Battle Beast writes...

Greg;

For one thing, I have TWO copies of Each Issue and the Trade Paperback, plus I am doing my part to sell DVDs. I buy them for Presents when ever I can, and I spread the word. I am doing my part.

But I wanted to thank you for all of your hard work the last two years! Thank you! ^_^

Anyway, I was wondering if you read the comments in the comment room or you try to avoid it (so you don't get too many original ideas.)

You must have received 10,000 questions from fans... has it been hard to keep your own ideas for future issues, or have fan questions influenced your own ideas, even though they are kept "NO original idea-ish"?

Just currious!

Laura From Illinois writes...

Dear Greg,
This will be a comment with a question stuck in here somewhere. But it's mostly random praises from a fan.
I just got the first 6 comics of the 'Clan Building Saga' for my birthday and am so excited! I watched this show when I was little and fell in love with it. I thought it was gone for good, but I saw a music video on Youtube dedicated to the 'old cartoons'. I saw a clip from Gargoyles and fell in love again. After doing some digging I found out that it has been released on DVD and is living on in comic book form. For this, I wish I could give you and everyone there a hug and some cupcakes, but sadly I don't know where you are. So my heartfelt thanks will have to be enough.
I've read and reread the comics. I can 'hear' the actor's and actress's voices while I read. I hope that I will hear when or if (I really hope when) you can get the audio comics produced as you mentioned in #3. I am also trying to get the last few dollars so I can get the DVDs for myself. And I've started on the 1000 people you asked me and I have converted 3 people in my class that are now hooked on Gargoyles as well.
Reading a comic is very different from watching a cartoon, but the artwork is breathtaking, amazing, incredible! Combine all those adjectives together and you still don't have how wonderful it is. This comic is so good I turn off the back-round noise I usually have on when I read so kudos!
The story is so exciting. I thought for sure that Demona and Thailog weren't going to show up for a while... boy was I wrong! And hooray for that! I'm so glad they are back. I can't wait to see what Thailog is planning. In #6, that Shari is driving me nuts!!! What's happening? Who is she? What is going on? And that is what I love about this comic. You always leave just enough hanging to make sue you're audience is on it's toes.
I only have one thing to say. Did the clan forget what happened in 'Possession'? I thought they knew about Coldstone, Coldfire, and Coldsteel. If that is coming up in the story then don't tell me. That episode was one of my favorites and I really hope it is still relevant in the story, at least a little. 'Possession' in 2nd only after the episode 'Future Tense'.
Which brings me to my next point. This is my question, Is Lexington's costume at the party supposed to look like the suit from 'Future Tense'? I saw it and felt so much foreshadowing... not to mention Brentwood and Thailog becoming allies. Wow. I did not see that coming. I have no idea if anyone else spotted that, but if it's meant to mean something, I can't wait to find out!
You are the best Greg, and everyone else over there working on the comics, I love you all, and if I'm in the country during the Gathering in Chicago I hope I can give you all cupcakes, or at least money for some food- you all deserve cupcakes.
That's about all I have to say. I am trying to buy the DVDs and am getting #7 as well as the 'Bad Guy' series. I hope that helps Disney release the rest of the episodes.
I can't wait until the next episode. By, the way, so far my favorite scene in the comics is a tie between #4, the panel where Goliath and Thailog are put as half of each other's face. I love the irony that Thailog, the evil one, is smiling while Goliath looks murderous, in #3 when Brooklyn and Malibu are staring at each other while Al and Shari are talking, it makes me laugh, #2 Lexington's face while Alex is pulling on his ear, #1 after Goliath says that he is going to see Elisa Brooklyn looks so cute!, and (last one I promise!), #1 John Castaway as he is destroying the statue with his hammer. That scene gives me chills.
This comic is adding new dimensions to the show. I wish it was still a cartoon but the comic is so good I can hardly tell the difference. Please keep this going! You have no idea how much this show changed my life. Sorry I'm getting a little over dramatic here, but it's true! So please, keep this comic going, it's so good and it deserves to live forever. I have already promised myself to have my children learn the lessons from this show. Thank you. All of you. You are angels! You are amazing! And please don't ever stop. This comic is rising higher and higher. It is absolutely above and beyond what normal people can do. Know that you are giving so much joy to us little readers down here. And that we worship you like gods! Because that is what you are- gods. Comic book, genius gods!
I hope the actor's can someday come back to create the audio comics.
But more importantly, I hope and pray this comic can live on for a long, long time so it can enchant others like it has me.
Here's hoping!

Laura

Anonymous writes...

Is there anymore episodes after "Angels in the Night"? I really hope so.

Spen writes...

I have a silly little question. In your "Buffyverse geek-out" exactly how did your scoring system work?

Todd Jensen writes...

You've mentioned that many of the Goliath Chronicles stories were based on stories that you'd planned to do for Season Three, but which the new production team drastically altered (so that "Runaways" was based on Brooklyn's Timedancer story, and "Ransom" on the multiple tricksters and Alex story). Was "Genesis Undone" (the story about Thailog and the Clones dying) similarly based on the Double Date story that we got to see at last in #3 - #5? Both involved Thailog, the Clones, and Sevarius - and both had Sevarius obtaining the DNA of Goliath's clan for his experiments.

Todd Jensen writes...

I bought my copy of Gargoyles: Clan-Building: Volume One yesterday. I was amazed at the size of the book (I'm used to trade paperback collections of comics being larger), but enjoyed it, all the same. I was pleased with the corrections.

Here's hoping that sales are good for it (and for the upcoming issues).

Ryan writes...

Where is my copy of Clan Building Volume 1? Amazon.com hasn't shipped it yet, and my comic book store only has one left in stock, so I am in indecision as to whether to wait for amazon or possibly take away a copy that someone else could pick up... or ending up with two copies (guess I could make it a great gift if I can afford it).

And now for two questions:
1) You tend to be able to announce on here when an issue or trade is coming out a day or two before hand - do you have any word on a release date yet for Bad Guys 2 or Gargoyles 8?

2) Having read the archives here for years, I know you have plenty of stories and plans. I'm curious about specific plots for specific issues. Assuming there are no liscencing renewal problems, how many issues have you plotted (as in, issue 8 looks to be called 'The Gate' so you probably have at least that far plotted out. Do you have basic details worked out through 12, the end of clan building, or further)?

It is great to see Gargoyles stories back in the world. You and the team are doing an amazing job. Thank you!

Rebel writes...

Unfortunately, my comic book guy didn't get the TPB in yet, so I'll have to wait until next week to offer my praises. *sigh* So far I've heard good things from everyone else who already has it.

In the meantime, I do have a question about #7 that I meant to ask before. After Brooklyn decides to stay in Manhattan, Goliath says that Hudson can lead the expedition in London. I know Brooklyn has great leadership skills (after all he is the second) and Hudson is a proven leader, but to me that line made it seem like Goliath doesn't think any of the other clan members could be leaders, if given the chance. Surely Broadway and Lexington have SOME leadership capabilities, even if they are not as suited for a leadership role as Brooklyn. And if I had to guess, I would say Angela could DEFINITELY be a good leader, given an opportunity. After all, she's smart, intuitive, and she's got great parentage as well as her experience as second-in-command of Avalon on her side--though her leadership "style" would certainly be different than Goliath's or Brooklyn's.

So basically what I'm wondering is:
1. Does Goliath think any of the other clan members have leadership abilities?
2. Do YOU think any of the other clan members have (or will have) leadership abilities?
3. If any of them do, do you think they'll ever get a chance to show it?

I know it's kind of a silly question since the Manhattan clan already has a second-in-command, but I was just wondering. I informed a lot of my internet friends about the TPB, and many of them are now making plans to buy it :).

Ceruleanblue writes...

Hi Greg, thanks for Gargoyles.

1. Any chance that Wendy Pini might illustrate one of the new comics?
2. Does SLG have any plans for Gargoyles action figures or statues? (I assume Disney would be involved in any merchandising as well, might make things difficult?)

Cheers

Vaevictis Asmadi writes...

Hello Greg.
This is a question about Sleipnir.

In 2000 you wrote
"If the legends are true, then Slepnir's mother was the trickster Loki, and his father was an actual horse. Making Slepnir half-horse and half-fey. (Which might serve to explain his modern transition from eight legs to four.) I haven't decided 100% if that's the route I'm taking in the Gargoyles universe, but the notion is appealing."
_________________________________________________________

More recently when I asked if Children of Oberon can take mortal forms of either gender, you answered
"Yes. Remember Loki, MOTHER of Sleipnir."

1. Does this mean that (as of now/until you change your mind) the legend about Sleipnir's parentage is correct in the Gargoyles Universe?

2. If you do consider Svadilfari the father of Sleipnir in the Gargoyles Universe, was Svadilfari "an actual horse" (mortal)?

Thank you again for answering our questions!

Jack-Pumpkinhead writes...

Dear Greg, I am curious, what are Thailog's opinions on magic?

Phil writes...

I didn't get this in before the last cutoff, but here's my ramble/review/response to "The Rock". Many people already commented on it, so I'm going to delve into something that hasn't been gone into in-depth: the non-linear structure. (I posted this a couple of weeks ago in the comment room, but here it is at "Ask Greg", too.)

When I first read the story, I didn't get the point of not telling it chronologically. I enjoyed the issue and thought it might be the best one yet, but the structure was distracting and kept me from fully getting into it. However, having faith in your skills, I analyzed the issue and have come to the conclusion that you're a creative genius. Basically, the story is told in order, not chronologically, but logically, revealing to the readers what they need to know as they need to know it, and not before.

****SPOILERS****

The first few pages serve two purposes: 1) to warn us right up front about the structure of the story, and 2) to hook us like a barbed fishing hook. By the end of page two we can't put the book down even if we wanted to. But by the end of page three, I was starting to wonder how this all fits together. What does Jacob's stone have to do with anything? Macbeth answers on the next page. "It's called the Stone of Destiny."

Page four begins the meat of the story. Macbeth asks the gargoyles to help protect the Stone. There's a one-panel flashback to illustrate his connection to the Stone. Everything progresses chronologically for a few pages until...

There break in the story for travel time, so page seven introduces the villain of the story. Xanatos is aware of what's going on, but he's unconcerned. We see that he's in London with his family. And speaking of family...

Gathelus and Scota are introduced and the backstory of the Stone progresses. By the end of the page, Scota is obviously pregnant. And speaking of pregnant...

Page nine advances some (not just one, but several) subplots from previous stories. Dr. Sato's presence emphasizes that the mutates are creatures of biology, and not magic. And speaking of biology...

The main story continues. We're reminded that gargoyles are biological creatures; they suffer from jetlag. Macbeth says there are ten days until the Stone is moved, which prompts a flashback to Gathelus and Scota moving the Stone. Then ten days later, Hudson and Lex are on the job.

By this time we're wondering, where are the others? Page thirteen gives us an answer while advancing another subplot and setting up future Clan-Building.

Back to the main story again on page fourteen. Although everything looks secure, Macbeth's not so confident, and we see another one-panel flashback to illustrate why and to reinforce his connection to the Stone.

There's another break in the action of the main story, so it's a good time for Shari to take up another page and provide more backstory. But after that we're back to London. Hudson asks, "Who exactly are we expecting?" And the answer is given.

The villain part of the story is filled in with Xanatos, Coyote, and Coldsteel. At this point, some newbies might ask, who is this "Coldsteel"? Shari is right there to answer on the next page and at the same time set up some more future Clan-Building. "It's really a timeless love story..."

Which leads right into Goliath and Elisa. They've got a beautiful scene, and since Goliath doesn't vocalize everything that's in his heart we're treated to a flashback of a happily expectant couple to say what he left unsaid. He and Elisa give in to true love, but...

Sometimes true love ends in tragedy. Gathelus dies, and Scota's life crumbles. Her sons carry on.

That almost wraps up the story. The only thing left is to return to Macbeth and the main plot to set up the cliffhanger that will bring us all back in two months. Make that "cliffhangers, plural," since Macbeth and Arthur would have been cliffhanger enough. But you double the suspense by bringing in the London Clan, too. Plus there are the teases back on page two that leave us anticipating more.

****END SPOILERS****

The non-linear structure is fascinating to me. Although everything seems to jump around randomly, each panel and page logically connects to the ones around it in thought or theme, if not chronology. That's not to say I'd want every issue to be like this; it takes a lot of thought and study to understand it all. But as an experimental or occasional format, there's a lot to like.

And before I close, a few words about Shari. Somehow I think that if you had worked on season three back in 1996, Shari would not exist as we know her. But with a ten-year gap there's a lot of backstory to exposit, and I have seen too many times when characters awkwardly discuss things they already know just to inform the reader or viewer. So introducing a storyteller like Shari and connecting her to Thailog (who was in a surprisingly few episodes) is such an elegant solution to that problem. And of course you don't just abandon her in her expository role; there's a lot more to her than that.

Anyway, there's my ramble, better late than never.

Anthony Tini writes...

"I know where my copy of the Gargoyles Trade Paperback "Clan-Building" Volume One is. Do you?"

Yes, it's in my room next to my giant Gargoyles comic books. Good things REALLY do come in small packages. I love it. Great job!

I may be jumping the gun a bit here, but can you promise us a Clan Building Vol 2?

Rachel N. writes...

Season's Greetings, Greg!

I'd just like to share some comments on Gargoyles #7 "The Rock". Another great chapter in the "Clan-Building" series...though I have to say following this particular storyline as it bounced around to different dates and times was a bit confusing at first, but I also think it was effective overall. Great to have Macbeth back in the series, and I liked the origin tale of the Stone of Destiny (incorporating Old Testament Biblical figures Jacob and Moses) - very cool!

Two major plot points that stood out in a great way:
- Dr. Sato examining a pregnant Maggie. I certainly didn't see Maggie's pregnancy coming, but I think it's wonderful! Derek/Talon will be a father, Peter and Diane Maza will be grandparents, and Elisa will be an aunt. Gotta love that! :-)
- Elisa and Goliath getting back together (I loved the dialogue between them in those scenes), and I always love seeing them smooch...it's a beautiful sight!

Also, it'll be interesting to see what develops with the "team-up" of Xanatos, the Coyote robot (now with the Coyote Diamond inside him), and Coldsteel. And I gotta say I really like the design of the two "new" UK clan gargoyles (the female boar gargoyle and the male white stag gargoyle) Can't wait to find out more about them!

Many thanks to all who work on these Gargoyle comics - I love them! Bring on #8! :-)

Lou writes...

Hallo and merry X-mas Mr. Weisman,
a few days ago I visited a page where I was able to watch "Gargoyles". It wasn´t the first time I watched this series, in fact i was and i still am a big fan of "Gargoyles". After watching the first 13 episodes, i ask myself the question, if it is posible to make a movie like "Spiderman" or " Transformers" about these first episodes. These films look (more or less) real, so it must be posible to make the "Gargoyles" become real to. I hope you will understand, what i tried to say.
Well i am from Germany and my english is not the best, but i hope i get an answer.

Thanks for reading

Cagalli writes...

Are you going to make third season of W.I.T.C.H. i mean it seemed like there was going to be another season i realy like that show but i watched it a million times

Derek writes...

I asked this question before. You said Thailog would have insisted on Delilah having an egg. "Delilah is genetically much more Gargoyle than human. She is capable of laying a gargoyle egg. Thailog would have insisted on that. But she couldn't mate with a human without some scientific or magical help."
This suprised me as Thailog doesn't strike me as the parenting type. Does Thailog want his own family? As a clone i found it odd that he would have insisted on procreating naturally. Why do you think this is, deep down does he consider himself something lesser than other gargoyles as a clone?

Derek writes...

Is Demona smarter than Lexington?