Post by wenxina on Aug 10, 2009 17:32:23 GMT -5
Hey all!
I wasn't going to do one this time around since Session 4 is still ongoing (I'm currently waiting on about 5 more answers), but Georges pretty much twisted my arm and said "Do it! Or I'll stop drawing!" So who am I to argue.
Anyway, 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.
To those who are still waiting for answers to their questions in the previous Q&A, those don't count and you can pretty much fire away too.
Hopefully there won't be too much of a delay this time around; he said that he should have the issue he's currently working on (#30, I think) finished by next week, and should have some time then.
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. faithswatcher: As far as you know:
"The prince"
"The betrayal, the closest the most unexpected"
And the identity of the Twilight.
Were these all fully known when they were first mentioned/created, or has the the way the story progressed subtlely (or not) changed the outcomes to these 'mysteries'? Has the prince become a different person, has the betrayer changed identities, has it even changed how they were to betray Buffy. etc.
Georges: Joss knew who Twilight was from the very beginning.
The Betrayer had a little more thought put into it. I'm not sure who the 'prince' is. Anything more would be telling...
2. AndrewCrossett: On the final page of #27 during Oz's speech, there's an inset panel that shows Faith, Andrew, and a red-headed girl. Is the red-headed girl Vi?
Georges: You would think Vi would be in there and Felicia Day, who I'm friendly with has asked if she's popped up, but no. A lot of times from when I've draw a page and when it gets colored it will go through a lot of changes. Unless it's a character that people should know the colorist will use her discretion, but there's no reason why Vi and all the other girls shouldn't be running around there somewhere.
3. AndrewCrossett: Another redhead question. Leah has made a lot of fans (including me) despite the fact she's only had a few lines. Her appearance and poses and action scenes have really defined her. What was the origin and inspiration behind her?
Georges: Joss had her from the beginning along with Rowena and Satsu. These were the new girls we were going to get to know in season 8. I have taken a shine to Leah too maybe that's why she's popped up more often. And, big hair. Kinda hard to miss.
4. AndrewCrossett: The Howling Commandos tribute cover for #29 is your coolest cover yet. Who's the girl in the helmet to the far left?
Georges: I really got into that cover! SO much so I even did the Logo by hand. It was a joke I was hoping we could play off at some point, and it just came together. I was really happy with the way it turned out. True, Buffy fans might not get the reference but comic fans will and that was a nice little nod I thought. The girl on the left is Rowena. Like I said, I haven't been giving her a lot of attention.
5. bamph: The Twilight reveal,when it happens,is it played as a big moment or more nonchalant and matter of factually?
Georges: I think it will be that big reveal, but from there is when the story really takes off. It will set up the ending of Season 8 and give you an idea of Season 9. It's going to be big, no question, but the story certainly won't stop there.
6. bamph: Originally,issues 31-35 was going to be the next arc written by Brad Meltzer.But now we know,Joss himself has decided to write issue 31 as a standalone with issues 32-35 being the next arc by Brad Meltzer.How much has this changed these issues and how much has this changed things on your own end approaching these issues?
Georges: I think and I don't know this for sure but because of what happens at the end of issue 30 Joss wanted to come in and do some of the story which is pretty cool. I believe it'll center around Buffy and what... happened to her. She's always been the hero of the story but I think now it'll be a little more defined in issue 31. I love that I get to work with Joss directly again. We haven't done a story together one on one since issue 11. It'll be good to get his script again. The following issue (#32) will flow from issue 31 and take up the story from there. Not much has changed on my end. I'm still doing them and look forward to them!
7. bamph: I'm reading your Manhunter co-feature in Batman:Streets Of Gotham and I've enjoyed the first two months of it.Can you compare working on two very strong female characters like Buffy Summers and Kate Spencer?
Georges: Well thanks. I really liked doing the Manhunter stuff. I wish I had the time to do all of the arcs in that Streets of Gotham book, but Buffy is a demanding mistress I couldn't keep it up. I liked the character of Kate. I think she'd darker and more ridged than Buffy. The two girls are very strong female figures but , while I don't know much about Kate's background, I think she is going to have a lot more demons in her future. I look forward to reading the rest of the story. Approaching the two I did very similar. Although since Kate now operates in Gotham I kept her story a lot darker than Buffy.
8. Ben Marston: The environments that you create in your work are amazingly detailed and compliment your character likenesses brilliantly. Are there any new places that you get to draw in the comic (don't know if this is too spoilery) or will the remainder of the series be based in Tibet.
Georges: I have looked forward to all the locations that season 8 has traveled. I have never googled so much reference in my life! It has been fun and a reason why I think I've felt the series was still fresh and new. We haven't gone back, we've moved ever forward. I can't wait to see where the next location is going to be. For the duration of Jane Espenson's arc we stay in Tibet.
9. Ben Marston: I don't know if you know this, but in reviews of the issues over the past several months, your artwork has been getting quite a bit of flak in terms of it maybe not being as strong as it was at the beginning of the series. What are your thoughts on these opinions?
Georges: I try not to read too many critics for this reason. You are never going to please everyone and I've heard all the comments and most of them come from myself. I'm the hardest one on my stuff. All I can say is that I am trying with each and every issue to give you the flavor of the show without looking photographed and stiff. I don't always succeed, but I am trying. The powers that be seem to like what I do and those are the people I have to work with so that's important to me. I am putting as much into the book now as when I first started it. I like to think that I'm always growing as an artist and in doing so that I get better. Is that the case? I think that's for others to write about.
10. Ben Marston: Is there any chance that we can get an answer (maybe with slight spoiler-age) as to why Joss decided to do a one shot as opposed to doing the 5 issue run with Brad Meltzer?
Georges: I'm not sure why Joss decided to do the one shot. I know given the subject matter that he might have wanted to pay more attention to this one issue. It's going to be a very important in the life of Miss Summers.
11. wenxina: Just saw the covers for #30, and I will first say great job! I love your more conceptual covers.
Anyway, let's talk about the scary blue demon/monster/god thing in the back. People have speculated that it could either be Palden Lhamo, or Yamantaka (both pretty similar looking to your illustration). Can you clarify what/who it is, or is that some big secret reveal that ultimately saves the day for the Slayers?
Georges: This might be a better question for Jane. There are going to be a few of these beasties showing up and I believe Jane as called upon more Tibetan history for them. They are monsters from Tibet's history. That's all I can say about that.
12. vampmogs: A while back you said that Joss told you something and you said "You can't do that!" and he said something along the lines of "Yes I can, and you'll see how." Is the thing you were referring to already happened (Buffy/Satsu ect) or is it still something yet to come? As for example, who the mole is, Twilight's reveal etc?
Georges: Yeah, it was the Buffy Satsu tryst. I was pretty floored when he told me about all that. The mole is an on going thing. He told me who he was thinking but i hope he doesn't do it.
13. faithswatcher: Will the season 8 ending be a season 3 type ending (absolute closure but chance to explore a different story)
Or season 6 ending (Setting up the next season, questions unanswered, cliffhanger gallore! curiosity as to where the story will go).
I know this might be too spolilery but i cant stand the idea that season 8 story wont have proper closure until least season 9 (hypothetically at LEAST 2 years away )
Georges: I think Season 8 will end more like what you said, like Season 3. As already stated Joss wants to do a Season 9 but I think it would come about as a result of Season 8, but there won't be cliffhangers you have to wait for. I think by the end of season 8 you are going to be wanting a Season 9 just because the book will go in a totally new direction.
14. AndrewCrossett: Am I seeing things, or is that a Sex Pistols t-shirt Giles is wearing in the preview pages for #28? (Could Ripper and Spike have slam-danced together in the same pit and never realized?)
Georges: You know I never thought of that but yeah, theoretically they could have been at a couple of punk concerts at the same time! They probably would have gotten on real well. I have always seen Giles as having that cool British exterior and that rebel interior, and everybody has one of those old shirts they like to sleep in! I'm sure I've got my Spice Girls shirt laying around here somewhere (the sad thing is I'm not kidding...)
15. AndrewCrossett: In #27 there's a panel where Oz and Bay are meditating, with Oz in his cage. Bay is framed by a sunburst image while Oz is against a background of darkness. Was that a deliberate symbolic choice?
Georges: Yeah, that was my attempt at being subliminal. I'm always thinking how best to show a scene and when I can portray visually what the story is trying to say I try and figure a way to do it. I honestly didn't think anyone would catch that. Gold star, Andrew!
16. Emmie: Two preview pages were just released for Issue 28 where Andrew knocks on Giles' door and tells him he's discovered a mole. The setting doesn't resemble what one would expect for Oz's home in Tibet. Is this perhaps a flashback?
Georges: It's my understanding that Oz and his crew have a little monastery on the edge of a hill so they would have a few rooms for guests to stay. I wanted something that looked odd but not unwelcoming. Like if you were there you wouldn't mind staying .
17. wenxina: In a recent interview with TFAW.com over at SDCC '09, you mentioned a mutual admiration between you and Juliet Landau. In fact, you guys apparently "geeked out" together for a bit, and you mentioned that you would love to do a project together, especially one with Drusilla in it. Since you draw a pretty mean Drusilla (as seen on the back cover of your second Buffy sketchbook), any chance that might happen soon-ish?
Georges: This is such a Hollywood thing to say, but we're in talks right now with Juliet's people to do something. It just has to be the right project, but yes, I would love to work with Juliet, she is one of the sweetest women you'll ever meet. There is not pretense there, with Juliet it's all love!
18. slayerette: First I just wanted to echo the fact that the Howling Commandos homage cover is amazing. It's one of my favorites for the season. Are there any plans to do more homage type covers or is the story getting too intense to allow for that sort of thing?
Georges: I love to do homage covers! Or covers that make you think of something else like movie posters or songs. I don't like to throw them out there with no apparent thread. There has to be some point to it. Having said that, yes there wil be a few more before Season 8 is over with!
19. slayerette: You said that you really paid attention to the Buffy/Giles conversation, because it was an important moment. Do you find yourself being more detail-oriented as the story progresses? In other words, with so many big emotional scenes coming up, has there been more pressure to get it perfect?
Georges: Always! Even if it's not a big scene, I strive to get it perfect. You guys may not be able to draw the comic Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but you sure know how the characters are supposed to act. You have 10 years of viewing in your collected memories so while you can't draw Buffy you damn sure know how she acts. I try and inject that into the comic with al the characters. It's really hard when it's all of the gang together because there are so many personalities to deal with. I have to watch a few episodes again from time to time just to remind me how a certain character acts. I like the emotional scenes because Buffy is nothing if not emotional so when I stage a scene I think of it as if it were being filmed. In this book I have consciously not gone for the way out angles or the extreme shots, because I wanted to create a balance between comic and TV show. I know there is no exception to have an actual show with all the actors present, hell, I'd prefer to see that myself, but in lieu of that I try to make it as 'real' as spossible without looking stiff. How successsful am I? Only you guys can say... so be kind.
20. slayerette: Your quote about Xander and the "hook-up" has been heavily scrutinized in the context of the different relationships among the Scoobies. Just for clarification (and I hope this isn't too spoilery), by hook-up do you mean a 5th grade hook-up as is make-out session or are we talking hook-up as in naked and sweaty?
Georges: I really can't say. Not that I can't tell you, but because I don't know how far Xander and.... have gone. It may just be at the first base stage or he may have hit a home run by now. I don't know. I only hope Xander is well versed in Meat Loaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" before he goes too far....
21. Ben Marston: I don't know if you have seen the cover art for issue 30? (the Adam Hughes cover *yours amazed me, a great way to finish the arc even though I don't have a clue what the demon-y thing is) Does this represent Buffy not knowing what to do without her powers and the stake is a metaphor of this? Like Buffy when she first became a slayer and not knowing what to do with it back then?
Georges: You know after I read your question I rushed right over to the Dark Horse site and checked it out. I am a huge fan of Adam's work! We were both in the same studio for a little while. I like the cover but I'm a little confused too. I don't know what the stake is for as I've already drawn that issue and there is no stake to speak of. Some times in cases like this you just gotta look at the art and get lost in its beauty not its accuracy.
22. diabeticdude202: In your last session (4) you answered a question where you said Twilight, once revealed, would be interesting to draw. I understand you can't reveal spoilers or anything like that. But does this mean you haven't drawn them before (in this season) or am I looking at this in the wrong way?
Georges: You are looking at this is the wrong way.
23. diabeticdude202: In each season of Buffy, the characters slowly change, or form into a new kind of person by the end of the season. For example, in Season 6, Buffy is coddling Dawn, but realises at the end of it, she has to show her little sister the world. Another example, would be Willow's character, on how she see's the power inside her as too much, and uncontrollable, but in the end of the season, discovers its pure, and godess-y. Or at least its not evil what is inside her. Anyway, my question is, which character will we see the biggest change in this season? And if you can't answer that, which character do you think has changed the most since the WB's series finale?
Georges: I would think that was obvious. The biggest growth and I don't mean Dawn's giant affliction for a while, would have to be Xander. He's gone from a lovable bumbling side kick to a Carpenter to a general of a Slayer army. That has to be some serous growth there. I like that Xander can become a leader and not sacrifice that fun or innocent side of him. Like with that Dracula arc I think that illustrated his growth perfectly, sadly at the sake of his love interest (but that's nothing new) but Mr. Harris has become a very well rounded desirable individual that's why I don't think it's any surprise when he and D... you almost got me there.
24. diabeticdude202: How do you get 'in the zone' of drawing a Buffy comic. Music, television, etc. ??
Georges: All of it. Except for the TV part. I can't watch and draw at the same time. I do listen to commentaries every now and then but only to something I've already seen. I listen to a lot of music, but mostly I listen to audio books. This has proven to be the best way for me to get into the 'zone'. A former studio mate of mine and some time collaborator inker extraordinaire Karl Story turned me on to it when we were in Gaijin Studios together. I owe him big time for that. I like a lot of Horror and Sci-Fi and I tend to listen to Stephen King, John Grisham, and people like that. The only problem is, I've gotten to a place where I've listened to all of them and all the unabridged books (Abridged books are a big no no for me) that these writers and the like have put out! Any suggestions?
25. girlinquestion: You once said that Joss give you the concepts for the covers. Does he do this for every cover, or only a few? From artist to artist, when he does give you the concept, are you ever nervous that you didn't correctly convey what Joss had in mind? Also, I just have to say, I absolutely adore your Buffy covers.
Georges: Well, thank you for the compliment. Joss suggests covers every now and again. It's more of a collaborative effort. Sometimes Joss or the Editorial staff or the contributing writer will suggest stuff. A lot of times if I have the the script available I'll read it and just give everyone a whole bunch of ideas and we narrow it from there. I've liked 80% of the covers I've done. Some times it's hard because Buffy has 2 covers and you don't want to cross with the other cover being done so you might have a good idea but it may already be similar to the other cover. Joss is really good about sounding off. If he doesn't like something he'll just say it or add to what he sees. Again, it's all collaberation and I love the imput of others involved.
26. Jay: How much creative control do you get when drawing the comics? Like, does it say specifically in the script (or e-mails) how the panels should look?
Georges: I have a lot of freedom on this book, and from what I'm told that's pretty strange. I can only assume that means everyone involed likes what they see and doesn't feel the need to change it. There will be times when I turn in something and I have to revise it, but it doesn't happen often. I like to think I'm pretty familar with the subject matter and the continuity that I'm ahead of the game when I have to draw tings, but no, no one says much about what panels to choose or the locations or even the clothing. I spend a lot of time on this stuff so when it's seen, people are generaly happy with it. Which in itself is a great compliment.
27. Jay: Can you pencil in a Domo doll in one of the backgrounds for a future issue? For me? Pleeeease? =)
Georges: I don't know what a Domo Doll is. Give me more info and I'll consider it.
28. Jay: If you could choose, what Angel character would you want to cross over to Season Eight just so you can draw them?
Georges: Well, speaking as a Buffy fan I would love to have Angel come over, of course! But going back to the Angel episode the "Girl In Question" I would love to have that triangle played out in our book. I mean to my knowledge, Buffy doesn't even know Spike's alive again (unless Andrew said something to her). What would Buffy do if she saw Spike again after having all that time to think about how much of a sacrafice he made? Have her feelings changed? And was that, after all, what the whole "prophecy" was about?! Was Spike the chosen one?
29. buffycomic: I noticed a similarity between skinless Warren in Buffy Season Eight and Jane Doe in your Batman: Streets of Gotham back-up feature. buffycomics.hellmouthcentral.com/news/janedoe_warren.jpg
Jane Doe's prior appearances in comics didn't show her skinless like this... Did you decide to revise her appearance to take on the same physical attributes as Warren? They'd make a great couple
Georges: Yeah, that was weird, wasn't it? I had no idea when I did that book that that would come about. I don't change the physical look of the character as we all pretty much look the same skinless. I did cheat and added breasts to Jane Doe. I didn't know the Jane Doe character and when I read that she was skinless I said wait a minute... Marc Andreyko the writer of that issue is a huge Buffy fan and is actually friends with Tom Lenk. Small world, huh? As far as a great couple I don't think I like that visual. And I think as much as they fight, Amy has her claws (pardon the pun) in Warren pretty deep.
I wasn't going to do one this time around since Session 4 is still ongoing (I'm currently waiting on about 5 more answers), but Georges pretty much twisted my arm and said "Do it! Or I'll stop drawing!" So who am I to argue.
Anyway, 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.
To those who are still waiting for answers to their questions in the previous Q&A, those don't count and you can pretty much fire away too.
Hopefully there won't be too much of a delay this time around; he said that he should have the issue he's currently working on (#30, I think) finished by next week, and should have some time then.
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. faithswatcher: As far as you know:
"The prince"
"The betrayal, the closest the most unexpected"
And the identity of the Twilight.
Were these all fully known when they were first mentioned/created, or has the the way the story progressed subtlely (or not) changed the outcomes to these 'mysteries'? Has the prince become a different person, has the betrayer changed identities, has it even changed how they were to betray Buffy. etc.
Georges: Joss knew who Twilight was from the very beginning.
The Betrayer had a little more thought put into it. I'm not sure who the 'prince' is. Anything more would be telling...
2. AndrewCrossett: On the final page of #27 during Oz's speech, there's an inset panel that shows Faith, Andrew, and a red-headed girl. Is the red-headed girl Vi?
Georges: You would think Vi would be in there and Felicia Day, who I'm friendly with has asked if she's popped up, but no. A lot of times from when I've draw a page and when it gets colored it will go through a lot of changes. Unless it's a character that people should know the colorist will use her discretion, but there's no reason why Vi and all the other girls shouldn't be running around there somewhere.
3. AndrewCrossett: Another redhead question. Leah has made a lot of fans (including me) despite the fact she's only had a few lines. Her appearance and poses and action scenes have really defined her. What was the origin and inspiration behind her?
Georges: Joss had her from the beginning along with Rowena and Satsu. These were the new girls we were going to get to know in season 8. I have taken a shine to Leah too maybe that's why she's popped up more often. And, big hair. Kinda hard to miss.
4. AndrewCrossett: The Howling Commandos tribute cover for #29 is your coolest cover yet. Who's the girl in the helmet to the far left?
Georges: I really got into that cover! SO much so I even did the Logo by hand. It was a joke I was hoping we could play off at some point, and it just came together. I was really happy with the way it turned out. True, Buffy fans might not get the reference but comic fans will and that was a nice little nod I thought. The girl on the left is Rowena. Like I said, I haven't been giving her a lot of attention.
5. bamph: The Twilight reveal,when it happens,is it played as a big moment or more nonchalant and matter of factually?
Georges: I think it will be that big reveal, but from there is when the story really takes off. It will set up the ending of Season 8 and give you an idea of Season 9. It's going to be big, no question, but the story certainly won't stop there.
6. bamph: Originally,issues 31-35 was going to be the next arc written by Brad Meltzer.But now we know,Joss himself has decided to write issue 31 as a standalone with issues 32-35 being the next arc by Brad Meltzer.How much has this changed these issues and how much has this changed things on your own end approaching these issues?
Georges: I think and I don't know this for sure but because of what happens at the end of issue 30 Joss wanted to come in and do some of the story which is pretty cool. I believe it'll center around Buffy and what... happened to her. She's always been the hero of the story but I think now it'll be a little more defined in issue 31. I love that I get to work with Joss directly again. We haven't done a story together one on one since issue 11. It'll be good to get his script again. The following issue (#32) will flow from issue 31 and take up the story from there. Not much has changed on my end. I'm still doing them and look forward to them!
7. bamph: I'm reading your Manhunter co-feature in Batman:Streets Of Gotham and I've enjoyed the first two months of it.Can you compare working on two very strong female characters like Buffy Summers and Kate Spencer?
Georges: Well thanks. I really liked doing the Manhunter stuff. I wish I had the time to do all of the arcs in that Streets of Gotham book, but Buffy is a demanding mistress I couldn't keep it up. I liked the character of Kate. I think she'd darker and more ridged than Buffy. The two girls are very strong female figures but , while I don't know much about Kate's background, I think she is going to have a lot more demons in her future. I look forward to reading the rest of the story. Approaching the two I did very similar. Although since Kate now operates in Gotham I kept her story a lot darker than Buffy.
8. Ben Marston: The environments that you create in your work are amazingly detailed and compliment your character likenesses brilliantly. Are there any new places that you get to draw in the comic (don't know if this is too spoilery) or will the remainder of the series be based in Tibet.
Georges: I have looked forward to all the locations that season 8 has traveled. I have never googled so much reference in my life! It has been fun and a reason why I think I've felt the series was still fresh and new. We haven't gone back, we've moved ever forward. I can't wait to see where the next location is going to be. For the duration of Jane Espenson's arc we stay in Tibet.
9. Ben Marston: I don't know if you know this, but in reviews of the issues over the past several months, your artwork has been getting quite a bit of flak in terms of it maybe not being as strong as it was at the beginning of the series. What are your thoughts on these opinions?
Georges: I try not to read too many critics for this reason. You are never going to please everyone and I've heard all the comments and most of them come from myself. I'm the hardest one on my stuff. All I can say is that I am trying with each and every issue to give you the flavor of the show without looking photographed and stiff. I don't always succeed, but I am trying. The powers that be seem to like what I do and those are the people I have to work with so that's important to me. I am putting as much into the book now as when I first started it. I like to think that I'm always growing as an artist and in doing so that I get better. Is that the case? I think that's for others to write about.
10. Ben Marston: Is there any chance that we can get an answer (maybe with slight spoiler-age) as to why Joss decided to do a one shot as opposed to doing the 5 issue run with Brad Meltzer?
Georges: I'm not sure why Joss decided to do the one shot. I know given the subject matter that he might have wanted to pay more attention to this one issue. It's going to be a very important in the life of Miss Summers.
11. wenxina: Just saw the covers for #30, and I will first say great job! I love your more conceptual covers.
Anyway, let's talk about the scary blue demon/monster/god thing in the back. People have speculated that it could either be Palden Lhamo, or Yamantaka (both pretty similar looking to your illustration). Can you clarify what/who it is, or is that some big secret reveal that ultimately saves the day for the Slayers?
Georges: This might be a better question for Jane. There are going to be a few of these beasties showing up and I believe Jane as called upon more Tibetan history for them. They are monsters from Tibet's history. That's all I can say about that.
12. vampmogs: A while back you said that Joss told you something and you said "You can't do that!" and he said something along the lines of "Yes I can, and you'll see how." Is the thing you were referring to already happened (Buffy/Satsu ect) or is it still something yet to come? As for example, who the mole is, Twilight's reveal etc?
Georges: Yeah, it was the Buffy Satsu tryst. I was pretty floored when he told me about all that. The mole is an on going thing. He told me who he was thinking but i hope he doesn't do it.
13. faithswatcher: Will the season 8 ending be a season 3 type ending (absolute closure but chance to explore a different story)
Or season 6 ending (Setting up the next season, questions unanswered, cliffhanger gallore! curiosity as to where the story will go).
I know this might be too spolilery but i cant stand the idea that season 8 story wont have proper closure until least season 9 (hypothetically at LEAST 2 years away )
Georges: I think Season 8 will end more like what you said, like Season 3. As already stated Joss wants to do a Season 9 but I think it would come about as a result of Season 8, but there won't be cliffhangers you have to wait for. I think by the end of season 8 you are going to be wanting a Season 9 just because the book will go in a totally new direction.
14. AndrewCrossett: Am I seeing things, or is that a Sex Pistols t-shirt Giles is wearing in the preview pages for #28? (Could Ripper and Spike have slam-danced together in the same pit and never realized?)
Georges: You know I never thought of that but yeah, theoretically they could have been at a couple of punk concerts at the same time! They probably would have gotten on real well. I have always seen Giles as having that cool British exterior and that rebel interior, and everybody has one of those old shirts they like to sleep in! I'm sure I've got my Spice Girls shirt laying around here somewhere (the sad thing is I'm not kidding...)
15. AndrewCrossett: In #27 there's a panel where Oz and Bay are meditating, with Oz in his cage. Bay is framed by a sunburst image while Oz is against a background of darkness. Was that a deliberate symbolic choice?
Georges: Yeah, that was my attempt at being subliminal. I'm always thinking how best to show a scene and when I can portray visually what the story is trying to say I try and figure a way to do it. I honestly didn't think anyone would catch that. Gold star, Andrew!
16. Emmie: Two preview pages were just released for Issue 28 where Andrew knocks on Giles' door and tells him he's discovered a mole. The setting doesn't resemble what one would expect for Oz's home in Tibet. Is this perhaps a flashback?
Georges: It's my understanding that Oz and his crew have a little monastery on the edge of a hill so they would have a few rooms for guests to stay. I wanted something that looked odd but not unwelcoming. Like if you were there you wouldn't mind staying .
17. wenxina: In a recent interview with TFAW.com over at SDCC '09, you mentioned a mutual admiration between you and Juliet Landau. In fact, you guys apparently "geeked out" together for a bit, and you mentioned that you would love to do a project together, especially one with Drusilla in it. Since you draw a pretty mean Drusilla (as seen on the back cover of your second Buffy sketchbook), any chance that might happen soon-ish?
Georges: This is such a Hollywood thing to say, but we're in talks right now with Juliet's people to do something. It just has to be the right project, but yes, I would love to work with Juliet, she is one of the sweetest women you'll ever meet. There is not pretense there, with Juliet it's all love!
18. slayerette: First I just wanted to echo the fact that the Howling Commandos homage cover is amazing. It's one of my favorites for the season. Are there any plans to do more homage type covers or is the story getting too intense to allow for that sort of thing?
Georges: I love to do homage covers! Or covers that make you think of something else like movie posters or songs. I don't like to throw them out there with no apparent thread. There has to be some point to it. Having said that, yes there wil be a few more before Season 8 is over with!
19. slayerette: You said that you really paid attention to the Buffy/Giles conversation, because it was an important moment. Do you find yourself being more detail-oriented as the story progresses? In other words, with so many big emotional scenes coming up, has there been more pressure to get it perfect?
Georges: Always! Even if it's not a big scene, I strive to get it perfect. You guys may not be able to draw the comic Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but you sure know how the characters are supposed to act. You have 10 years of viewing in your collected memories so while you can't draw Buffy you damn sure know how she acts. I try and inject that into the comic with al the characters. It's really hard when it's all of the gang together because there are so many personalities to deal with. I have to watch a few episodes again from time to time just to remind me how a certain character acts. I like the emotional scenes because Buffy is nothing if not emotional so when I stage a scene I think of it as if it were being filmed. In this book I have consciously not gone for the way out angles or the extreme shots, because I wanted to create a balance between comic and TV show. I know there is no exception to have an actual show with all the actors present, hell, I'd prefer to see that myself, but in lieu of that I try to make it as 'real' as spossible without looking stiff. How successsful am I? Only you guys can say... so be kind.
20. slayerette: Your quote about Xander and the "hook-up" has been heavily scrutinized in the context of the different relationships among the Scoobies. Just for clarification (and I hope this isn't too spoilery), by hook-up do you mean a 5th grade hook-up as is make-out session or are we talking hook-up as in naked and sweaty?
Georges: I really can't say. Not that I can't tell you, but because I don't know how far Xander and.... have gone. It may just be at the first base stage or he may have hit a home run by now. I don't know. I only hope Xander is well versed in Meat Loaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" before he goes too far....
21. Ben Marston: I don't know if you have seen the cover art for issue 30? (the Adam Hughes cover *yours amazed me, a great way to finish the arc even though I don't have a clue what the demon-y thing is) Does this represent Buffy not knowing what to do without her powers and the stake is a metaphor of this? Like Buffy when she first became a slayer and not knowing what to do with it back then?
Georges: You know after I read your question I rushed right over to the Dark Horse site and checked it out. I am a huge fan of Adam's work! We were both in the same studio for a little while. I like the cover but I'm a little confused too. I don't know what the stake is for as I've already drawn that issue and there is no stake to speak of. Some times in cases like this you just gotta look at the art and get lost in its beauty not its accuracy.
22. diabeticdude202: In your last session (4) you answered a question where you said Twilight, once revealed, would be interesting to draw. I understand you can't reveal spoilers or anything like that. But does this mean you haven't drawn them before (in this season) or am I looking at this in the wrong way?
Georges: You are looking at this is the wrong way.
23. diabeticdude202: In each season of Buffy, the characters slowly change, or form into a new kind of person by the end of the season. For example, in Season 6, Buffy is coddling Dawn, but realises at the end of it, she has to show her little sister the world. Another example, would be Willow's character, on how she see's the power inside her as too much, and uncontrollable, but in the end of the season, discovers its pure, and godess-y. Or at least its not evil what is inside her. Anyway, my question is, which character will we see the biggest change in this season? And if you can't answer that, which character do you think has changed the most since the WB's series finale?
Georges: I would think that was obvious. The biggest growth and I don't mean Dawn's giant affliction for a while, would have to be Xander. He's gone from a lovable bumbling side kick to a Carpenter to a general of a Slayer army. That has to be some serous growth there. I like that Xander can become a leader and not sacrifice that fun or innocent side of him. Like with that Dracula arc I think that illustrated his growth perfectly, sadly at the sake of his love interest (but that's nothing new) but Mr. Harris has become a very well rounded desirable individual that's why I don't think it's any surprise when he and D... you almost got me there.
24. diabeticdude202: How do you get 'in the zone' of drawing a Buffy comic. Music, television, etc. ??
Georges: All of it. Except for the TV part. I can't watch and draw at the same time. I do listen to commentaries every now and then but only to something I've already seen. I listen to a lot of music, but mostly I listen to audio books. This has proven to be the best way for me to get into the 'zone'. A former studio mate of mine and some time collaborator inker extraordinaire Karl Story turned me on to it when we were in Gaijin Studios together. I owe him big time for that. I like a lot of Horror and Sci-Fi and I tend to listen to Stephen King, John Grisham, and people like that. The only problem is, I've gotten to a place where I've listened to all of them and all the unabridged books (Abridged books are a big no no for me) that these writers and the like have put out! Any suggestions?
25. girlinquestion: You once said that Joss give you the concepts for the covers. Does he do this for every cover, or only a few? From artist to artist, when he does give you the concept, are you ever nervous that you didn't correctly convey what Joss had in mind? Also, I just have to say, I absolutely adore your Buffy covers.
Georges: Well, thank you for the compliment. Joss suggests covers every now and again. It's more of a collaborative effort. Sometimes Joss or the Editorial staff or the contributing writer will suggest stuff. A lot of times if I have the the script available I'll read it and just give everyone a whole bunch of ideas and we narrow it from there. I've liked 80% of the covers I've done. Some times it's hard because Buffy has 2 covers and you don't want to cross with the other cover being done so you might have a good idea but it may already be similar to the other cover. Joss is really good about sounding off. If he doesn't like something he'll just say it or add to what he sees. Again, it's all collaberation and I love the imput of others involved.
26. Jay: How much creative control do you get when drawing the comics? Like, does it say specifically in the script (or e-mails) how the panels should look?
Georges: I have a lot of freedom on this book, and from what I'm told that's pretty strange. I can only assume that means everyone involed likes what they see and doesn't feel the need to change it. There will be times when I turn in something and I have to revise it, but it doesn't happen often. I like to think I'm pretty familar with the subject matter and the continuity that I'm ahead of the game when I have to draw tings, but no, no one says much about what panels to choose or the locations or even the clothing. I spend a lot of time on this stuff so when it's seen, people are generaly happy with it. Which in itself is a great compliment.
27. Jay: Can you pencil in a Domo doll in one of the backgrounds for a future issue? For me? Pleeeease? =)
Georges: I don't know what a Domo Doll is. Give me more info and I'll consider it.
28. Jay: If you could choose, what Angel character would you want to cross over to Season Eight just so you can draw them?
Georges: Well, speaking as a Buffy fan I would love to have Angel come over, of course! But going back to the Angel episode the "Girl In Question" I would love to have that triangle played out in our book. I mean to my knowledge, Buffy doesn't even know Spike's alive again (unless Andrew said something to her). What would Buffy do if she saw Spike again after having all that time to think about how much of a sacrafice he made? Have her feelings changed? And was that, after all, what the whole "prophecy" was about?! Was Spike the chosen one?
29. buffycomic: I noticed a similarity between skinless Warren in Buffy Season Eight and Jane Doe in your Batman: Streets of Gotham back-up feature. buffycomics.hellmouthcentral.com/news/janedoe_warren.jpg
Jane Doe's prior appearances in comics didn't show her skinless like this... Did you decide to revise her appearance to take on the same physical attributes as Warren? They'd make a great couple
Georges: Yeah, that was weird, wasn't it? I had no idea when I did that book that that would come about. I don't change the physical look of the character as we all pretty much look the same skinless. I did cheat and added breasts to Jane Doe. I didn't know the Jane Doe character and when I read that she was skinless I said wait a minute... Marc Andreyko the writer of that issue is a huge Buffy fan and is actually friends with Tom Lenk. Small world, huh? As far as a great couple I don't think I like that visual. And I think as much as they fight, Amy has her claws (pardon the pun) in Warren pretty deep.