Earthsong
Encyclopedia
Earthsong is a popular webcomic
with a manga
influence. The author, Lady Yates, started the comic on June 8, 2004. Earthsong frequently holds the high spots on Topwebcomics and buzzComix. Earthsong volume 1 was published in mid-2006 by Seven Seas Entertainment
, an imprint of the Macmillan Publishing Company. The author is currently re-working pages for an anticipated second volume, and simultaneously continuing the online version.
Earthsong tells Willow that she is one such "child" of a planet. However, she has been removed from her home planet's surface temporarily. Sometimes pieces of a planet's core element leak to the surface, and form soulstones inside the bodies of children. These soulstones are dangerous to their hosts: they grant the bearer access to the powers of his or her planet, but that same power is too much for the bearer's body to handle. Earthsong brings soulstone bearers to her surface to keep them from blowing up under the stress. Later, the soulstones can be gently removed, so that the child returns to his or her home planet.
Earthsong is currently engaged in a longstanding conflict with another planet, Beluosus, who is attempting to overthrow her and absorb her core element into his own. He is aided by the Mandragoras, soulstone-bearers whom he has coerced into fighting for him. His ultimate goals remain unclear at this time.
Willow learns she has a soulstone forming inside of her, and although this explains why she is there, it doesn't explain Willow herself....
.
Yates has completed her Honours B.A. at the University of Toronto
where she majored in Fine Art History and minored in egyptology
and archaeology
. At Durham College
she completed the Foundation in Art and Design Program. She took a summer course on animation at Sheridan College
. She understands and writes Latin
and Middle Egyptian
.
Webcomic
Webcomics, online comics, or Internet comics are comics published on a website. While many are published exclusively on the web, others are also published in magazines, newspapers or often in self-published books....
with a manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
influence. The author, Lady Yates, started the comic on June 8, 2004. Earthsong frequently holds the high spots on Topwebcomics and buzzComix. Earthsong volume 1 was published in mid-2006 by Seven Seas Entertainment
Seven Seas Entertainment
Seven Seas Entertainment is a publishing company located in Los Angeles, California. It was originally dedicated to the publication of original manga, but now publishes licensed manga and novels, as well as select webcomics...
, an imprint of the Macmillan Publishing Company. The author is currently re-working pages for an anticipated second volume, and simultaneously continuing the online version.
Plot
A young woman wakes up to find herself in a strange place, with no memories of who she is or how she got there. After a short run in with the Mandragoras, the resident bad guys, she is taken in by the Haven's Guard and is named Willow. She is introduced to Earthsong. Earthsong is a manifestation of the planet on which the plot takes place, using a manifest stone made out of her core element to take humanoid form. Each planet in the universe is alive in this way, and many of the planets create "children" - a sentient species that lives on the planet's surface. These are usually humanoid.Earthsong tells Willow that she is one such "child" of a planet. However, she has been removed from her home planet's surface temporarily. Sometimes pieces of a planet's core element leak to the surface, and form soulstones inside the bodies of children. These soulstones are dangerous to their hosts: they grant the bearer access to the powers of his or her planet, but that same power is too much for the bearer's body to handle. Earthsong brings soulstone bearers to her surface to keep them from blowing up under the stress. Later, the soulstones can be gently removed, so that the child returns to his or her home planet.
Earthsong is currently engaged in a longstanding conflict with another planet, Beluosus, who is attempting to overthrow her and absorb her core element into his own. He is aided by the Mandragoras, soulstone-bearers whom he has coerced into fighting for him. His ultimate goals remain unclear at this time.
Willow learns she has a soulstone forming inside of her, and although this explains why she is there, it doesn't explain Willow herself....
Haven's Guard
- Willow- The lavender-skinned, white-haired, purple-eyed central character. She recalls nothing of her past, making her a bit of a mystery to those she comes into contact with since most of Earthsong's visitors have at least fragmentary memories of their homeworlds. Although seemingly naive, she has a fiery streak and doesn't take "no" for an answer.
- Her theme song is "Until" by Sting.
- Earthsong- She is the youngest planet. Although she has no "children" of her own, she protects the soulstone-bearing children of other planets. Earthsong appears as a flowing white being with a purple manifest stone. She was named "by someone on Earth".
- Nanashi- The last of the children from before Beluosus' arrival. She stopped Beluosus from destroying Earthsong, using two pure-element swords to drive him away. Nanashi is an actual human from EarthEarthEarth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
, a warrior daughter of a samuraiSamuraiis the term for the military nobility of pre-industrial Japan. According to translator William Scott Wilson: "In Chinese, the character 侍 was originally a verb meaning to wait upon or accompany a person in the upper ranks of society, and this is also true of the original term in Japanese, saburau...
. Her name is JapaneseJapanese languageis a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family, which has a number of proposed relationships with other languages, none of which has gained wide acceptance among historical linguists .Japanese is an...
for "Nameless," and she is known for giving the others their names, as they usually cannot remember their own when they arrive in Earthsong. Nanashi can become invisible, create a shield, or energize her swords with the power of her soulstone. Nanashi can remember all of her life before arriving in Earthsong, because she was in transit between worlds when she pulled herself back to save Earthsong from Beluosus. Though she is Japanese, her clothes are a mixture between a Chinese Cheongsam and an Indian Salwar, reflecting her "globe-trotting" upbringing on Earth.
- K'Thonya- A green, artistic woman with the ability to shape metal. Since her hair happens to be metallic, she can influence it into many shapes, including snakes. It is no surprise then that her race inspired the Earth myth of the Gorgons. K'Thonya's name comes from chthonic, roughly meaning "pertaining to the underworld." Her Remnant, which is the last thing she can remember before waking up on Earthsong, is of her first kiss.
- Her hair is based on Alicia KeysAlicia KeysAlicia Augello Cook , better known by her stage name Alicia Keys, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and occasional actress. She was raised by a single mother in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan in New York City. At age seven, Keys began playing the piano...
's hair. K'Thonya's theme song might be by Alicia Keys, but a song from DidoDido (singer)Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong , known as Dido, is an English singer-songwriter.Dido shot to worldwide success with her debut album, No Angel...
is also being considered.
- Tengu- A sarcastic, yellow and black fairyFairyA fairy is a type of mythical being or legendary creature, a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural or preternatural.Fairies resemble various beings of other mythologies, though even folklore that uses the term...
-like being with the ability to control electricity. She was a military officer on her home planet. Her name comes directly from the tenguTenguare a class of supernatural creatures found in Japanese folklore, art, theater, and literature. They are one of the best known yōkai and are sometimes worshipped as Shinto kami...
, a race of spirits from Japanese mythologyJapanese mythologyJapanese mythology is a system of beliefs that embraces Shinto and Buddhist traditions as well as agriculturally based folk religion. The Shinto pantheon comprises innumerable kami...
, as chosen by Nanashi. Initially Nanashi called Tengu this name as an insult, but as they became friends Tengu kept the name for humor. Her Remnant is being promoted to general.
- Her theme song is "Street Spirit" by Radiohead.
- Felucca- A purple, humanoid dragonDragonA dragon is a legendary creature, typically with serpentine or reptilian traits, that feature in the myths of many cultures. There are two distinct cultural traditions of dragons: the European dragon, derived from European folk traditions and ultimately related to Greek and Middle Eastern...
, is able to transform herself into a real dragon. She is extremely energetic and clumsy, and often annoys Haven's other occupants, although it bothers her little. Her name comes from the name of a moon in the game Ultima, but is also a type of boatBoatA boat is a watercraft of any size designed to float or plane, to provide passage across water. Usually this water will be inland or in protected coastal areas. However, boats such as the whaleboat were designed to be operated from a ship in an offshore environment. In naval terms, a boat is a...
. Her remnant is fighting alongside her uncle. Felucca's design is based on GargoylesGargoyles (TV series)Gargoyles is an American animated series created by Greg Weisman. It was produced by Greg Weisman and Frank Paur and aired from October 24, 1994 to February 15, 1997. Gargoyles is known for its dark tone, complex story arcs and melodrama...
, the cartoon.
- Her theme song is "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi LauperCyndi LauperCynthia Ann Stephanie "Cyndi" Lauper is an American singer, songwriter, actress and LGBT rights activist. She achieved success in the mid-1980s with the release of the album She's So Unusual and became the first female singer to have four top-five singles released from one album...
.
- Zaebos- The libraryLibraryIn a traditional sense, a library is a large collection of books, and can refer to the place in which the collection is housed. Today, the term can refer to any collection, including digital sources, resources, and services...
's keeper. He is in his thirties. He is very knowledgeable, and being a pyromancer, can wield fire. Although he is usually very serious, he has a crush on K'Thonya. Zaebos resembles a bright red goatlike demonDemoncall - 1347 531 7769 for more infoIn Ancient Near Eastern religions as well as in the Abrahamic traditions, including ancient and medieval Christian demonology, a demon is considered an "unclean spirit" which may cause demonic possession, to be addressed with an act of exorcism...
. His name is Sumerian, and it means "Grand Count of hell said to have gentle disposition"
- His theme song is "The Other Man" by Sloan (band)Sloan (band)Sloan is a Toronto-based alternative rock quartet from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Throughout their 20-year tenure Sloan has released 10 LPs , two EPs, a live album, a "best of" collection and no less than thirty singles...
.
- Gwendolyn- A reclusive elfElfAn elf is a being of Germanic mythology. The elves were originally thought of as a race of divine beings endowed with magical powers, which they use both for the benefit and the injury of mankind...
archerArcheryArchery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow, from Latin arcus. Archery has historically been used for hunting and combat; in modern times, however, its main use is that of a recreational activity...
with auburn hair and green eyes. Gwendolyn hates being called Gwen, and is easily annoyed. Gwen's eyesight is intensified by her soulstone's powers. Her Remnant is of holding her firstborn child for the very first time.
- Her theme song is "My Immortal" by EvanescenceEvanescenceEvanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995 by singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. After recording private albums, the band released their first full-length album, Fallen, on Wind-up Records in 2003. Fallen sold more than 17 million copies worldwide...
.
Mandragoras
- Beluosus – An older planet bent on infecting Earthsong. He is the main antagonist, and controls the Mandragoras. His name means "full of monsters".
- Skogul- A bird-like woman with tawny brown skin with white speckles and wild, windswept hair. (Her appearance was changed from the original white skin and brown speckles of the original comic for the published version.) She is a berserkerBerserkerBerserkers were Norse warriors who are reported in the Old Norse literature to have fought in a nearly uncontrollable, trance-like fury, a characteristic which later gave rise to the English word berserk. Berserkers are attested in numerous Old Norse sources...
, and Nanashi's most dangerous enemy, second to Beluosus. Skogul's name derives from SkögulSkögulIn Norse mythology, Skögul and Geirskögul are valkyries who alternately appear as separate or individual figures...
, one of the valkyrieValkyrieIn Norse mythology, a valkyrie is one of a host of female figures who decides who dies in battle. Selecting among half of those who die in battle , the valkyries bring their chosen to the afterlife hall of the slain, Valhalla, ruled over by the god Odin...
s. She can manipulate air currents. She is left-handed.
- Skogul's first theme song was "Everlasting Gaze" by Smashing Pumpkins, but it was changed to "The Ghost of You" by My Chemical RomanceMy Chemical RomanceMy Chemical Romance is an American alternative rock band from New Jersey, formed in 2001. The band consists of lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, and bassist Mikey Way and have a diverse sound incorporating elements of punk, emo, glam metal, and progressive rock...
.
- Ulkurz- Strongly resembles a goblinGoblinA goblin is a legendary evil or mischievous illiterate creature, a grotesquely evil or evil-like phantom.They are attributed with various abilities, temperaments and appearances depending on the story and country of origin. In some cases, goblins have been classified as constantly annoying little...
. He is Skogul's right-hand man, though he is jealous of her favor with Beluosus. He can pass through solid objects, or "phase" like Shadowcat.
- He has two theme songs, "I Smell a Rat" by The White StripesThe White StripesThe White Stripes was an American rock band, formed in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan. The group consisted of the songwriter Jack White and drummer Meg White . Jack and Meg White were previously married to each other, but are now divorced...
and "We Only Come Out at Night" by Smashing Pumpkins.
- Richard- A blue-skinned servant of Beluosus. He was sent back to his home planet when Nanashi destroyed his soulstone in the first episode. His personality is based on one of Yates' co-workers, but his powers were based on the HinduHinduHindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
god VishnuVishnuVishnu is the Supreme god in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God....
.
- Tristram- A vampireVampireVampires are mythological or folkloric beings who subsist by feeding on the life essence of living creatures, regardless of whether they are undead or a living person...
who usually wears somber, elegant clothes. His name means sad in Celtic. He is 25–27 years old. Unlike most vampires, Tristram refuses to feed off the Minuons, a blue-skinned people his race believes were created for their benefit. Before being sent to Earthsong, Tristram—in an attempt to force him to conform to his people—was starved and locked in a room with a bound, unconscious Minuon. Although he tried to escape, he eventually lost control and drank the blood of the Minuon; and it is this shame which makes him so reluctant to return to his home planet, and which allows Beluosus to blackmail him—threatening to send him home if he does not obey. Many attributes of vampires (allergic to garlic, aversion to sunlight, etc.) do not apply to Tristram and his people.
- Tristram (and his angstAngstAngst is an English, German, Danish, Norwegian and Dutch word for fear or anxiety . It is used in English to describe an intense feeling of apprehension, anxiety or inner turmoil...
) is often the butt of jokes among Earthsong fans, such as "Earthsong's secret weapon: Tristram's angst. It could level entire cities!" and the nickname "Vampy McEmopants." His greatest weakness is chocolate cheesecake, according to official information. - His theme song is "The Music of the Night", specifically from the Canadian recording of The Phantom of the OperaThe Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical)The Phantom of the Opera is a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the French novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by Gaston Leroux.The music was composed by Lloyd Webber, and most lyrics were written by Charles Hart, with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Alan Jay Lerner was an early collaborator,...
.
- Neuria- A wolf-like seventeen to eighteen-year-old girl with a tribal tattoo on her left shoulder. She is intended to look goth and punkPunk fashionPunk fashion is the clothing, hairstyles, cosmetics, jewelry, and body modifications of the punk subculture. Punk fashion varies widely, ranging from Vivienne Westwood designs to styles modeled on bands like The Exploited. The distinct social dress of other subcultures and art movements, including...
. Her species supposedly inspired the werewolfWerewolfA werewolf, also known as a lycanthrope , is a mythological or folkloric human with the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or an anthropomorphic wolf-like creature, either purposely or after being placed under a curse...
myth, and her name is derived from "Neurians," referring to a legend of a tribe whose people could change into wolves once a year. She has black and white hair, gold eyes and wolfish ears. Her power of super speed is increased by her soulstone. She seems to like pushing people's buttons, such as Tristram, whom she calls "Trissy" and constantly blackmails into doing favors for Beluosus. She seems to be feisty, flirtatious, and clever, but still has a lot to reveal.
- Neuria is not a werewolf, nor can she shape shift. Her fur is like a dalmatianDalmatian (dog)The Dalmatian is a breed of dog whose roots are often said to trace back to Dalmatia, a region of Croatia where the first illustrations of the dog have been found. The Dalmatian is noted for its unique black- or brown-spotted coat and was mainly used as a carriage dog in its early days...
. - Her theme song is "Faint" by Linkin ParkLinkin ParkLinkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
.
- Alyss (formerly Tehmel) – A character many Earthsong forum-goers were familiar with before Alyss was properly introduced. Lady Yates revised Alyss's colors until settling on red. Tehmel was a play on "The Mel", one of Yates's friends, but the name was later changed because Lady Yates thought the name was awkward. Alyss is only ten and a young giant, but she has a "mean streak".
- Her theme song has not been specified, but it will be by Green DayGreen DayGreen Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tre Cool...
.
- Jormand – An amphibian-like character, whose specialites is with water-based attacks. He has a few fish-like qualities such as fins and a fish-like tail. Not much is yet shown about him, only that he seems to be known to be constantly bicker with Morgan. He sees himself as a ladies man and likes to be fawned over by girls, like Neuria.
- Morgan- She is an almost ghostly but beautiful woman that's well-known for bickering with Jormand. She is a bansheeBansheeThe banshee , from the Irish bean sí is a feminine spirit in Irish mythology, usually seen as an omen of death and a messenger from the Otherworld....
that is purplish-pink color, wearing an elegant black dress with a lovely diamond necklace. She got Jormand to stop his advances on Willow. While Willow thought it was a kind gesture, Morgan revealed she just really hated him.
Alpha Planets
The three planets who lead the planetary council.- Sage- The oldest planet. He is mostly red and black and is adept at teleportationTeleportationTeleportation is the fictional or imagined process by which matter is instantaneously transferred from one place to another.Teleportation may also refer to:*Quantum teleportation, a method of transmitting quantum data...
. - GaiaGaia (mythology)Gaia was the primordial Earth-goddess in ancient Greek religion. Gaia was the great mother of all: the heavenly gods and Titans were descended from her union with Uranus , the sea-gods from her union with Pontus , the Giants from her mating with Tartarus and mortal creatures were sprung or born...
- A feminine planet who is green and blue. She is the planet EarthEarthEarth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
. - Oliblish- A blue planet whose head resembles that of a jackalJackalAlthough the word jackal has been historically used to refer to many small- to medium-sized species of the wolf genus of mammals, Canis, today it most properly and commonly refers to three species: the black-backed jackal and the side-striped jackal of sub-Saharan Africa, and the golden jackal of...
.
Other characters
- Poodle the Beating Stick- A conveniently placed branch used by Nanashi in an attempt to defeat Beluosus. Though it only appeared for a short four pages, it achieved its own place in the hearts of Earthsong fans, who often mourn its untimely death. It was named by Yates' friend and fellow webcomic artist Blix. Earthsong fan (and president of the fan club "Phagzone") Paul Azzopardi states that this is the favorite character amongst his member.
- Chihuahua the BEATEN twig- Named by Lady Yates' friend Tinalles, Chihuahua only appears in one "redux" page, when the poor twig is accidentally snapped by Nanashi.
- The Sidera- The name of the stars. The Sidera, composed of "pure" element, constitute a single conscious mind and are the creators of all the planets. The Sidera gave Earthsong a throne and two swords, all made out of Siderean element, which Earthsong uses to perform her duties as Stonekeeper.
Author
Lady Yates is the pen-name of the artist and author of Earthsong. She is currently 26 years old, married, recently became a mom, and is living in CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
Yates has completed her Honours B.A. at the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
where she majored in Fine Art History and minored in egyptology
Egyptology
Egyptology is the study of ancient Egyptian history, language, literature, religion, and art from the 5th millennium BC until the end of its native religious practices in the AD 4th century. A practitioner of the discipline is an “Egyptologist”...
and archaeology
Archaeology
Archaeology, or archeology , is the study of human society, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that they have left behind, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes...
. At Durham College
Durham College
Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology is located in the Durham Region with campuses in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada and Whitby and additional locations in Uxbridge, Port Hope, Port Perry and Beaverton...
she completed the Foundation in Art and Design Program. She took a summer course on animation at Sheridan College
Sheridan College
Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning is a diploma and degree granting Canadian polytechnic institute with approximately 15,000 full time students and 35,000 continuing education students...
. She understands and writes Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
and Middle Egyptian
Middle Egyptian
Middle Egyptian is the typical form of Egyptian written from 2000 BCE to 1300 BCE .Although evolving into Late Egyptian from the 14th century, Middle Egyptian remained in use as literary standard language until the 4th century AD. As such, it is the classical variant of Egyptian that historically...
.