| Visually she's drawn more like
Betty & Veronica, to keep things all-ages. But this doesn't mean
there's no romance in the series; there can be a romantic side,
such as with another actor in their Hollywood adventure. This,
however, never goes beyond a kiss.
Ajax is the more sensible of the two. While deep down he loves adventure, too, he'd rather ponder and worry before leaping into the fray. Simone is his best friend, and he follows her not only for the adventure but also to keep her out of too much danger. Ajax puts an element of stability and common sense into Simone's life, much as Simone lends an air of fun and excitement to Ajax's otherwise uneventful life. Perhaps some of his timidity stems from being a small, green dinosaur in a predominantly human world, a fact which is never explained. And while Ajax looks up to Simone for her spontaneity (even though Simone rarely acknowledges Ajax's qualities and contributions), they are just good pals hanging out together.
Simone and Ajax live together in the ruins of Rene de Chartre Cathedral,
a combination of renovated, modern rooms and crumbling stonework, statues,
and stained glass. Surrounding the cathedral are extensive, grassy, ruin-cluttered
grounds littered with toppled pillars and half-overgrown walls, a pond,
and a stream. Around all of this is the woods, which by walking through
Simone & Ajax can exit to any time or place, be it Atlantis, Pompeii,
16th-century England or the grocery store. And walking into the woods
wherever they are will usually bring them back home. Yet even while living
quietly at home, listening to New Wave and Swing, reading pulps and comics,
somehow adventure comes calling.
Simone & Ajax's adventures take them around the world, and off it, as well as through time. Over the course of their travels Ajax, who was the first to live in the abandoned cathedral, and Simone are joined by a number of supporting characters who come to live with them around the grounds. The most prominent of these is the Lemming Squad, who play the part of the chorus, making observations and occasionally taking part in an adventure. There's also Herriman Sprigg, the Duke of Ducks and Mallard of Malta, the last of an ancient line of Maltese ducks, who suffers from a sleeping disorder and will suddenly snooze when most needed. Bela and Boris, the twin bats, lurk about the grounds trying to be creepy but are actually harmless. And Santa makes an annual appearance, having a run-in with Simone, who repeatedly tries to get more presents. And still other characters will come and go. |
