A Station Eight Fan Web Site

Gargoyles

The Phoenix Gate

Ask Greg Archives

GREG-SPONSES 2010-09 (Sep)

Archive Index


: Displaying all 103 records. :


Posts Per Page: 1 : 10 : 25 : 50 : 100 : All :


Bookmark Link

Grant writes...

For YJ, are there going to be any more original characters created from whole cloth like Aqualad?

Greg responds...

Nothing, including Aqualad, was created from whole cloth. But, yes, there are going to be some original characters, though by the time they appear in the series, they may or may not have already appeared in comics.

Response recorded on September 30, 2010

Bookmark Link

graysongirl1211 writes...

hey! i know you must hear this a lot, but i'm insanely excited for Young Justice! I can't wait! And i have to say, i found your responses to people asking for spoilers very ammusing. i was just wondering about a few things though, and i'm gonna try to ask questions that aren't spoiler-ish.

1. of all the (announced) main charecters on the show, which is your favorite?

2. what's your take on all of the fan forums? personally, i find them equally ammusing and annoying, seeing as people are trying to guess everything from the one little trailer. Do you find some of the guesses ammusing? annoying? plain old crazy?

3. if you were a superhero, what powers or skills would you want to have?

4. when can we expect a trailer featuring some or any of the voice overs?

5. lastly, i have a feeling that you won't answer this question, but i know people keep asking (and guessing) about who Artemis is. I know you won't speicify who (i hope you wouldn't anyway) but has anyone guessed right?

well, once again i can't wait for Young Justice to come out! thanks for taking the time to answer the hundreds of questions you're flooded with!

Greg responds...

1. Don't have one. Like 'em all.

2. I lurk occasionally, but I try not to get too obsessive. Some comments are great. Others are more frustrating. But I've tried to be more mature about it in recent years than I was when my work and the internet first intersected, and I posted and responded to every little criticism.

3. If I was a super-hero, I wouldn't tell you.

4. New York Comic Con.

5. No comment.

Response recorded on September 29, 2010

Bookmark Link

Alan Gavinchki writes...

Hey Greg
When you look at the Spectacular Spider-Man, you realize there are a lot of important villains. Which do you consider the main villain of the whole show. I thought of some possibilities.
1. Tombstone because he is a crimelord and was the first to want to kill Spidey.
2. Hammerhead because he is Tombstone's assistant and made the most appearances out of any villain.
3. Green Goblin because he is Harry's dad and he made supervillains for Tombstone and wanted to take over his enterprise. He did once and he made Spidey's life turn upside down.
4. Doc Ock because he was a victim of the Goblin and was the leader of the first Sinister Six and organized the second one. Him alone during the Master Planner and Gang War saga would make him the main bad guy.
5. Venom because he was once Pete's best friend and he possessed the same suit Spidey had. Afterall he was the one who pointed out that Peter loved Gwen. He also revealed his identity to Jameson!
I hope one of these villains I chosed are correct for their major role.

R.I.P. Spectacular Spidey

Greg responds...

I'm not sure I understand why I'd need to pick just one?

Response recorded on September 29, 2010

Bookmark Link

Matt writes...

Hey Greg. So in "Vows", Demona tries to convince herself to "...rule the gargoyles. Rule the world!" using the Gate. In "Hunter's Moon" she talks about taking her "rightful place" after the humans are all destroyed. And in "Tyrants" she plans to destroy both human forces "leaving the fate of Scotland to {her}". There are probably other examples of this sort of talk, but I think it is clear that destroying humanity is not Demona's only goal. She doesn't just want revenge, but power as well.

Now on to my question. Something occured to me the last time I watched "Enter Macbeth". Macbeth says to Goliath: "It's not you I'm after. You're just a pawn. I want your queen." Naturally, Goliath is puzzled by this statement. But so am I. Macbeth has had a lot of contact with gargoyles afterall. In the same episode he even told Elisa that he "knows all about these creatures". He spent decades dealing with Demona and her clan and he even wrote a book about gargoyles. So, I'm wondering where he got this 'queen' terminology. Gargoyle language is a pretty sparse subject and the only real terms we have ever known about are "Leader" and "Second". So my question is given Demona's particular motivations as I mentioned above, did she call herself a queen during the Demona-Macbeth Alliance or am I just reading into all of this too much?

Thanks Greg!

Greg responds...

Maybe reading a tad too much into it. I doubt Demona ever used the term "Queen". But her version of being "Leader" is.... not too inclusive. You're not wrong about that.

Response recorded on September 29, 2010

Bookmark Link

Algernon writes...

Hey again Greg,
Being an Irishman myself, I've always always wondered. Presumably Rory Dugan and his father live somewhere in Ulster but on which side of the border? Are they in Northern Ireland or the Republic? I tried looking for some subtle hints in "Hound of Ulster" but I couldn't find anything definitive.

Greg responds...

Liscoo.

Response recorded on September 29, 2010

Bookmark Link

Harlan Phoenix writes...

ANDROIDOLOGY
ACT ONE: FIRST BELL

WORD UP: There be spoilers in this review. So everyone should read with caution. Also, go buy Mecha Nation.

SUMMARY: After a superheroic battle that didn't go too great, the identity of the "Second Wave", five teens with superpowered robotic forms, seems closer to being compromised. As the kids try to live out their high school lives as normal, they're more than a little worried about the new teacher who seems a little...alien.

REVIEW: So, I'll admit upfront that this was pretty goddamn rad. I'm actually kind of upset that this property has had to sit dormant for so long because even this one issue shows what kind of potential this really has. It's a LOT of fun.

I'm not gonna give a play by play of what happened in the story. Rather, I'm just going to explain how much I liked a bunch of out of context things that will make people buy this so they know what I'm talking about.

So I'll do that.

OUT OF CONTEXT THINGS THAT ARE AWESOME AND WILL MAKE PEOPLE BUY THIS COMIC:

-I adore The Factory. I don't care if we've barely seen them; I sincerely believe they're among the better villains you've written (and you've written numerous characters who hold honorable titles as great villains, most notably David Xanatos and Demona but more personally my all time favorite Thailog). So this is saying something. But The Factory accomplishes two villainous extremes in the span of one comic book issue and does so with an inner genius. We start with a battle atop the bowling alley that ends in a First Wave Tag that could compromise the identities of the Second Wave with little effort. And then we see the "mysterious" Professor Gear, who is more than a little blatantly not human. But that, in of itself, is kind of genius: the public doesn't know about Mecha Sapiens, so at most the students are just going to mock Gear outside of class. The few people who'd actually take this weirdo seriously and not joke about him are probably the Second Wave. The Factory used Saturday morning 80's villainy as a PROACTIVE STEALTH MECHANISM. THAT IS WONDERFUL AND I LOVE YOU.
-I like that Marcus is pretty upfront about his geek pride. I always thought that was a tad more realistic than the shy nerd. I know I never hid my sexynerdiness.
-I love that Ray isn't the Broadway homage I idiotically assumed he would be; the little we see of him show he's pretty different from the big lug.
-My favorite character, so far (besides Professor Gear, who is a God among men) has to be Susie/Fahrenheit. She'll fight crime with the rest of the Second Wave, but she doesn't really seem to actually SPEND TIME with them. Don't answer this question, but how exactly does she go about getting grouped into fighting with the rest? WHY would she? There's a lot about her I want to know.
-The chalk drawings are cute.
-As is Kevin's lab partner. She's nerdydorable. I bet she's a robot.
-A nerdydorable robot.
-Sexuality plays a big part in this story, and I like that you're fairly classy with it. It ranges from the admittedly blatant but fun (a buncha kids pent up for not "metalling out" in days...WHAT COULD THIS MEAN?!) to the much more subtle (Using Romeo and Juliet as part of a free will/fate discussion-I LOVE Romeo and Juliet, largely because it is essentially a story of two impulsive, hormonal teenagers doing things and making stuff go nuts as a result. It's a very classy, subtle allusion that both sets up what I assume is a main, existential plight of a Mecha-Sapien but also very concisely serves as a push/foreshadow for the most sexual undercurrent of the story's theme). It's an element of teenage sexuality that manages to actually serve a point and not just be there for the sake of being there. Stuff like this is one of many reasons why you're my favorite writer. Well done.
-On the opposite side of the spectrum, I adore the art. Campo and de Payevsky did a great job. Looks like it'd really lend well to animation.
-Just saying.
-Zehra's family life should prove pretty interesting. I immediately liked it because it'd seem like the opposite of what you'd expect, but with a bit of reflection I realized I liked it because it actually makes perfect sense even in theory.
-I'm amused that the character profiles mention that Marcus is a fan of Dragonball. X-Men and Star Trek make sense as mainstays of their genre, but I would've expected Dragonball to be replaced by something either a little more current (Bleach, Naruto) or something a bit more franchise-y and bluntly sci fi (Gundam). I'm not really a fan of Dragonball (or any of those other shows I rattled off, though Gundam's alright), but I liked this little detail. It has a fascinating nuance.
-I like the normal guy (the blond kid who was bowling) and his significance or lack there of intrigues me.

OVERALL OPINION: This was a really cool start, and I like this comic a lot. I wish this property a lot of prosperity in the future and I sure as hell know I'm going to count myself in as a fan. Thank you for this.

SOME QUESTIONS, IF YOU DON'T MIND:

1. So the title intrigues me. "Androidology-First Bell." Spectacular Spider-Man, also run by you and Mr. Cook, used similar academic titles for both arc names and individual story names. But, as I understand it, that evolved out of the marching orders that required arc based storytelling. My question: was the academic title scheme something that evolved out of the Mecha-Nation development and was fitted onto Spectacular Spider-Man when you saw that it seemed to fit, or was Mecha Nation's faux-academic titles borrowed from Spectacular Spider-Man?

2. Does...Kizoic have any kind of standards and practices department? I mean, the themes regarding sexuality are subtle enough that I could see that not being a big deal. But I thought Kizoic was an all ages line and...there're a few damns in here. Not to mention the blond kid's reference to certain substances.

Thanks again for a great comic and I look forward to it continuing!

Greg responds...

1. I know this may sound ... astounding... but I didn't connect "Androidology" up with what we did on Spider-Man until your post. We developed this story AGES ago. The title was slightly different, but basically set. Androidology is the title of the entire three-issue mini-series. Then each issue has a subtitle. Since everything's set in and around a high school, the titles are all school related. That's coming from a slightly different place than the thematic titles of Spider-Man, but the end result, I guess, isn't that different.

2. Well, this book was written before Kizoic existed. But I'm my own standards and practices guy. Working in kids programming as long as I have, I try to do what I think is right for a general audience that's kid safe but fun for adults too.

I'm glad you liked Mecha-Nation! Thanks for buying it!!

Response recorded on September 29, 2010

Bookmark Link

New York Comic Con

This just confirmed. Brandon Vietti and I will be at New York Comic Con for a signing, presentation of new footage and a Q&A about Young Justice. Stop by. We have some exciting stuff to show you!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

2:00â€"3:00 p.m. Young Justice Signing at the DC Comics booth #2243

3:45â€"4:45 p.m. Young Justice Video Presentation and Q&A â€" Join the league! Fans were given their first glimpse of Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Artemis this past July at Comic-Con International: San Diego. But this panel will offer far more than just a glimpse, as producers Brandon Vietti (Batman: Under the Red Hood) and Greg Weisman (Gargoyles) answer questions from fans and show footage from this highly anticipated series. A one-hour special event of Young Justice will premiere in November 2010 on Cartoon Network, and the series begins in 2011. Young Justice is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and is based upon characters from DC Comics. Room 1A14

http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/


Bookmark Link

Vaevictis Asmadi writes...

Thanks for your response to my religion comment. You said that in some Bible passages, the Hebrew God is depicted in a way that you called "geotheistic." What do you mean by this? That in some passages the deity is represented, not as the supreme God of the whole universe, but just the supreme deity of a particular region or human group?

Greg responds...

Exactly. There are without a doubt passages in the Old Testament at least where the existence of other gods is not questioned. Just their potency relative to the God of the Hebrews. Egypt has gods in some passages of Exodus. They're just weak and impotent relative to the God of Moses.

I studied this once upon a time. But it's been a LONG time. (And hell, I just turned another year older.) So I can no longer quote chapter and verse. But I know it's in there.

Response recorded on September 29, 2010

Bookmark Link

Anthony Tini writes...

Greg,

From one Dexter fan to another, what did you think of the Season 4 finale? Does being a writer and involved in the creative process of creating entertaining television give you an edge to kind of guess or see events like that coming? Personally, I did NOT see it coming and I very surprised and bothered by it. It took me a long time to finally fall asleep after watching that final scene. It was fantastic and probably one of the best scenes I've ever seen on TV. I'm purposefully not mentioning details for those who have yet to see it.

At the time of this question, the first episode of Season 5 has premiered, but I have yet to watch it. By the time you get to this question I hope to have watched it. If you've seen it, I'd love to hear your thoughts about it, where you think the season will go, and your hopes for future seasons. Speaking of the Dexter premiere, good luck with yours! Take care.

- Tony

Greg responds...

Dexter aside, I often astound my kids by being able to predict what is to come on series. (I always pause the playback and ASK if they want me to tell them my theory. Usually, they say yes.) Often, my guesswork is a combination of story savvy and casting savvy. For an easy example, take the classic Murder, She Wrote template. Only one regular character and a handful of occasional recurring friends of hers. The rest of who you're seeing on screen is guest cast. The guests usually include some great character actors and some newbies in the mix. But there are almost always two stars (of varying degrees of magnitude). That's the eyeroll for me. Because inevitably one star is killed in either the Teaser or the first act. And the other star is always the killer. Because that's the thing with stars. They either want the one great scene that leads to their death -- but also means they don't have to work many scenes for the money. Or they want to be the killer, i.e the most significant character in the episode (not counting Jessica Fletcher). Few series were as casting blatant as Murder She Wrote was, but to some extent casting is still a tremendous indicator of what's to come on nearly every kind of series.

I don't just use casting either, of course. I know story. I know how writers think. Which does NOT mean I can't be surprised. But I think I'm a bit harder to surprise than the average joe or joan. I don't mind, generally. It's the ride for me, and if the ride is good...

Of course, none of that has much to do with Dexter and/or last season's season finale. I think I had a feeling of dread at the very least. Maybe a notion. But I don't remember, and even if I had a clear sense of what was going to happen, it didn't mitigate the horror of what came. My daughter and I needed a palette cleansing episode of The Office afterwards before bed.

I have seen the Dexter season premiere. But I hesitate to make any predictions. Trying just to enjoy the ride.

Response recorded on September 29, 2010

Bookmark Link

Emily writes...

I imagine that you had to read alot of comics when making shows like Young Justice or Spiderman. So did you get those comics for free from the Marvel and DC saying you needed them to help with the shows or did you have to go out and buy?

Greg responds...

Mostly, I went out and bought. Alan Burnette had a backlog of Young Justice comics he lent me, i.e. a bunch of individual issues, not always consecutive. Maybe a couple other things here and there. But mostly, I'm outlaying on my dime to do the research.

Response recorded on September 29, 2010

Bookmark Link

Todd Jensen writes...

A comment this time, rather than a question. One of my favorite details in the "Stone of Destiny" story was Macbeth's presence at the Battle of Bannockburn. It recently occurred to me that this might be an example, if a subtle one, of the time-honored motif of a legendary hero from long ago who returns to his country to aid it in a time of need.

The concept has attached itself to King Arthur, of course, and his return has featured in "Gargoyles" (if with a premature re-awakening). The returns of the Golem and Cu Chullain, elsewhere in the Avalon World Tour, also evoke it. For that matter, I remember your once saying that the Avalon gargoyles looked upon Goliath (from what they had learned of him through their human guardians) as a great sleeping hero who would one day awaken and return if ever they needed him - and he did indeed return in their hour of need, when the Archmage attacked Avalon.

I also recall, outside of "Gargoyles", the legend that Theseus returned to aid his fellow Athenians against the Persians at the Battle of Marathon (and Mary Renault including it in her Theseus novels) - which forms a great parallel here to Macbeth's presence at Bannockburn, both cases of a desperate struggle against an invading army.

At the same time, your use of the "return of the king" motif for Macbeth's participation at Bannockburn (assuming you had it in mind at the time) came with a twist. Macbeth returns incognito; so far as we know, none of the other Scotsmen taking part in the battle know that he's fighting alongside them. Robert the Bruce is the Scottish king who will be associated with the victory (deservedly, of course, from what I've read about the battle). No chronicle or legend even hints at his presence there. As far as we know, only he knows that he was there (we don't know if Shari knows or not; the panel depicting him at the battle is in one of her stories, but she does not mention him in the text itself). The king returned to aid his country in need, but in secret, his presence unremarked on.

Greg responds...

Very cogent analysis.

Response recorded on September 29, 2010

Bookmark Link

Todd Jensen writes...

Among the objects in the Illuminati's treasury on Eastcheap Island was a shield (medieval, by the shape of it) with a picture of a swan on it. Was this your idea, or Karine's when she drew the page?

Greg responds...

Karine's, I believe.

Response recorded on September 29, 2010

Bookmark Link

Todd Jensen writes...

In "Bad Guys" #4, you had Thug mutated into an alligator-like Mutate. While the specific choice of an alligator obviously tied in with the "armored Mutates" theme of Sevarius' new experiments, I wonder if you had the "alligators in the sewers" urban legend in mind, since Sevarius' lab was adjacent to the sewers. (Not to mention, also, that the "alligators in the sewers" myth was referred to in both "The Thrill of the Hunt" and "Hunter's Moon Part One", and whenever a legend, urban or otherwise, is alluded to in "Gargoyles", we know what that means....)

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on September 28, 2010

Bookmark Link

Ashton writes...

Hey Greg,

Did you guys actually post acting auditions for the parts of Young Justice in the newspaper or did you guys already know who you wanted? I know you cant and trust me I don't want you to spoil the show before it even starts, So will this show be dealing with anyting supernatural and magic or will it be completely grounded and confined to realism? Now this question I about to ask you is from a image I saw on the wall in the Behind the Scenes Young Justice interview in the background show Aqualad holding up The Joker while jokers trading cards are falling out of his hands, it was called Graduation Day or Final Exam. Anyways was that Joker if you cant answer that then okay cool. I'm totally fine with that, now did you, Brandon and Phil consult with Geoff on Aqualad's powerlimit and have you read any of the Brightest Day with Aqualad init? If so did you guys and Geoff say what would happen in the issue with the character? Because in issue #10 Aqualad's abilities are seen and he blows Black Manta back a couple times displaying that he's very powerful and there was a chest shown that was given to Aqualad's adoptive parents by Mera. Now I know you can't and won't spoil anyting, but will is power limits and parents be explored in the show? or Will his origin only be seen in the comics?

Greg responds...

1. Neither.

2. It covers the depth and breadth of the DC Universe.

3. That was Joker, but that was also development material not production material. I'm neither confirming or denying Joker's appearance in the series.

4. Geoff came to us to discuss our Aqualad, and we laid out how we were using him, including how his powers work in the series. Geoff came up with some great ideas for the character as well.

5. I have read some of Brightest Day with Aqualad.

6. Geoff ran with Aqualad. We were happy to have him pick our brains, but Brightest Day is his baby.

7. No comment.

Response recorded on September 28, 2010

Bookmark Link

Ashton writes...

Hey Greg,

Will you be posting an update on the statistics of Young Justice episodes as you did before? I also was wondering if you were going to post the reel or trailer of Young Justice that you showed a comiccon after the Batman Brave and the Bold Panel, because in an interview you showed the guy on your iphone and it showed a few villains in it, So that's why I was wondering will you be releasing that on to youtube? Will this show be similar to Batman Under the Red Hood since you mentioned there would be deaths of main and supporting characters? Will Victor crook be caliborating with Brandon Vietti on the show with the animation and fight sequences? Will you be providing your voice to a character in the series? Did Brandon, Phil and you enjoy creating and coming up with Jackson Hyde? Since you yourself have already created a full on tv show aka Gargoyles from scratch. I'm sure it was a overwhelming challenge at first when you were asked to basicly create a whole universe in the DC Universe what did you guys even begin with?. I truely love what you guys did in creating this new Aqualad, the thing that's intriguing is his background, it's like a mixture of a heroes/lost tv episode, very mysterious and addictive which keeps you following him in Brightest Day of course, But even the way you guys brought him into the DC Universe by introducing him to comic and cartoon fans at the same time such as what Bruce Timm did with the character Harley Quinn launching the character into both medias, I'm especially excited for this New Aqualad because I'm a fan of mainly anything involving the ocean and it's hidden depths, and now you guys have Aqualad as the leader of a team that has Robin and Superboy on it all I can say is PURE AWESOMNESS!!! even if he may only be the leader for a time being. So how much input did Phil Bourassa have on the Aqualad character, did he create the characters full design or did you and Brandon say this is how his costume and powers should look and this is how his face should look? Also will he be the exact same character in the comics, but just a different appearance? I'm greatly inspired by you, Brandon, and Phil's work and I hope this show will be another success for you guys that can add to your belt, I hope this show stays on air as long as possible so you guys can keep getting paid so thank you for your hard work.

Greg responds...

In the future, it would be really, REALLY helpful if you would (a) number your questions and (2) not present them in single paragraph form.

1. I'll try to do the statistics update periodically.

2. I have no means of posting a trailer.

3. You're misquoting me, for starters. But as for Red Hood, it's a different adaptation. We're neither trying nor not trying to be "similar" to Red Hood.

4. Vic Cook is a guest director on one episode of YJ. So of course, he'll collaborating with Brandon and myself on that episode.

5. I am providing the voice for one character on the series.

6. Phil, Brandon and I enjoyed coming up with our new Aqualad character. But his name isn't Jackson Hyde.

7. I wouldn't call it an "overwhelming challenge" though it was certainly a challenge... but one that an old comic book geek like me relished. As I've said many times before, Brandon and I began with lists of teenage characters and a basic mindset about what we did and didn't want the series to be, so that we weren't simply rehashing the great work done on Teen Titans or Justice League/Justice League Unlimited.

8. Phil absolutely created the design, but Brandon and I and Sam Register all talked to him about the basics and gave notes on the various iterations leading up to the final product.

9. I don't know how to define "exact same character" for you. There are going to be some differences. Some minor, some more significant. But the fundamentals are the same. Parallel versions in multiverse terms.

10. Thank you.

Response recorded on September 28, 2010

Bookmark Link

Mo writes...

Okay, this may seem like a weird question, but...why did you guys create Aqualad? How did the decision come about? What went into making him? Also, this may be a weird request, but could you answer the question without spoiling the show?

Thanks!

Greg responds...

Let me answer your last question first: No.

If you're still curious after the show's been on for, say, half a season, feel free to ask again.

Response recorded on September 28, 2010

Bookmark Link

Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

I'll have to ask this question again after Young Justice premiers because obviously a complete answer would include spoilers, but are there any DC characters you wanted to use but couldn't because they just didn't fit into the universe you were creating? I think you mentioned your old character, Captain Atom, in a previous post as an example.

I'd imagine there would be a lot of characters you couldn't use because their essence is too tied up with them being third, or even forth generation characters. ie. How can you have Tim or Bart in a world premiering Dick and Wally? Or perhaps characters that could appear on their own, but they are too tied to legacy characters to feel whole without those attachments. Any examples like that. Or perhaps other, even silly reasons; maybe an iconic weapon animates badly, or an accent or action that is fine in comics is hoaky on screen? Or maybe someones back story would be necessary, but too long for a guest appearance?

If there are characters like that, which (among the none spoiler ones), bugs you the most not to be able to play with?

Greg responds...

Captain Atom is in the series. What I said is that he doesn't have a major role. That the sentimental side of me kept trying to give him a bigger role, but he just didn't have a connection to any of the leads, so it never worked out.

The idea of characters not "fitting into our universe" doesn't really enter into it. The fact is we're a kind of adaptation, and any character we DO choose to include is adapted to fit into our universe, while still maintaining the elements that we feel are essential to said character.

We always make choices, but again, it's premature to discuss those choices.

Response recorded on September 28, 2010

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

I have three questions for you about Young Justice. No I don't want any spoilers. I wanted to know about the creative process about it. So here are my three questions.

1.Since you were allowed such great amount of character to use from DC Universe. How did you decide which ones to choose? What was the process for that?
2. How do you come up with oringal story lines while still keeping true to the comic book character's mythos?
3. It has been said there will be romance in Young Justice since we're seeing teenagers. How do you decide who is going to like who in the show?

If by answering these questions might lead to spoilers then please don't answer them. I do want to see the surpises that are to come. But I'm really curious how writers decide these for a show based on comics.

Greg responds...

1. It's a VERY fair process question... but there's no way for me to answer it AT THIS TIME without SPOILERS, beyond the general, which I've already done (check the ASK GREG Young Justice archive). Feel free to resubmit the question after, say a half dozen or so episodes have aired.

2. Uh... practice?

(Seriously, we try to internalize the characters as much as possible and, in effect, ask THEM what they'd do next.)

3. Some things feel right. Again, I'd be happy to go into much more detail AFTER the episodes have aired than now.

Response recorded on September 27, 2010

Bookmark Link

ALL CAUGHT UP

Hey gang,

I'm finally all caught up on the ASK GREG queue. Gonna take a short break, but we'll open the queue again on September 27th, 2010 in preparation for the release of Superman/Batman: Apocalypse which also contains the DC Showcase Green Arrow short that I wrote.

As always, I urge you guys NOT to flood ASK GREG with questions. Check the archives. Check the FAQs. Ask questions of the loyal fans in the Station 8 comment room.

AND, please, THINK BEFORE YOU POST. I am NOT, for example, going to SPOIL "Young Justice" before it airs. I'm not going to SPOIL "Gargoyles" either since I still have hopes of bringing that back. I'm not even going to "SPOIL" Spectacular Spider-Man, because I don't see any real point in revealing future plans and ideas independent of their execution.

Happy to talk process. Happy to talk about what's ALREADY aired or been published. Happy to talk about Mecha-Nation and many other things. But. NOT. GONNA. SPOIL.

Thanks,

gdw


Bookmark Link

Clark Cradic writes...

What comic universe would you say you're more knowledgeable about: DC or Marvel?

Greg responds...

I'm pretty equal on both companies.

Fairly knowledgeable (all things considered) on pre-1970s stuff.

More knowledgeable on the 70s.

Extremely knowledgeable on the 80s.

Less knowledgeable on the early and mid 90s.

Almost completely ignorant of the mid 90s through 2006.

Somewhat knowledgeable but with huge gaps on 2006 through the present...

Of course, I worked at DC as a freelancer from 1983-1991, and on staff from 1985-1987, so I have more INSIDE knowledge of that company, but during that period I was reading ALL the Marvel books too, so if we're talking CONTINUITY and CHARACTERS, I know both companies pretty darn well. I certainly grew up reading both. And when I was a little kid, I didn't even get that there were different companies that made comics. I'd see Green Lantern team up with Superman in one book. And Spider-Man team up with the Fantastic Four in another. And I didn't know that next month I might not see Captain America team with Batman. It took me a while to get the whole competing companies idea.

Response recorded on September 21, 2010

Bookmark Link

Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

I'm sorry to hear you are feeling some vitriol coming your way for the differences between the Young Justice comic book and coming cartoon. As a huge fan of YJ I was hoping for a Spec Spidey type treatment of the original source material and I bet others were too. That said, I just keep repeating to myself that that is not to be so I should just look forward to a different great cartoon.

I did have the thought of, 'then why not use a different name?' If I can come up with a couple more ridiculously bad ones to balance the numerous "Blah" ones I may post some names that came to mind...

Greg responds...

It IS a very Spec Spidey treatment of the source material. It's just that our definition of the source material is BIGGER and more EXPANSIVE than yours seem to be. Just as on Spec Spidey, we developed YJ to combine characters from different eras to create a cohesive, coherent yet contemporary whole, without losing what's classic and iconic about these teen characters. That meant borrowing from classic Teen Titans as well as Young Justice and other arenas as well. Just as we borrowed from Spidey's high school years, his college years and more recent arenas as well. On Spec Spidey, we said it was early days in the Marvel Universe (recast as 2008). On YJ, it's early days in the DC Universe (recast as 2010).

It's the exact same thing -- from my point of view at least. It's adaptation with a starting point. Where it goes from that starting point...? Time will tell.

Response recorded on September 21, 2010

Bookmark Link

Vaevictis Asmadi writes...

Hello Greg,

I have a question about Avalon. In the past you have stated several times that it is always summer on Avalon, "unless Oberon decrees otherwise," and that Avalon is "a summer place -- by decree."

So I'm curious: what was the climate and weather like on Avalon during Mab's reign?

Thank you, as always, for answering so many questions.

Greg responds...

Chaotic.

Response recorded on September 21, 2010

Bookmark Link

Algernon writes...

Hey again Greg,
This question kinda came to me out of nowhere earlier and I tried searching the archives to see if it had already been touched on. To my suprise it doesn't seem to have come up so I'll ask it here. Did Elisa ever have a partner before Matt and if so, whatever happened to him/her?

Greg responds...

I'm sure she had at least a couple of partners over the years. But she was definitely a solo act when we first met her.

Elisa's backstory is definitely worth exploring, but I'm not going to do it here at Ask Greg.

Response recorded on September 21, 2010

Bookmark Link

MasterGandalf writes...

A couple of questions regarding the Archmage:

1. The Archmage is very much a walking evil sorcerer cliche, and I always got the impression that was entirely deliberate on your part- but is it on his? In other words, do you see him as the kind of guy who hams it up because it's fun (like Sevarius and even Thailog to an extent) or is all of that genuinely his personality?

2. Magic-users on the whole are generally portrayed in fiction as being intelligent, especially powerful ones, but the Archmage makes some sloppy oversights. Would you say he's a smart guy too drunk on his own power to think clearly, that he's rather dim but with a natural knack for dark magic, or somewhere in between?

3. Demona was the Archmage's apprentice- do you think witnessing his cruelty had any role in what initially soured her opinion of humanity, laying the foundation for what would later grow into her genocidal fury? Or was it unrelated?

4. Finally, how would the Archmage+ compare in terms of raw magical power to one of the lords of the Third Race, such as Oberon or Odin? Mostly, I'm just curious as to what would have happened had he successfully conquered Avalon, only to run afoul of Oberon when he returned.

Greg responds...

1. I mostly believe that's him. It may have been less of a cliché a thousand years ago.

2. In the immortal words of Abe Simpson: "A little from Column A, a little from Column B.'

3. Couldn't help.

4. It would have been interesting. But see my Hulk vs. Thing discussion in the archives.

Response recorded on September 21, 2010

Bookmark Link

patch writes...

i'm so excited for young justice but i have to ask
1. is artemis olivia queen?
2. there were some characters that were only in the comic(secret, empress, slobo) will they appear in the cartoon?

Greg responds...

You HAVE to ask? Because if you don't, you'll... what? Spontaneously combust? Sing a torch song? Juggle priceless Ming vases?

Well, I won't question it. Let's just say you HAVE to ask and leave it at that.

(Of course, I don't have to answer.)

[I think I am getting meaner and more sarcastic. I'm sure I'm alienating more people than I'm amusing.]

Response recorded on September 18, 2010

Bookmark Link

Ariell Choy writes...

As humans, we can express ourselves culturally, emotionally and even spiritually through the arts (music, dance, drama, literature, etc). Do gargoyles practice the arts? Do gargoyles even have the capacity to create art? I have always wanted to know since having seen the episode "Kingdom" in which Broadway, Lexington, and Brooklyn return home to the Clock Tower after having attended a rock concert in which Brooklyn proclaims "did you hear that guitarist wail?"

Greg responds...

They have the capacity. And I'm sure some are artists.

Response recorded on September 18, 2010

Bookmark Link

Greg Bishansky writes...

You've said in the past that "Awakening" was originally written and recorded as a four-parter. Out of curiosity, in the four-part version, where would the cliffhanger between parts three and four have been?

Greg responds...

You know, it's been so long, I'd have to look at the actual scripts to figure that out. And I only have copies of those at my Beverly Hills Office. Since I'm mostly at Warner Bros these days, I only get to B.H. about once a month.

Response recorded on September 18, 2010

Bookmark Link

lamberto writes...

hi, greg.

thanks for coming out to comic con this year. always nice to see you.

just wondering if you ever caught pirates of dark water, and what you thought of it. i hear that WB's releasing the series DVD "made-on-demand". we need to get Disney to do that with Gargoyles. there probably wouldn't be any bells or whistles added to the release, but i'll take it any way i can!

Greg responds...

I never saw Pirates of Dark Water.

And I'm game for getting Gargoyles out any way we can.

Response recorded on September 18, 2010

Bookmark Link

Amanda writes...

dear greg

i grew up with gargoyles, infact, it helped me grow... when i was 9 i was shy and by coping brooklyns personality i grow in to a crazy person and i wanted to thank you... because with out gargoyles i would have never learned to draw and be an arist and now i am the top artist at my school.

and now my questiom: as you my know (and im sure this has been asked) lots of old shows have been remade in to these big epic moves (transformers for example) and i was wondering if there was anychance for a live action gargoyles movie? i know hundreds of people who would be so happy! so is there any chance??

Greg responds...

It's a confusing question right now, Amanda. Please check the ASK GREG Archives under "Live-Action Movie" to learn more.

Response recorded on September 18, 2010

Bookmark Link

Livy writes...

Hey Greg,

Really looking forward to Young Justice, everything I've seen and heard so far sounds great.

My question is:
Was there a particular reason for making Robin so much younger than the rest of the Young Justice team?

Very exited about the show and can't wait 'til November.

Greg responds...

I think this is a great (and legit) question... which I urge you to ask again sometime AFTER the series has premiered. There's nothing I can say now that wouldn't in some way be a spoiler.

Response recorded on September 17, 2010

Bookmark Link

Philip Gipson writes...

Hi, Greg. "Gargoyles" happens to be your very best project. It's so well regarded by people like my mother and I. BOOM! Studios currently publishes several Disney comic books, such as "Darkwing Duck." Since "Gargoyles" is a Disney cartoon and your creation, would BOOM! have to ask for your permission to publish all-new "Gargoyles" comics, but under the title of "Disney's Gargoyles"?

Greg responds...

They wouldn't need MY permission. But if they got the license for the book from Disney, I'd hope they'd ask me to write it.

Response recorded on September 17, 2010

Bookmark Link

Suss2it writes...

I have a few questions about Young Justice.

1. How many episodes has Peter David wrote?
2. Who else will be writing for the show? Will Geof Johns write any episodes?
3. And finally who are the main directors for the show?

Greg responds...

1. He'll have written two episodes by the end of Season One.

2. I've answered this already. See the archives.

2a. Geoff has not written any scripts this season. (The guy is a tad busy.) But he's been involved in and contributed to many creative discussions of the series.

3. The main directors under Brandon Vietti are Jay Oliva (11 episodes) and Michael Chang (10). The other episodes are being guest directed by Sam Lieu (1), Chris Berkeley (2), Matt Youngberg (1) and my ol' buddy Victor Cook (1).

Response recorded on September 17, 2010

Bookmark Link

Lorranon of Oberon writes...

Mr. Weisman, I read your response on my question about the novel I wrote. I can't say I was thrilled with the response_ but I think that maybe it was because you didn't understand my motivation behined it. I posted a comment on your blog about the "Gargoyles" movie Disney wants to release. I was hoping you would read it and then perhaps we could discuss my motivation and reasons in more detail.

Greg responds...

A few things...

1. I apologize, but I get so many questions here, I can't remember either what you wrote here about your novel or how I responded. So I can't tell you whether or not I understood your motivation.

2. I don't have a blog. Just ASK GREG here. So I don't know where you posted your "comment" about the Gargoyles movie or how that would effect my mindset about your novel.

3. You're welcome to post your motivation here, but if your novel is in any way based on Gargoyles (and if it's not why are we having this discussion?), I can't see WHAT motivation would make me excited about it.

4. I'm sorry if all this isn't "thrilling" but I really don't understand what you expect from me. Why would I be happy about someone else doing a Gargoyles-based property, either as a movie or a novel?

But perhaps I'm completely off-base (see response #1 above) so I'll stop now.

Response recorded on September 17, 2010

Bookmark Link

Paul writes...

How much of Teen Titans and Justice League/Justice League Unlimited have you seen? I got the impression that you'd watched a bit of them since you referred to them as great shows in a Comic-con interview.

Greg responds...

When we first began developing Young Justice, I watched the first two seasons each of Teen Titans and Justice League and was halfway through the first season of Justice League Unlimited when production started up . Meant to watch EVERY episode of both (all three) series, but unfortunately I just don't have the time now.

Response recorded on September 17, 2010

Bookmark Link

Primal Slayer writes...

What's the status of Supergirl in this show... has she already arrived? will she arrive? does she not even exisist?

Greg responds...

I can state definitively that Supergirl will not be appearing... in Gargoyles.

Response recorded on September 17, 2010

Bookmark Link

Todd Jensen writes...

Was the Gargoyles Universe's take on the Holy Grail modelled on the Nanteos Cup? When the Grail gets a cameo in "Rock of Ages", it's depicted as a wooden bowl, and the wood seems the right color for olive wood. That matches the Nanteos Cup's description; did you have that in mind when you decided on that form for the Grail?

Greg responds...

I'm embarrassed to say I had never heard of the "Nanteos Cup" until now. So I guess the answer is no. Though obviously, I was following the tradition of it being the Cup from the Last Supper, brought to Britain by Joseph of Arimathea and kept at Carbonek by the Fisher Kings (leading to Pelles and then Peredur).

Response recorded on September 17, 2010

Bookmark Link

Charisma82 writes...

In Outfoxed, did Fox let Vogel keep the money she’d sent to him for betraying her father and helping her take out Renard’s company or did she take it back? Or did he give it back to her? If he kept it, what did he do with the money that was used to make him betray Renard (I would assume he’d feel guilty having it, but correct me if I’m wrong)?

Thank you for your time and all that you do,

-Charisma82

Greg responds...

I'm sure Renard would have insisted on Vogel returning the money as a condition of continued employment.

Response recorded on September 17, 2010

Bookmark Link

Alex writes...

In response to the Internet-response commentary, aren't we missing the main point: why ISN'T there a "Justice League Babies"? And who would be the nanny on the Watchnursery?

Greg responds...

I'm not kidding when I say that that could be an HILARIOUS series. A lot of fun. As long as no one took it too seriously, and everyone watched it in the spirit of silliness that it would obviously inspire.

As to the Nanny... my initial reaction was Red Tornado, but I think he's more fun as one of the babies. So I'll nominate a few other options:

Jay Garrick
Alan Scott
Hippolyta
The Wizard Shazam
Uncle Dudley
Ma Hunkel
Mr. Tawny

I can think of a few others, but none as good as the above list.

Response recorded on September 17, 2010

Bookmark Link

Vaevictis Asmadi writes...

I read "All You Zombies" by Heinlein a while ago, based on your recommendation that it demonstrated working paradoxes in time travel, and although it was not recent I decided to finally type up and share what I thought from reading it. First of all, the story creeped me out!

But what I'm writing to you about is free will. Did the main character of that story have free will? On the surface at least, it appears to me that he did not for much of the story. He clearly remembered everything that had happened to him, yet he did not have to option not to seduce himself, or not to catch take past self back in the time machine, nor could he choose to change what he said and did in that bar when he was the bartender. When interacting with his past self, I think he had no choice but to say and do exactly what he remembered seeing his future self doing and hearing his future self saying.

He did have options regarding abducting the baby, mainly because he didn't remember being abducted, but one way or another he had to abduct that baby or get someone else to abduct her: he only had options in how he did it. This is comparable to Goliath time-travelling with Griff in M.I.A. Goliath could not possibly get Griff back to his clan in the 1940s, but he had plenty of options of what he could do instead. In that situation Goliath had far more options than the character in "All You Zombies" had when abducting the baby, but still this is a situation with free will.

But what options does a character really have when meeting their past self, if they DO remember the entire encounter? This is apparently what happened to Demona in Vows. She remembered Goliath's "little speech" (or maybe she was lying to him or to herself, but let's assume she was telling the truth this time) and so she must have remembered what her future self said and did. Does that mean she had no free will to change the encounter with her past self when she went back in time? For example, did she really have free will to change what words she said, or not to kick Goliath? It appears to me that this is a situation where she didn't have free will. When the Archmage(+) told his past self that the future is a place of science, not superstition, and that Demona and Macbeth were only "cannon fodder" he couldn't even have understood what he was saying, let alone invented it himself. In fact his entire bizarre mini-timedance seems to abrogate his free will, because as he said "I should (know what to do), I watched you do it."

Demona's PAST self certainly had free will in Vows, since she did not yet remember the encounter. Likewise, the Archmage clearly had free will during his first pass through his time loop. I would think that any time a character is in a stable time loop, they have free will as long as they are unaware of what "already happened." But when they do remember what happened because their past self is there at the scene, they don't have the option to change what already happened. They already KNOW what happened. If they already know what words they spoke to their past self, then those words are something they remember, not something they are thinking up freely, and they don’t have the option of saying anything different from what they remember.

Am I missing something?

Greg responds...

I tend to disagree with you about the free will thing. Heinlein's character could have chosen NOT to cooperate with his memories. Either because he liked the end result or because he felt oppressed by the inevitability of it all (or some other reason I can't think of at this moment), he CHOSE to play along.

Again, Free Will doesn't mean you get to live the life you want to lead. It means that at best you have the option of STRIVING for the life you want to lead. But some people use their free will to conform. Doesn't mean it's not a choice.

Now, that raises the obvious question: what would have happened to Heinlein's character, to Demona, to the Archmage had they chosen NOT to play along. We'll never know.

Response recorded on September 17, 2010

Bookmark Link

Patrick Gilchriest writes...

Hi Greg, I've been a HUGE Gargoyles fan ever since it first came out. Like most fans, I've been hoping against hope (while realizing it's probably not going to happen anytime this side of 1,000 years) that SEASON 2 VOLUME 2 will finally be released, even after five years. However, there's a new trend I see starting in the TV-on-DVD release universe that MAY provide us with a solution if fans can get back on board and start bugging Disney about it. Have you heard about Disc-on-Demand, sometimes referred to as MOD (Manufactured-on-Demand)? Just in case you haven't, it works just like it sounds...a company says they are going to "release" a season of a T.V. show, but not in stores...you order it online, either via their website or by Amazon, and when you order it and pay for it, they make the set then and ship it to you. They don't have to worry about shipping it to stores and making more sets than meet demand. This way, die-hard fans can get their hands on the material and the company doesn't lose money. CBS and Warner Bros. are both starting to do it with some of my favorite shows that haven't seen releases in a long time due to low sales of earlier sets, much like what GARGOYLES faced. But now, with this new capability, fans can get their hands on this material, and I think it would be terrific if Disney could get on board with this for GARGOYLES. What do you think? Could you post this idea on your site so fans can start writing Disney informing them of their interest? This seems much more possible to me than waiting for them to release it as a mass-release set in stores. Thanks, and have a great day!

Greg responds...

I love the idea!

I admit I don't know how to get Disney interested in doing this for Gargoyles if they aren't doing it for ANYTHING yet. But a letter-writing campaign is a good way to start. Patrick, I nominate you to spearhead this. Post this in the s8 Comment Room and any other Gargoyles site you can think of. (I think there are a couple on facebook.)

If people send actual LETTERS to Disney Home Entertainment, it may have some effect. Especially if a LOT of people send letters. (And if those letters sound reasonable and polite. Draft a sample letter and post that to give people a clear idea what to ask for.

In any case, it can't hurt.

Response recorded on September 17, 2010

Bookmark Link

JonDoe297 writes...

I've got a couple questions about Young Justice.
1) Who's idea was it to cast Bruce Greenwood as Batman? And was anyone else considered for the role?

2) Also who was the character designer for the show? The designs for the Justice League look almost identical to that of Crisis on Two Earths.

3)And is Artemis the character Tigress aka Artemis Crock?

Greg responds...

1. My partner Brandon Vietti loved Bruce's work as Batman in Red Hood (which Brandon directed). I listened and agreed. So did voice director Jamie Thomason. So we quit while we were ahead and cast Bruce.

2. Phil Bourassa is the lead character designer for both Young Justice and Crisis. The designs are obviously going to have similarities, but none are "identical".

3. No comment.

Response recorded on September 16, 2010

Bookmark Link

Charlotte Rinderknecht writes...

Greg,
I just was interested in what you are doing now and what the future holds for you?

Greg responds...

LOL!!

Mostly, I seem to be refusing to comment on Young Justice.

Down the road, I see me refusing to comment on many other things!

(Actually, this may be a serious question. It's gotten hard for me to tell. So...

For those who don't know, I'm currently producing Season One of the new YOUNG JUSTICE animated television series for Warner Bros. Animation, DC Comics and Cartoon Network. The show will premiere in November. I'll be working on this series for the foreseeable future... hopefully for a good long time.)

Response recorded on September 16, 2010

Bookmark Link

Neil writes...

Young Justice Questions:

1.If Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes) appears, will he still be voiced by Will Friedle like in Brave and the Bold? Many people and reviewers say Friedle is completely the perfect guy to voice the Beetle.

2.Will Traci 13 appear? She has yet to appear in a cartoon.

Greg responds...

NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on September 16, 2010

Bookmark Link

Mistah J writes...

Young Justice questions:

1. If WG appears, will it be Cassie?
2.Will the animation be detailed in the way of Armpit Hair, ab lines and stuff.
3.Even though Robin is 13, will he still hang out with Superboy and Kid Flash without being treated like a child?
4.Over the seasons, will more characters be added and taken away?
5. Could this spark a new DCAU?
6.Will we see Harley Quinn or the Joker? PLEASE TELL MEEEE!
7.Will we see blood and Light cuss words(Such as "crap","Frikkin","ass")
8.When will we get a full trailer?/When will it premiere?

Greg responds...

1. No comment.

2. Armpit hair? Seriously?

3. Your question is filled with so much barely concealed attitude, that I think I'll just let you wait and see for yourself.

4. We're only greenlit for one season right now. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

5. Could this show spark to a civil war in Bavaria?

6. Didn't I JUST refuse to answer this?

7. $#!%

8. Define full trailer. And we premiere in November.

Response recorded on September 16, 2010

Bookmark Link

Vaevictis Asmadi writes...

Hello again Greg,

This isn't so much a question as it is a comment/ramble on the subject of religion in Gargoyles.

In the past you've stated that you prefer not to confirm or deny the existence or non-existence of the Abrahamic monotheistic God in the Gargoyles Universe, and that you don't wish to define or describe GOD in the Gargoyles Universe as being specifically Abrahamic. I think that this is a wise decision. Many television or book series set in the real world have some take on the supernatural and spiritual; often they take one single religion to focus on as being "true." In my opinion this is usually fine for fiction, as long as the "incorrect" religions aren't depicted as being evil or a one-way ticket to Damnation; but it is a more difficult task to create a universe wherein all the religious beings exist, though not at all impossible! I've never been willing to accept any religion's claim of being The Only Truth No Matter What, including my own religion. (I find it interesting that you've comented on the Biblical God as being "geotheistic.") I also like that no episode ever makes explicit whether the Third Race are or are not divine. They clearly exist, but their religious significance (if any) is left for viewers to decide. Supernatural and magical things and beings exist in Gargoyles, but without eliminating the ambiguity of the real world.

But I'm wondering if you planned how you will handle the omnipotent Allmighty God(s?) in other monotheistic religions, such as Sikhism and some indigenous African religions. I think some forms of neo-Paganism may monotheistic as well, having an Allmighty Goddess or Creator. I think it would be only fair to have the same consideration towards the Allmighty of any religion that includes belief in such, but that's my opinion. And I don't know if you've thought about this yet.

Hinduism also has monotheistic denominations or forms. There are the many Hindu deities, and this makes the religion appear polytheistic, but not all the gods are the same. The Trimurti (Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma) and Krishna (an Avatar of Vishnu) sometimes appear as though they are just gods. But my limited understanding (not being Hindu), is that these four particular "creatures" are actually the names and manifestations of the Allmighty/Infinite/God/Creator of the Universe. Different sects or denominations consider one or another of these four to be THE God, while considering the other three to be alternative manifestations that the Creator sometimes takes. For example, the Vaishnava Hindus consider Vishnu the Omnipotent/Infinite God, creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the whole universe, and consider Krishna, Shiva, and Brahma to be manifestations in which Vishnu sometimes appears. I think Rama is also a manifestation or Avatar of Vishnu. In comparing Hinduism to other religions, at least some Hindus very much consider their concept of the Allmighty the equal of the Abrahamic God.

I can't ask how you would like to handle individual stories, since I know little about Biblical myths and almost as little about Hindu stories. I saw how Jacob was handled in the comic, but I don't know how that story was told in the Bible. But I'm a little curious what further thoughts you've had about this topic, if you feel like sharing.

Greg responds...

Just to clarify, I believe God is presented as geotheistic in certain sections of the bible (parts of Genesis and Exodus especially) but not consistently throughout the bible. There are many chapters and verses where God is clearly presented monotheistically.

My basic fallback to your question is one word: research. If and when I start to deal with these issues, these cultures that I am less familiar with, I will first do a boatload of research (either myself or with the help of a research assistant like Kathy Pogge). Then I'll make decisions based on that research.

For example, I'm pretty well versed in the Judeo-Christian traditions. But when I set out to write in detail about the Stone of Destiny and how it might wind through those traditions, Kathy did a ton of research, and I reviewed it all and sorted through it and then made my decisions as to how I wanted to present things.

Response recorded on September 16, 2010

Bookmark Link

Charisma82 writes...

In Outfoxed, who was Mr. Vogel going to blame for sabotaging the robots on the ship before Goliath showed up?

Thank you for your time and all that you do,

-Charisma82

Greg responds...

He'd have come up with something.

Response recorded on September 15, 2010

Bookmark Link

Charisma82 writes...

In High Noon, what would Demona and Macbeth have done if Iago hadn’t been the personality to take control over Coldstone? What was their plan if Desdemona or Othello had taken over?

Thank you for your time and all that you do,

-Charisma82

Greg responds...

I'm afraid I'd have to watch this again too. It's just been too long.

Response recorded on September 15, 2010

Bookmark Link

Charisma82 writes...

In the first flashback of Reawakening we see Demona and Goliath arguing as they head to a tower of the castle. At the top of the tower is the gargoyle known as Othello. We also find out that Magus is up there too, until he storms off once Goliath and Demona arrive. What were Othello and Magus doing up there on that tower together? Was Magus taking a breather up there and Othello happened to glide to the tower right at the same moment as Demona and Goliath arrived (which seems very coincidental)? Or were Magus and Othello talking/meeting there for a reason? And if that’s the case, what were they talking about? I find this odd since Magus seemed to hate all the gargoyles at that point of time.

Thank you for your time and all that you do,

-Charisma82

Greg responds...

I'd have to watch it again.

Response recorded on September 15, 2010

Bookmark Link

Charisma82 writes...

In regards to Derek and his family situation:

Derek’s mother is the one who helped encourage Derek to take the job with Xanatos. As his mother, does she feel partly responsible/guilty for the situation Derek is now in (i.e. his transformation)?

The only time we’ve seen Derek with his family (the Maza’s) was in the episode The Cage. I know Derek is busy in the Labyrinth, but does he make time to see his family on a regular basis, or is it too hard for him to interact with his past and is only looking on to the future? And does any of the Maza family (I already know Elisa does) visit Derek in the Labyrinth? Or, again, is it too hard for them to see him in that situation, living as a mutate in hiding from the world?

Thank you for your time and all that you do,

-Charisma82

Greg responds...

1. I'm sure she does, though of course, she didn't have all the facts when she advised Derek.

2. I think they see each other.

Response recorded on September 15, 2010

Bookmark Link

jacques agent jr writes...

dear greg weisman i wont ask what i really wanted too ask because too be honest i wanted too suggest a idea. i got something big in mind that i would love too see or even be apart of as far as gargoyles go. also i am a aspiring actor. i really dont have any expierince but i still would like too know how would i be able too be apart of your work. please email me back at agentjacques@yahoo.com i look forward too hearing from you.

Greg responds...

<sigh>

As I've stated MANY times before, I do not respond to personal e-mails. If I did it once, everyone would expect me to do it, and that just isn't practical. Also, if you read the guidelines for this site, you'll see that appeals for work are not appropriate to this forum.

If you want some general advice on how to break into the business, that's one thing. Otherwise...

Response recorded on September 15, 2010

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Do you plan on casting Tara Strong and Grey Delisle in Young Justice as supporting characters or is it too early to confirm it?

Besides Phil Lamarr, will any other voice actors from Futurama be working on Young Justice?

Greg responds...

Patience, grasshopper...

Response recorded on September 15, 2010

Bookmark Link

Vaevictis Asmadi writes...

Hello Greg,

I've looked all over the archives and I did not find an answer to this. Once, somebody asked you why Anansi chose to be so big and ungainly, presumably since this form gave him trouble when fighting the gargoyles in "Mark of the Panther." You answered: << He ate a lot and gloried in it, I guess. And changing may not be as easy as you make it sound.>> Reading that, I realized that it has never been established explicitly whether shapeshifting is something that all of the Third Race can do. Anansi himself does shapeshift later, but only after getting stabbed. If it was very easy for him to change into a tiny form and run away, I would expect him to do that once pleading and offering bribes didn't work, instead of sitting there and getting stabbed.
Here's the original question: http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?qid=3095

So are all of the Third Race able to shapeshift, or just some or most of them?
Are all of them able to assume mortal forms (like Owen), or can just some or most of them do this?
And are they all equally good/skilled/versatile at shapeshifting?

Thank you.

Greg responds...

1. I don't want to make blanket statements, but most can.

2. Ditto.

3. No.

Response recorded on September 15, 2010

Bookmark Link

Harlan Phoenix writes...

Do you have any plans for stories featuring Travis Marshall beyond the capacity we've seen him so far?

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on September 14, 2010

Bookmark Link

Todd Jensen writes...

I thought you might like to know that somebody did a humorous comic strip adaptation of Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur" for his webcomic "Litbrick", which, in the final instalment (Bedivere returning Excalibur to the lake) mentioned that Arthur was borne away to Avalon, where he slept until being awakened in an episode of "Gargoyles". Here's the link to it:

http://www.litbrick.com/comic.php?date=2010-08-18

I thought you'd be pleased to see the series still being remembered after all this time.

Greg responds...

It's a nice shout out.

Response recorded on September 14, 2010

Bookmark Link

Greg Bishansky writes...

This discussion has been had in Station Eight a few times, and I thought I would bring it up here. It seems to me like one could make a case that Demona is the lead character in the greater story of the GARGOYLES UNIVERSE.

If one looks at "Dark Ages," "Gargoyles," and "Gargoyles 2198" as a three act story, Demona's story is the one story arc that really plays out through the entire timeline. She is there for all three acts.

Yes, Goliath is the lead in "Gargoyles" and Samson is the lead in "Gargoyles 2198." I think Hudson is the lead in "Dark Ages," but I might be wrong. And they all play huge roles, crucial roles. But Goliath and Hudson are not in Act Three, and Samson is not in the first two acts.

Demona, without being the lead in any of the acts, is the constant presence. Sure, she may not appear in "Pendragon," "New Olympians," Heroes of Ulster," and may only have a small role in "TimeDancer" and "Bad Guys." But if "Gargoyles" is the center of the universe here, and "Dark Ages" and "2198" are both acts in that story, it almost makes me wonder if this is really her story. You've got her youth, her fall from grace, her time as the main antagonist (or one of them), and then her eventual redemption.

Not to take anything away from Goliath, because I definitely agree that "Gargoyles" is his story and that he is the most pivotal character in that series. But is his story a large piece of her story?

I'm not saying it's all about her, because it's not. I don't think that or feel that, because this is all one huge ensemble piece made up of many stories, but like I said, she seems to be the most constant character out of all of them in the Big Picture. And all without ever being THE LEAD in any of the "three acts."

Greg responds...

It's definitely an interesting theory.

Of course, I don't actually view the Gargoyles' Universe as any one character's story, including Goliath. To me it's a tapestry with many threads...

But I'm not disagreeing per se.

Response recorded on September 14, 2010

Bookmark Link

Steven D. writes...

Greetings.
First off, I wish to sincerely apologize for comments I made earlier about the Teen Titans animated series. In commenting about the absence of some of the older heroes, like the Justice League, I never meant to take a dig at the show, or imply the said absence hurt the show in any way. I have always been a huge of fan of it and hold the series in high regards, as it had all the things I look for in a great action animated series.
I apologize that my comment implied otherwise. It was only meant to mention the League's absence, how I sometimes thought about their absence, and if including the League was intentionally done to separate Young Justice from Teen Titans (which I now realize from your response to the question was "No").
The last thing I wanted to do when finally got the courage to start posting was insult a classic series like the Titans.

Anyways, yesterday I was watching several video interviews of you on the topic of Young Justice, and I discovered that my all-time favorite superhero, Hal Jordan (Green Lantern; or rather one of them), is in the roster for the 16 member Justice League.
I was very relieved to hear this news, as, for a while, I feared he was one of the few heroes you were still forbidden from using, as he has both a movie and TV show coming out next year, which were both causes of past DC character-embargoes. You also mentioned that he and John Stewart would not have the biggest roles in the series, which of course makes sense, as neither have proteges in the Young Justice team. I just was wondering whether they will be entirely background/cameo characters in the first season, or if there's at least Something planned for one or both of them. I understand if you can't answer that at this time, and don't worry; I'll still watch the show either way.
Thanks again for your time.

Greg responds...

Such a nice post makes it hard for me to answer obnoxiously. Darn you!

But I'm still not going to spoil anything beyond repeating that though both Hal and John are more than mere window-dressing to the series, they do not have large roles because neither has a direct relationship with any of our teen leads. Same is true for Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Wonder Woman and to my own personal frustration, Captain Atom. But all appear, and not simply in the background.

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

sagal writes...

Will Lex Luthor and Barbara Gordon/Batgirl appear in the young justice show?

Greg responds...

Please, sagal, allow me to scoop my own material by answering these questions. Please! What? You've changed your mind and don't want the answers? But I'm just dying to reveal everything here and now so that the viewing audience is protected from any surprises whatsoever. Besides, if you let me tell you everything now, it'll allow way more second-guessing and pre-judging of ideas, free of all that pesky execution of said ideas. So how 'bout it? Can I spill? Can I spoil? Ahhh, you're no fun.

[It's starting to get old now, isn't it?]

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

Liv writes...

I'm interested in your thoughts (and possibly Brandon Vietti's and Jamie Thomason's as well, if possible) on the casting process for the voices of the main characters of Young Justice. What was/is it that the main cast - Jesse McCartney, Khary Payton, Nolan North, Stephanie Lemelin, Danica McKeller, and Jason Spisak - bring to their respective characters that you, Vietti, and Thomason were looking for? In another question, you answered that the members of Young Justice were chosen based on a variety of factors (i.e. personality, dynamics, etc.). How did that play out in the casting process?

Greg responds...

These are actually really great questions. (So no smart-ass response.) And I urge you to ask them again AFTER the show has premiered in November. But to answer them now would require me to spoil stuff I don't want to spoil.

I will say the obvious though, which is that we auditioned literally hundreds of actors to cast Superman and our six lead teens. And these six actors were the best. (And if you're wondering why we auditioned for Superman and the six, it's because we wanted the same actor to play both Superman (age 33) and his clone Superboy (age 16). Nolan does an amazing job at playing both characters, making them sound distinct and yet genetically the same.)

Oh, and in case anyone's wondering, I have a 132 page (and growing) timeline for the series that does indeed list every character's age.

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

Chris writes...

Would Demona and Macbeth still blame each other if they knew how the Weird Sisters had manipulated them, or would they assume that the Sisters were responsible for their betrayals?

Greg responds...

Please, Chris, allow me to scoop my own material by answering these questions. Please! What? You've changed your mind and don't want the answers? But I'm just dying to reveal everything here and now so that the viewing audience is protected from any surprises whatsoever. Besides, if you let me tell you everything now, it'll allow way more second-guessing and pre-judging of ideas, free of all that pesky execution of said ideas. So how 'bout it? Can I spill? Can I spoil? Ahhh, you're no fun.

Wait, wait. This wasn't a YJ spoiler question. Sorry, I got carried away there for a second.

Anyway, I think there's blame enough to go around. Particularly with Demona, who likes to spread the blame, not absorb it.

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

will starfire appear in young justice as robin's love interest? I really hope so!

Greg responds...

Please, Anonymous, allow me to scoop my own material by answering these questions. Please! What? You've changed your mind and don't want the answers? But I'm just dying to reveal everything here and now so that the viewing audience is protected from any surprises whatsoever. Besides, if you let me tell you everything now, it'll allow way more second-guessing and pre-judging of ideas, free of all that pesky execution of said ideas. So how 'bout it? Can I spill? Can I spoil? Ahhh, you're no fun.

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

Grant writes...

1) Will the martians in YJ have their entire entire power set like in the comics including the super strenght or will you emphasize only a subset of their powers like what the JLU cartoon did?

On a similar note, will they still have a problem with fire?

Greg responds...

Please, Grant, allow me to scoop my own material by answering these questions. Please! What? You've changed your mind and don't want the answers? But I'm just dying to reveal everything here and now so that the viewing audience is protected from any surprises whatsoever. Besides, if you let me tell you everything now, it'll allow way more second-guessing and pre-judging of ideas, free of all that pesky execution of said ideas. So how 'bout it? Can I spill? Can I spoil? Ahhh, you're no fun.

[I'm starting to really enjoy this. How about you guys?]

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

Grant writes...

Besides Jon Weisman, Peter David and yourself, what other people are writing episodes for Young Justice?

Greg responds...

The amazing YOUNG JUSTICE writing staff consists of...
Producer Greg Weisman
Staff Writer Kevin Hopps
Freelance Writers Andrew Robinson, Nicole Dubuc, Jon Weisman, Tom Pugsley and Peter David.
Producer Brandon Vietti has been a major contributor too and has had MUCH impact on all stories, with a couple of the most exciting being pretty much his ideas from start to finish.

Here's the line-up for the first 24 episodes...
Greg
Greg
Kevin
Andrew
Nicole
Jon
Tom
Kevin
Nicole
Andrew
Greg
Jon
Tom
Kevin
Greg
Nicole
Andrew
Peter
Greg
Jon
Nicole
Kevin
Peter
Jon

The last two (25 & 26) will be by Kevin and myself, but we haven't worked out who's taking which yet.

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

Anon. writes...

Hi Greg!!!! I hear rumors that Harley Quinn will be appearing! Will she? Also, can you give just one exclusive. Anything. Even something small. As long as it's new.

Greg responds...

Please, Anon., allow me to scoop my own material by answering these questions. Please! What? You've changed your mind and don't want the answers? But I'm just dying to reveal everything here and now so that the viewing audience is protected from any surprises whatsoever. Besides, if you let me tell you everything now, it'll allow way more second-guessing and pre-judging of ideas, free of all that pesky execution of said ideas. So how 'bout it? Can I spill? Can I spoil? Ahhh, you're no fun.

[Is it still mean the second time? Meaner? Less mean?]

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

rex writes...

1.Will Superboy have a love interest?
2.If so who will it Be?

Greg responds...

Please, rex, allow me to scoop my own material by answering these questions. Please! What? You've changed your mind and don't want the answers? But I'm just dying to reveal everything here and now so that the viewing audience is protected from any surprises whatsoever. Besides, if you let me tell you everything now, it'll allow way more second-guessing and pre-judging of ideas, free of all that pesky execution of said ideas. So how 'bout it? Can I spill? Can I spoil? Ahhh, you're no fun.

[Was that too mean? Or just mean enough? I can never tell.]

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

Oscar writes...

Hi i am a big fan of spider-man and i have a few questions

1)Will the new show for spider-man be starting all over or continue where you left off on the spectacular spider-man?

2)Do you think the new spider man show will better?

3)Are y'all going to use the same characters?

4)Why did the Spectacular spider-man show get canceled?

5)Do you think y'all could have gone far with the spectacular spider-man more than the 1994 series?

6)Last question Do you think there will be ever a chance that they could bring back the Spectacular spider-man if the the new one won't receive good ratings or it crashes like other shows that lasted 13 episodes or less?

Thank you for your time

Greg responds...

1. Ask the new creators. I have no idea, but I can't imagine they'll be picking up where we left off.

2. Not for me to say.

3. I did Spectacular. Ask the new guys about the new show.

4. See the archives.

5. If given the opportunity, we could have kept SpecSpidey going pretty much indefiinitely. But I'm not in competition with any other series.

6. It seems highly unlikely.

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

Daniel writes...

Hi Greg. By sheer coincidence I decided to watch a DC Animated Movie about a week before I heard of the Young Justice show, and noticed in the interview/trailer that someone had opted to use the Justice League character designs from those films. I think it's a really great look for the show, but was curious to know why it was chosen over a unique aesthetic or the one from the Batman and Justice League cartoons. Was it mandated for visual branding to help sell related products like the movies? Something else? Given the more mature nature of the film I saw, using the same visual style makes me expect a similar tone in YJ (albeit network-safe). I'm looking forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve.

Also in that interview I noticed Gargoyles pictures on one of the boards. Why was it up on the board next to the superhero designs? Borrowing a visual trait for the designs? Motivation while writing?

Thanks for your time!
- Daniel

Greg responds...

Okay, this is another misreport and/or misinterpretation.

We are NOT using the character designs from "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths". We ARE using Phil Bourassa, the character DESIGNER from Crisis, so obviously there are going to be some similarities in style and design. But not a single character was taken from that DVD in anything but pitch materials, i.e. what we used to help sell the show. EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER has been redesigned for the actual production of Young Justice. Will there be similarities? Of course. Some characters may be more similar than others, but that's it.

We simply love Phil's work. But there was no mandate. We're not in continuity with any past DC/WB animation project. We are not REUSING anything.

None of this is meant to imply criticism of what came before. Rather, I'm simply trying to clarify what's really going on and stop the spread of certain rumors.

The interview I'm assuming you saw was shot in my office. I have all sorts of pictures up in my office. Cool stuff from Gargoyles, from Spectacular Spider-Man, pictures of my kids, etc. Don't read too much into any of it.

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

Chris writes...

When Demona thought that Macbeth was going to betray her, why didn't she just take her clan and abandon him (or, if she really wanted to make sure he would fall, sabotage Castle Moray's defenses like with what happened to Wyvern)? Why would she work with Canmore, who she hated?

Greg responds...

Did she hate Canmore? Back then?

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

Algernon writes...

Hey again Greg,
I've recently started rewatching "The Spectacular Spider-Man", and I thought I'd test the waters with a question you probably would never have answered while the show was on the air. If every character from the show was taken from the comics, then who was Hammerhead's female chauffeur?

Greg responds...

We did have some thoughts on that subject, but I'm not too inclined to go into them...

Response recorded on September 13, 2010

Bookmark Link

Ashton writes...

Hey Greg,

I noticed in the first look video of Young Jusitce that Artemis in her casual clothes, her jacket sleeves were rolled up. Almost exactly as Black Canary wears her jacket, could she be Olivia Queen. The daughter of both Oliver Queen and Black Canary?
Since you did say that she was not an Amazon, nor Arrowette and neither Speedy. But that she was a DC character. You can now laugh evily because I know that fits perfectly with the characters design and obscurity.

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on September 10, 2010

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Does anyone in your family play Assassin's Creed, Prince of Persia or Uncharted? I only asked because Nolan North had worked in those video games and that you casted him to voice Superboy on Young Justice.

What city is Young Justice going to be set?

Greg responds...

I don't think so.

Nolan was cast because his auditions for both Superman and Superboy were the best. It's not any more complicated then that.

And I'm NOT revealing details about YJ right now.

Response recorded on September 10, 2010

Bookmark Link

Celestialien86 writes...

This one here is a very silly question: I was reading information about Thailog and it says that something about Negative Zone, right? Well, I was playing Super Smash Bros. Brawl and a character Luigi (Mario's brother; Super Mario Bros. Series) has a very strong move known as "Negative Zone" and I am thinking if Luigi stole Thailog's Negative Zone thing...oh wait. That was from Fantastic Four...My bad. Anyway, Luigi has taken the Dark Side move and use it for the good side...maybe.

Greg responds...

Uh. Okay.

Response recorded on September 10, 2010

Bookmark Link

Ashton writes...

Hi Greg,

Will you see the teens origins as well as the villians in the Young Justice show. Like you did with The Spectacular Spiderman? Showing each villian being created and showing each teens development into heroes?

Greg responds...

You'll just have to wait and see...

(And, guys, I'll say this AGAIN: before you post your questions, you might just think about whether or not there's ANY chance I'll answer. I'm just NOT going to spoil my own show before it airs. I'm NOT.)

If you're familiar with my previous work, you may have a general idea of the kind of thing you can expect. But I'm not going to give details or specifics or confirm or deny whether we're doing X or Y or Z or Q.

Response recorded on September 10, 2010

Bookmark Link

Ashton writes...

Hi Greg,

Will you be the supervising director and writer for the show? Also I have another question, but I know you probably cant answer it. But its been driving me crazy to ask. I'm hoping you guys dont kill the new Aqualad character because he's such a cool looking character either it's the cartoon version or the comic version and since you were one of the creaters of the character did you expect the character to have such good feedback from the hardcore dc fans? Seriously every comic board that spoke about the new aqualad they all loved his look and intriguing obscure background story.You've stated in an interview that there were going to be 2 regulars added to the show in first season. So are you still going to be able to maintain the character driven storylines you've created in your previous shows without have too much on your plate. As you said that theres a 16 member Justice League and that this is really a DC Universe show. Will you still have the main focus on these six teens? As the JLU focused on many characters in the dc universe in different episodes which you never got to really grow to and love the characters as fans did with cartoons such as: Batman The Animated, The Spectacular Spiderman, Gargoyles, Superman The Animated Series, Batman Beyond and Static Shock they were all character driven shows. Will the show be similar in tone to the show?

Greg responds...

I'm one of two producers on Young Justice. I'm the writer producer and Brandon Vietti is the directing producer. But both of us work very hard on the entire product.

Has Aqualad had good feedback? Cool!

The focus for the entire season is absolutely on our six leads (Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian, Artemis). And I think our show is very character driven. If you've seen my other work (Gargoyles, W.I.T.C.H., Roughnecks, Spectacular Spider-Man), you must know that I'm accustomed to juggling huge casts without losing focus.

But tone is something different. Every series has it's own unique tone. Or at least it should

Response recorded on September 10, 2010

Bookmark Link

Tyler writes...

Hey Greg,

Will Aqualad's mother be in the tv show, just as his father Black Manta will be? Also will the action sequences be as fluid and realistic as well as huge and intense as Gargoyles and The Spectacular Spiderman?

Greg responds...

No comment on Aqualad's mother.

As for the action, I sure hope so. That's certainly our intent: to equal or better the bars set by those and other great animated series.

Response recorded on September 10, 2010

Bookmark Link

Loralee Dawson writes...

Hello. I was just wondering if Demona & Broadway were related? And I do not mean though Hudson. They are both the most human looking (besides Goliath & Hudson) their wing talons are the same, neither have horns, or weird face. Also their coulouring is very close. In some episode, even the same colour. I just thought they might be cousins.

Greg responds...

I'm sure they're at least slightly related, but (a) I don't particularly consider them "the most human looking" (maybe humans are the most Demona looking) and (b) I'm probably less interested in distant biological relationships than some of the fans are.

Response recorded on September 10, 2010

Bookmark Link

Brent writes...

Mr. Weisman,

Do you know if there will be any presentation for Young Justice at New York Comic Con?

Greg responds...

Not sure.

Response recorded on September 10, 2010

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

What year/decade is Young Justice going to be set in?

Greg responds...

The present.

Response recorded on September 09, 2010

Bookmark Link

Lia writes...

Hello Greg,
1st I'd like to say thanks for making the best show of my young life and 2nd I'd like to ask you if You R aware that Disney is planing on making a Live Action Gargoyles movie? When I first heard of this I thought I was going to be the Gargoyles you created but instead its going to be a movie that doesn't follow your storyline at all. It's still going to be of Gargoyles set in modern time and turning to stone and even have some history in it. BUT when I found out it wasn't your Gargoyles I could honestly say that I was heart broken along with a lot of my friends. Many of us are outraged that Disney would do this because we know that it will just ruin things to have a REAL Gargoyles movie made with your ideas. I even considerd writing to the produser and asking them not to make the movie unless you worked with them with your story line because I alway felt that Gargoyles would make a great movie. But only if it's the Gargoyles that we know and love. Well anyways sory about my rant and I you ever do make a Gargoyles movie of the greates 90's cartoon, you can bet that I'll be one of the first in line to see it along with the rest of my friends.

Greg responds...

Thanks.

Response recorded on September 09, 2010

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

A question about Batman: Brave and the Bold.

What was your reaction when you found out that Will Friedle and John Dimaggio are working together for the second time in a cartoon?

Greg responds...

I only wrote a couple episodes of B&B (and came up with the story idea for a third). I don't think either Will or John were in either of my episodes. I know John played Aquaman. But I had no idea Will was in the series. So I guess my reaction to it is... to shrug?

Response recorded on September 09, 2010

Bookmark Link

Mal writes...

Did Demona really need Thailog to bust her out of that cell? Those bars didn't look like they were that tough, and we saw some great feats of strength from her in other episodes. Like that time she lifted and threw that huge boulder in Temptation and that time in Hunters Moon where she tore that warehouse door out of the building and threw it down the street.

If Thailog never came to rescue her do you think she could have got out by herself?

Greg responds...

In some way. But the bars were obviously strong enough or Goliath and Talon wouldn't have put her in that cell.

Response recorded on September 09, 2010

Bookmark Link

Mojo writes...

I purchased the graphic novels since I wanted to finish the stories from the comic books. After reading clan building again it made me try and find news about the gargoyles continuing in some way because I really enjoyed the show/comic. After being disappointed again for lack of good news, I went to imdb.com just to check out some of the actors. After seeing how many wonderful and "big name" actors were involved an idea hit me. So here is my question. I am sorry if it was asked already, is there a way to maybe some of these famous actors could be contacted? Then with some of them on board maybe they in-turn would be able to contact Disney on at least getting the last half of season two released. Maybe it is wishful thinking but it seems that they enjoyed the show as much as the fans did. Plus they have clout that we "fans" don't have. Maybe through their connections we can actually get that little bit of closure. I mean if I could play the game six degrees of Kevin Bacon and get to Robert A. Iger, surely then these actors have a more linear connection that could yield results. Just a thought and hope.

thank you and I hope to see the dvds and more comics/graphic novels

Greg responds...

Actors have WAY less clout than you seem to think they have.

Response recorded on September 09, 2010

Bookmark Link

Vaevictis Asmadi writes...

Hello again Greg,

A while ago, before I got a hold of Clan Building vol. 2, I asked you this question:

<<Following up on what Clark asked, how is it that such a powerful artifact, the Phoenix Gate, is used by such a simple incantation that even Goliath, certainly no trained sorcerer, quickly learned it? Maybe I'm conditioned by role-playing games to assume that more powerful magic will always be harder to learn than relatively weak magic, but it seems quite strange to me that the Phoenix Gate incantation, and for that matter the incantation to enter Avalon, are so quickly learned when they seem to be quite powerful spells.>>

You replied:
<<It has to do with the nature of the Gate and of Avalon. I don't want to go into too many details (particularly on the former) when we're so close to the release of the Trade.>>

Reading the vol. 2 trade paperback nicely cleared up for me why the Phoenix Gate is so easy to use and just how dangerous it is! In fact it makes me wonder whether the "incantation" is really an incantation in the usual sense... However, the other half of my question doesn't relate to the Gate, and if there was something in the trade paperback that answered my question... I missed it. Now that the three trades have been out for a while and the Phoenix Gate's nature has been (partially) revealed, I hope that you are in the mood to answer the other half of my question:

What is the reason that the Avalon incantation used by the Magus and Tom, seemingly a quite powerful spell, is so easy to use and to learn? Angela and Goliath seemed to pick it up rather easily.

Thanks and have a nice day.

Greg responds...

I feel I've pretty much answered this. Reread everything above. All the clues are there. And if the answer isn't clear -- well, then good. ;)

Response recorded on September 09, 2010

Bookmark Link

Alan Gavinchki writes...

Dear Greg,

I forgot to ask, when will season 2 of TSSM be released on DVD? I am not patient as you can see. Would the DVD feature any plans you had for a possible season 3? Sorry I forgot to ask you that question in my previous question.

Your fan,
Alan

Greg responds...

I have no idea about the release schedule, but I don't see how it could have any "plans for a possible season 3" since I wasn't involved in the extras (if any) at all.

Response recorded on September 08, 2010

Bookmark Link

Alan Gavinchki writes...

Dear Greg,
I was really looking forward to a season 3 of TSSM, but due to recent news, I am a little disappointed that we won't see that show again. I have a few things I want to say. Firstly, I want to thank you for this great show. The two year run was my favorite two years yet. I have a few questions.

1. Would we have seen the Punisher? I'm a huge Punisher fan and I would've loved to see him.

2. I already know Scorpion and Hobgoblin would appear, but what other villains would we have seen?

3. Would Sandman become a good guy?

4. In the episode "Accomplices", Roderick Kingsley got away from the fight with Spidey, Silver Sable, and Hammerhead and ended up running away without a coat. But at the parking garage, Kingsley is seen in a different car (his limo was destroyed and appeared to have no other form of transportation) and had his coat back. When he saw Rhino, he seemed less surpirsed rather when he was attacked by Silver Sable. Was this Roderick's identical twin brother Daniel?

5. Speaking of Rhino, I loved seeing him and Spidey team-up. Would Spidey team-up with any other villains?

6. When the symbiote went into the sewer, was it possible that it reproduced and would create the Carnage symbiote?

7. Final question, would Miles Warren become the Jackal? If so, would he do something like the clone saga and make Ben Reilly? I'm a huge Scarlet Spider fan and I was really hoping we'd see him.

That's all I have, thanks again for a great 26 episodes.

Your fan,
Alan Gavinchki

Greg responds...

Alan, I appreciate your obvious enjoyment of the series. But I've pretty much made the decision that there's nothing in it for me to just spit out ideas I had for future seasons. Absent the execution of said ideas, they just become fodder for debate on whether or not they were good ideas. A debate that has little to do with whether they MIGHT have been good ideas if we had had the chance to execute them. So...

1. As I've stated MANY times before, we weren't given access to characters like Punisher. And at this point, it's a little moot to theorize what we might have done had Punisher become available. It was never considered.

2. Some are obvious, given the fact that we had already introduced them in their civilian identities or other hints we dropped. Beyond that, I'm not saying.

3. Things aren't black and white.

4. Again, I'll leave that to everyone's interpretation.

5. I wouldn't rule it out, but that's so specific. We never got into detail breaking down Season Three.

6. And STILL, I'm not interested in using this forum to reveal unexecuted ideas.

7. Ditto.

Response recorded on September 08, 2010

Bookmark Link

Young Justice Stats

Statistics interest me. So I thought I'd share some with you guys. (Okay, yeah, I'm procrastinating. But it is my lunch hour, so sue me.)

We have completed (so far) 17 out or our 26 first season Young Justice Scripts. That is NOT the same as completing the episodes. We haven't completed a single episode yet. We don't start post-production until later this month. But we do have 17 scripts in the can.

As of episode 17, we have 147 name characters from the DC Universe. That's an average of introducing 8.6 DC characters per episode. Of course, the reality is that some episodes have introduced many more than that, others fewer. But that's the average.

Our average page count for each script is 33. Our average dialogue count is 235 lines.

We've completed recording on the first 13 episodes. (We've partially recorded episodes 114-116, but are missing a few actors still. We'll record 117 this coming Tuesday after Labor Day.) So the following statistics are only through episode 13:

Total number of actors we've used so far: 47.
Average number of actors we've used per episode: 11.
Of course many actors are in multiple episodes and many are performing more than one character.

Hmm... what else?

All 26 scripts have been assigned to writers. (All 26 premises were written and approved months ago.) As I mentioned above, 1-17 are in the can. Episode 18 is in script. Episodes 19-22 are in outline. Episodes 23-24 are in beat outline. 25-26 are approved premises, waiting in the wings.

We have seven writers, including myself, staff writer Kevin Hopps and our freelancers: Andrew Robinson, Nicole Dubuc, Jon Weisman, Tom Pugsley and Peter David. My fellow producer Brandon Vietti is also heavily involved in the writing process.

Okay, back to work...


Bookmark Link

whitney writes...

Is the Gargoyles coming back this year?

Greg responds...

Doesn't seem likely. Not much of the year left.

Response recorded on September 03, 2010

Bookmark Link

Jess writes...

Heya Greg! Let me be completely unoriginal and congratulate you on the upcoming Young Justice. I'll definitely be watching. So my question is the pretty simple yes-or-no type: Will you or anyone associated with the show be coming to NY Comicon? No worries if you can't say just yet, but I'd love to get more of a glimpse at what to expect, and of course to see you if I have the chance. Thanks for your time!

Greg responds...

I hope so, but I don't know yet.

Response recorded on September 03, 2010

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Are there any chances Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes) will appear in Young Justice?

Greg responds...

No comment.

Response recorded on September 03, 2010

Bookmark Link

Piotr writes...

I'm a big fan of the series, thoroughly losing myself in the universe when I was younger. For the last few days I've been catching up on happy memories (and take note of how each episode runs through the numerous plots and sub-plots, am a writer these days), and want to know if there is a novelisation planned?

Greg responds...

No. Not that I wouldn't jump at the chance if any publisher was interested.

Response recorded on September 03, 2010

Bookmark Link

Algernon writes...

Hey Greg,
Long time fan, first time asker. I’ve actually been posting over on in the Comment Room on and off for the past couple of years. I would have posted something here on Ask Greg sooner but frankly I could never think of anything particularly interesting say other then various permutations of “YOU ROCK!”

Anyway I’ve been a huge “Gargoyles” fan since I first saw “Awakenings Part One” waaay back in ‘94, and I loved “The Spectacular Spider-Man” throughout it’s glorious yet tragically brief run. Needless to say, I’m eagerly looking forward to “Young Justice”.

Yet up until recently, I’d been grossly negligent of the forgotten middle child of your career. A few weeks ago I got the chance to watch season two of “W.I.T.C.H.” and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even going back to watch season one and then re-watching season two all the way through again, just so I had all the back story.

Season two was a wonderfully crafted epic that managed to be true to the established continuity of season one yet at the same time managed to elevate and expand it into something truly astounding. I was especially impressed with the characterisation of Nerissa, she seemed to combined some of the most dangerous qualities of Demona and Xanatos, obsessive and vengeful yet at the same time very cool and calculating.

It really is a tragedy that this show isn’t better remembered, I’ve actually spoken to hardcore “Gargoyles” and “Spectacular Spider-Man” fans who’ve never seen it. Personally, I’d heartily recommend it to anyone who’s a fan of your better known toons.

Greg responds...

Thank you.

We were VERY proud of the work we did on W.I.T.C.H. There was some great story craft there by a diverse group of writers, some of whom would be very familiar to Gargoyles and Spidey fans, including Cary Bates, Andrew Robinson, Kevin Hopps, Greg Weisman, Jon Weisman and Nicole Dubuc. Also involved were Sam Bernstein (writer of the movie Bobby's Girl) and Steve Peterman (one of the show-runners on Hannah Montana). And our great boss Justine Cheynet.

Response recorded on September 03, 2010

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Why is Miss Martian Martian Manhunter’s 16-year old niece, and not a White Martian?

Greg responds...

No comment.

(Or maybe just a suggestion to watch the series when it comes out.)

Response recorded on September 02, 2010

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

If Demona got pregnant in her human form could she still turn back into a gargoyle?

Greg responds...

Asked and answered. Check the archives.

Response recorded on September 02, 2010

Bookmark Link

Mo writes...

were you ever planning on doing anything with the character Nought? it seems that if you went through the trouble of naming him that surely you had some plan for him.

Greg responds...

I surely do.

Response recorded on September 02, 2010

Bookmark Link

I miss the Blue Mug a Guests writes...

At the Gathering in Chicago, during the Blue Mug a Guest, you and Keith David were asked if Goliath and Demona had sex during Awakening 4. After the scene where they reunited in the Great Hall it fades to black. Then we see them on the turret with the rest of the gargoyles.

When you both got asked at the Gathering about this, Keith said something like "what couple in their right mind would meet again after a thousand years and go see the kids first?"

I don't remember if you answered. So, did they?

Greg responds...

Honestly, I'd have to view the episode again to see whether it plays as if there's time. But I don't rule out the possibility at all. Especially since technically the trio weren't their rookery children anyway. More like rookery cousins.

Response recorded on September 02, 2010

Bookmark Link

Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

You wrote that the first issue of MechaNation came out in July. I saw the solicitation, but my comic book shop, (Midtown Comics in Manhattan- they tend to get everything), never got it. Their computers don't show it having ever arrived. Did the book go out on time to regular shops or is it just available through the publisher?

Greg responds...

It's been available through the publisher since Comic-Con. I'm told it's NOW available through stores. Check with your store again.

Response recorded on September 02, 2010

Bookmark Link

Josh writes...

What is so special about the connection between Peter Maza and Coyote? Surely there were many who performed Coyote's part in the Kachina dance before and after him, many who were far more devout.

Greg responds...

And your point is?

On the one hand, you're assuming that Coyote doesn't have a relationship with the others that performed the dance...

And on the other hand, you're kinda ignoring the parable of the Prodigal Son...

Response recorded on September 02, 2010

Bookmark Link

Curious writes...

Are there any gargoyles out there that would be inclined to agree with Demona's ambitions to destroy humanity? I find it hard to believe she's the only gargoyle in the world with a deep hatred for humans.

Greg responds...

I'm not big on either monolithic presentation ... or on sweeping generalizations ... or on revealing this at this time.

Response recorded on September 02, 2010

Bookmark Link

Tyler writes...

Hey Greg,

I have question on how the Young Justice shown on tv. Will Young Justice be shown in HD 720p or 1080p?

Greg responds...

I'm not a technical guy. I don't know what any of that means.

Response recorded on September 01, 2010

Bookmark Link

Hi. writes...

Hi Greg. I got a quick question about Demona's Second from CoS. As part of the Wyvern split clan, did he have any special role within the clan? Thanks.

Greg responds...

I'm not revealing that at this time.

Response recorded on September 01, 2010

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

1. For Young Justice, who was on that list that you couldn't use?

2. As a producer, do you control all major storylines that the writers use?

Greg responds...

1. It's VERY short. But I don't see any value in publicizing it.

2. As producers, Brandon Vietti and I control ALL story lines, major and minor.

Response recorded on September 01, 2010

Bookmark Link

Brian Bartoccini writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman it is me again and I have an other question: in Hunter's Moon part 3 Jhon Canmore lose his mind after seen his brother dying (apparently), and then he swears hate and revnge against the gargoyles, but his brother in the end at last recovers his mind and he understand, thanks to Elisa Maza, the gargoyles are not their enemies, but I don't understand why Jhon did not the same thing too after seen his brother alive and all humanity saved from the virus that Demona created by Goliath.
Can you explain me that in detail?
Well I hope my english it is understandable(I am very sorry for my two first questions, I did not read the guidelines and rightly a your friend makes fun of me in the Comment Room Archive, Sorry).
So goodbye Mr. Weisman.

Greg responds...

The phrase "lose his mind" suggests something -- at least in English -- that didn't happen to either brother ever. Though one can debate their judgement, neither brother was ever what I'd call insane.

And Jon did not see Goliath save humanity from the virus. Robyn saw that, but Jon was already gone.

But I'm not going to give you a detailed answer. The show's there for you to see, presumably in English and Italian. If you buy Jon's character arc as it's presented on screen, great. If you don't, then what we did just doesn't work for you. There's no point in me trying to convince you after the fact.

Your English is pretty darn good generally, though I'll admit on occasion, I'm not always clear what you're asking. But NO ONE should be making fun of you in the Comment Room. Certainly, no one who considers him or herself a friend of mine.

Response recorded on September 01, 2010

Bookmark Link

Gothic-Cowboy writes...

Mr. Weisman, I've heard that Ice could be seen alongside several cold-themed villains in the Young Justice trailer at Comic-con. Is she a villain in this show?

Greg responds...

That's a mistake someone on the internet made that was widely repeated by others as if it were fact. Ice is not in the clips we've shown.

That's not to say one way or another whether she's in the series and if so in what role, but she's NOT in the clips we've shown at Comic-Con or elsewhere.

Response recorded on September 01, 2010

Bookmark Link

Vaevictis Asmadi writes...

The question in the last queue about whether Fox and David can vote after getting out of prison, and my own thoughts about the Third Race and Oberon's Law against interfering with mortals, has led me to this question: What does the Law of Oberon prevent and what does it allow, in terms of Oberon's Children participating in human politics? Do Anastasia Renard and Owen Burnett have U.S. citizenship, or if not could they get it if they wanted it? Can they vote? Can they get any more politically active than voting? (Leaving aside whether they actually want to do any of these things.)

Thanks.

Greg responds...

My I-won't-be-held-to-this answer for the moment is that as long as they are living AS humans, they can PARTICIPATE in human affairs. They can eat lunch with other humans. They can see movies made by humans. They can conduct business with humans, and so, it follows, they can vote as humans vote... as long as they're not using magic to alter things.

Response recorded on September 01, 2010