GARGOYLES #1, from Dynamite Comics on December 7th, 2022, takes readers to the crazy setting of Manhattan at night, where Goliath and his family of gargoyles are about to encounter their greatest threat.
The Details
- Written by: Greg Weisman
- Art by: George Kambadais
- Colors by: George Kambadais
- Letters by: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover art by: David Nakayama (cover A)
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: December 7, 2022
Is It Good?
Okay, Gargoyle fans, let’s get this out of the way immediately. GARGOYLES #1 is fine. Your expectations haven’t been subverted. Gargoyles haven’t been updated for a modern audience. This is pure, classic Gargoyles goodness from start to finish. It’s not a perfect comic, but it’s good enough to keep Gargoyles fans happy and make a few new fans along the way.
The best part of the comic may be Dynamite’s wisdom in bringing on Greg Weisman (the original Gargoyles creator) to tell the story. Everything about this comic feels authentic to the original series, which should be a tip for editors looking to jumpstart dormant properties – get the creators who know the property best. The dialog and voices of the characters are all on point, the pacing is brisk and even, the plot elements to set up the arc are clearly established, and the (re)introductions of the entire cast of characters are commendably efficient.
The minor down point, which is only a down point for established Gargoyles fans, is how much time is spent on introductions and setup. In fairness, this entire comic is one big series of introductions to get readers grounded in the Gargoyles’ world, so if you already know these characters, this will feel like a lot of rehashing. However, you couldn’t ask for a better jumping-on point for new readers.
Let’s shift to the art. If you’re a regular reader of this site (of course you are because you’re the best), you know we were incredibly put off by George Kambadais’s work on the limited John Carter series. Thankfully, Kambadais may have found a property here that suits his art style. The cartoonish character designs, oil brush strokes, and simplistic backgrounds fit nicely with a comic based on a 2-D cartoon. If you’re going to make a comic based on a cartoon, this shows it’s best to get an artist with a cartoonish style. Again, editors, take note. Fit the right person for the right job.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We pick up after the events of the second season of the Gargoyles cartoon. Elisa Maza is a NY detective in a romantic relationship with Goliath, the leader of the Gargoyle clan. The Gargoyles assist Maza with stopping crime and defending NY against other monsters, including Maza’s mutant brother, Talon, and assisting members of the monsters living in the NY underground region known as the Labyrinth.
One night, Maza receives a call from her brother asking for help. He’s about to become a father, and there are forces at work interested in his child. We conclude the issue with familiar faces, gang war developments, and a sunrise.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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GARGOYLES #1 recaptures the fun, imagination, and excitement of the original Gargoyles cartoon by (re)introducing the entire cast and setting up the big villain to come. The pacing, dialog, and character representations are on-point, and Kamadais’s cartoonish art style is a suitable match for the property.
Related Information
Why did Gargoyles get Cancelled?
The Gargoyles cartoon was canceled after the second season due to declining ratings.
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