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Young Justice: Outsiders is the title of the third season of Young Justice, preceded by Young Justice: Invasion, and it is comprised of 26 episodes and one AudioPlay. Young Justice: Outsiders was announced on November 7, 2016[1] after years of online fan activism for the series to be renewed.

The first 13 episodes of Young Justice: Outsiders were released between January 4 and 25, 2019. The second part of the season returned on July 2.

Major plot lines[]

History[]

Revival[]

Greg Weisman attributed the show's return to the existence of streaming services,[2] particularly Netflix, where the show garnered high viewings.[3] Executive producer Sam Register reportedly said that both Weisman and Brandon Vietti had created "the perfect binge-watching show five years too soon". Weisman posited that Young Justice might not have been cancelled if the model of binge-watching had been mainstream when the show was still on the air.[2] Additionally, Brandon Vietti cited the power of social media, which grew exponentially since the show's cancellation, and the paramount role it played in allowing fans to have their voices heard.[3]

Weisman claimed that he and Vietti were told about the show's return circa ten days before it was officially announced. However, he admitted to not being entirely surprised, because they had talked to Sam Register a year before and the chances of the show returning seemed higher. Vietti japed that "the time jump between season one and two worked so well in the story, [they] wanted to do it in real life".[3]

Production[]

Production on the series commenced on November 14, 2016,[4] while voice recording purportedly began around April 2017[5] and was completed in May 2018.[6] The season was finalized on April 10, 2019[7] making up two years, fours months and 27 days to complete all 26 episodes.

Moving to a streaming platform[]

Regarding the changes in the writing process, Vietti observed that, on a streaming service, they are no longer restricted by the Broadcast Standards and Practices, as they were on Cartoon Network. He went on to say that, while they have no intention of changing the show dramatically, now they have more "creative room to progress into more adult themes and storylines", which reconciles with the nature of the show.[3] However, he guaranteed that the show won't become a "swear" or a "gore fest".[8]

For Greg Weisman, the biggest difference has been the lack of the three-act structure, because on a streaming service there are no commercial breaks in the episodes. He noted that despite still using it mostly by force of habit, this new paradigm sometimes changes the way they work.[8]

Casting[]

The new season introduced numerous new characters. Auditions were held for some, including Terra and Cyborg. The latter at least was done using false names for the show and character to avoid spoilers leaking, however Zeno Robinson, who won the role of Cyborg, correctly guessed what and who he was auditioning for based on the show's producers. Zeno was the favourite from the auditions and was given a callback without competition, largely to see if he had the versatility for other additional roles. He would also go on to play Steel and Holocaust among others.[9]

Other actors were selected based on past experiences with the producers and casting director. Troy Baker was suggested for Geo-Force by Brandon Vietti, though they had him audition with no competition to check out his Eastern European accent. Greg Weisman wrote the part of Halo with Zehra Fazal in mind, and took Vietti and Jamie Thomason to see her perform in a play. They were also eager to keep Jason Spisak in the cast after Wally West was written out, and Vietti suggested Forager as a new role. Vietti also suggested Michael Leon Wooley for Darkseid, based on his previous work in the role on Batman: The Brave and the Bold.[9]

Some existing characters needed to be recast for various reasons. Auditions were held for Vandal Savage after the passing of Miguel Ferrer, with David Kaye emerging as the clear favorite. After learning Logan Grove was no longer acting,[10] Jamie Thomason suggested Greg Cipes for Beast Boy. The producers liked the idea, with Weisman having worked with Cipes on W.I.T.C.H., but anticipated trouble as previously the show's upper management had been strongly opposed to any Teen Titans actors reprising their roles on Young Justice. However, Cipes was approved for the role.[9]

Released details[]

Since production was announced, Warner Bros. has imposed an "info-embargo" on the show,[11] which prohibits everyone involved from talking about it. The only public statement about the show came from Greg Weisman, when he revealed that the third season would "play off of stuff" from the previous seasons, as well as the companion comics.[12]

On April 25, 2017 an official press release announced the title of the season, along with a plot summary:

"In the highly anticipated new season, the team faces its greatest challenge yet as it takes on meta-human trafficking and the terrifying threat it creates for a society caught in the crossfire of a genetic arms race spanning the globe and the galaxy."[13]

On the same day, Brandon Vietti tweeted a pithier logline: "The Team battles meta-human trafficking to protect a society caught in the crossfire of a genetic arms race."[14]

On July 21, 2017 at San Diego Comic-Con, Greg Weisman, Brandon Vietti and Phil Bourassa revealed new designs for old characters,[15][16] and unveiled three new ones: Arrowette, Thirteen and Spoiler.[17] They also announced that the season would comprise 26 episodes, ten of which had been recorded and another 12 were in progress. The final four episodes hadn't been written yet, but Weisman stated that they knew where they are going with them.[3] Moreover, Brandon Vietti confirmed that there would be another time jump of unspecified length between seasons, because in order "to really delve into a character's story, you need to jump a little forward in time sometimes".[8] Greg Weisman also offered some insight into the overall plot:

"Since the Reach in season two sort of revealed the Meta-Gene, everyone is getting into the act—first world nations, third world nations, rogue nations, corporations, aliens from outer space. Everyone wants to weaponize the human race and meta-human trafficking is the major thing that our characters are dealing with this season."[8]

Without going into specifics, Weisman hinted that the season would feature some elements from the current DC Comics Rebirth run.[2] Finally, in a post-panel interview, Weisman revealed that Bash Bashford, a very obscure character from old Superboy comics, would debut in season three.[18]

Young Justice Outsiders promo art

The first official promotional artwork released for Young Justice: Outsiders, featuring Tigress, Black Lightning and Superboy in the background, and Katana, Geo-Force, Forager, Halo, Metamorpho and Nightwing in the foreground.

On May 13, 2018 the first official promo art was released, featuring Tigress, Black Lightning, Superboy, Nightwing, and five new characters: Katana, Geo-Force, Forager, Halo and Metamorpho.[19]

On July 20, there was another panel at San Diego Comic-Con with Greg Weisman, Brandon Vietti, Phil Bourassa, Jamie Thomason, Stephanie Lemelin and Troy Baker, who was revealed to be voicing one of those new characters: Brion Markov, aka Geo-Force. Vietti and Weisman also revealed the names of two other characters from the artwork, Forager and Halo, and their respective voice actors, Jason Spisak and Zehra Fazal. Weisman also revealed that, at that point, seven episodes were completed and ready for release.[20]

On August 28, DC held a YouTube live stream in which they showed a clip of an episode featuring Nightwing and Oracle[21] and Greg Weisman later confirmed that Jesse McCartney and Alyson Stoner were back on the show.[22]

As of early September 2018, twelve episodes were completed and ready for release.[23] On October 4, during the DC Universe panel at New York Comic Con 2018, Geoff Johns announced that Young Justice: Outsiders would be split into two blocks of 13 episodes, with three new episodes debuting weekly from January to February and June to July 2019. He also announced a one-shot prequel comic to accompany the show, with Greg Weisman and Christopher Jones back as writer and artist, respectfully.[24] Weisman clarified that said issue will tell one story set between season two and season three and hinted that if many people read it, then they could be committed for more stories.[25]

Young Justice: Outsiders was originally expected to debut in the fourth quarter of 2018[26] on DC Universe,[27] but on June 28 it was reported to debut in 2019.[28]

Animation[]

Like with seasons one and two, the animation for season three is also being done in South Korea. However, while the previous seasons were animated by MOI Animation and Lotto Animation, season three is being made by DR Movie (11 episodes), Digital eMation (13 episodes) and Studio Mir (2 episodes).

Reception[]

According to Parrot Analytics, during the week following the premiere of Young Justice: Outsiders, the series debuted at no. 4 in the Top 10 shows on streaming services with 28 million "Demand Expressions", a proprietary metric used by Parrot Analytics to measure global demand for TV content.[29] The following week, after the release of the fourth, fifth and sixth episodes, the series climbed to no. 1[30] and then dropped to no. 6 in the subsequent week.[31]

The review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% approval rating right after the release of the first three episodes,[32] a rating still maintained after the first half of the season was released, with an average rating of 4.5/5.[33] The site's consensus states: " The next generation of DC heroes and villains return with sharper animation and a bloodier sensibility that nevertheless retains the preceding seasons' hefty dose of heart."[34]

Cast[]

Stars[]

Co-stars[]

Production crew[]

Producers[]

Directors[]

Writers[]

Episodes[]

Princes All
Release date: January 4, 2019
Directed by: Christopher Berkeley
Written by: Greg Weisman
Production number: 301
Logline:
After the Justice League faces a horrifying incident on the planet Rann, Dick Grayson gathers an elite squad of heroes to shut down a meta-human trafficking syndicate in Markovia.
Royal We
Release date: January 4, 2019
Directed by: Mel Zwyer
Written by: Andrew Robinson
Production number: 302
Logline:
Dick Grayson, Artemis Crock, Conner Kent and Jefferson Pierce go undercover in Markovia to stop the Bedlam Syndicate's meta-human trafficking cartel – before it claims another victim.
Eminent Threat
Release date: January 4, 2019
Directed by: Christopher Berkeley
Written by: Brandon Vietti
Production number: 303
Logline:
Conner Kent and Prince Brion Markov are in the clutches of Count Vertigo, leaving Dick Grayson, Artemis Crock and an emotionally damaged Jefferson Pierce to save them and put an end to the Bedlam Syndicate.
Private Security
Release date: January 11, 2019
Directed by: Vinton Heuck
Written by: Michael Vogel
Production number: 304
Logline:
While Jefferson, Conner and Artemis find homes for their Markovian strays, Dick assembles a new squad and hits the road – but may not survive the trip.
Away Mission
Release date: January 11, 2019
Directed by: Mel Zwyer
Written by: Nicole Dubuc
Production number: 305
Logline:
A distant conflict sends the team on an away mission, while the Happy Harbor gang decides what to do with Brion Markov and Halo (Zehra Fazal).
Rescue Op
Release date: January 11, 2019
Directed by: Vinton Heuck
Written by: Joshua Hale Fialkov
Production number: 306
Logline:
Brion Markov is determined to rescue his missing sister – even if it means throwing down against the entire League of Shadows.
Savage's meteorite
Release date: January 18, 2019
Directed by: Christopher Berkeley
Written by: Brandon Vietti
Production number: 307
Logline:
Aliens once again threaten the Earth, but with the Justice League split and scattered, only Earth's first and greatest hero can save us!
Triptych
Release date: January 18, 2019
Directed by: Mel Zwyer
Written by: Peter David
Production number: 308
Logline:
As Meta-Human trafficking spreads across the United States, three very different teams of heroes seek to put a stop to it!
Home Fires
Release date: January 18, 2019
Directed by: Vinton Heuck
Written by: Greg Weisman
Production number: 309
Logline:
The Light has hired an intergalactic assassin, but who is the intended target?!
Exceptional Human Beings
Release date: January 25, 2019
Directed by: Christopher Berkeley
Written by: Francisco Paredes
Production number: 310
Logline:
The search for Tara Markov continues – but who's doing the searching and where?!
Victor's cannon
Release date: January 25, 2019
Directed by: Mel Zwyer
Written by: Mae Catt
Production number: 311
Logline:
It’s the first day of school for Violet Harper and Forager (Jason Spisak). And the last day for a different freak...
Nightmare Monkeys
Release date: January 25, 2019
Directed by: Vinton Heuck
Written by: Greg Weisman
Production number: 312
Logline:
Garfield Logan (GREG CIPES) tests out a pair of Goode VR goggles. Then the goggles test him!
True Heroes
Release date: January 25, 2019
Directed by: Christopher Berkeley
Written by: Kevin Hopps
Production number: 313
Logline:
Grayson's operatives attempt to stop an auction of enslaved meta-teens.
Influence
Release date: July 2, 2019
Directed by: Mel Zwyer
Written by: Brandon Vietti
Production number: 314
Logline:
The team reassembles while the Justice League faces a new threat in space.
Leverage
Release date: July 2, 2019
Directed by: Vinton Heuck
Written by: Tom Pugsley
Production number: 315
Logline:
A new Gamma Squad is sent out on its first mission to investigate rumors of meta-trafficking in Russia.
Illusion of Control
Release date: July 2, 2019
Directed by: Christopher Berkeley
Written by: Greg Weisman
Production number: 316
Logline:
Across the nation, the team gives thanks for what they have... and for what they very well might lose.
Outsiders
Release date: July 9, 2019
Directed by: Mel Zwyer
Written by: Brandon Vietti
Production number: 317
Logline:
The Reach are back, terrorizing smalltown America... unless the Outsiders can stop them!
Early Warning
Release date: July 16, 2019
Directed by: Vinton Heuck
Written by: Greg Weisman
Production number: 318
Logline:
Project Rutabaga threatens to create an international crisis.
Elder Wisdom
Release date: July 23, 2019
Directed by: Christopher Berkeley
Written by: Paul Giacoppo
Production number: 319
Logline:
The Outsiders face Lex Luthor's machinations. But Lex isn't the only one trying to manipulate them!
Quiet Conversations
Release date: July 30, 2019
Directed by: Mel Zwyer
Written by: Greg Weisman
Production number: 320
Logline:
Victor Stone reaches a crisis point. And he's not the only one...
Unknown Factors
Release date: August 6, 2019
Directed by: Vinton Heuck
Written by: Brandon Vietti
Production number: 321
Logline:
Dick Grayson and Jefferson go after Gretchen Goode — only to encounter the ominous Overlord.
Antisocial Pathologies
Release date: August 13, 2019
Directed by: Christopher Berkeley
Written by: Rich Fogel
Production number: 322
Logline:
The betrayals come fast and furious, and with them, a reckoning...
Terminus
Release date: August 20, 2019
Directed by: Mel Zwyer
Written by: Brandon Vietti
Production number: 323
Logline:
The hunt for Halo is on. Pray the team doesn't find her.
Into the Breach
Release date: August 27, 2019
Directed by: Vinton Heuck
Written by: Jonathan Callan
Production number: 324
Logline:
The Outsiders make one last attempt to save Halo... and the galaxy!
Overwhelmed
Release date: August 27, 2019
Directed by: Christopher Berkeley
Written by: Greg Weisman
Production number: 325
Logline:
In the calm before the storm, Artemis and Conner journey back to their pasts.
Nevermore
Release date: August 27, 2019
Directed by: Mel Zwyer
Written by: Jim Krieg & Jeremy Adams
Production number: 326
Logline:
In the season finale episode, things come full circle as the team and the Outsiders return to Markovia for the final confrontation.

Home video releases[]

Recurring motifs[]

See also[]

References[]

  1. Warner Bros. Animation (2016-11-07). Still Nobody's Sidekick: Warner Bros. Animation Begins Production on Season 3 of “Young Justice,” Based on the Iconic DC Super Heroes. Warner Bros. Animation. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Comic Uno (2017-07-21). SDCC 2017: Comic Uno Young Justice Outsiders Greg Weisman Interview. YouTube. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Prudom, Laura (2017-07-21). Young Justice Season 3 Panel. San Diego Comic-Con. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
  4. Weisman, Greg (2016-11-08). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2019-05-11.
  5. Gerding, Stephen (2017-04-11). Young Justice Season 3 Voice Work Has Begun. CBR.com. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
  6. Weisman, Greg (2018-05-10). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2018-05-10.
  7. Weisman, Greg (2019-04-10). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2019-11-05.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Schwartz, Terri (2017-07-22). What's New for Young Justice - IGN Access. YouTube. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Weisman, Greg (2021-08-18). Question #25116. Ask Greg. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
  10. Weisman, Greg (2021-07-26). Question #24539. Ask Greg. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  11. Weisman, Greg (2017-06-02). Question #22160. Ask Greg. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
  12. Weisman, Greg (2016-12-12). Question #1223. Ask Greg. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
  13. Official Press Release (2017-04-25). 'Titans' and 'Young Justice: Outsiders' to Debut on Upcoming DC-Branded Digital Service. dccomics.com. Retrieved 2017-04-25.
  14. Vietti, Brandon (2017-04-25). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2017-04-25.
  15. Young Justice Wiki (2017-07-21). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
  16. Young Justice Wiki (2017-07-21). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
  17. Young Justice Wiki (2017-07-21). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
  18. Narcisse, Evan (2017-07-25). Young Justice Creators Talk About Bringing Back the DC Comics Superhero Show for a Third Season. gizmodo.com. Retrieved 2017-08-14.
  19. Young Justice Wiki (2018-03-13). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2019-08-21.
  20. Agard, Chancellor (2018-07-20). San Diego Comic-con 2018 Young Justice Outsiders panel. San Diego Comic-Con. Retrieved 2018-08-02.
  21. Young Justice Wiki (2018-08-28). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2018-08-28.
  22. Weisman, Greg (2018-08-29). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2018-08-29.
  23. Weisman, Greg (2018-09-11). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2018-09-11.
  24. (2018-10-04). DC Universe Reveals Original Show Premiere Dates, Young Justice Prequel Comic. IGN.com. Retrieved 2018-10-05.
  25. Weisman, Greg (2018-10-04). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2018-10-05.
  26. Weisman, Greg (2017-12-27). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2017-12-27.
  27. Petski, Denise (2018-05-02). DC’s New Digital Service Gets A Name. Deadline.com. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  28. Ramos, Dino-Ray (2018-06-28). DC Universe Streaming Service Set To Launch With Live-Action ‘Titans’, ‘Doom Patrol’, & ‘Swamp Thing’. Deadline.com. Retrieved 2018-06-28.
  29. Arnold, Thomas K. (2019-01-15). DC Universe Scores Big with ‘Young Justice,’ ‘Titans’ on Digital Originals Chart, Parrot Analytics Says. Media Play News . Retrieved 2019-02-03.
  30. Clark, Travis (2019-01-20). The top 7 shows on Netflix and other streaming services this week. MediaPlayNews. Retrieved 2019-02-03.
  31. Clark, Travis (2019-01-27). The top 7 shows on Netflix and other streaming services this week. MediaPlayNews. Retrieved 2019-02-03.
  32. Drum, Nicole (2019-01-05). 'Young Justice: Outsiders' Debuts With 100% Positive Rating on Rotten Tomatoes. ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2019-02-03.
  33. Young Justice: Outsiders (2019). Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2019-02-03.
  34. Young Justice: Outsiders (2019). Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2019-05-11.

External links[]

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