Post by wenxina on Jun 30, 2009 22:30:34 GMT -5
Hey all!
We're back for another round, after taking a month off (since Georges didn't pencil the Tales one-shot).
Rules are simple: Maximum of three (3) questions per member until your previous questions are answered. This is to account for the possibility that there may be a delay. Keep it clean, keep it civil. Simple right? Entries are welcome until I post a closing post.
I'm starting this a little early to gain some momentum.
Anyone who's reading this and not a member, I'm accepting questions at wenxina@slayalive.com. Feel free to send me your questions and I'll add them to the queue with credit to you.
Alright... GO!
*NOTE: Before you ask your question(s), you may wanna check back here to make sure that that they haven't been asked before.
1. wenxina: Housekeeping question here. How far along are you in terms of pencils for S8 at the moment?
Georges: I am halfway through issue 29 at the moment. Dark Horse is trying their bestest to keep me on schedule, and at the moment it seems to be working. Keep your stakes crossed that it stays that way!
2. wenxina: You mentioned a while back that you had adopted a storytelling style in which you usually try to show a switch in location by giving us a vertical panel of the new location. Have there been any new additions to your repertoire that allow you to better tell a story in your art?
Georges: I said that more in refernece to the story I was telling. I by no means stick to one method of story telling. That would be boring. I read the scripts and ask myself what kind of story is this. With the Faith arc I tried to adopt a Frank Miller storytelling style like he did on Daredevil. Or more subtle things like in issue 27 when the gang is all in Tibet, you'll notice that for those scenes the panels bleed off the page. I tried this to suggest the vastness of the country side. Little things like that.
3. AndrewCrossett: In "Living Doll," was it your decision to use Jeremy from "Yellow Submarine" as the gremlin in the tree, or did Doug Petrie specify that?
Georges: Yeah, that was my idea. I ran it past Doug to make sure he was cool with it. When I read the script I immediately thought of Lord of the Rings and something I could put in from that, but then I thought, why not get more obscure? I bought those Yellow Submarine figures years ago and that little Nowhere Man came with it and it's sitting in my studio and I thought why not? I also put that Glove from the film in a prior issue (maybe that was too obscure because nobody's said anything about that yet). Again, one of the quirky things I like to put in my work. Good looking out.
4. bamph: Last month we got Scott Allie's reaction to the news of the Whedonless Buffy rebooted movie by the Kuzuis.What are your thoughts and reactions about the news that has rocked the fandom and has Joss himself or any of the season 8 writers commented to you about it?
Georges: I could have sworn I read something where Joss was asked that question and he replied he wished them luck with it. I don't see how a movie like that could come out without Joss's involvement! I mean c'mon! There's a no brainer if ever there was a no brainer. I would love it if this lit a fire under Joss to do the Buffy film. Speaking strictly as a fan, I would love to see a film version as I'm sure everyone else would. I have this dream that Joss gets in touch with me and he says that they're going ahead with the movie and they're taking chunks of Season 8 and putting it together and he wants me to come on as a consultant or something! Hey, a guy can dream can't he!
5. bamph: Retreat Part 1 has some big moments in it.Everybody coming together finally,the reunion between Andrew and Warren,Buffy and Giles reconnecting and the return of Oz to name some.What was your favorite moment in the new issue to draw?
Georges: Seriously? While it was a gas and a personal strain on my drawing hand to include all these characters together at last (and there's even more togetherness next issue) I really enjoyed the conversation Giles and Buffy have towards the end of the issue. I mean I really choreographed that. It just felt like a really tender scene with these two who haven't been together since season 8 started! It was really nice. But just to show you what a obsessive I am with this book and doing things just right. I must have labored for a day on exactly how Giles should hug Willow and Buffy when they all meet up. I really put some thought into that because to me it was very telling how he displayed his affections for these girls. That's the little stuff that seems to take up so much of my time on this book!
6. bamph: Retreat is supposed to be a big turning point in season 8 and you've hinted at some big shockers coming up.Is there any specific issue number coming up in the next four parts of the Retreat arc that we should brace ourselves for in regards to jaw droppers?
Georges: Hmmm. Yes there are some shockers coming up and you want me to tell you about them? Okay come closer. A little closer. At one point, get this at one point something happens (he looks both ways) and when this something happens people are shocked, but not really surprised... okay, not the shocker you were wanting, huh? Sorry. I couldn't resist. There's a lot of juicy stuff coming up don't you want to be surprised? Isn't that half the fun, not knowing what's going to happen? You will not be disappointed, trust me. Especially with Twilight.
7. Emmie: Was the inclusion of the Wicked book on Willow's nightstand in Retreat Pt 1 a specific direction from Joss or Jane, or was that your own addition to the issue?
Georges: That again was me, shameless I admit. It just seemed like a no brainer. I've been wanting to put that in this season somewhere I just haven't found a good place for it. I was also toying with the idea of doing a cover inspired by the musical's poster with Glenda whispering into Elfaba's ear, but have it be Willow and Buffy. Who knows, maybe it will still get done. I can't tell you how many times I have listened to the sound track to the musical while I've been drawing this book. Like Joss, I love musicals!
8. vampmogs: Are there any big scenes coming up that were intimidating to draw?
Georges: Uhh, just like every issue that Jane has written! Seriously, There's a big war brewing and I don't think I'm all that good with Military gear, so that has been a challenge. I'm always intimidated when I have new characters to draw repeatedly, so Oz has been an effort. I love the challenge, but it aint easy!
9. AndrewCrossett: There's a rumor out there that a "motion comic" is going to be made of season 8... basically the comic pages with limited animation added in, like they did with "Watchmen." Is this true and if so, are you involved in the process at all?
Georges: I haven't heard that but I'd be the first one to reserve my copy! That would be fun to see, of course it would be even funner (funner..?) to See a major Motion Picture based on the events of Season 8.I have this fantasy that Joss tells me he's got the green light to do the movie and he wants to bring me on as a consultant. When I dream, I dream big! The only thing remotely close to that that I was a part of was when DC did a series of 3-D Comics and I was made aware that what I drew was going to go through a 3-D process so try and put a sense of perspective more that usual.
10. AndrewCrossett: On the same panel where Buffy and Giles are hugging, in the background we see Faith saying hello to Willow and Kennedy. Willow smiles at her, but Kennedy is frowning and shooting daggers with her eyes. Was this your way of showing Kennedy's usual protectiveness of Willow, or was it in the script?
Georges: That particular bit of business was in the script. Jane Espenson is writing that arc and she secretly told me recently when we were doing a signing, how much she loved the little things that I put in. She loved that what she wrote, like"Faith waving at Willow and Kennedy not having it.." made it in because it was a small thing that we weren't going to call attention to.
11. wenxina: As someone who has already read way ahead of us, would you consider the "Retreat" arc to be the climax of S8, or is that honor reserved for the next arc? I get the impression that this is the climax of the season, since you've mentioned "war" and "military gear" a couple of times now, which leads me to believe that an epic showdown is upon us soon.
Georges: Yeah, I would say that "Retreat" is more the PMS before the full blown Period! (Drawing nothing but women for the last few years makes you think this way!) Everyone gets together and everything changes, but what and how much become the crux of the arc. The show down between Buffy and Twilight is the climax, no question. That will be the next arc... and you really want to be there for that!
12. wenxina: Style question: Great job so far on switching up the clothes a lot, but is there any chance that we'll see Buffy with a new hair-do again soon? Earlier on, you switched her hair about quite a bit... I actually quite liked the braided pig-tails in "A Beautiful Sunset". As a fan of Buffy's S7 hair-dos, it's mildly unsettling to see Buffy constantly in a ponytail. Wasn't Satsu supposed to help Buffy with her hair?
Georges: Well, since they broke up, Satsu just doesn't have time to do Buff's hair anymore! Kidding. I love to switch up her hair style as well, but there comes a time when reason wins out and you think if Sarah Michelle were running around with superpowers, in truth most of the time her hair would be pulled back to stay out of her face when she's kicking slayer butt. I try to have her hair different if I think it's a apropriate. Given that there's this big battle coming, it just makes sense that Buffy has her hair pulled back. Sorry. As soon as we switch scenes and things have calmed down her hair is the first thing I'm paying Attention to!
13. Emmie: It's always fun to hear personal anecdotes about the Buffyverse creators (yourself included!) and you've now had a chance to work closely with Joss, Drew Goddard, Jane Espenson, Doug Petrie and Drew Greenberg. Is there anything you've noticed about their different styles that they bring to the table? Perhaps something that you read in the script that's unique to the different writers?
Georges: Not so much different style as such.They all have a way of writing no doubt, BUT I'm WILLING TO BET NOT HAVING READ ANY OF THE TV SCRIPTS,THAT IT'S DONE IN THE SAME VEIN. the SCRIPTS ARE ALL WRITTEN OUT WITH THE DIALOG ALREADY ATTACHED, WHICH IS GOOD FOR ME SO THAT WAY i CAN AFFIX THE PROPER facial expressions to the characters talking. It has been a joy reading the scripts when I get a new issue because I read it like a fan. I feel lucky that the scripts I get may have been seen by like 4 other people. A very exclusive club at first! I know the writers have said that they enjoy the fact that there aren't all these people they have to go through when they write a script. Like the production company the studio the wardrobe, actors, technicians etc. It's just me. Very cool.
14. AndrewCrossett: I assume you know how season 8 ends. Would you say it's going to be as big in scope and consequences for the Buffyverse as the TV series finale was?
Georges: It's not as big an ending as say Sunnydale falling into itself, but there's so much that happens that it has inspired Joss to do a Season 9, which is cool. I mean just with the reveal of twilight and what happens at the end of issue 30 will invite debate for many a fan site! I haven't read the last few scripts but I'm told there is a lot of juicy stuff to stick around for!
15. stormwreath: In Season 7, Willow usually went scary-black-eyed whenever she used magic. In Season 8, she seems to do that much less often - maybe four or five times in the entire season so far, despite casting some pretty powerful spells.
Is this something deliberate that we should be paying attention to, or is it just a coincidence/artist's license? Was it something Joss discussed with you?
Georges: This was something that Joss and I talked about in the beginning of Season 8. He gave me the back story that Willow was away from the rest of the gang for a while and in that time she was working on her magic whether it was apprenticing with some other Wicca or learning on her own. She's a lot stronger and is more in control of her magic. To that end the black eyes still occur but with less frequency. And she's not done yet....
16. Jay: I know this is gonna sound awkward...but....
...how do you pronounce your last name?
At first I've been saying it like JEEN-tee, but now I pronounce it like G-N-T.
Georges: At first I've been saying it like JEEN-tee, but now I pronounce it like G-N-T.
It's French, so at first thought it would be more like Jean-ty like Captain Jean Luc Picard. but I live in the South and Jeen- tee is the closest I'm going to get to that. As with the first name Georges it's more like Shorge, but George-s is fine with me.
It's Funny, when I was in France everyone there said it correctly but I hadn't herd it pronounced like that that I kept wanting to correct them.
17. Wyndam: People seem pretty happy at the return of Oz's original Werewolf look. On your cover for #27 (and possible future interior work) did you get to decide which Werewolf look to use, or was that something relayed to you by Joss, since Season 8 doesn't have any more budgetary concerns like the show did?
Georges: This was something else I talked to Joss about. I thought Oz had a pretty defined look in the TV show and I thought he wanted to stay with that and he was like no, that was just something we had to go with because of the money we had. He fancied the wolves would look more like wolves in the Howling. And since Oz isn't the only werewolf anymore we could make them more proper looking instead of like cute tiger-things.
18. Erebus: In the Buffyverse (/Whedonverse), fans have come to expect a rash of character death towards the climaxes of seasons. So far, Season 8 has taken everything we come to expect from Buffy to the extreme. Should we prepare ourselves for some serious hardship this season (induced by character death)?
Georges: Hmm. You're not satisfied by all the death that has already happened? What was that speculation that characters close to Buffy don't always end well? There is by no means an end to all the killing that's going on but I'm not at liberty to say who...
19. sosa lola: You did a wonderful job capturing Oz, is there a new character in the future that is hard to draw? You don't have to give the name of the character.
Georges: Yes! I'm still working on Oz, and thank you by the way for saying that I've captured him. I am trying my hardest to get Riley down as best as I can, and while not an actual member of the Buffyverse but in the Whedon world, I've been using Dollhouse's Sierra Dichen Lachman for Oz's wife Bay. SO I get to look at her all day, which ain't bad. I usually throw in some girls that I know as slayers when there's a group of them. Future characters... hmm Twilight, once unmasked, will be interesting to draw...
We're back for another round, after taking a month off (since Georges didn't pencil the Tales one-shot).
Rules are simple: Maximum of three (3) questions per member until your previous questions are answered. This is to account for the possibility that there may be a delay. Keep it clean, keep it civil. Simple right? Entries are welcome until I post a closing post.
I'm starting this a little early to gain some momentum.
Anyone who's reading this and not a member, I'm accepting questions at wenxina@slayalive.com. Feel free to send me your questions and I'll add them to the queue with credit to you.
Alright... GO!
*NOTE: Before you ask your question(s), you may wanna check back here to make sure that that they haven't been asked before.
1. wenxina: Housekeeping question here. How far along are you in terms of pencils for S8 at the moment?
Georges: I am halfway through issue 29 at the moment. Dark Horse is trying their bestest to keep me on schedule, and at the moment it seems to be working. Keep your stakes crossed that it stays that way!
2. wenxina: You mentioned a while back that you had adopted a storytelling style in which you usually try to show a switch in location by giving us a vertical panel of the new location. Have there been any new additions to your repertoire that allow you to better tell a story in your art?
Georges: I said that more in refernece to the story I was telling. I by no means stick to one method of story telling. That would be boring. I read the scripts and ask myself what kind of story is this. With the Faith arc I tried to adopt a Frank Miller storytelling style like he did on Daredevil. Or more subtle things like in issue 27 when the gang is all in Tibet, you'll notice that for those scenes the panels bleed off the page. I tried this to suggest the vastness of the country side. Little things like that.
3. AndrewCrossett: In "Living Doll," was it your decision to use Jeremy from "Yellow Submarine" as the gremlin in the tree, or did Doug Petrie specify that?
Georges: Yeah, that was my idea. I ran it past Doug to make sure he was cool with it. When I read the script I immediately thought of Lord of the Rings and something I could put in from that, but then I thought, why not get more obscure? I bought those Yellow Submarine figures years ago and that little Nowhere Man came with it and it's sitting in my studio and I thought why not? I also put that Glove from the film in a prior issue (maybe that was too obscure because nobody's said anything about that yet). Again, one of the quirky things I like to put in my work. Good looking out.
4. bamph: Last month we got Scott Allie's reaction to the news of the Whedonless Buffy rebooted movie by the Kuzuis.What are your thoughts and reactions about the news that has rocked the fandom and has Joss himself or any of the season 8 writers commented to you about it?
Georges: I could have sworn I read something where Joss was asked that question and he replied he wished them luck with it. I don't see how a movie like that could come out without Joss's involvement! I mean c'mon! There's a no brainer if ever there was a no brainer. I would love it if this lit a fire under Joss to do the Buffy film. Speaking strictly as a fan, I would love to see a film version as I'm sure everyone else would. I have this dream that Joss gets in touch with me and he says that they're going ahead with the movie and they're taking chunks of Season 8 and putting it together and he wants me to come on as a consultant or something! Hey, a guy can dream can't he!
5. bamph: Retreat Part 1 has some big moments in it.Everybody coming together finally,the reunion between Andrew and Warren,Buffy and Giles reconnecting and the return of Oz to name some.What was your favorite moment in the new issue to draw?
Georges: Seriously? While it was a gas and a personal strain on my drawing hand to include all these characters together at last (and there's even more togetherness next issue) I really enjoyed the conversation Giles and Buffy have towards the end of the issue. I mean I really choreographed that. It just felt like a really tender scene with these two who haven't been together since season 8 started! It was really nice. But just to show you what a obsessive I am with this book and doing things just right. I must have labored for a day on exactly how Giles should hug Willow and Buffy when they all meet up. I really put some thought into that because to me it was very telling how he displayed his affections for these girls. That's the little stuff that seems to take up so much of my time on this book!
6. bamph: Retreat is supposed to be a big turning point in season 8 and you've hinted at some big shockers coming up.Is there any specific issue number coming up in the next four parts of the Retreat arc that we should brace ourselves for in regards to jaw droppers?
Georges: Hmmm. Yes there are some shockers coming up and you want me to tell you about them? Okay come closer. A little closer. At one point, get this at one point something happens (he looks both ways) and when this something happens people are shocked, but not really surprised... okay, not the shocker you were wanting, huh? Sorry. I couldn't resist. There's a lot of juicy stuff coming up don't you want to be surprised? Isn't that half the fun, not knowing what's going to happen? You will not be disappointed, trust me. Especially with Twilight.
7. Emmie: Was the inclusion of the Wicked book on Willow's nightstand in Retreat Pt 1 a specific direction from Joss or Jane, or was that your own addition to the issue?
Georges: That again was me, shameless I admit. It just seemed like a no brainer. I've been wanting to put that in this season somewhere I just haven't found a good place for it. I was also toying with the idea of doing a cover inspired by the musical's poster with Glenda whispering into Elfaba's ear, but have it be Willow and Buffy. Who knows, maybe it will still get done. I can't tell you how many times I have listened to the sound track to the musical while I've been drawing this book. Like Joss, I love musicals!
8. vampmogs: Are there any big scenes coming up that were intimidating to draw?
Georges: Uhh, just like every issue that Jane has written! Seriously, There's a big war brewing and I don't think I'm all that good with Military gear, so that has been a challenge. I'm always intimidated when I have new characters to draw repeatedly, so Oz has been an effort. I love the challenge, but it aint easy!
9. AndrewCrossett: There's a rumor out there that a "motion comic" is going to be made of season 8... basically the comic pages with limited animation added in, like they did with "Watchmen." Is this true and if so, are you involved in the process at all?
Georges: I haven't heard that but I'd be the first one to reserve my copy! That would be fun to see, of course it would be even funner (funner..?) to See a major Motion Picture based on the events of Season 8.I have this fantasy that Joss tells me he's got the green light to do the movie and he wants to bring me on as a consultant. When I dream, I dream big! The only thing remotely close to that that I was a part of was when DC did a series of 3-D Comics and I was made aware that what I drew was going to go through a 3-D process so try and put a sense of perspective more that usual.
10. AndrewCrossett: On the same panel where Buffy and Giles are hugging, in the background we see Faith saying hello to Willow and Kennedy. Willow smiles at her, but Kennedy is frowning and shooting daggers with her eyes. Was this your way of showing Kennedy's usual protectiveness of Willow, or was it in the script?
Georges: That particular bit of business was in the script. Jane Espenson is writing that arc and she secretly told me recently when we were doing a signing, how much she loved the little things that I put in. She loved that what she wrote, like"Faith waving at Willow and Kennedy not having it.." made it in because it was a small thing that we weren't going to call attention to.
11. wenxina: As someone who has already read way ahead of us, would you consider the "Retreat" arc to be the climax of S8, or is that honor reserved for the next arc? I get the impression that this is the climax of the season, since you've mentioned "war" and "military gear" a couple of times now, which leads me to believe that an epic showdown is upon us soon.
Georges: Yeah, I would say that "Retreat" is more the PMS before the full blown Period! (Drawing nothing but women for the last few years makes you think this way!) Everyone gets together and everything changes, but what and how much become the crux of the arc. The show down between Buffy and Twilight is the climax, no question. That will be the next arc... and you really want to be there for that!
12. wenxina: Style question: Great job so far on switching up the clothes a lot, but is there any chance that we'll see Buffy with a new hair-do again soon? Earlier on, you switched her hair about quite a bit... I actually quite liked the braided pig-tails in "A Beautiful Sunset". As a fan of Buffy's S7 hair-dos, it's mildly unsettling to see Buffy constantly in a ponytail. Wasn't Satsu supposed to help Buffy with her hair?
Georges: Well, since they broke up, Satsu just doesn't have time to do Buff's hair anymore! Kidding. I love to switch up her hair style as well, but there comes a time when reason wins out and you think if Sarah Michelle were running around with superpowers, in truth most of the time her hair would be pulled back to stay out of her face when she's kicking slayer butt. I try to have her hair different if I think it's a apropriate. Given that there's this big battle coming, it just makes sense that Buffy has her hair pulled back. Sorry. As soon as we switch scenes and things have calmed down her hair is the first thing I'm paying Attention to!
13. Emmie: It's always fun to hear personal anecdotes about the Buffyverse creators (yourself included!) and you've now had a chance to work closely with Joss, Drew Goddard, Jane Espenson, Doug Petrie and Drew Greenberg. Is there anything you've noticed about their different styles that they bring to the table? Perhaps something that you read in the script that's unique to the different writers?
Georges: Not so much different style as such.They all have a way of writing no doubt, BUT I'm WILLING TO BET NOT HAVING READ ANY OF THE TV SCRIPTS,THAT IT'S DONE IN THE SAME VEIN. the SCRIPTS ARE ALL WRITTEN OUT WITH THE DIALOG ALREADY ATTACHED, WHICH IS GOOD FOR ME SO THAT WAY i CAN AFFIX THE PROPER facial expressions to the characters talking. It has been a joy reading the scripts when I get a new issue because I read it like a fan. I feel lucky that the scripts I get may have been seen by like 4 other people. A very exclusive club at first! I know the writers have said that they enjoy the fact that there aren't all these people they have to go through when they write a script. Like the production company the studio the wardrobe, actors, technicians etc. It's just me. Very cool.
14. AndrewCrossett: I assume you know how season 8 ends. Would you say it's going to be as big in scope and consequences for the Buffyverse as the TV series finale was?
Georges: It's not as big an ending as say Sunnydale falling into itself, but there's so much that happens that it has inspired Joss to do a Season 9, which is cool. I mean just with the reveal of twilight and what happens at the end of issue 30 will invite debate for many a fan site! I haven't read the last few scripts but I'm told there is a lot of juicy stuff to stick around for!
15. stormwreath: In Season 7, Willow usually went scary-black-eyed whenever she used magic. In Season 8, she seems to do that much less often - maybe four or five times in the entire season so far, despite casting some pretty powerful spells.
Is this something deliberate that we should be paying attention to, or is it just a coincidence/artist's license? Was it something Joss discussed with you?
Georges: This was something that Joss and I talked about in the beginning of Season 8. He gave me the back story that Willow was away from the rest of the gang for a while and in that time she was working on her magic whether it was apprenticing with some other Wicca or learning on her own. She's a lot stronger and is more in control of her magic. To that end the black eyes still occur but with less frequency. And she's not done yet....
16. Jay: I know this is gonna sound awkward...but....
...how do you pronounce your last name?
At first I've been saying it like JEEN-tee, but now I pronounce it like G-N-T.
Georges: At first I've been saying it like JEEN-tee, but now I pronounce it like G-N-T.
It's French, so at first thought it would be more like Jean-ty like Captain Jean Luc Picard. but I live in the South and Jeen- tee is the closest I'm going to get to that. As with the first name Georges it's more like Shorge, but George-s is fine with me.
It's Funny, when I was in France everyone there said it correctly but I hadn't herd it pronounced like that that I kept wanting to correct them.
17. Wyndam: People seem pretty happy at the return of Oz's original Werewolf look. On your cover for #27 (and possible future interior work) did you get to decide which Werewolf look to use, or was that something relayed to you by Joss, since Season 8 doesn't have any more budgetary concerns like the show did?
Georges: This was something else I talked to Joss about. I thought Oz had a pretty defined look in the TV show and I thought he wanted to stay with that and he was like no, that was just something we had to go with because of the money we had. He fancied the wolves would look more like wolves in the Howling. And since Oz isn't the only werewolf anymore we could make them more proper looking instead of like cute tiger-things.
18. Erebus: In the Buffyverse (/Whedonverse), fans have come to expect a rash of character death towards the climaxes of seasons. So far, Season 8 has taken everything we come to expect from Buffy to the extreme. Should we prepare ourselves for some serious hardship this season (induced by character death)?
Georges: Hmm. You're not satisfied by all the death that has already happened? What was that speculation that characters close to Buffy don't always end well? There is by no means an end to all the killing that's going on but I'm not at liberty to say who...
19. sosa lola: You did a wonderful job capturing Oz, is there a new character in the future that is hard to draw? You don't have to give the name of the character.
Georges: Yes! I'm still working on Oz, and thank you by the way for saying that I've captured him. I am trying my hardest to get Riley down as best as I can, and while not an actual member of the Buffyverse but in the Whedon world, I've been using Dollhouse's Sierra Dichen Lachman for Oz's wife Bay. SO I get to look at her all day, which ain't bad. I usually throw in some girls that I know as slayers when there's a group of them. Future characters... hmm Twilight, once unmasked, will be interesting to draw...