Pibgorn (comic)
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Pibgorn is a comic strip by Brooke McEldowney which started March 11 2002. The title character is a fairy whose adventures span the fantasy and real worlds.
Pibgorn is unique in that it is a daily comic strip which is published on the world wide web by United Feature Syndicate, but does not appear in printed form at this time, although McEldowney has repeatedly said he would like to eventually publish Pibgorn as a book. Possibly due to that, Pibgorn is characterized by involved story arcs which may seem better suited to a graphic novel than a daily comic, and it is also notable for its creative use of color and large format, attributes not usually associated with daily comics. The artist has made the point that he wants to create a story without worrying about the editors of family newspapers, and he is making the most of that freedom. The art is striking and sensual, the characters are quirky and intelligent, and the ongoing story is compelling. Its strong following seems to confirm that the approach works well.
Characters
Pibgorn - The title character, a fairy who is not satisfied flitting around when she could be getting in trouble instead. She's sweet, effervescent, charming and flighty, with a succubus for a best friend and a human for a sweetheart. She has a talent for trouble, a knack for friendship, and a magical kiss which can effect miraculous healing.
Drusilla - A rather manipulative succubus who is used to getting what she wants, she seems to have resigned herself to the fact that Geoff genuinely loves Pib rather than her. Granted, this is after murdering Pib when she first decided she was a rival, but since it didn't stick, well, if you can't beat them, join them. She has made it exquisitely clear, though, that if Pib hurts Geoff, Dru will make her very sorry. They now seem somewhere between a wary alliance and a developing friendship.
Geoff - Pib's slightly geeky sweetheart, he's also a church organist, which can make for some awkwardness since his love is a fairy and his best friend is a succubus. He is loyal and affectionate, and protective of those he cares about.
Maurice - A field mouse, he's been a friend of Pib's from the very beginning, and he tries valiantly to keep up and help where he can.
Prince Crewth - The fairy monarch who was exasperated enough by Pib's flaunting of the rules to order her assassination. He seems to have given up on enforcing this, however.
Gaggot - Prince Crewth's oily lawyer/doctor, who seems to fancy himself as something of a power behind the throne.
Luciano - Prince Crewth's consultant and sometime court assassin, whose only weakness appears to be Pib. He proves to be completely unable to bring himself to hurt her, and instead falls head over heels.
The unlikely triad of Pibgorn, Drusilla and Geoff keep winding up in some very odd situations, but magic - and a fairy's kiss - can fix all manner of inconveniences, including death!
McEldowney also creates the syndicated comic strip 9 Chickweed Lane.
External links
- Comics.Com archive - last 30 days (http://www.unitedmedia.com/comics/pibgorn/)
- Archive of original 20 strips (http://www.comics.com/comics/pibgorn/html/originals1.html)
- LHLS interview with Brooke McEldowney (http://liheliso.com/Issue3/Issue3.html#An_Interview_with_Brooke_McEldowney)