QueerGuy writes...

Big fan of your work. Not really a question, but I felt the need to clarify after seeing your response to another question regarding queer-baiting.

In your response, you (respectfully) provide some push-back against the concept, while expressing a willingness to learn more. I had a few quick responses to your comments I wanted to share.

You talk about some of the examples given in the Wikipedia entry for queer-baiting to be unfair, citing Sherlock Holmes and John Watson as an example. To be clear, in both the Wikipedia article and in popular usage of this example, people refer to Holmes and Watson as they are depicted in the BBC series, "Sherlock", and not (necessarily) in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories or other adaptations.

Queer-baiting refers to creators of media actively misleading a fan-base with hints or indications of "queerness" without any intent of follow-through. NOT -- as you indicated in your prior comment -- a fan-base misinterpreting close same-sex friendships and sexual. "Sherlock" (the BBC series) is a famous example of queer-baiting, as the series very often hints at homoerotic attraction between the two leads in the series' writing, the performances of the lead actors, and in the ways that other characters in series refer to their relationship. I won't go into specific details and examples from the series, but if you are interested in examples there are scores of them documented and easily locateable on the internet.

The key aspect of queer-baiting is the attempt to take advantage of queer fans by providing the bare minimum of queer(ish) interactions, without ever following through for fear of alienating a non-queer audience. This is very different from both presenting close same-sex friendships without any romantic or sexual relationship developing between the two characters, and the presentation of queer characters without the ability to actively show examples of their queerness due to external factors, such as network interference (such as Lexington in "Gargoyles" or Korra in "The Legend of Korra"). These are non-malicious and do not seek to mislead a queer audience.

To be clear, I don't think you have been guilty of queer-baiting in any of your work. I simply wanted to clarify the concept a bit more so that you can hopefully understand where the concern of the initial comment came from. Looking forward to "Young Justice" season three!

Coolest Aunt Ever? writes...

Hello Greg,

I wanted to thank you for defending the very real LGBT+ fans of pop culture & comics. My niece is one of those; I’ve always known she was on the spectrum and recently she came out. She loves action cartoons with prominent female characters (a rarity still do this day) and she loves watching those with me. Now she is too young for twitter but you better believe that I’m there searching high and low for children’s media where she can finally see herself represented. I really hope your show can provide that for her and viewers dying to see themselves in their heroes in more than just lip-service. My searches in twitter only ever brought promised LGBT+ representation leading to the usual bare-boned minimum. I wouldn’t mind so much, after all those shows are not about romantic development and characters don’t need relationships to be interesting or have enriched stories. Then I see the disproportion; it’s not fair when almost all the non-LGBT+ characters in said shows get to have tender moments, explicit development and definitive romantic intimacy. It’s harsh to tell a whole group of people that their feelings are problematic to explore yet it’s perfectly “natural” for another group. I’m not sure about DC’s protocol but I doubt you would settle for them telling you that the only way you can have a POC character is if you make sure their costume covers any indication of skin-tone and/or facial features and that their superhero name in no way draws attention to their ethnic background… also never remove the costume or use their real name. So please tell me that you will give your LGBT+ audience the same importance in the fight for diverse visibility in your non-adult media; please allow my niece to see herself reflected with the same fleshed-out, emotional connections that straight kids have the privilege of experiencing everywhere.

P.S. I’m not asking for spoilers, just no false promises to young viewers. Thanks again for defending your fans and their humanity!

John B writes...

In the season 3 of Young Justice trailer I noticed Static does not have a mask on. What happened to his secret identity? That's an important part of his character

Mr_Oof2000 writes...

1. What is your favorite episode so far from season three?
2. What episode from season three do you think fans will enjoy the most?

mastermarvel1080 writes...

Oliver has tried to improve his relationship with Arsenal?

Fred Flinstone writes...

Good day, Sir.

This is more of a question regarding your policy than one regarding your shows. Your policy regarding not spoiling the details regarding future seasons/episodes of your shows is well documented. But I'm wondering whether or not you feel a freedom to discuss details that haven't yet been depicted on-screen but that have already transpired in-universe and that you likely won't revisit. For example, in between Young Justice Seasons 1-2, there was a substantial time gap in which plenty of untold (to viewers) story unfolded. Viewers got a hint regarding some of what happened, and some more was explicitly stated. But do you feel a freedom to--if asked--go into detail regarding events that occurred during that period but that will clearly never be depicted on-screen or even in the comics (especially considering that Young Justice season 3 looks like it'll occur after yet another time gap)? Do those details count as 'spoilers,' considering that they won't be relevant to future episodes and will likely never be depicted in future seasons?

As always, glad to see the Young Justice comeback and hoping for a season four too.

Mahir writes...

Hi, Greg! I'm so glad YJ is coming back for a Season 3 (Outsiders) I'm just wondering one thing, as of S2, are the Injustice League active (or still a thing) as no mention of them were in Season 2?

Ellie writes...

Hi Greg! First of all, congrats on Season 3! I'm hyped beyond imagination. Full honesty, I've kind of arrived to this party very very late since I literally binge-watched the entire show for the first time only last month. I know, I know, like "Hello, self! Why not watch it before?"

Anyway, the absolute thing I adore the most (you probs get this one a lot) is Wally and Artemis' pairing. They work so well with each other and they are the purest things in my life. This show has brought a huge smile to my face during one of my hardest times, and I am beyond grateful to you and all the YJ team for this. My gushing aside, I really wish we'd gotten to see more of their relationship before what happened in the finale with him, and to me, the simple thought that while everyone else in the team grew over the time skip from seasons 1 to 2, they grew together. I have literally no words for how much I adore them. Fine, here comes the questions:

1. Is there anything, any little teeny tiny breadcrumbs of their relationship that you guys developed in regards of their relationship that weren't shown onscreen? i.e why they decided to get Brucely, something, anything please humor me on this one.

2. What are your opinions on them as a couple? Did you and the writers prepare it beforehand or did it just 'happen' as you went along?

3. Did you guys at the studio use Dick's made up words (like aster, traught, whelmed, etc)? Because I do, and I'm pretty sure the rest of the fandom does as well.

4. What is the thing you as a creator missed the most about writing this show?

Bye! And again, thank you so much, Mr. Weissman. For everything. Really. <3

YoungJustice4evs writes...

Why are Nightwings eyes so dark in Young Justice Outsiders? I literally thought they were black at first...doesnt fit continuity with his eyes being lighter when he was shown w/o a mask as robin in the first season. Just wondering bc I think thats what threw me off when I first saw him in the trailer for he looked a little wierd to me

Anonymous writes...

Hey Mr. Weisman,

Just saw the trailer for Young Justice: Outsiders and I thought it was awesome. However, is it just my imagination, or does it appear like the artwork style for the new season seem to somewhat resemble the artwork style from the films of the DC Animated Movie Universe more closely in comparison to the previous two seasons of Young Justice...?

Darksuperboy writes...

Hi Mr Weisman firstly thank you for doing all these q&as for your fans on this site. it shows you really care and I for one am very glad you do it.

Here are my questions

1a) without saying who or what. have you seen heard or read any fan speculation that have got the up coming Outsiders season right. 1b) if so could you give us a fraction. 1c) how to you feel when you see someone make an accurate depiction of a season/episode yet to come out?

2)why do ship designs from Star Trek keep showing up in the series and tie in comics (Cornered episode Face your fears comic tie in)

thank you for you time regards and utmost respect from
Darksuperboy

p.s I did search the 17 entries for tie in questions for this answer but I might of missed it in the 19,000 invasion entries so sorry if you've answered this already.

tom writes...

why was young justice push back to 2019

Vievin writes...

Hello Greg! (And Greg's moderator team!) I love Young Justice and I'm so happy for Season 3. My favourite character by far is Bart Allen aka Impulse aka Kid Flash II, and I'm absolutely elated that he's looking to be a major character in Season 3. That being said, there's not much to know about him, so I decided to ask you about him and the show in general.

1. I read in an earlier response that the Garricks enrolled him to school when he moved in with them. How much formal education had he received before he came to the past?

2. I actually loved the character so much that I read the Impulse comics from 1998 and I noticed that his Impulse costume is slightly different in the cartoon, this sorta arrowed line thing instead of a lightning bolt thing. His hair is also much shorter. Is there any reason behind the change?

3. With Wally's death, was his designation in the Zeta computer deleted or disabled in any way? Especially since his hero handle is now being used by Bart.

4. Speaking of Zeta designations, in season 1 Speedy/Red Arrow just ordered the computer to "update" his designation. Is it really that easy to change your designation, or was he just making a point and had to later update it officially?

5. Secret aka Greta Hayes was a main member of the comic version of Young Justice, but in the cartoon, she's just a one-episode wonder. Is there any reason behind the change?

I'm glad you're doing such wonderful work with Young Justice and I'm looking forward to season 3.

Marvelman writes...

1) Was the decision to have season 3 feature the Outsiders solely yours and Brandon's decision? Or, did your bosses give you a mandate?

2) Did management give you any kind of mandate about anything in season 3 or were and Brandon given carte blanche?

3) Are you allowed to talk about this? Or, would this be covered by a non-disclosure agreement?

Gia writes...

Congrats on Young Justice being continued. Always great if fans fighting for the favorite shows succeed.
I really liked Rain of the Ghosts and Spirits of Ash and Foam. Will you write Masque of Bones now things are going well again? The book series is as good as Gargoyles was both in quality, imagination and depth of characters and story arc... books so brillant should be continued. PLEASE!

Marvelman writes...

Does Black Lightning's prominence in Outsiders have anything to do with you or your bosses wanting to create some synergy with WB's Black Lightning series? Or, was it part of your plan all along to make BL an important player in season 3? Is the fact that there is now a live action Black Lightning series just a coincidence?

Marvelman writes...

Does the Light really believe it can play Darkseid the way they played the Reach? The very thought brings a smile to my face.

Anonymous writes...

Hi Mr. Weisman,

Saw the promotional poster for Young Justice: Outsiders, but I'm surprised the poster did not have the logo on it...

Let's talk Hawkgirl writes...

Hey, Greg I'm really excited about Young Justice: Outsiders. I loved the first two seasons and I'm a big fan of Hawkwoman. I would love for her to get more development in this season. My question is: What made you choose to put Shayera Thal as the Hawkwoman in your series and not the popular Shayera Hol? Have a nice day!

Marvelman writes...

Hi Greg. I'm going to ask for a spoiler only because it is a spoiler you have already given us.

Years ago, you said that a villain from the YJ:Legacy would play a role in season 3 - if it ever happened. Is that still the case? (I'm guessing you were referring to Tiamat as she is the only villain specific to Legacy.)

Also, is the general plan you had for season 3 the same as it was when you completed season 2? I guess you'll be able to talk more freely about this after Outsiders has aired.

Marvelman writes...

I always imagined Wally and Jade liking each other for some reason, and then it hit me: Jade is like a darker, nastier, sultrier version of Artemis. So, my questions are:

1) Do Wally and Jade like each other?

2) Was it your intention to have the two sisters mirror each others personalities to some extent? Or, am I imposing my own interpretation after the fact?

Dylan writes...

Hi there Greg in regards to Young Justice, since the cancellation in 2013 and the revival now, have major ideas changed since then? Anything that would be considered a spoiler that you've decided against/change it?

dude writes...

Hope this isn't complicating, but I wanted to ask: So Red Tornado was building an android for himself "to party" as Rocket puts it. We get glimpses of other androids like the one for Secretary Tseng. Is there a reason Red's androids look much more,,,unrealistic? I'm probably just picking at random irrelevant details, but I just noticed that the other androids seen always look real.

roni writes...

hey greg! gotta ask:

1. How have you been? :)
2. So, what's your opinion on Voltron: Legendary Defender, the one currently airing on Netflix made by Dreamworks? Have you watched it, or worked with anyone who has also worked on it?
3. I wish you knew how excited I am for YJS3, because can't explain in words. :')))
hope you have a good day!

KarrinBlue writes...

Hi Greg, I was looking back through the material released from SDCC last year (or, from 2017 - who knows if this'll make it through the queue before 2019!) and I noticed that, while the male characters in the promo images have a wide variety of body types and face structures, but the female characters still have the exact same hourglass figure, and pretty similar faces - small pointed chin, upturned nose, clearly wearing makeup. I really think you should be working on having female designs that are as varied as your male ones - if you put Wonder Girl and Arrowette in identical hoodies with their hair hidden, I'm not sure anyone would be able to tell which was which. Why not have female heroes who are built like real-life Olympic weightlifters, with bigger, broader bodies?

I still enjoy the show very much, but looking at what's out so far - I think that you can do better.