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REPLIES 2003-05 (May)

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F7 Addict writes...

This one is purely out of personal curiousity.

Given the fact that Gargoyles are warm blooded, have mammatory glands (for those who fell asleep in Anatomy, look at Demona and Angela to figure out what the m glands are), and lay eggs, it's safe to assume that genetically they are closer to the infamous duck-billed platypus than humans. (another argument against the Goliath/Elisa issue)

Was this done on purpose or am I reading too much into it?

Greg responds...

I think "those who fell asleep in Anatomy" would have better luck looking up "mammary glands" than "mammatory glands."

I'm not sure what you're reading into it. What was done on purpose was the idea that Gargoyles are a separate species. Not specifically platypusian. Gargates, I think we've been calling them.

Response recorded on May 30, 2003

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puck<40> writes...

Back when someone asked you a question in reference to dragons. You responded....

Greg responds...
Who said there are dragons in the gargoyle universe?

heres my question.

Aren't All Things True? :)

Greg responds...

Yes. But that doesn't answer my question, which was "Who said?"

Response recorded on May 30, 2003

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Galvatron writes...

Aris- Yes I know western centric doesn't fit I was looking for something like ethnocentric.

"Anyway, the Greeks, Norse, whatever had their deities be finite creatures which began their lives within the universe. There's a difference between that and a supposedly infinite God which *created* the universe. I can imagine the monotheists being upset if they discovered their god was a fay - if The Infinite proved finite, only one of many. But the Norse and the ancient Greeks already believed that there existed many gods. Why be too upset at discovering a couple more they hadn't heard about?"

Thats not my point, my point is that making the God of the gargoyles universe the God of Jews/Christians/Muslims makes it seem that they're superior to all these other cultures since they worship the true god while the other cultures worhip energy beings.

Greg responds...

I'll just sit back and let you guys talk.

Well, maybe I won't.

Anyway, I got your point, G. But it's based on facts not in evidence, as I said before.

Response recorded on May 30, 2003

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F7 Addict writes...

I know I'm asking a touchy question here, so please be patient. I'm an aspiring writer working on a fantasy novel(s). I would like to include gargoyles (I must point out the deliberate lack of capital letter, meaning creature, not series) in my book(s). I'm exercising extreme caution on this for two reasons. 1) I don't cherish the notion of staring down the double barrel shot gun held by Disney's law dept. 2) I can only guess how ticked I'd get if someone ripped one of my characters. I know gargoyles have been used in other places. (ex: Final Fantasy has used gargoyles in most of their early games) Here are the questions.

1. What sources did you use for research? (They are the hardest buggers to research. 75% of my search came up with statues and buildings. The other 25% was Disney's Gargoyles)

2. Is there anything that is completely off limits? ie. Any one trait(s) that sets your Gargoyles apart from the other gargoyles?

3. Any storytelling tips you'd like to impart on the hopeful?

I thank you for your time and patience. And hats off for the greatest epic cartoon created on this side of the Pacific.

PS to Lord Sloth, My last (insert unsuccessful here) attempt at a novel took a year and a half.

Greg responds...

1. Largely NONE. We did much photo ref. for the artists ("statues and buildings"), but otherwise we made it up, extrapolating from the conventional legend of scary monsters that were placed on buildings to ward off evil spirits.

2. Any one trait? There are a lot, actually. I hesitate to write anything for fear that it gives tacit approval for you to use anything I don't write. The obvious of course is them bursting out of stone and coming to life as flesh and blood creatures at night. Turning back to stone during the day. That was all us.

I understand that you are trying to be conscientious, but I honestly think you're going about this the wrong way. The very question you're asking suggests you've got your thinking cap on backwards. If your only source for some Gargoylean quality is the show, you need to assume that the show created that quality. Not try and find out what's safe in the show for you to use.

3. Well, since this question was originally posted in December of '01, you've probably written your story already. So good luck.

Response recorded on May 30, 2003

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Aris Katsaris writes...

Galvatron> I think you are confusing Greg's words and intent... His take is after all something like "Everything is true for a given value of 'true'"...

He never said that Muslims, Jews and Christians are *correct* in everything they believed. That might indeed be offensive - but it would also be impossible to pull off, since after all, they believe in some contradictory things as well.

From what I understand, Greg said that these guys worship what they perceive as Infinite and as Creator. That's factually correct in our real world. And then he went on to say that such an Infinite and a Creator exists. Some of the more specific beliefs may well be wrong.

Pagans believed in Zeus or Odin or Osiris or many others gods. And Greg says that, yes, Zeus and Odin and Osiris also exist. But some of the more specific beliefs about them may also be wrong.

So your claim seems to me to be nothing more than "Odin isn't portrayed as Infinite!". To which my response is: "He was never supposed to be, not even by the Norse themselves."

Now if Greg went on to portray the afterlife exactly as Christianity portrays it, *that* might be a bit exclusive... But it seems to me that he's going for a diversity of afterlives, a bit similar to what Terry Pratchett did...

(Weirdly enough however I *was* annoyed by the intrusion of monotheism and dualism in shows like Hercules & Xena which previously featured polytheistic pantheons. But that was more because it seemed to me to subvert the very theme of the heroism of "Man vs gods" and turn it into "The Real God[tm] vs the many false gods"... Greg portrays a universe where all these beliefs can pretty much coexist. The producers of Xena, on the other hand decided to portray a universe where they must fight to the death - the introduction of The One God immediately made the lesser gods something evil which needed to be destroyed. Bleh! )

Sorry for the rant, Greg! :-)

Greg responds...

No prob.

But I do think both of you have sort of missed the point. Personally, I believe in both God and evolution. I'm also a bit of a pantheistic pagan, and I don't find any of these notions mutually exclusive. But that's me.

What I believe I've always said about the show is that whatever you believe created OUR universe also created the garg universe. If that's one or more of the above (plus or minus) something else, fine.

Response recorded on May 30, 2003

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King Cobra3 writes...

I have a few questions concerning the Gargoyles Fan Website.

1. Do you run it? If not, then does anyone who was involved in the show's creation moderate the site?

2. What do you think of it?

3. What's your favorite section?

4. Who's your favorite fan fic author?

Greg responds...

1. No and no.
2. We're talking about Station 8, right? I love it.
3. Well, the only section I'm at regularly is ASK GREG. But I stop by the comment room every week or so... to lurk at least.
4. I don't read fanfiction for legal reasons. SEE THE FAQ.

Response recorded on May 29, 2003

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King Cobra3 writes...

In City Of Stone: Part 2, I noticed that a stoned human women looks vaguely like Margot Yale which gets smashed by Demona. Was it really Margot Yale? If so, how could she be alive in future episodes? Maybe it was her twin or something?

Greg responds...

Sigh... no one ever checks the archives.

No, it wasn't Margot. I see the resemblance, but she didn't even have the same hair color.

Response recorded on May 29, 2003

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Galvatron writes...

You mentioned that the Space-spawn have two gods so what are they called? Do they really exist or are they just stories and myths

Greg responds...

I'm not getting into this now.

Response recorded on May 29, 2003

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Lexy writes...

*L*

Are you in the mood today to tell us where Lexington's mate comes from before meeting Lex in Manhattan?

^_^;
*spins the wheel..again* hmm 3 years..

Greg responds...

Nope. Spin again.

Response recorded on May 29, 2003

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Vorath writes...

How does the Quarrymen theory about Gargoyles evolved in 2198?

i.e.: Do they still view them as the usual "demons/monsters/super-natural beings" or that view changed to something else, like "rival sentinent being"?

Greg responds...

I think they see them as an insidious evil. Beyond that, even the Quarrymen aren't likely to be monolithic in the specifics of their beliefs.

Response recorded on May 29, 2003

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Shan writes...

Greg, I was thinking about your resume again recently because someone asked what other projects you were involved in. If I'm not mistaken, every show you've worked on has either been primarily boy-targeted (GARGOYLES, TROOPERS, MEN IN BLACK, MAX STEEL, etc.) or unisex-focused (DUCKTALES, BONKERS, etc.) To my knowledge, JEM is the only property you've ever done any work on that was primarily intended for girls. Did you find any unique challenges or concerns in that, or was it just simply a matter of telling a good story?

Greg responds...

The unique challenge to JEM was that I had NEVER written for animation before. Otherwise, I just try to tell a good story. I actually prefer to write female characters, which is not always appreciated in the conventional-wisdom-world-of-boys-action-shows.

Response recorded on May 29, 2003

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King Cobra3 writes...

The Mutates.

1. Why is Claw always mute? Who would be hired to do his voice if it was ever decided he would talk?
2. Did Elisa ever meet Delilah?
3. What are Fang and Claw's real names?

Greg responds...

1. Trauma. Claw's never going to talk as far as I'm concerned. His muteness is fundamental to his character.
2. Eventually.
3. I honestly haven't given them real names yet, because it hasn't been necessary. But they do have real names.

Response recorded on May 29, 2003

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Aris Katsaris writes...

Possibly starting a debate...

Galvatron> Umm... "western"-centric because Greg made western deities such as those of the Greeks or the Norse be children of Oberon? Do you think that Athens is somehow located to the *east* of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Mecca?

I assure you, it's not. :-)

Anyway, the Greeks, Norse, whatever had their deities be finite creatures which began their lives within the universe. There's a difference between that and a supposedly infinite God which *created* the universe. I can imagine the monotheists being upset if they discovered their god was a fay - if The Infinite proved finite, only one of many. But the Norse and the ancient Greeks already believed that there existed many gods. Why be too upset at discovering a couple more they hadn't heard about?

Greg responds...

THANK YOU!!!!

Response recorded on May 29, 2003

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Galvatron writes...

Don't you feel it's alittle bit western centric making the god of the Greeks, Norse and all the other "pagan cultures" Children of Oberon who are no better than the non-corporeal beings of scifi while the God of Judaism, Islam, Christianity is actually the creator of the universe? I mean it's like saying that they're stupid for getting suckered in by the Children while we're smart for actually worshipping the true God.

Greg responds...

Well, first off ALL THE GODS you mentioned are "Western Culture" gods. All of them. So it's hardly Western centric -- beyond the fact that we got more western culture into the show period.

Second, I have never confirmed or denied the existance of the Judeo-Christian-Islamic GOD in the series. I have left that to every individual character and viewer's view of the universe. So I've hardly given the Abrahamist religions priority over the old "pagan cultures".

Finally, not to split hairs, wow, you got me. I've made fictional characters out of the gods of myth. Shocking.

Response recorded on May 29, 2003

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Aris Katsaris writes...

<g> I'm asking this question with the assumption that it'll be past December 19th that you'll respond to it. And the assumption that you saw the movie. Uh... and the assumption that you took your family to see it also. :-)

What did you think about the Lord of the Rings movie? What did your children think?

Greg responds...

I have really loved BOTH LOTR movies. (See, you were right. It's past Dec. 19th. TWICE OVER.)

My kids, however, are six and eight. (Younger than that when the first one came out.) I don't think either film was appropriate viewing material for them. But I bought the DVD of the first one, so when their older, they can see it.

Response recorded on May 28, 2003

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The Cat writes...

This is The Cat,

Thank you for answering my questions. You answered the more important ones today or yesterday. Anyothers I have are a bit depressing and don't really need to be answered, so if you don't want to answer them that is okay.

Greg responds...

Uh... okay.

Response recorded on May 28, 2003

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Zelandonii writes...

Nought seems to be turning into the Boba Fett of the Gargoyles Universe. A split second cameo character that's gaining more and more fan curiosity. Including mine. Is Nought from any particular Mythology or work of fiction? Did you have plans for him later in the series?

Greg responds...

Nought is what it seems.

Response recorded on May 28, 2003

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HANNA BERHANU writes...

Macbeth:
what is king Duncan's reaction to the news that cawdor is a traitor ?what will happen to his title'
2-do Macbeth and Banquo have the same reaction to ROSS'NEWS?
3-WHAT ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE ABOUT MALCOLM? WHAT IS MACBETH'S REACTION?
4-HOW DID LADY MACBETH FIND OUT ABOUT THE WITCHES' PROPHECIES?
5-HOW WILLING IS MACBETH TO GO ALONG WITH LADY MACBETH'S PLANS FOR HIM TO ATTAIN THE THRONE?

Greg responds...

Are you writing a term paper, Hanna?

Or are you just quizzing me on my Reading Comprehension of the play?

This seems rather pointless.

Response recorded on May 28, 2003

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The Cat writes...

The Cat replying back on the question about The Gathering.

Ok, I live in Texas close to Corpus Christi, so that would probably be a better place to put The Gathering than in my small insignificant (I personally wouldn't call Ingleside a town considering that on most road maps it would probably get mistaken as a fly speck, but that is my opinion.) village. As for why college would put a stop to going to any of The Gatherings away from my home. 1st, I'm probably going to have to take classes in the summer just to catch up with my studies. Also, it takes quite a bit of money to drive or fly to where ever The Gathering is and most of my money is going towards college or making sure I've got food in my stomach. So, see I've got a bit of a problem. I am, however, saving every bit of change that I can keep. My mom wonders why. If only she knew. Um...I better go. I'm helping Alex Lyons3 with some of his fan fiction and he's yelling at me to move my tail, bye.

Greg responds...

I know it can be tough. I appreciate your trying. Did you make it to Virginia last year? To New York this year?

Good luck.

Response recorded on May 28, 2003

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Anonymous writes...

I'd just like to thank you for creating such an dramatic and educational show which got me interested in Shakespeare and all those legends that appeared in the Avalon World Tour including Cuchullain, Raven and the Kichinas. Finally I'd like to thank you for answering my hundred or so question which I imagine was a very tedious task.

Greg responds...

You're welcome.

Response recorded on May 27, 2003

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Zelandonii writes...

You've mentioned here on "Ask Greg" that you used to read Sandman. Has that influenced your Gargoyles stories? Have you ever worked with Neil Gaiman? If you haven't read "American Gods" yet, go for it!

Greg responds...

I've never worked with Neil Gaiman, though I once used Death in an issue of Captain Atom. An appearance that I've been told he hates, though I think it was misinterpreted, since I made a tremendous effort to be careful and respectful.

For example, Captain Atom asks Death who she is relative to the Black Racer. She asks him (in essence) to guess. He guesses. I heard (third hand) that Neil really disliked Cap's interpretation, but that's why I didn't put it in Death's mouth. It's only Captain Atom's guess. If it's wrong, no harm done. Or so I thought.

It certainly was okay with Karen Berger, Neil's editor on Sandman, who was shown the appearance before it was published. In my defense, I had permission, and we were all working in a shared universe. I would have been happy to have talked with Neil about the appearance in advance. But all I got from Karen and Denny O'Neil (my editor) was a go-ahead, so I figured it was all right. I certainly didn't write it to piss him off.

But after he protested, I know that I was forbidden from using Death again later.

Was I influenced by Neil? I don't think so, but I think we both share influences, obviously. Shakespearean and mythological influences for example. There's one way that I know Gaiman's work effected Gargoyles. When I was interpreting the Weird Sisters for the series, my first thought was to do the traditional Maid, Mother and Crone moon goddess. But because Neil was using that in his books, I went with the Triplet version that you saw.

I haven't read much of Neil's work beyond the comics he was doing in the 90s. But I liked that stuff -- a lot. I somehow doubt the feeling is mutual.

Response recorded on May 27, 2003

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alexandra writes...

is it true that gargoyles is coming back and if not is there a chance it ever will?

Greg responds...

Disney Home Entertainment is planning a release of the first season of Gargoyles on DVD in 2004. That's all that is currently planned, to my knowledge.

Is there a chance of more? Sure.

Response recorded on May 27, 2003

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Justin writes...

Dear Greg,

You said that, and Goliath has also said that, "Long ago there were clans all over the world." Well that is a pretty vague statement. I do understand it was intentional but the idea has bothered be for close to six years now, where were these clans? Were there any in the americas? Africa? Italy? Moscow? I really would like to know how far the species migrated.

Thanks

Greg responds...

What part of "all over the world" don't you understand?

If you want me to list every clan location... well, I won't. I'm not going to go through an Atlas and start choosing spots.

The Americas? You know it. Africa? Sure. Italy? Absolutely. Moscow, specifically? I don't know.

They are an old race. Now on the verge of extinction, but once upon a time they were (briefly) the dominant species on the planet. They spread out.

Response recorded on May 27, 2003

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Zelandonii writes...

Will you be making any kind of public appearences in Northern California in the foreseeable future? Or anywhere else other than the Gathering? (I don't plan to bombard you with a dozen tedious questions about the ages of various characters while you're minding your own business at the supermarket or anything like that)

Greg responds...

I don't often get asked to make "public appearances".

I go to the Gathering every year, because (a) it's a blast and (b) they pay my way. I couldn't afford it otherwise.

I have been going to the San Diego Comiccon the last few years because the Starship Trooper fans have organized a panel and invited me. And I can afford to drive down to San Diego for a day. Don't know if I'm going this year. Don't know if they're doing the panel this year. I haven't been contacted.

I'd happily go anywhere I was invited assuming it was either close and uncostly and/or my way was paid.

So if you want me in NoCal, I'm not that hard to get. I'm a con-whore.

Response recorded on May 27, 2003

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Denis writes...

Hello again, Greg!

here's the secon of the two post, about the other topic.

Is there any chance that the Team Atlantis video will be aviable in time of Gathering 2002, or perhaps a preview screening, like we had for Buzz Lightyear or 3x3 Eyes at the G2K?

a little note to close this post. a belgian TV channel is now airing the Roughnecks' episode set on Earth, and man, do those episode rock! great job! Also got the second DVD. I hope that they'll put the last episodes back in production for a DVD release!

That's all for now!
See you at Williamsburg in 7 months!

Greg responds...

Hey! Well, I hope I see you in New York in one month.

Obviously, the Team Atlantis video wasn't ready a year ago. But it's out now. Out and available. We can certainly show a taste of it at this year's convention. If not the whole thing.

Response recorded on May 23, 2003

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matt writes...

this may or may not be a tough question:

if you were given a choice to either run a Gargoyles series again exactly how you wanted to or given $100,000, which would you choose?

Greg responds...

Are we assuming I get paid to do the Gargoyles series or does this preposterous hypothetical assume I have to work for free?

If the latter, than I'm afraid I'd HAVE to take the money.

If the former, well, then I'd wind up doing okay financially, and I'd much rather do the series.

Response recorded on May 23, 2003

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julio writes...

I am sorry greg that I am writing to you again but I just wanted if you could put back the gargoyles video clips back
on your website

thank you

Greg responds...

First off, this isn't my website. Station 8 belongs to Gorebash. He's generously created this sub-site for me to answer your questions.

I don't know anything about the video clips, so you should address that question to him -- assuming it isn't moot 18 months after you asked it.

Response recorded on May 23, 2003

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Shannon writes...

What proof Can we find that Macbeth was a man filed with greed, ambitons and desire

Greg responds...

Uh... beyond the fact that he's a human being and we are all filled with these things, at least to some extent...

And having said that, I wouldn't say that those are Macbeth's foremost qualities. (At least not in the Gargoyle Universe.) So how hard should I work to offer you proof?

I'm not sure I understand the question.

What proof do you require?

Response recorded on May 23, 2003

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Denis writes...

Hello, Greg!

here's the first of two post, about two separated topics.

Anonymous' question about Proteus' lifespan made me wonder; though not about his future, but about his past.
Have you set the year of his birth, or his age?

Greg responds...

Nope.

Response recorded on May 23, 2003

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Sea Otter writes...

Hi Greg,
My grandson has been bugging me to purchase a "Goliath" figurine. (At LEAST 6" or 7" in height.) Do you know where one can be obtained?

Greg responds...

Nope. Sorry.

I'd try e-bay or one of the dealer's tables at the GATHERING 2003. For more info, check out...

http://gathering.gargoyles-fans.org

Response recorded on May 22, 2003

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Justin writes...

Greg,
This question has been bothering me for quite some time.

Is Hippolyta, (Hudson's daughter)in the 938 rookery ( Goliath's generation) or 978 rookery ( Bronx's generation) Cuz I have heard both.

Greg responds...

Heard from whom?

Anyway, the answer is Goliath's generation. And, btw, the spelling I've chosen is Hyppolyta.

Hudson does have a biological child that hatched in 978. I'm referring to her in my notes as "True". (I can't remember if I've mentioned her before to anyone but Todd.)

Response recorded on May 22, 2003

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Wingedbeast writes...

Questions regarding three of the Fair Folk

1. After the Wierd Sisters were banished by a simple parlor trick, they rather easily accepted the ARchmage's suggestion for help. Why that as opposed to just using Avalon's magic to destroy the clan?

Why put that much trust in a single human?

Did they even hedge their bets with attempts of their own to remove the clan?

2. When Odin went through his entire deal of getting his eye back, why didn't he, at one point, attempt identifying himself as Odin before threatening a Gargoyle's protectorate? It seems he'd tried everything but the truth before threatening Elisa... and then the truth at the same time, so what really could it have cost him to identify himself before going to threats?

3. While Oberon may have seen himself as being well in the right for wanting to rid Avalon of the mortals, why didn't he think to identify himself as Oberon: Rightful Lord of Avalon? Seems to be pretty much an obvious thing that he may have missed.

Basing this next question on the idea that Avalon wants the humans and Gargoyle clan to remain (or else why bring the world tour group back to Avalon just in time?). Why did Avalon obey Oberon's commands to attack Goliath, Angela, and Gabrial?

Greg responds...

1a. Well, I could say, "Why not?" But the not-quite-as-short answer had to do with their own banishment from the island by Oberon. By becoming "servants" to the Archmage, it enabled them to embark on the island at his command. Otherwise, how do they attack the Magus, et al, when they're forbidden to set foot on the island. There's also a longer answer and a very long answer, but I'm not getting into those now.

1b. They didn't.

1c. They have three plans in play and removing the clan is only a part of each.

2. Chalk it up, as he did, to recent inexperience at dealing with mortals.

3. I believe he did.

3a. That's a big assumption. The Island didn't bring the travellers back. To return to Avalon, the travellers use a spell. In any case, what the island wants and needs, doesn't change the fact that the island is soaked in magical energy, which Oberon is a master at utilizing.

Response recorded on May 22, 2003

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roxy J. writes...

I've heard that disney cancled Gargoyles because it was getting to in depth and lossing its whole "kiddy show" thing. Do you think that's true and if it is then what do you think about that?

Greg responds...

I don't think that's true.

They cancelled the show for a number of reasons which I have outlined in great detail here:

http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/faq/realworld.htm

You could have found this by checking the ASK GREG FAQ, btw.

Response recorded on May 22, 2003

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Lily V. writes...

I read somewhere that Hudson had a child with mate. Was it a male child or female? Do you think he had grandchildren?

Greg responds...

Hudson has had three biological children, if that's what you're getting at, including Broadway.

But you're thinking like a human. Hudson has many rookery children and grandchildren, including Brooklyn, Lexington, Broadway and Angela.

Response recorded on May 21, 2003

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wizebeaz writes...

Hey Greg I just want to say you did a great job on the Gargoyles. Ok now for a couple of questions.
You know on 'hunter's moon 2' after Jason kissed Elisa, then Elisa went to the clock tower. Well, was she going to go visit the gargoyles, namely Goliath? And if she was would she tell him who she felt about him if she was?

Greg responds...

I do think she would have come to see them, to talk about the crisis in general. I don't know that they would have discussed the kiss. I don't know what she would have revealed about her own feelings. But I tend to think -- very little. It's just not her -- guarded, pretend to be invulnerable -- way.

Anyhow, it's moot.

Response recorded on May 21, 2003

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Zelandonii writes...

Have you written any novels? Have you thought of writing one in the Gargoyles universe?

Greg responds...

I have written the first draft of a novella. I'm about halfway through the second draft, though to be honest, I haven't worked on it in almost a year.

I have started a number of other novels, without finishing them. It's an unfortunate fact that I have trouble motivating myself without an externally enforced deadline.

I would absolutely LOVE to write a Gargoyles Novel. A series of them, actually. I've got a number of stories in mind. All I need is an interested publisher. I can't justify writing a book based on a property I don't own without one.

Response recorded on May 21, 2003

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Zelandonii writes...

In the Gargoyle universe, did Ragnarok already happen? Or is Fenrir still waiting for dinner...

Greg responds...

A Ragnarok happenned. Maybe not THE Ragnarok.

Response recorded on May 21, 2003

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adam writes...

in the labyrinth clan, who would be considered second after Talon?

Greg responds...

I don't think they are currently organized that way at this time. Ironically, by default, the answer might be Maggie. But I don't think it's formalized.

Response recorded on May 20, 2003

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adam writes...

who will delilah take as her make, one of the four original clones or another gargoyle?

Greg responds...

I'm not answering this at this time.

Response recorded on May 20, 2003

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Reno's Demona writes...

Greg-i love the show. I think it has some of the greatest character development i have ever seen. My question is this, would you say Demona is a tragic charachter? I would, but that's just me.... THANKS A BUNCH!!!

Greg responds...

I certainly think she's a tragic figure... the fact that she's her own worst enemy not-withstanding.

Response recorded on May 20, 2003

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Edward Haynes, Jr. writes...

Future Tense.

I won't keep you long, Greg. I just had some questions I thought you could clear for me about this particular episode.

Was the vision that Goliath saw just a dream or a prophecy? Why wouldn't Puck tell him which one it was? Would the events have REALLY started to come true if the series had continued after the the Goliath Chronicles??

Greg responds...

Some of each.

Why would he?

Some of them started to come true before the end of the second season. The birth of Alexander Fox Xanatos, for example. The destruction of the Clock Tower.

Response recorded on May 19, 2003

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The Souldier writes...

I have an off the wall question for you, in "Enter Macbeth," what was Macbeth drinking? Was it coffee, tea, or cocoa? It had to have been something hot because there was steam coming off of it. If it was cocoa, did he have marshmellows in it?

Greg responds...

I don't know.

Response recorded on May 19, 2003

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matt writes...

do gargoyles have any special terms or names for the years or the parts of the year that they mate, lay eggs, or eggs hatch?

Greg responds...

Gargoyles aren't too big on naming things. But, yeah, probably.

Response recorded on May 19, 2003

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Edward Haynes, Jr. writes...

In "Temptations" Demona mentions Goliath and Lexington being hunted by the Pack "like animals" to which Brooklyn responded with "How'd you know?" I noticed she never answered him, so my question is how DID she know? She never showed up in "Thrill Of The Hunt", so how did she know that it happened?

Greg responds...

Just cuz you didn't see her, doesn't mean she wasn't there.

Also, keep in mind that in those days, Demona was allied with Xanatos.

Response recorded on May 19, 2003

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Tukins writes...

Hey Greg
I'm not gonna bother you long, I only got one question

I was just wondering, since gargoyles see upon the entire clan as their family, and they concider them all brothers and sisters, how do they prevent interbreeding? I mean, they don't know just how closely they are related to eich other, doesn't that lead to problems sometimes?

That question has been bothering me for a while now, hope you can answer it for me

Greg responds...

It's been bugging you, but you chose not to check the archives for the answer. Instead you posted a question that I didn't get to for a year and a half.

Couldn't have been bugging you too much.

Within a generation, you're not going to get anyone mating with their biological brothers or sisters, because they don't have any among their rookery siblings. First Cousins are a possibility, I suppose. I have posited in the past that smell creates a natural anti-disposition for a gargoyle choosing a mate that he or she is too closely related to.

Response recorded on May 16, 2003

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Anonymous writes...

What is the true form of the Children of Oberon? Anything close to a Will O Wasps?

Greg responds...

Not particularly. I think of them as more solid than that. But I'm not sure even they know what their true forms are.

Response recorded on May 16, 2003

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Anonymous writes...

Did Oberon and his children invent the gods they were worshipped as or did humans invent them?

Greg responds...

Huh?

If I'm getting your drift, the answer, I guess, is both.

Mostly, Oberon & Co. just were who they were, and various humans began to treat or worship them as gods.

Occasionally, I think it's possible that a culture had a god or two that one of the Children posed as.

Response recorded on May 16, 2003

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Todd Jensen writes...

Something that I've occasionally wondered about "Pendragon". Unlike the rest of the spin-offs (except maybe "New Olympians", which had connections to Greek mythology in its core concept in that the New Olympians are descended from the gods and monsters of classical myth), which were primarily based on the elements of the Gargoyles Universe ("Dark Ages" and "Gargoyles 2198" with the Wyvern clan's past and future, "Timedancer" with Brooklyn, and "Bad Guys" with some of the gargoyles' former antagonists), "Pendragon" appears based more on a "pre-existing mythology" (the Arthurian cycle), involving the return of King Arthur to the modern world. Of the five major characters that we know of in the projected spin-off (Arthur, Griff, Blanchefleur, Merlin, and Duval/Percival), all of them except for Griff are figures from the legend (though Percival is here the head of the Illuminati, a "Gargoyles" rather than Arthurian element). We do know that Griff would probably have stuck around as one of Arthur's knights for the duration of the series (and of their lives), and that a gargoyle clan would spring up at New Camelot when Arthur finally founds it (though I doubt that that would happen for a good long while in the spin-off if it had ever been made), but aside from that, the focus seems more on the Arthurian survivors (though we don't know as yet how large a role you'd planned for the other four survivors - the Lady of the Lake, Morgana, Nimue, and the Green Knight - in the series).

Did you primarily imagine "Pendragon" as more of a "return of Arthur" story that simply happened to be set in the Gargoyles Universe, or would "Gargoyles Universe" elements (as in, elements specifically created in the series, such as the gargoyles) have played about an equal role with the Arthurian aspects of it?

Greg responds...

I don't have a quota in mind. But I guess the answer is both.

Certainly, it was a "Return of the King" story set in the present of the Gargoyles Universe.

But I think one of the strengths of the Gargoyles Universe is its interconnectivity. So elements, like the Illuminati, the Gargoyles and Macbeth would have definitely entered into stories of the Questing Beast and the Holy Grail, and vice versa, etc.

Response recorded on May 16, 2003

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Jackie Hunter writes...

What is Hudson's favorite sport and what's his favorite
team?

Greg responds...

Celebrity Hockey.

The B-Players.

Response recorded on May 15, 2003

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Alex Katsaros writes...

what is the significance of the bird on top of Hakon's helmet?

Greg responds...

Fresh eggs?

Response recorded on May 15, 2003

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matt writes...

in 2001 (or probably 2002 when you answer this :) ) is Elisa still a NY Cop? has she been promoted or still doing her detective work?

Greg responds...

How about in 2003?

Yes, I'd imagine she's still a cop. Hopefully, by now she's been promoted a grade or two. But I don't have a context to say how high.

Response recorded on May 15, 2003

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darkfiend666 writes...

How is Servarius's name pronounced? I've heard Xanatos pronounce it like the ar is pronounced air (Ser-Vair-e-us) and Elisa pronounce it like the ar is pronounced like it rhymes with bar. Which is correct? (I like the way Elisa
says it personally, it sounds more evil)

Greg responds...

I don't remember how Anton pronounced it?

I'm fine with either.

Response recorded on May 15, 2003

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Robert writes...

Hi mr. weisman! i am a big gargoyles fan and i am a webmaster of a gargoyles page. i have read some topics about the live-action gargoyles movie. you have said that touchstone pic. is looking for a good script, right? well, maybe is stupid, but i am a teather writer and in my free times i have writted a script for a "supposed" gargoyles film. i thogught that they (touch. pics) already have the script so i only did it for hobby but, do you think they could be interested in read it? who am i write to? i f you know please tell me ok? maybe sounds crazy but who knows?

Greg responds...

Robert,

I'm sure that Touchstone is not interested (for legal reasons) in reading an unsolicited submission. Sorry.

But also a little advice...

You're post above is just chock full of typos and more. Bad spelling. Bad grammar. Bad punctuation.

Any teacher or writer should know that if you're looking for ANY work -- but particularly work as a writer (even if it is just on a whim) you need to proofread ruthlessly.

How could I or anyone recommend you to Touchstone based on the above?

I know that sounds harsh, but it's meant to help you, for future reference.

Response recorded on May 15, 2003

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Courtnie writes...

Hey
1. Is Wyvern based on a real castle?
2. What part of Scotland is Wyvern located?

Greg responds...

<sigh> I know I've answered these before. Did you even skim the Wyvern archive before posting questions that I wouldn't get to for over a year?

1. It is VERY loosely based -- at least in my mind on Tintagel.

2. The west coast of Scotland.

Response recorded on May 14, 2003

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Lynati writes...

Oh. and while I'm here...

Do you think when Aaron finally tracks down Marina Sirtis and asks her to sign the Demona tatoo on his chest that she'll do it gracefully, or will she have someone distract him and then run away really fast?

Greg responds...

Even odds.

(Although I can't imagine she hasn't encountered far weirder/scarier Trek fans than our Aaron -- who still reminds me of a young Tom McMinn.)

Response recorded on May 14, 2003

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Meteo writes...

Dear Mr. Weisman,

Do you see Disney's acquisition of Fox Family as increasing the chances for more Gargoyles? Thank you!

Greg responds...

Long term, perhaps.

Short term, no. I've inquired and they're not currently interested. Actually, the ABC Family guys were briefly interested in BAD GUYS. But their Disney Channel bosses put the kibosh on it.

Response recorded on May 14, 2003

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Lynati writes...

Why can't I sleep?
I've been up since 7 am yesterday. This just isn't fair.

Getting to the *actual* question...(I've looked through the archives, and haven't seen this one. I apologize if I missed it. And even more so If I've previously asked this question but forgot your response because it was a smart-ass one.)

"All things are true" you say, but I would appreciate it if you would clarify this for me:
In your conception of the gargoyles universe, are all "non-mortal" beings of the Fae race, or do you allow for the existence of anthropomorphic personifications?
(My, you do get a lot of Neil Gaimen inspired questions, don't you?)

[And as Aaron seems to have become lax in his posting of webcomic (and related) links...]
http://pixelscapes.com/sailornothing/

Greg responds...

Well, I hope you've been able to get some sleep since November 9, 2001...

I guess, and I'm not trying to be a smart-ass here, I'm not sure how you're defining "anthropomorphic personifications"? How is that different from, say, Anansi or The Stone of Destiny?

Anansi is definitely a "Child of Oberon." Not literally his kid, but one of his race. (Note: he's not Fae, which is not a term from the series. I view the Fae as a subset of the Children. Same with the Norse Pantheon and the Egyptian Pantheon, etc.)

Whereas, the Stone of Destiny is either an enchanted object or a Child of Oberon. I've intentionally left that vague for now.

As you've seen, the New Olympians are, strictly speaking, not Children of Oberon, though they are descended from them. Do they count as anthromorphic personifications?

So, I'm not trying to dodge the answer. I just honestly don't know how to define your terms.

Response recorded on May 14, 2003

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Saucer writes...

In the Reckoning, Demona stated, "I know every remaining gargoyle." Does that mean she knew every remaining clan including the ones that weren't introduced in the show. If not, which clans was she refering to?

Greg responds...

I'm going to leave that to your interpretation. Demona certainly seems to believe that she knows every remaining gargoyle, PERIOD.

But she could be (a) mistaken or (b) lying. She's certainly not above either possibility.

Response recorded on May 14, 2003

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matt writes...

some questions about Demona's "City of Stone Clan":

1. did Demona know any of them before the Wyvern Massacre?

2. were any of them once members of the Wyvern Clan?

3. were any of them once members of the clan that seperated from the Wyvern Clan?

4. were any of them banished gargoyles?

5. did you have any plans (in Gargoyles, or Dark Ages maybe) for showing where these gargs came from? i remember watching City of Stone for the first ime and wondering if i'd forgotten something from Awakenings or a flashback cuz one second they were the last of their kind and the next we found another group of them. kinda confused me...

Greg responds...

1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.
4. Probably.
5. The group that was the "last of their kind" (which also turned out not to be true) in "Awakening" were the six survivors who woke up in Manhattan in 1994. Nobody in 994 ever said that the Wyvern clan were the last of their kind.

And as with most things, given enough episodes I would have eventually dealt with just about EVERYTHING.

Response recorded on May 13, 2003

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Alex writes...

Hi, I always had this question about The Gathering part II. During the fight with Oberon if Xanatos knows that he's vulnerable to iron WHY THE HELL DOESN'T HE REGULAR MACHINE GUNS AND REGULAR IRON BULLETS ? What is this fascination with energy weapons if a good old M-16 would shred Oberon to pieces. (I mean a shot from a harpoon gun weakened him greatly) .(Of course I understand that making the God-Like Oberon appear so vulnerable,or showing him neary defeated would ruin the episode )

Greg responds...

Well, frankly, the real reason is that we're generally not allowed to use real world weapons except at great discretion. Shooting even a magical being up -- one who'd be vulnerable to bullets -- would definitely not get past S&P. No way.

I think we justify this in the show by presenting our cast with even more impressive weapons. And by demonstrating their limits. An iron harpoon through the chest weakened but didn't kill him. The bullets would have hurt certainly, but might have ultimately done even less damage. Who knows?

Response recorded on May 13, 2003

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Aaron writes...

In a similar vein to the question about Back to the Future 2, how do you feel about movies where, via the magic of makeup, Eddie Murphy plays something like half the cast?

Greg responds...

Well, I haven't seen most of those Eddie Murphy movies where he does that, so it's not really fair for me to comment. A lot depends on tone. But it seems to me that there's a certain amount of winking at the audience implied at the very least. A certain complicity.

Response recorded on May 13, 2003

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adam writes...

who played the voices of Desdemona/Coldfire and Iago/Coldsteel.

Greg responds...

C.C.H. Pounder (who, I believe is a regular on 'The Shield') was Desdemona/Coldfire.

Xander Berkeley (who most recently was the belatedly noble boss on '24' who died saving Los Angeles from an atomic bomb) played Iago/Coldfire.

Response recorded on May 13, 2003

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Jimmy_Q writes...

I know that you are/were to be co-producer of the live-action movie and I also remember you saying that you'd actually have slim to nothing to do with the development/production or whatever. Still, I doubt you'd be paid to do absolutely nothing, so what, at least in general, would you be doing? Just curious...

Greg responds...

Well, I was paid originally to write a treatment with Michael Reaves that Touchstone rejected. Michael's agent negotiated the co-producer credit and back-end fees, which I believe Touchstone agreed to, to a large extent, because having us on the project offered their division some protection and/or legitimacy vis-a-vis, Gary Krisel, my boss at the time at Walt Disney TV Animation. Gargoyles, being a WDTVA property, was in Gary's bailiwick. Gary pushed Michael and I on Touchstone. So we got our deal.

Then Gary left Disney. I do not think it's coincidental that right when Gary left, Michael and I were swept aside on the project. We were told that we'd be consulted, but in point of fact we never were. I developed a decent once-a-year phone relationship with some of the Touchstone execs, who would keep me posted on where things stood. But it never went beyond that. Michael and I were paid for the (unused) work we did. And should the movie go forward into production, we would get a second check -- for doing absolutely nothing.

We also are supposed to get a very small percentage of the "net" profits (as opposed to the "gross") which if you follow Hollywood at all, probably means nothing at all.

When you think about it, no money for no work seems fair.

Response recorded on May 13, 2003

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Jimmy_Q writes...

You know, one of these days I would actually like to attend a Gathering. However, I've found that the past Gatherings have been around the coasts, Virginia, Florida, and the next one is to take place in LA? Here's my problem: I live smack in the middle of the country (Nebraska). With college and a part-time job, not only do I lack the time for a lengthy trip, but I'm not exactly swimming in money, either. I may be a wee bit hopeful, but what are the chances of a Gathering taking place in or around Nebraska in the near-future (within the next 5 years or so)?

Greg responds...

Well, here's the (abridged) history of the Gathering...

1997 - Fans got together and organized the first New York Gathering. Most of the work was done by Mae Li, who should be hailed by fandom as the woman who gave birth to our cons.

1998 - Out of the fist Gathering, a group of fans got together and organized the second New York Gathering.

1999 - Having completely exhausted the New York fandom, another group of fans got together and organized the Dallas Gathering.

2000 - Still another group of fans got together and organized the Orlando Gathering.

2001 - Survivors of the Dallas Gathering got together (with some fresh fan blood) and organized the Los Angeles Gathering.

2002 - Survivors of the Orlando Gathering got together (with some fresh fan blood) and organized the Williamsburg Gathering.

2003 - A new group of fans got together (with a few familiar faces) to organize this year's new New York Gathering. For info, check out http://gathering.gargoyles-fans.org .

2004 - A group of Canadian fans have gotten together and are already organizing next year's Gathering in Montreal.

2005 - Is up for grabs. As you can see from this history, there's no magic to it. Dedicated fans just decide to make it happen. In fact, it's a lot of hard work. But if you want a Gathering in Nebraska, organize a group of fans and put together a bid. You've got at least six to eight months to get your act together before next year's bidding process begins. Go for it.

As for attending before then... it's not necessarily as expensive and time-consuming as you may think. Look into cheap fares or ride sharing and/or room sharing. Just LOOK into it, before deciding it isn't possible. Give it a try. I guarantee you won't be sorry.

Response recorded on May 13, 2003

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Aaron writes...

Greg writes: "There's the amazing NEW GUY. He's terrifying."

Does NEW GUY come from the planet Mertz? If so, that really would be terrifying.

Greg responds...

I don't even remember what I was talking about.

And Planet Mertz sounds familiar, but I can't place it right now.

Response recorded on May 12, 2003

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matt writes...

1. is the leader of the Mayan Clan always or usually one of the Pendant Wearers?

2. does the name of the Pendant Wearer change in relation to sex? like the Sapphire Pendent on a male would be Zafiro, on a female Zafira for instance...

3. have gargoyles been in Guatemala longer than humans?

4. did Oberon ever find out about those tropical plants transplanted to Avalon? if so, what was his reaction?

5. how are those plants doing in 2001 anyway?

Greg responds...

1. Usually, I'd say. Almost always.

2. I'd think so.

3. I'd think so.

4. I'm guessing he's okay with it.

5. As far as I know they're flourishing.

Response recorded on May 12, 2003

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Aaron writes...

Found a few more...

Greg writes: "I think Demona can fake integrity with the best of them. She's a survivor."

So, if we took the entire cast of gargoyles, put them on a deserted island, and let them vote each other off one by one, Demmie would be the one to walk away with the money? ;)

Greg responds...

I don't know, because I've never watched Survivor, so I don't know what kind of personality tends to win. Demona is her own worst enemy, of course.

Response recorded on May 12, 2003

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adam writes...

why was it that all of the 6 original gargoyles in manhattan were male?

Greg responds...

Well, you're not counting Demona, of course.

Originally, we had two females. Dakota and Coco. Dakota evolved into Demona. Coco evolved into Broadway. At which point, to be honest about our cowardice, we didn't feel comfortable making our only positive female character overweight. In addition, there's a conventional wisdom -- which I don't subscribe to, but which influences my choices because so many in the industry DO subscribe to it -- that states that boys don't want female heroines in their boys action shows. Our primary target (not our only target) was boys 6-11 years old. No one wanted a female hero.

Of course, I love writing female heroes. They're easily my favorite. And I think properties like Buffy or Tomb Raider prove that I ain't wrong about the appeal to both gals and guys.

But, I don't always have the courage of my convictions. Introducing Angela was, in part, a way to make up for a clear void in the original show.

Response recorded on May 12, 2003

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Aaron writes...

Artemis writes: "They can't flip people off either!"

Sure they can! Not having a ring or pinkie talon (consensus differs as to which gargs don't have) doesn't mean you don't have a middle talon, and thus, still have the ability to flip people the bird. (Yes Greg, we have sat around and debated this)

Greg responds...

No argument.

Response recorded on May 09, 2003

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Anonymous writes...

As of 1996 are there any hunters besides Jason, Robyn, Jon and Fiona?

Greg responds...

Not officially. But there may be other Canmores. And Fiona was retired by that time. Largely.

Response recorded on May 09, 2003

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Anonymous writes...

Since Jon and Robyn were named after your siblings why didn't you name Jason after yourself?

Greg responds...

Too arrogant even for me.

Response recorded on May 09, 2003

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Aaron writes...

Enquiring minds want to know, Greg: When you were in college, did you ever wall yourself into your dorm room and spend two days writing fan fic about an animated show? ;)

Greg responds...

No. I didn't have a t.v. in college -- and thus there's a four year gap in my otherwise copious television knowledge.

Of course, I didn't have a computer until the last semester of my senior year. And I hated typing before computers. I wrote everything long hand and then typed it up only when I was confident that I didn't want to make any changes. So I typed very little. And the internet? Forgeddaboudit. Didn't exist -- at least not to my knowledge.

Also, I was an English Major with an emphasis in Fiction Writing, so I had plenty of writing to do for classes. And starting in my sophomore year, I was already writing professionally for DC Comics. So any non-school writing at that time, tended toward paid work, not fanfic.

Besides, the whole concept of fanfic didn't really exist for me until after the Garg fans told me about it.

I guess I did right a King Lear fanfic once -- as a term paper.

Response recorded on May 09, 2003

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Aaron writes...

Shavri wrote: "...Anyway, I'm just glad the whole thing was a dream_sequence scheme created by Puck and not something that would actually happen in "your" Gargoyle Universe."

By contrast, I *loved* the idea of a Brooklyn/Demona romance. It's one of the many reasons Future Tense is my favorite episode. But then, I've seen too much anime and believe the bickering couple will always end up together by the end of the series. ;) (It's also one of the funniest touches of FT, IMHO, that only in a world where everything else has gone to Hell can Brooklyn have a happy relationship)

http://www.avalonhigh.com

Greg responds...

I enjoyed it too.

But I'm still holding out for Katana.

Response recorded on May 08, 2003

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Aaron writes...

Again, I forget who asked this: "4. Where was Vinnie when the Mirror took place? ~_^ "

Greg responds: "4. Haven't thought about it."

It would have been kinda funny to see Vinnie walk by in the background, maybe trip on his tail or something, and say "Can you believe it?" just so we'd be sure it was him.

In fact, and I realize there was neither time to design them, nor a place for such a thing in the story, but it would have been a great deal of fun to see what the human cast, Matt, Chavez, Morgan, Fox, Xanatos, Dracon, etc., would have looked like as gargs. (Especially those last three) Heck, it'd be fun to see what Owen would look like as a gargoyle, even though that obviously wasn't possible.

MacBeth... Was MacBeth in town for The Mirror, and if so, was he changed into a gargoyle? Puck said "All humans on this concrete isle...", and MacBeth is still a human, albeit a magically immortal one. Again, fun to imagine.

And, I know you don't like hypotheticals, but would a fey in human form, such as Anastasia Renard have been affected by the spell or not, since you said that in mortal form, Oberon's Children take on all aspects of that form.

http://www.adventurers-comic.com

Greg responds...

In my opinion, yes, Anastasia -- had she been in town, which is unlikely -- would have transformed. Of course, at will she could abandon her mortal (now gargoyle) form for and look however she wanted.

Response recorded on May 08, 2003

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Aaron writes...

I just wanted to ask, what's your feeling on clip shows? I think they can be fun, in a kind of remember great moments of a series, or recap for new audience members way, but they can also be percieved as laziness on the part of the writers and/or actors. (Or am I completely wrong, and it's really, really hard to find a decent plot contrivance to string a clip show out)

Anyway, what's your feeling on them, and would we ever have seen a gargoyle clip show?

Greg responds...

I've never been a huge fan of clip shows -- which are absolutely NOT about writer (or any other staff member's) laziness. Rather they are a reflection of budgetary (and occasionally deadline) concerns. Clip shows are MUCH less expensive, for obvious reasons. And they can be put together, even with a framing sequence, much more rapidly than a typical episode.

I recall admiring some early year SIMPSONS clip shows, for being cleverer than most. And I actually think FRIENDS has done a half-decent job at taking a clip show and making it matter to the audience by tying the flashbacks to a character's important decision. But usually, I don't much care for clip shows. For example the STARSHIP clip shows all make me cringe, though I know that the people involved were working their hardest to make something worthwhile out of them. And the fact that some of my material was used in the clips is flattering, but doesn't actually make it work any better. Of course, I'm biased. Those clip shows on ROUGHNECKS were done to save money -- and they took the place of my last three episodes which would have concluded the series.

Like I said, just not a fan.

Response recorded on May 08, 2003

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matt writes...

i think i figured out when and how Xanatos found out the gargoyles lived in the Clocktower

i don't think Xanatos found out the gargs lived in the Clocktower in Hunters Moon for several reasons.
1) i can't see either Owen or Puck just slipping up like that.
2) Fox and Xanatos just took it way too casually as if they had known for some time.

after viewing some episodes, i'm convinced that Xanatos found out nearly a year before Hunters Moon, possibly before Owen/Puck knew. i think he found out in Eye of the Beholder. heres my reasons.
1) Xanatos places another tracking device on Goliath and then does not remove it for probably at LEAST an hour.
2) when Goliath leaves the castle he takes Elisa with him and in that time Elisa changes into her costume. her costume is probably at one of three places, at her apartment, in her car, or at the police station. if it was at the police station where she put on the costume then Xanatos only has to track them that far and he can figure out the rest (remember that Xanatos was probably tailing them for as much as he could, he may have even snuck into the Clocktower and seen the gargs furnishings). Elisa's car was at the police station and her costume was likely to be there since it is most probable she was planning to go with Goliath directly from the station to the Halloween party. and if her costume was at her apartment it is still very possible that they returned to the Clocktower for Elisa's car at least.
3) the show seemed to suggest that while tracking them, Xanatos was following Goliath and Elisa around and listening to their conversations. its possible that they mentioned the Clocktower and Xanatos could've overheard it.
4) if Elisa could come up with this great home for the gargs, i think that a year later Xanatos has probably had time to think about it and possibly figure it out just by guessing. hes a bright guy, you know...

i also have a couple reasons why Xanatos did not make a big deal or mention that he knew where the gargs were living.
1) this IS Xanatos, why would he reveal his hand, if anything he could save this information for use when he wasn't so busy with other matters.
2) i think that Xanatos is hardly going to make a big deal or even really think about the gargs home being revealed when in this episode (maybe more than any other save The Gathering) he is very emotionally stressed. the woman he loves may die soon, i hardly think he cares at the moment.
3) i think he didn't cause trouble for the gargs after discovering their home due to Goliaths help in saving Fox. this really mirrors his reinstatement of the gargs to Wyvern due to Goliath saving Alex. in fact, immediatly following Eye of the Beholder he certaintly makes large steps in calling truce with Goliath. he was very benevolent to Goliath in Vows and allied with him in City of Stone. i think Xanatos was silently granting Goliath and the clan a break for their help.

so, there is my theory, what do you think? mystery solved?

Greg responds...

If it makes you happy.

Response recorded on May 07, 2003

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Aaron writes...

Greg writes: "Reboot is fun."

Hmm, of course, it'll be in reruns by the time you see this, but has anybody told you about the 4th season starting on Cartoon Network this year?

http//:strangecandy.keenspace.com

Greg responds...

Nope. Of course, I haven't seen many episodes total. Just a handful. But I enjoyed what I saw, especially the X-Files parody episode.

Response recorded on May 07, 2003

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Aaron writes...

Greg writes: Re: The Oberati. "But they can't die of old age, unless they stubbornly insist on maintaining a mortal form until it kills them."

So, if one of Oberon's Children dies in mortal form, that's it? Poof, all gone? No reversion to their normal form, no last-second save? Nada? One second they're walking along, happily playing mortal, somebody drops a lunchbox off the 90th floor, and splat!, no more Child of Oberon?

If so, geez, they really take their lives in their hands every time they take mortal form, don't they?

http://rpgworld.keenspace.com

Greg responds...

Don't we all?

Response recorded on May 07, 2003

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matt writes...

1. was the New Wyvern Clan founded at Wyvern because thats one of the only places that the Gargoyles knew there was once a clan, but wasn't currently? were the Gargoyles attempting to colonize all places associated with Gargoyles in the past (Notre Dame)?

2. did Scotland make a bid for a Gargoyle clan or did they see the place as theirs to colonize?

3. in 1996, does Xanatos own any of the land surrounding where Wyvern once stood?

4. when Gargoyles recolonized Wyvern, did they attempt to populate it with Gargoyles of Wyvern/Scottish descent, or did they care?

5. how far is Wyvern from Loch ness?

Greg responds...

1. The new Wyvern Clan was, at least in part, a spin-off of the Manhattan Clan, so the "nostalgia" was much more personal.

1a. Not in particular.

2. The group felt they were returning home, so to speak.

3. I haven't thought about whether he owns any land there.

4. It was mostly Wyvern descent, because it was mostly gargs from Manhattan who were of Wyvern descent. But not exclusively. Nor was there any attempt to achieve anything like "clan purity".

5. I don't have a map handy, but you can find Loch Ness on a map at home. The fictional Wyvern's on Scotland's west coast.

Response recorded on May 06, 2003

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Aaron writes...

Greg writes:

"If Disney 'goes under' (a fairly ridiculous notion) than the property becomes one of their assets."

I dunno, Disney was $19 BILLION in the hole, last time I looked. Buying Fox Family alone set them back a little over five billion, which is I'm sure a great deal more then Fox paid (Was it Pat Robertson who used to own it, back when it was just TFC?) for it. Attendance at the parks, at least stateside, is at an all time low, and that was before the horrible events of September 11th which, aside from the devastating loss of life, depressed an American economy already sliding toward recession. (And certainly didn't make anybody feel like running out and going to Disneyland) All the Disney Stores in the US are closing as soon as their leases are up. Of course you're right, the idea that they'd sell off anything is still absurd. They'll just make cut-backs, (Like canceling Team Atlantis) and lay people off until the ship rights itself again. More's the pity.

If it's any consolation, in contrast to Entity's view, I think you've gotten sillier since G2K1. "On second thought, let's not go to Ask Greg, 'tis a silly place." ;)

http://www.exploitationnow.com

Greg responds...

I've certainly gotten sillier since G1997.

Response recorded on May 06, 2003

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Aaron writes...

I forget who asked this: "10. Does Dracon dream about Elisa and him being together?"

Greg replies: "10. Probably." By dream, would that be in the context of fantasizing about Elisa, (Poor Tony's never met Demona, has he?) or does Tony genuinely have some really strange dreams?

http://www.inktank.com

Greg responds...

Maybe both.

Response recorded on May 06, 2003