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ANSWERVINGS 2011-03 (Mar)
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Orange writes...
Hey Greg, I'd just like to say I've been completely blown away by Young Justice. Just watched "Infiltrator" today; this series just keeps getting better and better!
The question: Considering how well it's been received so far, how long do you expect YJ to run? Wiki has the current list of planned episode airing dates up to the 8th in early March, but I'd like to think the story's going to be longer than that.
Also, I'm convinced Artemis is Mia Dearden. I guess I'll have to wait to see if I'm right! ;)
Greg responds...
Artemis is .... Artemis Crock.
Anyway, as previously announced, we have a total of 26 episodes this season (nine have aired, 17 remain to be aired) and we've been picked up for AT LEAST ten more for Season Two.
Anonymous writes...
Have you ever gotten addicted to anwsering these questions?
This site is similiar in format to formspring, and I know that can get kind of addicting.
Do you enjoy anwsering these questions? Your responses don't always seem happy.
Why do anwser our questions?
Greg responds...
1. No, I wouldn't characterize it that way.
2. I don't know what "formspring" is.
3. I don't always enjoy answering the questions. I think in recent days that's been remarkably clear. But I enjoy it MOST of the time, or I wouldn't continue, of course.
4. See above.
Anonymous writes...
1. Is Zeta-tubing how Artemis got to Gotham in the end of episode 6?
What was she doing there, why was Red Arrow(love the new costume by the way) there, and how did he know to find here there?
2. Is Red Arrow unofficialy part of the Young Justice roster? Because in Infiltrator the computer was like B-06 when he entered Mount Justice.
3.Why didn't we find out Artemis' real name in Infiltrator?
4. Oh last question when Robin was flipping out about them getting the Waynetech data where was he worried they would get into? And why didnt he tell Superboy where he was worried they would get into.
By the way my mind was blown when Cheshire knew Artemis.
Greg responds...
1. Yes, she used a Zeta-Tube to get to Gotham, which is where she lives with her mother. As for Red Arrow: "SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT."
2. He's officially allowed into the Cave, which is what the computer recognizes.
3. Cuz we wanted to save the revelation for "Downtime".
4. Come on... what do you THINK he was worried about? Yep, that's right.
Anonymous writes...
Greg: "The Archmage's ENTIRE LOOP was part of the timestream. [..]
The Archmage NEVER died in that cavern. In ANY incarnation.
[...] it's a WORKING paradox. It does have logic. I did a panel on this at a Gathering once, and it's easier to explain with a chalkboard. But it works. Trust me."
If he never died in the cavern then how did the time loop begin? Just out of the blue future archmage shows up to save his past self? Isn't that Deus Ex Machina?
I'm not trying to provoke you or anything, I just really wish to understand this paradox, especially the part that makes it work. Would it be too much to ask you to doodle that panel and upload it to GargWiki or something? I CAN'T be the only one not understanding this...
Greg responds...
If you want to call it Deus ex Machina, you can. In other words, you can fault the storytelling but not the integrity of the time-loop. ;)
But I don't think it IS Deus ex Machina, except by technicality, BECAUSE of the time-loop. It was inherent in who the Archmage was.
I have no ability to upload a doodle anywhere, I'm afraid.
Richard Jackson writes...
Hello Greg,
Some questions about the Pukhan Clan in Korea...
1. Do you remember how you came up with the name of Pukhan for the clan? I'm aware of the real life Pukhan Mountain near Seoul. If you named the clan after the mountain, how did you hear of the mountain? It's known in Korea, but it's not the most famous or tallest mountain in the country. The South is 70% mountains.
2. I noted this on Pukhan's (the area) page on GargWiki, but do you know that "Pukhan" means North Korea? That's what the South calls the North. "Puk" (or "buk", it's a "b" sound) means "north". "Han" means "Korea". If I told Koreans that I want to visit Pukhan without adding "mountain", they would think I wanted to visit the nation of North Korea. The mountain was named Pukhan because it's located near the northern tributary of the Han River.
Greg responds...
1. I honestly don't remember. I DO recall that I researched it and that it seemed right to me, but beyond that...
2. I had this vague memory that it's right on or near the border between North and South. Am I misremembering?
Anonymous writes...
I'm a bit curious about Artemis. No I'm not asking who she is. I was wondering about her sixth ranger status on the show. She is literally the sixth member of the team and and archer, commonly known as a 'ranger' in roleplaying classes. Was that done intentionally or is it just a really weird coincidence?
And why not; just because I've missed reading your snarky responses: What's Artemis' secret identity?
Greg responds...
I'm not a gamer, and this is the first time I've heard the "ranger" term used in this context. I'm not even clear what "sixth ranger status" means.
Cal writes...
Will any Kim Possible voice actors be working on YJ? I only asked because you and Nicole Dubuc have written episodes for both shows.
Greg responds...
I'm sure there will be some overlap, but I don't have a good enough handle on who all did what voices on Kim to be certain.
flame burner deluxe writes...
but you helped with the creation of gargoyles and what-not. so somewhere in your mind you subconsciously made him gay. I've been watching the episodes repeatedly and in none of them does he show any semblance of homosexuality so why did this change during the comics?
Greg responds...
This didn't "change during the comics". Hell, the comics appeared over a decade after this thought struck me. I discovered that I believed Lexington was gay during the production of the series and was very careful to write him consistently with what already seemed clear to me and to MANY other people. ON THE SERIES. I'm not sure what exactly you're expecting to see that qualifies as "semblance of homosexuality"? Some cliche? Some outward admission of something he wasn't yet clear on himself? If that's the case, then you're right, it's not there. But I believe he's been written consistently from DAY ONE through the animated series and into the comics - where, for the record, he still isn't clear on his sexuality, let alone come out to anyone.
Paul writes...
1) In Young Justice, what is the codename of Hawkman's partner in the Justice League: Hawkgirl or Hawkwoman?
2) Is her real name Shayera Hol or is it something else?
3) Is she romantically linked to Green Lantern (John Stewart) or Hawkman in Young Justice?
4) I asked you before about how much of Justice League/Justice League Unlimited and Teen Titans you had seen and was just wondering if you're thinking of resuming watching either of them? I ask this because they're both great shows and seeing them in their entirety would prevent you from accidentally using an idea that was done on one of those shows.
5) Did/would you ever consider recasting some of the voice actors from other DC cartoons in the same role on Young Justice? (To give an example, Tara Strong as Raven on Teen Titans.)
Greg responds...
1. Hawkwoman.
2. "SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT."
3. "SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT."
4. I haven't had time. There's bound to be some overlap here and there, but we'll just have to live with that.
5. It doesn't play into our decisions. Using your example, I wouldn't REJECT Tara as Raven, but her having played the part in the past isn't a consideration. We'd look at our interpretation of the character and try to find the best choice for our version of the character. If the best choice was still Tara, great. If not, we'd go with someone else. (NOTE: if this was actually a backdoor attempt to discover if Raven will be appearing: "SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.")
Con writes...
1. Is it true not every Police Officer or FBI Agent is trustworthy in "your" DC Universe?
2. In YJ is Professor Ivo a campy villian? He doesn't look threatening at all.
3. So far, are any the DC villians you've used, are involved in any "counterespionage" activities, or is this still confidential?
Greg responds...
1. "SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT."
2. The threat is his genius. If Amazo or the MONQIs are threatening, then that threat comes from Ivo's genius. We definitely think Ivo's eccentric but never intended him to be camp, but I guess it's up to the viewer to decide on the final result.
3. "SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT."
Rud writes...
Young Justice, In the beginning of episode 5 when that bridge was collapsing and Bruce Wayne saw it. Instead of calling the police or the firemen or whatever he went strait for his Batman costume... that was just so funny to me, cause like, what can the Batman possibly do about a broken bridge?
its a good Superman showed up.
Greg responds...
It is good that Superman showed up. Superboy too.
But I wouldn't underestimate the Batman.
Michael writes...
Dear Mr. Greg "greatestanimatedshowrunnerofalltime" Weisman,
While of course Lex is a member of the Light, as well as other villains I'm sure many comic book readers are aware of, like the Brain, possibly, but while their inevitable reveal will be a shock to the characters and possibly the viewers, most of them, who presumably don't read comics and have little to no comic book knowledge will have no clue who these villains are, as they haven't appeared in the show yet. Revealing a shadowy villain to be a villain no one's seen before will feel cheap to most viewers.
All the best and keep up the good work!
Greg responds...
Is this... advice?
Or an attempt to get confirmation of your theories? Or a subtle request for spoilers?
Dude.
You have no idea what we have planned, but WHATEVER we have planned is done. No turning back now. And I'm not confirming or denying any of your suppositions, implicit or explicit, so:
"SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT." and/or "WE LIKE OUR SHOW."
Anonymous writes...
Tell us more about this Earth 16.5...please?
Greg responds...
Well, for starters: It's just Earth-16. Not sure where you got the ".5".
Vaevictis Asmadi writes...
I can't tell from the comic, so... in the Gargoyles universe, did Finella actually have a son? Did Kenneth II actually kill Finella's son?
Thanks.
Greg responds...
"SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT."
DC Hero writes...
Hey Greg,Here are some questions that I hope you are allowed to answer.
1.Can you post on a blog the reason why you chose specific costumes for each character.
2.Is Aqualad's electric ell tatoo natural or Atlantean made.
3.How was Artemis able to be at school when Amazo was giving Superboy a beat down.
4.Is it because of your love for Black Canary that you made her the combat trainer instead of Wonder Woman or was there a specific reason.
4.Will we see Themyscira in Young justice.
5.How much liter's can Aqualad's water bearers hold.
6.Which is your favorite comic:DC or Marvel.
7.Will any issue of your comics for Young Justice focus on specific realations within the group.
8.If yes to number 7, which issue will focus on the Superboy and Miss Martian relationship.
Thanks for all your time making a great tv series like Young Justice.Side note hope Superboy and Miss Martian get together soon.
Greg responds...
1. No. I'm not going to go down a laundry list of everyone. If you have a specific question about an individual character or two, I'll give it a shot. In the meantime, check out my partner Brandon Vietti's blog on the subject: http://brandonvietti.blogspot.com/2010/11/costumes.html
2. It's mystic, but he wasn't born with it.
3. "SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT."
4. I'm sure my preferences played in, but it just made sense to us. Canary was trained by past heroes. It made sense that she'd want to pass on the knowledge she's gained. Plus her experience lends itself to all power sets. I'm not sure Wonder Woman's does. (Btw, this came VERY close to getting a stock "WE LIKE OUR SHOW." response, but I elected to give you the benefit of the doubt.)
4 again. "SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT."
5. I'm personally not interested in being that specific.
6."ASKED AND ANSWERED."
7. Well, sure...
8. "SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT."
ASK GREG
Finally, a word about Ask Greg.
I've asked Gorebash to shut down the question asking function until either (a) I catch up with the huge backlog of questions currently in the queue or (b) we have a new episode airing (whichever comes FIRST).
In the meantime, I'm going to try as usual to wade through the backlog. I'll admit, the questions lately have made me a bit cranky, and I want to avoid that, so I'm breaking down three categories of questions that get on my nerves and will from now on ONLY receive stock answers, both to keep me sane and to speed up the process.
1. Questions that have been asked before are really bogging down the queue. It would be MUCH appreciated if folks would follow the guidelines before posting and try (1) checking the Ask Greg Archives to see if their question has already been answered, (2) check the unanswered questions already in the queue to see if the question has been asked already and will get answered before I get to theirs and (3) try asking the question in the Station 8 Comment Room (http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/comment/). The fans there are VERY knowledgeable and may be able to get you an answer LONG before I reach your question. Any question that falls into this category will simply be answered with the following: "ASKED AND ANSWERED."
2. Questions that ask me to SPOIL my own show are exasperating. As I've said over and over, I'm just NOT going to do that. Why would I? Even obvious stuff can't be addressed, because if I acknowledge anything, the stuff I don't comment on is spoiled by default. So please, please, please refrain. Any question that falls into this category will simply be answered: "SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT."
3. Finally, I have NO problem with people commenting on the series. And I get that not everyone is going to like everything (or even anything) that they see. But for some posters, commenting doesn't seem to satisfy. Instead, they phrase their comments in the form of a question, and in essence CHALLENGE me to acknowledge how right they are about their criticisms of the program. But here's the thing... you do NOT have to agree with me, but aside from a few objective mistakes that I'm ALWAYS willing to acknowledge (e.g.. the incorrect timestamps), you have to understand that if Brandon and I put something in the series, the odds are WE LIKE IT. YOU are NOT going to convince ME that, for example, "Hello, Megan!" or Robin's laugh or Superman's response to Superboy or Wally's flirting is bad for the show. Feel free to tell me you don't care for these (or other) things, but stop phrasing these COMMENTS as questions or challenges. It grates. Any question that falls into this category will simply be answered: "WE LIKE OUR SHOW."
Now, I realize that all of the above sounds fairly negative, but that's not the intent. In fact, the intent is to get any and all negativity out of the way HERE, so that the rest of Ask Greg becomes more manageable and pleasant for myself and all of you. I hope that makes sense.
Young Justice Update
Good news and bad news today...
Here's the good news.
Coming out of Cartoon Network's upfronts last week (and Geoff John's comments on it since) there's been some confusion about what's happening on the Young Justice front.
What amuses me a bit is how CONFIDENT some posters on various message boards are about their interpretation of the reports. CONFIDENT and generally wrong.
So here's what's going on:
Young Justice has aired nine episodes of our 26-episode first season. The rest will begin airing after some weeks of reruns. The schedule is Cartoon Network's, and I'm not yet 100% clear on when we're back up and running. Though to be fair to CN, we don't have ANY other episodes in the can as of this moment. We're posting episodes 10 and 11 now.
(I saw some folks protesting why we didn't wait until ALL episodes were in the can before we began airing. All I can do is shrug. It's not up to me, but I do wonder how the fans who were furious that they had to wait until January 2011 for Season One would feel about THAT strategy.)
So the good news: We HAVE INDEED been picked up for a second season. As of now, all CN & WB have ordered is a ten episode mini-series, "YOUNG JUSTICE: INVASION". We're HOPING for more than just ten eps, and I honestly think the odds are fairly good that the order will expand, but as of NOW, all we have is this ten episode order.
We immediately began work on this new season last week, and are breaking approximately (but not quite) one episode per day. The creative team is fundamentally the same as for Season One.
And though, of course, we will be introducing many new characters episodically in Season Two (just as we do episodically in Season One), I don't want to give the impression that this is some spin-off featuring, I dunno, the League or something, in the same Earth-16 setting. Invasion IS the second season of Young Justice and absolutely features our "Team". Episode 26 of Season One is time-stamped "December 31". Episode 1 of Season Two will be time-stamped "January 1", in essence picking up right where we left off.
We anticipate YJ:Invasion premiering in 2012... late first quarter, if I had to guess. Reports suggesting late 2011 are... beyond wishful thinking.
Hmmm... anything else? I feel like I'm forgetting something. But I can't think of any other misconceptions that need correcting right now.
Oh, well...
Still - Season Two. Not too shabby, huh?
Back Issue
I should have posted this long ago...
I received a complimentary copy of Back Issue #46. Inside is an interview of me conducted by John Wells (who incidentally has -- through Peter David -- provided considerable DC Comics related research for us on Young Justice). It's all about the Black Canary mini-series that I wrote a good chunk of for DC Comics back in the 80s before it was cancelled and never published to make way for Mike Grell's Longbow Hunters.
But that's not the only article of interest in the magazine. In fact, one of the reasons I'm so late in referencing this here, is because I took the time to read the magazine cover to cover. Lots of great stuff. I heartily recommend it.
Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...
Apologies for all the typos in my preceding comment. I could have sworn I read it through more than once.
Greg responds...
Don't sweat it.
Jim V writes...
Loving Young Justice... but why oh why is Superman acting like such a jerk with regards to Superboy? I can understand why he'd be uncomfortable meeting his clone, but still... seems way out of character. And him storming out of his meeting with Batman... who IS this guy?
Greg responds...
Asked and answered ad nauseum. See the ASK GREG "Young Justice" archives.
Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...
Now that I am finally caught up on YJ episodes...{I'm the only person I've ever heard of to have any problems with TiVO, let alone have one box go from working poorly to actually dying, and now the new one is working no better!?} A few reactions and questions...
1- Aqualad's water manipulation power reminds me of 'water bending' in Avatar. Was that a visual inspiration, or just a happenstance?
2- I had a surprising realization. Robin is a bit annoying- That's not the surprise; he is annoying as a 13 year old trying a smidge too hard to run with the big kids most probably would be. (I started reading comics with the preternaturally mature Tim Drake as Robin so it does stick out to me.) The realization that surprised me was that I have no idea if that is consistent with or devient from Dick's personality when he first appeared back in the Golden Age.
3- I'm not sure if this is something you would care to answer or if it is a 'wait and see' thing but... If YJ has the "Don't call them sidekicks" vibe, will we be seeing plain old 'call them sidekicks'? (I'm thinking more world building background than full show characters. This is a young universe, there aren't that many sidekicks yet so the example of these sidekicks should first be leading to more, and to reactions to kids in the field in general. Foreground I'm fairly certain is a 'wait and see' answer.)
3a- Will we be seeing any of the YJ crew in their sidekick capacity like we did in the series opening sequence?
4- The animated YJ members assumption Speedy's presence whenever clues of Artimas shows up mirrors the printed members' assumption of Arrowette's return when Empress first showed up.
5- I like Black Canary's design, also her characterization and acting- the leggings could be simplified visually from her famous fishnets, or they could equally be a more practical protective material. Her body actually looks capable of the fighting she does. And the arm wound was subtle enough to just be there like working past a battle wound would be for her in, uh..real life. It was used wonderfully to show her personality, similarly her reliance on her fighting skills over her meta ability. (Superboy picked up on that nicely when Amazo called on her skills twice- first for her scream and second, when the fighting heated up, for her brawling skills.)
6- Speaking of Black Canary- in the comics, despite their closeness in age, Dinah is often considered Roy's mother. (Making her a rediculously young grandmother.) I'm not a big Green Arrow reader, but I can think of several times Roy and Ollie saying that Dinah was a better mother to him than Ollie ever was a father. And IIRC correctly there was a strong 'proud mama' vibe over Red Arrow's membership in Dinah's JLA. Assuming at least part of that relationship is in the animated continuity it adds an additional level of depth to her mentoring the angry young Kon-el when her own angry young Roy is on her mind.
7- One last note on some of the Superman complaints I've been reading in the que- I'm foundinng the animation so expressive (as with my two previous Black Canary comments) that what some complain is missing in Superman's failure to be fatherly, (or at least big brotherly- a clone seems more brother than son to me), to Superboy to be clearly on screen in facial expressions and body langauge. I don't think Clark is being short changed at all.
8- And a request...can the "Come on Megan!"s be limited to one per ep? I get her Earth name is new and she is still enjoying the sound and play of it, but it is a bit much.
Greg responds...
1. Probably neither.
2. Robin/Dick Grayson - particularly in the early days - had a real sense of humor about his work with Batman. I think we've characterized him (taking modernization into account) fairly accurately. (BTW, I do not find him annoying.)
3. To the extent I understand the question: no comment.
3a. No comment.
4 & 5. No questions.
6. I've never considered Dinah as Roy's mom. More like a caring older sister. I mean I get it. Ollie is a father figure to Roy (though not necessarily much of a father), so Dinah -- being Ollie's most consistent girlfriend -- must be a mother figure. But I just don't see it and never have.
7. Thank you.
8. <sigh> You do understand that it's too late, right? The scripting and recording and nearly all of the boarding plus a good chunk of the animation is all done. Even assuming I agreed with you, how could I honor such a request? And, for the record, I DISAGREE WITH YOU STRONGLY!!! And did you really think I wouldn't? Does it make sense that we'd put stuff in the series that WE don't like? And it's: "Hello, Megan!"
Liam writes...
Gargoyles obviously had a lot of influence from Shakespeare, and so did Spectacular Spider-Man, towards the end of the series. Will we be seeing at least a little bit of that theme in Young Justice?
Greg responds...
No comment.
David writes...
1).The season 1 of Young justice just began but how long will the gap be between se;1 and se;2 ( if the show gets a season two).
2).are there episodes for the next season already in development or is it a {wait it out and see what happens with se;1 before going anymore forward}
Greg responds...
1. I have no idea.
2. We don't yet have a green light for Season Two, but of course we have ideas.
Grant writes...
Where is Metropolis located?
In the most recent episode, Schooled, was the map correct in that Gotham was located in Conneticut?
Are both of these cities the size of NYC?
Greg responds...
No comment.
Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...
Dear Greg,
Just wanted to give thanks for another excellent episode of Young Justice this past Friday. I liked how you handled Amazo, very cool. But I was surprised by Prof. Ivo, I wouldv'e sworn that was Toyman based on his design. But you've done enough good to earn my full trust. Oh, I also liked the interaction between Clark & Bruce at the diner, very nicely done. Again, kudos to you and the crew, and I am looking forward to the next episode!
Greg responds...
Toyman looks like Peter MacNicol?
Ozaline writes...
Not a question this time, just a comment I want to apologize I didn't think they'd send you both vesions of my initial questions cause I thought the first one was too leading and the second one was more civil.
I am still watching the series and not making too many judgements yet, my point wasn't to come off like I was attacking I was just wondering why you didn't do some things, you've got a good track record so I'm hoping things turn out.
I apologize if it seemed like I was attacking.
Greg responds...
Don't sweat it. I apologize if my response(s) got snippy.
Anonymous writes...
How different of an experience is it to work on a show were the seasons are 13 episodes(Spectacular Spiderman) from one where the seasons are 26(I think it's 26 might have read 28 somewhere)?
I mean do you have to pace yourself differently?
Which do you prefer?
Are you more comfortable including sub-plots that you might not get to adress in 13 episode seasons?
You know stuff like that.
Greg responds...
The more episodes the better as far as I'm concerned. More EMPLOYMENT, first of all. Plus more room to maneuver, to add more subplots, more characters, etc.
Anonymous writes...
I really like Robin's jokes, I've always been a fan of wordplay.
Oh Young Justice is the first of your show's that I've watched, but it was so good that it made me want to look into Spectacular Spiderman, and WoW it's really good I'm only a couple episode in but I love the way you have all the villains kinda developing into villains instead of just villain of the week type of set up.
Haha and the theme song is pretty entertaining.
Greg responds...
Thanks!
tomi writes...
I really enjoyed these first preview episodes of Young Justice. And perhaps even moreso than that i enjoyed to hear Crispin Freeman to return back to your services: i think he made fantastic work as both Speedy and Guardian, and eventhough you can still hear a bit that it is the same actor, he made it possible for those two characters to be divided and personified from one and another.
He was excellent as Electro, and i was fan of him before that(i came hooked sometimes around i first saw first few episodes of Wolf,s Rain).
From what i,ve been able to gather, he seems to be not only true professional, but also smart, intelligent guy with great thoughts, coupled with sharp and delightful sense of humor. I have seem him to appear in many of Gatherings(often paired with good old Thom Lexington Adcox), and i,ve heard that he was fan long before your paths crossed, often discussing with his fans about serie,s themes.
If it isnt too much trouble, could you give little bit of greenlight how you two met, and how your cooperation began?
Hopes for better to your work from fan from far-off-land Finland: maybe there arent too many Finnish Gargfans, but i am one of them.
Pidä lippu korkealla!/Keep your spirits high!
Greg responds...
I met him through the Gathering, actually. 2001 in Los Angeles, I believe. He was a guest of the convention, giving his mythology seminar. We first worked together on a pitch for Mecha-Nation, i.e. he did us a favor and recorded a bit of dialogue for us. The first paying job I could offer him was on the very last episode of W.I.T.C.H.
Matt writes...
In the time long ago when there were gargoyle clans all over the world, how common was mating between members of different clans? Did gargoyles nearly always choose a mate from their own clan or was inter-clan mating fairly common when multiple clans existed in a general area?
Thanks Greg!
Greg responds...
I don't know about "fairly common", but it was not rare. Though of course, geography plays a role here. You aren't going to see Mayan gargoyles mating with Loch Ness gargoyles in the first century.
April writes...
Hi Greg,
I've never asked a question here before and I searched the site for a while to see if the question I have has already been asked (apparently it hasn't?) Anyway, I was just wondering, does Kid Flash actually know Robin's secret identity? I've seen a lot of fan speculation on it and it got me really curious.
Hope you can answer and thanks for such a great series so far. It's fantastic. :)
Greg responds...
He does, but it's a secret that he knows.
H13 writes...
Just want to make some comments on what seems to be one of the major things in the last few episodes. Superman/Superboy dynamic.
I think it's good to see Superman is not Mr Perfect/Infallible and can't handle a situation that for once does not call for super speed or heat vision. But it's clear his side is not being shown and maybe that is unfortunate. I expect fear is a major factor here and imagine being last of your race and knowing you can't have kids with humans and suddenly you're faced with Batman telling you have be a father to a clone who could very well be someone bred to take you down. Fear that you can't or will fail Conner. Must bring up so much emotion regarding his own biological father and dead planet. It's a bit much for anyone. Shame you couldn't show some of his reasons.Might have made it more balanced. Batman is not the one to convince Clark in my mind anyway. I think this is where Pa Kent comes in big time. Maybe to some extent Diana and J'onn who seem from the start Clark's sounding boards/close friends. But kudos to you for bringing up an issue that I am sure many youngsters do have to face and we feel empathy for Conner.
My other thing is I hope we see Artemis very soon. Miss Martian is getting on my nerves. There needs to be some more girls to balance off her and soon.
Greg responds...
Well, I wish we had hour long episodes that would give me the flexibility to show more for ALL our characters. But ultimately, the series is about the teens, not the adults. So we aren't going to see too much of Superman's struggle from Superman's point of view. And the fact that Superboy can't SEE the struggle from HIS pov is part of the point.
By now, hopefully, you've seen Artemis. As ALWAYS planned, she premiered on schedule in episode 6.
Greg Bishansky writes...
I've written a lot in the past about why Demona is my favorite character, what it is about her that speaks to me and fascinates me. I've always been interested in why some characters are favorites for other people.
I've read a while back that you said that Black Canary is probably your all time favorite comic book character. So, I'm curious, what is it about Black Canary that interested and fascinated you to put her at the top of a list like that, with so many other characters potentially fighting for a top spot like that?
Greg responds...
The short answer is that I just think she kicks ass. Strong, in all sense of the word, without being a "Man-in-Drag" superhero. And I like that her power level isn't through the roof. I can take or leave her Canary Cry, though I don't shy away from using it when it makes sense for her to do so, but it's the way she's trained herself. I also always really liked her relationship to Green Arrow, who's another favorite of mine. I like her ties to the old Justice Society (even if nowadays, those original connections were really her mother's) and I even like the retconning that makes her her own daughter and establishes that she trained with guys like Wildcat. I like the legacy hero idea. Plus - I'll admit - she's hot.
I guess the SHORTER answer is: "What's NOT to like?"
Young Justice Happy Meal Toys!
Young Justice Happy Meal Toys!
So I got my complete set of YJ Happy Meal toys today, and I have three things to say:
1. Yes, I'm bummed that McDonalds chose to go with Littlest Pet Shop for girls, instead of creating a couple of kick-ass toys for Miss Martian and Artemis.
2. Nevertheless, the eight toys they did make are very cool!
3. But the choices made me stop and think: Black Manta is Aqualad's biological father. Batman is Robin's foster-father. Superman is Superboy's genetic father. So... is McDonalds trying to imply that Captain Cold is Kid Flash's father?!! OMG!!!
John writes...
I know Black Canary and Batman are two of the best at hand to hand combat in the field and Superboy and Flash are inexperienced I get that but how come not one of the stronger heroes are not even involved in 'schooling' the kids? It makes no sense it is only Canary. In my mind she cannot truly teach that very mixed group which includes Flash and Superboy what they really need to know. So are we going to see a meta take them on the mats?
Greg responds...
I think you're underestimating Canary and/or missing the entire point of the training. Perhaps when their training gets more advanced, she'll bring in some help. But Kid Flash is already mentored by Flash. He doesn't need Mount Justice to train him in his speedcraft.
In any case, you'll eventually see that she's not the only Leaguer giving them tips.
Albert writes...
Hello, Greg!
Alas, another inquiry about Young Justice...
You revealed on an earlier question-and-answer that the mysterious Artemis character, which I think have a vague idea on her identity, is half-Caucasian and half-Vietnamese. Since that the show (by proxy, Earth-16) is all about realism, it got me concerned about biological genetics. It would seem that if Artemis were to be Eurasian, her Asian traits would be more accented given the fact that generally Asians have darker hair and eye color, thus becoming more dominant than her European traits. Artemis having blonde hair and blue eyes would be implausible unless she was three-fourths Caucasian and one-fourth Vietnamese. Will there be an adequate explanation for said incoherence? Either way, I don't care. It's fiction and can do away without one.
Keep up with the good work on the show!
Greg responds...
I think you may be right about the genetics, and I'm not going to argue the point. Victor Cook's daughter is naturally blonde, though she's one-half Korean on BOTH parents' side, making her one-half Asian total. She, in part, served as one of our inspirations for Artemis. By now, you've seen Artemis' mother and probably have a solid idea as to who her father might be. But I'm just not going to get into who Artemis' grandparents might have been. At least not in the forseeable future.
Greg Bishansky writes...
Schooled
The fifth episode of "Young Justice" airs, and the series continues its upward climb in quality. This week's episode was penned by Nicole Dubuc, who previously worked with Greg Weisman on "W.I.T.C.H." and "The Spectacular Spider-Man."
Also making a return from "The Spectacular Spider-Man" are Vanessa Marshall as Black Canary, and Peter MacNicol as Professor Ivo. Marshall brings a cool, confident, and collected sexiness to Black Canary that perfectly fits the character. Honestly, I think she's my favorite actress to voice the character, and this is following the incredibly talented Morena Baccarin ("Firefly") and Grey DeLisle ("Avatar the Last Airbender"). I'll admit, I know very little about the character, but I have read that she is Weisman's favorite comic book character of all time, and as such, I am eager to learn more about her. Her character model is great, very sexy (even if I normally don't go for blondes), but it looks like her famous fishnet stockings have been stolen by the Flaming C.
Then there is Professor Ivo, a character I know nothing about except that dead guy in "Justice League" who constructed the android that was occasionally called AMAZO... but almost under protest from the writing team on that show. I liked Peter MacNicol's performance, but listening to him made me wish I was watching more of Dr. Octopus. I'll admit, I am still not quite over the cancellation of "The Spectacular Spider-Man." At this point, I'm willing to bet he's working for the Light.
And finally, rounding out the introductions, we have AMAZO. I mostly know AMAZO from "Justice League" and "Justice League Unlimited" and while he was an intriguing character in those shows, they kind of wrote themselves into a corner with him by turning him into a veritable god. The last time we saw him, he teleported himself to the other end of the universe to figure out a way to defeat Solomon Grundy... and they left him there. Probably Forever. Obviously, I don't think we want someone THAT powerful in "Young Justice." But I enjoyed what we got here.
Now, the emotional core of the episode: Superboy. The hotheaded, Kryptonian clone is beginning to grow on me. I understand him, I understand where he's coming from and why he is the way he is. But he's growing and learning. He's got a long way to go, but he's definitely getting better. I enjoyed seeing him use his head, and turn his anger into a strength when he outwitted AMAZO.
Robin continues to butcher the English language, and even I have to admit it's getting a little old. I understand that this is his quirk. But if I were doing that, most of my friends would have told me to shut up by now. Still, I like him.
I am continuing to really like Kid Flash. My favorite moment had to be him hitting on Black Canary before being royally schooled. On that note, I loved it when she royally schooled Superboy.
Now, as for Superman, I'll admit this upfront, I have never been a fan of Superman and I doubt I will ever be a fan of Superman. The character has always been presented as way too perfect for me. Yes, he is "super" but he is also a man, first and foremost. Men aren't perfect and never will be. Which is why I am one of the few I have conversed with who isn't annoyed about his treatment of Superboy. Well, I am annoyed in the sense that Clark is being a jerk, but I like seeing Clark being portrayed with an understandable character flaw. There is a tendency among many Superman fans, that I've noticed, where if Clark isn't portrayed as being better than Jesus Christ, they go ballistic. I think this is a far more realistic take on the character in this situtation, and it works for me. But then, I'm not a Superman fan, so what do I know?
Overall, a pretty great episode. I look forward to next week's, and the introduction of whomever it was that fired that arrow.
Oh yeah, and my favorite moment in the entire episode, when Clark ordered an Apple Pie and Bruce Wayne ordered a Devil's Food.
Greg responds...
Thanks.
Anonymous writes...
What are those three dots on Kid flash's arms?
Greg responds...
Vents, I think.
YOUNG JUSTICE Episode #9 ("Bereft") Credits
YOUNG JUSTICE Episode #9 ("Bereft") Credits
YOUNG JUSTICE
"Bereft"
Producers
Brandon Vietti
Greg Weisman
_________________________________________________________________________
Written By
Nicole Dubuc
_________________________________________________________________________
Directed By
Michael Chang
_________________________________________________________________________
Line Producer
David Wilcox
_________________________________________________________________________
Young Justice Theme and Music Written And Performed By
Kristopher Carter
Michael McCuistion
Lolita Ritmanis
_________________________________________________________________________
Casting & Voice Direction
Jamie Thomason
_________________________________________________________________________
Starring The Voices Of
Stephanie Lemelin - Artemis
Jesse McCartney - Robin
Danica McKellar - Miss Martian
Nolan North - Superboy
Khary Payton - Aqualad
Jason Spisak - Kid Flash
Bruce Greenwood - Batman
Marina Sirtis - L4
Alan Tudyk - Psimon
_________________________________________________________________________
Based On DC Comics Characters
Batman Created By Bob Kane
Miss Martian Created By Geoff Johns and Tony Daniel
Psimon Created By Marv Wolfman and George Perez
_________________________________________________________________________
Production Manager
John Diaz
Assistant Production Manager
Casey Sandin
Animation Coordinator
Matthew Benzinger
_________________________________________________________________________
Lead Character Design
Phil Bourassa
Character Design
Dusty Abell
Jerome Moore
Prop Design
Hakjoon Kang
Eugene Mattos
BG Key Design
Hakjoon Kang
Gary Mantalbano
Storyboard
Charles E. Drost, III
Jeff Johnson
Paul Harmon
Olga Ulanova
Storyboard Clean-up
Owen Sullivan
Animation Timing Director
James Tim Walker
Timing
Jeff Hall
Richard Collado
Gordon Kent
R. Michel Lyman
Bob Shellhorn
Animation Checking
Jan Browning
Annamarie Costa
Chuck Gefre
Justin Schultz
Color Stylist
James Peters
Ink & Paint
Kim Bowen
Background Paint
Mike Inman
David McBride
Craig Robertson
Chun Liu
Wei Zhao
Effects Animation
Matthew Girardi
Main Title Animation
MOI Animation, Inc.
Wut It Is
_________________________________________________________________________
Editor
Jhoanne Reyes
Supervising Dialogue/ADR Editor
Mark A. Keatts
Sound Reading
Fred Salinas
Wilson Martinez
Dialogue/ADR Editors
Patrick Foley
Mike Garcia
Post Production Manager
Scott Shinick
Dialogue Recording
Studio Studiopolis, Inc.
Recording Machine Operator
Jeff O. Collins
Sarah Baluch
Post Production Sound Services
Audio Circus, Inc.
Online Editor
Christopher D. Lozinski
_________________________________________________________________________
Animation Services
Lotto Animation, Inc.
Supervising Animation Director
Heechul Kang
Background Director
Yunhee Kim
EunHee No
Eunjung Choi
Production Staff
Hyoungmin Doh
Miok Kwon
Eonho Lee
Jinhwa Heo (Jun-E)
Animation Directors
Sangjoon Lee
Myeonghwan Park
________________________________________________________________________
Layout Artists
Soohyeon Gwak
Gapchan Jung
Jungmo Kim
Final Checker
Hosoon Shin
Color Stylist
Mihyun Ji
Model Checkers
Junghee Kim
Jisoo Kang
Composition
Sangbong Oh
Hoyeon Joo
Yuri Choi
Daehee Rim
Sunghun Lee
Key Animation
Seokjin Jang
Eunhwa Jung
Howon Jung
Kwonil Kim
SinKwon Kim
Sebo Lee
Gyeonghwa Seo
Joonho Song
Final Checker
Seokki Um
Misook Choi
_________________________________________________________________________
Production Administrator
Nicole Martin
Production Accounting
Athena Wingate
Luisa Guzman
Production Support
Audrey Kim
Kira Tirimacco
Renee Toporzysek
Casting Administrator
Liz Carroll
Executive In Charge Of Music
Niki Sherrod
Business And Legal Affairs
Lori Blackstone
Bonnie Negrete
Joulene St. Catherine
_________________________________________________________________________
Production Supervision
Bobbie Page
Production Management
Ed Adams
Executive in Charge of Production
Jay Bastian
Executives In Charge Of Production For Cartoon Network
Tramm Wigzell
Brian E. S. Jones
Executive Producer
Sam Register
_________________________________________________________________________
"This motion picture is protected under the laws of the United States of America and other countries. Any unauthorized duplication, copying, distribution, exhibition or use may result in civil and/or criminal prosecution.
© 2011 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Country of first publication United States Of America
YOUNG JUSTICE and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.
Warner Bros Animation Inc. is the author of this film/motion picture for the purposes of Article 15 (2) of the Berne Convention and all national laws giving effect thereto.
_________________________________________________________________________
There are, as always, a bunch of people who ALSO helped out but don't receive credits on screen for various (legal and precedent) reasons.
A handful (in no particular order) include...
Dan Soulsby - Talent Coordinator
Eric Lewis, CAS - Dialogue Sound Mixer
Chris Eaton - Assistant Engineer
Otis Van Osten - Sound Supervisor
Ron Salaises - Sound Effects editor
Carlos Sanches - Re-Recording Mixer
Stacy Michaels - Foley Mixer
Alex Ulrich - Foley Walker
Aris Katsaris - Atlantean Translator
Sindy Tadros - Arabic Translator
Nicole Dubuc & Greg Weisman - Martian Translator
I know I'm probably forgetting some folks, and I REALLY apologize! If you send me a reminder, I'll pimp you in another post!
Anonymous writes...
I know character development is important here and at times we all seem impatient but why is Superman ...SUPERMAN...of all people being unable to extend even a few words to Superboy? While I expect it to be awkward and a little creepy for him, we are only subjected to seeing Clark come off like a bit of a jerk. And it is so unfair to the character when he is not like that at all! You have people going on that Superman is a d**k and I am like, he's not! You didn't even put a scene showing Clark's internal struggle as if to show well yes we can see ambivalence but show there is something more. That he can show some innate compassion even for a clone. And of course Batman as usual is the best at everything...best leader, best mentor, best father, has the best protege who will leader...the Batworship in Timmverse was so blatant it got pretty aggravating for me as a fan of Superman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, even Wonder Woman,...as if these heroes were just stupid and usually OOC. I mean I like Batman too but not at the expense of the rest of the League.
I am hoping this show would try to be more balanced and treat every hero with respect and be true to their character. I am hoping the Superman/Superboy thing is resolved with some dignity and not dragged on and on cause we must have someone act like a jerk and let it be Superman. sigh
Greg responds...
Random responses to your post:
*Yes, you do seem impatient to me. But maybe that's just me.
*Actually, Superman DOES extend exactly a few words to Superboy.
*I don't think Superman's a d**k, and I don't think the series presents him as one... unless a viewer absolutely insists on looking at everything in the starkest black and white terms - which I don't.
*I think we've twice shown Clark's internal struggle, but we intentionally tried to do it with subtlety.
*I'm a big fan of Batman, but I can guarantee you that I'm just as big a fan of Superman. Humanizing the Man of Steel doesn't count as an attack on his character. Quite the reverse.
*It's not like we needed a token jerk and said, "Hey, let's use Superman as the jerk!" We didn't, and we didn't. We're just trying to be TRUE to his character and how we feel he would react to the situation. I get that you disagree, but as I've said earlier today: perhaps if you wait and see how this all plays out, you'll appreciate our approach. Perhaps not.
And finally, you didn't see that someone had already asked this question? Already addressed this on ASK GREG? You couldn't wait until you got my response to the first query on the topic before basically repeating the complaint? I've got no problem with a second post on a subject if my answer seems incomplete or doesn't satisfy, but you didn't even wait to see if that would be the case. So instead, what you get is more or less a repeat of what I typed up earlier today. Your time is wasted. My time is wasted. Ask Greg's readers' time is wasted. And the queue just gets longer and longer.
I should really stop answering questions for a bit. I can tell I'm getting cranky.
kalara75 writes...
Mr. Weisman I've been a fan of Gargoyles for years now and just recently came back to check up on things here at S8. I heard about your latest YJ project and have started watching. just wondered if you can devulge if Catwoman might appear in the series somewhere down the road. I've always been a fan of Catwoman and Batman.
Greg responds...
<sigh> No comment.
Anonymous writes...
Is their any way you could give us the issue number Artemis was in?
Greg responds...
The issue number of what?
Andy.C writes...
Big fan... you heard it all before yada yada moving on
I noticed something in the video where you and Brandon Vietti discuss what to expect from Young Justice (the one where you said in the end not everyone will survive), one of the clips shows Aquaman with longer hair than he has on the show right now, am I right to assume that as time passes some characters appearances might change, or was the design changed or something?
Greg responds...
Some characters' appearances may indeed change, but that's not an example. The Aquaman with longer hair was development artwork, not final production artwork.
Anonymous writes...
Wing writes...
Can you define your idea of true sentience?
Greg responds...
Probably not. But I'd start with Descarte...
If you can say "I think therefore I am" and grapple with its meaning, as opposed to its mere pronunciation...
Well, that's a starting point.
I wont say it isnt painful to read people that still thinks positivly about Descarte and his ideas toward other forms of life. Animals may not think the way we humans do, but they still do. Descarte also said that animals seemed to suffer pain, but they didnt. You agree on that too?
Im sorry, but it was painfull to read this considering what gargoyles represented for me when I was growing up.
Greg responds...
Okay, stand down on the pain.
You're taking an off-hand comment too seriously. I NEVER said I thought animals don't suffer pain. That's patently ridiculous. I wasn't endorsing even a fraction of Descartes philosophy, just GIVING AN EXAMPLE.
But thanks for interpreting it in the worst possible way.
Anonymous writes...
Do the titles of the YJ episodes have any hidden/double meaning like they did in Spider-Man? Or are they chosen merely to reference subtle plot points.
I get the references of the titles "Independence Day" and "Fireworks," as they literally allude to the American holiday in which the episodes take place and also the fact that the sidekicks become "independent" from their mentors. However, I'm missing the possible references of the other episodes, as they seem to be too literal.
Greg responds...
Well, I invite you to look deeper.
Anonymous writes...
Will the incorrect timestamps from "Drop-Zone" be fixed for a probable DVD release? I'm assuming there will be one, seeing as most (if not all) DC Comics animated shows are out on DVD.
Greg responds...
The timestamps have all been fixed.
Collegeboy writes...
How old is Batman? and Will we see the Joker make an appearance on Young Justice?
Greg responds...
1. Asked and answered.
2. You can see Joker now in issues #1 and #2 of our companion - and in continuity - Young Justice comic book.
Anonymous writes...
Do gargoyles have the same nudity taboos that humans have? I know that Demona cannot go around bare breasted like Goliath does for obvious reasons of cultural modesty in the real world. But what about within the universe of the show?
Greg responds...
Some clothes help with comfort and feelings of safety that have nothing to do with nudity taboos. So although the answer is no, I don't think they do exactly, that doesn't mean that I think they'd choose to wing around nekkid.
Lionel writes...
In the pilot, Superboy stated that he had learned to read and write from the other Genomorphs. He also said "there are images implanted in my mind." But in "Drop Zone", he warns the team of both smoke and an approaching helicopter by smell and sound alone. How did he recognize them?
Greg responds...
Smell and sound can also be implanted in his mind. Don't get the idea that Superboy was being comprehensive about his G-Gnome education in a three sentence piece of dialogue.
Mike writes...
Now that Batman Beyond is officially part of the DC comics universe, are you allowed to use him in YJ (assuming there was a time-travel episode)? Do you have any interest in including Terry or other characters who exist in the future, like the Legion, at some point?
Greg responds...
No comment. NO COMMENT. NOOOOOOO COMMMMMMMENNNNNNNTTTTTT.
Gang, please, do us ALL A FAVOR and get the message. I will not be spoiling. NOT. BE. SPOILING.
And that means that even something that I know I'm never going to do is going to get a no comment, because if I only said no to some things and no comment to the rest, you'd deduce that no comment means yes.
So instead I'm saying no comment for yes, for no, for no way in hell, for yes absolutely, for any and all questions about what may or may not be coming down the pike.
So stop asking. Seriously. It's just not a good use of ANYONE'S time.
'Kay?
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