Capturing The Zeitgeist: Gervais spread his brand in the unlikely direction of illustrated kids' books, with his charmingly surreal collection of imaginary creatures.

What should have been a tangent along the path to global domination became another unlikely crossover hit, based largely on Gervais' apparently untarnished Midas touch.

Two equally successful sequels followed, and the film adaptation is on its way.

The Ironic Smirk: Muted.  While Gervais' sardonic wit is much in evidence, this is cuddlier than a Clunge Ambler.