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COMEBACKS 2007-01 (Jan)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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


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