Girl Genius

Girl Genius
Agatha, main character of Girl Genius
Author(s)	Phil & Kaja Foglio
Website	http://www.girlgeniusonline.com
Current status/schedule	Update on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Launch date	2005-03-18 (as webcomic)

Girl Genius is an ongoing comic book series written and drawn by Phil and Kaja Foglio and published by their company, Studio Foglio LLC under the imprint Airship Entertainment.

On 2005-03-18, Girl Genius became a webcomic, and quarterly publication of the comic ceased, although publication of collected volumes continued. The new Girl Genius website now contains all the published work. It used to have two streams, "Girl Genius 101" (for those who have never read the comic before, and where the back issues were being released over time) and "The Advanced Class" (where all new material is released). The site has been prone to bandwidth overages, especially when the complete comic was made available - one can now read it at a sitting.

Girl Genius updates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Plot

Girl Genius is a steampunk tale; “a gaslamp fantasy with adventure, romance and mad science”, set in an alternate history "where the Industrial Revolution has become an all-out war" due to the appearance of "Sparks" — highly charismatic mad scientists with supernormal abilities in one or more sciences, usually conjoined with serious lack of common sense or sense of proportion (they are sometimes called “madboys”). The main character, Agatha Heterodyne, is the descendant of a family of Sparks, the Heterodyne clan, most of whom, except her father Bill and her uncle Barry, had been notorious for their villainy, ruthlessness – and genius. ('Heterodyne' comes from the music she hums when she uses her abilities.) Her father and uncle, the famous Heterodyne Boys, established a Golden Age in Europe for years (almost completely redeeming the family name), but disappeared mysteriously about the time of Agatha's birth. Her uncle Barry returned secretly to Europe with Agatha, but disappeared again when she was seven.

At the beginning of the series, Agatha is ignorant of her true heritage, and is being raised under the name of Agatha Clay by two "constructs" (artificial people, in the style of (the pop-culture version of) Frankenstein's monster) originally built by her father and uncle.

After her expulsion from the renowned Transylvania Polygnostic University, and her loss of a locket she had been told to always wear (which, unbeknownst to her, suppressed her own "Spark" abilities at the price of causing her blinding headaches), Agatha's Spark begins to show, drawing the attention of the ruthless ruler of much of Europe, Baron Klaus von Wulfenbach - a former associate of her father and her uncle, and a former unsuccessful suitor for her mother's hand.

"Gaslamp Fantasy"

Kaja Foglio coined the term "Gaslamp Fantasy" (an alternative to "steampunk") to describe the work. In her April 24, 2006 LiveJournal entry, Kaja Foglio explained how the term came to be coined:

"I called it Gaslamp Fantasy because, around the time we were bringing Girl Genius out, there was a comic called Steampunk on the shelves and I didn't want any confusion. Plus, I've never liked the term Steampunk much for our work, it's derived from Cyberpunk (a term which I think actually fits its genre well) but we have no punk, and we have more than just steam, and using a different name seemed appropriate. I mis-remembered a term that I had come across in the foreword to an H. Rider Haggard book, where the author was talking about Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Rider Haggard and that sort of pre-pulp adventure material, and came up with "Gaslamp Fantasy." I felt a bit foolish when I discovered that I had made up my own term, but it works and I like it."

It also differs from classic steampunk in that technology is not just limited to machines but also encompasses biology. Thus alongside the Clanks (robots), dirigibles and walking gunboats of the world there are constructs - biological creations which range from Frankenstein's creature types to talking cats and mouse-sized mammoths.

Characters

Agatha Clay/Heterodyne

Agatha Clay, also known as Agatha Heterodyne, is the main character. Agatha is a "Spark", or mad scientist. She is especially good at creating and repairing electrical and mechanical devices like "clanks" (impossibly advanced steampunk robots) and engines. She tends to build things in her sleep, a quirk she developed when her Spark ability was re-awakened. Recently she was possessed by the dreaded force known only as "The Other", which was either her mother, Lucrezia Mongfish, or an earlier ancestor, which previously possessed her.

She has an impressive heritage as the daughter of the heroic Bill Heterodyne and the formerly evil Lucrezia, and has inherited both the legendary Heterodyne charismatic genius and Lucrezia's irrepressible attitude — not to mention temper!

Her spark abilities are impressively powerful. In addition to her current inventions, Bangladesh DuPree has encountered a series of images[1]that Baron Wulfenbach speculates are windows into the future.[2] If this is true, Agatha will one day have access to a time viewer - a technology far more advanced than the clockwork robots, stitched humanoids and bizarre mutants created by her fellow Sparks. And as her already-impressive abilities are all but completely untrained, it is easy to assume that once she gains more experience, she may be capable of inventing such works.

Due to her impressive lineage and equally impressive potential, she is pursued by many other Sparks. Sparks are the power players of her world, and as one currently without an empire of her own to protect her, she is a potential asset — or enemy. Baron Klaus von Wulfenbach wishes to imprison her, believing her to be a source of potential discord. Othar Tryggvasen, once he realizes that she is the Heterodyne heir, decides he would prefer to ally with her rather than destroying her. The Baron's son, Gilgamesh, is in pursuit of her, apparently romantically; she may share feelings for him, or she may simply enjoy arguing with a fellow Spark who does not wish to dominate or kill her. She has also drawn the 'affections' of Prince Tarvek von Aaronev VII, another prominent Spark. This relationship would be considered far more amicable than the one she shares with the Wulfenbach heir — if not for the fact he is devious, manipulative and somewhat responsible for her possession.

Heterodyne Boys

"The Heterodyne Boys" are the previous heirs of the Heterodyne name and Agatha's father and uncle. Unlike their ancestors, they were heroic and fought evil to establish a brief golden age in Europe, predating the comic. They originally appeared in a light-hearted Munden's Bar story in the comic book Grimjack, where they were parodies of early-twentieth-century "Edisonades".

There is little "canon" knowledge of the Heterodynes, other than that Bill Heterodyne romanced the evil Spark Lucrezia Mongfish into heroism[3], eventually stealing her from Baron Wulfenbach and marrying her[4], a union that produced the main character, Agatha Heterodyne. At the time of the series Bill and Barry have been missing since the war against The Other, mysteriously gone and their ancestral castle home in ruins. Barry Heterodyne did secretly return, caring for Agatha until he disappeared again when she was seven.

Since their disappearance, they have become the stuff of legend, inspiring a series of books of dubious accuracy chronicling their adventures, including "The Heterodyne Boys and the Pneumatic Oyster", "The Heterodyne Boys and the Race to the West Pole", and "The Heterodyne Boys and the Turbines of Atlantis". During the course of her adventures, Agatha joins up with a "travelling Heterodyne show", a troupe of players who enact plays about the Heterodynes' adventures. The accuracy of these stories is dubious and many are entirely fictional and/or wildly exaggerated; one character told a Heterodyne Boys story titled "The Heterodyne Boys and the Dragon from Mars", but admitted to making it up on the spot, and another published story ("... The Turbines of Atlantis") was told as a parody of Mary Sue fanfiction [5].

Baron Klaus Wulfenbach

Baron Klaus Wulfenbach is a "Spark," or mad scientist, with a particular interest in the workings, origins and nature of the "Spark." He was once a "hero" alongside the Heterodynes. He disappeared for several years, returning after their disappearance to find Europe in chaos. Without the charismatic Heterodynes to keep the peace, rampaging conflicts between rival Sparks had reduced society to ruins. Disgusted with what he saw, and less prone to diplomacy than the more charismatic Heterodynes, he imposed order by force, battling down many quarreling Sparks and becoming the uncontested ruler of much of Europe.

He has many people in his employ, drawn from a wide array of backgrounds, including the staffs of conquered Sparks, as well as various types of "constructs" (artificial people), and "clanks" (steampunk-styled robots). His headquarters is a huge dirigible-like airship called Castle Wulfenbach, which gives him the advantages of security, privacy and mobility. Prior to the events of the comic, it is possible the Baron had died and been revived as a construct; this is suggested by the stitching on his torso and limbs.

While he is publicly considered a ruthless tyrant, his motives are more complex. He dislikes ruling and politics, much preferring adventure or research, but recognizes that he is needed in his current role. His subjects do not note the discrepancy between their perception of him and his actual actions — among other things, he does not do anything to prevent himself being portrayed as a ruthless villain in popular entertainment. In private, he is actually quite even tempered (his obsession with brain surgery on rival Sparks notwithstanding), and enjoys newly-written Heterodyne stories. He appears to simply lack the charisma (and patience) to rule by any means save military force — which he utilizes in a coldly rational manner.

Oddly, Wulfenbach does not seem obsessed with power for its own sake like his more maniacal fellow Sparks. He is not given to ostentation or reveling in power, and states frankly his job feels more like babysitting than anything else. He hates politics and has blatantly said so, repeatedly. He seems to feel he is the only thing standing between Europe (or even the world) and the chaos of the past — and he will brook no chance he or his heir will lose that position. He states frankly that he can be a ruthless tyrant — but he tries to be fair.

He is obsessed with the pursuit of Agatha, because he knows she possesses in great quantity the critical factors that made Heterodynes formidable — not her intelligence (although it is among the greatest known), but her charisma. She wins allies easily, much like her father did, in a way few, if any, other Sparks can. Wulfenbach has proven to be ruthless in his pursuit of her, but is sympathetic to her plight as well as his son's feelings for her.

Another possible motivation for his desire to capture Agatha is his hatred of her mother, Lucrezia. They used to be lovers, until she drugged and disposed of him before marrying Bill Heterodyne. He also believes, likely correctly, that she was The Other, who devastated much of Europe and is apparently responsible for the disappearance of Bill and Barry. He appears to regard Agatha as more Lucrezia's heir than Bill's. The fact that she has attracted the romantic attentions of his son Gilgamesh fuels both his distrust on one hand, and possibly hope on the other that she may be trustworthy.

Gilgamesh Wulfenbach

Gilgamesh Wulfenbach ("Gil" to his friends) is the son of Baron Klaus Wulfenbach. Perhaps unsurprisingly (as his father, considered by many to be a ruthless tyrant, actually prefers science and adventure to politics), he is a rather likable fellow, more interested in building aircraft and constructs to designing weapons or defending his father's empire. Despite being somewhat of a slacker with a tendency to put his foot in his mouth when discussing non-technical subjects, he is in some ways superior to his father - one case in point is his study of a Heterodyne artifact he acquired in Paris. Though its purpose stymies him, he's reluctant to "break it just to find out what it could have done".[6] His father's research into the Spark, in comparison, consists mainly of surgery upon captured rivals in which he "destroy(s) parts of your brain until you no longer are a Spark".[7]

His Spark is particularly powerful - he built his "breakthrough" creation (a knee-high construct named Zoing) at the age of eight. He has become increasingly infatuated with Agatha since discovering she was a fellow Spark, as he realized that she was the first woman he had ever met who could understand his love of science. She seemed somewhat taken with him as well, at least until she witnessed him brutally subduing Othar Tryggvassen (though when the self-proclaimed "hero" tried to kill her after she helped him escape, she decided she owed Gil an apology).

After discovering Agatha's (faked) demise while defending a traveling Heterodyne show from a rogue Clank, he spent his time resuscitating Agatha's surrogate parents Adam and Lilith Clay (otherwise known as Punch and Judy, assistants to the Heterodyne Brothers), and taking out his frustrations upon captured rogue Clanks.

However, upon learning that Agatha's demise had been greatly exaggerated, he seems to have undergone an impressive transformation. He sent his butler and friend, Wooster (in truth a spy for the British Empire) to find Agatha and bring her to London for protection. He pointedly demanded that she is to be kept free as well as safe — or he would focus all his abilities upon destroying England. [8]

The identity of Gil's mother has not been revealed, but the Baron has seen fit to warn his son that he may be targeted for assassination by Agatha's exotic, green-haired weaponsmaster because: "I kept you alive."[9]

Othar Tryggvassen

A Spark and self-proclaimed hero whose sworn mission is the destruction of all the world's Sparks, including, eventually, himself. He regards them as a dangerous menace to society (a point of view shared by many, giving him a reputation as a hero; but not by all, giving him quite the opposite reputation). Besides being a spark, Othar seems to be unusually resillient, surviving several incidents that would lead to certain death for anyone else (including a fall from the airship Castle Wulfenbach). Othar concedes that the Great Wall of Norway was a mistake.

Krosp

The king of the cats. A construct in the form of a cat (except that he is more comfortable walking on his hind legs) with the brain of a military genius. He was designed to lead the cats of the world as an army of spies, messengers and saboteurs. Unfortunately, cats are ordinary animals and not capable of following orders.

Krosp is currently Agatha's most loyal follower, although he regards her as his vassal – making him not all that different from a normal cat.

Zeetha

A green haired swordsmistress and the lost princess of the lost city of Skifander. She left the city as an envoy to the outer world. However, a complex chain of events (involving her slaughtering an entire fleet of sky pirates that kidnapped her) leaves her with no idea how to get home. Zeetha has declared she and Agatha are "kolee-dok-zumil"; a complex Skifandran term that might be compared to an apprenticeship. In practice however, it is more like "grindstone and knife"-she regularly trains, drills and bludgeons Agatha to exhaustion.

Most people, with the exception of Agatha and, it appears, Klaus, have never even heard of Skifander. Agatha knew of it from stories told by her Uncle Barry. Klaus' contact with Skifander has not been revealed, but he advised his son that Zeetha may have been sent to kill him. When Gilgamesh asks what he did, Klaus only stated that he "kept [Gilgamesh] alive."

Ardley Wooster

Wooster is an agent of the British Queen, sent to spy on Gilgamesh Wulfenbach by posing as his manservant. Gilgamesh is aware of Wooster's true allegiance, but says nothing.

When Gilgamesh discovers that his father is pursuing Agatha at a time when he himself is unable to rescue her, he sends Wooster to aid her. Gilgamesh reveals that he knows Wooster's role as a double agent, and that he wants Wooster to take Agatha to England. He also warns Wooster that if she is not free and alive when he comes for her, he will destroy England.

Wooster is currently traveling with Agatha, Zeetha, and Krosp.

The Jägermonsters/Jägerkin

The product of one of the earlier Heterodyne family members, this army of monsters are known for their loyalty to house Heterodyne and their taste for bloody combat. The majority currently serve Baron Wulfenbach. They are nearly impossible to kill, talk in heavy German-like accents, have superhuman physical abilities and make flippant remarks in even the most dire of circumstances. "Jägermonster" may be pidgin German for "Hunter Monster" or a play on the Jagermeister alcoholic drink brand name. Jägermonsters appear very fond of ornate hats; the only time one was seen without a hat is when it was given as a sign of respect to a human ally who died fighting bravely.

Bangladesh Dupree

A cheerful and friendly bloodthirsty psychopath and former (skyship) pirate queen. After her entire fleet was mysteriously slaughtered while she was away, she signed up with Baron Wulfenbach. It is often assumed that Zeetha was responsible, but this has yet to be confirmed.

More Cast

Absolutely Everybody

Awards

Girl Genius has won the following awards:

• Webcartoonist Choice Awards 2007 for Outstanding Science Fiction Comic.
• Webcartoonist Choice Awards 2006 for Outstanding Story Concept.

The character of Agatha Clay was nominated for the Squiddy Award for Best Comics Character in 2002.

In 2005, Phil Foglio was nominated for an Eisner Award in the Best Writer/Artist—Humor category for his work on Girl Genius.

In 2007, Girl Genius was nominated for an Eisner Award in the Best Digital Comic category.

Published collections

• Volume 1: Agatha Heterodyne and the Beetleburg Clank (96 pp) (reprints #1–3)
  • Paperback: ISBN 1-890856-19-3
  • Hardcover: ISBN 1-890856-20-7
• Volume 2: Agatha Heterodyne and the Airship City (112 pp) (reprints #4–6)
  • Paperback: ISBN 1-890856-30-4
  • Hardcover: ISBN 1-890856-31-2
• Volume 3: Agatha Heterodyne and the Monster Engine (128 pp) (reprints #7–9)
  • Paperback: ISBN 1-890856-32-0
  • Hardcover: ISBN 1-890856-33-9
• Volume 4: Agatha Heterodyne and the Circus Of Dreams (128 pp) (reprints #10–13 + April-June 2005 webcomic)
  • Paperback: ISBN 1-890856-36-3
  • Hardcover: ISBN 1-890856-37-1
• Volume 5: Agatha Heterodyne and the Clockwork Princess (112 pp) (reprints webcomic)
  • Paperback: ISBN 1-890856-39-8
  • Hardcover: ISBN 1-890856-38-X
• Volume 6: Agatha Heterodyne and the Golden Trilobite (150 pp) (reprints webcomic)
  • Paperback: ISBN 1-890856-42-8
  • Hardcover: ISBN 1-890856-41-X

• Girl Genius Omnibus Edition Vol 1 (reprints v.1–3 in smaller, black & white edition)
  • ISBN 1-890856-40-1

Volume 5 as well as all future collections reprint the website content from where the comic series was discontinued.

Connections to other works

• Agatha is visible throughout the GURPS Illuminati University sourcebook, which was illustrated by the Foglios, and she is even identified as being her on page 11. A GURPS Girl Genius Sourcebook is also in development.
• The comic has made references to other webcomics, such as Girls with Slingshots, Wapsi Square, Gunnerkrigg Court, Arcane Times, Something Positive, Dominic Deegan: Oracle For Hire, Home on the Strange, The Devil's Panties and Studio Foglio's own Buck Godot [10]; as well as The Order of the Stick, Terry Pratchett's Luggage, Namir Deiter, Digger, Freefall, Questionable Content, Lackadaisy and Bob the Angry Flower the next day.
• Othar's Twitter, ostensibly a blog by Othar Tryggvasen: http://twitter.com/Othar

See also

• Girl Genius: The Works, a card game based on the comic
• Heterodyning, the concept on which Agatha's family name is based

External links

• Girl Genius website
• Comic Book Awards Almanac
• Trans Poly U fight song, written by Tom Smith at Phil Foglio's request
• Studio Foglio
• Fan-created forum for fans of Girl Genius
• Othar's blog