Absolutely adorable! Scary thing is, I don't have to drive far to meet IRL people like Gideon, haha!

Nice.

Giddy's backstory seems pretty simple to me.

He used to be a jerk, realized he was a jerk when he got older and stopped being a jerk.

I think in so far as there's more to it, it's quite likely Gid (and his friend Travis) did have trouble making friends on account of their species. (Preds (And disliked ones at that.) In an mostly bunny community.)

It's probably not really all that more complex that.


Though it's not impossible to add dramz! Maybe he had an abusive father, maybe it turned out Travis tragically died early on and seeing as how no one but Gid cared it made him rethink his life. Or maybe Travis instead had a growth spurt, became a popular jock and started showing sides to him that where far nastier then those of a mere bully and it was to much for Gid. Maybe Gid just met some really nice small prey individual that was so kind to him it made him feel like a jerk about bullying his or her brethren.

Or maybe it really is all just simple and straightforward, and there's not that much more to Gideon then what we see.

It could go any old way!

Yeah i wanna know more about him
But I have my version okok lets share EHEM
Mine's more on the cutesy side BUT STILL

A ZOOTOPIA BACKSTORY FOR GIDEON GREY where he discovers his buddies are only with him cos they fear him. Resulting in him realizing he's nothing but a predator (kinda like Nick) until he meets a new kid in school, a bigger but more soft-spoken predator (aka BENJAMIN CLAWHAUSER).
Always being bullied as a fat slow cheetah, Gideon becomes his only predator friend and in turn, Clawhauser shows him how to tone down on being a predator and get along with his prey friends ONLY to break the news to Gideon that he'll be leaving to live in Zootopia where his dad was sent there as an Officer.
After Clawhauser leaves, Gideon decided to take up pie making so that he could partner up with Jude's parents for their crops to show his old friend Clawhauser how much he's changed thanks to him being his friend NOT REALIZING that Jude and Clawhauser have met until he decides to deliver pies to the police headquarters on Jude's request

Well, Clawhauser WOULD like to know a baker I'm sure. And I do think it could be funny for him to meet Gideon.

But I also don't think Travis hung around Gideon back then so much out of fear as well as that Gideon can and will hit stuff for him. From what little we see of Travis we can deduce he's not very bold (Hides behind Gid when Judy shows up, in spite of the fact he's larger then Judy.) and that he's smarter then Gideon (Which isn't that hard, a sly fox Gids is not.)

And I also got the vibe Clawhauser probably doesn't hail from Bunnyburrow. So I wouldn't think myself that the two have a connection.

Actually the way I like to picture CLAWHAUSER is that he's got a sister who's even heftier (And quite sassy.) A matronly mother who dotes on her little Bennykins and a hardass military type dad (Who is the more typical slim cheetah you'd expect.) who wants Ben to be a real man.

So Claw writes e-mails to dad about how he's a heroic badass cop, and just hopes Dad never comes to visit him at work.

I also see Clawhauser as a guy who'd love a decent opportunity to crossdress. In particular I imagined a sick day scenario where Nick gets a flu, gets better and starts milking it so Judy pampers of him. (To her increasing annoyance) But then Judy gets the same flu and Nick actually gets worse again and they get Finnick to take care of them. (Which itself'd be quite funny.) Then FINN gets sick and Judy calls Clawhauser... Who'd show up in a nurse outfit being delighted he could finally wear it.

That said I also don't think Clawhauser is gay (just super femmy.) (Now Judy's NEIGHBORS on the other hand, probably a couple.)

Clawhauser has a pretty obvious crush on Gazelle, which I think eliminates any strait-up homosexuality, but he could be bi or similar. Then again, maybe he's a gay fanboy? Yeah, I was actually pretty surprised (and pleased) with Judy's neighbors. I mean, if there's trouble Disney can always do plausible deniability when it comes to whether or not they're gay or heterosexual life partners, but I'd really like them to be officially a gay couple.

I'd say femmy straight probably for Clawhauser.

As for Judy's neighbours... they got the vibe of a couple. So that's how I saw them.

Honestly I say they should just openly go for it. It's 2016 anyway. And does anyone still even give a shit about the blatherings of far right religious douchebags anymore? Here in Europe no one ever gave a crap, and I think in the US their day's pretty much over at this point.

I now have to wonder what a maley strait would be.

Oh Judy's neighbors definitely give off the vibe of being a couple. I was really pleased with that. Unfortunately people do still care about them, otherwise our Republican party would not be having the issues it is. Hmm, I seem to recall a certain British scientist that had issues for being gay, not to mention Hitler marking all homosexuals.

A maley straight?

I guess a rugged man's man. That's not hard gay. A guy who'd be ten times the man you'll ever be (if you're a guy yourself that is.) and who happens to like ladies.

(In Zootopia? That's probably Finnick! XD)


As for Turing and Hitler, that stuff was 60 years ago. And no one in their right mind would be proud of any of that. Turings case is widely considered shameful now. And Hitler... Who the fuck likes Hitler aside from some neo-nazi trash? Europe is far from perfect. And historically it's probably the very bloodiest continent. But it's still better then it is in the WWII days when it comes to tolerance. (It has seen better days in that regard, but still!)

I mean. I'm not talking for ALL of modern Europe, Eastern Europe's still pretty conservative. (And getting worse) But here in the north and west... Eh... I guess it depends a bit on where exactly, but I wouldn't say the mainstream here has a problem with gay people. I live in the country that first adopted Gay Marriage far as I know.

An open gay couple in a CGI movie here where I live I don't think would cause much controversy, well as it shouldn't anyway.

But even if it did. Why shy from controversy? Direct confrontation is always best. That's how you win. Fight and fight and fight till you win. Weakness just emboldens bullies. Strength makes them shit themselves and run.

I had vibes for the wolf guards also (and apparently alot of other people too hence why alot of people are drawing them doing things), but I mean, they live in a New York setting, and New York passed gay marriage and has alot of LGBT people, so it makes sense for Disney to start putting them in this type of film and so forth after this film

The wolf guards?

Heh, I guess I didn't get any vibe off them since they didn't really do more then talk about a howl. Honestly I have no big idea's about them. They just seem to me like Lionheart's hired help and whatever they do in their private lives I wouldn't hazard to guess! XD

I think it's just that parts of the furry community just really are prone to like the dancing tigers, the wolf guards, Gideon Grey, Bogo and/or Clawhauser in particular, depending on their personal preference. XD

Honestly, I've seen less of the wolf guards than any other character, but that's because side characters are more like "C-class characters" so they get dwarfed by other popular ones. It's good that they didn't get arrested at least

I don't think they really explored what happened to the wolves, but I imagine they actually where arrested, given they where accomplices to kidnapping.

I couldn't tell you how that legally played out for Lionheart and co. Maybe Lionheart'll pull a Luthor and wiggle his ass out of jailtime through smarts and manipulation. Not that I think Lionheart's evil. He's more kind of jerk and a greasy politician. Though I think his abductions where probably primarily motivated by his own self-interest (in spite of his claims) from his perspective, they might have been beneficial overall. (And he did try to help the savage animals (Although again I think with him it'd again be about self-interest primarily. But that's how I read the guy. Lionheart's not evil, but I don't see him as a nice guy either.)

Far as his henchmen go, I think all we know about the timber wolves is that they like to howl and that Lionheart hired them to capture the animals that went savage.

I didn't get any particularly notable vibes off them beyond hired help. So their personalities are pretty much largely blank slates. (And I got even less of a vibe about their supposed orientation.)


Honestly I actually get more of a vibe about Bellwethers rams. Because I suspect they're 'herd supremacist' types. (Which is a thing that'd almost certainly exist in Zootopian society.)

I also FACEPALM at anyone who is stupid enough that has the demented idea that Bellwether is a SJW. In so far as you could make a villain out of someone who's for social justice to begin with... I guess that'd look more like the Tau I guess... (For the Greater Good!)

Either way it wouldn't be Bellwether! If there's any social justice warrior in the movie... it's Judy! And social justice is great anyway! And worth fighting for. Let's make the world a better place? Yes Judy, I agree! Let's! Everyone likes Judy anyway. And she's concerned with social justice and being racially sensitive. And that's a GOOD thing! I don't get all these jerky twats on the internet who are against social justice.

Anyway Bellwether... if she had any ideology she's CLEARLY more akin to a white supremacist. (Though I think with her it really is just about power (And her supposed spiel about being small and underappreciated was just to manipulate Judy. (Because predators are NOT oppressing prey, Lionheart was ELECTED (And Bellwether even mentions this earlier.) (And elected by a majority herbivore constituency at that!)

Also even in the batshit demented world of internet trolls, since when would Social Justice people go after a MINORITY?

Ah well... internet idiot's eh?

Very good points, I did happen to see a funny post in one of the zootopia books about the wolves, that you are not allowed to howl near them unless its an organized howl

But yes, they are considered a blank slate to a point, and I think thats what allows people to explore them with what if situations

Yep! So the wolves can pretty much be whatever you'd want them to be.

Good thing, since Disney has stated they have no issues with what people do with their characters as long as no one is pirating/doing illegal stuff (thank goodness, shows they do care about their fans)

Hehe.

Well, gender roles, I think, are the next area people need a bit of attuning to. I remember C.S. Lewis once wrote on a conversation between he and his wife where he praised her for being almost like his male friends. She was slightly hurt by this, saying that it's bad if the best a woman could be is "almost like a man" and wondered how he'd feel if she started praising his womanly virtues. It's why I wondered about it here. I mean, technically wouldn't a maley strait refer to a woman with what are usually considered "manly" traits but who isn't a lesbian?

In regards to Turning and Hitler, I only brought it up because your exact words were "Here in Europe no one ever gave a crap". Much like in Europe, I think it's safe to say that here in the US most of the mainstream doesn't have a problem with gay people, but there are areas where it still happens and some places are more conservative than others. But, then again, that's sort of Zootopia's message: nothing is ever perfect - we have to work towards making things better.

I agree. I really hope Disney will say "yes, those two deer who are Judy's neighbors are gay". I think it would be even better if more gay and lesbians were portrayed in children's media directly.

Good point...

I guess ever since I was ALIVE no one gave a crap around the area of Europe where I live. ;)

That'd put it better!

As for Judy's neighbours (Antelopes I think though!) Well they ACT like a couple! I say they are.

As for gender roles again good point! Just don't know how else to describe say... how Clawhauser acts. But rest assured I have no problem with it! I think Claw's adorable really.

*nods* I understand. I wish I could say the same here, but things have slowly gotten better over time.

*nods* And judging by the evidence presented they are indeed!

I think it might be best to say Ben acts like himself; he's adorable.

A case can be made for Judy's neighbours, since they are very unlikely blood-related, share a surname and it's hyphenated usually for a married couple. (In the rolling credits!)

I guess Zootopia has gay marriage then! :)

O-M-Goodness! This is the cutest art of Gideon I've seen yet!!

Of all the characters that were NOT shown in previews and clips, Gideon is clearly the favorite, and I think for good reason.

Good question!

Sometimes, just time itself can do a lot. Really awesome work, I really liked all the characters in this movie, especially this guy, despite the little screen time he got.

I'm glad that you also do a fan art of a secondary character in the film - I'd wish to see more of the supporting characters getting some limelight and expand the lore of the film universe. You're really great at capturing personalities of characters very well. Nice work. :)

I had to admit, seeing the maturity of Gideon was kinda unexpected. It was also interesting to see the bullying subplot in the movie, where both characters had experiences with it and reacted differently.

Also, adorable work. I can't do heavier set characters to save my tail, it makes me envious to see someone who can make it look effortless.

Gideon looks like he could be related to Foxy Loxy from Chicken Little.

"I wonder what makes him change to a better person..."

If I remember correctly, he told Judy that some doctors said he was having violent tendencies as a kid. Maybe he had some therapy sessions which helped him learn to control his anger issues and realize how much he was hurting other people with his behavior?

Did he? I have to watch it again and listen carefully.

Well... I remember he said something about doctors, but I might have remembered incorrectly that part about "violent tendencies". Maybe they said something about him having insecurities instead. Anyway... I watched the movie in Polish version, so I don't know whether that part about doctors was in original.

It's simply a case of him realizing that if he had kept on being a jerk the rest of his days, it would not have led him down a good path.

He did say he had insecurities, probably due his location... Or his intellect based on his pronunciation of "DNA"... But then I guess he discovered baking, which gave him confidence and help turn his life around. He is starting his own bakery bussiness, that is something.

He's a sweet guy. :3

Now.

Hes an amazing sweet guy, and man he matured fast

Heh... if you listen to what he rattles off when he first meets Judy as an adult, he's been to some pretty effective counseling. Speaking as a former patient myself, it can be very handy in managing your temper.

I think the thing that's most curiosity-piquing is why he went to such counseling to start with. In theory it could be because of his parents, but it's also possible that he had some sort of heel realization at some point after doing something else he really regrets now.

Yay! More Gideon art!

He's so adorable. I grew to love him more as he became older (he was a douchebag as a child).

And another one! I'm so happy to see my favorite character get so much attention!

He's definitely an interesting character.

Finally us pie baking round foxes are being recognized! ^^

This is so adorable <3


But, aren't his eyes blue?

Sorry, I didn't see clearly on screen, plus there's no picture reference I can refer to.

No worries, I am really hoping you draw more of him because this is super good.

It took my a while, but I found some reference pics from the cinimatic comic book. https://twitter.com/ACyanni/status/.....78112202465280

And these as well, but they were concept art:
https://twitter.com/saintajax33/sta.....16554928168960

Oh wow, thank Q very much for the links, if only I have the art book with me now XP

Gotta love that change in Gideon from a lil' asshole to a humble chubby baker! Dramatic background story or not, it would've been interesting to see a bit of it

I gotta say the "killer instinct" line made me feel nostolgic (and I'll bet his backstory includes going to jail and finding lion Jesus).

^_^ xooxxoox

D'Awww. Awesome.

As for what brought about the change in Gideon -- well, I imagine he finally had to face up to something important.

He's nothing like the stereotypical fox.

The stereotypical fox is cunning; Gideon is blunt and straightforward.

The stereotypical fox is a smooth talker; Gideon has trouble getting beyond single-syllable words. (The sign on his truck reads, "Gideon Grey's Real Good Baked Stuff", so it isn't just a matter of education or age.)

The stereotypical fox is lean as a whip; Gideon is and has always been chunky.

I mean, there he is, the only fox in the neighborhood, and he's about as un-fox-like as you can get while still having red fur and a bushy tail. Poor guy must have felt like a horrible failure, unable to measure up to his own species. It's no wonder he took out his insecurities on those around him.

It was probably one such incident where he wound up having to see a counselor or get thrown out of school -- and found out, at long last, that you don't have to measure up to your species. That there are rabbits who can't hop, wolves who like being alone, elephants with lousy memories -- so why should it matter if a fox doesn't happen to be some skinny smooth-talker? All a stereotype is is an impression made before you were ever born. There's no law, no authority that says you have to be what it says.

Once he wasn't trying to be A Real Fox, he could be the real Gideon -- and Gideon Grey does love to eat. That made culinary school a natural path for him, and one he could enjoy without reservations. (And with a good appetite, too -- remember, you eat your mistakes.) He's certainly proved to be a good baker if the Hopps farm is selling him produce -- and especially if the Hopps family is eating his pies. :-9

First off, just for me personally, there are some jerky characters I can't help but like for one reason or another, but I have great respect for folks who own up to what they've done and at least TRY to be better. I include Gideon in that number, and since I was ready to get in his face after literally scaring Judy in the beginning of the movie, I'm glad he changed some if only so I wouldn't feel guilty wanting to one day commission me and him baking stuff. (LOL - I'm quite serious on that) Plus, those big baby blue eyes just scream, "Super Cute!"

As I've jokingly said before (but also half-serious), "Anyone who bakes a mean pie can't be all bad." I've only ever made great pie ONCE in my life and I've been cooking and baking since I Was 12.

I don't think Gideon is gay, though I can see it as a possibility, but he certainly might've had stuff going on at home, and who says it has to be his dad? Mothers can be abusive, too. He might've just been hassled about his weight for reasons wanderwolf mentioned.

When I developed my fursona (LONG before Zootopia came out) I wanted my weasel to break stereotypes. Since he's my furry alter-ego in many ways this wasn't hard, but it was deliberate on my part Despite this, I like Duke's charcter design and Eng. voice, even though he perpetuates the crooked weasel stereotype, but that's a rant/editorial for another time. lol

At some point I'm going to write a story about my character going to Zootopia and determined to make his mark. Like Gideon, he was ostrichsized by his family being the only weasels in a town mostly of prey types.

I think Clawhauser's either gay or bi, but I personally took his interest in Gazelle merely as giddy fanboy, you can be gay and like female artists, just saying.

I'm not sure if Clawhauser and Gideon would be a couple myself. But I totally see them being friends. They both love food (and I can relate, though I'm not as big as they are *Chuckles*

Also, it's nice to see some charming clean Gideon fanart. Thanks for sharing!

MY headcanon is one of a shippers. I like to think Gideon is gay and his (possibly abusive) father didn't approve. But after was old enough to move out; Gideon could start being who he was and lost his (self doubt) and hostility.

I definitely agree with you on the latter part. It often takes having your own space away from family (even if they're overall good and supportive) to really be yourself.

I do think it's also possible he was picked on for his weight and by being a bully-he could use his weight as an asset versus a tool for ridicule and to intimidate most his age as a kid.