Greg Weisman Explained

Greg Weisman
Birth Date:28 September 1963
Birth Place:Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation:Writer, producer, voice actor
Years Active:1983–present
Known For:Gargoyles
Bonkers
The Spectacular Spider-Man

Young Justice

Greg Weisman (born September 28, 1963) is an American writer, producer and voice actor. He is best known as a creator of the animated series Gargoyles, The Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice. He is also known for being the supervisory producer for the second season of W.I.T.C.H..

Early life and career

Weisman is a former English composition and writing teacher. He received a bachelor's degree from Stanford University and a master's from USC. Between college and graduate school, he worked on staff in the editorial department of DC Comics, while also co-writing Captain Atom with Cary Bates. When he was 22 years old, he wrote a four-issue mini-series for DC Comics starring the superheroine Black Canary; the first issue of the series was penciled, but the project was ultimately shelved due to the character being used in writer/artist Mike Grell's high-profile series. Elements from the ill-fated project were later used for his short film.[1] [2]

Animation

After graduate school, Weisman worked as a development executive at Disney. There, in conjunction with others, he pitched an early comedy-adventure version of the TV series Gargoyles to Disney CEO Michael Eisner. Eventually, the idea was extensively reworked by Weisman, who brought in Michael Reaves to write the pilot five-parter. The series underwent a transformation from its initial conception as a largely comedic cartoon, to an episodic but sequential animated action-drama, and the series was produced for syndication. Though Gargoyles itself bears no on-air creator credit, Weisman describes himself on his website as "one of the creators" of the show.[3] Aired as a syndicated show for 65 episodes, Gargoyles was later picked up for a further 13 episodes by ABC. Weisman was credited as a co-producer of Gargoyles from episode 6, and as a supervising producer for much of the show's second season, but he has disassociated himself from the third season (The Goliath Chronicles), on which he received producer credit. Weisman is notable for the question and answer forum he participates in with Gargoyles fans online.

Weisman's other television credits include overseeing the first season of Max Steel, the second season of W.I.T.C.H., and both seasons of The Spectacular Spider-Man and four of Young Justice. Weisman has written episodes for numerous animated series, including , , Bonkers, and Kim Possible. He also voice directs and voice acts on occasion; he played the role of Donald Menken on The Spectacular Spider-Man and Lucas "Snapper" Carr on Young Justice. Weisman was also executive producer on Star Wars Rebels, alongside Dave Filoni and Simon Kinberg, but left the series after the first season.[4] In 2016, it was reported that he would return in the upcoming revival season of Young Justice,[5] alongside Brandon Vietti; the new season, titled Young Justice: Outsiders, began streaming on DC Universe in January 2019.[6]

Comic books

Weisman also continues to write for comics, including in continuity continuations of the storylines from the television series Gargoyles and Young Justice. On the latter, Weisman, along with Kevin Hopps, became full-time writers of the tie-in comic as of issue #7 (as well as issue #0).[7] Weisman also wrote a parody of Gargoyles and Captain Atom in JLA Showcase #1. During his time with the Star Wars franchise, Weisman wrote the miniseries for Lucasfilm and Marvel Comics. From 2015 to 2016, he wrote the superhero series Starbrand & Nightmask, which lasted six issues.[8]

At San Diego Comic-Con 2022, It was announced that Dynamite Entertainment had acquired the Gargoyles license and that Weisman would serve as the writer of these new comics.[9] In November 2023, it was announced that Weisman would write a new ongoing series for Marvel Comics dubbed The Spectacular Spider-Men, which features Peter Parker and Miles Morales teaming up and fighting supervillains together. The series will also feature artwork by veteran Spider-Man artist, Humberto Ramos.[10]

Novels

After leaving Disney in 1996, Weisman spent two years at DreamWorks, where he created and developed a new television series called Rain of the Ghosts. When the series was not picked up, Weisman bought the property back to turn it into a series of novels. His debut novel, also titled Rain of the Ghosts, was released in 2013. Its sequel, Spirits of Ash and Foam, followed in 2014. Weisman has announced that the third book will be titled Masque of Bones, and in 2015, he released a full-cast unabridged AudioPlay based on Rain of the Ghosts after successfully crowdfunding the project through Kickstarter.[11] In 2016, Weisman released a children's novel in the World of Warcraft universe entitled World of Warcraft: Traveler, followed by a sequel, World of Warcraft: Traveler - The Spiral Path.[12]

Weisman's next novels were set in the universe. was released on April 23, 2019 and made the New York Times Best Sellers List.[13] Its sequel, , was released in November 2019. Alexander Sowa, for CBR, highlighted that "Greg Weissman's War of the Spark: Ravnica [was] infamous among fans for its misrepresentation of existing characters".[14] Sowa commented that its sequel, War of the Spark: Forsaken, "was greeted with a lukewarm response after it infamously attempted to retcon the sexuality of one of the book's protagonists, Chandra. As a result, the game's publisher, Wizards of the Coast, released an official apology for the novel's poor handling of the subject and canceled plans for the book that was intended for the game's next set, Theros: Beyond Death".[15] Reactions to the sequel[16] [17] were "overwhelmingly negative"[18] and it was "lambasted for its disappointing prose, lack of understanding of character voice, and failure to provide any emotional payoff for the relationships that have been set up in the world of Magic. One aspect that has been called out, in particular, is the biphobic language and erasure around the relationship between the Planeswalkers Chandra Nalaar and Nissa Revane".[19] Weisman issued an apology highlighting the "mutual creative/editorial process with WotC and Del Rey" for Chandra's characterization. Wizards of the Coast made a further announcement that they would no longer censor the content in Magic: The Gathering novels to "accommodate foreign content restrictions".[20]

Bibliography

Comic books

DC Comics

YearTitleIssue(s)Notes
1986scope=rowAll-Star Squadron63–64Editor
1986–87scope=rowWho's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe16–26Writer
1987–88scope=rowSecret Origins17–23Editor
1987–91scope=rowCaptain Atom10–50Co-writer (with Cary Bates)
1988scope=rowYoung All-Stars8–9Editor
2011–13scope=rowYoung Justice0, 7–25Writer (with Kevin Hopps)
2017scope=rowThe Fall and Rise of Captain Atom1–6Co-writer (with Cary Bates)
2019scope=rowYoung Justice: Outsiders (digital comic)1–2Writer
2022scope=rowYoung Justice: Targets1-6Writer

Marvel Comics

YearTitleIssue(s)Notes
2010scope=rowStar Wars: Kanan1–12
2016scope=rowStarbrand & Nightmask1–6
2024scope=rowThe Spectacular Spider-MenOngoing

SLG Comics

YearTitleIssue(s)Notes
2006–09scope=rowGargoyles1–12Writer
2007–09scope=rowGargoyles: Bad Guys1–6

Novels

YearTitlePublisherSeriesIdentifier(s)
2013scope=rowRain of the GhostsSt. Martin's PressRain of the Ghosts

2014scope=rowSpirits of Ash and FoamSt. Martin's PressRain of the Ghosts

2016scope=rowWorld of Warcraft: TravelerScholastic CorporationWarcraft

2018scope=rowWorld of Warcraft: Traveler – The Spiral PathScholastic CorporationWarcraft
2019scope=rowDel Rey Books
2019scope=rowDel Rey BooksMagic: The Gathering

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleDirector(s)Notes
2000scope=row3×3 EyesHideDaisuke Nishio
Kazuhisa Takenōchi
Kazuhisa Takenōchi
Voice director and story editor (English dub)
Direct-to-video series
[21]
2003scope=rowVictor Cook
Toby Shelton
Tad Stones
Voice director
Direct-to-video
[22]
2003scope=rowTerry Shakespeare
David Molina
Writer
Direct-to-video
[23]
2010scope=rowJoaquim Dos Santos[24]
2022scope=rowShinsuke Teresawa

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1988JemWriter: "Video Wars"
1992Raw ToonageDevelopment executive
1993–94Bonkers
1994–97GargoylesCommando (episode: "Awakening")Also supervising producer
1998–99Writer
1999Hercules
1999–2000Writer and story editor
1999Big Guy and Rusty the Boy RobotWriter: "Out of Whack"
2000Max SteelCo-developer, writer and producer
2000Buzz Lightyear of Star CommandWriter
2003The Mummy
2003, 2007Kim Possible
2004–11Ikki TousenMoutoku SousouVoice, English dub
2004–05Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!Writer
2004–07The Batman
2006W.I.T.C.H.Writer and supervising producer
2006–07Ben 10Writer
2007Legion of Super Heroes
2008–09The Spectacular Spider-ManDonald MenkenVoice; also co-developer, writer and supervising producer
2009–11Writer
2010–2022Young JusticeLucas Carr, Ultra-Humanite, Lobo's Belt, Captain AtomVoice; also co-developer, writer and producer[25]
2013Writer
2013
2014–15
2014Beware the BatmanWriter: "Monsters"
2014–15Star Wars RebelsStormtroopersVoice; also writer and executive producer
2015Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesWriter: "Eyes of the Chimera"
2016–17Shimmer and ShineStaff writer

Video games

YearTitleRoleNotes
2008scope=rowThe Last RemnantAdditional Voices[26]
2013scope=rowTourist, Undead SoldierAlso writer and creative consultant

Audiobooks

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: DC Animated Showcase: Greg Weisman Interview, Part 1. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/DzoopkET0m8 . 2021-12-21 . live. ComicHeroNews. July 30, 2010. YouTube.
  2. Wells. John. Failure to Launch: The Black Canary Miniseries That Never Took Flight . Back Issue!. 46. 45–52. TwoMorrows Publishing. February 2011.
  3. Web site: Greg's Introduction : Gargoyles : Station Eight . S8.org . 2014-02-17 . January 20, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130120225906/http://s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/ . live .
  4. Web site: Greg Weisman Leaves Star Wars Rebels. 2014-02-10. IGN.com. 2014-05-10. November 1, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161101083907/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/02/greg-weisman-leaves-star-wars-rebels. live.
  5. Web site: Young Justice Archives - The World's Finest. November 12, 2016. November 16, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161116010300/http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/category/animated-series/young-justice/. live.
  6. News: YOUNG JUSTICE: OUTSIDERS Creators Talk a Darker Season Full of Metahuman Trafficking Nerdist. 2018-07-26. Nerdist. 2018-08-23. en. July 28, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180728035638/https://nerdist.com/young-justice-outsiders-creators-talk-a-darker-season-full-of-metahuman-trafficking/. live.
  7. Web site: Search Ask Greg : Gargoyles : Station Eight. November 20, 2010. July 20, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110720105400/http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?rid=873. live.
  8. http://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/marvel-comics/starbrand-and-nightmask "Starbrand and Nightmask"
  9. Web site: Destito . Deanna . 2022-07-22 . Syndicated Comics . 2023-12-16 . The Beat . en-US . December 16, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231216142956/https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-22-dynamite-disney-gargoyles-comics/ . live .
  10. Web site: 'Spectacular Spider-Men' Proves Two Webheads Are Better Than One . 2023-12-16 . www.marvel.com . December 16, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231216142955/https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/spectacular-spider-men-greg-weisman-humberto-ramos . live .
  11. Web site: Tweet. 2015-04-23. Twitter. 2017-09-30. November 6, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151106085754/https://twitter.com/RainoftheGhosts/status/591389704664285184. live.
  12. Web site: Scholastic Press Release for Traveler . October 30, 2017 . May 19, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240519010652/https://mediaroom.scholastic.com/index.php?q=press-release/scholastic-blizzard-entertainment-announce-world-warcraft-traveler-new-book-series-bas . live .
  13. News: Edwards. Gavin. July 29, 2020. Strange Magic. The Washington Post. June 8, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20200731032328/https://www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2020/07/29/after-nearly-30-years-game-magic-gathering-is-bigger-than-ever-best-players-may-also-be-teaching-us-about-heroism/. July 31, 2020.
  14. Web site: 2020-09-08. Magic: The Gathering - In the Heart of the Skyclave, Explained. 2021-06-08. CBR. en-US. June 8, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210608233000/https://www.cbr.com/magic-the-gathering-heart-skyclave-explained/. live.
  15. Web site: 2020-04-08. Magic: The Gathering Novel Introduces a New World of Monsters. 2021-06-09. CBR. en-US. June 9, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210609011734/https://www.cbr.com/magic-the-gathering-novel-new-world-monsters/. live.
  16. Web site: November 26, 2019. Queer Erasure in 'Magic: The Gathering' Book Infuriated Fans, Drew Apology. 2021-06-09. www.vice.com. en. June 9, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210609011736/https://www.vice.com/en/article/xwebkk/queer-erasure-in-magic-the-gathering-book-infuriated-fans-drew-apology. live.
  17. Web site: November 13, 2019. Magic: The Gathering Fans Are Not Pleased With The New War of The Spark: Forsaken Novel. 2021-06-09. epicstream.com. en-US. June 9, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210609011740/https://epicstream.com/news/JakeVyper/Magic-The-Gathering-Fans-Are-Not-Pleased-With-The-New-War-of-The-Spark-Forsaken-Novel. live.
  18. Web site: 2019-11-15. Magic: The Gathering Retcons Iconic Planeswalker, And Fans Aren't Happy. 2021-06-09. Game Rant. en-US. June 9, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210609011738/https://gamerant.com/magic-the-gathering-war-of-the-spark-forsaken-controversy-chandra-retcon/. live.
  19. Web site: 2019-11-19. 'Magic: The Gathering' Fans Calling Out The Biphobic Writing In Latest Book. 2021-06-09. The Mary Sue. en. July 1, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210701044015/https://www.themarysue.com/mtg-biphobia-bierasure-weisman/. live.
  20. Web site: 2020-12-08. Wizards Won't Censor Magic's Story to Accommodate Foreign Content Restrictions. 2021-06-09. Hipsters of the Coast. en. May 19, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240519010653/https://www.hipstersofthecoast.com/2020/12/wizards-wont-censor-magics-story-to-accommodate-foreign-content-restrictions/. live.
  21. Web site: New 3X3 Dub Coming. Anime News Network. 2002-02-25. 2014-07-15. June 27, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150627000311/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2000-02-25/new-3x3-dub-coming. live.
  22. Web site: Greg Weisman List of Movies and TV Shows . . . September 7, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180907191322/https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/greg-weisman/credits/634321/ . September 7, 2018 . live.
  23. Web site: Glatzer . Jenna . Interview with Henry Gilroy . Absolute Write . September 7, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060407122343/http://www.absolutewrite.com/screenwriting/henry_gilroy.htm . April 7, 2006 . 2003 . dead.
  24. Web site: Collura . Scott . SDCC 10: DC Shorts Showcase . . . September 7, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180811134118/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/07/25/sdcc-10-dc-shorts-showcase . August 11, 2018 . July 25, 2010 . live.
  25. Web site: Greg Weisman (Visual voices guide). November 29, 2018. December 4, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211204145254/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Greg-Weisman/. live.
  26. . . . Ending credits, 2:15 in, English Voice Recording, Cast . 2008.