New Georges Jeanty Interview

[Enisy]

Clicky (http://buffycomics.hellmouthcentral.com/html/interviews/georgesjeanty2.htm).

No spoilers (that we didn't already known of).

[vampmogs]

I respect that he was open and honest about his thoughts on 'After the Fall.' For the most part I disagree, the only things I ever found confusing and hard to read where Illyria's time slip pages but they're meant to be confusing and all over the place and after a re-read it makes sense. But I'm glad he tells it how it is, I respect that a lot more.

And yay! A summer special issue in-between seasone eight and nine! :2party: That's fantastic news, but probably way too early to speculate :lol:

[sueworld]

Yep, he's entitled to his opinion, but I have to say I'm not surprised to see a employee from Darkhorse ragging on a rival companies product. *sigh*

Maybe Brian should start doing the same for a change. :lol:

[vampmogs]

Yep, he's entitled to his opinion, but I have to say I'm not surprised to see a employee from Darkhorse ragging on a rival companies product. *sigh*

Maybe Brian should start doing the same for a change. :lol:

He wasn't "ragging" on 'Atf'. He said he believes they all know what they're doing and that the stories were very interesting and even made the distinction between his career and being a fan when he states he can't enjoy season eight because it's his career whereas he can Ats.

[sueworld]

While I thought the direction the stories were going in were interesting, I’ve been a little confused with the story telling. I think everyone involved knows what they’re doing, it just doesn’t come together as smooth as I’d like, but like any Angel fan I keep reading because I love the characters.

I happen to disagree with the above as I don't find it confusing at all myself, but hey he's entitled to say it's confusing If he wants to. But I have to say that calling something 'confusing' isn't normally seen as a positive thing.

[Matt]

After season 8 wraps there will be a Summer special that if it comes together will be amazing!

Sounds interesting, probably an aftermath thing, but if it's a special that probably means it's gonna be bigger, so maybe more like a mini GN than a CB?

[Sosa lola]

I happen to disagree with the above as I don't find it confusing at all myself.

Sue, it's the same discussion we had on S8. I don't find it confusing but you do. Just because you don't find a book confusing, it doesn't mean others won't.

I was shocked when my cousin told me she found About A Boy confusing. I was like HUH?!! But then the book had lots of British slang, and I had the advantage of reading so many fics with Spike in them, so :lol:

[sueworld]

Sue, it's the same discussion we had on S8. I don't find it confusing but you do. Just because you don't find a book confusing, it doesn't mean others won't.

Yeah, but I'm not an employee of a rival firm making a public statement about another companies work, am I?

Also I don't find season 8 confusing so much as daft I'm afraid. :roll:

[sueworld]

Brian's reply on IDW to Mr Jeanty's comments...

Re: Mr. Jeanty's comments. When there were not-so-subtle digs taken at our book in the back of another book, Chris Ryall showed tremendous class by not taking the bait and slinging back. I will learn from him and say simply that I have myspace messaged Mr. Jeanty and offered to explain anything he was confused by.

But this DOES support my argument that we should make ANGEL:AFTER THE FALL Cliff's Notes. At least one person would buy it.

Nice one :roll:

[Sosa lola]

Also I don't find season 8 confusing so much as daft I'm afraid. :roll:

I remember you said that you couldn't follow it, which I took as you not understanding it.

As for Brain's reply, I hate it when he shows that he's offended by someone not enjoying his book. I wish he keeps his cool more often. I mean how many times we heard fans complain about S8, I never saw Joss or any of the writers acting hurt by it. It makes Brian appear unprofessional and easily mocked by fans. I've come across a few who said that Brian is acting petty and childish, and it annoyed me, but I can't blame them when they think that, because the second he sees someone criticizing his book, he gets offended and it's not a pretty picture. Especially when you're an amazing writer. He should be more confident about his book. He has lots of fans, so what does it matter if some don't like his books.

I don't know why Jeanty expressed not being able to understand After the Fall. Was he just being honest or a jerk? If I were in his place, even if I had problems with After the Fall, I won't state them, because I know that some will take it like you did, Sue, and that doesn't show me in a good light at all.

[sueworld]

I don't know why Jeanty expressed not being able to understand After the Fall. Was he just being honest or a jerk? If I were in his place, even if I had problems with After the Fall, I won't state them, because I know that some will take it like you did, Sue, and that doesn't show me in a good light at all.

I think the term is being seen as acting 'unprofessionally' in front of your peers.

You're right. On both sides it's best to ignore stupid comments from others, but sadly Darkhorse has seemed to have made a few passive aggressive digs to AFT in the past, so I can understand Brian's desire to redress that now.

And no, I've never been confused by season 8, just surprised at the odd direction it's taken, thats all. :roll:

[Enisy]

As for Brain's reply, I hate it when he shows that he's offended by someone not enjoying his book. I wish he keeps his cool more often. I mean how many times we heard fans complain about S8, I never saw Joss or any of the writers acting hurt by it. It makes Brian appear unprofessional and easily mocked by fans. I've come across a few who said that Brian is acting petty and childish, and it annoyed me, but I can't blame them when they think that, because the second he sees someone criticizing his book, he gets offended and it's not a pretty picture. Especially when you're an amazing writer. He should be more confident about his book. He has lots of fans, so what does it matter if some don't like his books.

I agree with this, to an extent, but a random fan's criticism of the comic does not weigh nearly as heavily as a VIP's criticism of it, like Jeanty's. After the offense people took at his previous interview/DragonCon comments and at Allie's interview/SlayAlive comments, you'd think they would both learn to be a bit more diplomatic.

[Sosa lola]

but sadly Darkhorse has seemed to have made a few passive aggressive digs to AFT in the past, so I can understand Brian's desire to redress that now.


Really? I haven't heard of them, care to share a link? :) I never cared for what producers and such comment about, all I care about is reading and enjoying as well as getting spoilers, so that's probably why I'd miss on some petty stuff like these.

I agree with this, to an extent, but a random fan's criticism of the comic does not weigh nearly as heavily as a VIP's criticism of it, like Jeanty's. After the offense people took at his previous interview/DragonCon comments and at Allie's interview/SlayAlive comments, you'd think they would both learn to be a bit more diplomatic.

LOL, I guess I'm pretty much out of the loop :D What did he say in his previous interview/DragonCon?

[sueworld]

so that's probably why I'd miss on some petty stuff like these.

I find that kind of thing only 'petty' when it's the fans talking amongst themselves. When it comes from employees of the professional publications involved it becomes bloody off putting.

Comic book folk seem a 'chatty bunch'. Maybe they'd be better off taking a leaf out of Whedons book when it comes to deporting themselves online.

[Enisy]

LOL, I guess I'm pretty much out of the loop :D What did he say in his previous interview/DragonCon?

Oh, nothing about IDW, just their usual anti-Spike/-Spuffy partyline. I was just saying that the reaction that got from a large segment of the fandom should have clued them in that they need to be more careful with their comments and their criticisms. When that sort of thing is coming from a random fan, it's dismissible, but when it's coming from them, it has this VIP Seal of Approval that's really hard to ignore or forgive.

By the way: I suppose Brian was referring to anti-Angel: After the Fall letters in the Slay the Critics section, up there? 'Cause it wouldn't be the first time that inspired complaints, either...

[KingofCretins]

It's pitiful how many (or not many, technically) "fans" love to foment these kinds of things as "arguments" between the creators of the current Buffyverse series just to gratify their own hostility toward one book or the other. If I were to go IDW, would there be posts about Jeanty's comments basically saying "oooooh Brian! Jeanty dissed you! You've been served and now it's on!"

[sueworld]

If you mean would they be backing Brian up on his recent comments, well yes.

As to trying to start some kind of rivalry' between the two publishers, no.

They're quite capable of doing that on their own it seems. :roll:

[KingofCretins]

No, I mean before he posted, to egg him on and blow the initial Jeanty comments out of proportion. Not the least of which being, well, you. It's no secret you're completely in the tank against Season 8. If Scott Allie, Georges Jeanty, Joss Whedon, and Karl Moline were to jump out of a cruise ship and walk across the water back to shore, you'd very quickly go on LiveJournal to post "look, Season 8 can't swim!" The bottom line is that IDW has been delivering shirtless Spike and Dark Horse has *only* delivered it *once* despite Spike not actually being a character in the season -- therefore, Dark Horse's product sucks.

[sueworld]

No, I mean before he posted, to egg him on and blow the initial Jeanty comments out of proportion.

I see, so this is somehow all my fault? Just because I don't think that season 8 is all that great? Good lord, please get a grip!

:roll: :roll: :lol:

I can't read the rest of your post because of trying to wipe the tears of laughter out of my eyes. :roll:

Never change love. :hug:

[Roses-r-Red]

I think with all the fan criticism of these interviews, people are going to be less inclined to participate in said interviews in the future. That would really suck.

[Vampire in Rug]

I don't get the hostility towards Mr. Jeanty. The interviewer actually asked his opinion on season 8 and Mr. Jeanty answered with his, y'know *opinion*. And his opinion wasn't even negative. He said that he loved the charactars and was enjoying the story. He finds it slightly confusing, but is otherwise enjoying it. He wasn't ragging on the book in that interview.

Sue, stop adding fuel to an imaginary fire.

[sueworld]

Sue, stop adding fuel to an imaginary fire.

How am I doing that? Anyone whop puts a statement out there is going to have to get used that they may be called on it.

As Ensiy said when it fans, it's fine, but when it's professionals it another matter.

Of course he's entitled to say what he wants, as are we all, but he shouldn't be surprised when folk respond, and Brian's done just that.

[hayes62]

I just read the offending interview and, assuming he was being reported accurately, what Jeanty seemed to be saying he found confusing about AtF wasn't the story but the storytelling. I read it as implying that he wouldn't have made the same choices. Unprofessional or not, given the differences in style between the two books, this would hardly be news.

On both sides it's best to ignore stupid comments from others, but sadly Darkhorse has seemed to have made a few passive aggressive digs to AFT in the past, so I can understand Brian's desire to redress that now.

Lynch has been chasing down any fans expressing even the slightest misgivings about his work since Spike: Asylum. Long before he was so much as a speck on Scott Allie's horizon. Frankly I think the two of them deserve each other.

[KingofCretins]

As we've seen before, when it's professionals, as often as not the "offensive" remark was no such thing to begin with. I'm not sure I'd see why Lynch would take the great offense anyway -- he has accepted face to face (online anyway) criticism of "After the Fall" much more direct than that. The end of "Angel: After the Fall" Issue #11, for instance. Or some of the "who actually said that" and "where's that character" in Issue #9 or Issue #10. There was the whole Art Lyons "Hell is brown" thing after Issue #9.

[sueworld]

Frankly I think the two of them deserve each other.

You're probaly right there. :roll:

[Enisy]

I'm not sure I'd see why Lynch would take the great offense anyway -- he has accepted face to face (online anyway) criticism of "After the Fall" much more direct than that.

I think it's because of what I said: Fan criticism < VIP criticism.

[KingofCretins]

Yeah, but I think fan vs. VIP is absorbed by "actual criticism" vs. "innocuous remark".

Fan criticism > completely overblown VIP comment.

[Vampire in Rug]

I will learn from him and say simply that I have myspace messaged Mr. Jeanty and offered to explain anything he was confused by.

But this DOES support my argument that we should make ANGEL:AFTER THE FALL Cliff's Notes. At least one person would buy it.

Personally, I think this was uncalled for. Jeanty was asked his opinion in an interview and he gave it. And the opinion wasn't even negative. I can only really recall one instace where Scott Allie was a dick about the Angel franchise and that doesn't really have anything to do with this interview.

[Enisy]

Brian said he talked to Jeanty and "it went swimmingly", so drama over now, maybe.

[vampmogs]

My god. :rolleyes:

Seriously, does everyone just want the same bloody "diplomatic" replies in every single interview you get with a "VIP." What a load of bull, I'm so tired of it now. He's allowed to give his honest opinion about everything he likes, despite his job occupation. He was far more "diplomatic" in his response concerning season eight than some people were about his own illustrations. He's also a person to you know, and as he states, a fan.

The fact that some people are actually complaining that we don't get the same robotic predictable answers in their interviews astounds me.

[Enisy]

Joss is always diplomatic without giving "the same robotic predictable answers". It can be done.

[vampmogs]

Joss is always diplomatic without giving "the same robotic predictable answers". It can be done.

Why should it have to be done? So people don't get into a huff? If they're that easily wound up why don't they just not read interviews? I mean honestly, why do they even care? What about Jeanty being the artist on season eight in any way makes his opinion more "worthy" or of more importance than any other fan out there, who as others have stated, have been far more harsh in some of their criticisms.

I mean what about all the snide little comments people have made about Jeanty’s illustrations. Calling his covers “horrible” or “ghastly.” He’s a guy to you know, one that has eyes and reads the internet and has to put up with that kind of criticism and it’s ok because he’s a “VIP” and he has to take it, whereas if he offers a far more mellow criticism he gets blasted for it?

[Rowan Hawthorn]

Why should it have to be done? So people don't get into a huff? If they're that easily wound up why don't they just not read interviews? I mean honestly, why do they even care? What about Jeanty being the artist on season eight in any way makes his opinion more "worthy" or of more importance than any other fan out there, who as others have stated, have been far more harsh in some of their criticisms.

I mean what about all the snide little comments people have made about Jeanty’s illustrations. Calling his covers “horrible” or “ghastly.” He’s a guy to you know, one that has eyes and reads the internet and has to put up with that kind of criticism and it’s ok because he’s a “VIP” and he has to take it, whereas if he offers a far more mellow criticism he gets blasted for it?

Exactly. At least he didn't call Brian Lynch a "hack" who should have his own work taken out of his hands, or call Lynch's storylines "daft".

[Andrew]

I really don't get any form of insult or slight in Jeanty's Interview. Seriously. He was asked a question about his opinion on ATF and he answered it with honesty and tact. How could he be more diplomatic without outright lying? He even attributed what problem he had with the comic instead of making baseless general criticisms (e.g. "Yeah it's kinda good but there are bits I don't like") which would actually be pointless and offensive. He simply said he enjoyed the story but was a little confused about it. It wasn't a flame, a slur or an insult aimed directly at Brian Lynch, it was a generally positive personal opinion with absolutely zero hostility about it.

[Weredog]

Nice little interview. I agree that his Xander and Giles are some of his best similarities to the respective actors. I would sneak Willow in there -- I think he captures Alyson, but completely makes her Willow.

I can't wait to see his Kennedy (of which he says he had trouble with a bit) in whatever issue it is to come. He probably nailed it. Also, does anyone know where the picture of Faith and Buffy in the interview is from? It looks like it could be a variant cover... perhaps to Faith's second storyline that's coming up? Or maybe a "No Future for You" draft?

[dane5by5]

Nice little interview. I agree that his Xander and Giles are some of his best similarities to the respective actors. I would sneak Willow in there -- I think he captures Alyson, but completely makes her Willow.

I can't wait to see his Kennedy (of which he says he had trouble with a bit) in whatever issue it is to come. He probably nailed it. Also, does anyone know where the picture of Faith and Buffy in the interview is from? It looks like it could be a variant cover... perhaps to Faith's second storyline that's coming up? Or maybe a "No Future for You" draft?

I believe it's from the cover of his sketch book for 'No Future For You', which is available on his website.

I want to see his Kennedy too, I think Cliff Richards drew her very well in 'Anywhere But Here', while Karl Moline seemed to have trouble in 'Time of Your Life'. I think Georges will fall somewhere in between.

[Sosa lola]

I've noticed he has trouble capturing female characters, but he does so well with the males. Willow is the best female character he draws, she looks just like Alyson. I like his Buffy the best out of all the Buffys I've seen, even though she doesn't look much like SMG.

[vampmogs]

I think she looks like Buffy, if that makes sense. She's got Sarah's nose which is probably the most distinctive feature about her, and then you have the blonde hair, the shortness, the tiny frame, it's all iconic Buffy. In many ways Buffy’s own image, or should I say Sarah’s, went beyond just an actress and became that character. It’s part of the whole meaning behind her character, she’s the blonde girl who doesn’t get killed in the alleyway. Her blonde hair is iconic for the character, not so much Sarah.

[Enisy]

I even remember Joss telling him to "draw Buffy, not Sarah Michelle Gellar".

[sueworld]

I even remember Joss telling him to "draw Buffy, not Sarah Michelle Gellar".

Huh, weird.

I'm not the greatest fan of his style, but he seems to do a decent enough Xander and Willow. Buffy not so much IMO and his Faith was just 'odd'.

But as they say 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' and all that.

[Enisy]

I like his Buffy (sometimes), Xander, Willow, and Faith, but not his Giles, Dawn, Andrew, etc; and I prefer Richards' and Moline's drawing style in general. This is probably a matter of taste, though.

[Sosa lola]

I like his Buffy (sometimes), Xander, Willow, and Faith, but not his Giles, Dawn, Andrew, etc.

Seriously? You don't think his Giles is good? I actually think he does Giles the best out of all of them, even Xander. There's that panel when Giles says "Burn" in #9, very Giles lookalike.

[Matt]

Not so much Dawn, but Andrew and Giles, have you ever thought maybe it's because they've hardly been seen this season so he hasn't had as much practice with them as much as the others.

I sort of agree with the Giles thing, there's one panel when Giles says something about Faith being the only person to have been rebellious and he looks like Paul O'Grady, not that most of the people here will know who that is.

[KingofCretins]

I think Xander and Buffy have both been excellent. Look at the expressiveness of Buffy's eyes when she's looking at Xander in 8.15. Just perfect.

I think, overall, Karl Moline and Georges Jeanty have been the best. But I'd be happy with either of them or Cliff Richards as the full time penciler.

[ThePoet's<3]

Having met Georges I can't imagine him being petty or or unprofessional about another person's storytelling, writing, etc. I take it simply as he stated it - at times as he has read the story he has been confused.

Actually, of both comic series I would find A:ATF to be more confusing than Buffy S8. There have been times when I would read an issue of A:ATF and think, "Huh?" And usually I come here for explanations! So, I can identify with the occasional head-scratching moment Georges has experienced.

He's truly one of the nicest guys you will ever meet - and between Mr. Lynch and Mr. Jeanty...definitely Mr. Jeanty. And I've loved Lynch's writing before Jeanty ever drew his first Buffy!

[Sosa lola]

Having met Georges I can't imagine him being petty or or unprofessional about another person's storytelling, writing, etc. I take it simply as he stated it - at times as he has read the story he has been confused.

Actually, of both comic series I would find A:ATF to be more confusing than Buffy S8. There have been times when I would read an issue of A:ATF and think, "Huh?" And usually I come here for explanations! So, I can identify with the occasional head-scratching moment Georges has experienced.

He's truly one of the nicest guys you will ever meet - and between Mr. Lynch and Mr. Jeanty...definitely Mr. Jeanty. And I've loved Lynch's writing before Jeanty ever drew his first Buffy!

I think he's a sweet guy myself, even though I haven't met him. I actually enjoy his art and drawing much more than any of the others. The guy who draws the Fray arc for example is my least fave. His style doesn't click for me. Jeanty's drawings are closer to life than his. His Buffy and Willow for example are just awful, I'd give him points for Dawn, though. Jeanty's Dawn looks like S5 Dawn, but in the Fray arc she looks like a real 18 year old.

[vampmogs]

I think he's a sweet guy myself, even though I haven't met him. I actually enjoy his art and drawing much more than any of the others. The guy who draws the Fray arc for example is my least fave. His style doesn't click for me. Jeanty's drawings are closer to life than his. His Buffy and Willow for example are just awful, I'd give him points for Dawn, though. Jeanty's Dawn looks like S5 Dawn, but in the Fray arc she looks like a real 18 year old.

I agree, Moline does a fantastic Dawn and he manages to make her beautiful when she has a horses ass, so he deserves points for that :p

But other than that, I'm with you in saying that Jeanty is my favourite artist. He's not always perfect but out of every artist we've had in season eight he's bested them all when it comes to depicting real emotion and giving these characters life, at least in my eyes. Some of his illustrations of Faith didn't always look like her, and yet in some magnificent way they did. He managed to bring off the page all her emotion and what she was thinking. He truly captures the feel of these characters, as for example the “burst” moment for Giles, I mean that *is* Anthony Head, I could just feel it. It's Giles to a T, the glimmer in his eye, the hardened grim face, you could almost see all of the character's history come through in that face.

And it didn’t hurt that some of his drawings of Buffy in ‘Wolves At The Gate’ very much resembled how Sarah looked at Paley. His one illustration in particular, when she’s smiling at Satsu in their break-up scene wonderfully captures the character.

The artist for 'The Chain' 'Anywhere But Here' and 'Time of Your Life' all have their own style and non of them are bad, but they don't bring those emotions across like Jeanty does, he's truly exceptional in that regard.

I think Jeanty's imperfection works for me, it's more interesting and gives the season more life, the artist for 'The Chain' (Cliff Richards perhaps?) was too perfect for me that the drawings felt dull, and I'm not really a big fan of Moline's Buffy or Willow I must say, though in Issue #18 his Willow had improved immensly.

Personally, I hate changing artists, I find it grating and off putting. I wished Jeanty did the whole lot.

[Enisy]

What I really don't like about Jeanty, though, is that all his characters look five to ten years younger than they actually are, which, in turn, makes the whole comic look more "childish". A friend of mine couldn't take it seriously for that very reason, which makes me sad, because the stories are anything but childish.

[Sosa lola]

What I really don't like about Jeanty, though, is that all his characters look five to ten years younger than they actually are, which, in turn, makes the whole comic look more "childish". A friend of mine couldn't take it seriously for that very reason, which makes me sad, because the stories are anything but childish.

I agree about this but only with the females. Xander looks great as a 24 year old. To say the truth, all of them look right for their ages (except probaby Dawn who looks 15 when she should look 18.) If Jeanty could only work on female characters' faces, like not make them as round, people may be more acceptable of them.

I'm 24 and many of my friends are and we look very young. Kinda like Friends in S1, they were 25/26 and they could pass for 21. I think the real problem was hiring actors far older than the real characters. NB was 10 years older than Xander, CC was 11 years older than Cordelia, AH was 7 years older than Willow. Only SMG was the one fitting seeing as she was about 2 or 3 years older than Buffy. It was fine in S1 and S2, but then it got harder to believe that these characters are still teenagers, especially CC and in later seasons NB.

[Curiouswolf]

Now that all the brou-hah-hah is out of the way regarding what Georges said about ATF I'm most interested in one comment he made. He said there were a couple of things that would shock people that was coming up, most likely in the upcoming arc.

Here's my guesses on what the "shocking" surprises might be:

--A Twilight reveal?

--We find out who the mole is?

--Kennedy finds out about Saga Vasuki and Willow.

--We find out more about Twilight's allies.

-- Someone, perhaps more than one person, unexpectedly joins Twilight's cause.

[Charles]

The only thing he specifically mentions was this:

I was shocked to hear how the whole Twilight thing works itself out... There are a couple things coming up that may seem shocking but I think people are gonna accept it quite easily.