A Station Eight Fan Web Site

Gargoyles

The Phoenix Gate

Ask Greg Archives

COMEBACKS 2007-01 (Jan)

Archive Index


: « First : Displaying #11 - #110 of 113 records. : 100 » : Last » :


Posts Per Page: 1 : 10 : 25 : 50 : 100 : All :


Bookmark Link

JEB writes...

Gathering 2006 Journal, Part 2

June 25, 2006

I had trouble pulling myself out of bed (after having an odd dream involving a strangely friendly Lex Luthor and the First Celestial Host's connection to the death of the dinosaurs), so I was a little late to the comic book panel. Very interesting, and some minor spoilers:

- There will be a setback in Goliath and Elisa's relationship in #3.
- The first arc, "Clan-Building," will be four stories long (approximately 8-10 issues). (So it'll finish up sometime in early 2008- assuming the comic runs that long.)
- Hudson will play a more prominent role in #5 and #6.

Other random remarks included Greg Weisman and Dan Vado discussing their respective misadventures at DC Comics. This included how Captain Atom's backstory was ruined after Greg's run ended, so that they could prep him to be Monarch- which ultimately never happened anyway- and how Vado had to suffer through being kicked off of Justice League America and writing Extreme Justice. We also learned that Greg also provided the thumbprints for Rorschach in Watchmen!

Afterwards, they held an autograph session, and I got my second copy signed by Stephanie Lostimolo, Greg and Dan Vado. (Hedgecock was there too, but I already had his signature; he did remind me to pick up my sketch, though.) I mentioned Captain Atom: Armageddon to Greg as a better treatment of Captain Atom than I'd seen since his and Cary Bates' run, but I also mentioned- rather needlessly- that Eiling was permanently ruined. (Frankly, I really shouldn't have bothered.)

After Hedgecock reminded me, I went to get my sketch from a very courteous SLG staffer, and after dropping my comic off (sketch tucked inside) at my room, I went to Crispin Freeman's Mythological Animation panel. That was EXCELLENT, one of my favorite panels, as Freeman really knew his stuff- in that particular field as well as many related ones. I may have to subscribe to his Yahoo group...

I briefly met up with Garrett and Ed, then sought out some lunch, settling on a hot dog place near the Olive Garden. (Pretty tasty!) It happened to be near a Hobbytown USA, so I did a bit of shopping, picking up RPG books for me and twenty-sided dice for a friend back home.

Next stop was the auction, which was rather restrained- even with Greg Weisman's 10-years-at-Disney jacket on sale! That all changed when the autographed poster went for sale, leading to quite the bidding war (which included me). The bidding was finally between an increasingly agonized Gorebash and a strangely calm Leo. Gorebash won in the end, paying over $300 for the poster.

I wandered after that, and waited for the banquet. Outside, I chatted with a fellow I've since forgotten the name of about technology and such, then Greg Bishansky and Gore. The banquet began almost precisely on time; at my table sat myself, Cathie, Garrett, Ed, and a few others. We each received a free copy of the Season 2 Part 1 DVD, which I opted to leave behind so the Gathering staff could use it for promotions (I already had it). Our special guest was Dennis Woodyard, who worked on some of my favorite series besides Gargoyles, such as Exo-Squad (he designed the Neo Lord, among others) and Men in Black. He had much to say, including how Exo-Squad would make a great CGI series (tech looks better in CGI), favorite anime series, tips for industry-aiming hopefuls at the table, and life in Korea and Tokyo. Dinner itself was OK, about what I've come to expect from Gathering banquets. (I'm still curious what that yellow mushy stuff was.)

I looped back to my room, and then returned to wait on the Masquerade. I had a nice chat with Darrell, an archivist at Disney, and I tried to explain as much as I could about the fandom and prior Gatherings. We also gabbed about some of the more unusual Gargoyles merchandise, comparing our respective collections. I also chatted with Aaron and Fan. We also started to get some curious visitors from the nearby wedding party; one woman asked me something about what I knew about the distant past or dawn of time or somesuch. (I still have no idea what she was talking about, or who she thought I was. If she was drunk, I suppose it doesn't matter.)

Terrific costumes at the Masquerade this year, as well as the usual antics. My personal picks were the kid dressed as Lexington and Puck- although I think Christine and Tim Morgan as Brendan and Margot, or Greg Bishansky as Xanatos, should have also participated! After that, I wandered, chatted with people I knew and tried to be friendly towards those standing alone (and I sincerely hope I didn't come across as creepy for doing so).

As promised, the Blue Mug-a-Guest was reconvened, with Greg Weisman, Thom Adcox, and a bit later, Michael Reaves. Revelations included the fact that Elisa was not a virgin when she met Goliath (although she hadn't had many sexual partners, being very careful); that Greg was rethinking gargoyle facial hair after seeing Revel's cool pic of a bearded Thailog; and that Broadway and Angela had been intimate before the end of 1996. Michael Reaves revealed that the three stories that inspired him to become a writer were an episode of I Spy written by Robert Culp, "City on the Edge of Forever" from Star Trek, and "Demon with a Glass Hand" from The Outer Limits. He also said he'd like to write a Demona mini-series for SLG (which I'd like to see, certainly). Greg and Michael discussed their work on the Gargoyles live-action film, and they concluded that 1) Touchstone liked the name, but weren't interested in the show itself and 2) they were only on the project due to a specific guy, which was confirmed when they were dropped a few days after he left. For the comic, Greg plans to have Arthur and Griff show up, and when the day arrives in the comic's timeline, he plans to tackle the difficult task of a 9-11 story. Greg also noted that he hopes- with help- to get Ask Greg caught up to the present by G2K7. After Blue Mug was over, I (somewhat unclearly, I suspect) volunteered my services to help (since I'd worked on the FAQ that apparently no one reads).

June 26, 2006

The Time Travel panel was my first goal of the day. One of my favorite panels- even if it was technically stuff I was familiar with, Greg's presentation on it was the best part. Very conversational, I thought, and far less protesting than I expected. I followed that up with the RPG panel, which was barely attended, and basically became a chat between Tim Morgan and the three of us up front. I stayed in the room for the Collaborations and Shared Universes panel, which was also barely attended. It mostly focused on TGS, which allowed me to contribute more'n usual. After the Collaborations panel, I took the opportunity to talk briefly with Jerry, who I'd seen taking a large number of pictures during the con.

The Hosting A Gathering panel was useful (although I accidentally raised my hand when they were asking about first-time Gathering attendees- I thought they were asking about first visitors to SoCal). Ellen was clearly intent on hosting a Gathering in Chicago- good luck to her! Greg Weisman also commented that people whose pitches failed were too often just dropping them entirely, rather than trying againg the following year. It eventually changed into a discussion of how to spread the word about the con most efficiently. After I mentioned adding a Wikipedia entry (Greg Weisman can't edit Wikipedia for some reason), Guardian proposed an idea that I can't believe hadn't occurred to me before- a Gargoyles wiki! I did The Gargoyles Encyclopedia, I ran a general fictional wiki, but making a Gargoyles wiki hadn't once popped into my head. Now I intend to make one!

Closing Ceremonies was as usual, awards and applause and goodbyes. I signed up for G2K7 in Pigeon Forge, and chatted with Greg Bishansky. Most of us eventually formed into two large groups after that. One, with the con staff, Greg Weisman and others, went to eat one place and had a wild time (from what I hear). The other group, including me, Lynati, Mara, Aaron, Denis, Revel, Spacebabie, Jade Griffin, Gside and others, ate at the food court at the nearby mall. Mara, Denis, one other fellow and I exchanged retail horror stories and some political views at length. When we were all done, we split up- a few decided to walk the mall, while the rest (those I named plus two) headed back to Aaron, Revel, Spacebabie and Mara's hotel room. We basically spent the rest of the night chatting on everything (the main topics being driven by Jade Griffin, Revel and Aaron; others and I talked less). Jade Griffin mentioned putting together a Gathering scrapbook, leading to some reminiscing. We were later joined by others, including Leo. When Jade Griffin learned I was also taking a shuttle to LAX the next morning, we arranged to go on the same trip (splitting the fee and getting some company at the same time). Eventually, Revel et al had to get ready for tomorrow, so the rest of us left.

June 27, 2006

Met Jade Griffin in the lobby and checked out from the hotel. We spent the time waiting for the shuttle chatting with each other and Greg Bishansky about the convention and Gargoyles topics, among other things. Gside stopped by and offered us a free breakfast through some coupon, but we unfortunately couldn't take him up on it. I also had the chance to say goodbye to Garrett, Ed and Leo. The shuttle arrived a bit late, but nothing problematic. En route in the shuttle, Jade Griffin and I chatted about Gargoyles, Gatherings, and our jobs. When she was dropped off, she hugged me goodbye, which I reciprocated rather awkwardly (I don't hug a lot, nothing personal).

Getting through LAX's security line was hellish, and it didn't help that- due to the shuttle picking up other passengers along the way- we arrived rather late. I managed to get to my terminal with barely enough time to grab and devour lunch. On my plane to Dallas, I discovered- to my surprise- that two other Gathering attendees, King Cobra and VidTheKid (alas, I forgot their real names) were sitting behind me! Talking on the plane was kind of difficult (for me, anyway), although we did speak a little. After landing in Dallas, we had a quick dinner at a Pizza Hut knock-off, before we parted ways.

(Largely uninteresting (except to me!) return stuff snipped.)

Greg responds...

The Gargwiki has become one of the most useful tools in the fandom in less than a year. And not just in the fandom. The various artists we've been using on the Gargoyles Comic Book have all been using it for reference as well. Thank you so much for getting the ball rolling on that. And thank everyone else for helping/participating. I've edited a few entries myself. :)

Response recorded on January 29, 2007

Bookmark Link

JEB writes...

Gathering 2006 Journal, Part 1

June 22, 2006

(Largely uninteresting (except to me!) pre-arrival stuff snipped.)

LAX does the most efficient airport arrivals I've ever experienced. I arrived, got my luggage almost immediately, and was ready to go. Except for finding a way to the Hyatt Valencia. I called the hotel, and they recommended a shuttle service. However, falling prey to my usual geographical ignorance, I assumed a taxi ride to Valencia would be just as good. So I hailed a taxi... and subjected the both of us to a 45-minute drive that cost me about $100. Not making THAT mistake again.

After arrival and check-in, it was time for food. After ordering some pizza, I called Garrett, who was eating dinner at Outback (if only I'd arrived an hour earlier, I could have went along). After he returned, and my pizza had arrived, I went to the room he was sharing with Ed and Leo (Ed's brother) and we chatted at length (mostly about rpgs). I still had some pizza left over- 3 no-longer-warm pieces- and I hated to see it go to waste, so I dropped it off at the con suite. After an awkward moment when I became aware I was an unintentional partycrasher with a lame gift, I quietly left and went to sleep.

June 23, 2006

First thing- assess the surroundings. Hiked out to the nearby mall, and fulfilled two unexpected needs- a toothbrush and mp3 player headphones. The whole time, I kept getting funny looks from the locals. (Garrett later advised me that it was probably my unintentional "Damien" hair.) After returning, I signed in at the con, and hung out with Garrett, Ed and Vince for a while prior to Opening Ceremonies. Red Robin lunch, and then we saw Nacho Libre (weird, but interesting).

Opening Ceremonies started 45 minutes late. (Fortunately, that degree of lateness was not repeated.) Then, we had to watch music videos soon after the ceremonies began. Now, if we'd had a 45-minute delay and had regular opening, that woulda been fine. If we'd had on-time opening and the videos, that would have been fine. But both together? That was enough to make me, Garrett, Ed, Vince (and a few others) walk out after the third video started. We waited approximately a half hour to let the videos run their course, then returned- unfortunately, a bit late. (Unfortunately, I missed Greg Bishansky's video, which I wish I'd seen on the big screen. Oh well.)

We only got bad new news this year- the fact that Season 2 Part 1's sales weren't encouraging Disney to release Part 2. (The good news, the release of the comic, wasn't new news.) Thus, Greg Weisman requested that we begin proselytizing for Gargoyles, with each of us trying to reach 1000 people. Quite a request, I'll do my best... Afterwards, we received "Gargles" toothbrushes from Quindar, and I stuck around for MGT3K (which focused on the "Dracon saga"- "Deadly Force," "The Silver Falcon" and "Protection"). Just prior, met a new fan friend, Cathie.

After MGT3K was done, I wandered a bit, and met or talked with Blaise (who told me of the life of a Hollywood extra), Blaqthourne and Crimson Fury, A Fan, Tigris Euphrates and Onyx. I tried to maintain my workout schedule at the hotel's fitness center, but the facilities were too limited to do me much good. So I went to sleep instead.

June 24, 2006

Started out the day with Garrett, Ed and Vince. We had a TGI Friday's lunch (breakfast for me), and then Vince drove us to Brave New World Comics, where I picked up some Arabic comics and Garrett bought the Gargoyles comic. (Me, I'd bought mine literally the day before I left for the Gathering.)

After we returned, I hit the dealer's room, and acquired the Phoenix Gate Anthology, Grimorum Arcanorum Anthology, and Archmage of the Universe from Tim Morgan. I also got a second copy of the Gargoyles comic (for autographical purposes), which David Hedgecock was kind enough to sign. He also offered to draw me a sketch, an offer which I happily accepted. (I wanted Coldstone, but as he hadn't worked with that character yet, I asked for Demona instead.)

The Gargoyles writing process panel was next, which was quite interesting. (First time I was able to see Michael Reaves and Brynne Chandler.) Greg Weisman again referred to the "Weird Macbeth" and "four tricksters" stories, as well as notebooks' worth of stories conceived after the show, all of which he hopes to tackle in the comic book given enough time. Next stop was the Darkwing Duck panel, including Tad Stones and Jim Cummings! Very cool, especially given the rarity of a Jim Cummings convention appearance! (Too bad he had to go home early when his wife became ill.) One interesting new tidbit- apparently, in addition to an origin of Negaduck episode, they also planned to do a Posiduck episode. Stones also said he wanted staffers to have a "comic book cover" in mind for each Darkwing episode, like they had back in Silver Age DC comics.

The Radio Play was "The Mirror," apparently the original script rather than the broadcast version. (There were a few small bits here and there that were new to me, such as a scene of gargoyle-fied humans being kind to gargoyle beast Bronx, and a line from Broadway- "Here they come!") Thom Adcox was Lexington (of course); Keith David was Goliath (naturally), and the fan playing Elisa Maza looked a little overwhelmed at times! Crispin Freeman did an interesting Hudson, and Blaise did an excellent Broadway/Bill Fagerbakke impression.

With the Radio Play finished, I chatted some with Greg Bishansky, then I sat down with Lexy and Solstice (where we agreed that the art on the Gargoyles comic was fine, thank you very much). Unfortunately, I had to cut the chat short when Garrett invited me to Olive Garden for dinner via cell phone. (Probably my best meal all weekend, though!)

After a short time in my room, I decided to head for the Blue Mug-a-Guest. En route, I got some water, and a hotel staffer asked me about the convention, and talked to me about how she'd liked the show. I situated myself in a corner of the con suite, near Gside, Taleweaver and Blaqthourne and Crimson Fury (which also turned out to be right next to the couch where the guests- Greg Weisman, Thom Adcox, Crispin Freeman and later, Keith David- sat). The Blue Mug-a-Guest itself wasn't as "blue" as I expected, but still interesting. Lots of gargoyle biology questions (of the general rather than prurient nature); Keith David also started a discussion on why there weren't more shows like Gargoyles, shows aimed at multiple levels instead of a certain demographic.

Unfortunately, we were producing too much noise for neighbors' and hotel staffers' taste, so we left the con suite and headed downstairs. The plan was to reconvene in Ballroom D or E, but when we got there, it was locked. Some of the crowd wanted to resume in the foyer outside the ballrooms, but a hotel staffer nixed that idea. For that matter, he wouldn't even let us talk outside in the parking lot, and threatened to call the cops when we started to get cranky! Greg Weisman finally stepped in, and told us (over the unreasonable resistance of the staffer, who wanted us gone immediately) that the Blue Mug would resume after the Masquerade. He then told us to return to our rooms, which we did (unhappily).

Greg responds...

It was unfortunate that this particular staffer seemed to have a problem even allowing me to announce that we were going to reschedule for the next night. He made no friends for himself or the hotel. I sympathize that he had a job to do, but we were not being unreasonable. He told us to leave the suite and we did. He told us to leave the foyer, and we were in the process of doing that as well. But he has literally zero patience. Threatening to call the police over a NON-rowdy group of hotel guests, who were simply trying to make an alternative plan (and needed literally less than two minutes to do so) was beyond overkill.

Response recorded on January 29, 2007

Bookmark Link

BrooklynX writes...

Gathering 2006 Journal:

Thursday June 22:

The day started off at 6 am. Quickly ate, dressed and finished the last of the packing. My first stop was the gas station and then I was off to Raley's to get some soda that was on sale, along with ice for the cooler and some Tylenol. A little after 7:30, I was on the road again. Traffic was a little lighter than I was expecting and I managed to make pretty decent time. I made a few pits stops and filled up on gas in the town of Grapevine. One of the roommates called while I was tanking up. Figures.

The rest of the drive in (less than 60 miles) was uneventful. Found the hotel and pulled into the parking lot around back. I quickly discovered just how far it was to the lobby from there. Ran in Jade Griffin and then about 20 minutes later, one of the roommates, Kristen. After lugging some things to the room, ran into Eden and then got some lunch. After chatting for a bit, I realized what time it was. After throwing a few more things in the car, I took off for LAX to pick up Norcumi and Quindar. The trip took a while, but that was expected due to the traffic.

After getting back and them settled in, we ended up getting dragged along with Revel and several others to dinner. Ended up at BJs and didn't know until I got there that we were joining Greg Weisman's group. I ended up at his table, along with Siryn, Revel, Spacebabie, Kythera, Silver, and several others. After dinner, I ended up back at the hotel and played some "Go Fish" with Liz, despite the fact neither of us knew the rules of the game. I turned in some time before 11pm.

Friday June 23:

The morning started off with a minor headache, shower, pop tarts for breakfast and a trip to Borders for a sketchbook (I left the I bought last year at home and didn't realize it until I had arrived at the hotel). Finding out they weren't going to be open until 10am, I took a walk around the block and headed to back to my room for a bit. As 10 rolled around, I picked up a sketchbook (I hope this doesn't become a tradition), dropped it off at the room and then picked up my packet. The day was a blur for a bit and then I watched the registration desk for a bit. After a little while, Shing and I did lunch run to Johnny Rockets for ouselves, Patrick, Greg B. and Kythera.

While Eden ran off to do a panel, I kept an eye on the art show. After that was opening ceremonies, which I cut out of early with Liz, Taylor, and Shing to get some dinner at the place next to BJs (the name escapes me). Don't remember what happened after that, other than I finally ran into the other two roommates (Pearl and her husband) and somebody else in the room too. After some chatting, most us turned in around 10 pm or so.

Saturday June 24:

Woke up earlier than planned and attempts to go back to sleep didn't work. Fired up the laptop for a bit before showering, eating and making my way downstairs to help out at the registration desk. After the rush died down, I gave Cindy my sketchbook so she could finish up a sketch she started the day before (Mara did one the night before). At some point, Liz, Silver, Stephanie and Revel also drew in the sketchbook.

Some time after 2pm, Karin, Siryn, Lanny, G-Side and I went off to a salad place for lunch. Things were a blur for a bit before the radio play. It was "The Mirror" and my first time going since... the 2001 Gathering I believe. After it was over, Norcumi, Quindar and I went to Johnny Rockets for dinner. Chatted with the roommates for a while before watching "El Hazard" (which proved to be interesting while a few of them ran off to Blue Mug. After they returned, we talked for a while before turning in for the night.

Sunday June 25:

Once again, woke up a bit earlier than planned. After showering and eating, I fired up my laptop and played a game to kill some time. Went downstairs and helped Patrick setup and run the registration desk once again. Before we even finished, we had two people wanting to register for the day. Always a nice start. Y2Hecate joined us and started selling pre-reg for the 2007 Gathering in Pigeon Forge, TN. The three of us spent time talking and at one point, she did a sketch for me. Also, I got Liz to do another doodle as well. We ended up being a little busy for a while.

Around 2:30pm, I asked Aaron to pick me some lunch from Johnny Rockets while I watched the reg desk. At 3pm, Patrick and I went to the Brigitte Bako mug a guest. Also there was Leo, Norcumi, Quindar, Tigress and a couple others who names I didn't catch. The mug moved by rather quickly and I managed to get her to sign one of my cels with Angela.

After that, I took over the reg desk until 5pm. Helped clean it up and then dropped off things in my room before heading down for the banquet. It was originally supposed to be outside, but had been switched to inside. I sat at a table with Sarah The Great, Ckayote and I have no idea who else. We cheered when we learned that Thom would be sitting at our table. We chatted, dinned and listened to the guest Q & A session. Things broke up a little after 7pm so folks could get ready for the masquerade.

Just before the masquerade started, I ended up helping wrangle a few folks who entered and the judges. It seemed rather small this year, but the costumes were still impressive. I forgot who won what and the dance/ karaoke that was supposed to happen afterwards didn't last long.

Monday June 26:

Woke way earlier than intended thanks to somebody's cell phone going off. Tried to get back to sleep, but just couldn't seem to. After a while, I started packing things up and putting them in my car. At some point, breakfast was eaten. By about 9:30am, everybody was out of the room. I wandered downstairs and ran into Shing. I decided to join her while she went to get breakfast (I was just going to get a bottle of water). We then ran into Taylor, Liz and Karlyl and decided to join them in going to Denny's. And both cars got lost trying to find the place.

After getting back to the hotel, I ended up sitting in the art room with Cindy. After a while, we started tearing down the panels. Taylor and Shara helped out. The elbow joints and the some of the other joints proved stubborn to being pulled off. Patrick showed up and then we set about taping up the pipes for transport. About ten minutes later, we loaded all of the stuff into the van. By the time that was finished, it was just about time for closing ceremonies. I made two runs over to the other end of the hotel carrying stuff.

The art awards were given out and Kythera got best in show by one vote. I also had to fix part of my registration form for next year to let Y2Hecate know I'm willing to be a con bitch, eh, volunteer at the 2007 Gathering. It was sad to see a great weekend come to an end. I started saying goodbye to folks and wished I could have stayed one more night, but didn't have a room. The drive home took a little longer than the drive down, but was uneventful (thankfully).

Once again, I had a great time at the Gathering (even if I was a con bitch again). I hope to see a lot folks at the next Gathering.

Greg responds...

It's always great to see you. I'm guessing that the term Con B**** aside, you actually enjoy volunteering, right? And that being able to call yourself a Con B**** is part of the appeal. ;)

Response recorded on January 29, 2007

Bookmark Link

Ben Wilson writes...

Hey Mr. Weisman. I figured that it was about time that I, as a fellow fan of Gargoyles, finally got around to asking "the Master" himself a two questions that have been floating around in my head for some time now, relating to Gargoyles and the entertainment medium called video games. Of course, that's if you have the time...

1) With regards to the old Gargoyles game released for the Sega Genesis/MegaDrive back in 1995, did Disney Interactive ask for, or otherwise give you any input in the creation of that game at all? I'm willing to bet the answer is "no" (given the many inconsistencies in that game with respect to the true story of Gargoyles), but I was wondering if I could be privy to a personal retrospective from you, if it was possible.

2) And I guess the other question I wished to ask was, have you ever given the thought of utilizing video games as a possible other medium to continue the story of the Gargoyles Universe? I believe you once said that you could very well see "Gargoyles 2198" made into a CG feature...I merely suggest the idea of "why not take that notion one step further, and possibly make it into a video game?".

After all, it goes without saying that video games are a great outlet to convey some truly memorable stories and characters, much in the way that any great book, tv show, or movie can. And with the industry grossing millions every year, it's not like it's exactly an "untested" means for others to project their ideas. Since the new Gargoyles comics proves that you are willing to seek other venues as a means to continue your work, I only hope that you will keep the ball rolling, and perhaps eventually look into other mediums, as well. I can only imagine the type of sheer entertainment and joy of being able to not only view the exploits of various characters you may devise, but to be able to directly interact with them, as well!

Plus, the way you seem to picture "2198" is as a world that is connected with the "classic" Gargoyles world, but disconnected enough that it will serve to be its own seperate entity. In my eyes, that's perfect enough to be used as a basis for a game, out of perhaps all of your possible "Gargoyle spin-offs" that you suggested. And as long as there were such things as "direct allusions to the past" and cameos from classic characters like Demona and a possibly time-dancing Brooklyn, that would be enough to ensnare us old fans, while also not alienating new fans who may not remember the classic show.

Any way, it's just an idea that I was hoping you would have been considering already. If yes, then that's very cool. If not, then maybe it's just another thing for you to throw around in your own mind.

Thanks again!

Greg responds...

1. We did work with them to some degree. Forwarded materials, back and forth, etc. I've mentioned before that the Eye of Odin was THEIR idea, which we incorporated. And I still like THEIR design (which feels much Norser) much better than OUR design (which looks quite Egyptian to me. The thing to keep in mind is that we were in production simultaneously with them. So both groups were ridiculously busy. Plus, I'm not a gamer. That world is pretty alien to me. So we probably didn't keep in as good touch as we might or should have. But that's NOT Disney Interactive's fault. It's just what happened.

2. I'm game. (Pun intended.) But again, I know nothing of that medium. And no one's approached me about it.

Response recorded on January 29, 2007

Bookmark Link

Tom C writes...

What inspired you to write Gargoyles.

Greg responds...

Gargoyles did. The fact that I need to earn a living. Gummi Bears. Hill Street Blues. Shakespeare. Star Trek. Super-heroes. Check the Influence section for more.

Response recorded on January 26, 2007

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

Has Xanatos truly been redeemed or could it be that he is using Goliath for some other agenda?

Greg responds...

How are you defining "redeemed"? Cuz I don't see him as being redeemed AT ALL.

He's never been ABOUT being Goliath's enemy.

Does he still have other agendi? Yep.

Response recorded on January 26, 2007

Bookmark Link

Shawn writes...

Since Thailog is the clone of Xanatos, which would also imply that he has some human DNA, then does that mean that he doesn't turn into stone like Goliath since Xanatos's DNA would probably prevent that?

Greg responds...

Thailog is NOT the clone of Xanatos, he's the clone of Goliath. Xanatos EDUCATED him to Xanatos' way of looking at the world. But there is no human biological component in Thailog.

Response recorded on January 26, 2007

Bookmark Link

Asatira writes...

Gathering 2006 (aka, my first con)

Oh, man! It was fun. Smaller than AWA, but that was a good thing. The Gathering didn't have the overwhelming feeling a larger con has, and once you started meeting people, you felt really welcome. And it was great getting to actually meet the people I've known through galleries and message boards only.

For all purposes, the trip for me started Thursday. Got to the Atlanta airport easily and a little earlier than planned, but that was good. Had a delay in departure due to the airconditioning, but otherwise uneventful. Met up with Becky's mom at the baggage claim, took a very long time to get to her house to meet with Richard, then we went out to lunch. This was enough to make me hate LA traffic. Overall, sort of reminds me of Miami, but I didn't see much of either, so not a fair comparison. Becky arrived later that evening, we talked a little and got ready for the next day.

Friday We left the house and got to the convention early. I was nervous because we had signed up to volunteer, and I wanted to make a good impression. Karine -- whose name I found I'd been mis-pronouncing -- we found after registering, and I think she and Carol were glad to have us. We weren't needed for that day because there weren't many guests, so the two of us kind of wandered and soaked things in. Checked out the dealers' room, she drew and I read the Grimorum anthology until the first panel. The sketching and character design panels were so much fun; part review and part new things to consider. We found the mall (the main food place within walking distance), eventually ran into Sonia, auditioned for the radio play. The big event was the opening ceremonies. The AMVs were varied: I loved the Beauty and the Beast video, and wanted to smack and shake the hand of whoever did Feel the Love Tonight (you'd have to have seen it to get it). After hearing about it for the last few years, I finally got to see the Bad Guys reel. Looks like it would have been fun, if just because they can't stand each other. A treat was the Atlantis episode, a semi-fan project of storyboards to the actual episode audio. I need to contact the person about helping with it.

Saturday Here's when the fun really started. We arrived early and were given the general directions of helping escort any guests to their panels. Which wasn't really called on for most of the morning. Meanwhile, we sat in the hall to be on call and drew. Eventually, we went to the art room and started hanging out with the artists. I finally got to meet Eden, Karlyl, Shinga, and a number of others. It was fun to listen in on the conversations and look at their sketchbooks. The only panel we really went to was the gargoyle physiology and sociology panel. First experience where I opened my mouth where I should have kept it closed. The hosts were late showing up, and Christine asked for volunteers, to which I admitted to actually taking part in a recent S8 discussion. Got roped in to go to the front. Thankfully, Greg showed up and I escaped back to my chair and basically contributed nothing for the discussion. Learned alot, like the tricky nature of the stone sleep and suggestions on the skeletal nature of gargoyles. More was filled in later at the Blue-Mug. After that, we went to lunch, came back and hung out some more at the artist alley. That evening, Becky, myself, Taylor, and the kidnapped Sonia went to lunch. It was nice grill, but I can't remember the name of it though. Back to the art room, where we drew, and I was asked to teach how to draw a face by Abbi, something I was honored and embarrassed to do. Good ravioli. The Radio Play was fun. They did "The Mirror," and there were some fun bits, namely Crispin trying to do Hudson. Abbi did an exellent job as Elisa (she looked like she was going to melt when Keith said Goliath's "how beautiful you are" line.). Eventually, we got to the Blue Mug. I have never been in so crowded a room. It was so much fun, because we got to talk with Greg, Crispin (who really is hot), Thom, and Keith. High points included hearing Keith sing a little (I can only imagine what he'd sound like when warmed up and really belting), and the Thom-Crispin holds. Unfortunately, we got kicked out because of noise complaints (understandable, no problem). The problem was downstairs. The prick of an employee told us we couldn't meet in the foyer, we couldn't be allowed back into the rooms we rented, and wouldn't shut the fuck up so we could figure out where to go or whether to dismiss ourselves. That was only the start of the problems that I knew about. Not sure about everyone else, but Becky and I called it a night.

Sunday Oh, man! Sunday. That was the busy day for the two of us. We met up with Karine and Carol, and began to do what we intended to do Saturday. And we were put to maximum use. From around 10am to just after 2pm, we were pretty much running around, getting items, guiding guests to their panels, checking things. I got to meet Bridgette Bako, Elisa Gabrielli, "Petros Xanatos" himself, Morgan Sheppard, a few members of the WITCH cast, and I got to deliver coffee to Keith at one of the panel. At one point, Becky was told we should be cloned. We eventually got a break at 2pm, grabbed lunch with Taylor, and met with some of the others briefly in the food court, and returned in time to do one last escort. While it was fun, that was enough to make me hesitant to volunteering again (still open, just hesitant). Hung out in the art room until the room closed. I won my bid on one of Brianna's pieces (yay!). That evening, saw the masquerade. There were a lot of good ones. Abbi had a lovely Princess Katherine costume. Loved the Puck costumes, am scarred by the "hatchling gargoyle." Had a reprise of the Blue Mug, more subdued but fun and informative. Had to leave part way because it was getting late and we had to get up around 5 so I could get to the airport with time for the security check.

Monday, got to the airport with surprisingly little trouble. Uneventful flight and drive home. That's it. Hi, to anyone who's new. I'm glad I got a chance to meet so many people. Will do my best to contact many of them. Looking forward to the next one in Tennessee, and I hope it's not a Hyatt (those guys are going to get so many complaints)

Greg responds...

I'm glad your first Gathering went well. Lots of guests at an L.A. Gathering of course, because most of us are local. So the need for volunteers goes up exponentially. Notice I said the NEED for volunteers. I'm not sure the NUMBER of volunteers goes up just cuz the need does.

Response recorded on January 26, 2007

Bookmark Link

Siryn writes...

G2006 Con Journal - Thursday - THE PRE CON! (1 of 4)

If anyone knows me, I'm notorious for not writing these. I _ALWAYS_ leave out juicy bits (that I end up remembering later), and then after around Friday I forget all of Saturday and Sunday.

I just live in the moment sort of thing when it comes to the Gathering Convention. (Or I'm on staff and still suffering from shock / giddiness, who knows)

However, I was specifically told by Gorebash I *HAD* to write my con journal this year, or he come would find me. So..Tada!

So Thursday started with me literally doing Gathering Staff related stuff AT THE LAST MINUTE on my computer. So last minute, my husband was the one who packed my bags. (He did a pretty good job, save for no elegant outfit to wear to the banquet. Ahh well.) I literally threw my stuff in the car, and ran out the door. This included forgetting my gathering panel presentation material. "Hey, I don't really need that information on the 7 observances of the Bushido way right?"

My plane ride wasn't anything extraordinary. I don't tend to talk to people seated next to me on the plan. (I worry I come off as a bit weird.) I was wearing a Danny Phantom shirt, jeans, and my normal floppy hat AND carrying gargoyles mat full of autographs...so actually, I DID look pretty weird.

On my second flight I met some cool girls, one was from the navy, and one had a father in the army and was actually in LA for the BET awards. (The navy girl had done bodyguard work for a famous basketball player, I forget who now). So we chatted for a bit about missed flights, the war, the military, moving around to pass the time.

I arrived in LA around 4pm....and grabbed a shuttle...and didn't arrive in Valencia until almost 7. My driver was cool, and I gave him a tip because it was only little old me he was driving WAY OUT TO VALENCIA in absolutely horrid traffic.

Our hotel was NICE. I was extremely impressed (I hadn't really seen pictures of it.) And the location was stellar. However, I didn't see ANY Gargoyle people there. Soo... I began calling people. Karine (Kanthara): Nothing. Jennifer (CrzyD): Nothing. Patrick Toman (Puck): Nothing.

At this point I kind of asked aloud. "What's the point in having everyone's cell phone numbers if no one has their phone ON!?" O.o

Jennifer called me back really quickly (or called me from Patrick's phone, I don't remember) and told me where they were. At the same time, a huge group of fans including Aaron, Mara, Spacebabie, Revel, Lynati, Arno, Beedoo, (and more people who I can REMEMBER your faces clearly but blanking on names!)

So, I was shown where BJs was and everyone hanging. I said Hi to all my fellow con staff and then Greg Weisman of course. I hadn't seen Karine since my wedding (she was my matron of honor) so it was GREAT to see her and everyone else!

Finally after a wait, we all were eventually seated. Most of the staff (who had been waiting their longer) sat first. I waited with Greg W for the next seats. All the while I was laughing at Greg staring wistfully at the food and making comments.

Props to BJs though, they seated 35 people!!! That's a LOT. I think the pre-gathering dinners really should only be staff and close company...personally... (Just do to the sheer ZOMG numbers), but I'm *REALLY* happy we could pull off inviting everyone this year.

So, we ate, and talked. I sat next to Greg and talked to him about what he was working on (including W.I.T.C.H.). I asked him about Vinnie, and about Castaway's Mustache. (They were just some random burning questions that went through my mind that I wanted to ask Greg about.) Greg Bishansky and I joked about drinking later on at the con. (I just had soda that night). Liz (Sara Berkley) was pouring over the drink menu, so much Greg W eventually took it away from her and hid it. He he.

Meanwhile, the 'staff' table was having its own game. (I swear, the G2006 staff is made up of the school kids who were always passing notes and whispering and causing havoc. Hehehe.) They started passing notes and drawings, which eventually got to our table. At one point, I retaliated, with one of my juicy little secrets from a previous convention which caused everyone to laugh.

I had this MEGA barbecue chicken salad. It was REALLY good. But I could barely finish it. Then Greg W asked if anyone wanted dessert. Most of the murmurs were 'no'. Greg made an expression like "b-b-but...dessert!", so I offered to get dessert with him. We ended up splitting an apple cobbler pie which was REALLY GOOD.

So, I had pie with Greg Weisman!! Go me!

After that, the staff pretty much headed straight up to the con suite and once again began the tradition of stuffing con envelopes, putting together badges, arranging t-shirts, that sort of thing. Patrick and I ran to Fedinkos (aka Kinkos), to grab the convention programmes and get some last minute things printed out. (Mainly the mug a guest sheets).

The Mug- A - Guest sheets came out BEAUTIFULLY. I loved them! Greg Weisman had requested them, because he wanted them pre-made this year. (They were the things I was working on last minute before running out the door). Greg really liked them too! So, that made me happy.

Yay, I can contribute to the con! Go me! ^_^

So Patrick and I brought con booklet's back, we had printed 350 in all. Stephanie Lostimolo (RaptorWoman), Cindy (Eden), Kythera, and myself went to work writing the con suite number in each and every book, while the others packed the programmes into the con packets. All in all, I think we got done by 11 or so. RECORD TIME! So, the staff chatted for a bit, but soon after everyone piled into bed. Yours truly, ended up on the couch in the con suite. (It was comfy though!)

Greg responds...

You are such a sweetie! When no one else would make a pig of themselves with me, you were there! Thanks!

Response recorded on January 26, 2007

Bookmark Link

KingCobra_582 writes...

Sorry for the content in G2006 part 2, Greg. I meant to edit it before posting.

I'll be more careful with the next (and final) installment.

Greg responds...

That would be appreciated.

Response recorded on January 25, 2007

Bookmark Link

KingCobra_582 writes...

Saturday, June 24th, 2006

THE GATHERING, DAY 2

9:00 AM

I woke up and upon looking in the mirror, decided I needed a shave. When I emerged, David poked fun of me hogging the bathroom. We caught the last hour of Star Wars Episode III on HBO, and, as a result, we were a little late for the con. Oops.

12:00 PM

We arrived at the Hyatt just in time for the "Gargoyles: Physiology, Psychology, and Society" panel, though I'd actually thought I'd had a little more time to browse the Art Show Room, but I was wrong. Thank god I allowed David to take me to the panel first. Every seat was packed, and there were even a few people leaning against walls/sitting on the floor. Very fun stuff at this panel. I was intrigued throughout. Also, this being my first con, there were people (both fans and guests) I decided I wanted to keep in touch with. Christine Morgan gave me her business card after the panel. She was a very nice person, and I was glad to have met her in person.

Greg W., as he did in the Villians panel, came and stayed for a little bit before leaving for panels unknown. The last question he'd answered before he left was from David in regards to Stone Sleep and Sunrise, in a very articulate manner, but, unfortunately, it was also too lengthy, and Greg had to cut him off ("Way over my head") and then gave an equally intelligent response that David seemed to be satisfied with. From there, the topics swayed from everything from Gargoyles catching transmittable diseases to Hudson's bad eye, to, in the last 5 minutes, clan mating habits. This was definitely up there on my list of Informative Panels.

1:00 PM

Settled down in the Dealer's Room for Mug-A-Guest with Thom Adcox. I've been a fan of his for a few years now, so it was a treat to sit down at a table with him for an entire hour. Darklord started things out by asking if he was the character model for Lex, to which Thom said no. There was a discussion of his various radio commercials and TV work. I'd never thought that he was so close to being the voice for Bobby from "King Of The Hill" though I had heard of his Pauly Shore replacement for A Goofy Movie. Thom really liked working with Bette Midler, dispelling rumors that "she was a bitch" and "bitchy", though he did refer to Spielberg (they'd worked together on Invasion America) as a dick. Same for Tony Jay. *snickers* When he was filming something in Utah (I want to say it was "My Life As A Teenage Babysitter" but I don't remember now if that's right), there was this bar that apprently required people to have meberships there or NO SERVICE. Wow. I'd made mention of how much of a film geek I was, and Thom seemed impressed by my movie knowledge.

I asked Thom what his first acting gig was, and he said it was as Tom Sawyer, back in a play in 6th grade. During the conversation, my Zombie movie "Wormwood" came up, and I offered to bring Thom a copy (and probably a copy of the upcoming sequel) at next year's con. Thom said "sure" and offered me this demo tape he'd had of his various roles over the years. Wicked cool. David thought it was just a loan, but I wasn't entirely sure at the time.

Darklord brought up the Thom being gay thing again, and Thom pretty much confirmed it, which I'd pretty much already known. I hadn't known about Cam Clarke, though. Go figure. And, no, I had no problems with it, being bi and all.

I was going to wait until tomorrow to get Thom's autograph, but then he'd started giving other people his signature, so I figured why not, and get in on it. Cool. Right after that, David and I left for the next panel.

2:00 PM

David and I, unknowingly, walked in on the last 2 minutes of the Development Process. Oops. We took our seats once the Writing Process began, enjoying what we could in-between the lights going out every few minutes. LOL.

Greg W. introduced Brynne Chandler, Michael Reaves, himself, and another show writer whose name currently escapes me. There was talk about the "Silly MachBeth" 2-parter (which I personally thought sounded like it would've been fun to see.), and the "4 Tricksters" ep, (which would've featured Puck, Anansi, Coyote the Trickster, and Raven) both of which had been abandoned. Crud.

The Would-Have-Been DTVs (which eventually became the "City Of Stone" 4-parter and the "Hunter's Moon" 3-parter) were also discussed. Asked Greg W., once the panel ended, if I could get a picture with him. He said "later" and left. I have a really lousy sense of timing, though David (the sneak) took one of Greg (with his back turned) and I anyway, effectively surprising the crap out of me. I considered trying again later, at a better time.

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

The Darkwing Duck panel was enjoyable. Tad Stones and Jim Cummings were absolutely entertaining, with Jim going into "Darkwing mode" and "Negaduck Mode" and Tad sharing amusing ancedotes with all of us, as well as their thoughts and experiences in creating the series. They were obviously having a lot of fun, and David and I (and the rest of the attendees, I'm sure) did as well. Big plus. :-)

And, of course, Darklord was there, asking more then his fair share of questions. *grins*

Not to mention Jim's autograph after it was done. I'm just a sucker for autographs, I guess.

5:00 PM

The Radio Play. Fun. Fun. Fun.

It was a reading of a script for "The Mirror", narrated by Greg W. Series regulars Keith and Thom (reprising their roles) were joined by several newcomers, including Crispin Freeman as "Hudson" and a delightfully evil Jennifer "CrzyDemona" Anderson as "Demona". Whoever was playing "Broadway" (his name eluded me and still does) did a fairly decent Fagerbakke. Great times.

The room was really crowded, but once I eventually reached him, Keith David agreed to Autograph and a Picture with me, but we ended up having TWO pictures taken, one by David, and one by someone else who had just offered, out of the blue. There was another autograph (on the comic) and another pic with Thom before David and I left for dinner at a Jack In The Box. He had a shake, and I had a giant Cheeseburger.

Oh, and I'd bid on the "Gummi Bears Trio" in the Art Show, too.

6:30 - 10:00 PM

There wasn't much to do at the moment, so a bunch of us played Munchkin. Fun game at first, but got boring fairly quickly.

10:00 - 11:00 PM

Finally, the Blue Mug-A-Guest. Another program that I almost thoroughly enjoyed. Someone had asked Greg W. "Is it true you're a werewolf?" and Greg responded "No, I'm a robot," effectively cracking me up. LOL. Thom was asked by Christine Morgan that, to quote, "throwing plausibility out the window, who he would see Lex getting naked and sweaty with." His answer? "He's a horny little fucker. He'd have sex with anything moving." ROFL.

Thom and Crispin's "Half-Nelson" act also made me laugh so hard I was crying.

There weren't too many adult-themed questions (Too Bad) but Hotel Officials still had to break the party up after repeated warnings of excess noise, and we couldn't finish it in the hall outside the 1st floor Ballrooms, so Greg W. announced that we would reconvene at the Masquerade the following night.

David wanted to leave so he could sleep after that, even though I'd wanted to hang out at the restaurant/bar with some of the guests for a while first. David won out, though, so we said our goodbyes for the night, and everyone who was there waved at us as we left for our own hotel.

It was intriguing hearing Keith David sing at the Blue Mug-A-Guest, though. I can see why he's a nightclub singer. :-)

Sunday, June 25th, 2006

GATHERING, DAY 3

9:00 - 9:50 AM

We woke up, showered, dressed, watched some "Madagascar" on HBO, and left.

10:00 - 11:30 AM

David and I registered for G2007! Very cool that it's gonna be in Pigeon Forge, cause we can simply drive down and not have to pay for Plane Tickets (I'm not used to flying) or Car Rentals (expensive), and the Grand Hotel is affordable. Off-topic, I bought more Gargoyle goodies from the Dealer's Room: A fan CD from the 1999 con ($5), and a Flikbook from 2001 (also $5).

12:00 - 2:00 PM

We started out the day in the Voice Acting Panel, which consisted of (from left to right) Greg Weisman, Elisa Gabrielli, Brigette Bako, Morgan Shepperd, plus (once they'd arrived) Keith and Thom. Thom's "Snap" story was funny, and Morgan Shepperd was a dedicated, fascinating speaker.

Got autographs from all of them afterwards too. I was just planning on getting Brigette's, Elisa's, and Morgan's, (since I'd already had autos from Greg and Thom), but I didn't want to run the risk of alienating them, so when I got closer to their end of the table, I decided "Heck with it", and bit the bullet. David wanted me to stand behind them both for a picture, but it took me a few seconds to stand right where he wanted me.

Also got a picture of Brigette and I. David took extra pictures when I was in line for autos too.

2:00 - 3:00 PM

The Production Process was decent, but nothing to write home about.We stayed for most of it before leaving for...

3:00 - 4:00 PM

The Writing Erotic Stories panel! It was fun. Christine made mention of some of her fan fics (which I made a mental note to read more of as soon as I got a chance), and I got to plug a adult-oriented-erotic-comedy-fanfic-trilogy I'd written a while back. Afterwards, David stayed for the Drawing Erotic Stories Panel...

4:00 PM

... while I checked out the Gathering Auction. There was only one item I'd spotted as soon as I entered that I wanted.

The Milton Bradley Gargoyles Board Game. So help me god, I love games almost as much as I love movies. And Gargoyles, of course.

It started off at a $2 bid.

I took it all the way up to $15.

Nobody outbid me for it after that.

I was a very happy camper.

I love my life. *smiles*

5:30 PM

Hung around the Art Show. Saw a lot that I liked. Kathara's entries and Bri-Chan's Timedancer pieces were all exquisite. Too bad I couldn't afford them. Especially Bri-chan's. Greg W. showed up, and I half-jokingly asked about Lex's mate, knowing that he would refuse to give anything away, which, in essence, he did. I actually had the fleeting thought of offering Greg $100 to tell me, but dismissed the notion almost immediately. A) It would've been stupid and made me look pathetic, B) It would've been ridiculous, and there's no chance Greg would've caved, and C) I didn't have $100 anyways. I can wait until it shows up in the comic or some other medium. Greg believes in drawn-out process, and so do I. No rush.

So far, nobody had outbid me for the Gummi Trio. Nice.

6:00 - 8:30 PM

Didn't have any money for the Banquet and nothing on the menu had looked edible to David or I anyhow, so we joined some other guests for the "6th Annual Anti-Banquet" (sorry the name sounds insulting, but I didn't make it, obviously.) in A Fan's room, complete with Gargs DVDs and Pizza. Still, though, I found myself almost wishing I could've gone to the Banquet. I walked by a couple times, and it looked... nice... in there. Maybe next year.

8:30 PM

The Masquerade began and all of the costumes were impressive. Pucks and Foxs. Princess Katherines and A Lexington. Even an "Inuyasha 1 and a half". Kudos to you, Jade Griffin. What really amazed me was Lance as "Set". I really liked the costume. Lance, who won Best In Show, as I'd expected, did a really great job.

Thom and Tony won "Best Couple" award.

9:30 (I think) PM - 12 AM

We finished the Blue Mug-A-Guest after The Masquerade, just as Greg said. It wasn't quite as raunchy as I'd hoped (Dang, I wish I'd gone to the very first Blue Mug. THAT must've been fun!) but it was still enjoyable. Especially when Crispin showed up. Poor Thom. :P

I'd asked Greg about whether Cyborg Lex (from Future Tense) would ever happen, and, as I should've foreseen, Greg wouldn't answer except for "Not saying." I should've expected as much.

David and I left at midnight. We were exhausted from the day's events. I was mildly annoyed that the following day was the last day. *sighs* Time flies when you're having fun.

Greg responds...

So did you ever get that picture with me? I'm feeling guilty now for not making the time.

Response recorded on January 25, 2007

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

I understand there is some doubt as to weather the season 2 volume 2 Gargoyles dvd will be released. What can be done to ensure this release and when will we know if it will be relesed?

Greg responds...

I've answered this before...

What can be done at this time is to help us SPREAD THE WORD. We need to get sales up, and assuming you've already bought all the copies of both DVD sets that you plan to, then the only other recourse is to inform more fans or bring more fans into the fold.

And, yes, when I know, you'll know.

Response recorded on January 25, 2007

Bookmark Link

KingCobra_582 writes...

Gathering 2006 Report, Part 1.
Thursday, June 22nd, 2006

PRE-GATHERING

David and I boarded our plane to Los Angeles from Port Columbus. I'd never flown before, and even though I more or less got used to it, the height and the ascent themselves still bothered me.

It was a layover, so we landed in the Dallas/Fort Worth airport, finally taking off for Los Angeles at 10:40 am, arriving at LAX at 1:00 PM. We hopped a bud to Advantage Rent-A-Car and picked up our rental before driving to a Hotel 6 in Sylmar, where we checked in and relaxed the rest of the night.

Friday, June 23rd, 2006

THE GATHERING, DAY 1

We arrived at the Hyatt in Valencia (after what would have been a 15 minute drive turned into us getting all turned around temporarily) at 11:30 AM, and I met Greg Weisman face-to-face at the registration desk. Very cool, meeting the guy who created the Gargs universe in the 1st place in person. Forgive the fanboyism. :P. Now if I can meet Keith, Jeff, and Thom, things would be just as (if not more) great.

12:00 PM

1st event was "Creating A Compelling Character" with Christine Morgan, Ellen, and Spacebabie. In the middle of discussing Villian redemption, Christine somehow made the mention of if "Anton Servarius' mind in the body of a Gargoyle stripper". LOL. David raised the point that the Trio had named themselves somewhat abruptly after arriving in 1994 Manhattan, and Christine agreed, but responded that they had probably heard those names while they were out exploring the city (i.e. Awakening Part III) and those names had just stuck.

Greg W. popped in for a surprise visit, which was kick-ass. One guy (you'll see more on him later. Quite a interesting fellow, this Darklord.) brough up Homoculi (from Fullmetal Alchemist) and also started asking questions about Naraku (from Inuyasha). I was intrigued. Who knew that Naraku, upon translation, meant 'Hell'?

1:00 PM.

Next came Character Design And Drawing. The Inuyasha/FMA guy was there as well, and asked about Villian Drawing, David whispered in my ear, very quietly, "Here comes Naraku again," which cracked me up. David took a picture of Karnie A.K.A. Kythara, (and other pictures, of other people, of course, though not all at once, but all of them are coming soon on my website.) while I left for a few minutes to check out the Dealers Room (cause I couldn't avoid buying that Gargs comic ANY LONGER.). I also ended up getting A Trio white T-shirt, ($20) The Phoenix Gate Anthology from G2004 AND the Grimorum Arcanorum Anthology from this year's con, ($15 each) before sitting down and talking with Greg W. I probably went a little overboard mentioning autographs on the Gargs S1 DVD though. Chalk it up to fanboyism. I really don't know what I was thinking. *sighs*

I was disappointed that Jeff wouldn't be there, but some of the others would be. Thom was due "any minute now", Keith was due to arrive tomorrow, and Brigette was set for Sunday, with Bill Fagerbakke possibly making a cameo Monday. I started feeling a little TOO straight-forward and awakward at that point, so I sheepishly said I'd be back later and quickly shuffled off, embarrassed that I'd stopped at all. I returned to the CCD&D panel, where Darklord (a.k.a. Anime Guy, as I thought of him at the time, since I hadn't gotten a look at his name tag yet.) was asking questions about Sesshomaru (from Inuyasha, if you didn't know) and Transformers.

Jen "CrazyDemona" Anderson appeared in the doorway for a brief second, and I mean BRIEF. Once everyone started applauding, she vanished before anyone could even blink. 1 guy nearby, not sure who, commented about how we had "scared her off".

2:00 PM

Left at the start of "My First Con" cause Nature called. On my way back from the Men's Room, I was stopped by a businessman (there was some kind of business meeting also going on at the same time, at the same hotel) sitting in a chair who wanted to know more about our Con, so I explained to him about Gargoyles as best as I could, and noticed another fan walking towards us (who, looking back on it, I now know to be Greg Bishansky.) and called him over. I gave him the 411 and Greg took over for me, telling the guy about Gargoyles, while I returned to the panel. I was happy. I'd brought my boyfriend into the fandom a few months back by showing him the DVDs, and it was nice to be able to help another potential fan see the light. :D. On my way back to the panel, I met Michael Reaves (another familiar face. I'd seen the S2 DVD documentary) and, after introductions and a hand shake, continued on upon our own business down seperate directions. Finally made it back to "My First Con" in time to catch a mild discussion about Thom. It was the "Thom's Pants" thing and the Thom/Crispin rivalry thing that (from what I've read of past Con Reports) had happened at the last L.A. con.

There was also a Q&A about Margot and Brendan Yale, and whether it was or was not them that had been smashed in City Of Stone, and the answer? "No, that was her... evil twin... sister... Fargo..." LOL!!

I myself asked about the S2, Vol 2 DVD and was told it would be addressed at the Opening Ceremonies at 5. I'm a patient guy when I have to be. I can wait.

3:00 PM

Noth much happened here. Just David and I having an hour to kill and deciding to spend it at the Town Center Mall for a late lunch. He had a Pepperoni Pizza from Sbarro's, and I had fries from Charley's Grilled Subs. We poked around the mall a bit cause I'm kind of a mallrat, before we headed back to the Hyatt.

4:00 PM

After returning from the mall, David took a seat in the couch in the lobby while I moseyed on over to the Dealer's Room to get my new Grimorum Anthology autographed. I also met Crispin Freeman there and it was the same as with Michael Reaves. Introduction, and a hand shake. Lucky guy, though. What do I have to do to get that tall? :P I commented how I liked his performance in the English Dub of "X". But for some reason, I was thinking he did the MOVIE, not the TV series "X-1999". My bad. I'm usually more knowledgeable (sp?) about stuff like this, being a film geek and all. Dang.

Checked out the Art Room next. Saw some very nice pieces there. I especially enjoyed the "Gummy Bear Trio" (as I think of it) computerization by Jade Griffin. Overheard Anime Guy/Darklord asking a few people up front if Lex was gay because Thom was, and, also, if Thom even was. We all said "no" in regards to Lex and "we don't know" about Thom. I admit that I'd wondered the same thing myself before, but I also thought that it wasn't the appropiate time or place for Darklord to bring it up. He apologized, though.

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The crowd was getting pretty massive as we waited to get into Opening Ceremonies. Makes me want to run a con myself, then David and I wouldn't need to stand in line. Unfortunately, I lack the finances, the resources, and, above all, the know-how for such a venture.

While we waited, David and I got into a Gargoyles/Inuyasha discussion with Darklord (where I FINALLY saw his nametag) It got a little repetitive, but I drowned it out and let my mind wander onto other things. Like when we'd be able to actually GET INSIDE.

Finally got in, and took our seats, and it was cool. Greg Weisman showed the original Pilot Pitch (which I had already seen on the S2 DVD), as well as Music Videos (I really liked Hemorrhage (In My Hand)), plus the pitches for The New Olympians and Dark Ages spinoffs which I would've loved to have seen actually made. There was also the Bad Guys reel which I'd heard about but had never actually seen until that moment. All I can say about it is WOW!! What a kick-ass reel! And, of course, there was the unfinished-and-thus-unreleased Atlantis episode "The Last" which was interesting. There was a lot of grunting involved (it was a lot of storyboards overlapped with the VAs' lines), but I'm not even gonna go into the thoughts in my head. :P

Afterwards, I noticed Thom Adcox across the room, and, before I had time to think about it, found myself getting a picture taken with him (David, you little shutterbug.) which he was all too happy to do. Then Thom offered to take one with David, and I snapped the picture. Then we chatted with him a little bit, and I asked him about the "Hernandez" which, in the back of my mind, I'd always sort of wondered about, and he said it came from his father. Also, I'd never known that he'd been born in Detroit, Michigan. Then he had to run off to eat. They say you learn something new every day. I certainly did that day.

8:00 PM

Next up? After Thom left for dinner, along with most of the guests, we remnants stayed in the room and sat down for a session of MGT3K. Of all the things I'd looked forward to, this was one of the things I enjoyed doing the most. This years' seemed to be Dracon-related, with episodes "Deadly Force", "The Silver Falcon", and "Protection". I had fun with it, spitting out one-liners ("They stole my last Pop Tart!") not all of which were funny enough, but I digress. It's harder then I'd thought to come up with really good riffs everytime.

David and I started getting tired (though I wouldn't admit that I was) at that point, so we said our goodbyes and left for the night to drive back to our hotel in Sylmar. I wanted to check out the Art Room for any possible new submissions, but it was locked already, so that was a bust.

That's all for Day 1. Days 2 and 3 coming soon.

Greg responds...

That's a pretty full Day One. That's what's great about the Gathering. Lots of stuff going on. Always something new to learn, even for me.

Response recorded on January 25, 2007

Bookmark Link

Gabriel writes...

Hey Greg,
A brief con-journal. First off, I forgot the con was this weekend. I was bored Saturday night and I dropped into Ask Greg, and quickly realized that the Gathering was in progress. Fortunately I was doing absolutely nothing on Sunday. So I printed out directions and some quick info and woke up early the next morning to trek up to Valencia (I live and work in LA so it wasn't that much of a trek.)
I got there just before 10 am, and I was poking around the hotel looking for the registration desk. While wandering, slightly lost, I look up at a man walking down the hall and instantly recognize you- Greg! I didn't say anything, figured you were a) in a hurry and b) plenty swarmed by fans already. My passing thought was "Definitely in the right place!" Found the registration table, and high-tailed it back to Ballroom D for the Comic panel. Got there in time to see a few pieces of art on the TV screen, before the grand wall-panel-redistribution! Will wonders never cease? All the panelists' stories and thoughts on the comic and the comic book industry were great.
That ended and I stepped out to grab some food, came back for the Voice Acting Panel. Morgan and Keith were definitely jockeying the whole time for best anecdote. However, I think best story has to go to Brigitte for her recounting of the tale of her worst moment in showbiz; shooting a bathtub scene and having to "lubricate her own snake." I even managed to not only get question in, but it ended up being the last question! I really appreciated the insight from both Morgan and Brigitte on voice direction. The follow up question would have been how one builds up to a career as a voice director, but I guess that's incentive to make the pilgrimage to Tennessee next year.
Came back once again to ballroom D for the production process panel, and boy if I thought the first two panels of the day were something, well this was the cherry on the Sunday! First off I didn't realize Frank Paur was going to be there, so that was just awesome! I know you were next-door for the W.I.T.C.H. reunion, but that production panel was truly great. Frank, Paca, Marc and the others lead a great discussion on not only the state of animation back during the time of "Gargoyles," but also on the current world you guys are working in, and even gave some speculation on where new technologies are going to take animation as the tools and processes become more refined.
All in all I had a great time, and if I wasn't working Monday I would have loved to hear your discussion of time travel. Ah well, maybe you'll put out a pamphlet or something. Anywho- Thanks for all your hard work and for sharing the fruit of your fertile imagination with the rest of us. Also please pass on my thanks, and kudos to the Gathering organizing committee and staff, I appreciated all their hard work and effort. Oh and thanks to the guests too for carving the time out of their schedules to make an appearance. (hmm...guess that wasn't as brief as I'd thought.)
Ciao,
Gabriel

Greg responds...

Thanks for coming, Gabriel. One of the only things that is disappointing to me about the Gatherings, is that I can only be in one place at any one time. I'd have loved to have been a part of the production panel too. But we also had a great time over with W.I.T.C.H. Huge turnout of writers and voice actors. I'm glad both panels were fun.

Response recorded on January 25, 2007

Bookmark Link

James writes...

Assuming the new Comic does well could time dancer or pendragon be made into comics also

Greg responds...

See my previous response.

Response recorded on January 24, 2007

Bookmark Link

Varjo Kage writes...

Hello Mr. Weisman,
First off I would like to say that I really appreciate the new comic book/graphic novel. No that's an understatement, I found the book to be Incredible! My Question is; is there going to be cross-overs or mentioning of the series that "could have been"? Timedance, Pendragon, Bad Guys or New Olympians is what I mean. Or could they be made into Miniseries/Maxiseries or even a series on their own? I would definately buy that.
Thank you for your Time.

Cheers,
Varjo Kage

Greg responds...

We're taking things one step at a time. But I wouldn't rule anything out.

Response recorded on January 24, 2007

Bookmark Link

Laura 'ad astra' Sack writes...

I love it when Ask Greg reopens for questions! I know it'll be a few years before this gets read, but it adds to the vibrancy of the fandom.

Unfortunately I didn't get to the Gathering yet again- one of these days. Doesn't gall me as much as missing the last one in NYC, but at least I have my memories of the first two.

I looked through the new posts to see what others were saying about the comic. (There is less of a chance of saying something that has been said to death, but I don't want to lose the habit of checking first.) By in large the reviews are very good and I would have to agree. I couldn't get to my comic shop till Friday, but I read it and went through it with a fellow fan in great detail on the phone before sundown. (The rest of my weekly reading had to wait.) I won't say it was perfect, I had some serious concerns, but I was really happy.

First off, I must note this- The back says that the colorist is new to the field- what a fantastic start! There is nothing there that even hinted to anything novice like.

I have to be a little harder on the artist. It almost seems like the style switched halfway through. The first half struck me as more stylized, a little reminisent of craypas or those sidewalk chalk artists that wow you with what they can do. The second half was looser, even letting you see the pencil marks. My druthers would ask for the second style. The artist seemed far more comfortable with it. While the first page and sevel other panels throughout the begining were beautiful, other were rather awkward and boxy, especially in the none action scenes. (The artist drew some just plain fantastic fantastic action sceens.)

I did have a small quibble with the text...(though I feel like slime mentioning it here). Some of the lines that were lifted directly from the show didn't flow as well without Keith David's sonority. Goliath's formal speaking style sometimes needs that resonance. I have no fear of that being a problem in later books- all the sceens that started life in print read just fine while still conjuring that voice. I loved Goliath's 'discussion' with the shotgun wielding man. Though I have to ask- who has a shotgun in NYC?

Looking forward to issue 2- I do hope that independant Publisher doesn't mean Independate time frame :}

Greg responds...

I'm not sure I understand your comment about missing Keith. I mean we all miss Keith, but if I lifted the line directly from the show -- and it worked in the show -- how could it not work here? Oh, well.

As for a shotgun in Manhattan, anyone who occasionally heads upstate to go hunting might have one.

Response recorded on January 24, 2007

Bookmark Link

Vicky writes...

I hear that there may be no plans to release the Gargoyles 3rd DVD due to poor sales but i think you should release them world wide so the sales will go up i suspect there more gargoyle fans in the world then there are in America.

Please Please Please Please Please Please Please can you release the Gargoyles DVDs in the UK. If I could I would buy them from America but UK is reagion 2

Luckily I can buy the comic from America

Greg responds...

It's really not up to me. Talk to BVHE.

Response recorded on January 24, 2007

Bookmark Link

GARGOYLES COMIC UPDATE

Hey gang,

In an attempt to get back on a bi-monthly schedule, we've invited a few talented fill-in artists to take on a few issues of the comic.

Clan-Building #3 "Invitation Only" is being penciled by regular series penciler David Hedgecock, with colors by our new regular colorist Dustin Evans.

Clan-Building #4 "Masque" is being penciled by guest artist Nir Paniry. Colorist hasn't been decided yet.

Clan-Building #5 "Bash" is being penciled by fan favorite Karine Charlebois and colored by fan favorite Stephanie Lostimolo.

Clan-Building #6 "Reunion" is being penciled by Gordon Purcell. Colorist hasn't been decided yet.

Clan-Building #7 "The Rock" will be pencilled by David and colored by Dustin. I just finished scripting it, and I'm about to start work on #8.

ALL COVERS are by Greg Guler with colors by Steph.

Clan-Building is currently scheduled to last 12 issues total.

It's all very exciting. I've seen pencils and colors from #3 and pencils and inks of #4 and rough pages of #5. All looking very sweet.


Bookmark Link

Slash Thrasher/ Dan W. writes...

Hey Greg!
First off just let me say that I'm very excited about the new comic and can't wait for the next issue. Hopefully you remember me from gatherings past, there arn't very many heavy metal gargoyles in the fandom. You may still have my album as well! I'm doing my best to spread the word about it as well. I only have one question, The story "night watch" is suppost to pick up where the show left off. At the risk of revealing how out of the loop I am, where exactly is that point? Perhaps I need to look back at season three or something.
please contact me at: Kineticguitarist2005@yahoo I'd love to show you my band sometime!
Thank you once again
Slash T.

Greg responds...

Nightwatch picks up where SEASON TWO left off, i.e. at the end of Hunter's Moon. We're not counting the Goliath Chronicles. Not even my episode "The Journey" as the first two issues of the comic readapt that story.

And of course, I remember you Slash. Haven't seen you in years though. We'll you be at G2007?

Response recorded on January 23, 2007

Bookmark Link

Charisma82 writes...

Monday, June 26, 2006: 4TH AND LAST DAY OF THE GATHERING OF THE GARGOYLES

First off, I was looking through questions and comments that you've answered on this website last night and I noticed that a few people mentioned that you don't like to get questions about different subjects all in one writing, but to post them seperately. When I read through the rules on the first page, I didn't see this mentioned, but if you did say something about this in the rules and I'm missing it somewhere, I appologize for my last journals that I wrote. They had different subjects asked about in them, and I didn't know that you prefer not to get them that way. I hope that it didn't complicate your answering questions, I certainly didn't want to do that. Again, I'm sorry. I won't do it again, and I'll understand if you don't answer some of my questions on those posts.

Today is Monday so I had school again. It's half way over, so I'm glad. Today in class, one of the other students (one of the louder ones I might add) kept going on about how she got to go to the premier for the Pirates of the Carribbean 2 movie at Disneyland. She had pictures and autographs for anyone who would pay attention to see. It's funny, she said she waited 11 hours on Main Street to see the stars of the movie. I was thinking how cool it would be to go to the one for the 3rd movie, but then I realized that they had this last movie the same weekend as the gathering this year. I really hope that they don't have it at the same time as 2007's gathering, because I'd really love to go to both.

Since I'm talking about Disneyland, and you work for disney and all, I think I'll end this journal with questions about Disney for you (because I don't want to detour to other topics and make it longer than it needs to be). Have you been to Disneyland? It's a great place, I think. My family and I have obtained family passes for the place a couple of times in the past. I'm Disneyland sick right now because we haven't been in a year or so (I know it sounds stupid that I should complain about this, because other people only get to go once in their lives). One memory I like best of Disneyland was the year they were building California Adventure next door to it. We had season passes that year, so we got to see California Adventure being built from the ground up as we went to Disneyland over the year. I've heard from people before who work at Disneyland and they say they hate it. One must wonder why? I guess you'll never know unless you work there. Is it the same for people who don't work at Disneyland, but still work for Disney? I mean, do you ever get tired of working for Disney? I think that is why the others hate the place now, they had too much of what is supposed to be a good thing.

I also want to say that I saw your name at the end of the WITCH credits tonight. My sister saw it and pointed it out and said that I over react to seeing names that I am familiar with. I always get excited when I see a name or hear a voice that had to do with gargoyles. You all did a great job with that show, and I hope you continue your ideas on through this new show (and into other new gargoyle developments).

Well, I guess this is it. The Gathering of the Gargoyles is officially over with today. No more me rambling on and on about.... well, nothing really. I did enjoy taking the time out to put up these posts. I hope that next year I get to put up posts of what happened at the 2007 gathering and not what is happening in my normal life.

I hope you and everyone else had a great time at the gathering and has a safe trip back to your homes. Thank you for listening (actually reading), and letting me, and everyone else who puts up posts, take up some of your time. It is appreciated.

It has been a pleasure and a privelege to write to you.

-Charisma82

Greg responds...

I do not work for Disney right now. Used to. But not at the moment. I have been to Disneyland. I'm a born and bred Angelino, so I've been going there since I was a kid.

Response recorded on January 23, 2007

Bookmark Link

Charisma82 writes...

Sunday, June 25, 2006: 3RD DAY OF THE GATHERING OF THE GARGOYLES

So how is everything going? Good I hope. Only one more day of Gathering of the Gargoyles. I'm sure everyone is having a great time out there at the gathering. Everyone must be really busy trying to get to everything there. Just curious, but how many sessions are going on out there? Do people have time inbetween sessions to do anything else? Did you do any sight seeing in L.A.? I hear that next year the gathering will be in Tenessee near the Smokey Mountains. That would be so cool to go to. There must be a lot of sight seeing to do for the next gathering, that is if you have time to get away from the convention. I've been to Tennessee once up in the Smokey Mountians. I barely remember it, but the few pictures I have in my mind are of very beautiful scenery. I can picture the mountains with dark clouds around the top of them. Maybe I can get a plane ticket and head out there next year not only for the gathering, but to recharge my memory of the scenery. I think that if there was another gargoyle clan out there in the U.S. (besides the Manhattan clan), they should be located in a place like that. The mountains would be great cover, and there are little towns all around in there that they could protect if they felt the need to. I'm really hoping that I can convince someone to go with me now that I'm getting myself psyched for the Smokey Mountains.

Since the gathering is almost over for 2006, I might as well get your opinion on it. Did you think that the turn out was better or worse this year than other gatherings? Did a lot of voice talents from the Gargoyles show come to the convention? By the way, how many of these gatherings have you attended? I know that this one in 2006 is the 10th annual one, but did you go to the first few, like the 1st or 2nd gathering? Who exactly started these gatherings (don't just say fans, please)? Do you think that more talents from the show will come to next years (2007) gathering?

Well, now that I've questioned you out, I might as well mention a few things that happened today since this is sort of a journal of what's going on during the gathering. Today is Sunday, so of course church. After that, we (my family) had tacos and I slept for a couple of hours. I woke up to find nothing great on TV or on TIVO. Later, my parents and I watched some murder mystery movie where some woman was being tricked into thinking she was crazy by her husband and best friend so they could get rid of her and get all her money that she'd made. It was interesting. Not as good as it would have been to be at the gathering (I had to throw that in there).

When I mentioned church, it got me thinking. I know religion is a touchy subject for a lot of people, but I was wondering if any gargoyles were religious in some way. If they are, do they practice human religions or do they have one of their own? I could see a clan living in a big church building with the stain glass windows and such, with them posing on top on the steeple or roof during the day and then protecting the town at night. I can just imagine the picture in my head. It would look rather gothiky though.

Now that's my ramble/journal for today. Just one more for tomorrow. I'm sure you'll miss my long talks about nothing (probably not). I hope all is well, and thank you for your time.

Charisma82

Greg responds...

Turn out for 2006 was high for a Gathering. Having the con in L.A. always helps, because we can get a TON of special guests (because they're all local) that we couldn't afford to bring to a more distant location. Someone from the Gathering would have to give you exact figures, but I believe the attendance was probably our second highest ever - second only to G2001, which was also in L.A.

We did have quite a few voice actors, including Keith "Goliath" David, Thom "Lexington" Adcox, Brigitte "Angela" Bako, Elisa "Obisiana" Gabriellie, Morgan "Petros" Sheppard, Jim "Dingo" Cummings and others. Plus quite a few voice actors from WITCH and other shows as well.

I've attended all TEN Gatherings. It might seem like quite an achievement, but really it's all thanks to the fans, who pay my way for every non-L.A. convention and put me up (and put up with me) at the L.A. cons. There are a handful of fans whom have also been to all ten conventions. They are my heroes.

"Who exactly started these gatherings (don't just say fans, please)?" - Okay, I won't say fans. I'll say FAN. May "Elisa Maza" Li (I hope I'm spelling that correctly) was THE fan that got the ball rolling by almost single-handedly organizing the first Gathering in NYC. Burned her out so much that she didn't attend again until this past year, when she was given the Fan Guest of Honor award. Of course since then there's been a long list of people who have contributed. I'd list 'em, but I'm sure I'd forget some people, and I don't want to offend.

For info on Gargoyles religion -- which is both Animistic and Monotheistic -- check the archives under GARGOYLE CUSTOMS.

Response recorded on January 23, 2007

Bookmark Link

Aubrey writes...

I know this is mostly for Gargoyles but...will Season One of W.I.T.C.H. be coming out on DVD? Is it already available? I missed this first season and would like to get caught up...

Greg responds...

I'm afraid I don't know. I hope it does, because I'd like to see Season Two on DVD.

Response recorded on January 23, 2007

Bookmark Link

Larry writes...

Excuse me Mr. Weisman,
I want to be a comic book writer after my upcoming four years in college and a dream I want to hopefully make a reality is work for Creature Comics because I love your series, I love what it says on the creature comics site in the section"what does creature comics do?"
because that's exactly what I want to do when I become a comic book writer.

please sir tell me what I should do so if I were to show you my material some day, that I seem like a chance and not crash and burn.

Greg responds...

At the moment, CreatureComics.Com is less of a company than a partnership. Me and Marty and Greg. There are no jobs to be had. Although we have grand schemes of doing more work, at the moment the only CCC project is the Gargoyles comic book, and for better or worse, I do ALL the writing on that.

So CCC is NOT where you should be looking to break in. And for legal reasons, I won't even look at your stuff. That's not personal, it's policy.

But you could try breaking into the business the way I did, which was by sending a letter (or submission) to DC Comics (or Marvel or whatever company is putting out stuff). You could try to find an artist to partner with and self-publish to get some attention. Go to comic book conventions and talk to pros and especially publishers and editors.

Good luck.

Response recorded on January 23, 2007

Bookmark Link

dph of rules writes...

Gathering Journal - Pretrip or "The trip that almost wasn't"

One note, I do make mention of when I was writing the journal, just as points of reference, so if I don't mention when I catch up to the present that I stopped to write my journal, it is an oversite.

Anyways, in my own words, my experiences.

Here am I, at 6:51am, Saturday morning, writing my journal entry the story of how the events leading to the day I arrived. Jet lag caught up with me, otherwise I would be asleep at this point. Anyways, back to the story of how I got here. Sometime in September 2005, I sent my payment for the registration costs for the Gathering through the post office. A few weeks passed by, and I didn't hear a thing back, so I emailed Patrick and nagged him once a week for a few weeks to see if my payment had arrived. Patrick asked me to stop, so I did and thanked him for his patience. I got really tired of waiting, so I finally paid online with the promise that whenever my gathering payment (I used a cashier's check) arrived from the post office, they would send me a check back. Three months after I sent my payment through the post office, I got the letter back, because I put the wrong zip code in. (In polite company, I can not say what I think of this . . blu . . mistake by the post office in taking so long to get me returned mail back.) I sent it in a new envelope and paid to have it delivered in 2-3 days so I could get my money back (banks are funny about cancelling a cashier's check). Thankfully, I got my check from the gathering and deposited it, thus passing obstacle #1.

Obstacle #2 was acquiring the plane tickets. I learned expedia.com and my local bank (Harvest) transaction processing systems don't exactly work well together (it's a technical issue). So I resolved to buy my tickets in person during spring break, which I did. (Murphy's law & I are acquitances so I didn't want to risk making a mistake scheduling my flights going through an airline.). That cleared obstacle #2.

Obstacle #3 was finding a roommate. I found that difficult being a new person to attend. Then, there's the paradox: I didn't want to book a room without a roommate (fear of getting stuck with a bill by myself), but nobody wants to sign up with anybody unless they already have a room booked. Finally, out of desparation, I decided to book a hotel room myself, only to discover that all the rooms reserved at the Gathering Rate were booked. Then panic sank in. Fortunately, I was able to share a room with A Fan and everything was set except for Obstacle #4.

Obstacle #4 was the scariest/most dangerous obstacle of them all for me. What was it? Telling my dad that I was going. (my mom died passed away in January 1995 after battling cancer for years). As some people in the tgs cr, I have frequently referred to him as "the moron". We don't have (and haven't) had a good relationship in years. We have virtually nothing in command except we're related by blood. So two weeks on the Sunday before I was to go, I worked up my courage to tell him and told. I have never ever seen him so upset and I was scared/terrified. Initially it was about the money. I'm a college student graduating in the fall without a full time job at the moment. Then the issue became about other things. Thank goodness for good stepmothers, that's all I'm going to say. The Saturday before the trip, I lost my checkbook and spent the next few days hunting for it, only to discover it was in my brother's couch in his home. (My brother and I are extremely close and have been for several years - this despite a 12 year age difference). Thursday, while packing, Murphy's law struck and I got only a few hours of sleep.

To be continued with Gathering Journal day 1 - what happenned that Friday . . .

Greg responds...

Wow... obstacles indeed. Glad you made it though!

Response recorded on January 23, 2007

Bookmark Link

Aldrius writes...

I searched the archives, and did not see any mention of this.

How would you feel if your characters were used in a Kingdom Hearts game as side-characters in a world or in a world of their own?

Greg responds...

I'd be thrilled.

Response recorded on January 22, 2007

Bookmark Link

Raye writes...

I've been watching the DVDs and have recently been intrigued by the characters of Claw and Fang, mainly because we don't really know *who* these characters actually are! They are introduced to the series with their human identities hidden (both in physical terms and by giving them aliases). These guys could be anyone! (Claw especially is full of potential considering he can't speak).

I know that asking you who they were in their human forms would be pointless, so I'll try to dodge that question with some others:

1. Will their true identities be important or some sort of plot-twist? (Like the Owen/Puck connection)

2. Did you know who they really are when the show started, or is it an opening in the overall story that you included so you could work on it later? (again, I compare with Owen/Puck; you've said that you didn't know at first that the two were one and the same, but realised the connection soon afterwards).

3. If one, or both of their true identities are important, have there been any hints in the course of the series in character dialogue or situation?

4. Were they approached for the experiment in the same way that Maggie was, or was there something different in how Doctor Sevarius enlisted them?

5. Was there a reason why you decided that Claw would not be able to speak? (that is, to keep his identity secret? Or were you just trying to save money on a voice actor!)

Thank you very much for any answers you give (or decide *not* to give, I know I may be treading on thin ice asking these questions!)

Greg responds...

1. Important, yes. Plot-twist, not really.

2. No, I know who they are now. But I didn't when "Metamorphosis" was scripted. Though I knew what direction I wanted to head with each.

3. Not really, actually.

4. More or less the same.

5. Two reasons: 1. economic as you noted, and 2. I genuinely thought it would make him a more interesting character.

Response recorded on January 22, 2007

Bookmark Link

maricar writes...

im asking about the famous line of lady mcbeth one of shakespeare's charater which starts with "blood, blood, blood"

Greg responds...

What about it?

Response recorded on January 22, 2007

Bookmark Link

Charisma82 writes...

Saterday, June 24, 2006: 2ND DAY OF GATHERING OF THE GARGOYLES

Again, it's me. Not much happened today (there seems to be a pattern in this in my life). I've been wishing I was where you all are. But, instead, I'm here, typing to you. I was thinking about the gathering today and what you guys might be doing. So, I decided to ask you something (since that is kind of the purpose of this website). If you had to convince a person who's never been to a gathering before and you could only name three things to them that happens at the gathering, what would those three things be? What is it that you enjoy the most at gatherings is basically the question here. Since I'm asking about the gathering, I might as well keep asking. About how many people were at the last gathering you attended? (You might not read this for a few years, so answer this to the last gathering you attended, not the one that's going on right now in 2006, unless that was the last one you went to). I keep hearing about radio plays. What exactly is this? I've seen some stuff about it, but I want to know from you what it is and your opinion on it. Did you come up with the concept or did someone else?

I think it is great that so many gargoyles fans are being able to get together and celebrate a great show. I've loved gargoyles for so many years, and it would be great to meet other fanatics like me. Maybe someday... But until then, I've got my sister to nag about this stuff. She's not a hard core fan like me, but she has watched the show since it first came out just like me. We know all the dialogue to each show. In fact, sometimes we put the TV on mute and put the lines in ourselves. Other times we just mess around and make up funny stuff for the soundless characters to say. We get a kick out of that. Another memory that comes to mind is having to explain each confusing show to my sister. She's four years younger than me, so she started watching the show when she was 3 years old. She's in high school now and still I have to explain some of the more confusing shows to her.

Possession is one of my favorites and is one my sister complains of being the most confusing. I always liked the 3 episodes that came before Hunter's Moon. They were: Turf, The Reckoning, and Possession. Their story lines were great. I liked Turf because Elisa has to help Tony Dracon when they really can't stand each other, and she has a different look going on for her (plus you find out what happened to Mase Malone's step son. He went from working out in a gum with the witness protection program to being a hired thug). I liked The Reckoning because Angela and Demona finally meet face to face and know who each other are for the 1st time (that time in Paris doesn't really count). When I was younger, I had been anticipating the meeting between them since I knew that they were mother and daughter. It was a great story to tell about the two of them. Then there is Possession. What can I say, I love to solve puzzles. Who is in who's body? Good question. I love how it was all just a lesson for little Alexander. The kid has potential.

Anyways, I've rambled off a lot of stuff, and I should let you go answer other people's comments and questions. Thank you for your time and I hope your having a great weekend at the 10th annual Gathering of the Gargoyles.

-Charisma82

Greg responds...

What do I enjoy most? There's a lot I could say, but certain friends would cough loudly and force me to admit that it's the 72-hour non-stop EGO-BOOST!!!! (I mean, really, who am I kidding?)

But there are a lot of specific things I love about the Gathering. You asked for three, so...

1. The Radio Play is always a real blast for me. I like the whole process: auditions, casting, rehearsal and performance. As for what they are, it's not too complicated. I bring a script. Sometimes Gargoyles, sometimes something else (often the something else is some unproduced script). We hold VOICE auditions for the various parts. Casting is usually done by myself, Thom "Lexington" Adcox and Jennifer Anderson. Then we gather for a rehearsal. And then we perform for the con. There are no props, costumes or make-up. We just stand-up and read the lines ... like a radio play. (I didn't come up with the concept of a radio play. I'm guessing radio did that. But I am the guy who came up with the idea of doing it at the Gathering, starting in 1998.)

2. The late night chats. The Blue Mug (though not always Blue) is always a lot of fun, but even informally, it's hard to top the good times of hanging with folk, just talking. Each Gathering is really a family reunion, complete with new additions to the family showing up every year.

3. The talent and intelligence of our fans. Whether it's the radio play, the wonderful Art Room, the Masquerade or just listening to them talk in panels, I'm always blown away by what our fans can do.

4. Also eating. I love eating.

Response recorded on January 22, 2007

Bookmark Link

Charisma82 writes...

Friday, June 23, 2006: 1ST DAY OF GATHERING OF THE GARGOYLES:

Again, if you don't remember my last post from yesterday (which is likely, there are a lot of people who like to talk to you) I was not able to go to the Gathering of the Gargoyles this year. I'm posting what is happening to a person who can't get to the gathering. Besides spontanious cries of wanting to be at the gathering and break downs every now and then, things are pretty much normal. My sister gets a kick every time she hears my little outbreaks.

Today there was no school, so I stayed home and pondered with my sister about the gathering and past experiences we've had due to gargoyles. I reminded her about the gargoyles games we used to play and we both laughed for a long time as we reminisced. We were bored so we looked through some old board games that we might enjoy playing. As we did, I started thinking about how fun it would be to have a gargoyles board game. You know how Monopoly has different versions? There could be a gargoyles monopoly, or the game Life could throw its hat into the ring. I know it is unlikely, but wouldn't it be cool?

While conventions are on my mind, I just wanted to put out there that Pirates of the Carribean 2 is having its premier tomorrow at Disneyland. I thought it was really funny that the premier for that is at the same time as the gathering. What a conincidence, huh? They should've done a joint thing, with pirates and gargoyles at the same time. That would be the best. I know that the gathering doesn't have to do with Disney promoting the Pirates of the Carribean movie, but just imagine with me...

I can only imagine the great time everyone is having right now, getting to the gathering. Okay, I lied, I can't imagine because I've never been to one. The closest thougts that I have to a gathering are the few scenes that were shown on the DVD for the 1st season of gargoyles. I really liked that. It was kind of a bummer to see that there was nothing on the gatherings on the second DVD. Oh well.

Well, we're almost half way through with these journals (at least I am almost through). I only have Saterday and Sunday to record, and maybe Monday if you're lucky (hahaha). It's funny how I don't end up writing about my day, but more about jibberish.

One more thing, I saw the new episode of WITCH tonight and it rocked! You're doing a great job with that, along with all the other talents working on the show. If only those talents could go towards another gargoyles show....

Thank you for your time and patience. I also hope you have a great time at the convention.

-Charisma82

Greg responds...

There is a gargoyles board game. I've got a copy. Plus there was the Gargoyles Video board game that came with the video release of "The Heroes Awaken".

Response recorded on January 22, 2007

Bookmark Link

Nick Piers writes...

Hey Greg,

I've been a longtime Gargoyles fan since it first aired when I was in High School. Being both a comic book geek and a literature geek, I've fondly remembered the show for as long as I can remember. I remember when the episode revealing Owen in Puck (I believe it occured after the World Tour), I was in shock for days and geeking out with my friends about it.

Sadly, as I live in far Eastern Canada (New Brunswick), I won't have a Gathering 2006 report. If I had the money for such a trip, I would absolutely love to attend one of the Gatherings. Maybe someday!

So, a couple of questions:

1) The first is regarding Volume 2 of Season 2. I picked up Vol.1 as soon as it was released and devoured the episodes within days. From your comment about Vol.2, I'm worried if we'll ever see its release. Would it be safe to assume that Volume 2 would be the final set for the series? I remember you listed how, ideally, you'd like to release the sets but I can't remember their set up.

2) An additional question regarding Vol.2. I loved the Gathering feature in the first season collection. Do you think that, should Vol.2 be released, that another Gathering feature (perhaps of 2004 or '06?) could be added?

3) Since "The Journey", the first and only episode you were directly involved with TGC, would it be safe to assume that it may be included in a future DVD collection? The rest of TGC, I understand, would not, but just the one leaves me curious.

Lastly, I'd like to say that I picked up the first issue of the Gargoyles comic and enjoyed it greatly. In many ways, it felt as if I was watching the show all over again. My only complaint, which I'm sure will disappear once the first 2-issue arc is completed, is that it feels a lot like a re-hashing of "The Journey". Did you want to alieviate concerns about whether that episode was canon or not by telling your own version of the story? I'd be curious to hear some comments on that if they haven't already been answered.

Thanks for all the fond memories, Greg. To me, Gargoyles was far too short but clearly has a power all on its own to last longer than any spell an executive could cast upon it.

(Also, if someone could maybe e-mail me either to answer some questions that Greg doesn't necissarily need to answer...or maybe inform me when these questions are answered, that'd be fantastic. My e-mail, done in long hand to avoid spam, is nick underscore piers at hotmail dot com.)

Greg responds...

1. I'm not sure I understand your question. I'm still hoping that BVHE will release Volume 2, but frankly I'm not holding my breath. Beyond that, THEY may want to release the Goliath Chronicles, but that's not something that I'm going to fight for.

2. No way to know. But there is a "been there, done that" feeling that even I get, extras-wise.

3. I have no idea. It wouldn't be included in Season Two, Volume Two, as it was part of Season Three. My feeling is that now that the Journey has been adapted into "Nightwatch" and "The Journey", i.e. the first two issues of the new GARGOYLES comic, I don't feel the need to have it out on DVD. But that may just be me.

4. It's not a rehashing, it's quite consciously an adaptation -- though an adaptation that restores scenes that were cut from the televised version, cuts narration that was added to the episode (and not by me), reorders scenes back to the way I originally wrote it and adds some flashback material to help bring new readers up to speed. The main reason to do this was because I felt STRONGLY that I needed to find a good entry point into the universe for new fans and/or old fans who haven't been obsessively watching and rewatching the episodes for ten years. Also, I felt that this was a good story that deserved better treatment, and ALSO I felt that since I would finally be doing MY third season of the series in comic book form, I wanted to start it with the story that began that season. And, finally, yes, I see "The Journey" as canon. Now, it's clear. Canon consists, in my mind at least, of the 65 episodes that make up the first two seasons of the series and the two published issues of the SLG comic book. Other stufff, like Goliath Chronicles (including now "The Journey" as televised), the Marvel comics, the Disney Adventure comics and whatever else might be out there is NOT canon. And any hints or flat out spoilers I've given or revealed in ASK GREG or at Gatherings or wherever is AT BEST, canon-in-training. It reveals my thought process more than final product. So it's not real til it's real.

Response recorded on January 21, 2007

Bookmark Link

mage_cat writes...

I have a W.I.T.C.H. question. You've often said the the one-word episode titles on Gargoyles were the ones you came up with. I was wondering if the current "A-B-C" episode naming scheme on W.I.T.C.H. was your idea as well.

Greg responds...

It was. Helps keep me amused.

Response recorded on January 19, 2007

Bookmark Link

Phil writes...

Hey Greg,

In midst of all the Gathering and comic book excitement, I have a question about WITCH. The second season is just getting started, and I'm enjoying it so far. I appreciate that there aren't any huge jolting differences between seasons one and two, and that leads into my question.

I don't know anything about your predecessor on the first season, or why you were brought in to replace him or her for the second season. I'm curious about how you went about taking over an existing property like this and making it "your own" without alienating those who were involved with or were fans of the first season. And how did your experience with Gargoyles vs. The Goliath Chronicles affect the way you approached this task?

You've experienced this situation from both sides now, and I'm looking forward to (someday) reading your reflections on it.

Greg responds...

Well...

The first thing is RESPECT. I try to respect the work of those who come before me. The WITCH comics and the previous episodes.

The second thing is MARCHING ORDERS... what do my bosses want me to do. In this case, I was told (in so many words) that the first 26 episodes are canon for the second season. The comics are NOT canon, but there was a definite desire to bring the series closer to (at the very least) the spirit of the comic books and to the stories and characters told there.

The third thing is DETAILED RESEARCH w/lots of NOTE-TAKING... Read all the comics that were available to me at the time (in English). Watch all the episodes. Take loads of notes. Look for hooks in those stories. EMERSION.

The fourth thing is ESSENCE. I try to find the essence of what the series is about, who the characters are, etc. That's what I need to respect the most.

The final thing is WEAVING the tapestry, taking all of the above into account. This is actually the fun part of the job for me. All these characters, all with agendas of their own. All these stories to tell. WITCH season two is over now -- and it doesn't look like there will be a season three -- but when I finished, I easily had enough stories to keep it going for years.

Response recorded on January 19, 2007

Bookmark Link

Adam writes...

How will the others in the clan react to Lex being gay? Angela and the other boys may be more accepting, but Hudson and Goliath struck me as "old school" in terms of acceptance. (well, not Goliath as much. He is dating a human for christs sake!) Just curous.

Greg responds...

You're assuming that for Gargoyles, "Old School" means homophobic. I don't accept that.

In fact "Old School" for humans wasn't homophobic either. Homophobia is a relatively RECENT phenomena, as far as my (very limited) research has revealed.

Response recorded on January 19, 2007

Bookmark Link

E J writes...

In a word, the comic is phenomenal.

I should point out that I was in the show's target demographic during its first run (not so much anymore, just graduated college). I was skeptical about how it would work as a comic book, but that all melted away when I bought Gargoyles #1. It was pure joy.

First off, I think that translating "The Journey" as the first several issues works extremely well. For the first time, I feel like we're finally seeing what's going on in your head, without the watchful eye of S&P censoring what we see. We all knew that something like the "monster-loving whore" commen was missing in "The Journey;" you can't really show racism unless you can show the bigotry that goes with it. And Elisa's response is very Elisa-esque.

Finally seeing the Matt/Chavez scene was a treat for fans who could only read it here up until now. And for that matter, I think we all knew that Elisa wore something sexier to bed than that old-woman nightgown.

What looks good in comic form: The Gargoyles escaping from the clock tower. Castaway blowing up his statue (which thankfully doesn't look like Goliath anymore). Sunsets. The recap spread on page 12-13 is gorgeous, and makes me wonder if we'll see something analagous to Keith David's narrative intro in each issue.

I might (and I stress MIGHT) go so far as to suggest after just one issue that the comic format serves Gargoyles better than animation. Of course, there are drawbacks. We lose the magnificent voice work of some of these actors. We lose the Keith David-narrated show opening. We lose the ability to show some of the character's aerial moves in action. But the advantages are huge. Storylines aren't constricted to 22 minute, and S&P isn't compromising the story you're trying to tell. In fact, because it's completely common for a comic franchise to have more than one title in print at once, I feel like series like Timedancer and 2198 were made for this kind of thing.

Anyway, that's just my two cents as a fan. The comic format seems very natural for Gargoyles, which is a relief. Clearly, I'm looking forward to new stories in #3 more than anything else. All in all, thumbs up on the comic.

Greg responds...

I'm personally LOVING doing Gargoyles as a comic. I miss the voice work too, but I do feel that our series' voice work was so strong and distinctive, that if I do my job right (writing the dialogue) that you can almost HEAR the voices (and the music) in your head. That's my goal anyway. That and doing radio plays at the Gathering, (hopefully with some of the cast present).

Response recorded on January 19, 2007

Bookmark Link

The MythMaker writes...

A few years ago, I posted a short ramble on the Illuminati and the "Eye in the Pyramid". Of course, you only got to it a few months ago. However, right after my post, Valaine Fea added that the "E.i.t.P" is called "Annunaki", which means "All-Seeing Eye". Valaine Fea did not post anything else however, and you asked where that information comes from.

I had never heard anyone refer to the symbol as "Annunaki", but I know what the term is (it does not mean "All-Seeing Eye") and in what language. I suspect that someone in the tiny circle of people who know this stuff accidently connected the term to the symbol, since it is indeed what the symbol points to.

Annunaki is a Sumerian term (yes, it's that old). It means "the people of Anu". Again, the actual information on the topic is extensive, with many layers of meaning as well, given it's religious purpose, so I cannot give it all. A simplified (but arguable) interpretation would be "the children of God". Not humans: angels (or something) who walked around on the planet. The Bible mentions them several times, along with many other ancient sources (all of which are presumed by modern historians to be the products of overly-superstitious primitive minds).

The symbol is Egyptian in iconography, not Sumerian (it would have been the "Eye in the Ziggurat"), but there is evidence that it is a European creation (middle ages or later) intended to point back to these origins.

Greg responds...

Thanks. This stuff fascinates me.

Response recorded on January 18, 2007

Bookmark Link

Charisma82 writes...

Hello again. It's been about 2 years since I've asked a question or written a comment on this web site. That doesn't mean I've never been back here though. On the contrary, I come here about every day (around 1:00 in the morning, after all my college work is done). So don't think I've given up looking for my question to be answered.
Anyway, the main reason for me to write this time is that the gathering of the gargoyles is taking place this weekend, and I wanted to put in my input.

Gathering of the Gargoyles is all I've heard about for months. As it draws closer, I get more and more excited. Unfortunatly for me, I can not make it. I have never been to a gathering before and it is driving me crazy! I'd love to go, but there's the whole problem of me not knowing how to get anywhere outside of my home (I am directionally challenged) as my family can vouge for. I also can't get anyone to go with me. I think if I did have someone to go with, it would make the whole traveling thing a lot easier. But enough of my blabbering on not getting to go. This is supposed to be a journal of what is going on while the gathering is in progress.

In case you're wondering why the heck I'm writing a journal when I am not going to be at the gathering, well wonder no more. I read another journal some months ago, and it was about what that person did while the gathering was happening 'cause they couldn't go either. You said in response that you liked that idea and that you wanted more journals on people who are not attending the gathering, so here it goes.

Thursday, June 22, 2006: THE DAY BEFORE THE GATHERING OF THE GARGOYLES
Didn't do much. Just had a summer class at a local college. Isn't that fun? Class instead of going to the gathering. It's okay. Only english. It's the best subject there is. I did a lot of day dreaming driving to and from class. It's not good to look up and realize you've spaced out on 20 minutes of driving. I've been thinking of ways I could get to the gathering. There's always the possibility of driving, but that's when I remember I have no idea how to get there. It's about 8 hours away and I could get really lost in only a few minutes, let alone 8 hours. My stomach is in knots over this though. I hear next year the gathering is going to be in Tenessee and there's no way I can get there by driving. I'd have to fly. Coming online tonight, I've just read your comments on the gathering starting tomorrow and I'm all psyched again. All these new people that will show up, and not even people from gargoyles. Didn't you say WITCH people will be there also? That show's great too. When I heard you were going to be working on the show, it was automatically put on my TIVO list. Ahh... to be at the gathering... I've been a fan of gargoyles since I was seven when it came out. My sister and I played gargoyles ALL the time. It was the number one game in our house. We made up clans and figured out how we'd all stand and pose for when the sun would come up. My sister's favorite line would be to argue with me and before I could argue back she would 'turn to stone'. Then my quick come back would be "what are you doing? It's not sunrise yet!" I'm laughing at this as I remember. Anyways, after I'm done writing this, I'll probably crawl into bed, cause it is about 1:30 am and sleep is important to me (sometimes). I'll have another post for tomorrow and how things are looking here from a non-gathering perspective of the weekend.

Oh, and before I sign off, I just wanted to say that I've already bought my copy of the comic book gargoyles on Amazon.com. I can't wait for it to come in the mail. I really hope that the comic continues on, and hopefully, more of your spin offs will be introduced in some way (whether it be the comics, or comics of their own). Ultimatly, the greatest hope is for gargoyles to come back to the television. Disney lost something great, and they just don't know it yet.

Thanx for your time, consideration, and your talent for a great show.

-Charisma82

Greg responds...

Thanks for your attention...

I hope you do make the effort to attend a Gathering one of these days. I'm sure we can find someone to send you very explicit directions...

Response recorded on January 18, 2007

Bookmark Link

mage_cat writes...

I was looking at the 6-page preview for the comic on SLG's web site (I would be looking at the comic itself but no place in my entire state sells SLG products), and I was wondering what happened to Hudson's coloring? Why is his skin green on what I'm seeing? It's not even a brownish-greenish color. He's almost the same color as Lex! Was this some mistake on the colorist's part or something? I hope it gets fixed.

Greg responds...

I'm color blind.

Response recorded on January 18, 2007

Bookmark Link

Slan writes...

I picked up the comic today at my local shop. I couldn't find it for the life of me, but luckily my boyfriend was able to spot it. First comic book I've bought in the last 14 years! (I'm usually a manga woman)

My impressions:

The story was largely a word-for-word repeat of "The Journey". While it would have been nice to have some new material, I understand perfectly why it started there and didn't really mind the re-cap.

The cover art was really nice; it was odd but cute how Angela's outfit looked like Demona's. Nice thick cover too.

The inside art I had a lot of problems with. There were some decent panels, but it was really inconsistent and a lot of it looked just plain bad. In some spots it seemed as if the artist really hadn't taken the time to finish the art properly. I don't have a problem with the characters being restyled, this is a different meaning, but there's good restyling and bad restyling. I can't really say any character was restyled well.

Major issues with the art:
1. Many of the characters were stripped of what made them look dynamic. I would point out Castaway and Vinnie in particular. Xanatos looked like he had one too many in every frame he was in.

2. Goliath looked odd in many frames and the black outline of the shadows on his face and body looked terrible.

3. Elisa was very inconsistent and a few bad panels in particular are the one when Goliath first turns to stone. (It looks like the artist didn't even try in that one, I probably could have drawn it better and I'm not particularly high on the drawing talent scale) and the first panel of her in her dress (In which she disturbingly sports Pamela Anderson breasts and Lara Flynn Boyle arms *shudder*)

4. Matt, especially when he's with Capt. Chavez. What the heck happened to his face?! Matt is a favourite character for me too...

5. Lots of scruffy unneeded lines and hand and leg problems.

6. Brooklyn with wings in his armpits?! C'mon!

So, will I buy the next issue? Sure I will! (cross fingers art will improve) The problem is I'm not going to be able to convince anyone I know, previous knowledge of Gargoyles or not, to purchase something with such bad art. In fact, I was at the comic shop with friends, later at one friend's house we reviewed what we had purchased. Those who flipped through my Gargoyles comic (Most were at least moderate fans of the show) were interested in the story, but were pretty turned off by the artwork. No one in the group declared they wanted a copy of their own.

I really hope the comics continue, but unless the artwork improves, I think it will be hard to entice anyone beyond the diehards to buy.

Good luck to you, and thanks for the comic. I may gripe a lot about the art but I really would like to see you able to write more Gargoyles stories.

Greg responds...

I'll just comment on 6, pointing out that we did that in the series too on occasion . Future Tense comes to mind.

Response recorded on January 18, 2007

Bookmark Link

Jarrod writes...

Hello Greg, This is my first question here. I have been combing the archives and have been unable to find an answer.

My question refers to David Xanatos's Parents.

WE know Petros Xanatos is a "poor fisherman" from Maine. WE know that he has not approved of David in the past, and even at the end of "The Gathering Part 2" he does not appear to approve of him, but he does see promise in him for the way he defends Alexander.

I was wondering:

1) Was there a particular event which caused a rift between David Xanatos and his father Petros?

2) if there was, would you please give a brief overview of the event?

3) Is David Xanatos's Mother Officially Dead?

4) If she is, what was her name and how old was David Xanatos when she passed?

5) If she isnt dead, what is her name? And why havent we seen or heard of her?

6) In your opinion, what would Mrs. Petros Xanatos think of David Xanatos? His Corporation? His "empire"? His wife?

7) What are David Xanatos's feelings towards his Father, Petros?

Thank you Greg, SOme of these will probably be answered when you get to this (in 2008?). I appologize for writing in a shopping list format, but I thought it might be easier for you. Maybe I am the only one interested in this, but I would love to know More about Xanatos's backstory, hence the above questions. Thanks for Gargoyles, thanks for reading, and thanks for keeping in fun!

Jarrod

PS - The DVDs are great, Im getting the first issue of the comic (Nightwatch) tommorrow!

Greg responds...

Let me begin by saying that I don't completely agree with your initial assessment of their relationship in the Gathering.

1. I think that David was always just outside of Petros' understanding.

2. I don't see it that way.

3. Yes.

4. I'm not revealing those details now.

5. She's dead.

6. I'm not revealing that now.

7. David loves and respects his father for who he is. He hopes his father can love and respect him for who HE is.

Response recorded on January 18, 2007

Bookmark Link

Phoenician writes...

Wow, last time I posted I think it was the Season II: Volume I DVD!! Anyways, I'm afraid I couldn't make it to the Gathering in 2006 . . . but hopefully, by the time you read this, I will have made to to Gatherings 2007 & 2008!!

Anyways, I got Issue 1 of Gargoyles the Comic yesterday (which was also my brother's B-Day, actually!), and boy does it feel good to personally own some new Gargoyles merchandise!! I ran into my local comic book store and immediately saw it on the NEW RELEASES shelf. Boy, that made me feel good!! Spent my 3.50 within five minutes, and I was reading the thing on my way home . . .

Even though "Nightwatch" was merely Part I of "The Journey," I still enjoyed reading every part of it. It was definitely written for newcomers as well as old fans, particularly those two pages of Goliath's monologue to Elisa. Well written indeed!

I loved reading Vinnie's last name (Grigori) and I'm surprised I couldn't remember Castaway calling him that in "The Journey." Anywho, I can't wait till August and October (next release dates, right?) where I hope to see more of Castaway's transformation from Jon Canmore -- that always intrigued me (In the sense how the "Hunter" line continues to exist no matter what).

I've heard some people were disgruntled by the artwork, but I particularly enjoyed it. It wasn't just like Gargoyles of 94-97, but hey it wasn't animated either! It was great, I enjoyed it, and I hope to see more in the future!!

PS - If I had known you visited the AniZona 3 this year, I SO would have visited!!

Greg responds...

G2007 & G2008 haven't happened yet. Look how nearly caught up I am!!!!!

Well, we got issue #2 out in December. Look for #3 in February, and #4 in April.

Response recorded on January 17, 2007

Bookmark Link

ColdFusion writes...

'Lo Greg
You've said a few times that gargoyles probably don't have hollow bones, on the basis of their strength.. I just wanted to point out that all bones are hollow. Ours are full of marrow, birds' have marrow and also a big chamber for air. Depending where the bone is, it might have blood vessels in it too. I don't think you'd have to sacrifice strength to say gargoyles had hollow bones if you wanted to (or even bones full of lighter-than-air gas. Hey that's a good idea!) I think they're even starting to say some of the strongest dinosaurs had hollow bones too, but don't quote me on that.
Can't wait til the comic's out! I'm buying each one as they come out on Amazon :)

Greg responds...

Well, I was I believe specifically responding to someone comparing Garg bones with bird bones (which, as I understand it, are fairly fragile). I know about marrow, etc.

Response recorded on January 17, 2007

Bookmark Link

ColdFusion writes...

Reading the archives it's apparent you believe Sevarius' theory that gargoyles absorb sunlight during the day while in stone form, reducing their need to eat like the huge beasts they are. I've wanted to point something out for years, but now you have to be really quick about asking questions before Ask Greg closes again.

The thing is.. unless I'm mistaken, Sevarius came into that theory because:
A. he had mutates to make, and gave them bat wings they needed to flap
B. he realized he couldn't keep 6-foot furries in the air on bat wings without them eating him out of house and home, and
C. he figured the answer was in how the real gargoyles did it.

When I heard him explain how he thought gargoyles got the energy to fly, I didn't believe it for a second. obviously he didn't do his homework, because gargoyles DON'T FLY, they don't -flap- at all, they glide effortlessly (more or less) on air currents, and that doesn't require flapping of wing muscles. So.. the sun-absorbing-stone thing isn't necessary (at least for the reason Sevarius presented. Of course now I've read that the reason you had gargoyles glide was so they'd require flying vehicles for kenner to build).

I realize that episode was kind of frought with bad science (electric eels produce electricity, so their genes mean you don't need as much food energy? ... and then whatever extra energy that presents they discharge as lightning bolts anyway?), and that it doesn't matter because it's just an animated drama and you wanted to give the mutates a cool weapon, but.. I dunno, I've been hearing you base your (mostly wonderful) theories on the assumption that sevarius was right, when he got such a major detail wrong in developing it.. it kind of bothers me.. I mean, if gargoyle babies need to absorb sunlight too, their parents should probably stop putting them in caves and buildings... maybe I'm just naturally distrustful of scientists. I mean, when sevarius said "unfortunately nothing like this exists in the animal kingdom so I can't go to the gene store and get some" my first thought was "that's because you pulled that answer out of your ass, gargoyles are more well-thought-out than that". I generally wonder when scientists put out an unprovable theory like that, how plausible they think it is that a person could come up with the correct answer to a mystery like that with limited evidence. No matter what they come up with, it's surely not very likely to be correct!

Wow, when did this comment turn into a ramble? Sorry, heh. Anyway, I trust what you say more than what Anton Sevarius says, and in my opinion you don't have to agree with him just because he's a scientist and you're not. the theories you come up with to explain gargoyle science don't seem to mesh very well with Sevarius, so... perhaps we ought to keep in mind that the gargoyles aren't aware of any of them anyway. Keep up the good work!

Greg responds...

Uh... thanks?

Look, Sevarius was intentionally leaving out one major source of information because Derek was his audience. He'd been studying Gargoyle DNA to create Thailog. I'm not endorsing Sevarius' theory because he said it out loud in a room with a "civilian". I'm endorsing aspects of it because the absorbtion of THERMAL energy (not solar energy specifically) through their organic stone makes sense to me. Elegant sense -- at least in my mind.

Response recorded on January 17, 2007

Bookmark Link

JJ Gregarius writes...

Another thought about Bonkers...

At one point here, you said

By the way, the Miranda/ Bonkers relationship was a clear precedent for Elisa/Goliath. (Doesn't that seem strange?)

Yes, that seems extremely strange, given some of the more salient aspects of the Elisa/Goliath relationship. Could you elaborate on what you meant? Are you just talking about pairing up a human female lead with a non-human male lead in crime-fighting stories?

Perhaps one day I'll have a bona-fide Gargoyles question to ask here.

Until then, JJ signing off.

P.S. Here's hoping the Gargoyles comics are thriving by the time you read this.

Greg responds...

I'm hoping they're thriving too. It's hard for me to tell.

Anyway, yes, that's all I meant. A human female cop fighting crime with an inhuman (but very human) male "partner".

Nothing romantic going on between Bonkers and Miranda. Bonkers only has eyes for Fawn.

Response recorded on January 17, 2007

Bookmark Link

JJ Gregarius writes...

When you rambled about "The Gathering, Part I", you mentioned a scene that reminded you of the famous "Tears" scene from Blade Runner.

This reminded me of Bonkers, of all things. In particular, I thought of an episode entitled "Do Toons Dream of Animated Sheep?" or something to that effect, obviously a play on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, the novel Blade Runner was loosely based upon,

My question is: Was someone thinking of Blade Runner during the creation and/or production of Bonkers? I realize that any link between Bonkers and Blade Runner would be tenuous at best.

However, if I recall correctly, many humans in Bonkers felt uncomfortable actually being around 'toons. Maybe the tenuous link I mentioned is the notion that humans would be afraid of powerful non-humans; in Bonkers' case, toons that can survive terrible explosions and the like. Also, from some of the Piquel episodes, it seems that humans created toons (remembr Piquel's daughter and the magic pencil?). Then, could there also be a "Frankenstein" angle in here, which could add meat to the aforementioned tenuous link?

Still, no-one was "retiring" toons, unless you count Who Framed Roger Rabbit? as part of the Bonkers universe, and think about Judge Doom....

Greg responds...

I'm quite sure that no one would have named a Bonker's episode "Do Toons Dream of Animated Sheep?" and NOT be aware of both the movie Blade Runner and the Dick story it was based on.

Response recorded on January 16, 2007

Bookmark Link

Agoaj writes...

I thought the DVD was coming out next year! What a pleasure to have found it in the DVD aisle. I loved the extras, get more in the next volume if you can.

Now the question came from something I noticed on the DVD. During the episode Vows, around when Goliath and the two Demonas are using, Demona kicks Goliath and blood comes out of his mouth as he reels back from the hit. I was quite shocked when I saw this, having read about the three moments in the series where you used blood.
Was this blood in there on purpose? Was it put in by the animation staff and S&P just missed it?

Greg responds...

I honestly cannot remember. Sorry. It's just been so long...

Response recorded on January 16, 2007

Bookmark Link

Jurgan writes...

I've never asked a question here before, probably because I didn't have the patience to wait, but I just wrote this analysis of Demona and Macbeth's link for the GFW website, and I wanted to see what you thought of it. Am I on the right track?

Curses and Prophecies, Fate and Freewill

(Warning: This essay contains minor spoilers for Harry Potter books five and six. It's mostly about Gargoyles, so if you don't read HP you'll still understand this, but if you plan to read them soon, you may wish to stop reading now.)

Like most people reading this, Gargoyles had a major impact on my life. For me, the best it ever got was City of Stone. In fact, I would say that CoS was one of the highlights of my childhood. I still distinctly remember, when I was twelve years old, reaching the end of Part Three, seeing Demona advancing on stone Elisa with a mace, and then the words "To be Concluded." "You're telling me I have to wait a whole day to see what happens? I'm supposed to go to school? Screw that, I want to know how Elisa survives!" I've thought long and hard about CoS, and the key to it is the relationship between Demona and Macbeth. In fact, I think the Weird Sisters' spellcasting is, from a classical sense, the climax of the entire story. On the surface, the spell seems simple enough: Demona and Macbeth are linked so they feel each others' pain, and they will live forever. If someone were to kill one of them, (s)he would die and then quickly come back to life. If one of them were to kill the other, though, then they would both die. As I say, it seems simple. After reading Greg Weisman's numerous responses on the subject, I began to think about whether there was more to it than meets the eye, and it slowly dawned on me that it was much more subtle, deep, and brilliant than I'd ever considered.

For years, Greg has received questions like "What would happen if Macbeth got his head cut off? Would it reattach itself? Would it grow back immediately?" He has always answered something like, "Well, that hasn't happened, has it?" At first glance, that seems like just a weak cop out, with Greg trying to avoid a question he has no good answer to. In fact, he seemed to get pretty flustered at the way people kept projecting Highlander concepts onto Macbeth, which was probably inevitable given that they're both immortal Scottish nobles. Unlike Highlander, though, there are no explicitly stated rules as to how immortality works; all we have to go on are the Weird Sisters' words, and they clearly are not the most trustworthy or forthcoming of people. Remember that Luna is supposedly a representative of fate, and then think about the fact that the spell doesn't really talk about "what if this or that happened," but rather "what will happen." The final words of Luna to Macbeth in the past were that "you both shall live, eternally linked, sharing each other's pain and anguish, with no release until one destroys the other. Only then shall both finally perish together." From that, it's clear that the Sisters are not interested in playing hypotheticals about all the different ways things could happen: they simply pronounced what will happen. Rather than the spell being simply a safeguard against their dying, it could instead be thought of as a prophecy declaring quite simply what will happen to them in the future.

It turns out that at no point in the entire series do we see anything happen to either Demona or Macbeth that would be sure to kill them. In fact, there are only two times it really seems likely that one of them could die. The first is when Macbeth was stabbed in the back by Canmore- painful, to be sure, but not necessarily lethal. Certainly there are those who have survived a poorly aimed stab. The second is when Elisa shot Demona with Macbeth's electric gun. That one seems even less likely, as about three gargoyles get shot with one of those things in any given Macbeth episode. One might make a case that the roller coaster collapse in The Reckoning was potentially lethal, but that falls under the old comicbook rule of "if you don't see the body, the guy's not dead," and the fact that we know Thailog survived as well makes it clear that magic was not necessary to live through that incident. So, we have established that we have never seen anything unquestionably fatal befall Demona or Macbeth. Furthermore, Greg has told us that no such thing has ever happened. Knowing that, it follows that it is meaningless to ask what if such a thing were to happen- it hasn't! Such speculation is what is known logically as a vacuous proof: If A occurs, then B occurs, given that A is an impossible event. Consider the statement "All pink elephants can fly," or, more precisely, "If A is a pink elephant, then A can fly." This statement is absolutely true, since every pink elephant in the world can fly- there are none, so anything you can say about them is true. A simpler way of thinking about it, though less rigorous, is that the statement "all pink elephants can fly" could never be disproved, since to do so one would have to find a pink elephant that could not fly, which can never be done. It is equally true that every pink elephant cannot fly. What this means, then, is there's no point asking "what if Demona or Macbeth were beheaded" if it cannot happen- it's true that if Macbeth were beheaded, he'd die, and it's true that if he were beheaded, he would be revived, and it's true that if he were beheaded, they'd both die, etc. All of those statements are true, because they are all based on an impossible hypothetical.

So let us then accept that neither of them has ever been beheaded. That still doesn't prove that neither of them could ever be beheaded, in which case it would still be relevant to ask what would happen. To answer that, it's worth thinking of the Weird Sisters' pronouncement as a prophecy rather than a spell. Suppose we think of the Macbeth/Demona connection in these terms: The spell allows them long life and they share each others' pain. Since they share pain, if one of them were killed, then the other would die too. Then we see that what Luna meant by saying that they would live on until one destroys the other is not that they are somehow magically protected from injury, but simply that she was predicting what would happen, as an avatar of fate. Such a prophecy brings Harry Potter to mind. When Harry was an infant, a prophecy was made which roughly stated that either he would kill Voldemort or Voldemort would kill him. That prophecy was overheard and found its way back to Voldemort, who immediately acted on it by attempting to kill Harry and fulfill it in a way favorable to him. In so doing, he nearly destroyed himself and gave Harry powers that would enable him to finish Voldemort once and for all. Moreover, he gave Harry a desire to end Voldemort. Harry lost his parents and knew first hand the sort of pain Voldemort inflicted on others, and so he would not rest until Voldemort was finished. On the other hand, Voldemort believed in the prophecy, and thus saw Harry as the greatest danger to him, so he would not rest until Harry was dead. So the result was that the two enemies were both determined to kill each other. As such, it was inevitable that one of them would eventually succeed, and the prophecy would be proven true. However, it was not true because of some incomprehensible hand of fate hovering over them, but rather it was based on simple extrapolations from the subjects' characters, and the fact that they knew about the prophecy (fittingly enough, Rowling has acknowledged Shakespeare's Macbeth as an inspiration for the prophecy).

The same can apply to Demona and Macbeth. At the time of the spell's casting, they were already great warriors, and with unlimited time to practice, they would become even greater. So it is highly unlikely that anyone else would kill them. Yet based on the events of their falling out, an intense hatred blossomed between them, one that would keep them hunting each other and make it inevitable that one would eventually kill the other. And since Macbeth heard the Weird Sisters' pronouncement, he believed that he could not die without killing Demona. It never would have even occurred to him to jump off a tall building and see what happened, because he believed that it would fail. Thus, the prophecy has the added bonus of controlling any possible suicidal tendencies Demona or Macbeth might develop by telling them it's impossible to kill themselves, since while Luna's side of their personality may simply be prophesying, Selene's needs them to survive for their future plans. Plus, even if Macbeth thought it would work, he probably would still feel the need to settle the score with Demona first. With all of that in mind, it is not hard for the avatar of fate to predict that one of them will end up killing the other, and the fact that she makes the prediction helps it to occur.

The question then is this: Is there a difference between saying something cannot happen and saying it will not happen? Suppose a man plans to stay home one day. Can we then say that it is impossible that he will get in his car and drive to another state that day? Let's say it's early in the morning, so he's got plenty of time. He's got a full tank of gas. He's not in Alaska or Hawaii, so there are connecting states he could go to. However, he has no desire at all to do so. Without that desire, it simply will not happen. We can then say that it is impossible. Now the obvious objection is that one never knows for sure what might happen, and if an emergency came up, he might have to leave the state that very day. For that reason, we distinguish between what can happen and what will happen- something can happen if it would happen provided the will to do it existed. If we knew for sure that the man would choose not to leave that day, it would then be fair to say that it was impossible for him to leave. Likewise, if we know with certainty that Demona and Macbeth will not die until one destroys the other, then we can say that it is impossible for anything else to happen.

This theory may seems very complicated at first, but if you take the time to think about it, it makes more sense than most other explanations out there. Rather than rely on vague magic powers and convoluted rules of "what if Demona were smashed in the day?" this theory eliminates all of the guesswork and gives an answer without the ambiguity; one that ultimately is simple and inevitable, yet firmly in the hands of the players. By thinking of Weird Sisters' spell as a prophecy, we can help resolve the fate vs. free will argument. Luna is an embodiment of fate, and so she is able to make predictions in the future, yet they are based simply on reading the characters of the subjects. While the prophecy that Demona and Macbeth will eventually die when one kills the other is a pronouncement of fate, it is only made true because of Demona's lack of trust and irresponsibility and Macbeth's lust for vengeance. The same could be said of the prophecy that Macbeth, Lulach, and Canmore would all become king- it wasn't hard to see that Duncan's paranoia would lead to him moving against Macbeth, a confrontation which would ultimately lead to Macbeth's ascension.

Greg responds...

But what if you paint an elephant pink? (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Otherwise I DO think you're on the right track.

Response recorded on January 16, 2007

Bookmark Link

Battle Beast writes...

Greg;

We all know that Golaith isn't stupid. But he is a bit naive (Sp?). So, after he awoke in 1994, we know he frequented the library to read. Now, I know he read stories, but did he study? We saw him reading up on wearwolves (Eye of the beholder), but did he read up on the middle ages? Did he study American (and even world) history?

When Goliath an Co. navigated the globe, Goliath seemed to not know much about each place they visitied, and Elisa knew more (or so it seemed to me, at least).

My question is really this: How much did Goliath study up on the world? Did he read history books, and the like?

Was he like Brooklyn and the trio who wanted to learn as much as they could, or did he take the new world in slowly?

Thanks.

P.S. Love your episode mini rambles on the DVD.

Greg responds...

I'd say he read a lot -- when he had time. But there wasn't always a lot of time and there is SO MUCH TO KNOW!

Response recorded on January 16, 2007

Bookmark Link

WOLFBANE writes...

ok have u written any fanfics?(cause im a bit confused in the matter) and if so what are the titles of them and were can i find them?(i have never really found a fanfic i hear people talk about) r u planing to use any fanfics u wrote 4 episodes in future gargoyles seasons(if that ever happens. hopefuly it will) or will u consiter ever useing fanfics from other fans (if u think it will work well in the series that is)?
heart WOLFBANE^_^

Greg responds...

I guess I have written a couple of fanfics...

You can find one here: http://www.angelfire.com/rings/katsaris/brothers.htm

And the other here: http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?rid=497

These are both Dark Ages pieces, and I'd incorporate them if and when the time came. Maybe in the comic book. Or rather definitely in the comic book eventually, given enough issues.

Response recorded on January 16, 2007

Bookmark Link

Psycho girl writes...

(Cough, Cough HACK!!!)

(Sniff) Oh, my head.....I know that I said I was going to do a HUGE ramble on my favorite episodes, but (cough) gosh darn it, I got pneumonia and have been in and out of the ER lately. :( I sad.

So, since this is the last day in Jan. and your closing down the asking part of the site, I decided to post one...last.....post for now. (Cough)

Greg: "OH, THANK GOD!!!"

Have you ever been to the Utah Shakespearean Festival Greg? Its very good, heck it's a Tony Award-Winning program! They do tones of great shows, some of them even out doors on their....well out door stage. This year, they are doing:

The Merry Wives of Windsor
Antony and Cleopatra
Hamlet

From June 22 to September 22 this year! (Plus more but Im not typing it...im tired.)

For more info on the Festival: please go to www.bard.com for tons of info and stuff!!! Its COOL!!! I go almost every year. (its a little easier for me because I live in Utah, and I LOVE da mountains!! Born and raised here baby!!)

I have a website that you might like, its www.lost-civilizations.net. Its got info on the Easter Island heads, Atlantis and much more! Since you like that sort of stuff, Im sure you'll like it.

Well, good by America and all the ships at sea. (Mwah-ha-ha.....COUGH, COUGH, COUGH!!!)

Greg responds...

I've had pneumonia myself. I'm hoping you're fine by now. But I do sympathise. It sucks.

I have twice been to the Utah Festival. Once with my wife. Once with my brother. Had a great time both times. Would love to go again, but haven't been able to manage it.

Response recorded on January 16, 2007

Bookmark Link

BUFFYVERSE - The final Top 40

BUFFYVERSE STATS

TOP 40 CHARACTER LIST:

Once AGAIN, I'm wasting my semi-valuable time (and hopefully yours) to bring you the FINAL update in my attempt to catalogue the most significant characters in the BUFFYVERSE. Previous CUMULATIVE updates covered the first, second and third years of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. After that, the task became more complicated as Buffy's fourth season aired simultaneously (day and date, literally) with the first season of Angel. So the Year Four update included Buffy S4 & Angel S1. Year Five added in Buffy S5 & Angel S2. Year Six, Buffy S6 & Angel S3. Year Seven brought in Buffy's final season S7 & Angel S4. And now, at last, the final season of Angel, S5, which is also (unfortunately) the final season of the televised Buffyverse.

As you may recall, I've tried to inform this subjective task with an objective formula. Still, I won't deny that subjectives have played a role. It's hard not to take extra notice of a character, whom you know is going to be important later. And numerical ties were broken based entirely on subjective criteria.

The idea behind a cumulative tally is to mimic the original experience of following the Buffyverse. It's a horse race. Some of the winners and losers are decidedly predictable. Others are a bit surprising - surprising enough that it's become absolutely clear that my system is flawed. I've since dreamed up a new system, but it's too late to implement it. Someday, LONG after I've finished this first survey (but ONLY if I prove truly insane), I might just start over and see what the results are with OBJECTIVE SYSTEM 2.0. But for now - assuming you haven't nodded off - you're stuck with System One.

I have a list of ALL the characters that have appeared in both series up to this point. It's so long (including everything from leads to ridiculously minor characters) that I haven't even bothered to count how many there are. But my list of MOST significant tops out at 273 characters.

But I think listing the top 40 is both pleasantly traditional… and plenty. Or largely. I just want to note a few characters introduced (or revisited) in this set of episodes, who will never make the top 40, but whom I believe are memorable enough to merit honorable mention.

Starting with…

[SPOILERS]

#272, 273 - Zach & Trish. The wife and son that Lindsey (and later Gunn) lived with while under a spell in a Wolfram & Hart prison Hell Dimension.

#261 - Blue Fairy. She only appeared in Angel's hallucination, but, hey, Blue Fairy makes Spike a real boy. Gotta love it.

#258 - The Immortal. Buffy's new (never truly seen) boyfriend in Rome. Gotta say, I HATE THE GUY easily as much as Angel and Spike do. That's impressive for a guy I never met.

#222 - Initiative Founder - In the WWII episode, the Initiative is ret-conned in… nicely.

#221 - Hamburger Loa. The fast food mascot CGI statue that Wesley consulted in a previous season that totally steered him the wrong way about Angel and the baby Connor makes a last flashback appearance here, which raises his significance enough to make the list. BUT… he represents a flaw, I think. The Loa seems to have lied to Wes in hindsight. WHY? Was he working for Jasmine?

#220 - Ilona Costa-Bianchi. Head of the Roman branch of W&H.

#214 - Matthias Bavane, the Reaper. The ghost haunting W&H, keeping it evil.

#210 - Rutherford Sirk. Wesley's last season introductory guide to W&H. This year he took Wesley's place for an episode (while Wesley was recovering from NOT killing his father) - but Sirk was secretly working for Lindsey.

#207 - Lawson - The only vampire that Angel ever sired AFTER he got his soul back. The guy had a bit of soul, and it tormented him. A neat idea.

#188 - Lawyer #1. Recurring comic relief Wolfram&Hart lawyer.

#178 - Leader of the Fell Brethren. Funny, evil demon cult leader and member of the Circle of the Black Thorn (was that the name?), who really was gaga over this baby he had purchased.

#173 - The Wrath. The demon/executioner that ripped Lindsey and later Gunn's heart out daily.

#161 - Numero Cinco. Retired luchador, bitter ex-hero and mailboy.

#160 - The Roger Wyndom-Price Robot. Wesley's dad, only not. Not sure why they didn't just make it Wes' dad.

#159 - Izzirial, or Izzy for short. Clichéd looking devil and member of the Circle. Also played racket ball with Angel.

#154 - Peepee Demon. Demon servant that Angel poisoned to kill Archduke Sebasis (because Sebasis fed off the servant's blood).

#138 - Senator Helen Brucker. Demon posing as a Senator with Vampire campaign workers. Member of the Circle. Just wish it had been someone (ANYONE) we had met before on Buffy or Angel.

#130 - Drogen the Keeper. The Batttlebrand. Angel's mystically honest buddy and sacrifical lamb. The friend he kills to get into the Circle.

#97 - Archduke Sebasis. Another nasty member of the Circle. The shame of Angel's ending with little warning for the creative staff - and the only real disappointment for me (beyond the fact that I'd be Whedon TV free without the series) - was that the Circle was made up of villains who were either largely unestablished or shoe-horned in at the last minute. Sebasis at least spanned the season, but I do wish they had culled the eleven (combined) years of Buffy and Angel to find more significant and memorable baddies to be part of the Circle. Of course, all the BIG BADS were dead, and most of the little bads too. But what about, say, D'Hoffryn? Hell, I'd have settled for Dracula even.

#95 - Nina Ashe. Angel's werewolf girlfriend. I liked her. I liked the idea that Angel could love someone without being in love. Take comfort. Sex without that perfect happy Angelus-inducing perfect moment.

#94 - Dr. Sparrow. The guy who made Gunn a lawyer… and kept him a lawyer (and Gilbert & Sullivan expert) at the expense of Fred's life.

#89- Cyvus Vale. Played by the always amazing Dennis Christopher, he was a wizard, who gave Connor his rebooted new life. Also a member of the Circle, who kills Wes before being killed by Illyria.

#57- Marcus Hamilton. After Eve betrays everyone (including W&H) to help Lindsey, Hamilton takes over as the new liason to the Senior Partners. Get's busted by Angel in the end.

#45- Eve. I was almost rooting for Eve to make the Top 40. She was a really fun character. The liason to the Senior Partners for Angel. Lindsey's main squeeze. She even slept with Angel and shrugged it off.

And before we start, a fond Top 40 farewell to Graham Miller (now at 42). Well, not really. I'm glad he fell out of the 40. It's shocking to me he lasted as long as he did.

AND NOW THE TOP 40
Abbreviations for previous rankings…
Y1 - Buffy Season 1.
Y2 - Buffy Season 2.
Y3 - Buffy Season 3.
Y4 - Buffy Season 4/Angel Season 1.
Y5 - Buffy Season 5/Angel Season 2.
Y6 - Buffy Season 6/Angel Season 3.
Y7 - Buffy Season 7/Angel Season 4
NR - Not Ranked that year.

#40 - Glory. Y7: 39. Y6: 34. Y5: 30. Y4: NR. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Year Five's big bad drops one more ranking but holds on to the Top 40, something that neither Adam nor the Master managed. (And Jasmine never cracked the Top 40.) It feels like Big Bads deserve to be here. But again, a system skewed toward screen time is gonna favor supporting characters over villains. But I'm still glad Glory hangs on.

#39 - Kennedy. Y7: 38. Y6: NR. Y5: NR. Y4: NR. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Kennedy, potential Slayer, eventual Co-Slayer and Willow's new main squeeze - or I should say squeezer - only drops one ranking. Of course, Kennedy is no Tara, but I think that was the point.

#38 - Maggie Walsh. Y7: 37. Y6: 31. Y5: 27. Y4: 18. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Maggie Walsh? Adam doesn't make it, but his creator Maggie hangs on, though she's dropped 1 last slot.

#37 - Illyria. Y7: NR. Y6: NR. Y5: NR. Y4: NR. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Illyria (named after a PLACE in TWELFTH NIGHT) enters the countdown at #37 with a bullet in less than half a season. Fred's transformation into what I thought for a second was going to be yet another Big Bad created from the Regular Cast, wound up being one of the most brilliant and affecting moment in eight years of watching the Buffyverse. WOW!!

#36 - Mayor Richard Wilkins III. Y7: 36. Y6: 33. Y5: 29. Y4: 19. Y3: 14. Y2: 40. Y1: NR. The Mayor maintains at 36. Gotta love the Mayor.

#35 - Ben. Y7: 35. Y6: 30. Y5: 26. Y4: NR. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Glory's alter ego holds his position. Again, like Maggie being ahead of Adam, there's really something wrong with Ben being ahead of Glory. My system was too much about screen time, not actual character significance or OOMPH.

#34 - Jenny Calendar. Y7: 34. Y6: 29. Y5: 25. Y4: 17. Y3: 13. Y2: 11. Y1: 15. Jenny also holds position. (Not a lot of movement possible in the Top 40 in a final season. Not enough episodes for a new character to pass some of the old faithful.) Says something about Jenny's original significance that a non-regular like her is holding on for so long. And of course she was pretty much the first character we ever saw as the First, way back in Y3.

#33 - The First. Y7: 32. Y6: 143. Y5: 120. Y4: 85. Y3: 52. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. The original evil drops one ranking. I was never satisfied with the First, especially in the Season Finale, but I can't deny that he/she/it belongs in the Top 40.

#32 - Warren Meers. Y7: 31. Y6: 36. Y5: 82. Y4: NR. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Warren, the most evil of the nerves, also falls one ranking.

#31 - Kate Lockley. Y7: 30. Y6: 27. Y5: 22. Y4: 23. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Angel's cop friend is gone and largely forgotten now… She falls one more ranking.

#30 - Daniel Holtz. Y7: 28. Y6: 25. Y5: NR. Y4: NR. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Captain Holtz, Angel's Century spanning arch-nemesis falls 2 rankings. His influence still very much felt.

#29 - Francis Doyle. Y7: 27. Y6: 23. Y5: 20. Y4: 15. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Doyle falls two ranks. He has an important video-taped cameo in Cordelia's final episode. Something pulled right from Season One. It was lovely.

#28 - Principal Robin Wood. Y7: 26. Y6: NR. Y5: NR. Y4: NR. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Robin Wood, son of Slayer and Spike-victim, Nikki Wood, falls two rankings. This is a character that I would have LOVED to have seen a spin-off built around. D.B. Woodside is great; Wood has no super-powers, just training. And I would like to know who Robin's dad was and what happened to him. And the fact that a Slayer could survive long enough to have a kid… Loved this idea.

#27 - Lindsey McDonald. Y7: 29. Y6: 26. Y5: 21. Y4: 29. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Lindsey makes an impressive comeback, jumping up two rankings. (Never completely understood why he STILL hates Angel so much.) Has a non-good death, which was very cool.

#26 - Jonathan Levinson. Y7: 25. Y6: 24. Y5: 33. Y4: 24. Y3: 17. Y2: 19. Y1: NR. Jonathan, another dead geek - but a beloved one - drops one ranking.

#25 - Principal Snyder. Y7: 23. Y6: 21. Y5: 18. Y4: 12. Y3: 9. Y2: 10. Y1: 12. Snyder falls two more rank, but holds on. Clichés, even fun ones, rule.

#24 - Andrew Wells. Y7: 24. Y6: 37. Y5: NR. Y4: NR. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Andrew, back with a couple of memorable Scooby Gang-Representing appearances, holds on to the #24 slot.

#23 - Darla. Y7: 21. Y6: 18. Y5: 19. Y4: 28. Y3: 23. Y2: 23. Y1: 11. Darla loses two rankings w/only a brief flashback appearance in this season. Love Darla.

#22 - Drusilla. Y7: 22. Y6: 19. Y5: 16. Y4: 16. Y3: 11. Y2: 8. Dru has a couple nice flashbacks and once again leapfrogs over Darla simply by maintaining her #22 ranking,.

#21 - Lilah Morgan. Y7: 20. Y6: 22. Y5: 31. Y4: 31. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Geez, you're dead for a year, and you drop out of the Top 20. Lilah falls one position.

#20 - Harmony Kendall. Y7: 33. Y6: 28. Y5: 23. Y4: 25. Y3: 20. Y2: 26. Y1: 18. Harmony, who becomes a regular (finally) halfway through the season, jumps up ELEVEN ranks to crack the Top 20 for the first time since Season Three of Buffy. Always nice to see a character who stayed in the hunt for ALL eight years of the Buffyverse.

#19 - Faith. Y7: 19. Y6: 20. Y5: 17. Y4: 13. Y3: 10. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Faith maintains her position.

#18 - Connor. Y7: 18. Y6: 41. Y5: NR. Y4: NR. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. So does Connor, who is SO much more fun to hang with this season in two great appearances.

#17 - Riley Finn. Y7: 17. Y6: 15. Y5: 12. Y4: 11. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Riley maintains.

#16 - Tara Maclay. Y7: 16. Y6: 13. Y5: 15. Y4: 20. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Tara maintains.

#15 - Joyce Summers. Y7: 14. Y6: 14. Y5: 11. Y4: 9. Y3: 8. Y2: 7. Y1: 7. Joyce falls one ranking to her lowest slot ever.

#14 - Daniel "Oz" Osbourne. Y7: 13. Y6: 12. Y5: 9. Y4: 7. Y3: 7. Y2: 12. Y1: NR. Oz falls one more ranking to his lowest point yet.

#13 - Lorne. Y7: 15. Y6: 17. Y5: 24. Y4: NR. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Lorne jumps another couple rankings in a brutal season for his character… probably the guy (next to Fred, who dies and becomes someone else) who goes through the biggest emotional change from the start of the season to the end.

#12 - Winifred "Fred" Burkle. Y7: 12. Y6: 16. Y5: 50. Y4: NR. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Fred holds her position, despite dying. In fact, if she hadn't died and ceded most (but not all) of her screen time to Illyria, she might have past Dawn.

#11 - Dawn Summers. Y7: 11. Y6: 11. Y5: 14. Y4: NR. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Dawn plateaus at 11. Just had too much padding to fall, despite zero screen time. Again, Fred's death protected her too.

#10 - Anya Kristina Emanuella Jenkins. Y7: 9. Y6: 9. Y5: 10. Y4: 14. Y3: 22. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Anya drops a slot but stays in the Top 10.

#9 - Charles Gunn. Y7: 10. Y6: 10. Y5: 13. Y4: 37. Y3: NR. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. A powerful season arc pulls Gunn up a rung to 9, a personal best.

#8 - Wesley Wyndam-Price. Y7: 8. Y6: 8. Y5: 8. Y4: 10. Y3: 15. Y2: NR. Y1: NR. Wesley plateaus at #8. I know it must seem like everyone would plateau this high up, and from this point on they are…

#7 - Spike. Y7: 7. Y6: 7. Y5: 7. Y4: 8. Y3: 12. Y2: 9. Y1: NR. Spike doesn't quite have the juice to pass Giles.

#6 - Rupert Giles. Y7: 6. Y6: 5. Y5: 3. Y4: 3. Y3: 2. Y2: 2. Y1: 2. Giles maintains.

#5 - Willow Rosenberg. Y7: 5. Y6: 5. Y5: 6. Y4: 6. Y3: 4. Y2: 4. Y1: 4. Willow holds her Top 5 slot, but finishes behind both Cordelia and Xander, which surprises me. As she was a Big Bad. And as she really should be equal with Xander, it demonstrates another significant flaw in the system. But at least she's in the Top Five.

#4 - Cordelia Chase. Y7: 4. Y6: 4. Y5: 5. Y4: 4. Y3: 5. Y2: 5. Y1: 5. Cordy maintains. She has one of the best exit episodes EVER though. Frankly, Angel's last season is FULL of great exits.

#3 - Xander Harris. Y7: 3. Y6: 2. Y5: 2. Y4: 2. Y3: 3. Y2: 3. Y1: 3. Xander stays in the Top 3, which is right where he started eight years earlier. Making him - with the exception of the two series' leads, the MOST important character in the Buffyverse.

#2 - Angel. Y7: 2. Y6: 3. Y5: 4. Y4: 5. Y3: 6. Y2: 6. Y1: 6. Angel maintains. Buffy just was too far ahead for him to catch up, which is probably how it should be. Still, a fantastic last season for Angel.

#1 - Buffy Anne Summers. Y7: 1. Y6: 1. Y5: 1. Y4: 1. Y3: 1. Y2: 1. Y1: 1. Duh. It ain't called the Buffyverse for nothin'.


Bookmark Link

Kassey writes...

Oh my god! Thank you very much for answering my questions for Max steel I was 12 years old when I wrote that I went on your site again after a long while and now I'm 15 years old I'm still a fan no matter what. I do honestly miss the show.
Thanks you made my day.
One last question: Is there any dvd or something that cuntains every Max steel episode?
Kassey still our biggest fan Chapleau, Ontario Canada.

Greg responds...

Hi Kassey. I'm afraid I'm not aware of any Max DVDs. If there were one of the first season, I'd love to have it too.

Response recorded on January 15, 2007

Bookmark Link

Jessica writes...

what's the name of the gargbeast from the avalon clan? think i confused her name with a another character and i'm wanting to be sure. can you tell me, please?-thanks!

Greg responds...

Boudicca. I should point out that you waited nearly a year for this answer, and if you had gone to the Station 8 comment room you could have learned the answer in a matter of minutes.

Response recorded on January 15, 2007

Bookmark Link

WOLFBANE^_^ writes...

r u hopeing 2 do audio commentary on season 2 vol. 2 when it comes out? (i love the commentary bye the way!)
Heart WOLFBANE^_^

Greg responds...

Of course.

Response recorded on January 15, 2007

Bookmark Link

Blaise writes...

TURF

I knew that at some point the Trio would fight over Angela, and I was kind of worried about how much dignity they would lose in so doing.
I suppose I was more disappointed with Brooklyn's behavior than with Broadway or Lexington's. After all, he is my favorite character, and I think anyone would find it aggravating to see his or her favorite character behaving like a goofball.
Not to mention the fact that he's Second-in-Command, and therefore should behave responsibly and competently in his office. The first time he splits them up so that he and Angela can be alone...well, if he really tried, I think he could have waffled a decent rationale for that decision. The second time however was just plain silly of him. ONE gargoyle at the Clocktower to wait for Goliath might have been wise, but not two of them.
However, more than all of that, when I first saw this episode, I had seen neither THE CAGE nor KINGDOM, and thus had no idea what had happened with Brooklyn's crush on Maggie. The resulting lack of closure actually made Brooklyn's behavior here seem even more annoying to me (crush or not, I couldn't believe Brooklyn would be as shallow as those "Well, hello...and good-bye!" guys from Saturday Night Live). Seeing the episodes in their proper airing order fixes this, of course--Brooklyn has effectively closed the book on the Maggie possibility, and now here is a REAL female gargoyle to court. HOT DAMN!
All things considered (1,000 years without a date) I suppose it's not unrealistic that each of the Trio would go overboard in trying to impress Angela and outdoing the other two. If only they realized how foolish they were looking instead (though I still love the brief bit of posturing they do in the Clocktower--Broadway actually sucks in his gut!).
The bit with them flying into the water tower (or whatever) was worth a chuckle as well. And "muttonheads?" You just don't hear enough people called that anymore. ;-)

In all of this I haven't said word one about the Brod-Dracon turf war. It is what it is, I suppose, the gangster side of GARGOYLES never particularly interested me.
I was surprised to see Brod reappear. Danforth, too, for that matter. I had figured both of them to be one-shot characters (yes, even at this late date in the series, I expected one-shot characters).

I have to wonder what the Witness Protection Program's reaction(s) will be when they learn what ol' Danforth has been up to. Seeing as how Jack is willing to give up a fairly safe and stable life as "a retired banker who likes to spend his afternoons in a health club" to help Brod beat Tony, he really must HATE the Dracons. I wonder why....
I would have liked to see a conversation or something between Jack and Matt--just a reference back to REVELATIONS or something. I just think it would have been nice.

As for Brod, yes, he is audacious. Not just for breaking into prison, but for trying to restart his criminal empire in New York City of all places. No starting small for this guy--go right for the big time!

I had no clue Salli was Elisa until she took off the wig. At the end of Act 1, I thought Salli was a separate character and saw this episode going off in a whole different direction (I'm not saying what direction exactly since it might break the submission rules).
It's interesting to see how she tries to balance her duty with her act--her attempt to reason Brod out of attacking Dracon is a nice example of this (and it's fun how her arguments are so quickly dismissed).

RANDOM THOUGHTS:
-Dracon and Glasses have a frank discussion about the turf war (with Dracon yelling at one point) and there's a trio of guards nearby. I always wonder just what they might have overheard (of course, the guards look like they're having their own conversation, so probably not much).
-Brod eats with his mouth full. Well, I guess manners aren't the most important part of being a gangster, anyway.
-The guy who goes crazy in the police station was the mugger Broadway attacked back in DEADLY FORCE. He also appeared in GOLEM as part of Brod's gang, and he even appeared earlier this episode on Brod's hovercraft. That guy gets around, doesn't he?
-For some reason, I love Elisa's reaction to Angela's, "boy trouble." She actually seems kind of amused by it.
-It wasn't until my viewing before this last one that I noticed Elisa looking at the payphone. I thought it was a nice touch and don't know why I missed it before (maybe my attention was focused on Brod).
-Were Dracon's men firing particle beam rifles? They looked and sounded like actual bullets to me. The guns did have stylized designs, I guess. No comment on the "selective penetration" of the guns (i.e. celing, but not seats).
-I love Pal Joey's taunt to Brod on the train top--just something that struck me.
-I'm similarly struck by the calm way Glasses is able to face what could be his own death. He has a lot more composure than Dracon does later on (of course, Glasses has an "out" while Brod stops to think).
-Poor Lexington--Brooklyn and Broadway are both busy helping Angela, so the little guy has to stand up all by himself.
-Interesting thing: Brooklyn says that he's the one who rescued Angela. I paused my tape at the actual rescue (yes, I am that lame) and I clearly see Broadway as the one who grabs Angela. Was this another case of communication breaking down between the writers and animators, or just Brooklyn himself attempting to ret con the last few minutes?
-"STOP CALLING ME ANGIE!" A funny moment, but I must admit I never realized, until you mentioned it, that Broadway did not call her "Angie" at all this episode. He was also the only one that attempted to reassure her when she was worried about Goliath. I guess some of the seeds were already there (just subtle as hell).
-Elisa/Salli: "We can't just break into a maximum security prison."
Brod: "Why not?" He asks this while gesturing to the sizable armory at the rear of his hovercraft. I find it funny. :-)
-"Sergeant, we've got a problem." I love the Tower Guard's reaction to the hover ship. I wonder if that guy got hurt jumping out of his tower like that.
-Brod seals the only entrance to the cellblock. Now, how did he plan on making his getaway? Have his hover ship blast a hole in the roof?
-I may not be a big fan of "Rocky and Bullwinkle," but that "Easy as shooting moose and squirrel" line would have been GREAT. I can grudgingly understand the S&P objections to the "Good thing we weren't facing Queens" line, and I prefer Puck not to break the fourth wall, but THIS line should have been in the show!
-Dracon revealing Elisa's identity strikes me as a "If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me," moment.
-I loved the two different distinctions Brod and Dracon give the gargoyles.
-The penitent Trio apologizes to Angela, and she gives them each a kiss (corny, perhaps, but I think there's some unspoken law that heroines in ensemble action shows have to give a peck on the cheek to all the males interested in them). Of course she also mentions all her sisters, and that makes the Trio even happier.
-Dracon and Brod as cellmates would never be allowed officially, but I could see a couple of mischievous guards engineering a temporary co-habitation. My brother (who saw this with me) was of the opinion that, given their differences in builds, Dracon needed to make the first punch.

All in all, it's not a bad episode, but it's always difficult for me to see Brooklyn embarrass himself like this. Oh, well.

And with that I should be caught up with the Rambles. For now, anyway.
I'm already looking forward to the next one!

Greg responds...

"-Interesting thing: Brooklyn says that he's the one who rescued Angela. I paused my tape at the actual rescue (yes, I am that lame) and I clearly see Broadway as the one who grabs Angela. Was this another case of communication breaking down between the writers and animators, or just Brooklyn himself attempting to ret con the last few minutes?"

I'd have to take a look again, but it sounds like the former.

Response recorded on January 15, 2007

Bookmark Link

Blaise writes...

VENDETTAS

When this ep first aired, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it.
We had Wolf going after Goliath and Hudson along with Hakon-in-an-axe, and some other guy along the fringes as just comedy relief (these are my initial impressions, mind you). Nothing much more than fighting goes on, along with the revelation that Wolf is Hakon's descendent (and I may be alone, but I rather like that connection).
Regardless, the end made me laugh out loud (and I loved the in-joke of Vinnie humming the theme song).
Over time, I've come to view this episode as being perhaps the most problematic of the series...but I enjoy watching it.

I agree with you on the inherent problems of the piece, Greg. The animation was disappointing--the fight scenes were serviceable but not really involving for the most part, and some comedy was nearly lost. It took a couple viewings before I noticed that Goliath elbowed Hudson in the face while preparing to hit Wolf--the hits occur too quickly for the joke to really pay off--and the second time Goliath nearly elbows Hudson doesn't read that way to me (it just seems awkward that second time).
Then there are the missed opportunities. The mace, of course, is the biggest. As nice as the "battle-axe night" line sounds, I'd rather have the mace. Actually, there could still be a fun line put in there, I think. Maybe not "mace night," Todd's right that doesn't have the same ring to it, but Wolf doesn't strike me as picky about specific terms for melee weapons. "Tonight is CLUB night" would have a nice double meaning to it, or "Tonight is WARHAMMER night" (probably please fans of that old pen-and-paper RPG of the same name). Sorry, I digress.
And yes, I would have liked more resonance to Hudson's battle with Hakon. You get a *little* of "Hudson taking revenge" when he gives a little chuckle as he leaves Hakon trapped in the crusher, but I would have liked more. Love the "clan-slaughterer" title, though.

These complaints aside, I rather enjoy the episode. Vinnie actually helps. It's nice to see what happened to a supposedly "random" person due to the gargoyles' actions. I raised an eyebrow at ret conning him into the role of "big nose" on Air Fortress 1, but I was willing to shrug my shoulders and go with it. I had not seen THE CAGE when I first saw VENDETTAS so the bit with Sevarius getting kidnapped left me mystified and frustrated (it did not stop me from thinking Talon was the kidnapper when I finally did see CAGE, he and Goliath have *very* similar silhouettes).
At any rate, I did like the idea of a "regular person" taking on the gargs. Losing his motorcycle and TWO jobs as well--heck, I'D demand satisfaction for that, too! And I believed Mr. Carter was a real gun (loved the Acme reference, BTW--didn't get the "Kotter" reference because that was before my time). Of course, neither Vinnie nor his gun is quite "regular." Vinnie explains himself (justifies himself, I guess) to Mr. Carter, earning stares from people passing him on the street. Vinnie doesn't seem to notice, though. Of course, not paying attention is what gives him such a difficult night to begin with. My favorite is where he tells "Mr. C" about the second job he lost and then turns around the corner and is surprised that the gargs are gone (as though the world stops when he reminisces). I guess this is part of your point on vengeance, Greg; Vinnie is so wrapped up in "creaming" Goliath--"the Big One"--that he doesn't notice imminent hurt/humiliation until it happens.
But he does not give up! When all other foes are defeated, Vinnie is still the last man standing! I'll come back to him before the end.

On to Hakon and Wolf. I didn't immediately cotton to Hakon being the axe. I noticed it laughed in the car and sounded similar to Wolf, but only when Hakon appeared as himself at the end of Act 1 did I realize who it was.
And Hakon has a LOT of powers. I guess it's a combination of being around for 1,000 years in a magical cave, being full of hate, and possessing a blood descendent that allows him to do what he does with Wolf's body. Flight telekinesis, disappearing, illusions (Hudson sees Goliath as Wolf), and the ability to become insubstantial…I wouldn't mind being able to do that! Hakon was right; Wolf was a fool to give up that power before the gargs were defeated. Of course, Wolf's always been a bit bull-headed about doing things his way and being in charge.
I had no problems with Wolf being descended from Hakon. Quite the contrary, I saw a wealth of opportunity in this development. Of course, Wolf and Hakon don't specifically tell anyone but the audience about this connection so I don't know how anything would develop. But the seed's there.

One interesting point that's made about vengeance in this episode: sometimes, the feelings of vengeance are not mutual. Hudson views Hakon as the ultimate evil, but Hudson barely matters to Hakon--the old gargoyle is just another obstacle to get to Goliath. To Wolf, Goliath, the "alpha male" gargoyle, is the ultimate target, but I somehow doubt if Goliath views Wolf that way. He views Wolf as a powerful and tenacious enemy, sure, but I don't think Goliath singles Wolf out from the rest of the Pack as a "prime" foe. As for Goliath and Hakon, yes there is resonance there, and in the past Hakon was definitely a focal point of Goliath's vengeance, but I think after SHADOWS OF THE PAST, Goliath's enmity for Hakon is no longer as strong. Hakon on the other hand, has lost no hatred for Goliath.
And none of them have any clue that Vinnie even exists until he walks right up to Goliath and shoots a pie in G's face.

That last part still puts a smile on my face. I had not expected the pie, but in a way it makes perfect sense. Why would Vinnie want to KILL Goliath? The gargoyles have humiliated Vinnie multiple times, cost him property and two jobs, but he's still alive, in good health, and not TOO badly off if he can afford Mr. Carter. Based on that, a pie in the face seems a reasonable retaliation.

One bit of dialogue I rather like in this episode is this one:
Wolf: "Come on, are you afraid to die like a man?"
Goliath: "What would a mutate werewolf know about being a man?"
That, coupled with the scene of Wolf scrounging for food in a dumpster, show just how far this former TV idol has fallen. And all just to get Goliath.

I find Hakon's "death" an interesting contrast to the Captain's back in SHADOWS OF THE PAST. With the Captain it was a feeling of peace and ascendancy. Hakon's seems more violent (I love the little electric bolt at the end). It makes sense to me.

I hadn't realized this epsiode had a different voice director until I saw the credits. Honestly, there was no decline in quality so far as I could tell. So take a bow, Greg. And if you see Clancy Brown, tell him to take one, too--he differentiated between Wolf and Hakon very well.

So VENDETTAS, while obviously problematic, is still fun for me.

Greg responds...

I'm fond of it. That was the first episode I ever voice directed in its entirety. Of course, I chose it on purpose because it had such a small cast of TOTAL PROS, who knew me and would forgive my ... uh... shortcomings. Ed Asner, Jeff Bennett, Clancy Brown, Jim Cummings, Keith David. Couldn't ask for a more solid, talented and UNDERSTANDING cast for my first effort.

Response recorded on January 15, 2007

Bookmark Link

Blaise writes...

THE GATHERING, PART TWO

I'm having a difficult time figuring out where I want to start with this episode.
The revelation of "Owen-is-Puck" is, of course, the high point, but I also find myself thinking about the battle with Oberon.

Oberon is, without a doubt, the most powerful adversary the gargoyles have ever had to face--and this time he's at full power! However, I find his more subtle uses of said power to be the most effective. I mean, he became a giant and while that's definitely threatening and awe-inspiring, it didn't help him much in any practical sense. But when he actually calms down ("Anger...clouds my judgment.") he really does become unstoppable. Even drained and withered, he proves more than a match for our heroes. The thing with the cape absolutely rocked, of course, but my favorite trick is when Goliath leaps at Oberon...and goes right through him (a trick that will be repeated in VENDETTAS). Oberon then hurls Goliath with a gesture (and a pretty cool line, "This altercation is OVER."). Even at the end, Fox's magic blast doesn't stop Oberon by overpowering him (in fact, when he comes flying back in he seems about ready to kick everyone's ass and take names--actually, I find his "I...have had...ENOUGH!" kind of funny as well as foreboding). In the end, Oberon isn't really defeated...he just changes his mind (thanks to said magic outburst and some choice words from Goliath).
One thing I really thought about here was that, despite banishing Puck and giving a rather curt/foreboding farewell, Oberon seems willing to let bygones be bygones. Partially due to your thoughts on Oberon, Greg, I've actually started to see the more magnanimous side of Ol' Blue Skin.
Over the years, I've come to think better of Oberon than I did during the initial airings. Now I think he's pretty cool.

This viewing, during the gargoyles's battle with Oberon, I noticed how quickly Lex and Hudson got taken out. Especially Lex, he didn't get off a single attack. At least Hudson got to whack at Oberon's hair with his sword (for all the good that did).

I can see one of those "cartoon" moments you mentioned, with Oberon swatting at the gargoyles like flies. I actually think it works as a "comic relief" moment before Oberon brings the statues to life.

That "stone figures" bit was actually pretty cool. Unfortunately, I liked the guy with the hammer and he destroys himself to take out Broadway (speaking of which, for Broadway that must have hurt!).

Count me as another who loves Xanatos's weak attempt to cover his saving Broadway.

"It's incredible how often that move works." I LOVE inside jokes like that.

The Iron Clan was a nice variation on the Steel Clan. I mean, we (my brother and I) knew they were bulkier than the SC, but only occasionally did I really notice just how much BIGGER they were (during the chase down the side of the Eyrie Building, you see a now human-sized Oberon go by, followed by the Cybots and a gigantic Iron Clan robot). I'm also absurdly pleased by the "launching points" for the Iron Clan...it makes me wonder how much of the buildings surrounding the Eyrie Xanatos owns or rents.

I loved seeing Renard come to the rescue. Renard sounds stronger here, to me, than he has since OUTFOXED. His words aren't as broken apart as they were even in PART ONE. I like this touch. I'm a little sad that the last we see of Renard in this is "I've failed him." It would have been nice if he were a part of the little "victory celebration" at the end. Heck, it would have been nice if Petros could have been a part of it--and his exit wasn't as dignified as Renard's. Petros just got knocked out and forgotten.

I always figured that while the iron harpoon hurt Oberon, the iron bell would basically rip the very fabric of his being apart. After all, at the right pitch, sound can shatter glass.

And finally we come to the big revelation. Any disappointment I felt at my brother being right was curtailed by my delight at this excellent little twist. And Puck's explanation for playing the straight man made perfect sense to me.
When I first saw Vogel, I thought he was just an in-joke, even after he became a character in his own right. Little did I know you guys had strong reasons for his similarity to Owen.
It still surprises me that Puck actually had his creations rough up Oberon. Dang, but the little guy's ballsy.

I just love "Oberon does not compromise...Oberon COMMANDS!" Mostly, I love it for Terrence Mann's reading of it. It's just...wow.

We all kind of figured that Fox would display some magic at the end. It was practically a given. However, Puck's reaction to it (which you've already quoted) is priceless.

I was a bit surprised when Oberon banished Puck. I have to admit, I hadn't expected that. And I actually kind of felt sorry for the little elf afterwards, but...he did kind of ask for it.

I was surprised and pleased when Xanatos thanked the clan like he did. Of course Goliath (ascribing to the "Fool me once..." school of thought) is suspicious. I like the actual sad look on Xanatos's face when Goliath snubs him. But then Goliath smiles as he talks about "the transforming power of a child's love." Xanatos may have been the "main villain" for the first season and most of the second, but already that title doesn't fit him as well as it once did.

Other little things:
-I love Oberon's exasperated "Now what?" when the Air Fortress shows up.
-I also liked seeing Oberon's giant footprints in the street (who's going to explain THAT?).
-You guys had Petros notice Oberon's "shrinkage." Only after we the audience had seen it happen twice. I like that, although the characters notice something quickly, they don't see it the instant it starts to happen.
-Hudson's "You've had quite an influence." I find Ed Asner's reading of that intriguing. I like it. I can't say why...it just struck me.
-After having been a major part of the World Tour, Bronx just sits this one out. He probably missed his soup bone.

I'll admit, I believed Titania when she indicated things had gone according to her plan. I don't know what she whispered to Fox (and have never asked), but I do start to see Fox smiling before the camera cuts away.

And yes, Greg, this is the first, last, and only time that Broadway calls Angela "Angie."

Okay, I think that covers THE GATHERING. Next...

Greg responds...

I'm glad you like Oberon. I like him too. You just have to walk a mile in his shoes to begin to understand him. NOTE: I'm not being an apologist for him or approving of everything he did. But I think it's worth trying to understand him, see things from his PoV.

Response recorded on January 15, 2007

Bookmark Link

Blaise writes...

THE GATHERING, PART ONE

Hey Greg! Good to see you rambling again. I'm going to have to do a little mini-marathon to catch up, so without further ado....

When this episode first aired I had figured that this would be the ep when the Travelers (finally) got back to home base and the rest of the regular cast. I, for one, was looking forward to this, if for no other reason than to see more of my favorite character (Brooklyn).

Seeing the Gathering on Avalon was a nice little "curtain call" for the many supernatural beings the Travelers had encountered on the World Tour. Other than those we had met, Nought definitely had the most striking design (it also helped that he was pretty well featured for a walk-on).

I agree with you about Anubis--he should not be laughing. That part never seemed quite right to me.

It amuses me how, when the Banshee and Odin are fighting, Oberon at first enjoys the action immensely, but as soon as his mirror is nearly damaged he calls an end.

I may be alone in this, but I don't feel too sorry for the Banshee--she was a bit of a pain.

Selene (sp?) is in full fury mode here (I love her eagerness in offering to hunt down Puck).
I also enjoy Princess Katharine's reaction to Oberon contacting her magically.

I've always wondered what Renard thinks of Petros Xanatos. I'd imagine that they might have got along well enough, despite Renard's enmity towards David.

I hadn't figured out Titania and Anastasia were one and the same until Anastasia started talking. Only here did I recognize them as both having the same voice actress and draw the connection.
Of course I didn't get the Owen/Puck connection (or refused to--I'll explain later).
I, too, loved Vogel's reaction to Petros' question about him being related to Owen (an honest question if you ask me).

The child is born. And (for those of us who read the credits of FUTURE TENSE) we already knew his name (and what he'd probably look like all grown up).

Watching the bit with the jogger pouring out his drink after his "hallucination" this last time, I felt myself thinking that, while it's a nice old gag, I'd kind of like to see it with a new twist. For example, instead of pouring out the offending substance, after seeing the supposed hallucination, the subject instead smiles and starts chugging it.

The hypnotized guard is funny. The late Charles Hallahan did a great job with both that and Travis Marshall's snide "...both of them ex-convicts..." line. Great copy and great performance.

The confrontation in the Xanatos' bedroom was very well done. Oberon's reaction to Fox being Titania's daughter is, of course, a high point, but there are smaller things that stand out to me as well. Seeing a young and healthy Renard is a plus, and I love that Fox visibly reacts to seeing Xanatos' gun behind his back (it's small and if your attention is on Xanatos you wouldn't notice it).
As I was watching this time, I thought about Oberon's lines about how Xanatos should take comfort in having "fought admirably for [his] child against impossible odds," and that they have an hour to say good-bye before he takes Alexander away forever because Oberon is "not without a heart." These lines, looking at the words alone, are essentially making things more painful and frustrating for the Xanatos' (insult to injury, as it were), but Oberon does not intend them that way. He's actually being honest, maybe even paying compliment to them, and (in his own mind) is being nice about the whole thing.
In a way it reminds me of Xanatos' line to Derek in THE CAGE--"He's the scientist, you're just the experiment." Xanatos wasn't trying to hurt or insult Derek with that statement, he was just stating the fact of the matter. Similar to Oberon here, the words used by the speaker seem more hurtful than the speaker's intent.
I suppose all this is just a roundabout way of saying Oberon really is Xanatos' comeuppance. :-)

THE TRAVELERS FINALLY COME HOME!!!
Man, I was so happy to have them back on home territory and ready to get back to stories with the rest of the regular cast in their given setting. The World Tour was a nice way to expand and show more gargoyles, but there really is "no place like home."
When Goliath is telling about all the gargoyles around the world he sounds positively giddy. He's even SMILING! Of course he's been smiling since they got back, but here...it's just that seeing Goliath this happy is a bit uncommon.
The Trio of course has their first introduction to Angela...and I kind of suspected this would be the cause of a few waves with them. Three guys and ONE girl…oh, yeah, trouble. The bit with the chocolates is funny, too. And after tasting just ONE chocolate, Angela says, "I think I'm going to like it here." BEHOLD! The power of CHOCOLATE!!

Seeing Goliath and Elisa on her terrace...the first time I watched this, I had already decided that they were going to kiss or something by the end of the season. When G brought E back home, I thought, "This is going to be it!" Then Elisa had to be a party pooper and stop it (and my, wasn't that rain a convenient way of breaking it off).
This latest viewing, I found myself thinking, "...She left her lights on, the electric bill's going to be bad. Wait...how long have they been gone, exactly? It's a miracle she still even HAS her apartment--all the months she wasn't there to pay rent! What, does she pay several months in advance?!" Being a budding actor I have found myself struggling to cover such bills for the past two years, consequently thoughts like that have a tendency to occur to me.

Anastasia/Titania's revelation of herself to the gargoyles was a bit too quick for me, but there's only so much time in the average episode.

I love that the evacuating workers are actually questioning why they're being evacuated (I heard someone mumbling "fire drill"). It's a little detail I like.

The force field surprised me a bit, both because it's something we hadn't really seen before in the series, and because it was actually effective.

I love how Oberon goes from being amused to being pissed off when his magical bolt doesn't break the force field.
Nice effect where his eyes glow green when the lightning flashes.

Seeing Oberon wreak the one car makes me feel sorry for the car's owner (hope the owner's got good insurance). Then he puts everyone in the city to sleep and I start to wonder how many people might die (killed in a car accident, fell asleep while on a ladder or stairs, etc.) because of this. A lot of people are going to be inconvenienced by something they have absolutely no idea about (kind of like Vinnie!).

Oberon's put the city to sleep and both Petros and David Xanatos are in the "war room" with the former asking, "Has the attack begun?" I find that hilarious.

And then Oberon grows up ("Enuk-cha!"). That last shot of his laughing face through the glass of the atrium is great, especially as a cliffhanger.

Here, at the end of my ramble, it's time to talk about Owen. Now, of course he's acting weird but....
Okay, when this ep first aired I watched it with my brother. Now, I was the GARGOYLE nut in my family. My brother and mother thought it was all right and would watch it from time to time, but I was the one who lived, breathed and slept it. So, my bro and I watch this and my bro turns to me and says, "Owen's got to be Puck." And because it was my brother who said this, I disagreed with him. It wasn't that I didn't think it was possible Owen and Puck were the same (in fact, it seemed to me like a distinct and intriguing possibility), but it galled me that my brother (who would NEVER admit to being wrong) would be right about this. The fact that GARGOYLES was MY thing and not his made me more adamant.

Of course, in the end he was actually right...but I can't recall being disappointed about it in this case. It was just too cool of a twist.

On to part two, now....

Greg responds...

One has to assume that by "Night of the Panther" at least, Elisa had made some arrangement to deal with bills and etc.

Response recorded on January 15, 2007

Bookmark Link

Cyberranger12 writes...

Can you put Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! on Kids WB?
Cause I don't have cable and if I have one I still can't see the show and I haven't seen that show before if you know what I mean.

Greg responds...

I know what you mean, but NO, I do not have the power to put ANY show anywhere. I'm a mere beggar at the feast. And the odds of a Disney show like Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! winding up on a competitor like Kids WB are pretty high against.

Response recorded on January 15, 2007

Bookmark Link

Justin writes...

I know this will not reach you for awhile. But I was perusing internet movie database and found an outstanding review of the series I thought and hoped you might enjoy.

This person captures the spirit of the fans in every way, on every level. We have bought the DVS's we WILL buy the comics, and Yes, I believe we will bring this timeless show back.

We cannot do otherwise guys.

I have just one question: How can Disney Television Animation produce such a wonderful show as "Gargoyles" for a couple of seasons and then go back to being Disney Television Animation? I simply cannot understand it, and if anyone has any thoughts, PLEASE share them with me! This show was a breath of fresh air on every level. If this wasn't a groundbreaking show, it certainly raised the bar sky high.

Voices--Many's the time I have thought that they could have chosen a better actor for a part in animation. Not here. The voice cast was so good that to this day I cannot imagine anyone else filling the bill. In the role of Goliath, Keith David demonstrated that he possesses one of the greatest speaking voices of any actor in the business. Jeff Bennett was also great as Brooklyn, my favorite character. (Loved the white hair!)

Music--Carl Johnson's scores were great. They beautifully set the tone and underlined the action and the drama.

Animation--Excellent. Dark, moody and stylish. The shots of the clan as stone statues are downright eerie at times. To this day, I still can't believe Disney did this one.

Plot--Action, drama, technology, mythology, humor and a little Shakespeare on the side. Folks, WHAT MORE COULD YOU POSSIBLY ASK FOR? This series had the most tightly structured story lines ever--there was not a single moment of dead air anytime.

The best thing about the series, however, was the characters. For being a clan of gargoyles (with a couple of humans), these characters were as real as you and I. Things HAPPENED to them! They actually got HURT as a result of violence. They matured, sometimes in ways unexpected. They found out the hard way who their friends and enemies were. And they had to live with the consequences of their actions, which sometimes came back to haunt them in later episodes.

Here's hoping Disney will realize the error of their ways and bring this show back. If you are already a fan, may you continue to enjoy the show. If you haven't seen it, give it a chance. But be advised: Once you have seen television and the world through the glowing eyes of a gargoyle, you will never want to settle for "standard kiddie fare" ever again.

I hope you enjoyed this Mr. Weisman

Greg responds...

Thanks, Justin. It's always nice to read praise. (I'm not shy about admitting that I like the ego-boost.) But I have to say that I don't see or understand the need to praise Gargoyles by BASHING Disney -- in particular the shows which preceded Gargoyles at Walt Disney Television Animation. "The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh", "Disney's Gummi Bears", "DuckTales", "Darkwing Duck", many episodes of "TaleSpin", "Chip 'N Dale's Rescue Rangers", "Aladdin" and a select few of "Bonkers" and "Goof Troop" strike me as some of the best TV Animation that's EVER been produced. Likewise shows since Gargoyles, like "Kim Possible" and a few episodes of "Hercules" and "Buzz LIghtyear of Star Command" also send me. (And there may be more, but I don't watch cartoons as much now as I did back when I was a Disney Exec.)

Obviously, not all these shows are going to send every Gargoyles fan. And that's fine. But I can't really understand not recognizing how superior they are to most of what's out there.

And remember: NO GUMMI BEARS; NO GARGOYLES.

Response recorded on January 15, 2007

Bookmark Link

catrina writes...

Did
the mayan's really deal with gay marriges?

Greg responds...

Human or gargoyle?

Response recorded on January 12, 2007

Bookmark Link

angel writes...

after hunters moon part 3 is there any more reviling eips on goliath's and Elisa's relationship

Greg responds...

Read the comic, and you'll see the answer is yep!

Response recorded on January 12, 2007

Bookmark Link

angel writes...

is hudson really brodways dad and if so why didn't the put it in the seasons

Greg responds...

Hudson is Broadway's biological father and one of many (though the only surviving) rookery fathers.

"put it in the seasons"... I don't know what you mean.

You mean in the series? If so, it's a non-issue to the gargoyle-born. Why would it ever come up?

Response recorded on January 12, 2007

Bookmark Link

Todd Jensen writes...

Thanks for the "Turf" ramble, Greg! Only 6 to go now (though I doubt that you'll be able to do them all before the end of January - pity).

The trio definitely come across in this episode as the gargoyle equivalent of the Three Stooges, especially when they collide with the chimney, and when Brooklyn's shouting "Knock it off, you muttonheads!" Then again, as Elisa points out, what do you expect when they've been without female gargoyle company for a thousand years?

On a side note, I've noticed that practically every discussion among the fandom over which of the trio Angela ought to wind up with made it "Brooklyn vs. Broadway", with Lexington never seriously included in it. Of course, it makes sense now, in light of what we know about him.

I liked a lot of Brod's lines, such as "Chop shop? What is 'chop shop'?" and "This is why I never go in first" (not to mention what you brought up about "That was my favorite restaurant!") There were a lot of fun lines in here from the other crooks, such as Glasses' "Come on down to Dracon's House of Auto Parts. The prices are hot, and so is the merchandise", and Dracon's "What's going on here? I didn't order a break-out!" And finally, the hilarious ending with Brod and Dracon stuck as cellmates (though I doubt that such a thing would happen in real life).

I didn't recognize Elisa with that blonde wig, so it was a big surprise for me when she took it off and revealed who she was. (And naturally, the trio then go about saying that they knew it was her all along.)

Thanks for your comment about the payphone, by the way; I've been wondering for a long time about the significance of that scene where we look at it against the backdrop of the burning restaurant.

And interesting that Brooklyn should be the one asking about a world tour, in view of what we now know is in store for him (cf. "Timedancer"). One more example of "Be careful what you wish for."

Greg responds...

Brod was fun to write for. And a lot of the stuff you mentioned in terms of "given what we now know" is stuff that I THEN knew.

Response recorded on January 12, 2007

Bookmark Link

Raci writes...

How does Oberon maintain his rule over his Children? So far we've seen that many of them have abilities that could probably kill Oberon like Anubis's ability to manipulate life and death and Puck's ability to rewrite reality or is Oberon just much more powerful than the combined might of his children?

Greg responds...

Than the COMBINED might... no, I doubt it. But do you really think that THAT group could agree on a replacement?

And to address your specific examples, Oberon is clearly more potent than Puck. Puck can't rewrite reality. He can simply send a false vision. SO not the same thing.

And we've seen how rigid Anubis is with his powers.

Response recorded on January 12, 2007

Bookmark Link

brian knight writes...

why have my african greys mated for three weeks a couple of times a day in november/ december and they still have no eggs is there a reason?

Greg responds...

They're hoping for a little privacy?

Response recorded on January 11, 2007

Bookmark Link

tomas lund writes...

when did gargoyles originate and where did they originate

Greg responds...

Pre-history, and I'm honestly not sure where.

Response recorded on January 11, 2007

Bookmark Link

Psycho girl writes...

THREE POSTS IN ONE DAY!!!! Im on a role (hopefully a cinnamon 'role' ;) ...haha a play on words!

Why am I posting soooooooo many...well, posts? Well, you said that you would close the question asking thingy for a while (probably a long while) after January and I just want to hurry and talk to you. (I LIKE YOU!!!).......(Not in THAT way....sickos.) When February comes around, you wont have to deal with my farce anymore, at least for a while.......(snickering).......I typed farce...(snickering)

I have some questions about Lexington.

1. Why dose Lexington walk on his heals sometimes? (He has VERY flexible hips to sit the way he sits)

2. Why did you (they) end his wing membranes at his knees instead at his ankles?

3. Who was Lex's favorite Pack member?

I don't know why, but I just thought about Fang and his voice actor......I really like Jim's performance as Fang! Also, I wonder how Fangs old co-workers thought of him?

I wonder why the animators couldn't get his height right, some times he's right other times, he's the size of a 10 year old....oh well, he still looks good.

Farce.......(hearty laugh)

well, thanks!

P.S. my next one will be rambles about episodes so.....it will be BIG....pre-warning you.....but not today!

Greg responds...

1. I'm not sure what you mean.

2. It looked right anatomically, I think.

3. Uh... to slaughter?

I don't remember Fang ever looking like a ten-year-old, but I agree that Jim was great in the role.

Response recorded on January 11, 2007

Bookmark Link

Psycho girl writes...

Hi.....uhhhh.........hi again.......I have some more questions about Oberon and Titania...but they refer to the show, not the play. So I put up a separate post so it could go under a separate...thingy.

1. When was the changing boy born in your show? (I KNOW....I used changeling last time!!! I SPELL BAD!!!....or wuz I right last time...? ARG!!!)

2. Is the boy a grown-up now in the show?

3. What did Titania think of the play "A Midsummers Nights Dream?"

4. So....I was wondering......what did Titania whisper to
Fox?.................Uhh......Mr. Weisman.......hello?.....hrm, where did he go?

(DING-DONG!!!)

Oh my, the doorbell! I have company! Yay!

(Opens the door to find Greg Weisman standing at the door with a baseball bat)

Oh my goodness! Its Mr. Weisman at my house! Have you come to tell me what Titania said?

Greg: (lightly tapping the bat up and down on his hand) Yeah....something like that...Are you familiar with the story "The lady, or the Tiger" by Frank R. Stockton?

Yeah....

Greg: Well, its sort of like that.

Oh.....ok.

Greg: And for asking me that question in the first place....(raises the bat)

Uh, oh.....erk!..... :)

Im just being stupid right now. Thanks again.

Greg responds...

1. Changeling. And I haven't placed this event on my timeline as yet.

2. I'm not saying.

3. I'm sure when she first saw it she was far from pleased. I like to think that she's matured enough now that she's come to appreciate its finer qualities.

4. <cricket chirp>

You're welcome.

Response recorded on January 11, 2007

Bookmark Link

Psycho girl writes...

Hello! (snickering).......Ah, another glorious day to be alive!!! What an honor to live in such a world we live in!! :)

Well Im back, with a vengeance.

I have to tell you something, when I twas a little girl watching "The Mirror" and hearing (learning) about "A Midsummers Nights Dream", I was curios and whipped out my mothers "Completed works of William Shakspere" book and tried to read it. But.....I was to young (or stupid...?) to understand it, so I tried it again when I was 16 and really enjoyed it! Also, when I bought the second season DVD set and watch "The Mirror", it re-kindled my interest and I re-read it. WHY is I telling U this? Well, I have a question about the story that I still (unfortunately) don't get... :(

1. WHY did Oberon want the changeling boy? And......

2. Why wouldn't Titania let him have the boy? (I know that Titania and the boys mother were friends...is that why?)

I hope that I don't sound too stupid...but I just don't understand that part. Well, that's my Shakspere Q. Have a nice, happy, and all-around good day!

Greg responds...

1. I have this theory that the boy was his son. Many scholars theorize that he had a romantic interest in the boy. Others point out that fairy lore is just FILLED with fairies capturing and keeping small children.

2. That's it mostly, I think. I also believe there's a certain perverse satisfaction in keeping something from Oberon that he wants. And like Oberon, there's the fairy tradition of capturing and keeping small children.

Response recorded on January 11, 2007

Bookmark Link

Elana writes...

Dear Greg,

When people ask me why I proclaim that Gargoyles stands apart from other shows, I find it difficult to explain. The characters are great, the relationships are great, and overall it's just... great. But that hardly expresses its true charm.

In watching Gargoyles, I find that its appeal must come from its captivating and immersive mythos, the sense one gets of being transported to another, mystical world. Aside from that sense of awe and wonder, there's also that feeling one gets of really being a part of that world, and having an intimate understanding of it. It's like, even if a topic matter hasn't been thoroughly explored within the episodes, or blatantly described, one can derive how every little thing might be prone to work within the world of the Gargoyles.

Anyway (now that I'm done gushing), in light of all this, did you expect Gargoyles to affect and alter the lives of so many people in the way that it did? Objectively, it was only meant as a show for children, but somehow it's managed to capture and touch the lives of all kinds of people. Could you possibly have expected this? For many people, Gargoyles is more than just an interest or a "hobby." How does it make you feel to know that Gargoyles has nearly been a life-changing experience for so many people?

~Elana

Greg responds...

Expectations...

Even at the time and even given that it was the first show I had ever produced, I knew we were doing something special. Once-in-a-lifetime special.

(I've done a lot of work I'm proud of in this business, but nothing has been like GARGOYLES.)

And I had hopes that others would recognize what myself and my team saw in the series.

But, no... I had no idea the life that the series would take on with and for so many people. That's been incredibly gratifying. Beyond words, really.

As anyone who has been to a GATHERING (www.gatheringofthegargoyles.com) can tell you, I am in ego-heaven the whole weekend!

And having the chance to write these comic books is really a dream. As I'm sure SLG would acknowledge, the money I'm making is really just a token amount. Just enough to allow me mentally to convince myself I'm WORKING and not perpetuating a stubborn refusal to let a long-cancelled series die. So, clearly, I must be in it for the love of the property and because the fans have done so much for me.

Response recorded on January 10, 2007

Bookmark Link

fgdsych writes...

in wich direction would you be headed if you were going from the north pole to austrilla

Greg responds...

You mean as the gargoyle flies?

Response recorded on January 10, 2007

Bookmark Link

Idril writes...

I have a question about city of stone. Everyone kept saying that you had to see and hear the tv program to turn to stone. If thats true how can all those people outside driving or walking turn to stone? they were no where near a tv?

Greg responds...

The program was running non-stop for HOURS!! Obviously, all those people saw it at SOME point.

Response recorded on January 10, 2007

Bookmark Link

Idril writes...

hi i have a question about the episode wear elisa goes under cover. At the end when elisa is talking to Goliaith and wearing her normal clothes. why dose she she suddenly wear her under cover cloths again for a few seconds? I haven't made a mistake I paused it right there and Its true. Is that a glich?

Greg responds...

I'd have to see it, but if you've described it accurately, then WOW congrats, you've found an animation error.

Response recorded on January 10, 2007

Bookmark Link

Idril writes...

Hi i have a question about galith adn elisa. dose xanatose, puck, foxe, macneth, the mutates including derik, the rest of the gargoyles or any one ealse know about Galiths relationship between elisa?

Greg responds...

What's to know? That they like each other? It's not exactly a secret. As to the extent of their feelings... which they've hardly (or at any rate barely) admitted to each other out loud, I think it all depends on how ... intuitive each of the people you listed are and/or how much opportunity they've had to observe Goliath and Elisa together.

I would think that Xanatos, Fox and Puck get it.

The clan, especially Angela and Hudson and Broadway and Bronx and Brooklyn and Lex, get it. (I started out writing Angela only, but as I considered each character, I couldn't find one who didn't get it.)

Macbeth... I don't know. It's not that I don't think he's intuitive, but he just hasn't spent enough quality time with the couple to have the chance to observe. And I think that maybe in "Sanctuary", he might have been distracted and/or a tad self-absorbed.

Mutates... same thing. How much have they seen of Goliath & Elisa together? Derek is, I think, the densest of the four mutates. But I'm not sure any of them have had the observation time to figure it out.

Response recorded on January 10, 2007

Bookmark Link

Idril writes...

hi! I have a question about puck. is he consusly controling owen? like he made himself be owen but deep inside owen is puck actuly thinking puck thoughts but acting like owen. like xanatose has his exosceletin and he wears it, he looks like a robot but he controls it, the exoskeleten dosn't control himself. I mean puck and owen aren't two peaple it's just pucks secret identety sort of. is that right?

Greg responds...

Secret Identity, yeah. But more accurately it's a part that Puck plays and he's determined to be true to character.

Response recorded on January 09, 2007

Bookmark Link

P. Gate writes...

(given that you will probably read this in 2-3 years)

wow Greg, I an loving the comic series and the way the story has progressed since Hunter's Moon. My favorite is issue #18, and I cannot wait to see which direction you take the series in next!

Since the comic is going so well, if Disney decided to bring back the cartoon now, what would you do with the comic? where would you start the cartoon from?

thanks Greg and keep up the great work

Greg responds...

Hah! Took me less than a year!! Hah!!

Sigh... well, hopefully you have issues #1-2. #3 should be out next month.

Your hypothetical question has been asked many, many times over the years, but it's just become pointless to answer it. Decisions aren't made in a vacuum, so I'd have to wait and see what the situation is, if or when it actually happens.

Response recorded on January 09, 2007

Bookmark Link

gargolye gril writes...

you people better not put brooklyn with demona or i'll kick your @$$.

Greg responds...

Us people?

Response recorded on January 09, 2007

Bookmark Link

Axem Gold writes...

First of all, I apologize for posting the question about Crisis On Infinite Earths. I missed that one while browsing the archives, anyway I have a few comments:

1. I'll be getting the JLA Showcase. The issue with the Captain Atom/JLE/Gargoyles. For anyone else reading who has a question about the issue, its: JLA Showcase #1 (February 2000) 80 Page.

2. I'm sure this would be on topic since like question 1 it is about comic book heroes. You considered the Original Pack to be a cross between Power Rangers/Professional Wrestling, and Macbeth to be an Anti-Batman. Now could Xanatos be considered an Anti-Iron Man?

Both Xanatos and Tony Stark are both wealthy, as well as having facial hair and wear a suit of tech armor.

What do you think?

Greg responds...

It's possible. But it wasn't what was in the forefront of my brain at the time... among other things, I didn't have the armor idea when we created the character.

But I've been a big Tony Stark/Iron Man fan since childhood, so maybe he was an influence.

Although one could easily and objectively demonstrate that Captain Hook was an influence too, so keep in mind that many things contribute to the whole.

Response recorded on January 09, 2007

Bookmark Link

Todd Jensen writes...

Thanks for the "Vendettas" ramble, Greg! We're really coming along here beautifully.

The big problem that I had with "Vendettas" when I first saw it was Hakon's return. I thought that it felt anticlimactic after "Shadows of the Past" - particularly since Hakon's second ghostly attack with Goliath consisted of simply teaming up with a big dumb werewolf! But while I had some difficulties with the Hakon part, I really enjoyed the Vinnie part.

I was startled to learn that Wolf was Hakon's descendant, but did find their quarrels and Hakon's disgust at Wolf's stupidity amusing. (It now reminds me a little of the idea in the original comedy development of the evil sorcerer from the Middle Ages and his unworthy descendant Xavier being at odds with each other.)

I agree with you that Hakon and Wolf's weapon would have worked better as a mace - but I also liked (as you did) Wolf's line "Tonight is battle-axe night!", which makes up for that. I don't think that "Tonight is mace night!" would have been as amusing a line. (It certainly doesn't have as good a rhythm to it.)

When I first saw this episode, I thought it more than a little far-fetched that the motorcycle rider from "Awakening Part Three", the guard on board Fortress-1 in "Awakening Part Four", and the security guard at Gen-U-Tech in "The Cage" were all the same guy, but now I can accept it. I got a big kick out of Vinnie's narration and the way that it clashed with what really happened (especially the part where he was talking about doing everything that he could to stop Goliath from kidnapping Sevarius, while we see him with his nose buried in his newspaper). I got a real kick out of him in a hurry, in fact.

And it would be like him to give his pie-throwing gun a name (though, if you can accept swords like Excalibur having names, why not pie-guns as well? I can just see what Hudson would have to say about this, with his "Must you humans name everything?" comment).

Vinnie does remind me a bit of Wile E. Coyote beyond the Acme supplier; like Wile E., his humiliating moments wind up being mostly self-inflicted!

Another scene that I found entertaining (this one about Hakon and Wolf): when Goliath and Hudson go charging at Wolf, Wolf boastfully says that he'll swat them both like gnats, and the next moment, is sent flying through the wall before he even has the opportunity to do anything!

And the bit about the construction worker who, after seeing Goliath and Hudson, is convinced that it must be hallucinations imposed from his cough medicine (although if his cough medicine is that strong, he definitely shouldn't be operating heavy machinery!).

And then there's the bit at the beginning about Hudson wondering why New York's called the Big Apple.

I was definitely surprised when Mr. Carter's ammunition turned out to be a banana cream pie. But it was just the sort of thing that Vinnie would do. One thing about Vinnie: he's the only guy in the series who ever got revenge on Goliath, something that the Archmage, Demona, the Pack, the Hunters, etc. all failed to do - though the fact that his means of revenge were baked goods doubtless had a lot to do with that.

I still wonder where Vinnie heard the "Gargoyles" theme music sometimes. :)

The fact that Goliath, both times that he meets Vinnie (in this episode and "The Journey"), can't even figure out who he is, is all the more appropriate in light of your remark that Vinnie owes much to yourself. I'm reminded of a "Peanuts" strip that came out shortly after Charles Schulz was Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade. Lucy was shown watching the parade on television; Linus asked her if the Grand Marshal had shown up yet, Lucy replied, "You just missed him, but he wasn't anybody you ever heard of."

Greg responds...

" (It now reminds me a little of the idea in the original comedy development of the evil sorcerer from the Middle Ages and his unworthy descendant Xavier being at odds with each other.)"

Nothing is ever wasted on a Greg Weisman show. (I'm like Xanatos that way. I'm also like Vinnie. Heck, they're ALL me!) ;)

Why is New York called the Big Apple?

Response recorded on January 08, 2007

Bookmark Link

Jen writes...

In the episode Vows, why does Demona bother trying to change what her younger self did to prevent the massacre? You cannot change history, so I don't understand her motivation. You could say she didn't know that rule but I would expect that a soceress that has lived for over a thousand years would know that.

Also she would have remembered everything that happened to her when she was younger (though maybe her memory would be rusty after a 1000 years but she does tell Goliath that she remembers her speech) so what would be the logic and motivation for her to go into the past if she knows she failed and act exactly how she remembered and FAIL like she remembered. Did she only go because she had to go because she remembered it happening? The whole time being fixed says she had to go to remember failing, but that still doesn't explain her motivation for doing something she knew wouldn't work out. Or perhaps her motivation was to see herself as innocent again? To remember why she did what she did at the last wedding she attended with Goliath? Agh...this turns into a big wouldn't one cancel out the other and get all confusing thing...

Also considering that Demona is a thousand years old, what did she do for all that time? The some of it is shown in the episodes, but nothing really after the whole hunter thing and macbeth, and that was a long time ago. Wouldn't a thousand years be enough time for her to travel around the world and find other clans so she would not have ended up so alone?

Also really old characters always bother me. I know you cannot assume that wisdom comes with great age, but I wonder how someone could live that long and not really mature at all? I guess that adds to the insanity, that everything else changes and you don't so that would add to her whole "alone" complex and anger.

Heh sorry for the long question/ramble...

Greg responds...

Demona was hoping that you COULD change history. Since the Gate was broken, there wasn't any time travel in her long past to know for sure how the system worked. She was hoping she could avoid Goliath's appearance. She knew he showed up, but she didn't know how that happened, so she was hoping... hoping...

It's interesting that Demona is so full of hope. Hmmmmm.... Maybe it's just denial.

I won't pretend I've mapped out ALL of Demona's 1000 years, but I have a few key events in mind. As to her stunted growth... well, I know a lot of wise old people myself. And I know a lot of wise old idiots too. So I based her on REAL LIFE. ;)

Response recorded on January 08, 2007

Bookmark Link

The Masked Retriever writes...

My Puck/Owen Ramble:

I didn't see it coming, okay? Maybe I'm thick or something but I did not have the -slightest- clue that Owen was really the Puck. Did. Not. See it. I was blown away, to put it mildly. I fell out of my chair and frothed for a bit. Having managed to see these episodes in order, I'd seen all of Owen's episodes and Puck's and still didn't see it coming. Later, when I re-watched City of Stone, I fell over again: YOU KNEW ALL ALONG!! HINTS!!! EVERYWHERE!!! AGhthth!

As to the stone fist, I'd read it like this: Owen didn't know -what- the cauldron would do, but figured if it was something really bad, he could always get a new hand, given some time. His faith in Xanatos' technology was quite high, and there was ample evidence that Xanatos was developing loyalty-like emotions of his own. (I say loyalty-like because frankly Xanatos is one scary bugger, even post-Gathering.) As for Xanatos, I (wrongly, it turned out) read him as really feeling something there, some shock, some dismay and even sympathy, BUT knowing that the worst thing he could express was sympathy. It's not the Xanatos way to cry over spilled milk, or even a few gallons of spilled blood. You arch an eyebrow, make a mental note, and go on. To me at least, he did Owen a great service by reacting in the most Xanatos way possible, and in fact anything else would have been an insult to what I thought at the time was a huge (but on some level, justified as it IS freaking immortality) sacrifice.

(That last bit works really well even if you know about Puck, but it's far less dramatically heavy and more of a sublimely funny moment the two friends share. To translate the lines into Dude-where's-my-car-ese: "Hey, check it. Human form, human effects." "Huh huh. Awesome." The pair are actually -both- parodying themselves here, Owen being subserviant to the point of near-insanity, and Xanatos blowing it off. I like to think that here Xanatos is kind of thinking to himself "boy, I'm kind of a jerk, aren't I" but having more fun playing the part than any sort of remorse-like emotions.

If I somehow haven't said it enough, holy crap Gargoyles is the awesomeness, I've bought two copies each of the two DVD sets out, and I am obsessed with Xanatos' scary hotness. I have a LiveJournal icon of him from "The Edge" with the words "OMG XANATOS!" blinking underneath it. A toast to the prettiest, scariest, yummiest villain of all time.

Greg responds...

I appreciate your compliments, but I also really LOVE your analysis of the characters. The fact that Owen turned out to be Puck doesn't change most of what you wrote.

As for that revelation, our goal was to shock the audience (or most of it) but still leave them saying, "Of course! Why didn't I see it before?!"

Response recorded on January 08, 2007

Bookmark Link

Psycho girl writes...

It's me! (Giggles, chuckles and many guffaws.)

How are you? I have some questions about Thailog and....yah...

1.(WHY WONT THE STUPID TAB BUTTON WORK!!!) Uh....anyway, How dose Thailog view Alexander? Dose he consider him a 'brother'?

2. How dose Thailog view his own creation? I'm asking this because of the Justice Leauge clone Galatea. She thought hse had to prove her 'own existance' to everyone by destroying super girl. Dose Thailog feel the same way about Goliath and Xanatose?

Thanks

Greg responds...

1. It will be interesting to see.

2. I think Thailog may be over the notion (assuming he ever really subscribed to it and wasn't just play-acting) that he needs to destroy Goliath, Xanatos and Sevarius. We've already seen him working with Anton. And I think, like David, he'd view killing Goliath and David as too wasteful.

Response recorded on January 08, 2007

Bookmark Link

Jon writes...

I just caught City of Stone on the fantastic Season 2 DVD set, and a good (or so I hope) question occurred to me. Given Macbeth's on again/off again suicidal tendencies, was he masquerading as the Hunter in the hopes that Demona would take one look at him and nail him with a bazooka? Or was he just trying to go for a more satisfying psychological advantage in a hand-to-hand fight?

Greg responds...

Definitely the latter, subconsciously the former. Though I think he probably had a clear preference to be the one doing the killing (and dying as a result) as opposed to letting Demona kill her. He'd have settled for either (at that time). But I do think he had a preference.

Response recorded on January 07, 2007

Bookmark Link

Christina Byrd writes...

Hi Greg,
My name is Christina and I love Gargoyles to death, What I wanted to ask is that are going to do a season 4 because I love this show so much and I want to see more and more episodes. So Im so kindly beging to do another season and continue on. Please let me know I would kindly like to. Here's my e-mail address: jbyrd90@webtv.net I thank you so much!!!!!

Greg responds...

I don't respond directly to e-mails, I'm afraid. But if you're still hanging around a year after you posted this, I hope by now you know all about the DVDs, the Gathering and the comic series. You want more Gargoyles, those are the places to look!

Response recorded on January 07, 2007

Bookmark Link

A.Bifolchi writes...

This isn't a question, but more to a comment to the now season 2, Vol 1 Dvd that has been realised to the public this December. Once again I would like to thank you Mr. Weisman for your continuing efforts to promote Gargoyles along with the comic, which I will be hunting for soon. I dearly hope that Vol 2 of season 2 will come onto dvd, and myself along with my family will be the first to purchase it.

Once more thank you Mr. Weisman for allowing old Gargoyles fans to reconnect with something that we loved.

Greg responds...

You're VERY welcome. And thank you for supporting the property.

Response recorded on January 07, 2007

Bookmark Link

Maivillain writes...

Dear Greg,
Have you ever considered a Gargoyle Role-Playing Game? I feel like there are many possibilities involved in this concept... or perhaps is there already one in the works? Because if there is, I was wondering who the publisher/ production company might be. With Fondest Memories 9and monetary support through the purchase of your t.v. show's DVD), Maivillain

Greg responds...

I have a vague memory that after the Dallas Gathering, which was attended by Steve Jackson, that Christine Morgan and I had some discussion about this. But I guess nothing ever came of it. I'd be happy to participate in the creation of a Gargoyles RPG, but I don't know enough about that arena to initiate things. And of course, one has to keep in mind that I don't OWN Gargoyles. So whomever wanted to do it, would have to purchase a license from Disney. Not impossible to do, as SLG has proven, but not easy to do as CreatureComics.com learned when we tried to get the comic book license before being teamed with SLG.

Response recorded on January 07, 2007

Bookmark Link

Phoenician writes...

Hey Greg, I'm back to make my review of the Season II - Volume I DVD!

I've been waiting to do this since I bought it on the day of release - I'm actually a tad surprise it took so long, as opposed from last year . . .

But getting to the point: Season II, Volume I ROCKED! Several of my favorite episodes are in this DVD, including the City of Stone 4-Parter, the Avalon 3-Parter, and probably my favorite in the entire DVD: The Mirror!

My favorite bonus feature was the episode introductions, and I really wish now that Season I had them as well. They offered more behind the scenes info than I think I expected. I really did love the Gathering of the Cast and Crew: I have only seen Keith David, Johnathan Frakes, Mirina Sirtis and Sally Richardson (and you, of course) in my history of Gargoyles, so it was nice to finally attach some faces to the rest of the cast and crew as well. I loved Jeff Bennet's 3-Voice demo. Absolutely amazing and hilarious at the same time!

I loved the commentary on City of Stone. Out of the two multi-parters we got, I'm happy this one at least got the commentary. The back-story of Demona and Macbeth is perhaps the best memory I have of watching Gargoyles when I was six. Never before (and I think you mentioned this on the commentaries) had I seen the bad guys in a point of view that got me feeling sorry for both of them! The music by Carl Johnson in the Part IV (Where we see Demona in the forest fire) is definitely what I reminisce most in the four-parter. Simply legendary.

By the way, after I had watched the City of Stone four-parter commentaries, I was driven to look up the entire "Macbeth" Family Tree. I finally found the historical version, and with the knowledge of what I knew of Princess Katherine and her dad Prince Malcolm, I think I worked it all out all the way to Luach (I know, I know . . . Lulach. But I'm used to it!) and Canmore!

I don't know if it was you or someone in the Gargoyles team that did it, but I love the fact that the cover says "We Live Again." Simple, but powerful for anyone who remembers the series.

I wish Avalon had a commentary as well, but that is why I appreciate the Introductions so much.

I can't wait for the next DVD. I can't wait to have The World Tour (which I had always called the 'Avalon Odyssey' before I started going online) to my collection. So many stories in so many places . . . I love them all!

Thanks for the series, Greg. From the season premire I was lucky to witness up to today, this show STILL remains my favorite show of all time!

On to Volume II!

Greg responds...

You're very welcome.

In House at Disney, we started calling it "The Gargoyle World Tour" as a joke. Like we'd make concert t-shirts with all the stops. (HEY, THAT'S A GOOD IDEA!!)

Response recorded on January 05, 2007

Bookmark Link

Todd Jensen writes...

Thanks for the "Gathering Part Two" ramble, Greg! Some of my thoughts on the episode.

One of my favorite touches in the early stages of the battle was Renard's involvement in the fighting (alongside Vogel and the cybots). I think that one way of giving a battle an epic tone is to bring in familiar supporting characters as well as the major characters; Renard's presence in Fortress-2 gave a real feeling of making the confrontation a really big one.

Oberon put up a truly fierce battle with a lot of great touches, I thought - particularly the animated gargoyles, the growing hair, and the limbo space within his cloak. It made him seem formidable indeed, even with the self-imposed limitation that his arts could no longer directly affect the clan.

I share that little delight in Xanatos's line about saving Broadway. How typical of him to cover up his true thoughts like that!

And the suspicion that I'd begun to develop about Owen and Puck being one and the same was confirmed. It still shocked me a little, but I quickly got used to it. My favorite part of it is still the bit where Puck says "He chose Owen", sounding truly impressed as he did so; you could just feel Puck being so intrigued and delighted that Xanatos would value Owen's non-magical efficiency over Puck's magic. (Mind you, after seeing how Puck granted Demona's wishes in "The Mirror", I'd say that Xanatos showed good judgment in choosing a lifetime of service from Owen!)

I remember a particularly fun remark about the scene where Fox at least unleashed her powers on Oberon; the reviewer commented that that scene was something that alert viewers saw coming - but what made it so fun was that she didn't just unleash her powers, but that she did so with such force as to send Oberon - who had seemed almost unstoppable at this point - through the wall!

In "Future Tense", Puck taught Goliath the hard way about being careful what you wish for. Now Puck gets a taste of that lesson himself; he gets what he was hoping for in "Future Tense" - getting to stay in the mortal world a while longer - but not in a way that he finds appealing! (I've recently found myself wondering, incidentally, whether Goliath, when he suggested Puck for the role of training Alex - though Puck was the obvious choice anyway - might not have been trying to get a little of his own back over that recent nightmare.)

That idea of yours about the gargoyles flying inside Oberon's head was funny - but it's probably just as well that we didn't see it.

And it definitely would be like Puck to say "I'm on a roll" to the audience - it would be perfectly in character for him to break the fourth wall.

Naturally, no ramble about "The Gathering Part Two" would be complete without a mention of the infamous Whisper. I don't want to know what Titania whispered, myself - but I've sometimes wondered if you've ever regretted putting that scene in, in light of how often you've been asked about it!

And we have a great ending with the beginnings of peace between Goliath and Xanatos - though even with the war over, there's still plenty of trouble to come in other directions.

Once again, thanks for the ramble, Greg.

Greg responds...

You're welcome. No regrets. Just no intention of revealing what I'm sure now would be an anti-climactic answer anytime soon.

Response recorded on January 05, 2007

Bookmark Link

Jim Sorenson writes...

Greg,

Thank you for taking the time to interact with us fans, and congratulations on the success of the initial DVD releases. I imagine that by the time you read this we'll have new cannononical stories from the comic book and the rest of season 2 out on DVD. It's truly a great time to be a Gargoyles fan.

I enjoyed the world tour tremendously. One thing that always struck me as particularly interesting is that the world tour didn't end because it was finished, but because Goliath et al abandoned it after Avalon sent them to Manhattan. My questions and requests:

Question 1: In Ill Met By Moonlight, did Avalon bring the crew back to Avalon because of Oberon's plan to remove the Gargoyles, or was that an in-between quest?

Question 2: Were there any negative consequences resulting from Goliath choosing not to get back on the skiff following the events of The Gathering?

Question 2a: Do you have any notions of where Avalon might have sent the skiff had our intrepid heroes continued their quest following The Gathering, or who they might have encountered?

Request 1: If the answer to 2a is yes, please share some of those thoughts with us if you care to at this time.

Question 3: Future tense seems to take place during a brief blackout Goliath experiences. Did it take place between Avalon and Manhattan immediately preceding The Gathering?

Question 3a: If the answer to 3 is no, when/where did Future Tense take place?

Question 4: Were there any destinations on the Avalon Quest that took place but were not shown in Gargoyles? In other words, might Goliath & Elisa have had a world tour adventure 'off camera?'

Request 2: If the answer to 4 is yes, please share one or two places that they were sent off camera, if you'd care to at this time.

Thanks very much for your time, and I hope to see you (have seen you by the time you read this) at The Gathering 2006.

Greg responds...

1. Avalon only controlled their destinations upon LEAVING Avalon. But Goliath et al had to return to Avalon between each journey to try again.

2. Who can say? You may in fact be giving Avalon too MUCH credit... at least too much credit for FORETHOUGHT. If they had abandoned their quest in Prague or anywhere else, then some bad stuff might have happened where they DIDN'T show. But Avalon may not have cared WHERE the quartet were from. It might have continued to send them ad infinitum. At some point, I think it's fair to say, "Hey, I've been playing nice. But I'm home now and enough is enough."

2a. I suppose. I had stories in mind for China and Korea at least at the time. But honestly, I long ago readapted them in my head to suit where the World Tour did end.

Request 1: Shared all I'm going to at this time. BUT KEEP BUYING THAT COMIC!! ;)

3. I don't have my timeline with me, but the short answer is yes.

3a. See above.

4. Yes, they definitely did.

R2: I've mentioned the Himalayas in the past. But that's all I'm gonna say at this time.

You're welcome.

Response recorded on January 05, 2007

Bookmark Link

Todd Jensen writes...

Thanks for your ramble on "The Gathering Part One", Greg! It's great to have another episode review from you here, and I hope to see at least a few more here soon, even if you don't make it all the way to "The Journey" this time.

I remember that, the first time I saw this episode, it jarred me a little (as I've mentioned before) to see Odin taking orders from Oberon, but since then, I've come to accept it. It certainly did give a sense of resolution from the World Tour to see so many of the mythical beings that Goliath, Elisa, Angela, and Bronx had met showing up in the palace - and in particular, to have the Banshee being subjected to punishment by Oberon for defying his command to return.

(Incidentally, I assume that you chose Odin as the "Child of Oberon" whom the Banshee got into an altercation with because his voice actor was already present in this episode, playing Petros?)

I also had a bit of fun seeing if I could spot any new Oberati in the crowd; I could glimpse a centaur, a winged horse, a Medusa-like figure, and a couple of Norse mythology-type giants in the great hall, as well as the people entering in through the gates carrying torches (one of whom was on horseback, I remember).

I had missed both "Walkabout" and "Ill Met By Moonlight" when they first premiered, so this was the first time that I was meeting Titania under either of her identities. Consequently, the revelation that Anastasia and Titania were the same person didn't have the same impact on me that it would have had on other viewers who had seen those two episodes first.

After such a long absence from New York, it was nice seeing all those familiar background characters (the Jogger, Travis Marshall, Officer Morgan, Brendan and Margot, Cagney) again.

The reunion of the gargoyles at the clock tower was a very moving moment, including the discovery by Hudson and the trio that they weren't the last of their kind after all. I get a particular smile out of Broadway giving Angela the half-eaten box of chocolates. Another bit that I enjoyed was Hudson's delight at being reunited with Bronx (I like the rapport that the two of them have).

Your remark that Avalon hadn't really released Goliath and Co. from their quest, but sent them back to Manhattan to thwart Oberon's attempt to kidnap Alex (apparently Avalon isn't always in harmony with its lord's intentions) reminds me of one thought that I had the first time that I saw this episode; I was wondering briefly if the fact that Avalon had sent Goliath back to Manhattan for a purpose rather than just to release him meant that they'd have to get back on that skiff for more adventures afterwards. Fortunately, they didn't have to (I didn't mind the World Tour as much as many viewers did, but I understood that it would have to come to an end sometime.)

It was when Owen nervously cleared out of the Eyrie Building after giving his security system specs to Xanatos, explaining that he couldn't risk being involved in the fight with Oberon, that I began suspecting for the first time that he might be Puck in disguise (given that Oberon's initial purpose in coming to New York had been to haul Puck back to Avalon). Oddly enough, I'd missed all the other clues earlier in the series (Demona's "You serve the human" line in "The Mirror" and her "You're the tricky one" line in "City of Stone", the striking physical resemblance of Owen and Vogel, and Owen's immediately recognizing the significance of Anastasia having remarried her first husband). Now, however, I began to wonder if Owen and Puck were really the same person, though I had to wait until Part Two to have it confirmed.

The activating of the security system struck me as an especially great scene, one of my favorite moments in "The Gathering". Another, of course, was Goliath and Elisa's parting at her apartment.

As I said, great to have another episode ramble - I'm looking forward to Part Two.

Greg responds...

Re: choosing Odin. Economics was indeed a factor. But I don't recall it being a creative disappointment or anything.

Response recorded on January 05, 2007

Bookmark Link

Technogeek writes...

Glad to have you back answering questions, Greg. Even more glad to have the DVDs available. And the comics that continue the story.

Which brings me to my question, actually. How different is the creative process between writing the stories as a television show, and writing them as a comic book? The differences between the mediums are obvious, granted, but how much do those differences impact what you're trying to do with the characters?

Greg responds...

I definitely feel I have a bit more freedom in the comics. (Though frankly I didn't feel all that restricted back in the day. I think I just feel more freedom than I've had on other more recent series.) Otherwise, nothing much has changed. As you noted, different mediums, and I'm going to try to experiment some more in my storytelling techniques. (Issue #7, which I'm scripting now, is non-linear for example.) But from a character standpoint... they are who they are. Not a heck of a lot of differences in my approach.

Response recorded on January 04, 2007

Bookmark Link

Raye writes...

Hello again,

I was rewatching 'Lighthouses in the Sea of Time' and noticed that down in the dig-site the archaeologists (Lydia and Arthur, right?) passed a harp that seemed to play music and shine at their passing. Later I noticed that on the seal of the Scrolls of Merlin there was a symbol that seemed to be in the shape of this harp. So...

1. Was the harp pictured on the seal, or was it just a fluke?

2. What *was* this harp?

3. Who put the harp down there in the cavern?

4. Did this harp belong to Merlin?

Thanks you for any reply. I'm really enjoying rewatching all these episodes on DVD (episodes aired in New Zealand with several scenes cut to fit them into a smaller time period, so it's been great seeing all the extra snippets!)

Greg responds...

1. Been a while since I've seen the episode myself, but if you're describing it correctly, it was clearly not a fluke.

2. More of a lyre actually, as I recall.

3. Merlin.

4. Yes.

Response recorded on January 04, 2007

Bookmark Link

erin writes...

WILL THERE BE A SHOW COMING IN THE SUMMER?

Greg responds...

Probably. Some show. Somewhere. Did you have something specific in mind?

Response recorded on January 04, 2007

Bookmark Link

Tina Y. writes...

Greg,

I'd been eagerly awaiting Season 2, Vol. 1. Last month I finally got it and have been throughly enjoying it. So many of my favorite episodes were on here and to finally get a chance to view them again, cut and without the commericals has just been like a dream to me. I loved the commentary for City of Stone. It's always a treat to hear your thoughts and comments on these episodes. I laughed so much. I can't wait for the next volume.

I also wanted to thank you for another reason. A few months ago my dad was doing some family history and I noticed one of the names he had in the history. Malcolm Canmore. Needless to say I was greatly surprised. I knew that name, but only from Gargoyles. For a while I did a little research on him and now feel a little closer to my roots. I'm extremely grateful to you and your staff for bringing a bit of history into your show. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have looked into my history at all. And never would have known more about the interesting people who have been in my family.

I'm also eagerly waiting for your comic series to be released.

There's nothing I really needed to know, but I just wanted a chance to thank you for all you do and the amazing effort you've poured into releasing this series. It meant a lot to me when I was younger and it still draws me in even now. Thank you so much!

Greg responds...

Your thanks are much appreciated. So you're a Canmore, huh? No masks with three slashes on it in your sock drawer, are there?

Response recorded on January 04, 2007

Bookmark Link

Flip Books...

Our good friend Dennis Woodyard, one of the producer-directors on the second season of GARGOYLES, has a website I'd like to plug...

http://dragonflyent.blogspot.com/

Check out his cool flip books!


Bookmark Link

Noah writes...

Re: The Season 2, Volume 1 DVD set.

One word: AWESOME! As a long-time Gargoyles fan who never got to see quite a few of the episodes (sigh...stupid Canadian TV) this set was a real treat. I received it as a Christmas gift and finished watching every episode within 3 days.

One of the best things about the DVDs (aside from the episodes themselves) was the episode introductions. This is something I've never seen before, and they were great! It's really interesting to hear, even briefly, about the thought that went into each and every episode. I enjoyed and appreciated them a lot more. Oh, and thanks for the spoiler warnings - I'd forgotten about a few plot twists and it was nice to have them as a surprise again!

For the next DVD release, I would heartily encourage you to do the intros again - make them a bit longer, if possible! The special feature with the cast and crew was also really neat.

Also, from a technical standpoint, I thought the DVDs were very well done - good menus and excellent picture and sound quality.

All in all, a fantastic release! I'm loaning out my Gargoyles DVDs to my friends to get them hooked as well. I'm looking forward to the next set! Thanks Greg for all your effort on the DVDs and here on the website too (which makes an excellent companion for the DVDs - I read your rambles and the memo(s) after each episode). Cheers,

Noah

Greg responds...

You're very welcome!

Response recorded on January 03, 2007

Bookmark Link

Raye writes...

Hi, my question concerns Demona and Gruoch, two of my favourite characters (One of my favourite moments in "Gargoyles" is when Demona goes completely against her prejudices and saves Macbeth and Gruoch when they're slipping from the parapet, and Gruoch's nervous little "thank you" to her afterwards). But anyway:

1. During the "Golden Age" of Macbeth's rule, how well did Gruoch and Demona get on? Or to make the question a bit more generalised, what was their relationship?

Obviously they wouldn't have been best friends, but I also can assume that as such close companions to Macbeth they would have spent a reasonable amount of time in each other's company.

2a. Would they have considered each other as a "friend"?

2b. Or was there a little bit of resentment/jealously/competition going on in terms of their separate relationships with Macbeth?

2c. Or did they just stay out of each other's way?

Thank you very much in advance for any reply you give me, I think the time and effort you put into communicating with fans is amazing! My fingers are crossed that the second half of season two will make it to DVD.

Greg responds...

1. I'd like to explore this someday. But generally, I think they got along on the surface, but that each had a healthy suspicion of the other.

2a. Try "ally".

2b. I'm not sure I'd characterize it that way. Demona distrusts humans. Gruoch distrusted Demona.

2c. Largely.

Response recorded on January 03, 2007

Bookmark Link

Dr.No writes...

Hi Greg, I just bought the season 1 DVD because I had found a new interest in the show after reading some stuff on the internet. I was a fan of the show when I was younger and like some other animated series now on DVD that I have, I appreciate the show more now then I did back in 94. Ramblings aside, My question is if by some miracle you got the chance to do a continuation to the series, would you approve if someone changed the designs of the characters to be more streamlined so the animators overseas could stay on model more consistantly. I hope to hear back and I'll get season 2 soon(Y).

Greg responds...

Not if I could help it. I think our designs were fairly streamlined. Frank Paur saw to that. We did get off model sometimes, but no more than any show. Generally, I think we rocked. If it ain't broke, etc.

Response recorded on January 03, 2007

Bookmark Link

DrNick writes...

Batman

1) Why weren't you allowed to use the Scarecrow in the new animated Batman series?
2) In regards to the Batman cartoon were the plethora of mechanical gadgets such as the jet pack, batman exosuit and the anti-freeze suit for the specific purpose of marketing batman toys towards younger viewers?
3) What did you think of the Batman Begins movie by Goyer and Nolan? Did you think it succeeded in translating and telling the origin story onto the screen?

Greg responds...

1. I gather because of the character's participation in Batman Begins.

2. Largely. We tried to make it work.

3. I've answered this before. I think the movie raised the bar on Batman movies and then didn't quite make it over that bar. The end falls apart for me. (I have other additional minor issues, but they're more nitpicky.) Though it's the best Batman movie ever made, I don't necessarily think that's saying much.

Response recorded on January 03, 2007


: « First : Displaying #11 - #110 of 113 records. : 100 » : Last » :