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Constance a.k.a. Coco
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ND writes...
First of all, I apologize for the mistakes: English is not my mother language.
Then I'd like to tell you that I really like the animated Young Justice for many reasons. I love the variety of genders and ethnicities and the lack of stereotypes. There was a Japanese girl who didn't do Kung Fu or computers, blondes who weren't stupid or shallow, Black characters who didn't die in the first episode, and so on.
Now, there's something I don't like about Young Justice (and many animated shows, by the way): there's a variety of body types among boys yet all girls have the same impossibly tiny waist. It's very guilt-inducing for the girls who watch the show and don't have a "perfect body", that is 99.99% of them.
I know some male characters like Kaldur or Conner have incredibly huge muscles but all male characters were not like that: Billy Batson was skinny throughout the two seasons and the fans LOVED him the way he was. Moreover, Dick's evolution may have been explained by his training while there was not such explanation for the girls: in real life, most high-level female athletes have "ruler" body shapes, not impossible hourglasses. Also, some male characters like La'gaan or Garfield (I apologize for mentioning Garfield) look like "monsters" while all female characters look human (I don't count Miss Martian because she looks human most of the time). Why?
I know you probably didn't mean it but this is quite disturbing. I don't mind hourglass women but every woman cannot have an impossible hourglass figure. Personally, I exercise regularly, I eat healthy food, I'm thinner than average and I don't have an impossible hourglass figure because 1) I have intestines and 2) I inherited my granny's "pear" body shape. I've been heavier on bottom since puberty and I'm ok with it but some teenagers are not THAT ok because they hear all the time that every woman should look like Zatanna!
I apologize if I sound rude. I'd just like to tell you that a female character doesn't need a "perfect" body to be endearing, interesting or a good role model. Just after the episode "Secrets", I read from some fans on forums and some said "Hey, I like Greta, I hope we'll see more of her later". None of them said "I hope we won't see her again unless she grows some huge boobs, flat-chested girls are repulsive". In real life, people shouldn't grant less value to women who are skinny or plus-size so why should they in fiction?
I hope you don't take this badly. This is not an attack against you, I'm just wondering about teenagers' body images. Have a nice day. :)
Greg responds...
I think you raise some very valid points. And I think its an area that comics and cartoons have traditionally been less than great at, though that's no excuse for continuing those traditions blindly.
We did have Devastation and Tuppence Terror (in Season 2) and Shimmer, none of whom have the hour-glass figure - but all of whom are villains.
We were also guilty of that in Gargoyles, and it was something I tried to address (years later) in the comics with the addition of Constance/Coco - a badass, kickass gargoyle of larger proportions. I think she was quite popular with the fans. So it's something I'm working on. But there's often resistance. And, to be honest, some of that resistance is purely internal and unconscious on my part. So it's something I'm working on within myself, as well.
But please don't stop reminding me.
Gargirl Maralie writes...
Would Coco eat bacon?She looks like a pigs,but she isn't really related to them,right?
Greg responds...
1. I haven't thought about it.
2. No, of course not.
Derek writes...
What voice actor would you have cast for Constance? Is her voice supposed to gruff like a Kathy Burke or elegant like a Joanna Lumley.
Greg responds...
I don't know Kathy Burke. And I wouldn't choose Joanna Lumley.
I'm not sure I'd use the word "gruff". But I'd want her to have the chops to fit her visual.
I vaguely had Zoe Wanamaker in mind.
Purplegoldfish writes...
Hi Greg,
erm, I don't know if you noticed, but I created a bit of a stir in the comment room recently about the design of Constance, and I would appreciate if I could have some of your input in the matter. It might put this annoying demon in my mind to rest.
I'm just wondering, if at any time in the design process for Coco you made the connection between her being a heavy set female that resembles an animal that is unfortunately used as a negative metaphor for large women.
I actually like Coco's design, and her personality especially. What I don't like is that she's the only full figured female we've seen and she just happens to resemble a pig.
I admit I'm a bit jaded and cynical when it comes to this stuff. Chalk that up to having to endure a lot of verbal abuse growing up. I'm just really curious if you personally made that connection while designing the character. I'm really interested to see what you have to say about it.
Greg responds...
One of the main reasons that the original Coco became Broadway (i.e. why we took a female heavy-set gargoyle and made her male) was because we were afraid of the politically correct blow-back that we thought would come by depicting her that way. It's a double standard, but it's true. You can do a heavy set guy who likes to eat. But you can't do it with a gal without risking repercussions.. Ultimately though, that's cowardice. And not that I think the series is poorer for it, because I love Broadway, but ANY series is poorer for that kind of cowardice. When you fold to that, you wind up with the same types (not bad types, but the same ones) over and over.
Having gotten over that specific brand of cowardice (though I'm sure I'm still subject to other examples of the same kind of thing), I decided to create this new Constance/Coco. Being part of the London Clan meant she should be based on a heraldic animal. And the boar was one I hadn't used yet. So let's hit it HEAD ON. She's a heavy-set female gargoyle -- and she even has a pig-snout.
So go for it. Tell me she's nothing but a bad and inappropriate joke. I dare you. (I don't mean "you", Purplegoldfish, but a more generic "you" that's out there.) If I do my job well, then there's no concern. She's strong and multi-faceted, and her size is just an aspect of who she is, not the whole story. If all anyone can see is the girth and the snout then either I've failed... or that "anyone" has failed to look beyond the surface, which is one of the MAJOR themes of the entire series.
Generally, the response to Coco has been fairly positive, so I'm feeling pretty good about the job I did. Even you seem to like her, and your reservations are based on surface qualities and old prejudices and memories that I was openly defying on purpose. I can live with that. (Since ultimately I have no choice.)
Plus, I just really like Coco's design. I think David Hedgecock did a GREAT job on her. Instantly, I forgot about any agenda and just thought she was a great looking character. Which is how it should be.
G2008 Radio Play
G2008 Radio Play (Chapter IX)
Stone STANDS.
237. NARRATOR
12:18AM. LANTERN OF THE ABBEY. Arthur opens the transport container to look upon the Stone of Destiny. Chapter Nine: Rock of Ages. 1:06AM GMT. Arthur listens to the glowing Stone.
238. STONE
…Pointless, Arthur Pendragon, to waste time protecting any particular stone…
Stone sits.
239. NARRATOR
1:31AM. VICTORIA TOWER. Arthur, Macbeth, Hudson, Lex, Amp, Griff, Coco, Coldstone and Coldfire confer.
240. ARTHUR
Perhaps… perhaps this is all unnecessary. I don’t think we need to guard the stone.
Macbeth, Arthur, Hudson, Lexington, Amp, Coco, Griff, Coldstone & Coldfire sit. Coldsteel & Coyote STAND.
241. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 6:16AM. LEITH. Coyote and Coldsteel stand side-by-side inside a warehouse.
242. COYOTE
No, I am not programmed for free will…
243. COLDSTEEL
Pity. You have potential…
COLDSTREAM GUARD, Macbeth, Xanatos, Coldstone & Coldfire STAND.
244. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 10:02AM. A Coldstream Guard holds up a hand to stop a transport convoy from driving onto Coldstream Bridge.
245. COLDSTREAM GUARD
Get the bomb unit! Now!!
246. MACBETH
Macbeth to Coldstone: convoy’s stopped, and Xanatos is here.
247. XANATOS
Well, it’s a momentous occasion… and such a lovely day…
248. MACBETH
Safe to say he’s up to something.
249. COLDSTONE
Yes, safe to say.
250. NARRATOR
Coldstone and Coldfire intercept Coldsteel and Coyote heading for the Bridge.
251. COLDFIRE
Hold, brother!
252. COLDSTEEL
Hold, sister!
253. NARRATOR
Coldsteel’s tentacles grab Coldfire, forcing her arms up so that she nearly FRIES Coldstone.
254. COLDSTEEL
As you see, I’ve had time to mend my ways. Well, my appendages…
255. COLDSTONE
Release her! <pain cry>
256. NARRATOR
Coldstone’s back is raked by Coyote’s buzzsaw-arm.
257. COLDSTEEL
Now that we’re machines, don’t you love these exhilarating daytime battles…? No nasty organic gargoyles to even the odds…
258. NARRATOR
Coldfire HEAD BUTTS Coldsteel violently. His tentacles release her.
259. COLDFIRE
Consider the odds evened.
260. COLDSTEEL
A t-t-temporary s-s-setback…
261. COLDFIRE
Then let’s make it permanent.
262. COYOTE
Out of David’s respect for Goliath, I am programmed to inflict only as much damage as necessary to reach our objective. But I define the parameters of “necessaryâ€.
263. COLDSTONE
Define this.
264. NARRATOR
Coldstone’s fist SHATTERS the half-Xanatos/half-robot skull image on Coyote’s screen. Coldstone shoves his forearm cannon down Coyote’s “throat†and fires. Coyote EXPLODES! The dented Coldsteel watches the wreckage of Coyote fall toward the RIVER TWEED below.
265. COLDSTEEL
P-p-pity. He had p-p-potential…
266. NARRATOR
Coldsteel POWER-DIVES down into the river. Coldstone follows but can find no sign of Coldsteel.
Coyote & Coldsteel sit.
267. NARRATOR
10:12AM GMT. COLDSTREAM BRIDGE. Xanatos stands between Macbeth and Arthur. A Marching Band plays. Xanatos presses a small one-button remote. Inside the Land Rover, the Stone’s metal transport container is strapped to the floor of the cargo space â€" which FLIPS over, so that the real container is replaced by a DUPLICATE (with a duplicate stone inside).
268. COLDSTREAM GUARD
Hold it down! The Bomb Squad’s at work!
269. NARRATOR
10:38AM GMT. The Guard signals the convoy forward.
270. COLDSTREAM GUARD
Right, we’re clear. Not a bomb. Just an empty shoebox.
271. COLDSTONE
Coldstone to Macbeth. We’ve lost Coldsteel.
272. MACBETH
Just stay on the alert…
273. COLDSTREAM GUARD
Let’s go! We’re behind schedule!
274. MACBETH
The Stone’s on the move again.
Coldstream Guard, Macbeth, Xanatos, Coldfire & Coldstone sit. Thailog & Shari STAND.
275. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 5:43AM EST. NIGHTSTONE UNLIMITED.
276. THAILOG
Check.
277. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" that on a clear Christmas night, a band of Scottish patriots broke into Westminster Abbey to steal the Stone and in the process broke it in two!
Thailog & Shari sit. Arthur & Macbeth STAND.
278. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 12:00PM GMT. EDINBURGH CASTLE.
279. ARTHUR
Well?
280. MACBETH
The Stone’s back where it belongs! Well, it belongs in Scone, but at least it’s back in Scotland.
Macbeth & Arthur sit. Stone & Xanatos STAND.
281. NARRATOR
A land rover from the convoy drives past Macbeth and Arthur. 12:36PM. LEITH. The Land Rover pulls into a non-descript warehouse and stops in front of a smiling Xanatos. 1:06PM. Xanatos listens to the glowing Stone.
282. STONE
…Pointless, David Xanatos, to substitute yet another stone to fool the Illuminati…
Stone sits. Coldsteel STANDS.
283. NARRATOR
2:23PM. Coldsteel dumps pieces of Coyote shrapnel on the floor.
284. COLDSTEEL
There’s what’s left of your boy… and here’s your rock.
285. NARRATOR
Coldsteel tosses the Coyote Diamond to Xanatos.
286. XANATOS
Oh, I’m just its minder.
287. COLDSTEEL
I believe that completes our bargain…
288. XANATOS
Indeed. Consider your tracking device deactivated.
289. COLDSTEEL
Pleasure doing business with you.
Coldsteel sits. FLEUR STANDS.
290. NARRATOR
3:59PM.
291. XANATOS
Thirty-six.
292. FLEUR
Three. <pause> Any problems?
293. XANATOS
Only finding a duplicate on such short notice.
294. NARRATOR
4:04PM. Behind the wheel of the Land Rover, Fleur drives through Leith. Fog rises, until the street is barely visible. The fog forms into Castle Carbonek. The Land Rover drives across the drawbridge into a large cobblestone courtyard.
DUVAL STANDS.
295. DUVAL
Finally. Two.
296. FLEUR
Bugger off.
297. DUVAL
I still outrank you, milady. I won’t tolerateâ€"
PEREDUR STANDS.
298. PEREDUR
Couldn’t you both try to get along? Since you are, after all, the two people I love most in this world?
299. FLEUR
I brought the Stone.
Fleur, Duval & Peredur sit. Macbeth, Griff, Amp, LUNETTE, Coldstone & Hudson STAND.
300. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 8:13PM. KNIGHT’S SPUR.
301. MACBETH
I know it doesn’t matter, but I’m glad the Stone’s back in Scotland.
302. GRIFF
You lot should stay a while. Get to know the clan…
303. AMP
Yeah, mates, stay!
304. LUNETTE
Please!
305. COLDSTONE
But Coldsteel is still out there…
306. HUDSON
Aye, lad, but it’s a mighty big world, and even the banished and the badduns eventually return to the clan.
Macbeth, Griff, Amp, Lunette, Coldstone & Hudson sit. Stone, Peredur & GRAIL STAND.
307. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 16, 1:06AM. CASTLE CARBONEK. A frowning Peredur listens to the glowing stone.
308. STONE
…Pointless, Peredur fab Ragnal, to have gone to such extremes merely to possess… a rock.
309. NARRATOR
On APRIL 11, 1951, 1:07AM at ARBROATH ABBEY, on NOVEMBER 15, 1:07PM in a warehouse in LEITH, on NOVEMBER 15, 1:07AM in the LANTERN OF THE ABBEY, and on NOVEMBER 16, 1:07AM inside CASTLE CARBONEK, Macbeth, Xanatos, Arthur and Peredur listen to the glowing Stone of Destiny.
310. STONE
Do you think the Spirit of Destiny can be contained in one vessel? I am the Fatal Stone. The Lia Fáil. The Stone of Bethel and Jerusalem, of Egypt, Samothrace and Portugal… The Stone at Tara and of Mora, at Iona and of Scone, in London and in Edinburgh… I am the Blarney Stone, the Coronation Stone, the Hero Stone… I am the Pillar Stone, the Stone of the Sword, the Stone of the Waters, Clach-na-Cinneamhain… The Tanist Stone, the Philosopher’s Stone, the Standing Stone, the Cornerstone… The Foundation Stone, the Megalith Dance, the Burden of Sisyphus… I am the Rock of Gibraltar, the Pillar of Hercules, Uluru, Clach Sgà in… Jacob’s Pillow, the Rosetta Stone, the Rune Stone, Sire of the Wyrd… I AM THE MANTLE OF FATE… I AM THE STONE OF DESTINY… I AM THE ROCK OF AGES! Do not dream of possessing me, mortal.
311. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 16, 1:07AM. CASTLE CARBONEK. Behind Peredur, Fleur listens from the doorway.
312. STONE
Besides, Peredur, don’t you have more important matters of concern… now that your Master has awakened?
313. PEREDUR
What?! King Arthur cannot be awake?!
314. STONE
Awake and returned. I have twice conversed with him.
315. PEREDUR
But we did not expect him for another two hundred years! Everything we planned--
316. STONE
Plans change.
317. PEREDUR
I must contact the Upper Echelons immediately!
318. NARRATOR
Peredur exits. Fleur is no longer in the doorway. The Stone is left alone with the Holy Grail.
319. STONE
Hey.
320. GRAIL
Hey.
Peredur, Stone & Grail sit. Thailog & Shari STAND.
321. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 16, 5:44AM EST. NIGHTSTONE UNLIMITED.
322. THAILOG
Checkmate.
323. SHARI
Very good. Should I continue?
324. THAILOG
Please.
325. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" that the Stone was repaired and recovered. Some say a replica was reinstalled at Westminster; others disagree. Either way, the Stone remained undisturbed until yesterday, when it was transported to Edinburgh without incident…
326. THAILOG
And that’s all you know of the Stone of Destiny?
327. SHARI
Well, one last story is told--
328. NARRATOR
As the sun sets, Owen Burnett and Macbeth wait for Goliath to wake…
329. SHARI
--Though who can say if it be true?
Thailog & Shari sit.
THE END
G2008 Radio Play
G2008 Radio Play (Chapter VIII)
1. NARRATOR
Meanwhile, on Victoria Tower…
Lexington, Amp, Coco & Griff STAND.
2. LEXINGTON
So how big is your clan?
3. AMP
One hundred ninety-six gargoyles, ranging in age from Old Pog to little Lunette and her rookery sibs.
4. LEXINGTON
And are there eggs?
5. AMP
Twenty-five.
6. LEXINGTON
So few…
7. COCO
We don’t dare outgrow Knight’s Spur, so to keep our numbers manageable, mated couples are allowed only two eggs across their lifespans instead of three.
8. LEXINGTON
How exactly--
9. COCO
Enforced isolation during the female’s final heat.
10. LEXINGTON
Yikes.
11. COCO
Tell me about it.
12. LEXINGTON
And are you two mates?
13. AMP
Us?!! God, no!!
14. COCO
<laughs>
15. AMP
Don’t get me wrong. Coco’s my best mate.
16. COCO
But “mates� Please.
17. LEXINGTON
Okay, new topic… I didn’t see any beasts…
18. GRIFF
Because we have none.
Hudson, Macbeth & Arthur STAND.
19. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 12:00AM. Victoria Tower. Hudson joins the others.
20. HUDSON
Any signs of life?
21. LEXINGTON
Nah. Quiet, bordering on dull.
Coldsteel & Coyote STAND.
22. COLDSTEEL
I believe we can rectify that and still display no signs of life.
23. NARRATOR
Coldsteel, Coyote, a Steel Clan Robot and an Iron Clan Robot attack.
24. HUDSON
Take to the sky, lads and lassie! Coldsteel is mine!!
25. COLDSTEEL
Well, well, look who’s biting off more than old gums can chew?
26. HUDSON
Brave words for a metal ghost!
27. COLDSTEEL
Bring it on, you old horned goat!
28. NARRATOR
Chapter Eight: Rock & Roll. Coyote blasts at Amp, who’s knocked to safety by Lex.
29. LEXINGTON
Amp! Look out!
30. NARRATOR
Griff and Coco battle the Iron Clan and Steel Clan robots. Macbeth and Arthur watch from below.
31. GRIFF
Why do these two look like Goliath?
32. LEXINGTON
Long story.
33. MACBETH
That’s a Xanatos ‘bot!
34. ARTHUR
If you say so.
Arthur sits.
35. MACBETH
He must be after the Stone! Wants it for his collection, I imagine. But I don’t see him up there. The automatons may be a mere diversion. Best stay on the alert… Pendragon…?
36. NARRATOR
But Pendragon is gone. Coyote blasts at Lex & Amp.
37. COYOTE
I am programmed to terminate only if necessary. Abandon this airspace, and you will not be harmed.
38. LEXINGTON
Dream on, you electric sheep! We’re not going anywhere ‘til we know exactly what Xanatos and Fox are up to!
39. COYOTE
Pity…
40. LEXINGTON
<pain cry>
41. NARRATOR
Coyote shocks Lex unconscious, but Amp catches him. Coco, meanwhile, sees Griff blast the arms off the Iron Clan Robot with a lightning gun.
42. COCO
Delimbification!! I like it!
43. GRIFF
Right-o! We’ll get Macbeth to issue these beauties to the entire clan!
44. COCO
Like I need the gun.
45. NARRATOR
Coco cloaks her wings and tucks her knees to become a big gargoylean cannonball. The Steel Clan robot gains; she slams feet first into its chest, digs her talons in and RIPS its arms out.
46. COCO
<roar>
47. COLDSTEEL
Your hatchlings seem to think they invented the joys of dismemberment â€" but I wonder how they’d take to the real thing?
48. NARRATOR
One of Coldsteel’s tentacles yanks the sword from Hudson’s grasp. The other tentacles wrap around his arm to rip it from its socket.
49. HUDSON
<pain roar>
50. NARRATOR
Suddenly, fire from above melts the tentacles.
COLDSTONE & Coldfire STAND.
51. COLDSTONE
You never did learn to respect your elders. Did you, brother?
52. AMP
Anyone order up the kitchen sink?
53. COLDSTEEL
Isn’t this turning into quite the reunion?
Arthur STANDS.
54. NARRATOR
12:12AM. WESTMINSTER ABBEY. Arthur takes out two guards.
55. ARTHUR
Apologies.
56. NARRATOR
Standing in front of the container holding the Stone, Arthur carefully places his crown on his head. Meanwhile…
57. LEXINGTON
<recovery moan> Amp… What’d I miss? Never mind. I get the gist. Follow my lead!
58. NARRATOR
Lex and Amp use their heat signatures to lure the Iron and Steel Clan Robots away…
59. COCO
Mate, you nicked my shiny…
60. AMP
Sorry, Coco…
61. NARRATOR
…and into the path of Coyote’s laser blasts. The Iron and Steel Clan robots explode. This distracts Coldsteel, allowing Hudson to recover his sword by ripping Coldsteel’s last remaining tentacle from its socket.
62. COLDSTEEL
<pain cry>
63. COLDFIRE
Feeling a bit outnumbered, brother?
64. HUDSON
Outnumbered and overmatched!
65. COLDSTEEL
Yes, I wasn’t expecting all the company…
66. NARRATOR
Coldsteel drives Hudson back by generating an electric field…
67. COLDSTEEL
Though I’m far from shocked by the development. Coyote, cover our departure. Tomorrow is another day.
68. NARRATOR
Joining Coyote, Coldsteel rockets between a surprised Coldstone and Coldfire, who are forced apart by his e-field. The gargoyles pursue, but Coyote generates a bright light that whites out the night sky.
Coldsteel & Coyote SIT.
Tomorrow, Chapter IX...
G2008 Radio Play
G2008 Radio Play (Chapter VII)
XANATOS, COLDSTEEL & COYOTE STAND.
13. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 2, 6:46AM EST. Scarab Corp. Coldsteel looks on, as David Xanatos installs a diamond inside Coyote 5.0.
14. COLDSTEEL
And what would that be?
15. XANATOS
It’s called the Coyote Diamond…
16. NARRATOR
Chapter Seven: The Rock.
17. XANATOS
The stone’s flawless surfaces and clarity increase the speed of--
18. COLDSTEEL
I’m sorry I asked.
19. XANATOS
My apologies. I’m sure you’re much more interested in your own situation.
20. COLDSTEEL
I was under the impression I had free will.
21. XANATOS
And you do. I promise summoning you was a one-time event. On the other hand, your unit does include a built-in tracking device… which I’m happy to deactivate…
22. COLDSTEEL
Permanently?
23. XANATOS
Permanently. All I ask in return is help on one small errand. Are we agreed?
24. COLDSTEEL
We are agreed.
25. COYOTE
Excellent.
XANATOS, COLDSTEEL & COYOTE sit. TALON, SATO, MAGGIE & ELISA STAND.
26. NARRATOR
3:52PM EST. The Labyrinth. Talon cradles Maggie the Cat, as Dr. Jay Sato examines her. Elisa Maza looks on.
27. TALON
How is she, Doc?
28. SATO
Well, her pulse is fine, and her injuries seem to be healing nicely…
29. MAGGIE
See, Derek, I said you were worried over nothing.
30. SATO
But I’m a surgeon. Treating someone in Maggie’s… “condition†is really not my area.
31. ELISA
Not anyone’s, Dr. Sato. Anyone we dare trust anyway.
32. SATO
It’s as if you’ve revealed a new world to me…
33. ELISA
Yep, you’re a medical pioneer.
34. SATO
Pioneer or not, she needs an O.B.
TALON, SATO, MAGGIE & ELISA sit. Macbeth, BROOKLYN, GOLIATH, BROADWAY, OWEN & Xanatos STAND.
35. NARRATOR
4:50PM EST. Eyrie Building. As the sun sets, Owen Burnett and Macbeth wait for Goliath to wake. NOVEMBER 2, 5:12PM EST. Inside the Great Hall, Macbeth addresses Goliath, Brooklyn, Hudson, Angela, Broadway, Bronx and Lexington.
36. MACBETH
It’s called the Stone of Destiny. For centuries the kings of Scotland were crowned upon it at Scone…
37. BROOKLYN
Magic talking stone. We’ve heard of it.
38. MACBETH
Yes, well, the English stole it. Now, after eight hundred years, it’s finally being returned. I’m asking for your help to ensure it gets to Scotland safely.
39. GOLIATH
Don’t you have… minions… for this?
40. MACBETH
We’ve parted ways. Please, Goliath. Many â€" including your landlord â€" would stop at nothing to get the Stone.
41. GOLIATH
I have been wounded twice in one week. I am healed â€" but not whole. But my second, Brooklyn, can lead Broadway, Lexington and Angela to join your quest.
42. BROADWAY
Yeah, we’re goin’ to Scotland!!
43. MACBETH
Well, England to start with--
44. BROOKLYN
I don’t know, Goliath, if you’re recovering, maybe this is the wrong time to send me overseas.
45. GOLIATH
Ah… Yes. You are needed here. Hudson may lead this expedition.
46. NARRATOR
Owen, watching the exchange by closed circuit, talks on the phone to Xanatos, who’s about to board a private plane.
47. OWEN
Yes, Macbeth, Hudson, Broadway, Angela and Lexington… Shall I attempt to stop them?
48. XANATOS
That won’t be necessary. I believe I’ve planned for this contingency.
49. NARRATOR
Back in the Great Hall, Angela whispers in Broadway’s ear.
50. BROADWAY
Uh… yeah… Manhattan’s dangerous right now. Me and Angela’ll stay too. To help Brooklyn.
51. BROOKLYN
That’s great. Thanks.
Macbeth, Brooklyn, Goliath, Broadway, Owen & Xanatos sit. SHARI STANDS.
52. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 3, 5:29AM EST. Nightstone Unlimited. Shari and Thailog are in Dominique Destine’s office.
53. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of two brothers who both loved the same female. And though all strife comes to an end one way or another, some conflicts refuse to stay dead. Xanatos and Demona used science and sorcery to create a monster from fragments of all three gargoyles, their bodies and souls. But in the end, the souls were segregated into Coldstone, Coldfire and Coldsteel. It’s really a timeless love story.
SHARI sits. Macbeth, CUSTOMS OFFICIAL, LEXINGTON & HUDSON STAND.
54. NARRATOR
3:00PM GMT. London. A private jet lands. Customs Officials greet Macbeth, as workers wheel two large crates from the plane’s hold.
55. CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
Lennox Macduff?
56. MACBETH
Yes.
57. CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
Welcome to England, sir. Anything to declare?
58. MACBETH
Works of art for my home in Berkeley Square.
59. CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
Have to have a look in, sir.
60. MACBETH
Of course.
61. NARRATOR
The crates are opened, revealing Lexington and Hudson, frozen in stone. 4:30PM GMT. Macbeth waits on the roof of his Berkeley Square Townhouse for Hudson and Lexington to wake. The sun sets. 5:07PM. It’s past sunset. Hudson and Lex are STILL frozen in stone. 6:15PM. Night. No change. 7:01PM. Macbeth grows concerned. 7:45PM. Hudson and Lex finally wake.
62. LEXINGTON, HUDSON
<awakening roars>
63. LEXINGTON
Whoa, I don’t feel so hot… and look how dark it is? How long have we been asleep?
64. MACBETH
Welcome, lad, to the wonderful world of jetlag. Don’t worry. You’ve got ten days to adjust before they move the Stone.
Macbeth, CUSTOMS OFFICIAL, LEXINGTON & HUDSON sit. Shari, INTERCOM & VINNIE STAND.
65. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 4, 5:30AM EST. Nightstone. Thailog soaks in a jacuzzi. Shari sits nearby.
66. SHARI
The story is told -- though who can say if it be true-- of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham… who fled the wrath of his brother Esau to a place he would call Bethel, where he laid his head upon a stone and had a wondrous vision!
67. NARRATOR
5:35AM EST. J.F.K.
68. INTERCOM
Flight 994, now boarding all rows…
69. VINNIE
Can you believe it? I’m goin’ to Japan!
Shari, Intercom & Vinnie sit. Goliath & Elisa STAND.
70. NARRATOR
9:48PM EST. Goliath’s Tower.
71. GOLIATH
About Halloween… I will not hold you to words spoken when you believed my life hung in the balance.
72. ELISA
Even if I want to be held?
73. GOLIATH
I know you care for me. That is not at issue. But what of the things I cannot give you… picnics… normalcy…?
74. ELISA
We can have a picnic anytime… and normalcy’s so over-rated.
75. NARRATOR
She runs her fingers through his hair. He takes her into his arms and kisses her.
Goliath & Elisa sit. Shari STANDS.
76. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 5, 5:31AM EST. Nightstone. Thailog and Shari look out over the city.
77. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" that Gathelus, a son of the king of Athens, won many victories for the Pharaoh of Egypt, who rewarded the prince with the hand of his beloved: Pharaoh’s own daughter, Scota. But Gathelus had also befriended Moses, the Hebrew, who warned his young friends of the plagues to befall the Kingdom of the Nile. Gathelus and Scota determined to leave Egypt, and Moses entrusted them with Jacob’s Pillow, the Hebrews’ sacred stone…
78. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 6, 5:32AM EST. ST. DAMIEN’S CATHEDRAL. Thailog, Shari and Brentwood search for something.
79. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" that Gathelus fled Egypt with his wife and the Stone of the Hebrews. He sought landfall on the rocky shores of Samothrace, for Scota was heavy with child and could go no farther. Still destiny blessed them with fine twin sons…
80. NARRATOR
6:00AM EST. Thailog flies Shari across the city. Brentwood follows.
81. SHARI
Gathelus and his family would wander the globe for two years before finding a home on the Iberian Peninsula in a place they named the Port of Gathelus, or Portugal. By this time the family had grown: the Athenian prince and Egyptian princess now had four healthy boys in their care not to mention one large Stone.
82. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 7, 5:33AM EST. Thailog and Shari begin a game of chess.
83. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" that after the death of her beloved Gathelus, Scota departed Portugal with her eight sons… only to lose five of the boys at sea… while Scota herself and another son died warrior’s deaths upon landing in Ireland. But her eldest boy, Eremon, and her youngest, Eber Finn, survived, and Eremon was crowned king upon the Stone at Tara.
Shari sits. Xanatos & FOX stand.
84. NARRATOR
2:18PM GMT. Mayfair. Xanatos takes Alexander from Fox.
85. XANATOS
Darling, if you like the shoes, buy them…
86. FOX
The black manolos in the window… do you have them in a size nine? Lovely. Wrap them up, please.
87. NARRATOR
2:45PM GMT. Fox exits the store.
88. FOX
Mission accomplished.
89. NARRATOR
7:19PM GMT. Fox admires her new shoes in the full-length mirror of her hotel room. Xanatos admires the shoebox.
90. XANATOS
Darling? Do you still need this shoebox… or might I dispose of it?
Xanatos & Fox sit. Shari & THAILOG STAND.
91. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 8, 5:34AM EST. Nightstone. Thailog and Shari continue their chess game.
92. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Moses, who led the Hebrews out of Egypt and into the desert… bringing forth water from Jacob’s Pillow to quench their--
93. THAILOG
You said Moses gave the Stone to Gathelus and Scota before leading the Hebrews out of Egypt!
94. SHARI
The story is told…
95. THAILOG
<pause> Though who can say if it be true? Right. Continue.
96. SHARI
The Hebrews passed the Stone down the centuries, until the prophet Jeremiah offered it in dowry to King Eochaid of Ireland when he wed Tamar Tea Tephi, Princess of Judah. Eochaid ensconced the Stone at Tara and dubbed it Lia Fáil.
97. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 9, 5:36AM EST.
98. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Cu Chullain, the Hero of Ulster, who championed Lugaid Red-Stripe for king. But when the Lia Fáil would not cry to confirm Lugaid, Cu Chullain was enraged, striking with Gae Bolga, the Spear of Light, and splitting the Stone of Destiny forever!
99. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 10, 5:37AM EST. Shari captures Thailog’s white knight with her black bishop.
100. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of young Prince Fergus of Ireland, who carried half Cu Chullain’s handiwork to Argyll in what men now call Scotland to found a kingdom called Dalriada. Though a castle called Carbonek found him instead, bringing the Priest-King Pelles and the Archmage Merlin and their request to borrow the Stone of Destiny for a purpose of their own. A purpose fulfilled in Londontown by a sword clep’d Excalibur in a stone clep’d Lia Fáil drawn forth by a boy clep’d Arthur.
101. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 11, 5:38AM EST. Thailog tips over one of Shari’s black rooks with his white bishop.
102. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Saint Columba, he who tamed the monster of Loch Ness, before returning to the island of Iona, where Merlin and Pelles had brought the Stone once it had served their purposes. And where Columba laid down his head upon Jacob’s Pillow and breathed his last.
103. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 12, 5:39AM EST. Shari’s Black Queen is lined up to capture Thailog’s White King.
104. SHARI
Check.
105. THAILOG
<growl>
106. SHARI
Would you prefer I lost on purpose?
107. THAILOG
I’d fire you if you did. Don’t you have a story to tell?
108. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Kenneth MacAlpin, scion of Fergus, who united the Kingdoms of Scotland and was crowned High King upon the Stone at Scone. As would all the Heirs of Scota â€" for the next four hundred years.
COLDFIRE STANDS.
109. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 12, 10:00PM GMT. David Xanatos presses a button on a remote control. NOVEMBER 13, 6:01AM GMT+8. TIBET. Inside the old cave, Coldstone and Coldfire stand over Master Dawa and Sangpo. All react to a noise.
110. COLDFIRE
I believe… I believe I can find him…
Coldfire sits.
111. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 13, 5:40AM EST. NIGHTSTONE.
112. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Edward the First of England, the Hammer of the Scots, who sicced his mighty Warwolf on his neighbors to the north and took as prize the Stone of Scone, which he installed in the Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey, where it has crowned the kings and queens of England down to this very day…
Shari & Thailog sit. Lexington, Macbeth, Hudson, Arthur, GRIFF, AMP & COCO STAND.
113. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 13, 5:32PM GMT. Hudson and Lex are atop Victoria Tower. Macbeth is below, in front of Westminster Abbey.
114. LEXINGTON
All clear. No sign of trouble.
115. MACBETH
Not expecting trouble tonight. They’re only moving the Stone from the Coronation Chair to the Lantern. It won’t leave the Abbey until tomorrow.
116. HUDSON
Aye, and the human security is tight as a drum. I’m nae convinced you could break in there with a battering ram.
117. MACBETH
You’d be surprised.
118. NARRATOR
11:46PM GMT.
119. LEXINGTON
<yawn> Still nothing to report. Who exactly are we expecting?
120. MACBETH
Anyone. Everyone. Just stay alert…
121. NARRATOR
Macbeth spots a shadowy figure and pursues it down into a London Underground Station…
122. MACBETH
I’m probably on a wild goose chase, lads. But in case I’m not, you’d better head this… way…
123. LEXINGTON
That could be a problem…
124. NARRATOR
Arthur Pendragon puts Excalibur to Macbeth’s throat. Meanwhile, on Victoria Tower, Hudson and Lex are surrounded by gargoyles.
125. ARTHUR
By the blade of Excalibur, what are you up to now, Macbeth?
126. MACBETH
King Arthur?! I’m here to protect the Stone of Destiny!
127. ARTHUR
Then our two quests are one and the same!
128. MACBETH
Aye…
129. ARTHUR, MACBETH (UNISON)
The gargoyles!!
130. MACBETH
They’ll be at each other’s throats!!
131. GRIFF
Hudson! Lexington! Bloody lovely to see you again!
132. LEXINGTON
You too, Griff!
133. HUDSON
Aye, lad. The badduns’ll have no chance at that Stone now!
134. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 14, 5:28AM. Macbeth radios Lex.
135. MACBETH
It’ll soon be dawn. You and Hudson go with Griff. Arthur and I will stand vigil through the day.
Arthur & Macbeth sit.
136. NARRATOR
5:33AM GMT. Griff, Hudson, Lex and the other two gargoyles glide over London.
137. LEXINGTON
Are we headed to Soho? Goliath said you have a store there…
138. GRIFF
We do. But I thought I’d take you home instead. To our clan--
139. AMP
To Knight’s Spur!
140. COCO
You know, Griff, I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced to your Yank friends…
141. HUDSON
<Hmph> Watch who you’re callin’ a Yank, lass…
142. GRIFF
Where are my manners? Hudson, Lexington, this is Constance.
143. COCO
My friends call me Coco.
144. GRIFF
And this is Staghart.
145. AMP
My friends call me Amp!
146. COCO
Nobody calls you Amp, luv.
147. LEXINGTON
I’ll call you Amp.
148. NARRATOR
5:40AM.
149. GRIFF
Welcome to Knight’s Spur…
150. NARRATOR
7:20AM. Atop Knight’s Spur, Old Pog, Hudson, Griff, Lex, Amp, Coco and Lunette sleep as stone.
Hudson, Lexington, Griff, Amp & Coco sit. Arthur & Macbeth STAND.
151. NARRATOR
7:48AM. Macbeth and Arthur sip coffee outside a Nightstone’s café.
152. ARTHUR
…Mortally wounded in 542. So they shipped me off to some magic hill and put me to sleep for a thousand four hundred fifty-three years.
153. MACBETH
Sounds lovely.
154. ARTHUR
And you?
155. MACBETH
Deal with a demon in 1040. Officially died in 1057. Been sleepwalking for nine hundred thirty-nine years.
156. ARTHUR
<pause> Guess I got the better bargain.
157. MACBETH
Ach, I try not to dwell these days. So here’s to the immortals. There aren’t many like us…
Arthur & Macbeth sit. Shari STANDS.
158. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 14, 5:42AM EST. NIGHTSTONE. Shari places her black knight in front of Thailog’s white knight.
159. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Robert the Bruce of Scotland, who defeated the English at Bannockburn with the help of an Irish ally, Cormac MacCarthy. With the victory, came a prize: a fragment of the Fatal Stone that England had taken from Scone. This fragment, the Bruce gave to MacCarthy, whose descendents had it installed at Blarney Castle, where it is said to grant the gift of gab. I’ve kissed it myself a time or two…
Shari sits. Hudson, Macbeth & Arthur STAND.
160. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 14, 6:32PM GMT. Knight’s Spur. Hudson, Macbeth and Arthur confer in a book-lined study.
161. HUDSON
Lex, Griff, Constance and Staghart sent you home to rest then…
162. MACBETH
Aye, Hudson. We’ll catch a few hours sleep then head back out. But you…?
163. HUDSON
I had some questions for the Pendragon. Weren’t you on a quest to find your wizard?
164. ARTHUR
Indeed. And Sir Griff and I searched for Merlin in all the obvious places. But to no gain. So I’ve been “doing research†on Merlin… and on myself.
165. NARRATOR
Hudson examines a copy of Le Morte D’Arthur by Thomas Malory.
166. HUDSON
So many books… are any of them true?
167. ARTHUR
All things are true… few things are accurate.
168. MACBETH
Aye. No bloody kidding.
169. NARRATOR
Hudson contemplates this.
Hudson, Macbeth & Arthur sit.
Tomorrow, Chapter VIII...
gipdac writes...
As of December 31th, 1996 does Constance ("Coco") have a mate or at least a romantic interest?
Greg responds...
No comment.
Chip writes...
1) When did you create the characters of Staghart and Constance? What about Old Pog? Lunette?
2) Who is Una's second in command? Have we seen them in the comics so far?
3) I have a third question...but I think I'll wait until Issue #9 is out before I ask it.
Greg responds...
1. Some time ago.
2. Constance.
3. Okay.
Todd Jensen writes...
The other London gargoyles whom we've met (Leo, Una, Griff, and Staghart) all have names that reflect the animals which they most resemble. But Constance's name doesn't. Is this significant? (Of course, it obviously works as a logical name to derive "Coco" from.)
Greg responds...
Constance's name has important significance, but I'm not prepared to go into what that significance is yet.