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VELATIONS 2013-04 (Apr)

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Nashtrie writes...

Something's been bothering me about Arsenal.
"War" showed that Roy still hasn't completely recovered from the trauma of being kept in ice for eight years. Did Dick and Dinah do anything about this? I mean, from the way his destructive tendencies keep surfacing (blowing up Lexcorp just to mess with Luthor and opening the airlock because he panicked even though it meant that his teammates might get sucked into space), I'm wondering if he's really mentally stable enough to go on missions.
Did Dinah counsel him?
Did Dick, as leader of the team, put him on probation or something?
What I mean is that they were both in positions to help him, and it doesn't look like they did. Considering what he'd been through, it seems rather ignorant to assume that he'd be perfectly okay.

Greg responds...

Of course, they've been trying to help him. As has Green Arrow and Red Arrow and Jim Harper. You get a clear sense of this in "Satisfaction". And frankly, this seemed SO obvious to us, we didn't feel the need to give up valuable screen time to show it.

But lesson one is that you can't MAKE a person get help. He or she has to WANT to get help.

Dick thought that being with the Team on missions might actually help Arsenal work through some things. (It's worked for others in the past, including Dick himself.) But he was wrong. And you've seen the result.

No one's given up on Roy, however. NOBODY.

Response recorded on May 01, 2013

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Eagle-Owl writes...

How did the Reach get their fleet to the Marianas Trench without anyone detecting them?

Greg responds...

Sophisticated cloaking and an assist from the Light.

Response recorded on May 01, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

When the world was split and the helmet was split, Nabu was also split. Why was Klarion not split? Does it have to do with the age of Teekl? If so what age is Teekl?

I thought I'd also try answer why there doesn't need to be an archery force as opposed to a speed force. Within the laws of physics archery can be performed at an expert level and the subject is not destroyed while performing such impressive feats. Running at speeds like speedsters are capable of are impossible to survive while doing. As such the speed force is not the thing that makes them run at that speed but the thing that allows them to survive running at that speed. At least that's my understanding of it though you have said we can imagine it which is satisfactory enough. I just thought you might like to understand the difference between the force being necessary and an archery force not being.

Greg responds...

1. It has more to do with the age that Klarion perceives himself as.

2. And how is Speed-Force different from Strength-Force? Or Heat-Vision-Force? Or Flight-Force? Or Shrink-Down-Force? Or Any-Actual-Super-Power-Force?

Look, you picked my most hyperbolic example, the one I was using to make a comedic point, and so didn't address my ACTUAL point. To some degree, you either buy into super-powers or you don't. At least, that's my opinion. The Speed-Force seems an unnecessary complication. Harder to get my head around than the original power its trying to explain. I mean, why should speed even HAVE a force?

Having said that, I'll simply repeat what I've stated before: if you love the Speed-Force and want to believe it exists on Earth-16, then may the speed-force be with you. All I've stated categorically is that no one on Earth-16 has ever heard of the Speed-Force. But the fact that no one's heard of it, doesn't in and of itself mean it doesn't exist. (See my recent answer regarding Meta-Genes.)

Response recorded on May 01, 2013

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CGYJ writes...

Hello Mr. Greg Weisman,

"War" delivered, and the ending was something I did not see coming… It's just like you've said; it gets worse and worse with each passing episode. No good news for our heroes at all… Here are my thoughts below.

My thoughts on "War":

Justice League Trial - We finally get to see what going on, at least for a little bit… They're not free yet, but I hope something good comes out of this trial...

Mongol's voice actor - Awww man…. It HAD to be Keith David to voice the alien conqueror… Don't get me wrong, but I was really, really hoping that he'd be the perfect candidate to eventually voice Darkseid, considering his evil voice and laughing as Thailog in "Gargoyles"…. But then again, with the fate of the show currently in question (due to back-and-forth speculation and the constant dodging of direct answering), I guess I shouldn't get my hopes up…

Mal and Karen - Okay, so I was wrong in assuming that their strained relationship was going to factor into the Reach Apocalypse, because now Mal and Karen have decided to reconcile with each other. Let's hope that they live long enough to make their relationship last into adulthood…

Arsenal freaks out! - I admit this guy was doing okay up until the end of the episode when he assumed he was going to get kidnapped again… Seriously, what is this guy's problem?! If this some kind of psychological thing as a result of being on ice for 8 years, Arsenal really needs to see a therapist… On a side note, it's kind of funny how Wonder Girl gives him a kiss on the cheek and I wonder if it's suppose to lead to something between the two…

Blue… You Traitor! - But we all know it's not his really his fault… What an interesting point in time to show our heroes that Blue Beetle in "on mode." And with this everyone will now know! I don't know if our heroes would not have noticed this in the unaltered timeline (the one without Impulse) until it was too late, but I'd imagine what happened here is probably much different that in the timeline without Impulse… Here's to hoping that Green Beetle's true colors will be discovered before more damage can be done…

The Reach fleet is down to a 1/3 - The Reach had lost 2/3 of their entire fleet to stop Mongol from destroying the Earth, and yet they still have enough to carry on the eventual Reach Apocalypse? Why do I get the feeling that something else caused the worldwide destruction to the Earth in 2056?

Thanks for taking the time to read this posting.
CGYJ

PS. I'm constantly praying that "Young Justice" will find some way to continue on TV. The fact that some television networks, like Cartoon Network, are always putting good cartoon shows to an abrupt end is something that tends to piss loyal cartoon fans off. I'm probably not one to give advice, but maybe you should relocate the "Young Justice" to another television network that would give it a little more respect and allow it to continue for at least another two to three more years. "Young Justice," in my opinion, is a masterpiece of DC Comics animation, and I hope you do not give up on it…

Greg responds...

Re: Arsenal. I think you answered your own question.

Response recorded on April 30, 2013

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MasterGhandalf writes...

I've recently been reflecting on your shows, and one thing that's really jumped out at me is that every one of them I've seen is extremely arc and continuity based, but also has, rather than a single "Big Bad", at least two core villains who contrast with and play off each other- Xanatos and Demona, Nerissa and Phobos, Tombstone and Norman Osborn, the Light and the Reach. Even the unproduced Stargate spin-off you posted about a while back had Osyros and Anubis. I was wondering if this was a conscious decision on your part to deliberately include this element in your shows, or if it's just something that flows naturally while designing a series?

Greg responds...

Huh. You know, it's clearly not conscious, since I never noticed it before now.

Maybe it's about trying to world-build something convincing, something that logically plays out the consequences of the world created, which therefore sets up multiple responses from different antagonists to a set of circumstances. And perhaps it also comes out of my belief that nothing is truly monolithic. Even the bad guys aren't just a unified mass of evil. They have agendas of their own.

But honestly, you're guess is as good as mine at this moment.

VERY INTERESTING POST THOUGH.

Because I think I've done the same thing in RAIN OF THE GHOSTS without trying.

THANKS!!

Response recorded on April 30, 2013

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andrea writes...

hi greg!
todays episode (war)......WOW! just wow....nice work! first giving us a false sense of security and then BOOM POW KA-POW!!! i mean i knew something bad was gonna happen because Mal and Karen were soooo lovey-dovey BUT NOT THAT!!!! seriously my respects to all of you people who make this show happen :D and by the way loved the cassie/arsenal ship-ish scene and that MAl is guardian :D poor supey though betrayed by yet another one of his frends *sad smile* next weeks episode will be bitter sweet, we can watch new YJ but is one more near the end! ....wait thats not gonna happen! NOT if the YJ fandom can do anything about it...please dont laugh :P i know it sounds crazy but i think we can do it :)

Greg responds...

I hope so! I haven't given up yet!

Response recorded on April 30, 2013

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LEX writes...

How did the Light know that Starro was capable creating mind-control technology?

Greg responds...

A little bird told them. (Okay, not so little and not a bird, but...)

Response recorded on April 30, 2013

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The Greenman writes...

A very brief history of the "inhibitor collar", based on my research and recollections.

-1957 Oms en série {aka Fantastic Planet):
Tiny humans imprisoned on a planet of gigantic alien beings known as Draags. We follow one, of which, is treated as a toy by a Draag child, held captive by "inhibitor collars". Written by Stefan Wul.

-1968 Star Trek episode- Gamesters of Triskelion:
Kirk, Chekov, and Uhura trapped on alien planet and forced to participate in gladiatorial games. Imprisoned with "inhibitor collars" that shock them. Written by Margaret Armen.

-1991 Wedlock:
Rutger Hauer film about a diamond thief sent to an experimental prison using "inhibitor collars" that connect you to another inmate and will explode if proximity distances from one another are not close enough. Broderick Miller wrote this.

-1993 Fortress:
Christopher Lambert film about a couple escaping America to the Canada border in order to have a second child (hmmm how prophetic). Lambert's character is caught and imprisoned in a maximum security prison and implanted with a device called an intestinator. Similar but not quite the same.

-2000 Batoru Rowaiaru (aka Battle Royale)
A group of grade school students are sent to an island to compete against one another with "inhibitor collars" to ensure no one escapes.

There was also the latest appearance of Wolverine and the X-Men.

Not this is not a critical examination of your use of it or a declaration of plagarism on your part. I like your versions better, because there has clearly been some thought put into the workings of them. I like the updated version from YJ: Invasion, especially episode "The Fix". Thank you for your time.

Greg responds...

You're welcome.

Response recorded on April 30, 2013

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Kyle D. Kincaid writes...

Greg, I have 5 questions for you, please answer them clearly:

1. Even though she was an assassin, does Paula mostly love Artemis and always spends most time with her?
2. What was the cause of Tula's death, and how did Ocean Master became disgraced and ousted out of the Light?
3. When were Icicle, Jr. and Artemis became acquaintances?
4. Can you name a lot of birth dates of the characters of the shows?, we know Superboy's and Kid Flash's and Nightwing's
5. Even though Cassie Sandsmark joined the team a few months before December 1, was Donna Troy the first Wonder Girl and a member of the Team after 2011?

Greg responds...

It can be hard to answer clearly, when the questions aren't clear.

1. Although Huntress did some work as an assassin, I don't think of her primarily as one. So when you set that up as the premise of your question, we're starting off with a problem, as I neither buy into that premise, nor do I understand how it creates context for what follows. Nor do I understand what you're asking. Are you asking if Paula loves Artemis? If so, then yes. If you're asking if she loves Artemis more than Jade, than the answer is no. Are you asking if she spent more time with Artemis than Jade before she went to prison, then the answer is no. If you're asking if -before she went to prison- she spent more time with Artemis than Crusher did, then the answer is probably yes. But not much more. If you're asking about after she got out of prison, then obviously she spends more time with Artemis than with Jade, and more time with Artemis than Sportsmaster does. At least until Artemis went away to college and then went undercover as Tigress.

2. SPOILER REQUESTS. NO COMMENT. And by the way, that's clearly two separate questions, and you're trying to cheat the system by numbering them as one, so that you can get six questions in when our limit is five. I don't appreciate that.

3. Originally, as children.

4. No. I have not and will not figure out specific birth dates for any character until a story requires it.

5. This was clearly another SPOILER REQUEST when you asked it. Now it's ASKED AND ANSWERED. But the short answer is that the Earth-16 Donna Troy was TROIA. Never Wonder Girl.

Response recorded on April 30, 2013

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Maya writes...

In an interview, you decribed Robin (Tim), Wonder Girl, Blue Beetle, Impulse and Arsenal as "freshmen" and Batgirl, Bumblebee and Guardian (Mal) as "juniors". Following that logic, would Beast Boy and Lagoon Boy be considered "sophomores"? And in that case, what would numbers B10-B15 be?

Greg responds...

I was probably speaking somewhat loosely.

I guess if I'm really going to break down the metaphor, here's how I'd do it at the START of Season Two:

SENIOR CLASS
B-01 Nightwing
B-02 Aqualad
B-03 Kid Flash
B-04 Superboy
B-05 Miss Martian
B-06 Red Arrow
B-07 Artemis
B-08 Zatanna
B-09 Rocket
B-10 Tempest
B-11 Aquagirl

JUNIOR CLASS
B-12 Troia
B-13 Robin
B-14 Lieutenant Marvel
B-15 Sergeant Marvel
B-16 Batgirl
B-17 Bumblebee

SOPHOMORE CLASS
B-18 Lagoon Boy

FRESHMAN CLASS
B-19 Beast Boy
B-20 Robin
B-21 Wonder Girl
B-22 Blue Beetle

By the end of Season Two, it's more like this:

POST-GRADS
B-02 Aqualad
B-04 Superboy
B-05 Miss Martian
B-07 Tigress

SENIORS
B-16 Batgirl
B-17 Bumblebee

JUNIORS
B-18 Lagoon Boy
B-24 Guardian*

SOPHOMORES
B-19 Beast Boy
B-20 Robin
B-21 Wonder Girl
B-22 Blue Beetle

FRESHMEN
B-23 Impulse
B-26 Static

*B-24 Guardian's a bit of a special case, since he's been around awhile, but has only been an active hero for a short time. So think of him as a transfer student.
B-25 Arsenal would be a freshman if he came back.

But keep in mind it's JUST a metaphor. Don't take it too literally.

Response recorded on April 30, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

For real? Young Justice is being replaced by Teen Titans, Go...For real?

A much as the fans may feel like theyre getting slaped in the face so some three year olg can get a good giggle...you must feel like Cartoon Network just took a big ole' dump on your face...

As much as I'm sad that YJ is almost over, I feel 10 times worse for you. I mean, I know youll go on to create something else prpbably just as incredible that we'll all fall in love with...but...for real? Teen Titans, Go. For REAL?!

Which imbicil(s) at CN that decided this should be fired and never allowed to work in television again.

Greg responds...

Wow, such pleasant imagery.

Anyway, I'd give TTG a chance. I haven't seen it, but there are some great people working on it. It's not meant to replace YJ, nor is it even vaguely meant to be the same kind of show. But that doesn't mean it won't be terrific in its own way.

Response recorded on April 30, 2013

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Galena writes...

Dear Greg,

I have a few simple questions about Players, Chapter One: Wheelbarrow, Shoe, Thimble.

1) Why was Bette at Nightwing's house? I mean, one could infer many different things, but I'd like the answer of a professional... no, THE professional.

2)
a) Why did Barbra has such a knowing/amused smile when Zatanna and Nightwing share a passionate kiss?

b)How did Nightwing and Zatanna/Rocket break up, and in which order did they date?

c)And (with such an intense kiss and Nightwing's fond remembrance of his birthday during Team Year 0)is there a possibility of a future Zatanna/ Nightwing relationship?

3)
a) Is Young Justice really ending?

b)If so, is there a way to help save it, maybe by writing letters or something?

Young Justice has been such an inspiration to me, I really appreciate all your dedication to this amazing show. The characters, plot, and everything is so deep and intricate and magnificent!

Sincerely and Humbly,
Galena

Greg responds...

1. I'll just leave that to your imagination.

2a. I think that's fairly clear now in light of issue 25.

2b. Robin dated Zatanna first. Rocket sometime later. And I only say that because it seems quite obvious to me. Otherwise, it's all a lot of SPOILER REQUESTS. NO COMMENT.

2c. Past, present, future. Anything's possible.

3a. No. Young Justice Legacy will be out in September.

3b. I don't know.

Response recorded on April 30, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Fifteen

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Fifteen:

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I've decided to countdown my progress on writing the SECOND book in the Rain franchise.

I just finished writing Chapter Fifteen.

This one starts out sweet and quickly turns shocking and scary. It's short. But potent. (Or at least I hope it's potent. I am confident it's short though.)

Anyway, just completing it is good news because it means I've finished writing fifteen chapters in two months. At this pace, assuming nothing goes horribly wrong, I should just make my deadline for completion.

And tomorrow, I'll start writing Chapter Sixteen.

http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791


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Link writes...

How does Demona's boob never pop out of that shirt?

Greg responds...

Which one?

Response recorded on April 29, 2013

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Ran writes...

Greg, I have a small gripe. But before I talk about that I want to say I really I dig "The Runaways". It's refreshing to seen a children's cartoon (thought I seriously doubt you could call YJ one, considering some of the themes you sneak past the censors) that portrays minority characters in positive light, acknowledging their race and culture without letting it become a defining part of them.

Now on to the gripe.

What with Asami's Japanese? It's (mostly) grammatically correct, but contextually it's glaringly out of place, as the wrong words were used. I also noticed that the way she spoke seemed a bit... westernised? I speak the language myself and I found it rather odd when Lex Luthor had a better Japanese accent than a native Japanese person. I found the whole thing even odder when I did my research and found out that Janice Kawaye is fluent in the language. Did she have any input? I remember looking through the archives once and I think you said in one of your replies that you had some Spanish-speaking voice actors help with regard to how Bane Spanish.

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Do you guys EVER look and see that someone's already asked your question ahead of you in the queue?

Response recorded on April 29, 2013

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pb writes...

Does Bart have an eidetic memory like he does in the comics? Also, how did Arsenal hide his arm in 'True Colours'? I noticed that he had it in his pocket, but that doesn't really seem like a very good method. There weren't very clear shots of it, so I couldn't tell if he was wearing a glove or something of the like.
Also, I hope your queue isn't too clogged with angry, hateful messages about the non-renewal. Though I'm sad it's ending, I'm hoping for a satisfying end to a wonderful series. Thank you for creating this!

Greg responds...

1. It hasn't come up.

2. What's wrong with the pocket method exactly?

Response recorded on April 29, 2013

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superfan writes...

When did Barbara Gordon become Batgirl?

Greg responds...

SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 29, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

If the "meta-gene" is a new concept on Earth 16, then how do Black Canary and Black Lightning explain their powers?
Theyve always been called "meta humans" before (except for the belt Black Lightning used at first, but I havent seen that in ages).

Greg responds...

The fact that the idea of the meta-gene is only now being introduced doesn't mean it hasn't existed in the past.

Electricity existed before Ben Franklin went kite flying. Gravity existed before an apple fell on Newton's head.

Black Canary assumed that something her mother was exposed to during her career as a super-hero caused the current Black Canary to gain her powers. Call it a mutation if you like. The NOTION of a meta-gene is new. Not the meta-gene itself.

We haven't dealt with the Earth-16 version of Black Lightning's origins yet, and I'm not going to give it here.

Response recorded on April 29, 2013

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JC writes...

Are Neutron, Shimmer, Static, Longshadow, El Dorado, & Samuri the only ones whoes meta-genes the Reach successfully activated?
If not, who else?
I know this would be considered a spoiler request, but since it appears the best show on Cartoon Network (heck on TV for that matter) is stupidly being pulled, how else are we supposed to ever find out?

I'm in my 30's and still jonesin' for more Gargoyles info...

Greg responds...

SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 29, 2013

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chalant writes...

i know that Wally and Artemis are studying at Stanford university, but what, if any, colleges are the other of-age team members studying at? (For example, what university are Dick and Barbara currently attending?)

Greg responds...

I'd have to research that, and I honestly haven't.

Response recorded on April 29, 2013

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K writes...

I was ridiculously excited when I realized that Tye was based on Apache Chief, and I'm even more ridiculously glad to see a whole episode based around him and the other runaways. I remember people wishing Static would appear in the show since episode one, and I was definitely one of them. The whole crew is so endearing. Everyone I've talked to about the show has a favorite among this group, and not all of them are Virgil. It makes the cancellation of Young Justice all the more tragic, because these characters really deserve the chance to grow like the season one team did.

But, for questions.

1) Why was the "Samurai" stand-in chosen to be gender-flipped? Speaking as a girl myself, I'm thrilled there's a girl at all, but was there any specific reason or did she just win the coin toss?

2) Young Justice has used several characters more famous for being created by previous animated adaptations, like Wendy & Marvin or Mercy Graves. Did these three in specific come to mind immediately for their roles, or only after you exhausted the characters created in the comics?

I'm kind of amused that Mercy's appeared in several episodes, but the character who paved the way for her creation, Harley Quinn, has only appeared as a Halloween costume. That and the fact that Joker and Poison Ivy appeared together in an episode without her. I like to imagine her breaking them out of Arkham or Belle Reve or wherever they ended up. There's no question here; just a random thought.

And to finish up, thank you. Thank you for helping to nurture one of the most diverse cartoons I have ever seen. The fact that Young Justice appears to gone out of its way (I don't know if it actually is OUT of the way, but compared to other shows...) to have multiple women, multiple people of most minorities, and many in fleshed-out, starring roles, is really that amazing. The fact that we're going to lose all this in five more episodes is heartbreaking, but we ARE grateful.

I admit, I was one of the people who was concerned by the fact that it took YJ five episodes just to pass the Bechdel Test (getting two female characters to have a single conversation about something besides boys, and "Schooled" passed on one exchange between Miss Martian and Black Canary). While I still think YJ *could* have done better on that front, I believe that it wasn't for lack of trying. I really am devastated to see the show go, and I hope there's a chance for revival in the future.

Greg responds...

1. There's no science to this. It just felt right.

2. We haven't come close to exhausting the characters from the comics. That's not really the point at all. But we have a fondness for these characters too. Both Brandon and I wanted Wendy & Marvin. I think using Mercy and doing our versions of Apache Chief, El Dorado, Samurai and Black Vulcan was Brandon's idea, though I signed on right away. And I seem to recall it was my idea to combine our version of Black Vulcan with our version of Static and to eventually give him Black Lightning as a mentor. And here's a spoiler: we also have very specific ideas for our version of the Wonder Twins, Zan & Jayna, for Season Three.

3. As for our "slow start", I make no apologies. Miss Martian and Artemis are the stronger in the series as a whole for how - and when - they were introduced. We were building a series based on existing characters, many of whom were created in the days when nearly every hero was white and male. Diversity was a priority for us from moment one, and I think that shows in the final analysis, as your post indicates. But we wanted that diversity to be organic, not contrived. And I believe we succeeded on that front too.

Response recorded on April 29, 2013

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YJ Fan writes...

(On a Flash topic) I know that Barry and Bart are faster than Wally and Jay, but what is the order of speedsters--in this universe--from fastest to slowest? Would it be:
1) Barry
2) Bart
3) Wally
4) Jay
Or would it be some other variation?

Greg responds...

You have the order correct - as of "Endgame".

Response recorded on April 29, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Fourteen

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Fourteen:

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I've decided to countdown my progress on writing the SECOND book in the Rain franchise.

I just finished writing Chapter Fourteen.

This was one of the harder ones. Though I thought I knew the subject matter cold, I found myself revisiting my research. But the other issue was how to present it. There was a day or two there, where I was somewhat stumped and actually found myself procrastinating. Now, generally, I'm big on procrastination, but it hasn't really been a problem writing this book, because honestly, I've been enjoying the process so much. Anyway, I finally sort of cracked it open for myself. And now I'm pretty darn happy with how it turned out.

So tomorrow, I'll start writing the new Chapter Fifteen.


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Jon Weisman's 100 Things Dodger Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die - Revised and Updated Edition

While I'm in the mode of pimping books, I'd like to pimp the recently released book by my brother, Jon Weisman, which I ordered on Amazon and received today:

100 Things Dodger Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die - Revised and Updated Edition

If you love baseball, the Dodgers and/or history, this is a great, fascinating and massively informative book, now revised and updated since its previous release. You can find it here.

http://www.amazon.com/Things-Dodgers-Should-Before-Things-Fans/dp/1600788041/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367099692&sr=1-3&keywords=jon+weisman

In addition to writing about the Dodgers and baseball in this book and on his blog - http://www.dodgerthoughts.com/ - Jon also wrote multiple episodes of Young Justice, W.I.T.C.H., So Weird and others. He's a very good read.


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Anonymous writes...

Which episode is the one when Robin turns 14 and throws a birthday party?
Sorry for the stupid question...

Greg responds...

It was in our companion comic books, over issues 20-25.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

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Sheena writes...

What colour are Tye's eyes, exactly? In "Beneath", they were brown, but "The Runaways", they were either blue or grey- I couldn't tell which.
By the way, I think Virgil, Tye, Eduardo Jr and Asami deserve their own show, Never have I loved supporting characters so much in my life- I think the excellent voice actors chosen for them helped big time.
While we're on the topic of voice actors, I can't say how happy I am to see Janice Kawaye in an American cartoon again after goodness-knows-how-many years. I've been a big fan of her since Captain Planet, and when I recognised her voice coming out of Asami's mouth I couldn't help but let out a silly little squeal.

Greg responds...

1. I don't know.

2. I'd love to do a show around these or any of the Earth-16 characters. Heck, I'd do a Professor Ojo show if they'd let me.

3. I agree the voice talent on the runaways, Janice included, was top-notch!

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

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Annie writes...

Greg, I love the show and the fact that you're trying to make it racially diverse is awesome. But as someone majoring in Japanese, I hope you'll pardon my rudeness when I say that Asami's use of the language in the latest episode was seriously off.

For one thing, "sumimasen", which is usually used as an apology, is used here to indicate Asami basically having no idea as to what the boys were talking about. The context really didn't mesh well, and it bothered me. While "sorry" can be used as questioning manner in English, the same doesn't exactly apply in Japanese. I think, given her situation, a simple "Nani?" (what?) would have sufficed.

Another thing that annoyed me was when she told the boys "Ja issho ni ikuwayo!". I assume you wanted her to say "Let's go!", but what you really got was "We're going!"
and it's a slight mismatch considering what Virgil, Tye and Eduardo were saying earlier (By the way, the correct phrasing is "Ja issho ni ikimashou!").

I hope I didn't sound bossy or anything. This was just a small blotch on an otherwise excellent episode, and whatever problems I may have with Asami's Japanese, as a person, I like her already.

Greg responds...

She uses it as an apology more than once.

Anyway, as previously stated we had at least two people involved who spoke fluent Japanese. One is a native of Japan, who consulted for us on the writing. The other was the actress who played the roll and is fluent in Japanese.

That doesn't mean we got it right, but I don't know how we could have done any more to insure it.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

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Jane-Doe writes...

Great job on the latest episode! A few questions:
1) When did Barry Allen (Flash) marry Iris West?
2) Are Jonathan and (presumably) Martha Kent related to Clark and, by extension, Conner? I noticed in the episode "True Colors" that Jonathan referred to Superboy as his "son" (or some other family-ish relation, I can't quite remember); but then I thought Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van were still alive in this universe (making it so Martha and Jonathan couldn't be Clark's adoptive parents), so...confusion.

Greg responds...

1. Four years before the start of Season One.

2. I have absolutely no idea why you'd think Jor-El and Lara are alive. They're not. Maybe that's your clever way of getting me to reveal a SPOILER, in which case, you're successful. But the destruction of Krypton and the death of Superman's birth parents is such an essential part of his origin, I don't even consider that to be a true Spoiler. You might as well ask if Thomas and Martha Wayne are dead. (They are.)

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

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A Flash Fan writes...

Hey Greg,

It's me again. Sorry you've been bogged with work, but I'm sure it will come out excellent as it thus far has proven to be. I know by the time you get to this post Young Justice Invasion will most likely be over (I'm predicting you'll answer this around the first week of May...let's see if I'm right :)
Anyway I just wanted to say I feel sorry that Young Justice is not continuing, at least for the time being. You made a really good show along with all your team. Like others' comments you've read, I must say watching this show during some less than perfect times for me, was a great experience. I did have some questions regarding the cancellation...

1. Did CN give you a reason(s) and if so what is/are they if you are able to tell us? Did costs of production have something to do with it?
2. After seeing the series, I've seen a lot of reliance on mind links, which perhaps reduces costs in animation. I think because the animators can keep the image of the character a longer time rather than drawing new frames with moving lips. Was this on purpose or is there another reason?

On Runaways, I don't know if El Dorado originally had a civilian name in Super Friends, but if not is that why you came up with Eduardo because of the close similarity?

In other news, I think I get where you're going, but geez! I have no idea how you're going to wrap up so much in so little time. I read your recent interview http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=43480 and I agree the extra 6 episodes would have helped. So one more question...If you did have those extra episodes would have spaced out the events more, included new characters, or what?

A final comment based on the previous episodes which I began guessing after Cornered, and left me nodding today after Nightwing's comment and eventual occurrence in Runaways...Zeta Tube destruction really isn't very helpful for slow superheroes is it? First Speedy in Satisfaction, Aqualad in Darkest, Despero/L Ron in Cornered, now Red Volcano in Runaways...Flash must get very tired...

Greg responds...

More or less the last week of April, so you were close.

Okay, let's start with this. CN and WBTVA have both gone OUT OF THEIR WAY to state that the show isn't cancelled. It's just not picked-up. It makes no practical difference as far as I can see, but it seems to matter to them, so I'm not just going to accept the terminology your using and slide by it.

1. Not really, no.

1a. The cost of production relative to the income the production was bringing in was definitely a reason. The loss of the toyline was a huge blow. The perception that the ratings on action series in general are not as strong as the ratings on a comedy like Adventure Time was another blow.

2. Mind-links were not a cost-saving measure, no. We had a telepathic Martian on a Team going on covert ops. It just made sense.

3. I think it was Brandon's idea to give him the initials E.D. for El Dorado. But it also worked as Ed Dorado, which sounds like El Dorado. And Ed was short for Eduardo. Which is all to say, it just seemed right.

4. People seem to misinterpret what I said as if we HAD those six episodes and had to take them out. But we NEVER had them. So we never built a 26 episode season. We built a 20 episode season. I have some notions as to what might have been included with more episodes, including more with Zatanna and Red Tornado, plus more screen time for characters like Batgirl, Robin, Wonder Girl and Beast Boy, who got shorter shrift this season. But it's not like we had six specific stories plotted out.

5. I've reread this paragraph four times now, and I'm not really sure what you're saying. Your examples seem to conflict with each other. Obviously, without Zeta Tubes, there are only a handful of heroes who can come from a long distance in a timely manner... unless they already happen to be nearby.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

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Just a Nerd writes...

Runaways was awesome. Don't know how Red Volcano survived. We all saw him die. Liked the Super Friends character's... Parallels, for lack of a better term. Hoping for some Wonder Twins action later!

Mr. Weisman, I would like to thank you and your team for such a wonderful show. It has intrigued me since Independece Day, through trials and tribulations. It is a tragedy that it must end after only two seasons.

Sorry I'm not as fanboy-ish as usual. I don't feel great right now.

Greg responds...

I hope you feel better by now.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Are people who have a scarab bonded to them aware they are being controlled?

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

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Siobhan writes...

Who did you consult with regards to Asami's Japanese? My friends were complaining that the way she spoke the language seemed a little off (I don't know anything about Japanese,so I detected nothing wrong).

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

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JC writes...

I have a question about the title of today's show, "Runaways"...does that imply that all four of the new young meta-humans were, well, runaways?
Weve seen the reason why Longshadow ran away, but why wuld Static leave home? Everything else I've read/saw of him portrayed a stable home life...if not for the bullying he recieves from the other kids at school.
Does this also imply that most or all the kids that the Reach kidnaped were alsi runaways?
If so does that mean that Stephanie Brown is origionally from Gotham, but ran away, and was abducted in Star City?

Thank you.

Greg responds...

As STATED IN THE EPISODE, Virgil was mistaken for a runaway because he was waiting to meet his sister at a bus or train station (I'm blanking out on which at the moment). I'm not sure how you missed that.

But ALL or nearly all the rest of the kids that the Light had abducted for the Reach were runaways, which I believe was ALSO STATED IN THE SERIES.

As for Stephanie Brown, ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

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Sean writes...

Okay so i reaslie with your lack of actvity here, this post will go unawsered for a very long but i do hope it dosent get deleated like my last post.
In Double Jeapordy(which is probabley my favourite episode, for reasons you can guess), i noticed recently two things that i thought were strange. When serveius received the kidnapping instructions from thailog, thinking it was xanatos, did these instructions state specfically whether or not thailog was going to be in on it? That is to say did they tell serverius that thailog was going to know about xanatos plan to fake kidnap him? I ask because, when the comadoes bring thailog to the oil rig, serverius prepares to drug him, then thailog breaks out of the container and looks angry(of course you said he likes to perform). Then when he drugs golaith, he says his shackles werent locked and he clearly was not drugged himself. So what happened? Why did serverius put him in a cell unchained and in full strength? The only thing i can think of is, after thailog killed the comadoes, serverius told him about *ahem* xanatos plan, thailog then feigned ignorance and simply waited in the cell to make it look more convincing for whoever servius thought the plan was directed at.
The second thing i am wondering about is when xanatos arrives with ransom money and then attacks serverius. If xanatos had no clear intention of paying and was simply going to "make a example" out of serverius, then why did he bring the money at all? Also what xanatos mean by that? Was he actually going to kill serverius for his betrayal or just punish him in a very severe way?
And now that im done i actually thought of another question. When lexinton finds the gen-u-tech band, did thailog leave that here intentionally or was simply an accident? If his goal was to lure golaith to the oil rig, then why did he leave a clue that could have lead golith all the way back to the city? Anyway i hope you are able to answer these for an old fan like me and i also hope that when i read your answer in the future young justice was still be on. Have a nice day!

Greg responds...

Sometimes it feels like every day here at ASK GREG has a theme.

Today's theme is "ask me extremely specific questions about stuff from SO long ago that there's no chance I'll remember". I'd love to have the luxury of time to go back and watch the episodes, but I don't. I barely have the luxury of time to answer these questions.

Anyway, I'll do my best.

1. This one I really don't remember. It all made sense at the time though, and I tend to think it makes sense now.

2. Xanatos brought the money because he didn't know what the set-up would be when he got there. He thought he might have to show real money to get what he wanted. As for what he planned to do with Sevarius, I think it's best to leave that to your imagination.

3. Thailog knew there was more than one gargoyle. He wanted ALL to be discovered. If I'm recalling correctly.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

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Tom McC writes...

Hello Greg!

I have watched both seasons of the Spectacular Spider-man last year and I honestly loved every minute of it, I thought it was both written and animated very well andbecause of this its a real shame the series never continued from where it was left off (imagine the possibilities!). Now its officially my favourite Spidey continuity, hats off to you and the team.

But there has been something thats been bugging me, just one small thing that I wouldn't mind your feedback on. Throughout the series Norman Osborn has been portrayed as a no-nonsense character who never apoligizes for any faults from his company, his son or even himself, a trait which becomes very important on the last episode. However in the episode "Market Forces" Norman apologized to Hammerhead for being interrupted by Harry which seems to be breaking character given the hype about it. What I want to know is was there a reason for it? Are Tombstones lackeys special in some way that they need special treatment or was this simply a continuity oversight?

Hope you can answer my question and good luck in your future endevours!

Greg responds...

It's been a while. I don't remember Norman - the REAL Norman - ever apologizing. But if he does, it may have slipped past us. Or maybe back then we had some reason for it. I just can't remember.

Response recorded on April 26, 2013

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CORRECTION

CORRECTION:

At the very end of Team Year Five, i.e. right before the start of Season Two:
TYE LONGSHADOW - 16
VIRGIL HAWKINS - 15
EDUARDO "ED" DORADO, JR. - 14
ASAMI "SAM" KOIZUMI - 14
I have not yet had a reason to calculate their exact birth dates, so I have no idea whether each of them had one during the six months of Season Two or whether one or more of their birthdays came after the end of the season. So, for example, in the episodes you saw, Tye might have been 16 still, or he might have been 17. Or he might have been 16 in his first appearance, but 17 by his next. Or whatever. You get the idea.


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Jaden writes...

You're probably tired of these types of questions by now but I was wondering how old Tye, Eduardo Jr, Virgil and Asama are?

Also, I heard from an insider that Ultimate Spider-man might be replaced after this season. I hope Marvel is smart enough to bring you back for a new series

Greg responds...

At the very end of Team Year Five, i.e. right before the start of Season Two:

TYE LONGSHADOW - 15
VIRGIL HAWKINS - 14
EDUARDO "ED" DORADO, JR. - 13
ASAMI "SAM" KOIZUMI - 13

I have not yet had a reason to calculate their exact birth dates, so I have no idea whether each of them had one during the six months of Season Two or whether one or more of their birthdays came after the end of the season. So, for example, in the episodes you saw, Tye might have been 15 still, or he might have been 16. Or he might have been 15 in his first appearance, but 16 by his next. Or whatever. You get the idea.

As for Spider-Man, I haven't heard what you've heard. Quite the reverse. And certainly, no one at Marvel has said anything to me about it. Nor would I expect them to. My understanding is that Ultimate is doing quite well.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

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dailyplanetintern writes...

Oh my GOODNESS!

No questions just utter appreciation for you and your team. That was such a GREAT episode. Virgil was AWSOME!!! I loved every second I got to see him. The rest of the characters too. They are all very likable (I really liked the scientist's son, and the situation with the Japanese girl and no one being able to understand her nor her them was just hilarious). I hope we get to see a lot more of them before the season closes out.

I'm trying to do everything to help save the series (if it's even possible) I couldn't just sit by and do nothing. We have 6 weeks left before the season ends so maybe we can make enough noise to really catch CN's attention. That press release they gave because fans were flooding their facebook page? What do they take us for incompetent? We knew what their statement meant and it didn't address our concerns; more like ignored them. Saying that some shows would "run their course". Somehow I don't think the full story of either Green Lantern or Young Justice will be told by the end of either of their seasons so I don't see how that's a true statement.

But OMG Blue Beetle has been taken over by the Reach!

I have to admit I never really trusted Green Beetle, I wanted too, but it was pretty much too good to be true. Once he said he could help BB I was worried, even if his intentions had been good I was afraid that it would still cause Jamie to succumb to the control of the Reach. As far as I was concerned the scarabs influence was what was keeping Jamie and it from being controlled. So I figured that he might fall to them if it was just his will trying to keep them at bay, but it was just a simpler answer. GB was of the Reach all the time. But that is curious. Miss Martian didn't sense his treachery so either she was distracted from the guilt she was feeling due to what she had done to Kaldar or GB and his scarab was able to evade her probing...

But this season just continues to improve with every turn! Both Young Justice and Green Lantern, it was great today as well. Just when both series are finding their real footing, establishing themselves and digging in their heels CN wants to call it quits? We have to find someway to change their minds....

I've done what I can so far, signed the petition, told my facebook friends to do the same, left a message to CN on facebook, and left a message to CN themselves on their official site. Maybe I'll send some letters too...

Anyway I'm excited to see the remainder of the season and even if Young Justice can't be rescued I really hope that this season doesn't end on a cliff hanger. I hate when that happens I always wonder what would have been and it kills me.

Young Justice is too good of a series to end this way. I would like to think that it's just moving to another network, but the creator of the Green Lantern series said that GL was no longer in production so that would suggest that that isn't happening...

Its just got me in such a vicious cycle of excitement and depression. Bittersweetness. Excitement for the new episodes and depression that the shows life seems like it's going to be cut short. This series just has so much potential! It could go for a minimum five seasons total if not longer. It has the goods to go much further than that though. You have the whole DC universe at your disposal and the freedom of an alternate earth so you can have as much creative freedom as you want! That like setting a kid loose in a candy store! Another reason why I was excited for this series.

But as I said awesome episode today! Really through me for a loop. I was suspecting that something was wrong though when Jamie got so aggressive. I was thinking that he'd be less aggressive without the scarab, not more, that was a great clue that something was amiss, that and when he had cut his radio off and Nightwing has to reach him on his cell... that had me suspicious too...

It's just so frustratingly great! I mean whose using who here? The Reach think they're using humanity, The Light thinks they are using them... who is really on top here? Only time will tell...

Can't wait for next week! (And then again I can, I REALLY don't want Young Justice to end like this.)

Greg responds...

Glad you enjoyed the episode.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

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Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...

Dear Greg,
Watched the newest YJ this morning, and first let me get this outta my system; DAMMIT I HATE IT WHEN I'M RIGHT! Everything about Green Beetle screamed mole to me. I hope Bart & maybe Megan can help him.
On to everyone else, first off kudos on the runaways. I love how you incorporated Apache Chief, El Dorado, & Samurai. Their powers are just similar enough, but just different enough to be unique. Especially Tai, I love how his powers work. And Lex at the end, I'm slightly confused by him. On the one hand, I can see him genuinely wanting a countermeasure for The Reach when they backstab him. But I can also see him doing this as another part of some Xanatos-like scheme against the League. Or maybe both.

Anyway, excellent work, keep it up!

Greg responds...

Hopefully, by now, you have a clearer understanding of Lex's behavior.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

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SHAZAM! writes...

So, it was announced that Young justice had been cancelled, which is very unfortunate because it's one of the best shows around since JLU.

I was wondering, I know there are a few petitions going around, but is there a chance that a canceled contract could be renewed? Also, is there any other way that the show could go back in the air?

If not, I'm glad we did get two seasons, and i can't wait for the rest of season 2, but could you please not leave it on a cliffhanger :0 ? I hope you guys do get un-cancelled, and thanks for all your hard work and effort, i just hope the next DC show is as good or better, because honestly, we really don't need another batman show, we need good DC universe stories like Young Justice created.

PS. As for season 3, you mentioned you had an idea for it, is the story all written out, and did it ever get to the animation stage?

Greg responds...

To be clear, and it may seem like mere semantics, but the show was not cancelled. It simply has not been picked up for more episodes. The odds of that changing are slim, but not impossible. And the odds of something Earth-16 coming back some day are also not impossible. After all, a new version of Teen Titans just hit CN's schedule.

The best way to convince TPTB is with your wallet. By the video game, by the DVDs, by the Trade Paperbacks. By whatever YJ merchandise you can find.

And I'd suggest giving the new Beware the Batman show a real chance. I've read many of the scripts (and wrote one of them), and I really liked what I read. REALLY.

As for Season Three of YJ, no. Of course not. If we didn't get picked up, how would it have been scripted, let alone animated?

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

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CGYJ writes...

Hello Mr. Greg Weisman,

"Runaways" was a crazy episode, and bad things are definitely happening more often than good things are. Here are my thoughts below.

My thoughts about "Runaways":

Red Volcano is Back?! - That's impossible! We saw his demise in Season One! How is it that he came back?!

Blue Beetle's Aggressiveness - What a way for Blue to screw up! He tries to take on Red Volcano and nearly kills one of the people he is trying to help and loses their trust, all in one night. But then again, it's not his fault…

More like a Green Scorpion than a Green Beetle - It's insane. I thought he was one of the good guys, but now we see that he's in cahoots with Black Beetle and we don't know why. Worse, now we know that Green Beetle is part of the reason why the Reach Apocalypse happens; all because he rebooted the blue scarab to control Jaime…

What did Asami say? - I didn't understand a single thing that she said when she spoke. It would've nice if there were English subtitles to translate her language…

Deal with the Devil? - Lex wants the Runaways to join the cause of the Light? They'll probably say yes and that's not good. The Runaways would probably be viewed as heroes by the public but the Justice League and the Team would be viewed as villains…

Thanks for taking the time to read this posting.
CGYJ

Greg responds...

I think all of your questions have been ASKED AND ANSWERED, but they may have been rhetorical anyway.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

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Markus L. McClellan writes...

1. Do any of the Reach have names?
2. How old is Despero?
3. How old is Lobo?
4. What year did Lagoon Boy joined the team?
5. What exactly are Sam's powers?

Greg responds...

1. None that you could pronounce.

2. I don't know.

3. I don't know.

4. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

5. ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

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Eagle-Owl writes...

Oh, and why were there no subtitles for Asami's dialogue? And what was she saying throughout the episode "Runaways"?

Greg responds...

There were no subtitles because we intentionally wanted the audience to be in the same boat as Ed, Virgil and Tye.

Below is all the Japanese dialogue and the translations that are in the script. Some of it might have been slightly different in the final on screen product.

(I want to state in advance that we did the best we could. The translations and transliterations were all run by a Japanese native in advance. And the actress who played Asami, Janice Kawayi, is fluent in Japanese. I have no way of knowing if there are errors, but no one can claim that we didn't do our very best to get it right.)

Wilcox: Mo oshi my. Oyasumi nasai, Asami-san. [We're finished. Goodnight, Asami.]

Asami: Domo, domo. [Thank you, thank you.]

Asami: Suimasen? [Excuse me?]

Asami: Suimasen!

Asami: Suimasen!

Asami: Suimasen!

Asami: Suimasen?

Asami: Yabai. Yasura ga kulu. [Trouble. They're coming.]

Asami: Suimasen!

Asami: Tahsukute kureru no? [Will you help us?]

Jaime: <sigh> Hai. I'll help you.

Asami: Nadaka yoku wakaranai kado, ja ishoni ikuwayo. [I have no idea what's going on, but I'll follow.]

Asami: Doitashimashite. Achoto, suimasen! [You're welcome. Now, please, excuse me!]

Wilcox: Virgil, Asami-san. Domo. Thank you.

Asami: Suimasen.

Virgil: "Suimasen." That means "trouble", doesn't it?

Lex: Kimi no chikara ni, naritain da. [Lit: I want to be a power behind you. Fig: I want to help.]

Asami: Ah… domo?

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

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Rose Jackson writes...

This isn't a question, but just a show of appreciation.
I'm not a fan of DC myself but I have younger siblings and cousins who are. Let me start by explaining that my family is a mixture of cultures: Hispanic, African, and Native American. The younger children are often perturbed by the lack of diversity they see in the cartoons they watch, especially in the superhero shows. I once had the youngest of my cousins state that she wished that she was Caucasian, because that was the only way she could be a superhero. I instantly went out to buy her a DVD of Static Shock. She loved it, but it made me sad to realize that this show isn't on tv, and it scared me to think how many other children must feel the same.
But recently the little ones have come to me declaring their love of the show Young Justice currently playing every Saturday on Cartoon Network, because they finally see characters they can relate to. I can't tell you how many times I have heard about Aqualad, Bumblebee, Blue Beetle, and others. They have even chosen who they want to dress up as for Halloween! So I'm just sending out my thanks to you Greg because I don't think many people realize the impact cartoons can have on kids and their self image. And I'm glad that my siblings and cousins can finally see a positive superhero icon they can relate to.

-Rose

Greg responds...

Thank you, Rose. This is a big concern to me. So I'm glad that in our own small way we're making a difference.

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

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Eagle-Owl writes...

Called it! I KNEW Green Beetle couldn't be trusted!

So, how did Red Volcano come back?

Greg responds...

Does it matter?

Anyway, there's a whole story involved, but this isn't a forum where I tell entire stories. And even if it was, it'd be a spoiler request. So I'm back to: Does it matter?

Response recorded on April 25, 2013

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Brock writes...

So, what exactly is Asami's power? It just didn't seem explained in the episode

Greg responds...

Brandon Vietti answers that (and other things) here:

http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/youngjustice/backstage/interview13.php

WF: Lots of fans asked this one: Could you break down what is Asami's power?

BV: Asami's power gives her the ability to gather and channel the flow of her inner energy (chi, ki, or chakra). She can expel this energy to propel herself forward, cushion a landing or push things away from her. She can also reverse that flow which allows her to stick to a vertical surface for a short period of time. Reversing the energy flow only has an affect on things she touches and not objects outside her grasp. The pattern of concentric circles that trail behind her when leaping or project in front of her when pushing are supposed to represent an air disturbance. Asami's body glows slightly as she utilizes her energy which also provides her a little protection from rough landings and impacts but won't stop a bullet.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

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J writes...

Since Red Volcano is back (this shouldnt be a spoiler to anyone...you said this yourself in your latest post in the response section), does that mean Red Inferno, a.k.a Firebrand, could still be "alive" (for lack of a better term) as well?
I never believed she was gone in the first place...I mean wouldnt she have been designed to withstand extreamly high tempuratures? How could she melt from lava? I know lava is really hot...but if Red Volcano can survive it (and he was shown to have melted, at least partially), then she should too...at least thats my theory.
Poor Red Torpedo though, he has no excuse to have survived...but he kind of came off to me as suicidal anyway, and he went out like any hero should...so maby its for the best.

Greg responds...

SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Few questions about "True Colors"
1. Did Lex Luthor want the Team to procure the additive that the Reach was using?

2. Did Luthor have any way of knowing that they had procured the additive (e.g. hidden cameras that Robin didn't hack, counting the inventory)?

Greg responds...

1. A sample of it, yes.

2. He has faith in their skills.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

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HOPE FOR YJ? writes...

Greg,
Is there anything us fans can do to keep YJ alive?! We love the show! Don't tell us this is the end!

Greg responds...

It's not the end. BUY YOUNG JUSTICE LEGACY.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Greg, please find another network to air this amazing show you've got.
I mean seriously, Young Justice made me feel more confident with myself. I became healthier and smarter because the characters are like role models on this show.
I cannot imagine not waiting for new Young Justice episodes every weekend, a hiatus is bad enough!
I'm on the verge of tears. I cannot be more serious.
Please Greg, we're going to keep supporting Young Justice and make Cartoon Network change their minds. Help us!!

Greg responds...

<sigh>

I don't know how many ways I can say it: I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THIS SITUATION. NONE. I can't take it to another network. I can't make anyone change their minds. It's just flat out not within my power.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

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Craig writes...

Is J'onn a Cubs fan or a White Sox fan?

Greg responds...

Cubs.

The DH rule disgusts him.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

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dailyplanetintern writes...

Cries inconsolably.... T_T

CN has pretty much officially/unofficially put the last nail in the coffin of YJ:I.

It's just such a cop out, giving people and fans the run around, saying that the show isn't canceled since they still have new episode premieres left.

That isn't what people are asking, we already knew that the end of season 2 was going to air. We wanted to know about a season three.

And then to list the show a not returning but not officially say that she show isn't coming back due to cancellation? There's a big difference between a show having run it's course and end, than a show that's going fine and then just not renewed. The public views that as canceled, not just when a show is yanked mid-season and the episodes that remain are never shown.

And why won't they just say GL:TAS and YJ:I are not coming back? Why can't they say that officially? Why treat the fans so badly? We had horrible hiatuses, and then the stunt they pulled back in October. They owe us that much. They should just officially say that they're killing both series.

I just don't understand why. Both shows do well in ratings as far as if can tell. They may have not done so well in toy sales but I could never find them anywhere except Target and there's no Target where I live; had they sold them at Walmart then I would have bought Conner, Wally, Artemis and Robin. But the Young Justice Comic sales are HUGE so I don't get it.

The people are right, what there needs to be is a DC Channel on tv. I think DC shows would fair better if they did so.

I just thought that DC Nation would rotate between GL:TAS and YJ:I and TTG and BTB. It made sense to me. I mean that doesn't bode well for any DC Nation show, I mean either they are going to be on air forever with no room for anything new or no series is going to last long which isn't fair to fans who hope for more than 2 seasons.

Where's the petition to bring back YJ? I want to sign it.

I knew I was fortunate that Smallville lasted as long as it did and was able to end properly, and even it is still going in comic form. Pretty much for every other show I watch I don't hold out for it. I'm thankful when they get renewed, but I'm not so attached to live-action anymore, because almost everything new I like gets cancelled. When the shows brake during the year or for the summer I don't feel like I'm going to die anymore like I did with Smallville and for that I'm thankful. But I am that way with Young Justice. I've just never come across an animated series that is as amazing as YJ is.

As much as I live GL I could survive if it didn't come back, but not with Young Justice. It's just so perfect. If it is really gone this is officially the last time I'm going to allow myself to get attached to ANYTHING that comes on tv. It just if you find a show to love be thankful you have it while you can because no matter how popular or well written/animated a series is the next season isn't promised.

It'll be like life.

I just keep hoping that they'll say that the show will come back because even though YJ:I isn't coming back it's under another production name like they've done with all the Ben 10 series. The new shows are separate from each other as if there's no relation even though it's the same continuing storyline, but I don't think that's going to happen.

Which is sad because something like YJ could go on for quite a while. It's open to SO many more stories and adventures. With these 2 season we've seen a lot but at the same time we haven't. I would love to see inside these characters lives more, not just what happens on mission or the fall out from missions. I want to see how Conner handles his state as his friends "outgrow" him. That would be very interesting to see.

Why is it that all the thought provoking, and engaging series are the ones that get axed, and stupid humor/comedy somehow has immortality?

I think it's because people don't want to watch anything that makes them think, or watch a show where they can't figure out the ending within the first five minutes.

I just wish you could post and tell is that Young Justice is really gone. I won't believe it until you say it.

Morning with you...

dailyplanetintern

PS: I am though very much looking forward to seeing "The Runaways" this Saturday. I can't wait to see Virgil/Static. It just pains me that I maybe won't be seeing him past these next seven episodes.

Greg responds...

Um, I'm mostly going to assume that you just felt the need to vent. And chose Ask Greg as your vent-location of choice. Which is fine. But there's not much for me to say.

YJ returns this September in the video game Young Justice Legacy.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Who exactly owns the rights to the Young Justice TV show? Cartoon Network?...DC?...you?

Greg responds...

I was tempted to answer this sarcastically, but I just know someone would take it at face value, so I refrained. (Aren't you all proud of me.)

Warner Brothers owns the cartoon. DC owns the characters. Both are divisions of Time Warner, as is Cartoon Network.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

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Mark of Jargon writes...

B'arzz O'oomm is Jemm, isn't he?

Greg responds...

No.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

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Bruce Watkinson writes...

As it was mentioned in the episode "Earthlings," Conner had stated that he doesn't age physically. While it's common knowledge that Young Justice is coming to a close later this year, I'm still curious if this problem would've been addressed in a future conflict/subplot for the series.

Greg responds...

With enough time and episodes or issues, yes.

Response recorded on April 24, 2013

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CGYJ writes...

Mr. Greg Weisman,

I don't want to believe that Young Justice is going to end! IF it does, then it defeats the purpose of introducing the New Gods and the use of New Genesis and Apokolips technology on Earth-16. I still suspect that the entire cast of the New Gods are somehow coming to the Earth-16 universe (if not because of what's happening in the New 52, then for another reason altogether). The hints are there, and I'm sure some people are suspecting the same things as I. If the New Gods are going to get a big role in Young Justice, we'll know, right?

Thanks for taking the time to read this posting. For the sake of the fans who love your show, please find some way keep Young Justice (and the Earth-16 universe, by extension) alive!

We're counting on you!
CGYJ

Greg responds...

Okay (a), the New 52 had nothing to do with YJ. That's not a value judgement, it's just a pragmatic FACT of the schedule we were on. And (b), DON'T COUNT ON ME!!!

I've said it over and over FOR YEARS!! I don't control this stuff. I have no influence. NONE.

If I COULD control this stuff, frankly, I'd still be doing Gargoyles fulltime, and I probably never would have worked on anything since.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Greg, please please please dont let Cartoon Network do this!
Young Justice has motivated me to start working out (with amazing results!) and become more intelligent!
I cannot imagine no new Young Justice episodes to look forward to.
We won't let them cancel Young Justice!

Greg responds...

And, again, I have NO control over whether or not ANY series is picked up or not.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

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Black Friar writes...

I have a few questions, but first let me congratulate you on an absolutely incredible show! I've only recently started watching Young Justice (being from Ireland, it has a rather spotty airing schedule over here) so it was actually a friend who introduced me. And right from episode one I was hooked! The artwork is GORGEOUS, the dialogue snappy and fun, the storylines clever and intriguing, but most importantly (to me anyway) the characterization is phenemonal. I love all of the characters you have created on the show (especially Wally, Artemis and Black Canary), but Robin is my absolute favourite. In fact, speaking as someone who's absolute favourite Superhero is Dick Grayson's Robin, I will pay you the highest compliment that I can; YJ's season one Robin is the best animated Robin EVER! And I am including Batman: The Animated Series in that. Up until now, there hasn't been a single animated Robin who even comes close to touching BTAS' Dick Grayson in terms of brilliance, but your little Robin has even blown him out of the water. I take my hat off to you on that one, Sir.

Now, on to my questions. I do apologise if some of them were asked already, but I've looked through the list and haven't seen any of them. However, there were SO many questions that I developed double vision for a finish and may have missed them.

Q. 1. I noticed that you already responded to the question "why did Queen Bee want Robin taken in alive in Bereft?" with the answer "think of Speedy as a cautionary tale." However, my question is was it just Robin that she wanted, or was she hoping to make clones of the rest of the team? And if it was just Robin she wanted to capture, then why?

Q. 2. How or why did Robin reveal his identity to Wally? I've read the Face your Fears comic but it never explains why Robin revealed who he really was to Wally.

Q. 3. Who came up with the idea of having Robin play with prefixes? (well done to whomever it was, sheer genius and brilliant characterization) And was it intended as a nod to Dick Grayson's corny one liners from the Golden age of Batman comics?

Q. 4. This is probably like asking do you have a favourite child but…do you have a favourite character from season one and if so, whom?

Q. 5. When it came to the design of the female characters, who decided they should wear flat boots? Because I would like to shake the hands of that person. The design is the most realistic portrayal of any female superhero that I've ever seen on an animated show. I've seen some nasty digs on this site at the female characters in YJ, and I don't know what those people were smoking. Your female characters are incredible (especially Artemis and Black Canary).

Incidentally, thank you for taking the time to respond to fans like this. It's very good of you.

Greg responds...

1. I think she would have taken any of the heroes she could get.

2. They quickly bonded, and over time, Robin just decided he wanted to tell Wally the truth.

3. My kids and I did.

4. I don't have a single favorite character.

5. I didn't want physically active characters in high heels, and I expressed that, but I got no argument from Brandon or Phil. We all wanted to be as realistic as possible. On the other hand, I had no problem with a character like Zatanna being in heels, but when she had to run, she magically changed her shoes.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

What are your thoughts about:

1- The Gargoyles fandom?
2- The W.I.T.C.H. fandom?
3- The Spectacular Spider-man fandom?
4- The Young Justice fandom?

Greg responds...

I'm not sure what exactly you're looking for here. Generally speaking, I love all four fandoms (and there's a lot of overlap). My life has - without a doubt - been enriched by my associations with the fandoms of the series' I've worked on. Some of the Gargoyles' fans are some of my best friends.

In person, the fandoms are almost without exception fantastic.

Sometimes on line, less so. I think that the anonymity of the internet does at times encourage bad behavior. And I think that's gotten progressively worse with each passing year. But that has more to do with the internet than with any individual fandom. And, yet, even with that caveat, I love interacting with fans on line. At least most of the time.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

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Louissa writes...

Greg, please, don't let them end your show. I'm begging you, you have no idea how much this show helped me! I have been a hardcore comic book fan ever since I was 4. I know every episode of every superhero show that's ever been done. I grew up watching Batman Beyond and Justice League. I grew up hoping I'll see Jason Todd, Bart Allen, Blue Beetle, Cassie Sandsmark. I wished to see Deathstroke as he is, not Slade or anything. I wanted to see Vandal Savage fierce as he is. I wanted Stephanie Brown. I wanted Static Shock.
I was having quite a rough time last year, around this date I think, when I discovered Young Justice. Rough time? Let's say depression. Reasons aren't necessary, I was just lost.
Young Justice was something I could hang onto. The plot was just so smart and well-made. The characters were so realistic and true to their comic selves. It was just perfect. Better than Teen Titans, Batman Beyond, Justice League. It was that show I had been waiting for all my life.
Now, really, with only 2 seasons, and the second one is not even complete, on FanFiction, Young Justice is place 8 in cartoons. The first places are occupied by shows that were around for some time(Avatar: The Last Airbender, Teen Titans, Danny Phantom, X-Men Evolution).
It became so popular because it is so good! In the first season, that dynamics between Artemis and Wally, along with the secrets that started to float around, the mystery, that Dick Grayson you created, the lies and all made this show one of the best that was ever made.
Season two is just as full of surprises. I had never ever thought, but hoped that I'll get to see all the characters that made it to the screen in your series.
I'm sure that Cartoon Network can't complain about the number of viewers, seriously. This show has an army of fans. I know it because I was one of the founders of a Young Justice army on FanFiction.
I don't want to believe that this show is going to be cancelled. I don't want to understand that. I want to wake up and find out that Young Justice is having a third season. You just can't let them do this.
Do you have any ideas of how many thngs I was hoping from this show? It already gave me so much, but I was hoping for even more. I am sure that you had plenty of ideas for a third season. I am sure that the characters that would have been part of it were some of those I had always wanted to see.
Please, move it anywhere, on any channel, make episodes and put them on Itunes, anything. I just...I just want this show to go on. Cartoon Network can't just ignore us, right? Well, they can, but it should be clear for them that they'll lose at least 1/2 of their watchers. I mean, other shows they have are lame, except for Adventure Time, maybe.
You know what, you should make them(them whoever cancelled your show) read all this, all the stuff you get from fans that just don't want Young Justice to fade away. They have to know, they have to find out what we think about their decissions.
Well, I hope that there's still hope for this amazing show. Thank you for putting my childhood and all my hopes and dreams into your show. Thank you!

Greg responds...

Louissa, you HAVE to know I have no control over whether or not a series gets picked up. If it was up to me, I'd still be doing YJ forever. But IT'S JUST NOT UP TO ME.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

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Jasser writes...

Well I'm really sad now, like proper, legitimately sad. I really liked this show, beautifully complex narrative, engaging characters(although it takes awhile to get to know them, wish you focused on fewer characters), and phenomenal animation-something that has been lacking of late. There goes another of the few threads binding me to television, now I just have Avatar the last Airbender and I'll be done with TV whenever Korra finishes. Sigh..

Wish you the best, thanks for the interactivity and devoting some of your time to us. Well, /continuing/ to do that, but I won't be around, so yeah. Just wanted to waste your time with a redundant sign off.

Greg responds...

I wouldn't give up on all television just yet, Jasser. There's a LOT of great stuff out there. I personally watch a ton of television every week.

And in any case, I hope you didn't give up on YJ in JANUARY! We had two more months of episodes!

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

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YJ Fan writes...

Can I ask what the inspiration was for Green Beetle (assuming there was one at all). Or rather, what made you decide to write a Green Beetle at all?

(Also, nice shout-out with his name!)

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Gang, you NEED to check the queue in front of you to make sure no one's already asked your question. Otherwise, you're just clogging the queue.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

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SuperMartian89 writes...

What's the episode where Miss Martian's eyes glowed red, not green? While she's in her usual form, not her white martian form.

Haven't given up on the renewal of Young Justice or SuperMartian. May you have many more seasons as you can create and may SuperMartian get back together and STAY together.

Greg responds...

I don't recall them ever glowing red. (But I won't deny it might have happened.)

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

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Elizabeth writes...

As I was looking at the official ages for characters in Young Justice, I grew confused about Paula Crock's age being 48. That would mean she was born long before 1975, and before then there were practically no Vietnamese in America. I could understand if she came to America as a refugee, if it wasn't for her first name. If she wasn't born in America (which given her age, seems most likely) how does she have a first name as non-Vietnamese as 'Paula'?

Greg responds...

Many Vietnamese took on more Anglo-sounding names upon moving to the West. Some orphans raised in Western orphanages in Vietnam were also given Western names. I'm not going to go into Paula's origins here, but there are any number of possible explanations. I will confirm that she was born in Vietnam.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

In your post promoting "The Fix", you mention having been swamped with work lately. What have you been working on?

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 23, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Thirteen

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Thirteen:

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I've decided to countdown my progress on writing the SECOND book in the Rain franchise.

I just finished writing Chapter Thirteen.

But once again, I've miscalculated. Because it's now clear that what I thought was going to be Chapter Thirteen is actually going to be Chapters Thirteen AND Fourteen.

So tomorrow, I'll start writing the new Chapter Fourteen, which started out as the second half of Thirteen.

(For a guy who plans his stories down to the last detail, I've really been doing this a lot. But that's okay. It is what it is. I've got to let the writing itself dictate where to break these chapters. It's not like we're going to commercial here. It's just has to be what feels right for the characters and the story.)


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DC fan writes...

Hey Greg, thank you for Young Justice, one of the best animated show ever made, thank you for Tim Drake, Wonder Girl, Blue Beetle, Nightwing, Captain Atom, Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman,Superboy, Miss Martian, Aqualad, Wally, Impulse, Barry Allen, Jay,(Flash Family) Queen Bee, Sports Master, DeathStroke, Rocket, Wendy & Marvin, Mal Duncan, Despero, L-Ron, Catherine Cobert, Lobo, Arsenal, all the green lanterns,Black Canary, and many more. for a truly DC Fan like you. Bravo.

Greg responds...

You're very welcome.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

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Grant writes...

What is your next project after Young Justice?

Greg responds...

I am currently freelancing scripts for a couple different companies. (Octonauts, for example.) Mostly, I'm working on the sequel to my novel, Rain of the Ghosts, which debuts in December 2013.

Beyond that, I'm looking, talking to people, etc. I've gone over 14 months now without a consistent paying gig, and it is nerve-wracking. But I'm hopeful I'll have something soon.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

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colton writes...

would asking for more stephanie brown be a spoiler request?please tell me you get this.

Greg responds...

I get it.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

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Spectacular Spider-Man Fan writes...

Hi, Greg. I really enjoyed Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice.

I do know the reason behind the cancellation of SSM but it's been confirmed that Young Justice is canceled. Can you please tell us why? The show had great ratings!

Greg responds...

The show often had great ratings. And often had mediocre ratings. And occasionally had bad ratings.

There's also the fact that they had two other series waiting in the wings to get their shot in the limelight.

There's also the fact that our toyline was cancelled.

There's also the fact that we weren't in sync with the New 52.

There's also the fact that there is currently a perception that action is not doing as well as comedy in kids' television.

All, some or none of the above may be part of the reason why. I DON'T KNOW. I'm NOT part of that decision making process.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

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Just a Nerd writes...

Hey, Greg. Sorry to hear about the cancellation of Young Justice. I spent last night screaming at my iPad.
Watching Artemis's contemplation about the Glamour Charm in The Fix, I got to wondering, how exactly did Nightwing convince Zatanna to give him the charm? What justification could he have come up with? I mean, they have "history", but why would he want a charm to change his appearance?

Greg responds...

He gave no justification. Told her he couldn't. But she trusts him.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

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CGYJ writes...

Hello Mr. Greg Weisman,

I've read on various sites around the internet that Young Justice was going to be cancelled by Cartoon Network once Season Two is over. That seems rather unfortunate, because I was hoping to see characters like Damian Wayne and Terry McGinnis get their Earth-16 debut. I've seen on the internet that there are at least two petitions going around to try to save and continue Young Justice. If in the event that the petitions fail:

A. Have you considered moving Young Justice to another network so the show can continue? ONE example HAS proven something liked this can work. In my lifetime, that ONE example was the television series called "JAG," which started on NBC from 1995 until 1996 and then later moved to CBS in 1997. The show itself has continued on up until 2005 and became a successful television series.

B. Have you considered rebooting the entire Earth-16 universe? If the show becomes cancelled, then the entire history of the Earth-16 universe would be left for open interpretation and countless theories and questions. If Young Justice was rebooted, then maybe you'd be free to give the characters a New 52 look and pursue things you could not have done before, such as introducing Wildstorm characters...

C. Maybe you could try a new series that takes place in the Earth-16 universe, just like Young Justice? Perhaps it's time to show a different era in the Earth-16 universe with new heroes and villains?

D. Maybe do a new series that serves as BOTH a replacement and a continuation of Young Justice? Marvel is actually doing something like that with the upcoming cartoon series called "Avengers Assemble," which in itself is serving as both a replacement and a continuation of "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes." This might be considered as one of my better suggestions, but it should NOT be confused with suggestions "B" (which is suggesting a complete reboot of the Earth-16 universe) and "C" (which is suggesting a new series that does not involve Young Justice but still takes place in the Earth-16 universe), as those two are completely different from this one.

I hope something will work out somehow; I just don't want Young Justice to end. You created something that a lot of potential, and it doesn't feel right that Cartoon Network would pull this outrageous stunt and put this potential to waste.

I'll be praying for Young Justice to continue somehow...

Thanks for taking the time to read this posting.
CGYJ

Greg responds...

A. This is not something I can control. (I don't know how many times or how many ways I can say that before it sinks in.) Time Warner owns Warner Bros, Cartoon Network and DC Comics. It's all one big company, and they aren't likely to let one of their assets go to a different conglomerate - if for no other reason than they'd risk it being a success there. But in any case, I'm not privy to this upper level decision making, and I have absolutely NO say in the matter.

B. Earth-16 is, in and of itself, a rebooted universe. How would this help even assuming I could command it? Which of course I can't.

C. This has been pitched in multiple and various ways. TPTB showed no interest.

D. See above.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

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Paul writes...

Did any members of the Team have a hangover on January 1st, Team Year Six?

If so, who?

Greg responds...

SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

One of the best shows I have seen. I wanted to ask you if there is a possibility for a season 3 of Young Justice. And if not, I would just like to know why??? :(

Greg responds...

If you find out, let me know.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Is Green Beetle a character made specifically for the show? Or is he an existing character in the comics? If he is, I'll search him up myself to see how he was done in the comics.

I'm really enjoying the concept of a Martian with the powers of a Reach scarab. Thanks for his introduction.

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

What were Zatanna's spells (besides 'etativel') in Cornered, and what was Kaldur saying in atlantean in The Fix?

Greg responds...

1. Zatanna's spells from Cornered:

Knis nwod otni eht-- (not completed before she was put out of commission)
Ees tahw I ees!
Etativel!
Etavacxe! (This one may have been cut for time. I can't remember.)
Etaerc a elbbub fo elbisivni ruomalg! (Ditto.)

2. ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 22, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Twelve:

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Twelve:

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I've decided to countdown my progress on writing the SECOND book in the Rain franchise.

I just finished writing Chapter Twelve. But that's more complicated than it sounds. Remember when I had to split what was originally Chapter Six into two chapters? ("No, I don't remember." "Quiet, kid, you bother me.") Well, I hadn't mentioned it before, but the exact same thing also happened with Chapter Three, which I split into two Chapters (Three and Four), also.

Anyway, as I was working on what was Chapter Twelve, I began to realize it really should be part of the already completed Chapter Eleven. So I combined the two together into a new revised Chapter Eleven. I was also tempted to combine the former Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen into this revised Chapter Eleven too. But it soon became clear that wouldn't work. So the new Chapter Eleven is the old Chapters Eleven and Twelve. And the new Chapter Twelve is the old Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen. And tomorrow, I need to start the new Chapter Thirteen, which is the old Chapter Fifteen. Except that, when you think about it, the old Chapter Fifteen was (before I split Chapters Three and Six) the even older Chapter Thirteen in the first place.

So now, from Thirteen on, the Chapters are all back to their original alignment.

Clear as mud, right? ("No, sir, I'm confused." "Quiet, kid, you bother me.")

Okay, so too much information, I know. But that's process for ya.

I'm hoping that when you read the book, you'll ignore all this. Then when you love it so much you decide to RE-read it, you can refer to these rambles and get more of a sense of HOW the book was put together, and thus find a whole NEW way to enjoy it.

That's my dream, anyway.


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wintersmith writes...

Are you cursed? If so please provide name of curser and last known adress, thank you.

Greg responds...

Let's please not perpetuate this "cursed" thing. I mean, seriously, that's all I need. For the next guy who might want to hire me to think I'm cursed and/or incapable of going beyond two seasons.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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James M. writes...

I'm very angry to hear about Young Justice being canceled and feel great sorrow for you as this is the FIFTH TIME IN ROW it's happened to your works. Why does this keep happening to you? You're Greg Wiseman, creator, writer and producer of some of the best American animation shows ever made which have gained a multitude of devoted fans and yet no project you start is ever allowed to finish. I just can't comprehend it. What do the TV Network executives have against you and how do you put up with it?

Greg responds...

<sigh>

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

True Colors
Shorts-
Batman of Shanghai - Still a loving parody of not my type of anime.
Amethyst- That's one weird meadow and lake...

Again- no questions, just comments.

1- Fantastic Voyage anyone? I can't tell if Karen's infatuation is with the science alone or just the man. Dr Cross...still with good eyes. Mmm...

2- 'Noted philanthropist Lex Luthor' J

3- GGG praises tours of the farm facility. Of course you won't see anything more than folks used to see on tours of the Hall of Justice. Touring the UN doesn't make it any more open than it's component parts. Even if GGG is just a normal human- he's drunk the Kool-Aid in this case. Ironic considering what's being made there.

4-"Your Scarab has had multiple opportunities to betray us. It hasn't...."
"There Jamie Reyes, listen to the Night Wing, his logic is flawless
-Setting it straight out to be ignored. Evil. ;)

5- Tim as team leader- liking the training of a leader.
Arsenal - An angry young man...just like his clone was. Ironic the Watchtower was the last straw back then too. Of course it sounds like this Roy doesn't know it is not weaponized.

6- Pa Kent :)

7-Now that's a Rutabaga!

8-Sportsmaster wants vengeance for form not love. (Ironically Black Manta genuinely loves his son.) It doesn't seem to me that Cheshire's eyes are smiling under her mask.

9-Roy screws the mission. The question is how much damage he'll cause before he learns. I'm thinking this won't be enough. This level of anger will have him walk away from the group before that sort of maturity.

10- Black Beetle is one scary dude.

11-Roy's arm cannon from Lex can at least damage Black Beetle. Lex is a 'partner' with the Reach. I'm guessing that isn't a coincidence...or at very least it won't be anymore upon Lex seeing that on the closed circuit tv.
I'm guessing that the Light joined with the Reach so humanity could be tested and progress.

12- "Nothing like a warm plasma bath...and clean off the tomato stains." HA!

13- "As a father myself I understand your pain." He's not much for fatherly love....

14- Cornfield or cornfield? Cornfield.

15- Green Beetle. Ba-az Ahom...Barsoom? I don't trust him. He may only think he's in control. Or maybe not even that. It's just too tight on Jaime's wants and fears.

Greg responds...

Now that's a Response!

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

Cornered

Shorts-
Batman of Shanghi- I'm guessing it's a beautifully crafted parody of not particularly my thing.
Amethyst- cute enough

No questions- just comments.

1-Virgil ("Static Shocks" cute name drop.) The voice is familiar...sounds like the old voice but...internet...isn't.

2-Duncan and Karens' living situation makes Duncan so sad. I don't know if it is from the comics or new for the show, but he deserves better, at least I hope he has some better luck come his way soon.

3-LRon and Despero; I don't know enough outside of the cartoon to compare portrayals.

4-The Reach is smooth...set up the frame of dialogue to leave the JLA at a disadvantage- "When did you stop beating your wife?"

5- Shazam! Doesn't work? DANG. (Nice mid teen design on Billy.)

6- Can't quite catch all the JSAers at the end of the line as the tubes get smashed- ...Red Torpedo, Flash, Phantom Stranger. Was there someone else in red mixed in at the end?

7- Megan is totally debilitated by recent events, it actually speaks well for her character.

8- Duncan and the Guardian outfit was clearly telegraphed- still very nice. (Though Bumble Bee's taking out the 3rd eye helped a lot.)

9- Another headquarters destroyed....sheesh.

10- Watchtower revealed: I can't tell if it was a surprise to Eeling or not. The first view seemed yes, but the second seemed not.

11- Jamie's reveal of the Scarab and prophesy - I'm conditioned to think well of the Scarab from the Blue Beetle comics, but even this version, underneath every homicidal and over the top suggestion thus far, the Scarab's only impulse is survival. It wants nothing of the Reach, nor any grouping. Jamie is just too close to see it as anything other than a threat.

Random: The DC nation 'expert archer' looks like one of the cops in the current Gangster Squad movie.

Random two: I'm also enjoying Green Lantern. That Steam Lantern twist has got to be the most British stiff upper lip ever broadcast. I saw the big misunderstanding thing coming, but after that? Say some say the world ends in fire and some ice, but they say a pot of tea. :)

Greg responds...

6. No Phantom Stranger. You might be thinking of Sandman.

10. It was a surprise.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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JayEl20 writes...

Dose Black Manta think Kaldur and huntress love eachother.

PS:Love the show. Hope its not canceld, but if it is. Just wanna say thank you to you, Brandon, and the crew for the best comicbook show in years, and one of the best animated series ever.

Greg responds...

Yes, Manta was under the mistaken impression that his son and Huntress were lovers.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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Devastated writes...

Young Justice was the only thing that could get me through long, hard and stressful weeks... Now I have nothing.

Greg responds...

Don't you think that was a bit premature to post. Back in January there were multiple episodes and a comic or two left. And Legacy is still to come.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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Erica writes...

Why do networks love canceling your shows? Seriously, your shows are always my favorite on any network that they're on, and yet that network always thinks that it's a great idea to cancel it!

Greg responds...

It's nothing personal. Believe me. I'd love to indulge my paranoid side and think it is, but it just isn't.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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Secret <- lol writes...

I don't know if you are allowed to make suggestions for merchandise, but can you suggest Young Justice T-Shirt?
Can you suggest T-shirts for each team member, such as a black shirt with the S-shield on it?

I know that there is a Young Justice shirt with the team on it, but these might sell better, maybe making enough money for another season.

Sorry, this might go against the 7th rule.

Greg responds...

None of this is within my power. Sorry.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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Paul writes...

If it's true that Young Justice is cancelled, I hope it's all right if I ask this question:

Would you please reveal who the the Team members who joined and left the Team during the five year gap were (other than Tempest, Aquagirl and the second Robin)?

If the remaining season 2 episodes and Young Justice: Legacy don't answer this question (or only answer it in part) then I hope you'll answer it, please.

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Though, Paul, I have to ask, why WOULD you ask this now? Why clog the queue? Why not wait and SEE if your question is answered?

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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Shellhead writes...

Well, another great show bites the dust before its time.
Thank you for all your effort on YJ. Your respect and enthusiasm for the source material shined through in each and every episode.
My question to you: Do you ever feel like you just can't catch a break when it comes to 3rd seasons? First Gargoyles, then Spectacular Spider-man, and now Young Justice. It's just a damn shame.
Best of luck Greg. I know you'll end up somewhere doing great things sooner rather than later.

Greg responds...

I won't deny a certain amount of frustration. But the circumstances for each of the shows you mentioned were all very different. It's the biz.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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Kelly writes...

Greg,

I was so disappointed to come home from school and see that Young Justice has been apparently cancelled. I know that you have nothing to do with the decisions made by greedy and corrupt network executives and are truly the better person in this situation. You have made a beautifully written and amazingly touching show with a strong and true message that no matter how young or old you are, you can still make a difference. I think this message has touched and brought joy to many people who have watched Young Justice. I know it has to me. I'm a huge Flash fan and I remember sitting down and watching the episode "Bloodlines" and just feeling pure joy at my favorite characters from different times and eras being brought together in such an awesome way. Thank you so much for that Greg. I love this show. I truly do and so do many other people. And just thank you so much for it. Thank you.

Greg responds...

You're very welcome. I feel more than obligated to point out that many, many people went in to making YJ the show you love, including - but not limited to - Brandon Vietti and the writer of "Bloodlines" Peter David.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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Jarrod writes...

Hey Greg! I have loved Young Justice and I am very Sorry to hear that the show will not be returning. I never understand how great shows end up dying premature deaths. I look forward to your next work!

Greg responds...

Thanks.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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Rou writes...

Why did Artemis chose instead of Mia Dearden?

Greetings from Chile

Greg responds...

I assume you mean why did Brandon and I chose Artemis instead of the second Speedy to be part of our series. That's basically ASKED AND ANSWERED already. It was Artemis' background that interested us and seemed to work in our series better than those of the DC's three other blonde, teenage, female archers, including the second Speedy.

Response recorded on April 19, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #6

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #6

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I'm going to direct you to Rain's page on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791

"A superb builder of new worlds and their rules of magick." -Nicole Dubuc

Nicole is an extremely talented writer, story editor and actress. She was the voice of Iris West-Allen on Young Justice. She also wrote episodes for YJ, Spectacular Spider-Man, W.I.T.C.H. and many other series. And she's currently a story editor (and I think Producer) on Transformers: Rescue Bots.

Here's her full quotation:

"Always a superb builder of new worlds and their rules of magick, Greg Weisman now serves as ferryman to the eldritch Ghost Keys, where the Bard and secrets from the past intertwine in a thrilling mystery... And characters are never what they first seem." -Nicole Dubuc

C'mon, you know you want to pre-order. So, go ahead! INDULGE!!!


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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #5

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #5

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I'm going to direct you to Rain's page on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791

They've posted some quotations from a handful of folks, who have already read the book. More often than not, these are merely partial quotes, so I'm going to post the full quotation here over the next few days. Next up:

"Magical realism for all ages!" -Jonathan Frakes

Jonathan, of course, is a talented actor and director; he's William Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation and the voice of David Xanatos on Gargoyles.

I can't post his entire quotation here and now, because he SPOILED some major plot points!! But here's a bit more of his whole quote:

"I read and thoroughly enjoyed Rain of the Ghosts last night cover to cover (if there is such a thing on the IPad). Rain is a wonderful, empowering heroine... funny, impulsive, and yet sensitive. The generational bond between 'Bastian and Rain is particularly endearing. Magical realism for all ages! ... The writing style is clear, textured and moves with alacrity and never feels like it panders to kids... beautiful and clever...the soundtrack in Rain's mind adds a filmic layer to an already visual story. I look forward to ... many returns to The Ghosts." - Jonathan Frakes

C'mon, you know you want to pre-order. So, go ahead! INDULGE!!!


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Hana writes...

Does Jaime's family knows about his superhero life? If not, then what's his cover story for his parents?

Greg responds...

His parents, at least, know. Or at least they know the basics.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

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Paul writes...

You said that there were six or seven major characters you wanted to include in season 2, but that you didn't have room for them in the end. I have a few questions about that:

1a) If season 2 had been 26 episodes, would you have had enough room to include them?

1b) If so, would all six or seven have featured or just a handful of them?

2) You mentioned that Starfire is a character you're thinking of for season 3 if you get one. Was she one of the major characters you originally wanted to include in season 2?

3) Regarding the two characters you originally wanted to include in the bridal shower scene in "Satisfaction": were either of them intended to be significant characters in season 2?

Greg responds...

1a. I'm not too interested in hypotheticals. We didn't. So we didn't.

1b. More episodes might have meant more characters, but there's no guarantee. It's not like we broke 26 episodes and then had to reduce them down to 20. We broke 20.

2. WHEN did I ever say Starfire was in Season Three? I just searched the ASK GREG archives for Starfire, and EVERY time I was asked that question, my response was (you'll never guess) SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT. <sigh> No, Starfire was never a candidate for Season Two.

3. Ever? Maybe in some early discussions. But not once we really got rolling.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

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Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...

Dear Greg,
Got to last week's episode of YJ & the hits keep on coming. First off, I'm really liking how you guys handled Deathstroke, right attitude, right power level, overall done right! The main thing I was happy about was at the end, seeing Kaldur on the road to recovery. This will also be good for Megan, I'm sure. And Green Beetle, man I like the guy, but I can't help this nagging in the back of my head that he's a mole.
Awesome work as always!

Greg responds...

Thanks. We tried.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

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Shyann writes...

First I'd like to say that I really love the show. Everything about it is quality and I'm so happy to see an animated show be done with such respect. I'd also like to say I'm really happy that you included the character of Klarion. Without you guys, I probably would have never found out about him. I'm also glad you guys went with a version that's more like the originally since I'm not a fan of the blue skinned innocent pilgrim boy version. And everyone seems to always use that one. Also I'd like to say I like yalls version of The Joker. I see people complain about it a lot but I personally think it's rather fresh and I enjoyed seeing him in action. So thank you for trying something different with him! Umm that aside I've got a couple of questions if you don't mind, sir.

1. Is Klarion capable of having affectionate feelings for anything other than his cat? Is he above romantic feelings? Or is he just tooo uhhh non human for that type of thing?

2. How old is Deathstroke?

3.(This is half compliment and half question) I really like the direction you guys took with Deathstroke's design. It's different from any past versions I can remember. It actually made me think of his daughter as soon as I saw the white hair sticking out like it did. What did you guys have in mind when designing him?

Greg responds...

1. He's chaotic, not emotionless.

2. ASKED AND ANSWERED.

3. You'd have to ask Phil Bourassa and Brandon Vietti, though the marching orders are generally the same for any new character. We want the character to feel iconic. But we want to translate what's great about him or her into the design style of our world.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

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Amy writes...

Greg,

1. When you write an animation spec how much blocking do you put into the episode? My research says I should describe every single twitch of the character's face and body so that the animators in Korea will get everything right. But I wrote a short episode for a company that told me I should only do that if I'm both the writer AND the animator. I should just stick to short details like I would for live action. So who is right?
2. I assume the best way to answer that question is to read examples of animated scripts--Is it possible to obtain copies of Young Justice scripts from season 1 somewhere? Should I go to a script library in LA or attempt to contact Cartoon Network for a copy?

Greg responds...

1. There is no right and wrong. Every series has it's own rules. I'd love to say there's a standard, but there just isn't. On MY SHOWS, we use the scripts to direct the entire episode, including camera angles, etc. The actual directors and storyboard artists aren't restricted to doing the script exactly as written, but by being thorough like that, I feel more confident that at the very least, they know what I'm looking for. If they come up with better ideas, great. I don't know that I've ever seen an animation script that was totally Master Shot style, a la live action. But I've seen many that lean way more in that direction. But it's not the way I work.

2. You can. But I don't recommend it. Currently, though we're not thrilled about it and hope the situation changes someday, YJ is dead. You want your spec script to be for a show that's CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION. On that level alone, YJ doesn't qualify as a good way to spend your time if you're serious about getting work in the industry.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

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Peter S. writes...

Hey Greg! Huge fan of Gargoyles. Just recently bought season 1 and 2(half of it ;p) and can't get over how ahead of its time this show was. Anyways I was wondering if you we're going to be at comi con in Toronto? Excited to hear back from you!

Greg responds...

I'd be happy to go, but I haven't been invited. Talk to the people who run the con and have them invite me as a guest, and I'm there.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

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J writes...

Sice Stephanie Brown is confirmed to exist on Earth-16, is her father Cluemaster?
It seems like if he is, her story would be just a retelling of Artamis...but if not, she would loose a lot of who her charactor really is...so i'm not shure what i'm hoping to see. I'm guess if we ever see her again i'll be happy with what you decide either way.

And, since Cissie King-Jones exists, did her mother briefly operate as Miss Arrowette?
Her mother pushing her to become the hero she could never be (to the point of temporarily loosing her due to child-endangerment laws) was the primary aspect of her charactor in the comics, and their dynamic was one of my favorites in all of DC...but it looks like if she is ever used in the show again, your leaning more to her just being inspired by Artemis. I'll admit, if that happens i'll be dissapointed to not see her bicker with her mom...but i'll be estatic just to see her.
On the topic of Arrowette...there was a huge fan-based (myself included) speculation that she could possibly be Green Arrows illigitamate
daughter (with a lot of evidence to support that fact). I'm assuming you probably couldnt get away with that on your show, so i'm not going to het my hopes up, but i'm curious about your thoughts on that...or, do you just not even think about that since you wouldnt be allowed to do it even if you wanted to?

Thanks.

Greg responds...

1. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

2. Ditto, but, what the heck, I'm in the mood, so: YES.

3. Oh, come on. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

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Akino writes...

Sorry if these questions mean having to think way back. I've been reviewing the W.I.T.C.H. series, and now that I'm on season 2, I had a couple questions about developments in the show.

1. When season 2 first aired, rumors went around that Will's father was originally going to be written as unpleasant and manipulative as he had been in the comics, but due to resistance from Disney, this idea was scrapped. Is there any truth to this?

2. I absolutely loved how Matt ended up becoming Shagon. Did you plan from the beginning that this would happen, or did the idea come later on? Because this was brilliant.

3. Similar to the above, the relationship between Caleb and Nerissa. You hinted early enough into season 2 that the Mage might be Caleb's mother and that Nerissa was the Mage. Caleb was already very different from his counterpart in the comics. How did you decide that Nerissa should be his mother? It was such a surprise.

4. The final question is more of an opinion question. As I watch the series, I find myself wanting to feel sympathy toward Nerissa, despite the things she does throughout the series. What is your take on her?

Thank you and all the staff for doing an awesome job with this show, and for everything else you've worked on.

Greg responds...

Actually, I'm kinda impressed I remembered as much as I did:

1. No. He was originally written as more at odds with Susan over custody, but we never were going to write him as a bad guy like in the comics. We were just going to have two well-meaning parents at odds, and then realizing that they were only hurting Will by fighting. But Disney didn't like Susan and Tony to even argue. So instead of the issue being custody, we made the issue Tony's new wife and Will's (mistaken) belief that she was really Nerissa in disguise. In a way, this worked out even better for our overall arc.

2. Well, I planned it from the beginning of my run, but keep in mind I didn't start on the series until Season Two.

3. It all seemed to fit with Nerissa having multiple identities throughout the cast. And, heck, the whole "Luke, I am your father" thing is still too tempting not to use.

4. That she's complex, interesting and fascinating with the tragic flaw of most great villains. Plus she loved and mourned Cassidy. And in her twisted way, loved Caleb and Julian too. And that makes her at least a little sympathetic. Though, of course, the fact that she killed Cassidy and used her, Caleb AND Julian also undercuts that sympathy more than a little.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

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Alexia writes...

What was Kaldur saying in Atlantean in his psyche in "The Fix"?

Greg responds...

I think the following covers all of the Atlantean in the episode:

Kaldur: Keh eh-GO, keh eh-GO… What is left of Kaldur'ahm? Udam-OS en keh-RO teh-LES-so… [And I, and I… What is left of Kaldur'ahm? I'll never finish in time…]

Kaldur: LIHS-soh-meh, Artemis. LIHS-soh-meh! [Please, Artemis. Please!]

Kaldur: Keh eh-GO? I am alone. There is no one here. Nothing. Ruins…

Artemis: We're here! We care about you and want to help! And we can do it… <burn> What is that word?! Sim-bih-OH-se! Together! Help us save you! Sim-bih-OH-se!

Artemis: Sim-bih-OH-se. Together.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

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Tyler Reznik writes...

Hello, Mr. Weisman. (Okay, so "three consecutive posts" didn't turn out like I planned. In the interest of not blocking the queue, this is the last set of questions I'll be posting for at least a few weeks). My questions today return to the subject of Ra's al Ghul and his League of Shadows.

1. When did Ra's learn Batman's secret identity (I get the distinct feeling that asking how he found it out would result in a SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT)

2. Has Deathstroke ever been a member of the League of Shadows?

3. You've stated that Ra's was able to force Clayface to fall asleep via a "pre-programmed hypnotic failsafe" that all the Shadows were subjected to at the start of their training. Did Ra's subject Talia to it as well?

4. On the subject of the hypnotic suggestions, what happens after someone leaves the League of Shadows? Would the suggestions still work on (for example) Sportsmaster?

5. Why did Ra's create the League of Shadows?

Greg responds...

1. I haven't nailed down an exact date at this time.

2. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

3. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

4. Assuming he hadn't had it removed or overcome it somehow.

5. Lots of reasons, starting with this: it's lucrative.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

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Mirami writes...

It feels so good to have the show back from hiatus.

"Cornered," "True Colors" and "The Fix" have all been stupendous episodes and I'm loving the direction the story's following.

Keep up the good work and let's hope we get some good news about the show's future after season 2!

Greg responds...

Well, we can still hope, at least. No one can stop us hoping.

Response recorded on April 18, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #4

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #4

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I'm going to direct you to Rain's page on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791

They've posted some quotations from a handful of folks, who have already read the book. More often than not, these are merely partial quotes, so I'm going to post the full quotation here over the next few days. Next up:

"All of the excitement and hyperbole of teen emotion is captured in this quick-moving debut." -Shannon Delany, author of the 13 to Life Series

I've never met Ms. Delany, so once again, it's nice to have someone more objective saying something so neat.

Here's the full quotation:

"All of the excitement and hyperbole of teen emotion is captured in this quick-moving debut. Filled with adventure, ghosts, and mystery, this book shouts to be read." - Shannon Delany, author of the 13 to Life Series and the upcoming Weather Witch

C'mon, you know you want to pre-order. So, go ahead! INDULGE!!!


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Anonymous writes...

why did M'gann let herself believe in the visions in "The Fix" to allow Tula to hurt her?

Greg responds...

Guilt and shame.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

what is your favorite episode from season 1?

Greg responds...

They're all my children. Though I'll admit "Misplaced" came to mind first when I read the question.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

What is your favorite episode from season 2 of Young Justice? If it's that hard to decide, what are your top 3? :D And thanks for the intense episodes!!

Greg responds...

They're all my children.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

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Tyler Reznik writes...

Hello yet again, Mr. Weisman. This is the first of three consecutive posts (REALLY hoping I won't be blocking up the queue). For this post, my questions revolve around Roy Harper (both of him; three if one were to count Jim).

1. After the the clones (Red Arrow and Guardian) were force-grown to whatever age the Light needed them to be, they subsequently aged at a normal human rate, meaning that Red Arrow is (as of Team Year Six) biologically 23 or 24, and Jim Harper is physically 29 or 30. Am I correct in assuming this?

2. Once it was discovered that Red Arrow and Guardian were clones, did the League and/or the Team take measures to remove the programming that left them vulnerable to the Light's control? If so, what measures?

3. When did Guardian discover that he was a clone?
3a. Is he aware that he's a clone of Roy Harper, rather than Jim?
3b. For that matter, what's the status of the original Jim Harper? I would assume that he's dead, but I have no way to be sure.

4. Now that he's found the original Roy, has Red Arrow rejoined the Justice League?

5. I've noticed personality differences between Arsenal and Red Arrow, some that are subtle, some that are... less so (for instance, I can't really see Red Arrow risking the outcome of a mission just to spite Luthor). These differences are, I think, the result of the vastly different life experiences of the two Roys. Was exploring the ways that experiences can shape a person's personality part of the plan when you (and, I'm assuming, Brandon Vietti, and probably several other writers) devised the whole "Roy Harper clone" plotline, or was it just something you all realised would come up after devising the storyline itself? I mean, experiences changing someone is all a part of character development, but I'm referring to how the different lives managed to produce two very different versions of what is essentially the same man (Cadmus programming for Red Arrow notwithstanding).

Also, I'm happy to say that I received a set of Gargoyles DVDs for Christmas. The show's every bit as good as I remember, and Keith David's performance at the end of Awakening Part I was some of the best voice acting I've ever heard.

Greg responds...

1. At the start of Season Two, Roy is biologically 23. Jim is biologically 30.

2. Yes. Miss Martian made the first pass on Roy. Both Miss Martian and Martian Manhunter subsequently scanned Roy and Jim.

3. More or less immediately following the events depicted in "Auld Acquaintance".

3a. He is now, yes.

3b. He's long dead.

4. He's continued his leave of absence. But for a very different reason. Right now he's focused on being a dad.

5. All of the above.

6. Glad you liked it! Can't say enough good things about Keith.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

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Just a Nerd writes...

Spoilers within. Fair warning.

Holy crap, Greg. You, sir, have outdone yourself. The Fix was amazing. So much happened so fast. In most shows it would seem cluttered and rushed. But this episode was perfect. The animation was fantastic. The writing was fantastic. The acting, however was simply mediocre. PSYCHE!!! Everything was FANTASTIC!!! I LOVED everything in this ep. Manta wants to fix Kaldur. Psimon discovers the Team's secrets, goes ballistic. They want to use M'gann now, on the advice of Artemis/ Tigress. M'gann gets kidnapped. Lagoon Boy attacks Deathstroke with a refrigerator, which I found hilarious. Lagoon Boy goes bonkers that Conner isn't looking for her. Nightwing if forced to reveal their secrets to Lagoon and Super Boys. Nightwing learns that M'gann fried Kaldur's brain. Some crazy Reach commercial for a soda. Green Beetle 'fixes' Jaime's scarab. M'gann and Artemis go inside Kaldur's head. Some crazy stuff happens. Kaldur without a face. Pissed off Tula. Destroyed Atlantis. Holy CRAP NUGGETS. I sat in silence for a good five minutes through the next show just trying to comprehend everything that had happened. Time for questions.
1. So Green Beetle isn't an existing character. Was his "alter ego" based on anyone?
2. Who came up with the concept for Kaldur's broken mind? It was frightening.
3. Why was Impulse less than enthusiastic about Jaime being in control? (I'm joking. There's no way that could be anything but a SR.NC.)
4. Is it odd that I'm more emotionally invested in a TV show than in my school drama stuff-ness?

Greg responds...

1. Not particularly.

2. Mostly me but with a lot of help from Brandon Vietti and Kevin Hopps. Plus some great artists. (See the credits.)

3. I don't think he was unenthusiastic so much as stunned and a little unsure if it was truly legit in that first moment.

4. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT. ;)

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

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btgr writes...

My review on "Fix":

Best portrayal of Deathstroke EVER! I don't watch Prison Break, but I believe Wentworth Miller is a FAR better Deathstroke than Ron Perlman.

I really enjoyed the illusion sequence between Miss Martian and Artemis. And do you know what I think is the most funniest part of "Fix"? Lagoon Boy interrupting the illusion sequence!, although Blue Beetle saying "zzzz's" was also hilarious.

Greg responds...

Glad you liked it!

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Hey Greg,

I was just hoping you could clear something up for me.

1) You previously mentioned that Wally only knew about the plan because Artemis "insisted" he be told. That would seem to suggest that Nightwing approached her and asked her to fake her death and do this mission behind Wally's back, and she put her foot down on that idea. Is that really how it went down?

2) If so, does Wally know that his "best friend" wanted to leave him out of the loop and let him believe she was really dead? If he does know, I don't see how he could ever call Dick his friend or trust him ever again. And even if Dick and Artemis kept the fact that Dick didn't originally want to tell him about the mission from him, I don't see how I could ever buy them as friends anymore. Or even think that they were ever friends in the first place as I see no beneficial reason as to why Dick wouldn't want to tell Wally. I mean, wouldn't it complicate the mission more? I can't believe Wally would be too happy with Kaldur if he thought he killed Artemis for real.

Greg responds...

1. I don't want to put it in such black and white terms, but basically: more or less.

2. Wally and Dick were friends to the end. Which is OBVIOUSLY not to say they never argued or disagreed or went through a rough patch. Justify it or be disgusted by it in whatever manner you choose, but their friendship is just a hard fact. For me, loyalty and a certain understanding of the business they're in counts for a lot. A good ultimate result doesn't hurt either.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

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Caroline writes...

Dear greg,does artemis want to go back to her life with wally, or she wants to stay as tigress or something like that?

Greg responds...

I think at the time of "The Fix" she was conflicted. Now, I think she'd give anything to get Wally back.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

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CGYJ writes...

Hello, Mr. Greg Weisman,

"The Fix" was a well-done episode and kept me guessing every other moment. Here are my thoughts below.

Topics of Thought on "The Fix":

Reach Apocalypse…Averted?: By the end of this episode, I felt that's what most likely happened. But then again, nothing concrete has been shown to tell the audience that Green Beetle is pure good. What would really shock me is if Green Beetle was actually later shown to be a bad guy; making him a scorpion of sorts. Heck, I'd be surprised if a later episode is called that name…

Artemis' Self-Doubt: Hearing everything she's been thinking to herself, I bet all Artemis fans might be reasonably worried. It would be a shame if she actually decides to become a villain for real. But then again, it would defeat the whole point of what she's been establishing for herself in Season One, and more importantly, Wally would be heart-broken if she defects…

Secrets and Lies = Divided They Fall?: With at least two more members knowing the truth about Aqualad and Artemis as well as the resulting frustration, I fear it might lead to an episode that might actually bear the name. The addition of Miss Martian's life being in jeopardy doesn't help much either.

The Additive: Well-explained… though I thought it would be some kind of mind-control drug to turn the public against the Justice League… I might be wrong, but I'll wait to see what else happens.

Tula, Aqualad's Mental Defense Mechanism? = What the heck was that all about?! I thought that Tula would be shown in some kind of flashback, but that was just crazy beyond belief. On the other hand, Aqualad is on the slow road to recovery; I just hope that as he does, he doesn't accidentally slip about Artemis or himself to his biological father…

Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts.
CGYJ

Greg responds...

You're welcome. Seems like you'd like a gig titling episodes.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

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Harlan Phoenix writes...

What was the creative incentive for writing "The Fix" personally?

Greg responds...

I think the curb appeal was going inside Kaldur's devastated mind. Plus, the Artemis internal monologue.

Response recorded on April 17, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #3

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #3

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I'm going to direct you to Rain's page on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791

They've posted some quotations from a handful of folks, who have already read the book. More often than not, these are merely partial quotes, so I'm going to post the full quotation here over the next few days. Next up:

"A thoroughly entertaining joyride." -Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Rot and Ruin

I've never met Mr. Mayberry, so this is the first quotation that came from a stranger.

Here's the full quotation:

"RAIN OF THE GHOSTS is quirky, clever and downright creepy. A thoroughly entertaining joyride into the world of the fantastic." -Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of ROT & RUIN and ASSASSIN'S CODE

Salivating yet? (Ugh. That was over the top, huh?)


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J writes...

Does your version of Despro have telepathic powers like in the comics, or can he do anything other than paralize with his third-eye?

If he does have telepathic powers, why didn't he "hear" the conversation between Miss Martian and Guardian?
Was it because he didn't have his third-eye open at the time?

Greg responds...

You're assuming that his paralytic power isn't telepathic in nature.

You're assuming that all telepaths operate on the exact same frequency.

Neither of those are safe assumptions.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

If each member of the Team on Young Justice were to be replaced with a character from Marvel Comics (regardless of which universe they are from) who would act as their potential equivalents (in terms of similar skills/abilities), who would they be and why (in one sentence per character)?

Greg responds...

Why are you asking me this?

If this is an exercise that interests you, go for it. But I have no inside information on something so arbitrary.

Guys, please, I appreciate that you want to have fun with these kinds of things, but that's not what ASK GREG is for. Creating make-work for me - because, I can only assume, you think I'll enjoy it - is not going to get a positive response here. And all it really does is clog the queue.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

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Kevin writes...

1. Do the inhibitor collars also take away invulnerability when they are used on individuals with super strength?
2. Does Black Beetle's strength come from the suit or is it a superpower from his own species?
3. Who was the person in the Star Labs coat besides Eduardo Dorado Sr. in Cornered?
4. Is Star Labs a public or private organization?
5. Who storyboard/animated the shot of Deathstroke with his sword between his shoulders in the Fix? I was actually a little intimidated.

Greg responds...

1. Depends on the nature and origins of said invunerability.

2. Mostly the scarab/suit. Though he is a fairly large specimen, and he has training.

3. I think you're referring to Dr. David Wilcox.

4. Private.

5. Oh, I'm sorry. I don't recall. It was pretty cool though. Brandon might remember. You could ask him.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Which fandom do you honestly appreciate the most:
1- Gargoyles fans
2- Spectacular Spider-Man fans
3- Young Justice fans
4- Greg Weisman fans

Greg responds...

See, now, the Hulk is more powerful because the madder he gets, the stronger he gets. But the Thing can still beat him if he keeps his wits about him.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

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Chris writes...

Were Ivo or Morrow ever members of S.T.A.R. Labs?

Greg responds...

Morrow wasn't. Haven't thought about Ivo in that context. Honestly, I haven't given any thought to when S.T.A.R. was founded.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

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CGYJ writes...

Hello, Mr. Greg Weisman,

I thought I might want to let you know about this. It's seem kind of funny when I think about it.

It seems that anything DC Comics-related is recently making the strange use of the number 5.

How do I know this? Well, to recap things:

A. Following the events of the DC universe-changing Flashpoint on 2011, it is stated that the age of heroes began FIVE years prior to the present day (which would be about 2006).

B. The first issue of "Earth 2," which was released on May 2012, also took place FIVE years prior to the present day (which is about 2007), and then the rest of the series takes place in the present day.

C. The time-skip between Seasons One and Two of Young Justice was FIVE whole years, a period of time of which whatever happened to our heroes (both old and new) remains mostly a mystery (probably about 90% unsolved by my guesstimate)...

D. Recently, DC Comics has just started a prequel comic for the upcoming video game called "Injustice: Gods Among Us" which will comic out in April. The first chapter (which was released digitally) came out the week prior to the date of this posting (on a Tuesday). The events of the prequel comic happens to take place FIVE years prior to the events of the game.

Does it seem like a coincidence that the number 5 is being used in such a manner by DC Comics?

Thanks for taking the time to read this posting. I'm interested to hear your opinions.

CGYJ

Greg responds...

It seems like five is a nice round number for a time skip.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

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Sam writes...

In "Happy New Year" aboard the Watchtower, Superboy, Nightwing, Miss Martian, Zatanna, and Rocket were shown privately in a psychic link during the discussion of the Kroloteans. This seemed to be similar to the psychic link Zatanna pointed out in "Humanity". Do the senior members, even Z and Raquel/from Team Year Zero, automatically link up psychically whenever they're together?

Greg responds...

Old habits. Of course, Miss M would need to be there.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

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RedRobin writes...

Hi Greg,

During season two I have noticed that Nightwing spends a lot of time in Bludhaven. Does he live there at present? Or does he just figh crime there?

Greg responds...

Yes, he has a loft apartment in Bludhaven, which you'd know if you'd been reading our companion comics!!!

See, you don't know what you're missing!!

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

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hilldon writes...

How strong is blue beetle? does the scarab enhances jaime's strength or speed to superhuman levels?

Greg responds...

If by "superhuman" you mean more than standard human, then, yes.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

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Just a Nerd writes...

In regards to Players, Chapter Five:

In my opinion, the comics industry sucks. In most books, we get a major cliff hanger, and then we have to wait a month for the resolution. But you have to go and leave us with THREE cliff hangers! And we still have to wait a month for our answers!
I'm sorry. That rant against the establishment just had to come out. I know there's nothing you can do about it. I guess it's because you're a fantastic story teller, it just makes the wait all the more painful...
But honestly, Chapter Five was fantastic. We pick up right were we left off last month, Batgirl fighting Match, Plas standing by helplessly; Manhunter, Flash, and Atom falling out of Brainiac-- I mean, the Collector of World's ship while Beetle, Wonder Girl, Nightwing, and Zatanna infiltrate it; Bumblebee and Gar searching for the force field generator; the Supers, Wonder Woman, and the Captains in battle with Kylstar; and Deadshot attacking Harjavti five years earlier. And you didn't disappoint. I'm not sure about how easily Match was defeated... I guess even a ultra-pissed genomorph needs oxygen... But the Lexcorp truck was too perfectly timed... like they knew ha had been defeated... hmm.... Beast Boy's still concerned about Ms. Harjavti. He seems to think that her safety is more important than anything else. I guess since he's just 12 or 13, he can't see the big picture... I liked the reference to Independence Day, the 'West maneuver' they used on Kylstar. But he certainly isn't someone to be trifled with, given how quickly he counteracts the League's actions. (It is a he, right?) I liked the two Robins confusion for Beetle. And that face was perfectly drawn. Christopher Jones has done great work on the art for this whole run. And the realization that the CoW was shrinking Metropolis... Leads to an interesting predicament. I just don't know what to do until next month.... Only question: is it correct to call Kylstar him? Alien genders can be unpredictable. Thank you again for a fantastic story that caused me to lose sleep.

Greg responds...

I'm sure the folks in the LexCorp truck DID know Match had just been defeated.

And, yeah, you can call Kylstar him. In English, anyway.

And I share your praise for Chris' work on the book. Stellar.

Response recorded on April 16, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #2

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #2

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I'm going to direct you to Rain's page on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791

They've posted some quotations from a handful of folks, who have already read the book. More often than not, these are merely partial quotes, so I'm going to post the full quotation here over the next few days. Next up:

"The perfect book for the young adult reader." -Stan Lee

Stan "The Man" Lee is, of course, a legend. He was also the voice of "Stan" on The Spectacular Spider-Man. Oh, and... he kinda co-created the ol' Web-Slinger too.

There's only a little bit more to Stan's quotation here:

"On a haunted isle in the mysterious Caribbean, a 13-year-old girl discovers her magical heritage! It's the perfect book for the young adult reader."

But I mean, Stan Lee! Not too shabby, huh?


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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Eleven

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Eleven:

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I've decided to countdown my progress on writing the SECOND book in the Rain franchise.

I just finished writing Chapter Eleven. That's right, folks. I'm on a roll. Admittedly, this is a pretty short chapter, dedicated to connective tissue for a number of different characters. But still, I finished my first pass on it in one night! Doesn't that mean it HAS to be good? Right? Right?


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Riki writes...

Hi Greg!

Ummm this isn't really a question but I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you and LOVE Young Justice... It's been my favourite show for over a year now and ugh it's just so amazing. There are literally no words.

I'm so upset knowing that one day it will be cancelled, although I hope it's later rather than sooner... I just wanted you to know that I love you and your work (especially Young Justice) and you've really turned me into such a fan.

Thank you so much.

Greg responds...

Thank YOU, Riki.

(I guess producing YJ's not such a no-win scenario afterall.)

Response recorded on April 15, 2013

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Quinton Groves writes...

In Young Justice Issue #24,Seeing Superboy using the shields. Is someone giving them to him? To be exact, Lex Luthor? Or from a different source.

Greg responds...

Didn't you see him get them from Luthor in episode 122? If not, go watch it. It's a really fun episode!

Response recorded on April 15, 2013

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Ollie'o writes...

Dear Mr. Greg,
1. In Happy New Year Dick says this to Tim, "Just don't die okay. And no unnecessary risks to the squad. That's an order." Is this some subtle reference to Jason?
2. Why did you choose to exclude Jason from the story altogether? I understand that Jason't story is dark and sad, but what about non-comic-reading people who don't know who the Robin in the Grotto was? The world will never know about Jason Todd's sacrifice. (3. See what i did there?)
Okay, my Jason Todd rant is over. Nightwing out.
PS the show has gotten to be just outstanding recently. Give yourself a figurtive pat on the back.

Greg responds...

1. ASKED AND ANSWERED.

2. If, as you suggest, we had chosen to exclude Jason from the story altogether, why would we INCLUDE him at all?

Everyone's SO impatient for everything to be included instantly. And then they also bitch when we include too much and THEIR favorite character isn't getting enough screentime because of it. Talk about a no-win scenario.

Response recorded on April 15, 2013

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Richard writes...

I've been a fan of Gargoyles since ever, but i didnt know it co tinued i comics till two days ago!!!! OMG!!! THATS AWESOME! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! but now i have a questio about gargate biology. I read that they go into heat every twenty years, on years that end in "7" but ...

What about just physical maturity? At what age are they physically mature, and Is this different from when they are seen as adults by their clan?

Greg responds...

Okay, first, it's years that end in 8 not 7. (How weird would '7' be?!!)

Second, it depends on how you're defining physical maturity. The Trio were old enough to be considered warriors in 994 when they were 36 years old chronologically (and 18 biologically). On the other hand, Kermit and True would still have been considered children then, when they were 16 chronologically (and 8 biologically).

Response recorded on April 15, 2013

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JC writes...

A few months ago my post in witch I said that I was looking forward to Mal taking on the roll of Guardian was deleted three times.
Now that it can no longer be considered a spoiler, I would just like to say YOUR AWESOME.
Mal as Guardian (and not a lame Herald or Vox) is the coolest thing! Predictable...but still cool!
Thanks again.
But, since this is ASK Greg, not tell Greg, here is a question for you:
Does Jim Harper aprove of Mal taking his moniker and costume?

Greg responds...

Yes.

Response recorded on April 15, 2013

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Hana writes...

Does Black Manta really care about Aqualad? Or is he just being egoistic about his son success? How does Aqualad feel about his father?

Greg responds...

I think those questions have been answered by now in the show itself.

Response recorded on April 15, 2013

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kenzey818 writes...

Hi!
So in a previous post I said I wouldn't ask a question, but it turns out I have one about the production/voice recordings. When Nolan North is doing an episode of Young Justice where is playing both Superman and Superboy, does he record their voices in the same session? Like in Auld Acquaintance when the Supes have interaction did he record both of them? (PS I checked the archives and I didn't see if anyone had asked this)

Greg responds...

Generally, we record all our actors together and proceed from the first line through to the last. SOMETIMES, if an actor has more than one character he or she may prefer to do that one character first and then the other. But Nolan has a pretty complete command of Superboy and Superman. So, as far as I can recall, he'd just talk to himself.

Response recorded on April 15, 2013

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Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...

Dear Greg,

FINALLY get to post my response to the last episode of YJ. First off, nice work with Arsenal, I like the laser arm and the attitude. The biggest surprise for me was seeing Deathstroke, did not see that coming. I love the design, but why doe he have a ponytail? Also, I like Vandal mentioning also havig kids, since I read Secret Six and thoroughly enjoyed Scandal. Finally, the Green Martian beetle? Very cool, I like the reference in his name; B'arss O'oom? Cute. But I'm not sure if he should be trusted yet. Guess I'll just have to wait & see.
Thanks for the great episode, look forward to next week's!

Greg responds...

I've dealt with the ponytail already.

Oh, and it's spelled B'arzz O'oomm.

Response recorded on April 15, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #1

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE: NICE THINGS FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID #1

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I'm going to direct you to Rain's page on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Ghosts-Greg-Weisman/dp/1250029791

You may notice that they've posted a brief tease of the book there, which I may as well reprint here:

First in a series about of an adventurous young girl, Rain Cacique, who discovers she has a mystery to solve, a mission to complete and, oh, yes, the ability to see ghosts.

Welcome to the Prospero Keys (or as the locals call them: the Ghost Keys), a beautiful chain of tropical islands on the edge of the Bermuda Triangle. Rain Cacique is water-skiing with her two best friends Charlie and Miranda when Rain sees her father waiting for her at the dock. Sebastian Bohique, her maternal grandfather, has passed away. He was the only person who ever made Rain feel special. The only one who believed she could do something important with her life. The only thing she has left to remember him by is the armband he used to wear: two gold snakes intertwined, clasping each other's tails in their mouths. Only the armband . . . and the gift it brings: Rain can see dead people. Starting with the Dark Man: a ghost determined to reveal the Ghost Keys' hidden world of mystery and mysticism, intrigue and adventure.

They've also posted some quotations from a handful of folks, who have already read the book. More often than not, these are merely partial quotes, so I'm going to post the full quotation here over the next few days, starting with:

"From his work on DC's cartoon Young Justice to his first novel, Rain of the Ghosts, he hits it out of the park every time!" -Danica McKellar, actress and New York Times bestselling author Math Doesn't Suck

Danica, of course, is the voice of "Miss Martian/M'gann M'orzz/Megan Morse, Marie Logan/Megan Wheeler and Tuppence Terror on Young Justice, which is how I met her.

Here's Danica's full quotation:

"Greg Weisman really 'gets' the deep-seated emotional angst of teenagers, and he's an expert at creating complex stories filled with intrigue, mystery, drama, fantasy, adventure, you name it - always with just enough comedy peppered throughout. From his work on DC's cartoon 'Young Justice' to his first novel, 'Rain of the Ghosts,' he hits it out of the park every time!"

Pretty cool, huh?


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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Ten

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Ten:

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I've decided to countdown my progress on writing the SECOND book in the Rain franchise.

I just finished writing Chapter Ten. Rain's asleep throughout most of the chapter, but that doesn't mean there isn't a LOT going on. Especially among the more nefarious members of our cast. This chapter was very wide-ranging. But it was fun to write - especially the last couple pages.

Intrigued yet?


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Anonymous writes...

In bloodlines, Bart said he needed to get 'in character' before he used the time machine.

Does that mean he's putting on a facade of being cheerful and cocky the whole time we see him? Or was he acting at first, but is genuinely that way now that he's escaped from the dismal future?

Greg responds...

Does it have to be either/or?

Response recorded on April 12, 2013

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Clark Cradic writes...

Was Norman's attitude and quirks as the Green Goblin all an act to intimidate and mislead people or was it a bit of his own true nature leaking out while in costume?

Greg responds...

Does it have to be either/or?

Response recorded on April 12, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

It seems that when the green Reach scarab attached itself to B'arzz O'oomm, his face is made to look more humanoid-looking after the armor covered his entire body. Do all Reach scarab give their hosts a humanoid-looking face after attaching themselves to their bodies?

Also, it appears that B'arzz O'oomm remains in natural Martian form after the scarab attached itself. Does that mean he cannot shapeshift his body to be more like a human?

Greg responds...

1. I think the premise of your question is highly debatable. It seems to me that it gives everyone a REACH-looking face.

2. He can if he wants, as I'd hope you've seen by now.

Response recorded on April 12, 2013

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Clark Cradic writes...

You said that Macbeth found the play bearing his name to be rather amusing in how it got most about him wrong. What do you think his view on the Highlander film would have been?

Greg responds...

I think he would have found the notion of Sean Connery playing an Egyptian Spaniard, while Christopher Lambert played a Scottish Highlander, hilarious.

Response recorded on April 12, 2013

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Just a Nerd writes...

In Young Justice, do Jay, Barry, or Bart have the same hyper-fast metabolism as Wally? And if not, why don't they?

Greg responds...

1. No.

2. Jay's accident. Barry's experiment recreating Jay's accident under laboratory conditions. Wally's near disastrous attempt to recreate Barry's experiment in his parent's garage. Bart's genetic inheritance. Four different methods of acquiring super-speed means that none of the effects are exactly the same.

Response recorded on April 12, 2013

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Nash writes...

Greg, True Colours was awesome for the most part.
There's just something that's been bugging me lately. I hope you don't mind.
As much as I love how you've charaterised Jaime and Bart, I can't help but think that they've been hogging the spotlight at bit too much lately. This won't be at the expense of the other characters, will it (namely Cassie, Gar and Barbara, and to a lesser extent, Tim and La'gaan)?

Greg responds...

ASKED AND ANSWERED.

Response recorded on April 12, 2013

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Louissa writes...

Hey, Greg, not a question, jut wanted to stop by and tell you that "True Colors" was brilliant! Green Beetle was a shocker, I really didn't see that one coming. Now you probably realise everyone's wondering if there's gonna be a Red Beetle in. But I'm not asking that. Second, Impulse is a great character. He has that thing everybody liked about Wally in the first season, but at the same time he's really different and actually awesome.
Oh, and if the show goes on hiatus again, I'm going to slip in a severe depression, so no hiatuses, okay?
Thank you for creating this show that sums up all my wishes and all my childhood. And though I'm 15 I'm telling you, I'll never stop watching this show as long as it airs and I honestly hope I'll be watching it all my high school years.
You and your team are incredible! Thank you, again.

Greg responds...

Hiatuses were never up to me or within my ability to control one way or another. But I'm glad you loved the series.

Response recorded on April 12, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Since Martians have a fondness for earth television, have cultures from earth affected Martian culture? Did they have their own tv shows before Martian Manhunter sent tv signals back to his home? Does Martian Manhunter send tv shows of different languages or mostly western tv shows?

Greg responds...

Mostly American television shows, but not exclusively. As for the effect on Martian culture - beyond HELLO, MEGAN! on M'gann - that's a SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT. Also keep in mind that just because Robin said "All Martians love television," that doesn't make it so.

Response recorded on April 12, 2013

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Otho Fernandes Damasceno writes...

Did the Hunters ever interacted with any of the Children of Oberon? If so, what's their opnion about them?

Greg responds...

SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 12, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Since the concept of time travel has been introduced I was wondered if you view time travel as more of a circular thing (events that repeat themselves and are unchangeable) or more like J.J. Abrams Star Trek where time travel creates an alternate reality?

Greg responds...

It depends which series you're talking about. I've gone on ad nauseum about time travel in Gargoyles, and I've even answered this question vis-a-vis Young Justice. (HINT: They utilize two different theories of time travel.) Check the ASK GREG archives.

Response recorded on April 12, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE, EARLY GALLEYS

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE, EARLY GALLEYS

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I'm keeping you updated on the book's progress.

Today, I received a couple copies of what my editor at St. Martin's Press calls "Some early galleys. Close to a book!"

And, in fact, it looks pretty much like a book to me!

I don't know about you guys, but I'm pretty darn excited!


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Anonymous writes...

Why didn't Tim tell Nightwing about Arsenal's antics? Shouldn't Nightwing know not to send him on covert ops if he's going to blow stuff up?

Greg responds...

In that moment, Tim thought he was cutting Arsenal some slack.

Response recorded on April 11, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Why was Arsenal allowed on the team, he's obviously not mentally stable after his ordeal.

Greg responds...

Ah, hindsight.

Response recorded on April 11, 2013

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J writes...

Being a gay man who has to go out of his way to see even a glimpse of his own existance in mass media, especially in what would be considered for kids (although, I really dont see Gargoyles or Young Justice as "kid shows"), I usually dont try to make those kinds of connections...and all the speculation surrounding Impulse & Blue Beetle kind of felt more like just some fans grasping at straws...but then there was that scene in "true colors" where Beetle elbows Impulse that is HIGHLY remanisant of Artemis doing the exact thing to Kid Flash...
I used to love Impulse in the comic (pre Titan days), and it did kind if seem like he had a man-crush on Batman, and by extention Robin...so I gues its not totally unpressidented (he also seemed to act oblivous when a gil was trying to flirt, which I can totally relate to).
I know next to nothing about Blue Beetle (except that one of my faveorite Leaugers was replaced by some kid), but I thought that one of the major reasons he became a hero revolved arround a dead gilfriend...and didnt he also have girlfriend in Titans? (like I said, I knie nothing about him prior to your show).
I guess my question is...
I know your willing to write a charactor as gay, even if you cant say it out liud (and thank you for that), but are you also willing to portray a, for the most established straight chatactor as having a different orientation?
I had to stop buying Devin Grayson's run of Nightwing...not because I dont like bisexuals (my partner of 7 years has 2 kids), but because I found it extreamly disrespectful to the charactor and the fans, to suddenly alter decades of established charactorization.
Having said that, I did kind always kind of assume Ted Kord and Booster Gold had a thing (they were always together and neither ever had a girlfriend), but never really got my hopes up...and YJ's Blue Beetle and Impulse almost parallel them.

Greg responds...

I'm willing in theory if it feels right for the character, particularly in the context of an Earth-16 type scenario, where the choice I've made doesn't necessarily effect or reflect what's going on with the character elsewhere.

Response recorded on April 11, 2013

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Nightwing writes...

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120623231608/youngjustice/images/f/f4/Young_Justice_Invasion.png Who is this Guy/Girl between Robin and Blue Beetle?

Greg responds...

This was an early internal development image designed to showcase the second season's NEW characters, that was later used for promotional purposes. It is NOT canon. But from left to right, you have: Wonder Girl (Cassie), Arsenal (Roy), Robin (Tim), Static (Virgil), Blue Beetle (Jaime) and Impulse (Bart).

Response recorded on April 11, 2013

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Nightwing writes...

Hi Greg. Can you tell me what happened to Ocean Master? And was he REAL brother of Aquaman?

Greg responds...

I'm not sure what you mean by "REAL" in all-caps. They were brothers, as clearly established in the YJ companion comics.

As to what happened to him, come on, seriously?

SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 11, 2013

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SHAZAM! writes...

1. Where did you come up with the idea for a Green Beetle? DId he exist previously?
2. Is the reach responsible for the fall of the martian civilization?
3. Who is the black beetle? Wasn't he Jaime's friend Paco in the comics, is there a reason he isn't?
4. Is the Green Beetle a red, white, or green martian?
5. Why is lex trying to help the reach conquer earth? In the comics he honestly beleives he's trying saving the planet, not doom it...

Greg responds...

1. ASKED AND ANSWERED.

2. Assumes facts not in evidence.

3. I think it's pretty clear from the show who Black Beetle is. Why in the world would you think it's Paco?

4. Green.

5. Okay, I'm aware that you wrote up these questions before the end of the series, so I have a question for you: WHY DID YOU WRITE UP THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE THE END OF THE SERIES? What was your hope here, exactly? That I'd get to it before all was revealed and answer "SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT" Or that I'd get to it (more or less) now and simply refer you back to the episodes themselves.

Look, SHAZAM!, I don't mean to single you out, but this is symptomatic of an on-going problem here at ASK GREG. All you've really succeeded in doing is CLOG UP THE QUEUE.

Please, everyone, THINK before posting.

Response recorded on April 11, 2013

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Janey writes...

I just wanted to say I really like what you guys have done with the villians in Young Justice. Especially Black Manta, I love the relationship he seems to have with his son, and seems to really love him. Most shows make the bad guys just pure evil and without a care in the world and all villians think the same way. All of them have different personalities so to me it seems more real. I do have one question about Miss Martian. I looked through the forums and didn't see it so if you answered fill free to delete this post!
1. When Miss Martian is not in her true form and having to concentrate on the way she looks like does it take away from her mental abilities or is it like a subconsense thing. I guess what I mean is if she wasn't shape shifting and was in regular form would her mental powers be more focused and more powerful?

Thanks for the show!!! I love watching it, you and your team have done an amazing job with it. I love how the heroes aren't perfect and have faults too, and how the bad guys aren't pure evil(maybe seem to focus on themselves, but not you know trying to blow up the world all the time) Thanks again for all the hardwork!!!

Greg responds...

1. Somewhat. As already esttablished in episode 126.

Response recorded on April 11, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

1. I really enjoy the dynamic between Jaime and Bart. I am curious though, why did you decide to make them friends? Since Bart knows Blue Beetle brings on the Reach apocalypse I can easily see Bart wanting nothing to do with Jaime whatsoever. I just want to know your thoughts on this friendship.

2. You've said previously that you have sexualities in mind for the characters. You don't have to name any names, but I was wondering if you perceived any characters as asexual?

Greg responds...

1. My thoughts are mostly on screen. The relationship began with Bart trying to get close to Jaime as part of his agenda. Then they became legitimate friends.

2. Probably - in a show with as many characters as YJ has, it seems likely, doesn't it? But I haven't given it much thought.

Response recorded on April 11, 2013

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Sturidge writes...

Hi Greg! I must say, I'm absolutely loving the new season of Young Justice, especially the new aditions to the Team. I have two questions, though:
1. How long before Jason's death and Tim joining the Team? I got the feeling he hasn't been around for more than a year.
2. Has a romantic relationship between Blue Beetle and Impulse ever been considered, or should it stay on the realm of the fandom? Seeing as it is a kid's show, I can imagine it would be hard to develop such relationship, even if subtly.

Greg responds...

1. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

2. I honestly don't know what to do with this question. No, I guess the answer is no. But fans can dream.

Response recorded on April 11, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Nine

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Nine

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I've decided to countdown my progress on writing the SECOND book in the Rain franchise.

I just finished writing Chapter Nine. It's the longest chapter in the book so far. There was a LOT of expository information to cover, but I hope I did it in an entertaining way.

Hopefully, you guys'll be the judge of that soon enough.


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Brian writes...

Hi Greg,
I have to tell you that I LOVED True Colors, the whole episode was incredible and in my opinion flawless.
I've posted before and am a huge fan of your interpretation of Lex Luthor. I found it very interesting that LexCorp Farms was located in Smallville.
Many versions of Lex have featured him spending some time and/or growing up in Smallville.
1) Does this apply to Lex in Young Justice? If so could you elborate on his time in Smallville? And did this influence his decision to place LexCorp Farms in Smallville?
2) If Lex did not spend time in Smallville, why did he chose to locate LexCorp farms there?

Greg responds...

1. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

2. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 10, 2013

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B writes...

Is "the Reach" the name of the species that the Ambassador, the Scientist and Black Beetle belong to? On Young Justice Wiki, we're debating whether the Reach is a species.

Greg responds...

It is, though at this point, it's also an empire (though not in name) that incorporates many other species, as well. Still the most trusted members of the Reach are those of the original Reach species.

Response recorded on April 10, 2013

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Marvelman writes...

Black Beetle sounds different. Did you alter his voice this season?

Greg responds...

This season? He's only appeared in the one season, i.e. Season Two. And no, Black Beetle is voiced consistently through Season Two by Kevin Grevioux. And I just want to say that we don't alter Kevin's voice at all. THAT IS HIS REAL VOICE!!

Response recorded on April 10, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

How long have Wally and Artemis been living together?

Greg responds...

Since the start of their sophomore year of college.

Response recorded on April 10, 2013

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B writes...

Given that he also has Lex's DNA, does Superboy look *exactly* like Superman did at 16 or just extremely similar?

Greg responds...

Pretty much exactly, except for the hairstyle.

Response recorded on April 10, 2013

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Albert writes...

What is Garth's, as well as his parents Thar and Berra, Atlantean name? Thanks!

Greg responds...

Garth is Garth's Atlantean name, as you saw if you watched episode 108. We have not addressed his parents yet at all.

Response recorded on April 10, 2013

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Piper writes...

Hello Greg. I have a few questions about Nashville as a character.

1. How would little Gnash react to living with the Manhattan Clan in 1997? Staying in one place and not time hoping around with his family like he's used to.

2. What's his impression of Goliath as the clan leader? Does he admire him, or is he envious that Goliath is the leader and not his father.

3. Does he address both his parents in English, or in English and Japanese respectively?

Greg responds...

1. That's something I'd demonstrate and reveal in storytelling. Not on a question answering site like this.

2. I think he's been raised to think highly of Goliath, but as for how it plays out... see above.

3. He's bilingual.

Response recorded on April 10, 2013

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btgr writes...

My review on True Colors:

It ABOUT time they've said Deathstroke in a DC cartoon!, But I love how Nick Chinlund delivered that name. More funny moments and one-liner jokes from Blue Beetle and Impulse which I do appreciate. Green Beetle?, well that's original. I really wonder where are Barbara Gordon and Cassie Sandsmark though. Anyway looking forward to "Fix".

Greg responds...

Hope you liked "The Fix."

Response recorded on April 10, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

What determines a scarab's color?
P.S.- Good work on your shows, I appreciate how you have taken the time to set up this Q and A, and I hope you keep having this kind of communication with your fans.

Greg responds...

Scouts start out as blue. Warriors as black. Color can change based on circumstance.

Response recorded on April 10, 2013

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Z-Rocket Fan! writes...

Dear Greg,
Zatanna and Rocket are my favorite characters, so I have a few question pertaining to them.
1) Who is better at hand-to-hand combat between the two?
2) Would you say they are close friends?
3) Where does Zatanna live now in 2015?
4) Does Rocket fight alongside Icon anymore now that she is part of the Justice League? Is she still his sidekick?
5) After Zatara's imprisonment by Dr. Fate, did Zatanna have to learn magic on her own.Did she ever ask for help from Dr. Fate?

Thanks Greg!

Greg responds...

1. Rocket, probably. I guess. Maybe.

2. Yeah.

3. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

4. She's more his partner.

5. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 10, 2013

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Thomas writes...

Mind releasing some episode names post Runaways?

Also, a question about the Rimbor 8. Do they know what Godfrey is doing to the league's rep? Or anything going on at the moment

Greg responds...

The Rimbor 8? Do you mean the Rimbor 6? Or is 8 including Icon and Hawkman? If so, then why not the Rimbor 10 and throw in Hal and Guy?

Anyway, they knew very little about what was going on on Earth.

As for episode names, of course, you know them all by now.

Response recorded on April 09, 2013

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West writes...

Hello,

I've really gotten addicted to Young justice ( it has converted me from marvel to dc lol) and I watch it religiously.
My favorite characters are aqualad and superboy.
1. I kind of see superboy as the main character of the series, he seems to have the most number episodes centered around him, picks up the best toys (sphere and wolf) and over all seems to have had the most character development. While kalder is my favorite character, my favorite episodes have always been the ones centered around Conner.

So I would like to know, while the series is really more of team show, which character would you consider more of a main protagonist? ( blue beetle, nightwing etc)

2. I loved how kalder pulled an "anakin " ( went over to the dark side, so to speak,), and he's really a awesome at it!!!
I loved the scene where came out of the water to fight artemis and nightwing, and then the ALL SHALL SUFFER IF BLACK MANTRA COmmands it, along with how he instantly fired his laser while the team was in stealth mode was beautiful.

Does kalder enjoy being bad? Even a little..

3. Young justice is INCREDIBLEly well drawn, are you more motivated to make more intricate battle scenes because they come out so well?

Greg responds...

1. It doesn't work that way. This isn't Spectacular Spider-Man, where we had one clear lead, and everyone else was a satellite orbiting around him. We think of this as a DC Universe series. It's an ensemble piece. "Leads" are defined by story. Hopefully, we laid enough groundwork in Season One that any character can step up and be interesting and carry an episode.

2. I'll leave that to your interpretation.

3. Nah. We always just want the show to be the best it can be. Period.

Response recorded on April 09, 2013

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CGYJ writes...

Hello, Mr. Greg Weisman,

Another good episode! Here are my thoughts on interesting things I've seen on this episode.

Jonathan Kent's First Appearance - Finally! After all those times of me worrying of what his fate might have been in comparison to the comics, Mr. Kent is still alive and well on Earth-16. It's probably a fair bet that Martha Kent is okay too, but thanks for at least showing us Mr. Kent… Also, I noticed Jonathan acknowledged Conner as one of his "boys," and so I'm guessing that Conner was introduced to the Kents by Clark during the time-skip?

Green… Beetle? - Yeah, the latest promo did show this guy, but I never expected him to be a Martian. The name probably suggests that he is a Green Martian. I also suspect he is an original character because I looked around the Internet to see if there was prior info on the guy, but I found nothing. It got me curious that he seems to know about Martian Manhunter to some extent. Perhaps they met before?

The Light wants a team of heroes of their own? - Oh no no no no no! I had feared something like this would happen. For a while, I have been theorizing that one of the factors that could have led to the Reach Apocalypse is that there would be some kind of meta-human civil war (which would theoretically be something like the Marvel Comics event "Civil War."), because something like that could really push public opinion against the Justice League forever. And now, we are going to have a group of kids whose intentions may be good but are going to unintentionally work for the bad guys? Not good! Not good at all! If I turn out to be right, I will be very surprised.

Tim Drake's second round of leadership - It's nice to have Tim be in charge again. I've been waiting forever for him to have a chance to lead more often. If Tim gets more chances like this, I bet he'll eventually lead the Team himself someday…

Aqualad is at risk of being compromised?! - With Psimon on the case, it's going to be bad for him if the truth is revealed. I hope Aqualad recovers in time to help our heroes in the fight against the Light and the Reach…

Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts about this episode.

CGYJ

Greg responds...

Conner is considered family at this point.

Response recorded on April 09, 2013

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Just A Nughtwing/Oracle fan writes...

The new episodes was AWESOME, and never have I had any other show that kept me waiting for the next.
1) What is Bruce and Barbara's relationship to you?
2) If Stephanie Brown is now in, is there gonna be like, Tim/Steph interaction?
3) Why is YJ not aired in South East Asia? Cause, well, the fans back here are all watching the newest episodes on YouTube.
4) When Nightwing said "Just don't die, okay?" to Robin, did he mean Jason?

Well, I guess that's it. If I have any more, I'll make sure to ask you. Thanks for your time!

Greg responds...

1. I don't really think they know I exist.

2. What you saw is what you got, unless WE get more episodes or issues somehow, someday.

3. I have no idea.

4. I think Jason was on his mind.

Response recorded on April 09, 2013

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guy writes...

how old is deathstroke?

how old is green beetle?

Greg responds...

At the END of SEASON ONE (that's right, ONE):

Deathstroke was forty-seven.
B'arzz O'oomm was 114 Earth years old, which is the biological equivalent (more or less) of 38.

Response recorded on April 09, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Okay as much as I love Blue Beetle and Impulse, they have way too much screen time. It was the same problem with Superboy in the first season. If you do end up getting a season 3 (fingers crossed) could we have a little more balance with character screen time?

Greg responds...

Balance (vis-a-vis screentime) was never promised, nor was it ever a priority. Nor am I much interested in it. I guess I'm glad you like all - or at least enough - of the characters to want screentime balance for them, but it's NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN. That doesn't mean that ALL - and in this case, I DO mean all - of the characters don't interest Brandon and I. They do. ALL OF THEM. And given enough episodes and/or issues and/or games and/or whatever, I suppose over time you'd get more balance than you probably want. But in any given season or run or whatever, we are going to go with the story we're telling. And, frankly, balance be damned.

Response recorded on April 09, 2013

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Robin's Girl writes...

First off thank you so much for this show! I don't know what I would do without it. Anyways my question is what ever became of Queen Mera's pregnancy? Did she manage to have the child sometime during the time skip?

Greg responds...

SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

Response recorded on April 09, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Eight

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Eight

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I've decided to countdown my progress on writing the SECOND book in the Rain franchise.

I just finished writing Chapter Eight. I think it turned out to be a fairly authentic conversation over dinner between a thirteen-year-old and her parents. I hope so, anyway. Need to ground my magical fantasy in some truly human reality.

Hopefully, you guys'll be the judge of that soon enough.


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Paul writes...

1) Did Red Arrow or Green Arrow tell Nightwing about Arsenal's attempt on Luthor's life in "Satisfaction"? I'm assuming not, otherwise why would Nightwing send Arsenal on the stakeout in "True Colours" without fear of it being too personal a mission for the latter?

2) Is Arsenal B-24, since he seems to be the most recent addition to the Team after Impulse?

Greg responds...

1. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

2. He's B-25. Guardian is B-24.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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Just a Nerd writes...

Spoilers ahoy!

Wow, Greg. Just wow. True Colors blew my mind. It was like pure, bottled awesome broadcast through the TV. Loved the Atom/Bumblebee surgury bit, but was Impulse really qualified to be in an operating room? I'd be scared he'd see something shiny and go nuts. Jamie's hesitation to go on the mission was perfectly scripted and acted, and I loved Arsenal's new look, costume, hairstyle, everything. Robin in a leadership role was cool again. And Pa Kent was just awesome. Liked Impulse's impaitence, and the stealth-tech punch in the arm. More Black Beetle was great, as was Arsenal's want to cause Luthor grief. The Light's conference with Sportsmaster was great. I thought someone was going to leave that room in a body bag. And Deathstroke... One of my all time favorite villains in Young Justice caused me some serious freaking out. But the Psimon/Aqualad "therapy session" is gonna end up with some serious repercussions. And the Green Beetle was just... Completely unexpected and totally epic. Gaahh, I'm going obsessed fanboy. Just a couple questions, though.
1. Did Impulse really have any business in the operating room, or was he there for, like, moral support?
2. Where did the idea come from for Deathstroke to have a ponytail? Not finding fault, in a strange way it works.
3. Is the Martian with the scarab actually from mainstream DC? Or was it a new creation for the show?
Thank you, thank you, thank you for such a wonderful show. This episode blew my expectations out of the water. Can't wait for The Fix!!

Greg responds...

1. Impulse was a spectator at a surprisingly non-invasive procedure (which constituted two intravenous injections only - one to put Atom and Bumblebee in and the other to get them out).

2. That damn ponytail. <sigh> The ponytail was Phil Bourassa's idea, supported by Brandon Vietti. That's right, I'm hanging them both out to dry on the ponytail! HANGING THEM. OUT. TO DRY. I never liked it, but I was outvoted two to one. (But I'm glad you liked it.)

3. He was basically created for the show, extrapolating from what we know about the Reach and Mars, which of course was all based on DC Comics (through an Earth-16 lens).

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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M. writes...

In the past, has a relationship between Dick and Artemis ever been seriously considered?

Greg responds...

Do you mean a romantic relationship? If so, then no.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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The Somnabulist writes...

Young Justice is the reason I awoke after 23 solid years of uninterrupted slumber. My gratitude...

Zzz...

Greg responds...

I'd respond, but it looks like you've gone back to sleep.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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Kyle Kincaid writes...

Greg, when is Artemis, Miss Martian, Aqualad and many other of the citizens' birthdates?

Greg responds...

As I've stated before, I have NOT assigned specific birth dates to anyone until or unless I require those for a specific story. Only birth years.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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Eclectic Emma Ellason writes...

Hi Greg,

I have no idea if this has been asked or answered before but, have you read/watched the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling? And if so, what Hogwarts Houses do you think the Team (2010 and 2016) belong to?

It's okay if you aren't that knowledgeable about it and don't want to delve into that specificity, but I - as a fan - am just curious. :) Love your shows!

Greg responds...

1. I have read all seven books (and the Deathly Hallows follow-up), listened to all seven books-on-tape and seen all eight movies.

2. Your guess is as good as mine.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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JAC writes...

A couple of questions about Beast Boy...

1. Does his morphing suit only capable of those two modes, uniform and collarI know youve said before that those are the only two he knows how...but with practice, could he, for example make, a saddle for his horse form?

2. Does he have an idenic memory? It just seems to me for some reason that he does...maby because he says "noted" a lot and recites animal facts.

Also I've made this plea in the past, and you mentioned it coud go either way...but, if its still not decided yet PLEASE don't make him vegitarian. I'm sure whatever you decide to do will work out great for the show, but I have a couple points that might sway you to the meat side...
First, its BEAST boy, not "hippy d-bag boy". Second, hes a Human, an omnivore, who can become other animals, not a rabbit who can take Human form. And, finally, your own version of him spends most of the time as a hybrid monkey...also omnivores.
Please dont take this as me trying to tell you how to write your show...like I said, it.will be a great story either way. Its just that Changling was my second favorie Titan (after Nightwing, of course)...until they made him vegitarian...after that I never saw him the same way. It was like "Oh no! A ferocious tiger! Oh, never mind...its a vegitarian."

Greg responds...

1. No. He's not psychic and so cannot control it psychically. It's been "pre-programmed" by Miss Martian to react to his transformations by retracting to collar form and vice versa. Beast Boy doesn't control it AT ALL.

2. I have no reason to think so. But he's a bright kid.

3. Not that we addressed his eating habits on the series one way or another, but you MUST see that writing this request in January of 2013 was pointless. We finished ALL production in October of 2012. We couldn't honor ANY requests after that, even if we were so inclined.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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Just a Nerd writes...

Crap. Meant to ask this in the last post. Whoops.

Did you ever consider putting Despero in YJ as the awesome, world-threatening chess fanatic?
Did I miss any chess refrences in Cornered? Because I didn't see any... But I don't know.

Greg responds...

I guess not.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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Just a Nerd writes...

You've previously stated that Kid Flash is a Harry Potter fan. But after his doing-everything-in-his-power-to-deny-magic bit in Denial, it seems strange that he would read a book about a teenaged wizard. And the quote that led to the HP fan question was in the same episode. I don't know. Something there just doesn't connect in this screwed-up brain of mine. Does he read it to laugh at the 'stupidity' of it? Or just for the entertainment value?

Thanks. Loving Invasion, by the way. Cornered was amazing.

Greg responds...

Kid Flash has/had nothing against the portrayal of magic as FICTION. That was his whole point. IT'S FICTION. He may not think STAR WARS literally happened either, but that doesn't mean he's not a fan.

I mean do you believe in everything YOU enjoy as fiction?

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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CGYJ writes...

Mr. Greg Weisman,

I don't know if anyone else asked this question before or not, but I didn't realize that I should've asked this question sooner.

After the real Roy was found in Tibet and after the events of "Satisfaction", did Clone Roy ever rejoined the Justice League and worked himself back into shape?

Thanks,
CGYJ

Greg responds...

He's getting back in shape, but officially he's still on a leave of absence from the League.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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Thomas writes...

What keeps the Justice League from arresting Lex Luthor or Queen Bee, who they definately know are light members from the team? And why haven't they gone public about the Light's description

Greg responds...

"description"? What does that mean?

Anyway, you need this little thing called EVIDENCE to arrest someone.

Heck, for Queen Bee you'd also need JURISDICTION.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

I hope we see more of Black Beetle. Boy he has to be one of the most badass villains I have ever seen. Great job! Despero seemed very reticent and not much of a personality but L-Ron was brilliant! I laughed. Loved him. Oh and that Megan and Conner relationship? Their drama just is getting annoying now. I can't even feel sorry for them. Poor Lagoon Boy.

Greg responds...

Um. Thanks?

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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guy writes...

red tornado was a member of the all star squadron?

Greg responds...

No. The All-Star Squadron was disbanded by the time Red Tornado was created.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Does G. Gordon Godfrey have any strong ideological problems with the Justice League or does he just rip on them for sensationalism?

Greg responds...

Neither. It's strategy.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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Gothic-Cowboy writes...

Mr. Weisman, in Cornered, why was Captain Atom so ineffective debating with the Reach Ambassador, and why was the UN Secretary-General so completely willing to believe whatever he was told by the Reach? I mean, the Reach kidnapped a number of young people from many different places, all of whom were probably reported missing to the authorities. They're obviously traumatized, and the experiments that they were subjected to clearly left measurable changes in their physiologies. When all of these missing kids suddenly show up, testify against the Reach, and begin demonstrating metahuman powers that they didn't have before, how does the Reach Ambassador manage to negate all of that by waving his hand and dismissing them as impressionable groupies? Also, were none of team able to get any records (visual, audio, etc.) of the rescue itself? Wouldn't they have wanted to acquire as much information as possible on that mission, both for careful analysis later and in order to reveal the hidden threat? It just seems to me that the League should have everything they need to prove the Reach's ill-intentions. Thank you.

Greg responds...

You've got some assumptions wrong.

Ninety-nine percent of the children that were abducted were runaways, kids that either wouldn't be missed or whose disappearances could be easily explained otherwise.

THEN most of those captives are dead. There's no one to testify to the experiments besides, Virgil, Tye, Asami, Eduardo and Nate. And Nate doesn't remember anything. And the point that the Ambassador was making is that the four who could testify could be shown to be biased in favor of the heroes.

In addition, Tseng knew (from personal experience) about alien abductions BY THE KROLOTEANS. So the Ambassador's claim that Captain Atom was confusing the two was certainly plausible. Even if it could be proved that the kids had powers (which wasn't yet obvious at the time of the U.N. meeting you're discussing), the blame could be shifted rather easily to the KNOWN abductors.

As for the rest of your comments, ultimately you're entitled to your opinion. But I'm satisfied with what we portrayed.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

What's your reason to change Virgil backstory ?

Greg responds...

To fit our continuity.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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Windona writes...

Hi Greg! I loved Cornered, and the character interactions were great. I especially loved the subtle character development of the scarab, seeing Billy Batson again, and Mal becoming Guardian (the haminess was perfect!) Combined with how slick and manipulative the Ambassador is, along with the reveal at the end... well, I cannot think about anything but next week's episode!

Now, on to my questions:

1) Does the scarab dissolve and reform Jaime's clothes like in the comics? I ask because his pants and hoodies he wears don't seem like they'd fit under the armor, but the Earth-16 version of the scarab has less capabilities than its Earth-1 version, so I could not be sure.

2) Why did you (you or you and your team) decide to change the name of the Negotiator to the Ambassador?

Greg responds...

1. His clothes are soft and smooshable. His armor is hard. They fit.

2. What was he negotiating?

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

1) is Marvin the closeted gay character that your not allowed to explicitly show as being homosexual?
1a) If so, does Wendy, his best friend know, even if he hasnt told her?
1b) If not, did he and Wendy ever date?
1c) Are both 1a and 1b true?

2) Are Marvin and Wendy still best friends?

3) Is he going to Ivy University with her?

An unrelated question:
4) Is Mercy an Amazon like she is in the comics?

Greg responds...

1. Why would I answer this? SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

1a. Obviously, since they're dating, Wendy doesn't think he's gay.

1b. Yes.

2. Yes.

3. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

4. No.

Response recorded on April 05, 2013

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J writes...

Speaking of Clark Kent...
In the comics there have been a number of explainations as to why the general public does not recognise Clark Kent without his glasses...do any of these aplly to Earth-16
1. Does Superman use his speed to blur his features?
2. Does he have unaturally blue eyes which are subdued by his glasses?
3. Is Clark Kent viewed as clumsy nerd, and a coward who runs away whenever there is trouble?

Greg responds...

1. Nope.

2. Uh... sure. I kinda like this one.

3. Clumsy nerd, yes. Coward, no. Not a hero, either, but not a coward. Just a human being, who SHOULD run if a giant alien is attacking Metropolis. But he's considered a fine reporter, who has taken some chances (human chances) to get his stories.

4. No super-hypnotism either.

Look, all you need to do is look at the original Christopher Reeve Superman movie, specifically at the scene where Clark considers telling Lois that he's Superman, and then chickens out. In that moment, I believed for the first time in my life that people could know both individuals and not make the connection. And keep in mind, there are VERY FEW PEOPLE who do know both individuals. Most know one or the other. And most people don't even think that Superman has a secret identity. They just think he's Superman from Krypton. So it wouldn't even occur to them to be trying to figure out who Superman really is.

Response recorded on April 04, 2013

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J writes...

Why is it so easy for the bad guys to manipulate the opinions of the general population of Earth-16?
I mean, if Superman existed in the real world, not many people would find it hard to believe that a multi-billiinair like Lex Luthor was really a scum-bag...thats the general consensus about most rich people anyway; even a philanthropist like Bruce Wayne would be looked at with suspission by many.
Would I be correct in assuming there is a general distrust of anyone in a mask (which I could understand, but that doesn't apply to a lot of heros like Superman, Wonder Woman, & Captian Marvel)?
Or should it just be chalked-up to "hey, these people are so unaware they dont even recognise Clark Kent without his glasses"?
Are they just REALLY gullable?

Greg responds...

I think manipulating the opinions of any large group is depressingly easy in the real world. So the notion that it's RELATIVELY easy on Earth-16 doesn't even vaguely trouble me.

Today's hero is tomorrow's goat. Today's scumbag is tomorrow's candidate for redemption. Today's truth is tomorrow's lie. Today's lie becomes tomorrow's truth. Etc. Etc. (And again, I'm talking about the real world here.)

In that context, what really bothers you about how we've depicted things?

Response recorded on April 04, 2013

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ASK GREG LIVE - Correcting the web

So, I still maintain that ASK GREG LIVE was a great success, but I've seen a few posts on the interwebs that... undercut that success a bit.

With the best intentions, I'm sure, people have attempted to relate what I said, and although they got a lot right, they also got a bunch of stuff wrong. They either misheard me or mistyped or related the information second-hand or whatever, but I'm going to try to set some of the misconceptions straight.

Myth #1: "Greg categorically stated that Wally West is dead and will never come back."

I did not. Surprisingly, I was not even asked this question and thus never responded to it at all. Now, let me be clear. I also have not stated categorically that Wally West is not dead will definitely come back. And I'm not going to do either. Let me illustrate why with an example:

You've seen memorial holograms for Jason Todd/Robin and Tula/Aquagirl. There are four potential scenarios for those two characters coming back:

Scenario A) Both are going to come back.

Scenario B) Jason is going to come back, but Tula is staying dead.

Scenario C) Tula is going to come back, but Jason is staying dead.

Scenario D) Both are staying dead.

Break it down like this, and it becomes clear why I won't answer any questions about either character in this regard. Assume, just as a hypothetical example, our plan was Scenario C. Then someone asks me about Jason. They say, the show is over; if he's really dead, why not tell us. This sounds logical (in the moment), so I state that Jason is staying dead. No harm, no foul. I've only confirmed something that the show itself already stated. No big deal. That is, until someone else asked me about Tula. I don't want to answer this one, of course, because I want her resurrection to be a surprise. But I also don't want to lie. So I go for my standard "SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT." But then someone realizes that I was willing to be clear about Jason, but not about Tula. Ipso facto, Tula must be coming back. And I've just spoiled my own show. Which, as I'm sure you know, I am quite LOATHE to do. Clear?

Myth #2: "Greg stated that they killed off Wally instead of Barry because Barry's death would be too telegraphed."

That's almost exactly the OPPOSITE of what I said. Rather, in response to comments I've seen that Wally's death was out of the blue, I said I found those comments to be ironic, because Brandon and I spent the whole season afraid we were telegraphing WALLY's death too much. We cut lines of dialogue from and about Wally because we thought it would send too obvious a signal that Wally was going to buy it at the end. (And this is NOT meant as a statement with regards to Myth #1 above. As far as Season Two is concerned, Wally is considered dead. What that may bode for the future, is something that I won't respond to for the reasons outlined above.)

We did - at the very beginning of the season's development - briefly consider taking out Barry instead of Wally. But we decided that Barry was too much of a minor character, and that his death would have no resonance for our audience, would exact no cost. I suppose, as some have argued, we could have spent the entire season bulking up Barry's part to make sure his end had resonance, but we didn't have either the screen time or, frankly, the desire to do that. Wally mattered to our audience. Even with relatively little screen time in Season Two, he MATTERED. And I think the proof that we made the correct choice is obvious in how it's torn fans apart over his demise. It hurts. It hurt us too. I still well up watching that scene - and I've seen it dozens of times by now. It is sad. It's supposed to be sad when a hero that we love dies. Given that, I don't have any regrets.

Myth #3: "Greg stated that Ocean-Master will have a huge roll in Young Justice: Legacy."

No, I didn't say anything of the sort. You guys have seen the villains who are participating in Legacy. You already KNOW he's not in there.

Myth #4: "Greg stated that Troia will have a huge roll in Legacy."

No, I did not. You already know the heroes participating in Legacy - except for the these-are-just-for-fun-and-don't-count-toward-the-canon-story characters. You already KNOW she's not participating in the story.

Myth #5: "Greg stated that Mary Batson is Lieutenant Marvel."

No, I did not. First off, I've never once mentioned anyone named Mary Batson. I have mentioned Mary Bromfield. But she is NOT Lieutenant Marvel. I did give a small spoiler about the Marvel Family at ASK GREG LIVE, but I'm going to leave it as a prize for those who attended in person.

Myth #6: "Greg stated that the plan from day one was to use Donna in Season One and Cassie in Season Two."

This is more of a half-truth. EARLY, early on, Donna was one of our leading candidates for Season One. This was before we had even narrowed things down very much. And BEFORE any true decisions were made, we were informed by our DC Liasons that both Wonder Girls were off-limits for legal reasons that were never explained to us. (So don't ask me.) So neither Wonder Girl was seriously considered. Then Geoff Johns came aboard and made both Wonder Girls available. Unfortunately, by that time, it was flat out too late to include Donna. So we decided we'd put Cassie in Season Two. And have Donna be one of the characters who joined and left the Team during the timeskip, and cameo her in Season Two. Unfortunately, for reasons reported fairly accurately from ASK GREG LIVE, we were unable to cameo either Troia or Mary at Rocket's bridal shower because there just wasn't time for Phil Bourassa to design FOUR new characters, i.e. the two girls in both their civilian and super-hero costumes. Had they appeared in "Satisfaction", then they would have also had cameos in "Endgame", since their designs would already have been completed. But since they didn't appear in the earlier episode, we weren't able to get them at all. This is a sadness to me. But there are realities of production that we're all subject to.

Myth #7: "Greg stated that rumors about DC wanting Wally killed off were 'complete horses#!t.'"

I NEVER used the term "Horses#!t" and never would. I clearly said "complete bulls#!t."


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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE, Chapters Sixteen - Nineteen

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE, Chapters Sixteen - Nineteen

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I'm updating you on my progress proofreading the proofs of the book. (Yes, it's ridiculous, but I did use the word 'shameless' now, didn't I?)

This is a painstaking process. I'm going through each chapter sentence by sentence, trying to be careful with each word, each punctuation point.

Tonight, I finished proofing Chapters Sixteen through Nineteen, which means I finished, since the book has nineteen chapters.

Here are all the changes I've indicated in these last four chapters:

P. 169
In third paragraph, remove comma after "right waist gunner".

P. 170
In second full paragraph, change "Belle's" to "Belles". All italics. Plural, not possessive.

P. 176
In sixth full paragraph, change "Belle's" to "Belle's", taking the italics off the "'s".

P. 181
In first paragraph, change "Sam" to Sam's".

P. 201
In chapter title, change "Bontemps Rouler" to "bontemps rouler".

Admit it. You're intrigued.


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Anonymous writes...

Hello Greg, I have a couple of questions.

1.As a creator and producer of Young Justice when it comes to the "looks" of the characters when they are going to be designed, do you take in consideration something like: "They most make the fangirls get a heart attack". Or they are just designed and see if they get fans by themselves (history, past, actitud, etc).
2.Righ now, the series it´s no over yet, we are all specting a Season 3, so most of our questions may be a Spoiler Request. But if theres no season 3, those question are gonna be answered or are gonna be let to speculation?
3.How those it feels to see all the reactions that a series you produce cause to the fandom? (Im sure it´s somehow funny)

Greg responds...

1. Well, this is probably a better question for Phil Bourassa and/or Brandon Vietti, but since it's kind or rhetorical anyway, I won't sweat it. Obviously, we wanted the characters to be attractive in their way, while still being as true as possible to what made them iconic in the first place.

2. ASKED AND ANSWERED.

3. It's a mix. I just saw a review that made me want to slit my throat. (Or maybe the reviewers'.) But on the other hand, we get a lot of great positive feedback that's very gratifying.

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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Eliza Thornberry writes...

Has my dad been an alien this entire time? Because, to be honest, that would explain some things...

Greg responds...

>Mind frying due to unwanted crossover imagery!<

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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Angie writes...

How does wonder woman still keep her immortal life? Does she live on paradise island

Greg responds...

I'm not clear what you mean by "immortal life"...?

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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Why was Wally denying magic so much in denial? writes...

Okay, I'm really sorry for asking you this old question from a old episode, but this kinda bugged me when re watching the series xD.

I realize Wally is a man of science, but considering Zatara, someone apart of the Justice League is a magic user, why didn't he believe in magic?

Greg responds...

I think he explained that effectively in the episode. I have nothing to add, except to contrast how he was feeling at the beginning with how he was feeling about it at the end - when (despite what he said aloud to cover) he had clearly had a change of heart about the whole thing.

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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IluvNW writes...

In the episode Cornered, it was April 1. You have previously mentioned that this was the day the Graysons died. A huge number of Grayson fans were hoping to see some anniversary-related footage. What made you decide not to show it/hint at it? In comic books, Batman/Nightwing take the anniversaries of their families' deaths very seriously and still show sadness about it. I get that you'll probably say that Dick mourned off screen/that there isn't time to show everything, but I'd like to ask if Wally or anyone else contacted him/comforted Dick. You'd be helping a lot of fangirls out by answering ;) Thanks for an amazing show.

Greg responds...

As you noted, there wasn't room to do justice to such a HUGE topic in the episode, so we decided to leave that to your imaginations.

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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Landon writes...

Hi, greg
Why did the reach chose to use young people such as teenagers for their experiments over the meta-gene?

Greg responds...

Couple reasons:

1. Runaways wouldn't be missed.

2. A certain biological elasticity that comes with not being fully grown yet.

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...

Dear Greg,
Took me a while to get to the newest episode of YJ, and again, wonderful job. Your Despero was certainly different from most versions I've seen, and I gotta say, I liked it. Also, I enjoyed L-Ron, Virgil displaying powers, and Mal becoming Guardian. However, my favorite part was Billy trying to fry Despero with the lightning and failing. I've seen that trick used everywhere since "Kingdom Come", and it's nice to see it not work on someone for a change. I'm also liking how The Reach are using all the League's secrets against them. I also like the implications that Conner & Megan might reconcile. Looking forward to the next episode!

Greg responds...

I don't think there was ANYTHING in "Cornered" to suggest reconciliation. Just knowledge that comes from them having been together for a long time and knowing each other very well.

But I'm glad you liked the episode.

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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Ellie writes...

I've been going over some questions and it seems to me that it can be really irritating answering them sometimes. So this isn't a question, just a huge thank you and I really enjoy all the effort that's been put into the show. I've never seen anything like it, it's amazing!
Thank you!

Greg responds...

Thank you!

(Which show?)

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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mbkerr writes...

I am writing an article about unproduced television spin-offs that found new life elsewhere, and Bad Guys was one of the first to come to mind. The website I'm pitching the article to requires that all source material be citable.

1. Is there any citable reference regarding Bad Guys, particularly when you were first planning it as a television spin-off and the plans fell through?

2. If not, are you able/willing to give an interview over the phone if requested?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Greg responds...

Well, you can start by looking at the ASK GREG archives under Bad Guys or the various Redemption categories:

http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/archives.php

If you still want a phone interview, you can contact the site administrator, Gorebash, and give him your contact information and your credentials, and he'll pass them onto me. And I'll try and figure out if you're legit. (Though the fact that you didn't even look at the archives before posting doesn't bode well, frankly.)

And of course, since it's been nearly three months since you posted this, the whole thing may be moot by now. So it's all up to you.

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Hey Greg,

Wally's current situation on the show -- sitting on the sidelines and only knowing about "the plan" because of Artemis -- pretty much sums up his existance on Young Justice in my opinion. He's really only ever relevant to the story through his relationship with Artemis, and none of the other characters on the show entire worth rests solely on another character. They've all had their own separate storylines/character arcs that was/is completely about them. Wally is the only exception. And it doesn't help that the show has made it pretty clear that Artemis would be better off without him, too.

I like the characterization of Wally quite a bit, but it just seems that he brings nothing of substance to the show. And it's even worse this season as he's contributed absolutely nothing, and has been replaced by the far more important and superior character in Bart.

So what is it about Wally's character that you guys don't find as interesting as you do the other members of the original team?

Greg responds...

Wow. I don't agree with ANY of your assessments. None of them. So, although you're entitled to your opinions, I can't answer your question, because the premise of it assumes I agree with you, and I don't.

What I will say, is that in Season Two, Wally was a supporting character, not a lead. Then again, the same was true of Superboy, who by your logic one could argue was only there as a foil to Miss Martian. I don't agree with that either, but I don't see why you're singling out Wally and not both of them.

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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Scarab writes...

why scarab not recognize Aqualad bomb as reach bomb, if it came from reach?

Greg responds...

How do you know he didn't?

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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megan 32 writes...

Thanks for this amazing series

young justice forever

Greg responds...

Thank you!

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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Superboy X2 writes...

Superboy And Megan Are Virgin ?

Greg responds...

Sigh. I'm really hoping that English is your second language, in which case, I know I should make allowances. (Cuz if it's not - and as a former English teacher - I find the sloppiness of this post truly annoying.)

Anyway, as of when?

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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Craig writes...

Hi Greg,

Just wondering which heroes, besides the Zatara's, have lived/fought crime in New York City from Team Year Zero until "present day" on Earth 16?

Thanks for your time, you rock!

Greg responds...

I haven't broken everything down by city.

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

How long was Conner & M'gaan's "talk"?
Did they have sex?

Greg responds...

1. You mean in minutes?

2. Are we talking about in "Cornered"? If so, then no. She was dating Lagoon Boy at the time. She wouldn't cheat on him.

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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J writes...

AQUAMAN Qs CONT...

Also, I'm not asking for any detailed spoilers or anything, but does AJ know any Atlantian magic?..I imagine with his parantage (father descended from the greatest sourcerers of the past & mother is the greatest of the present) he would show a prodigal talent for the art, even at 5 years old...

Greg responds...

Who's "AJ"?

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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J writes...

Yove mentioned before that the reason Aquaman doesn't have his "water-bolt" power is because he is not a sourcerer, and only Atlantian sourcerers have hard-water power...now in the comics, the only reason Aquaman can communicate with sealife is because he is a direct decendant of the most powerful Atlantian sourcerers...
My question is, how are these points reconciled on Earth-16? If his telepathy with sea-mamals is not the product of sourcery, why can only he do it (or am I assuming too much)?
And if it is the product of sourcery, even inately, wouldn't it be a simple task to learn such a minor technique as the "water-bolts"?

Greg responds...

You're assuming that there's some connection between telepathy and sorcery, and that's NOT something we've ever connected on Earth-16.

And nothing is SIMPLE when it comes to sorcery.

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

When he was younger, did Jaime Reyes ever take ballet classes? I found his stretching moves to be quite...graceful.

Greg responds...

Haven't thought about it.

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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EXALT writes...

1)How old is Tye Longshadow?
2)What is the name of Despero's race?
3)Have Despero and Draaga ever met?

Greg responds...

1. Tye is 16 at the start of Season Two.

2. I don't know.

3. Haven't thought about it.

Response recorded on April 03, 2013

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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Seven

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK TWO COUNTDOWN, Chapter Seven

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I've decided to countdown my progress on writing the SECOND book in the Rain franchise.

I just finished writing Chapter Seven. It's kind of sweet in its way, and represents an important - if subtle - turning point for Rain. Of course, now that I've posted about it - so much for subtle, right?

Man, I hate spoilers.


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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE, Chapters Thirteen - Fifteen

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE, Chapters Thirteen - Fifteen

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I'm updating you on my progress proofreading the proofs of the book. (Yes, it's ridiculous, but I did use the word 'shameless' now, didn't I?)

This is a painstaking process. I'm going through each chapter sentence by sentence, trying to be careful with each word, each punctuation point.

Tonight, I finished proofing Chapters Thirteen through Fifteen.
Here are all the changes I've indicated in these three chapters:

P. 146
In first paragraph, change "when you dad" to "when your dad".
Also in first paragraph, change "Sams' beaches" to "Sam's beaches".

P. 159
In the second full paragraph, change "a frightened squeal" to "frightened squeals".

Admit it. You're intrigued.


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Anonymous Writes writes...

Why the Justice League keep the Watchtower a Secret?

Greg responds...

Perhaps so that it doesn't get attacked...

Response recorded on April 02, 2013

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Boom writes...

r the descriptions on the Meet The Freshmen thing accurate?

Greg responds...

I don't know what you're referring to.

Response recorded on April 02, 2013

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Nobah D. writes...

get it? Nobah Dee=Nobody!

*cough* anyway, i was wondering what Black Lightning's civilian identity is. is it Jefferson Pierce? and also who the other 2 abductees that bc talked to but werent named. (the ones that werent Virgil or Tye. those 2.) and of the people who bc talked to in cornered, were any girls?

Greg responds...

Yes, Black Lightning is Jefferson Pierce.

By now, you should know the answer to the rest of your questions.

Response recorded on April 02, 2013

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Zatanna Fan writes...

Dear Greg,
1)Now that Zatanna is more skilled with magic, is she on the same level as her father Zatara?
2)In episode "Misplaced" Zatanna used a wand to locate Klarion. What it her wand or her fathers?

Greg responds...

1. I'm not too interested in quantifying things. She's more proficient now than she was five years ago.

2. That wand. <grrrrrrr> I don't know what the heck the deal was with that wand. Maybe it helped her focus or something. But she doesn't need it.

Response recorded on April 02, 2013

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guy writes...

the crimson avenger was a member of all star squadron

Greg responds...

Is this a question or a statement?

Response recorded on April 02, 2013

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dailyplanetintern writes...

Wow... just WOW!!!

"Cornered" was AMAZING! Like I always say just when I think that it's not possible for "Young Justice" to get any better it does.

It's just so unique how this series is entertaining for kids but at the same time has enough bite, substance, and intrigue to hook adults too. I know 30+ year-olds who get just or more excited for Saturday to roll around than I do.

I LOVED the full introduction of Virgil! I loved too the little allusion he made when he said "static shock". HaHAha. Can't wait to see more of him and Ty and the other abducties in the coming weeks. Arsenal too. I want to see him and Red Arrow to team up REALLY bad. ^_^.

I also liked seeing Black Lightning in action too.

I have to say that this season is the kind that I love to hate. When everything is crumbling down around the heroes. It's very deliciously frustrating.

I mean the Reach are good (bad)! They are slowly attempting to turn the public against the League, making it appear that they are so innocent. Though in this universe the public shouldn't be worried about the Watchtower unlike in "Justice League Unlimited" it isn't weaponized. And Godfrey is all: "Why are they in space?" My answer is well if you're attempting to help protect to world what better vantage point is there than space?"

I especially love to hate Godfrey. ^_~. I just keep wondering are you from Apokalips on Earth-16 or are you just a jerk?

Anyway this episode has me hungry for more! I can't wait for next week!

PS: I read in one of the answered questions that you had to write out Icon and Rocket in your recent "Young Justice" comic arc.

1. Why did you have to write those character out? I really enjoy them.

2. If you get a third season (hoping and wishing everyday) will that affect their appearance in the third season?

3. If you had to abstain from using them because they're Milestone characters (don't know what's going on there, nothing is clear on that, {if it has to do with the unfortunate and untimely death of Dwayne McDuffie or what} I've only read theories made by others but I haven't found any official information) would that affect the appearance of Icon, Rocket and Virgil/Static in a season three? Assuming that you would use them?

Greg responds...

1. ASKED AND ANSWERED. Though the short answer is, "I don't know. But I enjoyed them too."

2. No one ever even brought up the notion that we couldn't use them on the show.

3. See above.

Response recorded on April 02, 2013

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ThatGuy writes...

Why is superboy only a punching bag for a long time and seems to only hit opponents that cant fight back? Its very strange being how he is suppose to be a more powerful fighter.

Greg responds...

I'm not exactly sure what you're saying here.

Superboy, being the most powerful member of the Team, often takes on THE most powerful opponents. And, frankly, some of them flat-out outclass him. I don't think that makes him a punching bag. Though I do think he can take a punch that most of his Teammates cannot.

If what you're asking is, "Why didn't you make Superboy more powerful?" then I think I've basically answered that before. We did not want our heroes to be over-powered. I don't see what the fun is in that.

Response recorded on April 02, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

The meta-gene explanation that Black Canary gave in "Cornered" sounds very much like the DC Comics version of the X-gene which all mutants from Marvel Comics have. Is that where the inspiration for the term meta-gene comes from?

Greg responds...

To me, it sounds very much like the DC Comics version of DC Comics "meta-gene" from DC Comics.

Response recorded on April 02, 2013

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Illyana writes...

Hi Greg!

My questions are related to the Cave layout and refer to the Season One team/time period (especially given that now the Cave is no more - watching the Cave get destroyed in season 2 was truly tragic, by the way, though so beautifully executed).

During "Homefront", when Robin and Artemis are running from the Reds, they end up in what would appear to be the team's shower room. It's pretty huge, which leads me to wonder...

1) Is it a coed shower? (And if I'm mistaken and that wasn't the shower room, then IS there a coed shower room in the Cave?)

2) If so, do the boys and girls take turns (meaning the girls would shower and the boys would wait their turn, or vice versa)? Or are they all comfortable enough with each other that they just shower at the same time and are respectful enough not to stare?

3) If the boys and girls do shower simultaneously, do they wear swim attire (or something similar) when they do so?

I'm just genuinely interested in how you view this particular team dynamic. Growing up in a military family, I'm accustomed to different heads for each gender. However, after watching Battlestar Galactica (the newer series), I found it fascinating that the Galactica crew shared a coed shower room. And, from an economy standpoint, it would probably save a decent amount on space and resources. A very practical outlook, actually.

And I was just wondering what system the Team had in place for this sort of thing...

Anywho, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and I can't wait to watch more of the brilliance that is YJ:I unfold.

Greg responds...

1. No. There's a men's shower and a women's shower.

2. Get real. These are teens in their full hormonal glory.

3. That seems like an extremely ineffective way to get clean.

Response recorded on April 02, 2013

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Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

Before the Dawn-

Shorts-
Black Lightning- LOVED (Nice touch Thunder was texting Grace)Amethyst- Have been reading the new stories and know of the old ones. Clever concept, lovely Sailor Moon spoof included.

Show- (no questions, just observations)
1- The female Reach voice is so familiar...
2- The torture Aqualad must have went through for that tour - friends are being tortured because he put them there and he can't even show any emotional response.
3- Star City teens ...I'm still annoyed at all thoughtless Before the Dawn spoilers telling me to look for Stephanie and Virgil. I think of Stephanie as being Gotham to the core like the rest of the Bat family. I'm curious how she'll integrate. (I gotta review if Sissie was established in Star City when she appeared as a little girl.) But, blond hair, blue eye AND ~purple~ jacket and wry response in face of bad situation...that would be Steph. (I like she looked older than Tim - I could have sworn she was originally created a year older than Tim and somehow dropped a year to match him.)
4- Didn't the pods used to put people to sleep? I guess if this hasn't already been covered elsewhere it could be an actual question.
5- Cassie is observant- how do you know our friends are there? The tech reminds her of Blue Beetle. Nice.
6- M'gan wipes Aquadlad's mind- Wow... implications, shock, moment between M'gan and Artemas - all nicely played. Also, Beast Boy makes a scary big cat. (I can't tell if there is a bit of an homage to HeMan's battle cat or if that's what you're going to see when you see a giant angry green tiger.) And then there is the nice echo to last season and the training sequence started with M'gan losing it over Artemas's 'death'.

Thanks for letting us rabble
7- Bart/Jaime SPOILED. Come on guys 2 words, "spoiler alert", and hit enter a few times.
8- Black Beatle - scary guy. On the plus side Jamie gave Scarab full control and no evil monster came out of it. No evil, clears that worry. Beginning of good guy scarab?
9- Bab's & Dick - Noticed their Bat military precision. Also noticed the extra hand hold while they confirmed,
10- La'gon gets the heroic save of Jaime
11- On ship- Lagon is happily draped over catatonic M'gan, Garth covering, Conner watching.
12- And then the clever of Reach introducing themselves before being exposed.
13- GGG- Not wrong about coming through the front door, but none of the alien superheroes represent their home planet. The GL's are the closest.
14- If the Reach is inducing powers and that boy is Virgil, then this would seem to be the BANG. Then again, Steph doesn't traditionally have powers. I remember one of the old comics once indicated that Sissie's eyesight was on the edge of Meta. Though probably within the range of ARGHH!!! famous baseball player who could aim his bat at where he wanted it vis-à-vis the seams…La).
Overall very good indeed.

Greg responds...

1. That was Masasa Moyo channelling Eartha Kitt.

3. Keep in mind, those teens on the dock were not necessarily from Star City. That was a launching point to bring them to the Reach. They were all runaways, and they might have come from anywhere. Also Stephanie's not older than Tim, however, on our show. She's a couple years younger.

4. There's a setting that puts people to sleep, but it isn't automatic.

6. No He-Man homage attempted. (More of a Mr. Tawny homage in green.) But if you see it there, that's fine.

14. Keep in mind, Stephanie was rescued BEFORE she was experimented on. Virgil was not.

Response recorded on April 02, 2013

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SSM Fan writes...

A few SSM questions:
1. The titles: I think it was incredibly clever of you to come up with "theme" titles for each arc. How did you come up with it? And more importantly, how did you make each title's double meaning perfectly suit the plot of its respective episode?
2. Why did the Vulture dip his fingers in what looked to be smashed potatoes and smeared it on the wall in "Group Therapy"?
3. You said the Scorpion was slated to appear in season 3. Could you give us a taste of his involvement in the plot? Would he already be a super villain, or would he become on à la Sandman and Rhino?

You are a genius and it makes me sad you are not as appreciated as you should. Networks should fight over you and lock you to a 10 years contract per show. And it makes me sick how some crappy shows get renewed and milked forever and your shows get cancelled in their peak.

I really hope on day you can get to do movies or at least TV series.

A Big Fan.

Greg responds...

1. The theme of the entire series was "The Education of Peter Parker". And originally, the plan was to release a DVD movie version, every three or four episodes, that would include deleted scenes and that would play as one film. So every mini-arc had it's own title, such as "Biology 101". Then for the episodes, we'd look for a title that fit the "course work" but also the episode. Titles came from myself and/or the writers. It wasn't all that difficult. The English language is wonderfully flexible, with nearly every word containing multiple meanings or connotations.

2. Wasn't potatoes. It was a glow-in-the-dark solution to mark the escape route.

3. He'd have become one.

Response recorded on April 02, 2013

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LOVE AND CAPES

I should have posted this days ago, but I just want to strongly recommend Volume 4 of LOVE AND CAPES (subtitled "What to Expect") by Thomas F. Zahler.

I'm a huge fan of Thom's work, and this book is just great.

I wrote the introduction to the volume, so I won't repeat it here, but I will say that this saga of super-heroes and romance just keeps getting better and better. Other fans include Mark Waid and Kurt Busiek, two of the best writers in comics.

You should really check it out.


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Denver Comic Con

With WonderCon in my rearview mirror - and April Fool's Day over too - it's time to do a little promotion for my NEXT appearance, i.e. Denver Comic Con.

Here are some details:

DENVER COMIC CON
May 31 - June 2 - Colorado Convention Center - Denver, CO
www.denvercomiccon.com

Other guests include Stan Lee, Wil Wheaton, Felicia Day, George Takei and more! Tickets are on sale now!

If anyone wants to tweet and re-tweet about Denver Comic Con using the registered hashtags, that'd be great:
#DCC2013
#DenverComicCon
#DenverLovesComics

Or share the offical Denver Comic Con event page with other fans & friends:
https://www.facebook.com/events/261237947343786/

Let's help make DCC a great success!

And count on another ASK GREG LIVE event (or some equivalent) there, as well.


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RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE, Chapters Ten - Twelve

RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, BOOK ONE UPDATE, Chapters Ten - Twelve

In my on-going shameless attempt to maintain buzz about my new novel, RAIN OF THE GHOSTS, due out in stores and on-line on December 3rd, 2013 (but available for pre-order NOW on Amazon, etc.), I'm updating you on my progress proofreading the proofs of the book. (Yes, it's ridiculous, but I did use the word 'shameless' now, didn't I?)

This is a painstaking process. I'm going through each chapter sentence by sentence, trying to be careful with each word, each punctuation point.

Tonight, I finished proofing Chapters Ten through Twelve.

Here are all the changes I've indicated in these three chapters:

P. 102
In first partial paragraph, change "forties" to "fifties".

P. 103
In second full paragraph, add "own" to "At the picture in her own hand."
Also in second full paragraph, the entire end of the paragraph from "N.T.Z." on, should be in italics.

P. 109
In first partial paragraph, change "mother" to "mom".

P. 115
In fifth full paragraph, remove quotation marks around "icky-face."

P. 118
In first partial paragraph, added comma between "…air, and we…"

Admit it. You're intrigued.


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hmm... writes...

What were Zatanna's spells in cornered?

Greg responds...

Well, she had a fainting spell and a hunger spell and a chatty spell.

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Anon writes...

Dear Greg,

Let me just start by saying that I am a complete fan of Young Justice. I absolutely love it and I am a fan.

I saw that you answered a question in which someone asked if Artemis knows Nightwing's secret identity. And you answered that as of Season 2, she did.

So my questions are:

1. Why did Dick tell Artemis his secret identity? Or did she figure it out herself? Or even through Wally?
2. Who else knows? (I know you might not answer this one, but I might as well give it a try.)

Greg responds...

1. Artemis saw Dick naked in the Cave's communal shower. Later, that same day, she saw him naked in the Gotham Academy's communal shower, and thus was able to identify him by a telltale zit. Frankly, it's ironic that she had to see him naked twice to make that identification, since the zit was on his chin. But that's what happened.

2. Well, the audience knows. But as far as I can tell from Ask Greg, they're all named "Anonymous".

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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CGYJ writes...

Hello, Mr. Greg Weisman,

I have no important questions today, but I'd like to share my thoughts on "Cornered."

My thoughts about "Cornered":

A. Did Jaime Made The Right Decision? - It is becoming more and more unclear. Watching "Before the Dawn," I'd suspected that IF impulse had not been able to rescue Blue Beetle, it would have been the moment that Jaime was corrupted. Impulse, however stated he know NONE of the details that led to the corruption of the Scarab. Jaime now wants the Scarab off, but what if that led to the Scarab's eventual corruption should it attach to someone else? It makes one wonder…

B. Poor Miss Martian - It's a shame that Miss Martian's self-confidence seems to have shattered after the events of "Before The Dawn." I hope that she does get her head back in the game before the end of the season. However, that does leave some concern to her fate once the conflict with The Reach is resolved. Personally, I think either she'll get kicked off the Team, OR she'll probably live in a self-imposed exile without telling anyone where she goes…

C. Mal Duncan's Character Development - Becoming Guardian is an awesome move, and I'm looking forward to see more of him in action. In regards to his relationship with Bumblebee, I sense that it's only going to become more and more strained. I'm waiting to see if their strained relationship factors in any way to why the Reach Apocalypse possibly happened.

D. Gradual Fall From Grace - That's the best words to describe what I feel is happening to the Justice League right about now. For the Reach Apocalypse to somehow have happened in the future, one of the possible reasons would have to be the public's complete distrust of the Justice League, and then when the Reach turns their back on humanity, the public is going to have to regret what they did. I also think that the Justice League probably got killed when they actually do have to fight the Reach, but considering there has been very few key facts about the future that has been revealed, I suppose I shouldn't get my hopes up to find out if I'm right…

Thanks for taking the time to read my posting,
CGYJ

Greg responds...

A. SPOILER REQUEST. NO COMMENT.

B. Miss Martian was kicked off the Team because those guys just hate White Martians.

C. The Reach Apocalypse was a direct result of the closing of the Happy Harbor Bowling Alley. Without bowling, Earth just surrendered.

D. The Justice League still exists in the future that Bart came from. They simply changed their name to "The Reach League".

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Shade234 writes...

Hey Greg!I loved "Cornered"!
1.How old is Virgil Hawkins?
2.How old is Neutron/Nathaniel Tryon?
3.Why didn't Artemis with Kaldur just surrender to Beast Boy and M'gann? It would've been a good way to get them out of deep cover. After all, they'd found out who the Partner was.

Greg responds...

1. He's 75 if he's a day.

2. He's 75 if he's a day.

3. Because she's 75 if she's a day.

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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btgr writes...

My review and disappointments for YJI episode "Cornered":

Review:
I enjoyed the scenes with Captain Atom, Black Canary, Blue Beetle and Impulse. Captain Atom is most likely saying "Screw the Reach!" or "Nonsense!" inside his thoughts. I noticed Jaime Reyes is shirtless again in this episode!

Mal Duncan was funny in this episode and he resembles Steel/John Henry Irons from that terrible Shaquille O'Neal movie "Steel" while wearing that Guardian costume.

I don't trust that Wade Eiling. I still believe all the US Military soldiers who are working under his wing are dirty, corrupt, merciless, cold-blooded and bloodthirty terrorists in uniform, unless you can give evidence in the upcoming episodes.

And Miss Martian did indeed watered her uncle's plants after all. Oh and more hilarity from G. Gordon Godfrey and he's so obsessed with the Reach lately. Looking forward to True Colours.

My disappointments:
You win 10 points for introducing Static/Virgil Hawkins properly, but you lose 20 points for not introducing the other two unknown liberated abductees who were waiting in the corridor.

Greg responds...

In scenes that were cut for time, Wade sacrificed himself nobly in order to help Miss Martian get to Chicago in time to water her uncle's plants, so that the watering could all be done by the time Conner arrived, so that they could watch "Steel" on Netflix. Unfortunately, all this effort was for naught, as John Jones' Netflix subscription had run out while he was in space.

The good news is that Asami and Eduardo recovered from the amnesia they were experiencing during "Cornered" (which explains why they COULD NOT be introduced in the episode, since they didn't know their own names).

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Gallex writes...

I find it funny that much of the YJ fandom is now pairing Bart with Jamie romantically. What are your thoughts on it?

Greg responds...

Do you mean before or after their on-screen kiss in Endgame?

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

1. Alot of the times in the comics when conners becomes the lizard, he always changes back because there are still trances of the formula in his system. Did the gene clenser completely remove all the lizard dna from his body, so that this isnt the case?
2.If peter had taken the gene clenser when he still worn the symbiote, would it remove both it and his powers?
3. Why was marco selected for ocks experiment first?

Greg responds...

1. The gene cleanser did remove all the lizard DNA, but unfortunately, the sample was contaminated with N'Kai DNA, so expect to see Conners transform into a Moai shortly. (How's that for obscure?!)

2. No, he'd need to go to a dry cleaner for that.

3. He wasn't. The first person selected was the Archmage. It turned him into a beach, until he used the Phoenix Gate to travel to Endor.

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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anonymous writes...

Will we see Superboy with a different hairstyle in the series? I know, weird question, but I just love his hairstyle in Teen Titans (which is post pretty similar to Red Arrow's) and New 52 (reminds me a bit of Louis Tomlinson???)
Also, kudos for such an awesome show to the whole cast and crew!!!

Greg responds...

We will see Louis Tomlinson with a new hairstyle. A very large afro or maybe a mohawk.

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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J writes...

At what point in the Leauge's history did they fight Starro?
Is that when Snapper first met the Leauge on Earth-16?
Is Starro still alive inside of the block of ice?

Greg responds...

Snapper stood alone against Starro, with nothing to help him except his college beer refrigerator.

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Reiena Grayson writes...

Alright, I searched the archives, and couldn't find my question.

I was thinking about Aquaman and some of his weaknesses, and this one I don't believe was ever mentioned. The whole one hour away from water thing, is it valid on Earth 16. It's just one thing that came to mind.

So, I can't wait for the first part of season 2 to hit DVD on the 22nd, and then Young Justice Legacy is out next month. These next two months are going to be so crash.

Greg responds...

On Earth-16, Aquaman can't be out of the water for longer than 30 minutes and 30 seconds. I mean, take any episode of the series. Start the clock and don't turn it off until the episode is over. You'll see he NEVER stays out of the water longer than 30 minutes - including commercials!!!

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

If Match was indicated to be the FIRST clone of Superman on Young Justice, and IF he is able to age (unlike Superboy), wouldn't that technically mean that he'd eventually be renamed as Bizarro, and then Match and Bizarro would be one and the same individual on Earth-16?

Greg responds...

Match went to one high school dance before he was frozen. There he met a clone of Lana Lang. They had a baby. That baby became Bizarro. However, Bizarro was recently offered a job on My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, so he changed his name to Comet, the Wonder Horse.

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Thank you for taking our questions Greg. I think you contributed to some of the best cartoons of my time (Gargoyles, Spectacular Spiderman, & Young Justice). With the cancellation of Spectacular and DC Nation's sudden hiatus back in Oct. you have a bit of the Peter Parker luck. Know if I had a truck load of money I'd fund one of your shows for at least 4 seasons. Alas I don't but that brings me to my questions:

1. As of this writing, Young Justice has not been renewed for season 3. Should you get the renewal, how long would the production of a new season take?

2a. If you do get renewal, does that lead to a bigger production budget?

2b. With a bigger budget, does it allow you to do things that you wanted to do but just couldn't afford (more voice actors, etc)?

Greg responds...

1. I think we could have new episodes on the air in about three weeks. Although I'd feel more comfortable if we had an entire month to give the animators more time.

2a. Hmmm. Let me think on this one. Is our budget bigger with or without a renewal? Hmmm. I'm going to say that Warner Brothers would give us a bigger budget to not make the show. Yes. That sounds right.

2b. A bigger budget usually gets in the way of creative choice. With more money, we're all way more tempted to pocket some of those dollars. And those kickbacks create shortages that mean we have less freedom to add actors, etc.

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Tyler Chun writes...

Hi Greg, as a big fan of your work, Id love to hear your opinions on certain films I love:
-Terminator 2
-Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula
-Fight Club
-Silence of the Lambs
-The Shawshank Redemption

Hope to hear from you soon and thank you

Greg responds...

Terminator 2 - Best movie ever!!

Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula - Did not once induce uncomfortable snickers!

Fight Club - I've seen it!!

Silence of the Lambs - Did not care for the lambs.

The Shawshank Redemption - Was that the one with Dingo, Matrix, Yama and Fang?

Of course, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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J writes...

Since the Hawks' wings are real, are they still mamillian or are they primarily avian, or a mix of both?
If they are a mix, how much mamillian-to-avian would you say they are? 50\50? 70\30?
If the Hawks were to have a child, would Shayara give live birth or lay an egg?

Greg responds...

1. They're gargates.

2. As a professional biologist, myself, I can say with tremendous certainty that they are 20% Thanagarian, 15% Mammal, 84% avian, 11% Kryptonian and the remaining 4% is a mix of Latverian and Rhelasian.

3. Katar lays the eggs, of course.

Anyway, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

1. Was the death of Marie Logan at the hands of Queen Bee is what prompted Miss Martian to use her powers in a more violent manner?

2. Before she realized she abused the use of her powers in "Before the Dawn," was Miss Martian considering ever using her more violent methods against Queen Bee (as payback/revenge for Marie Logan's death) if they were to ever meet again?

3. Beast Boy's designation as B19 means he joined The Team sometime in 2014, correct? Would that also possibly mean that Marie Logan was tragically killed during that same year?

Greg responds...

1. No. Miss Martian is the one who died. The real Marie Logan received a blood transfusion from Miss Martian three days before the incident. In order to protect herself and her son, Marie - once recovered - allowed the world to think that she was dead and took over the Miss Martian identity, having gained shape-shifting and telepathic powers from the transfusion. The violence was Marie's, who blamed villainy in general for the death of the girl she had come to regard as a daughter.

2. Again, the premise of your question is incorrect, so it's impossible to answer.

3. I think you mean 1814, right?

Anyway, I would have thought all this was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Flaming C or Superman?

Greg responds...

Uh huh. I mean, neither. I mean, both. Or, uh, what's the question again.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Chris Lahm writes...

Who is taller, Superboy or Lagoon Boy? Or there the same height.

Greg responds...

Superboy is taller on land by about fifty feet - especially when leaping. But in the water, Lagoon Boy is taller due to the pressure. (When he's underwater, Superboy is reminded of being in a pod, which causes emotional pressure. So he slouches a lot.)

I would have thought that was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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jS-2814 writes...

As the comic #20 shows Artemis at least knows to Nightwing is- so have they laughed about the picture yet?

Greg responds...

I think my spellcheck has gone haywire. Oh, wait, no. It's YOURS.

Anyway, it's unfortunate, but all of Dick Grayson's digital photos were erased during the E.M.P. that Artemis set off in "Homefront". Plus, fans forbid us from allowing Dick to laugh anymore in Season Two. We received death threats.

I would have thought that was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

So, weird question: in Homefront what kind of... Whatever was used to hold Superboy and Kid Flash? It kinda looked like ice, but ice is usually clear, and that seemed opaque. And if it was ice, then how come Superboy didn't just busy out? Ice is brittle. It shatters easily.
I don't know. Maybe it was metal that Red Inferno melted and then Red Torpedo cooled again so it stopped them quick, but they didn't show burns... please explain this.

Greg responds...

It wasn't ice. It was flubber.

I would have thought that was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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J writes...

Back when the Superboy clone was first introduced into the DCU, he was given a pair of "specs" by Prof. Emil Hamilton that granted him X-ray, telescopic, microscopic, & heat vision powers...would the Superboy of Earth-16 ever consider useing that kind of technology (if it were available)?
Or did he learn his lesson bout augmenting his powers after the patches?
Would this violate his "no tights" policy in some way?

I'm not asking, or even hoping that he will use the "specs", just asking if he would if given the oppirtunity.

Greg responds...

Professor Hamilton gave Superboy contact lenses that grant him all those powers. In fact, he gave Lucas Carr the same lenses.

I would have thought that was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013

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Anonymous writes...

Greg, how can Wally suit up as Kid Flash, without being asked, in "BLOODLINES" claiming he did it because "it was an emergency and I was needed", and then justify sitting on the sidelines while almost everyone he cares about is risking their lives to stop the Light and an alien invasion?

I get that Wally was only included in "BLOODLINES" due to wanting to get all of the Flash family on the show at once as there was absolutely no other reason for him to be in that episode (he did nothing but get mocked), but it makes his inaction at the moment harder to understand and defend. I mean, Dick and Conner almost got killed and his own cousin got captured in "DARKEST", and yet Wally isn't doing anything to help out. Does he simply just not care about anything anymore besides Artemis?

Greg responds...

During the events you mention, Wally was in jail in the distant future, having been accidentally mistaken for Professor Zoom by Booster Gold. (It's the yellow costume, you see?)

I would have thought that was obvious from watching the show. I mean, dude, note the timestamp.

Response recorded on April 01, 2013