this already? ;)

Greg responds...

1. No.

2. It's... concerning.

3. It's really not wise of me to comment.

4. <sigh> A LOT!

Response recorded on July 27, 2010

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Lambda writes...

Hi Greg,
I just realized something very sad. Because gargoyles only age at half the rate of humans, by the time the Trio/Angela and Goliath are in their 40s and 50s respectively, Elisa, Fox, Matt, Xanatos and all their other 'original' human friends will have either died or be quite elderly.

1.How do the gargoyles cope with knowing they will outlive these friends (pending unnatural deaths)? It has to be depressing, especially watching your friends grow old before your eyes.

2. Was this something Elisa and Goliath considered before admitting their feelings for one another?

Thanks!

Greg responds...

These are issues we would absolutley be exploring over time. Keep in mind, that prior to the current era, most of our Gargoyles had few close human friends. So this is new for them.

Response recorded on July 14, 2010

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Wendel writes...

I still don't understand how magic works in the world of the Gargoyles?

Human magic seems to be incantation based, but mystical beings/creatures also could use incantations or thought magic at whim?

Is there a difference between magic users' power if they speak a spell versus just thinking of it, kind of like the old English belief in word magic?

I was watching the Magus fighting against the weird sisters and it looked like they were evenly matched with the Grimorum giving the Magus an advantage over them.

Greg responds...

The Magus got a lucky shot in, basically, if you're talking about his confrontation with them outside Avalon.

Beyond that, the rest of your question has been answered. Check out the ASK GREG Magic archive.

Response recorded on July 14, 2010

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lamberto writes...

i was wondering how your production team came to the decision on how to pronounce sha shan nguyen's last name. it is also my last name and since i was young i have always pronounced it "new-win". yet others pronounce it "new-yen". just curious. you don't see "nguyen" much in the media.

Greg responds...

Basically, I knew someone with the last name "Nguyen" and she pronounced it "wen". So I assumed that was how it was pronounced.

Response recorded on July 14, 2010

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James writes...

If a person either spraypaints/tags a gargoyle in stone will it break off in shard with the stone or show up and if someone were to use a dremmel or other small grinding/stonecarving tool and put a design on the stone would it show up or break off and what about additions made of ground up gargoyle stone turned into clay/plater what have you and added and somehow dried quickly (hair dryer or heat gun of some kind) would the appliance become part of them or again just break off basically my querie is this how badly damaged does a gargoyle have to be in stone for it to translate to flesh and along the same token ho bad does he have to be damaged before he doesn't wake up a broken off finger an arm and if pasted back on in stone will it heal?I don't actually visit this site alot so could you please either send the answers direct or send a link to the page you answer these questions in an email to jamesmitchell29486@yahoo.com thank you and have a pleasent tomorrow

Greg responds...

Any superficial additions like spray paint or... clay?... would have no effect on the gargoyles themselves. It's not a magic process but a biological one, so you can't give them tattoos or, I don't know, extra limbs in the manner you're describing.

As to grinding or carving a design, it depends how deep you go. If it's incredibly superficial, the equivalent of scratches, it should have little or no effect, if it goes deeper, you'd be HURTING them, not creating a design.

For more detailed information, try checking the ASK GREG Gargoyle Biology archive.

Response recorded on July 14, 2010

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Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...

Dear Greg,
This is more of a commendation than a question. I just want to say thank you for your patience and honesty with the fans. I notice that if something gets mentioned that could remotely relate to Gargoyles (ex: the whole Marvel/Disney thing), twenty people will ask the same question that day without seeing if someone else has already asked it. But do you shut those people out? No, you answer the same question twenty times, and I'm impressed by that. I can guess at some authors who would stop answering questions after giving the same answer 20 times, but you continue to allow fans this amazing connection to you and your work. And I really like that.

Thank you.

Greg responds...

I think you're giving me more credit for patience than I deserve, but I do try. Thank you.

Response recorded on July 13, 2010

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Oregon Shakespeare Festival 2010

Hey gang,

I just got back from taking my kids to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon. Saw five uniformly great productions:

Hamlet

Henry IV, Part One

Twelfth Night

Merchant of Venice

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Can't recommend any or all of them strongly enough...


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Greg Bishansky writes...

During "This Day in Gargoyles Universe History" you posted the following events.

1997: July 19th. Goliath makes a bargain.
1998: August 14th. Vinnie visits family.
1999: June 25th. Lexington goes into business.
2001: June 22nd. A crisis brings together representatives of four clans.
2002: June 28th. Vinnie's quest begins.
2003: June 27th. Lexington holds a press conference.
2004: August 6th. Goliath is briefly forced into hiding.
2005: July 29th. Lexington takes a chance and loses.
2006: June 23rd. Obsidiana comes to the United States of America.
2007: June 22nd. Lexington continues his journey.

Now, obviously these are all Gathering dates (the Fridays of each Gathering), and I've noticed they tend to coincide with who one of the Special Guests was.

So, I'm curious... what happened in the Gargoyles Universe on the following two dates?

June 27, 2008; and August 21st 2009?

Greg responds...

Not saying.

Response recorded on July 07, 2010

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Lance writes...

Not a question just a quick apology. When I asked my question about the Marvel/Disney thing there wasn't much if anything about it in the archives as I could find anyhow. Since then I've read the responses and understand you being to the point of "nauseum" as you put it. I'm probably almost as tired of seeing people ask that same question as you are so I do apologize for the monotony. Its such a lingering hope for all of us die hard fans that something wonderful will happen to allow Gargoyles to continue. I want my children to enjoy it the way i have, I want there to be new wonderful stories. There are few people I talk to that aren't aware of the show and fewer still that have a negative thing to say about it. Just the other day I had a lovely young lady nearly swoon when I told her that there was a Gargoyles comic book series, almost got myself a date actually (small matter of me already being engaged, lol).

Sorry for being another bother but we're all just clinging to hope and rooting for you :)

Cheers!

Lance

Greg responds...

Thanks, Lance.

Response recorded on July 07, 2010

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Gregg Williams writes...

Has there ever been the thought of an all new original story via video game? Could maybe have stylized graphics maybe like the cartoon or in a more 3D fashion, but could be a great way to have an all new interactive story..... Just a thought. I'm picking up God Of War 3 tomorrow, and I love what they have did with it..... I can totally see a Gargoyles game, especially if done right..... =)

Thanks for your time!

Greg responds...

It's NOT up to me. But I'm all for it. Make it so!

Response recorded on July 07, 2010

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Todd Jensen writes...

This is an oddball little notion that I've had for some time. I think it's more likely to remain a daydream than a serious project to be contemplated (except maybe for Gargoyles fans in the UK), but I thought I'd share it with you, just for the fun of it.

A "GARGOYLES" TOUR OF SCOTLAND.

This hypothetical tour would visit various places in Scotland connected with "Gargoyles". Among these:

EDINBURGH: Duncan's home in "City of Stone", and also the present site of the Stone of Destiny (or at least, *a* Stone of Destiny). Edinburgh Castle would definitely be on the sights list there, including the Stone.

LOCH NESS: The stop would include a visit to the ruins of Urquart Castle (since it's most likely the real-world original of the ruined castle over Sevarius's base in "Monsters").

SCONE: The original home of the Stone of Destiny while it was in Scotland, of course - and we know from "Once Upon a Time There Were Three Brothers" that there was once a gargoyle clan here as well.

GLAMIS CASTLE: Castle Moray's probably fictional, but Glamis Castle, often linked to Macbeth and Duncan in the popular imagination, would make a good equivalent for it. While the castle itself post-dates Macbeth's reign, of course, Maol Chalvim (or Malcolm II) is said to have died here (it was a hunting lodge in his day), and - even better - there's a hill nearby called Hunter's Hill! (Glamis Castle also has a number of colorful tales associated with it, such as the rumors of a monster - actually a deformed member of the family that owned the castle - hidden in a secret chamber.)

ARBROATH ABBEY: On the list, because of its role in "Rock of Ages" (and being the site of the Declaration of Arbroath adds to its attractiveness).

STIRLING: I added Stirling to my list after I found out that "Sruighlea", after which the gargoyle cell slaughtered by Gillecomgain and Constantine was named, is Gaelic for "Stirling". Also, Bannockburn (whose battle in 1314 also featured in "Rock of Ages") was fought nearby, making it a good base from which to visit the battlefield. And Stirling has a few good sights, such as a couple of castles.

While I don't see this as being more than just a pleasant imagining for most American fans at present, I found the notion appealing, and thought you might enjoy reading about it as well.

Greg responds...

I think it would be great. Taking it step by step...

I've been to Edinburgh a few times -- and Edinburgh Castle is very impressive.

I have not been to Loch Ness, but would like to go.

Scone - My dad and I stopped by there, and I wish we had had more time to explore.

Glamis Castle - I'd like to see this.

Arbroath Abbey - Ditto.

Stirling - I've been here with my wife. The castle there is interesting. But the day we were there it was EXTREMELY hot and muggy, so I wouldn't mind going back on a day when we weren't dying to leave.

Of course, if you widened your scope a bit, I'd include Iona and Tintagel and a tour of Scotland's West Coast.

Response recorded on July 07, 2010