Buffy : Season 9

1. hann23: The art in this issue was fantastic. You really captured the quick pace nature of the dialogue. I particularly loved the sequence of scenes where Severin is siphoning power off of both Buffy and Spike. Can you give us any more information about how you decided to draw those two scenes of Spike’s face while he is presumably starting to/really is losing his powers?

Georges: As it was written by Andrew Chambliss who has written the Buffy world ever so capably, this is the climax of the arc. It would have been fun to draw it out even more, but the tension is very high. My job as an artist is to make sure the script is translated visually. When I read that passage, I was taken by how much Spike would be willing to sacrifice for Buffy. No hesitation, no pause on his part and that’s what I wanted to show with Spike. Say what you want about him, that guy cares for Buffy, sometimes to his detriment.

2. Bamph: What are your thoughts now that the first arc of season 9 is concluded as far as your art in "Freefall"? Any easter eggs from the first four issues you want to point out or anecdotes?

Georges: I was ecstatic to have Dexter Vines come in and ink the first arc. If anyone upped my game, it was him. Of course it was great to have the first issue written by Joss. This arc felt like I was coming back home. I was on very familiar territory and it was nice to still feel wanted. Any hidden gems? I never intentionally set out to put something in, it always happens organically if someone else hasn’t already suggested it. Hmm, Buffy’s hair at the party in issue one is her tribute to Satsu. The pool area in Buffy’s apartment is kinda inspired by Melrose Place the TV series. The ’Nomed Realty’ that Spike goes to is really Demon spelled backward (kind of a cheat, I know).The shirt that Xander wears ’Human See Human Do’ is a nod to a friend of mine who loves Planet of the Apes. The shirt Xander wears in issue 4 is a School House Rock one. The shirt on one of the Zompires is a music group called Fishbone which is a personal favorite of the inker. That’s about it, unless someone else catches something I missed.

3. Bamph: I think it’s clear now that Severin is the guy in the glasses from Buffy #40. Back when that issue came out, I think I remember you saying that at the time you knew nothing about that mystery character. So when did you find out that Severin was the guy in the last issue of season 8 and knowing what you and we know about Severin, would you of approached his cameo and how he was drawn any different?

Georges: You’re right. I probably would have had him glow a little or have static lightning coming off of him. As it was, we reverse engineered him, suiting him more to what he was in issue 40 and using that in Season 9. You haven’t seen the last of Severin.

4. Bamph: I’ve got to say I love your cover for Buffy #6 with The Tomb Of Dracula #10 homage. I was waiting for a first comic cover homage this season and you delivered a fun one. We know the issue has Robin Wood and Nikki Wood factoring in so it’s very easy to see how this cover works and why. But how did this cover come about? Was it you ,Andrew Chambliss or Joss who came up with doing this homage?

Georges: I have to take credit for this one because some of that issue takes place in the 70s and that’s when Blade was created and I was a big Tomb of Dracula fan, but as soon as I did that cover I was kicking myself for not doing it years ago when Buffy teamed up with Dracula. Really, it would have been so cool to do the same cover but with Buffy. Oh well. It was a good substitute regardless. I loved that issue and thought Andrew really outdid himself. I always felt Robin was underused in Season 8 so it was a joy to have him come in for a whole issue. I really hope he makes it into the Angel & Faith book. There is a lot of unresolved stuff between him and Faith in my opinion.

5. cheryl: Hi Georges, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. As always, nice artwork. The hint that Buffy’s spark is somehow different...is that a new concept into the story or something creeping back in from the past?

Georges: I’m not sure I know about the spark. Thanks for the compliment!

6. cheryl: Can we expect to see Buffy reflect on her feelings regarding the loss of Giles or Angel anytime soon?

Georges: Yeah, I was wondering about that. We are led to believe that there has been some months between Season 8 and 9. I’m sure it’s nothing that Buffy will ever get over and just like reality, will hit her at odd times, so her feeling toward Giles will always be on the fringe and surface from time to time.

7. cheryl: The Scooby dynamic is pretty much MIA at the moment, do you think it’s too much to hope for that it will be found again?

Georges: You’re right, it is MIA. And it’ll be that way for some time, but sometimes you gotta go away in order to come back. Life does take over and the Gang does have their own lives at this point, but the great thing is that they are always there for each other. But things are different now.

8. Tennyo_elf: Thank you for your hard work, you are doing a fantastic job with season 9 and I’m looking forward to more! Also, I loved the Dalek in Xander’s apartment! Thank you for adding that for us Doctor Who fans!

Georges: Oh yeah! Daleks! Everyone behind the couch! I forgot about that. Glad you like. I wouldn’t be surprised if a little blue box happen to show up somewhere...

9. Tennyo_elf: You mentioned before that the new characters are loosely based on real people. I’m curious who you referenced for Robert Dowling? (He’s such a really sweet cop, I’m enjoying his character so far, and Koh too!)

Georges: I think that might be a better question for Andrew. I hate to admit it but Dowling is more a generic character. I didn’t have anyone in mind at the time and he showed up so infrequently that I never got around to referencing him. He is a good guy. I hope he survives...

10. Tennyo_elf: So far, who has been your favorite new character to draw and which character do you have the most creative freedom with? Are you looking forward to drawing anyone in particular?

Goerges: It’s really great to draw more of Spike. The new guys are fun to draw but there are no favorites just yet. It was great drawing Robin Wood. There are some other characters which were on the the series that I’ll get to draw soon so that should be fun, no spoilers!

(...)

Click on the link for more : http://slayalive.com/showthread.php/2452-Q-amp-A-with-Georges-Jeanty-for-Buffy-Season-9-4