WORD BALLOON: ALLAN HEINBERG

**MattBrady** · 09-26-2007, 06:12 AM

Writer Allan Heinberg wraps up his long awaited five part Wonder Woman arc from DC comics this week, and discusses the new Wonder Woman Annual, and the story delays with Word Balloon host John Siuntres.

They also cover the upcoming Marvel Young Avengers mini series, which will feature Allan and Jim Cheung's team members - now in the hands of other creators.

Plus the conversation covers Allan's television work, which currently sees him as a co-executive producer of Grey's Anatomy. The Emmy winning ABC series returns for it's fourth season this week.

And they also discuss the issues behind the pending SAG writer's strike which could affect the 2009 production schedules for American TV and Films.

Click here for the episode.

NeroMan · 09-26-2007, 08:57 AM

Cool, good to know he hasn't forgotten what he started.
Never listened to a Word Balloon before. Listening to it, I'm not sure why I haven't. It sounds... perfect for playing in the background of a Quake game.
Really, I loved all of YA, and their role in Civil War.
And I didn't mind his Wonder Woman, dunno why there's an army against it, I felt it was fine.
Crisis of Conscience was... well, nice Despero anyway.

First!

Binker · 09-26-2007, 09:10 AM

There isn't really an army against Heinberg's Wonder Woman, since he wrote her good, it was just that there were people who were against one another on the Diana Prince identity coming back. Right now, I guess it's calmed down, it's accepted, yet there are some like diana_fan who still wants it gone. I can recall an interview with Gail Simone saying the "Prince" identity was temp. So maybe that was the plan, or those who didn't like it will probably get their wish.

TCJohnson · 09-26-2007, 09:17 AM

It is going to be a while before I can listen to this...can somebody tell me what he says about Young Avengers?

SpaceButler · 09-26-2007, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Binker

There isn't really an army against Heinberg's Wonder Woman, since he wrote her good, it was just that there were people who were against one another on the Diana Prince identity coming back. Right now, I guess it's calmed down, it's accepted, yet there are some like diana_fan who still wants it gone. I can recall an interview with Gail Simone saying the "Prince" identity was temp. So maybe that was the plan, or those who didn't like it will probably get their wish.

It was the Diana Prince identity that upset most people as well as Greg Rucka being taken off the book before a lot of his plot lines were resolved. But I am hoping the Diana Prince identity really is temporary. One thing Diana isn't is a female Superman. And so far her being Diana Prince has contributed nothing of real value to the character.

hlbimage · 09-26-2007, 09:30 AM

I do not understand why the people in Hollywood would strike about anything. I mean they already made more money than god. So what do the want? a better health care system?

Greg McElhatton · 09-26-2007, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlbimage

I do not understand why the people in Hollywood would strike about anything. I mean they already made more money than god. So what do the want? a better health care system?

No, writers don't make "more money than god" -- as great as that idea would be.

Here's a pretty good round-up behind the probable strike: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07267/820141-237.stm

boem104 · 09-26-2007, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlbimage

I do not understand why the people in Hollywood would strike about anything. I mean they already made more money than god. So what do the want? a better health care system?

Amen brother! I have a real problem when Ben Afflick complains about Theater hopping and says that the people hurt are the guys who sell popcorn and tickets. Here's an idea buddy, you made 10 million your last movie, donate some back to the theaters! Oh wait, then you and Jennifer won't be able to install your new marble pool!!!

C'MON!

The Mirrorball Man · 09-26-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boem104

Amen brother! I have a real problem when Ben Afflick complains about Theater hopping and says that the people hurt are the guys who sell popcorn and tickets. Here's an idea buddy, you made 10 million your last movie, donate some back to the theaters!

What makes you think he doesn't?

HawkeyeX007 · 09-26-2007, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlbimage

I do not understand why the people in Hollywood would strike about anything. I mean they already made more money than god. So what do the want? a better health care system?

You are so misinformed. Check this out:

- The Writers Guild (WGA) and Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) are both unions not unlike the workers unions that serve the grocers that you see at your local supermarket chain. Many writers AND actors make about as much as your local grocer, believe it or not.

- Can't speak for WGA members, but roughly about 10% of SAG members are considered "working actors" (those are actors that make a living solely by acting, not bartending, waiting tables, etc...). So you've got 90% that HAVE to figure out other ways to make a living besides JUST acting. So yeah... those people sure could use a good dental plan (and a good health plan, while they're at it) since well... local restaurant and bar owners don't exactly provide health and dental.

Now as far as writers? Guess what... a writer's job is just as secure as an actor's job (which means, it's virtually not). I suggest you read the article that one of the posters put up there (this one http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07267/820141-237.stm) just to show you how writers don't want to be screwed out of money that can come from DVD sales.

Quote:

Originally Posted by boem104

Amen brother! I have a real problem when Ben Afflick complains about Theater hopping and says that the people hurt are the guys who sell popcorn and tickets. Here's an idea buddy, you made 10 million your last movie, donate some back to the theaters! Oh wait, then you and Jennifer won't be able to install your new marble pool!!!

C'MON!

- Ben Affleck does have tons of money. He's got nothing to worry about. And he never complained about "theatre hoppers"... it was movie piracy (those high school dorks that sneak cam corders into movie theatres... risking jail-time to produce crappy quality DVD's you can buy for $3 at a street corner).

So you both might want to research more before mouthing off on stuff you don't know about.

**MattBrady** · 09-26-2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HawkeyeX007

So you might want to research more before mouthing off on stuff you don't know about.

But then the internet would cease being the internet.

Okay - back on topic folks.

MattB

HawkeyeX007 · 09-26-2007, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattBrady

But then the internet would cease being the internet.

Okay - back on topic folks.

MattB

Hahaha, you're awesome!

boem104 · 09-26-2007, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Mirrorball Man

What makes you think he doesn't?

I am a close personal friend!

boem104 · 09-26-2007, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HawkeyeX007

You are so misinformed. Check this out:

- The Writers Guild (WGA) and Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) are both unions not unlike the workers unions that serve the grocers that you see at your local supermarket chain. Many writers AND actors make about as much as your local grocer, believe it or not.

- Can't speak for WGA members, but roughly about 10% of SAG members are considered "working actors" (those are actors that make a living solely by acting, not bartending, waiting tables, etc...). So you've got 90% that HAVE to figure out other ways to make a living besides JUST acting. So yeah... those people sure could use a good dental plan (and a good health plan, while they're at it) since well... local restaurant and bar owners don't exactly provide health and dental.

Now as far as writers? Guess what... a writer's job is just as secure as an actor's job (which means, it's virtually not). I suggest you read the article that one of the posters put up there (this one http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07267/820141-237.stm) just to show you how writers don't want to be screwed out of money that can come from DVD sales.

- Ben Affleck does have tons of money. He's got nothing to worry about. And he never complained about "theatre hoppers"... it was movie piracy (those high school dorks that sneak cam corders into movie theatres... risking jail-time to produce crappy quality DVD's you can buy for $3 at a street corner).

So you both might want to research more before mouthing off on stuff you don't know about. I could even go ahead and assume you're both stupid and retarded, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and chalk it up to being impulsive in stating your misinformed opinions.

p.s. before anyone says anything... yes, the movie industry IS unreasonably harsh on those dorky high school kids.

Oh blah blah blah, move on sweetheart!

What are you his Lawyer!?!?!

C'MON!

Sunspot_616 · 09-26-2007, 12:09 PM

Maybe Wonder Woman needs to be Diana Prince because then she can have...

Some moments of NORMAL LIFE ?
I mean how can people relate to her when she wears the super bikini 24/7 ?

Deep shock · 09-26-2007, 12:21 PM

I think that Allan Heinberg wrote a terrific WW arc and sure hope that the Diana Prince id sticks around!

**MattBrady** · 09-26-2007, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boem104

Oh blah blah blah, move on sweetheart!

What are you his Lawyer!?!?!

C'MON!

dude, knock it off.

MattB

SpaceButler · 09-26-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunspot_616

Maybe Wonder Woman needs to be Diana Prince because then she can have...

Some moments of NORMAL LIFE ?
I mean how can people relate to her when she wears the super bikini 24/7 ?

Making her a secret agent in metahuman affairs doesn't exactly distance her from her other job much, does it?

Being a warrior is her normal life. She is not Superman. She wasn't born or raised amongst regular humans in man's world. She was easy to relate to when she was living in the embassy amongst her friends and her staff, normal people who could relate to her. She even *gasp!* wore pants and a sweater on her downtime. Not having a secret identity was not about her being on all the time, it was about her being who she was. Superman is Clark Kent. Batman on some level is Bruce Wayne. Diana Prince is a lie made up for her to be who she isn't. She's princess Diana, not someone completely made up. Hardly seems worthy for someone who is as close to the spirit of truth as we get.

boem104 · 09-26-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattBrady

dude, knock it off.

MattB

So give an opinion, he attacks and I can't respond? Interesting.

That doesn't seem cool man

deri · 09-26-2007, 12:28 PM

Diana Prince doesn't have a normal life. She's Wonder Woman, she can't have a normal life even if she puts on a different disguise, a blond wig, and some kind of oversized sweater. She'd still end up seeing someone in trouble, and need to help.

Besides, Diana Prince's life is more complicated than Wonder Woman's. No one orders Wonder Woman around unless they're... gods. Diana Prince has to follow some kind of hierarchy and office politics. She's a government agent. Also, as the unpresent d_f might say, Diana Prince involves a constant need to lie/cover things up. That can be tiring.

**MattBrady** · 09-26-2007, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boem104

So give an opinion, he attacks and I can't respond? Interesting.

That doesn't seem cool man

that's not it at all, and you know it - you state several things that are utterly misinformed, and when corrected, you attack.

Stop it or leave.

MattB

deri · 09-26-2007, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deep shock

I think that Allan Heinberg wrote a terrific WW arc and sure hope that the Diana Prince id sticks around!

Yeah, it wasn't terrible. It was just late which ruined any momentum it had in the storytelling.

boem104 · 09-26-2007, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boem104

So give an opinion, he attacks and I can't respond? Interesting.

That doesn't seem cool man

Actually after some thought!

I work in a comic shop, and no one there goes on Newsarama because of this sillyness!

If a remark is placed and you disagree just state it. Why didn't you respound to this remark he sent to me?
"So you both might want to research more before mouthing off on stuff you don't know about"

Two days ago someone talked about sexually taking advantage of someone and nothing was said about it. Matt, where were you then?

Do me a favor. Cancel my account, this is just plain silly.

SpaceButler · 09-26-2007, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boem104

Actually after some thought!

I work in a comic shop, and no one there goes on Newsarama because of this sillyness!

If a remark is placed and you disagree just state it. Why didn't you respound to this remark he sent to me?
"So you both might want to research more before mouthing off on stuff you don't know about"

Two days ago someone talked about sexually taking advantage of someone and nothing was said about it. Matt, where were you then?

Do me a favor. Cancel my account, this is just plain silly.

The man is moderating a front page thread to keep it on topic, he's doing his job. The person who was debating you stopped after Matt said to. I see no silliness here. If you want to start a thread about how you think the writer's strike is ridiculous then more power to you, but this is not the place for it. Also if you thought the thread about someone taking advantage of someone else was inappropriate then you should have reported it, moderators can't be everywhere. You have to report inappropriate things if you want to make sure something will be done about them.

ProudToSuck · 09-26-2007, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boem104

So give an opinion, he attacks and I can't respond? Interesting.

That doesn't seem cool man

Think he was talking about your tendency to say C'MON at the end of almost every single one of your replies. Jeezus, that's annoying. And yeah, I know what you're trying to pull off, and that doesn't make it any more appealing.

Alright, had to get it off my chest. Sorry to be anal. I'll try to not let it happen again.