Phoenician writes...

I'm continuing my three-year anniversary reactions/reviews/ramble for the latest line of comics from Dynamite Entertainment. Unlike last issue, I had no substantial contemporary posts, but I fondly remember the discussions that we had in the Comment Room.

It'll no doubt be some time when you finally read this, so for perspective, it's been about a week since the second issue of the Gargoyles Meets Darkwing Duck crossover his shelves. They are definitely a riot. You and Tad Stones are clearly having fun and I look forward to (hopefully) next month's issue!

As usual, there will be spoilers specific to this issue, but I'll be vague about new thoughts as they relate to future issues. Just in case.

David Nakayama signs his covers 'D.NA' with a little double-helix, and that's incredibly appropriate given the main story for this issue, lol.

Fox sizzling green eyes was a nice surprise follow-up to "The Gathering" Part Two. But now that we've had the Demona: Better Angels miniseries, I'm wondering just how much of Fox's heritage played a role in "Eye of the Beholder".

Xanatos, as usual, is emotionally unfazed by Talon's fury. That said, and maybe its because I have niblings now, but I can't help but consider just how nuts it is for Talon (and Goliath back in "Awakening: Part Five") to just grab Xanatos by the neck or dress-shirt -- i.e., no support that I'm constantly worried about when I pick up my tiny nieces and nephew -- and how he's not the slightest bit uncomfortable as a result. In the physical sense, that is.

I also appreciate the second follow-up from "The Gathering" Part Two: Filling Elisa in about Xanatos's sincerity thanks to his interaction with Oberon.

These last three issues had the duty of providing the occasional heavy lifting for those that might not have seen the show since its original run, but I really do love how there's still time to also re-establish the threads that were left unfollowed from the end of season two and throughout the SLG run. In addition to the follow-ups I've already mentioned, there's now the Manhattan Clan learning about who runs Nightstone Unlimited, and the uncertainty of just who runs it theses days. Demona was clearly hanging out there in "Hunter's Moon", but Thailog was there during the "Invitation Only"/"Masque"/"Bash" Halloween story (not to mention the issues that follow). Still, appreciated seeds here for eventually those opening issues of the Quest arc.

The interaction between Coldfire and Xanatos is a dynamic I'm glad we have now. In addition to what Coldstone and she had to deal with post-"Reawakening", not to mention the uneasiness the members of the Manhattan Clan have with Xanatos as his current tenants at the Eyrie Building, I'm wondering if Coldfire's 'seem very generous you seek to exploit' comment also refers to Coldsteel's involvement during the Stone of Destiny arc back in November 1996.

One only needs to look through the archives to see that the highlight from the original reactions and reviews for this issue in the Comment Room was Brainiac's genetic breakdown about just how plausible it would be that Maggie and Talon's baby would be (as Oberon would phrase it) "regrettably human". A clear distinction, as it were, between mutating the somatic cell line of DNA and the germ/reproductive line of DNA. All in all, it's a really insightful primer that piques my curiosity to not only ponder but read more into a subject I'm not as versed in and also a post that proves my pride for this fandom is justified.

But post-Quest, what is most chilling now is Thailog's reaction to the news of that Michael Peter Maza is, evidently, mundane. Just how far would he have gone to keep possession of the kid if Michael Peter (pun intended) shocked anyone with his powers?

Moving on to our seeds/build-up for the next big arc . . . I'm curious what Dane and the rest of the Five Families did decide that night (but I'm not really asking for a hypothetical -- Dino winds up surprising everyone with his initial, and more subtle, line of attack. At least for a few issues).

Back at the Labyrinth, and I forgot that it was Broadway that fills Shari in. Her dynamic with Thailog remains intriguing, considering the huge difference in rank they have. I'm also curious if post-World Tour if Diane and Peter have met the full Manhattan Clan yet. Erin and Benny make an appearance again, and Erin's namesake also enjoys another "Doggie" Easter Egg with Alexander Fox.

I love Michael Peter's drool. Mary's "Aren't they all?" to Dr. Sato's "Miracle Child" comment instantly brought me back to Jeffrey Robbins response to Hudson's "Magic Book" comment in "A Lighthouse in the Sea of Time". Now, it doesn't top "Beat up a Beach" for me as a line, but I do look forward to seeing that retort pop up organically once more in a future story. It's a nice compliment to the "All things are True; few things are accurate" sentimentality this universe has established.

Until next time! :D

Anonymous writes...

Mr. Greg Weisman,

If, by some miracle, you are somehow able to successfully negotiate with James Gunn and DC Studios to bring back "Young Justice" for Season 5 and beyond, do you think they'll let you be able to maintain that universe's designation as "Earth-16" within their DCU multiverse?

DSam writes...

Greg, who do we need to talk to to get Young Justice season 5? Let's make it happen. Please.

Zachary Marquez writes...

What are your thoughts on fans wanting Demona to have a redemption arc in a possible revival a la X-Men '97?

Jacob Clifford writes...

What is 1-MPS????

Eric Miller writes...

Dear Mr. Weisman, you've been a influential figure in animation and the fantasy and sci-fi genres and superhero sub-genre, in general. In a previous question asked, you said you're a sucker for romance, but in my opinion, not all romance works out. Art can imitate life and minus the temporary break up between Elisa and Goliath in the Gargoyles follow up comics years ago, and the heartbreak suffered by Peter in Spectacular Spider-Man three times over, I have to ask about Young Justice. Following the timeline of Earth-16, the Young Justice universe has seen Dick have short-lived romances with Zatanna and Barbara, Cassie break up with Tim, Perdita break up with Garfield, Violet break up with Brion, and Connor temporarily break up with M'gann. Following the third season of it, Black Canary separated from Green Arrow due to his part in Batman Inc. But, in the Targets follow up comic series to season 4, they're back together. My question is besides dating, flings, and renewed relationships-which are possible in real life-could we ever see a definite break up from Green Arrow and Black Canary in the future-whether from renewed TV show or comic continuation-based off their on again/off again history and Oliver's arrogant personality? I ask because definite break ups are a part of real life, too. Sorry about the same ask. I had to word it differently a second time.

Eric Miller writes...

Dear Mr. Weisman, you've been a influential figure in animation and the fantasy and sci-fi genres and superhero sub-genre, in general. In a previous question asked, you said you're a sucker for romance, but in my opinion, not all romance works out. Art can imitate life and minus the temporary break up between Elisa and Goliath in the Gargoyles follow up comics years ago, and the heartbreak suffered by Peter in Spectacular Spider-Man three times over, I have to ask about Young Justice. Following the timeline of Earth-16, the Young Justice universe has seen Dick have short-lived romances with Zatanna and Barbara, Cassie break up with Tim, Perdita break up with Garfield, Violet break up with Brion, and Connor temporarily break up with M'gann. Following the third season of it, Black Canary separated from Green Arrow due to his part in Batman Inc. But, in the Targets follow up comic series to season 4, they're back together. My question is besides dating, flings, and renewed relationships-which are possible in real life-are we ever going to see a definite break up from Green Arrow and Black Canary in the future-whether from renewed TV show or comic continuation-based off their on again/off again history and Oliver's arrogant personality? I ask because definite break ups are a part of real life, too.

Eddie Frangos writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman,
I would like to ask you a quick question about gargoyles I'm not asking for spoilers. I would just like to know if maybe one day we could maybe see some of the clans that were not seen in the series. I was hoping maybe we could see a different types of gargoyles from around the world. Such as those from mainland Europe, parts of mainland Asia you said that there were gargle in North America at one time before the Manhattan clan. And maybe Africa. I like to think that maybe some of these different clans may be fled to new Olympus when people start hunting the gargoyles so maybe. Some of them have characteristics from clans as far as Great Britain or Asia along with some of their gargoyle beast. It would be a shame of all these types of gargoyle ethnicities went extinct. However, that’s your story to make not mind. I look forward to your next project and thanks again for producing an amazing series.

Firefly1 writes...

In Young Justice Season 2 Bloodlines did James Arnold Taylor play the Central City Police Captain?

Anonymous writes...

Do you and others look at fanwork on Fanon wikis?

corgisharks writes...

hi! How are you doing? I hope really well :D

1. I will be turning 20 this year - but well seeing how many questions you have unanswered, this probably won’t be seen or answered til 2029-2030? So by thenI’ll be in my mid 20s - do you have any advice for my 20s or even just life advice? Something that you live by or wished someone had told you or wished you knew sooner.
2. In terms of young Justice, who was your favorite to write for? Or had the most fun writing for?
3. Anyone you struggled writing for? That you didn’t feel satisfied with (at the time)?
4. how are you doing these days? I hope by this point in time, a season 5 will be released (or in the works) for young justice and you are booked and busy writing wirh Brandon for the show. But a girl can only dream.
Sorry if any of these questions are repeats, I tried searching but I got tired after reading how much people think you “mistreated” their favorite character -eye roll-

Anonymous writes...

Will Cuchullain and the New Olympians ever visit their ancestral home of Avalon and will Angela be reunited with her clan on Avalon including Gabriel who a ton of viewership saw that they were attracted to each other in the Avalon trilogy and I'll Met By Moonlight that's who Angela should be with because Broadway should be with either Ophelia or the other 14 rookery sisters on Avalon.

Phoenician writes...

I'm a little late posting this three-year anniversary review for "Idyll or Nightmare" to the Ask Greg queue, but that's kind of fitting since we saw the digital release arrive a week before the physical. This also marks the first time I wrote something in the S8 Comment Room during the time of the comic's release, but it is admittedly not much. So I'll first post those S8 thoughts from 2023 before jotting down my observations revisiting the issue. To add to the temporal displacement, I've no idea when you'll read this, but (at the time of this post) it is being submitted a week away from the release of the first issue of the Gargoyles Meets Darkwing Duck crossover, which I suspect will be all sorts of zany fun. Okay, enough delay -- on with the show.

From 2023:
My digital copy of Gargoyles #2, "Idyll or Nightmare" has been corrected, with no action needed on my part it seems. I just refreshed the page just a moment ago, and yay. :)

Will be picking up my physical copies tomorrow. Won't be hunting for as many covers as #1, but I am keen to find the G Cover by George Kambadais that's been admired by others here d:

As for the current issue, Bako working double and potentially cast as Antoinette Dracon is certainly intriguing. I'm recalling her cold dismissal to the thugs in "M.I.A" as tonal reference.

We now return to 2026, where rereading this issue highlighted a few details I might have forgotten, but more likely must have never noticed in the first place. But no worries, that is one of the joys of revisiting these stories.

I do recall this was the first issue where we began to notice George Kambadais's enthusiasm for double splash pages, which given how kinetic his style is, really serves his art well.

Like many fans in the comment room, I loved discovering/confirming that the rookery was moved with Castle Wyvern to the top of the Eyrie Building. I also loved Bronx and Fu-Dog there protecting Egwardo, and yet I can't help but be distracted just a bit, wondering about that iconic glowing moss stuff lighting up the rookery.

Speaking of Egwardo, Katana learning it was a joke name that Brooklyn came up with was not only well-drawn, but a well-timed moment, panel-wise. I can practically pace the comedic beat as if it were animated (especially the "Don't count on it" follow-up).

First time I noticed Dr. Sato's glasses have fallen off while he and everyone else in the Labyrinth was gassed unconscious.

Also the first time that I noticed that Antoinette refers to Pal Joey by his full name. But not exclusively; she throws it at him like he's a toddler in trouble, lol.

I had the joy to watch the non-canon "Religious Studies 101: A Handful of Thorns" at the last Gathering in 2009, and caught the little hint about what Dominic Dracon's been up to since "The Silver Falcon". Still, I was delighted to see, canonically, that not only has Dominic been dotty since he found his marbles, but -- once in the limo -- that it might have been all been an act to enjoy the 'comforts' of Bellevue (compared to Rikers or Sing Sing, anyways). I'm sticking with 'might' because future issues have me wonder if ol' DD is in fact slipping a little bit (or if he's acting even amongst his family). But that's a musing for another day.

Looking at my thoughts from three years back, perhaps Brigitte Bako was on the mind is because Angela was also narrating this issue. Of course, Antoinette's "Stop calling me Toni!" is just admittedly reminiscent of Angela's reaction to the Trio in "Turf".

Mary's another returning face, and it's great to see her (evidently) as a colleague of Doctor Sato's. I'm not expecting revelations here, so I'll just note my eagerness to one day learn about her (to borrow from her son, Tom) "long and strange" tale of arriving and adjusting to the 20th Century.

I love how Delilah was there for Maggie until dawn arrived, and even as stone, was still looking out for the mom-to-be. Hmmmm, and now I I just noticed it was Shari to share that Mary's gone too . . . and offering the notion to Talon that the kidnapper must want Maggie safe if they are also abducting the midwife. That won't be enough to calm him down before confronting Thailog, of course. Of course, Talon's not (yet) off to confront Thailog, but his usual suspect, Xanatos.

Tony and Antoinette is a dynamic I wish we not only had in the original series, but more of in the comic as well. Perhaps in future issues!

Mary and Anton Sevarius is another dynamic that I would love to see more of -- rarely do we see the good doctor rattled, hehehehe.

And then we end the issue with a little more dramatic irony. It doesn't help matters that innocent Xanatos sounds identical as guilty Xanatos, because he's so often cool and collected. Because sure, we readers know Thailog's been behind this plot since last issue, but Talon and the others don't.

At least for a little while longer.

Until next issue! In the meantime, I eagerly look forward to what 2026 will bring to the Gargoyles Universe. :D

Hyacinth writes...

Muslim can't be gay. Those people you asked are very much wrong. We have histories of teaching that says that's a major sin. Halo is very much a bad representation.

Jim Harbor writes...

You have long expressed that you do not do final endings. For works that you believe still have potential to continue (which I think may be all of them) do you have plans lined up for people to take the reins after you no longer are able. I think of things like Doctor Who or Star Trek where new stories have outlived the original creative teams.

Anna writes...

Hi, Greg! What would happen if Klarion put on the helmet of Fate? Will the helmet work? Will there be an endless battle inside the helmet on the astral plane? What will happen to the witch boy’s body during this time on the mortal plane?

Spider-Lou writes...

Hi Greg,

If Hudson had a favorite book, which would you choose?

Penn writes...

This might be a dumb question you don't know know the answer to. In Young Justice Season 1 Episode 8 "Downtime," we see Robin punch a hole in the wall because he is frustrated. The SFX is of a rockier crunch type, but the wall is gray and could be made of anything because I am not there to touch it. Basically, is 13-year-old Robin punching a crater in concrete, drywall, or something else?

I'm just wondering if there was an intent for this to be a particular material. Just a fun thought I had while rewatching haha.

JCray writes...

M'gann I think is clearly shown to be bonded with Bioship throughout the series and we have been introduced to bioship reproduction and know there are a number of them. Is "owning" or having a bond with a bioship common on Mars or is M'gann a special case?

(I hesitate to say owning but struggle with my limited human frame of mind)

DutchKing writes...

Hi Greg, I have 2 questiona 1.Is Aquaman's background mix of the Silver Age and Modern Age version, Cause I read that he is Atlantean instead of half Atlantean, His birth name is Orin and Arthur Curry is his adopted name,
2.Orin and Orm share the same mother(Queen Atlanna) Who are their fathers?

Sou writes...

Hi Greg, I tried searching for this question on your site to see if it's been answered before, but didn't find anything, so I hope I can get this answered! I noticed how often you (and others, maybe?) took a lot of liberties with adjusting characters' backgrounds, their ages being a big one. This is especially apparent with Tim Drake being older than Stephanie Brown and Cass Cain, and Dick being younger than Wally. While actual, explicit ages aren't often stated in the comics, it's been canon that Steph and Cass are the ones older than Tim, and Wally was the youngest of his friends for a while (including Dick), and even now they're more aligned to being the same age. Another example is making Damian and Jon the closest in age than they've ever been (only a year apart) while they're separated by three years in the comics as well. I was just wondering if there was any particular reason behind this? Once again, thanks so much and I really enjoy the show!

Anonymous writes...

why did you want young justice garfield and miss martian to have a sibling family bound despite they do have this bound in the dc comics?

Pranav writes...

Hello Greg, look i don't know if you ever received a message about this but I want to talk to you about The Spectacular Spiderman. Man I got to say this is the best spiderman cartoon I have ever watched. Look idk if its possible but you got to try your best and continue the show and I promise it will be incredible.I have watched it about 7 times and everytime I finished it,I get sad because it always put me in a suspense of what happens afterwards,with Peter and Gwen, Norman, Harry, ect... So I am begging you please continue the show.
I know it's already been 16years since the last episode but trust me everyone will be excited if they know the show will be continue. I am 19 and I am hoping when one day I make my kids watch the show they will get the ending what they deserve so please I beg. Thanks
#continuespectacularspiderman

Eddie Frangos writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman,

I’d like to ask you a quick question about gargoyles I’m not asking for spoilers. I would just like to know if maybe one day we could maybe see some of the clans that were not seen in the series. I was hoping maybe we could see a different types of gargoyles from around the world. Such as those from mainland Europe, parts of mainland Asia you said that there were gargle in North America at one time before the Manhattan clan. And maybe Africa. I like to think that maybe some of these different clans may be fled to new Olympus when people start hunting the gargoyles so maybe. Some of them have characteristics from clans as far as Great Britain or Asia along with some of their gargoyle beast. It would be a shame of all these types of gargoyle ethnicities went extinct. However, that’s your story to make not mind. I look forward to your next project and thanks again for producing an amazing series.

Max Sulayman writes...

Hey. I don’t have a question, I just wanted to say thank you for putting so many good shows out. Especially Young Justice and Spectacular Spider-Man. I watched the show when I was really young and forgot about it for awhile and recently rewatched and remember what I loved about the show. The way that Peter connects to the audience and the feeling that the show projects is electric! I really hope at some point the show can be revitalized and brought back with Josh Keaton ( hope i spelled his name right) and everyone else. Once again thank you, even that show makes me want to push on when things get rough. Really thak you for putting so much great content out into the world and helping people.
Sincerely,
Max Sulayman