GARGOYLES: DARK AGES #1, from Dynamite Comics on 7/12/23, takes a trip back in time when the gargoyles watched over a kingdom beset by assassins.
The Details
- Written by: Greg Weisman
- Art by: Drew Moss
- Colors by: Martina Pignedoli
- Letters by: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover art by: Clayton Crain (cover A)
- Comic Rating: All Ages
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: July 12th, 2023
Is It Good?
GARGOYLES: DARK AGES #1 explores the Wyvern Clan’s history when the Gargoyles lived without names and in a quiet alliance with humans. Greg Weisman’s prequel series kicks off with plenty of Gargoyle action, keen insight into the original relationship between Gargoyles and Humans, and a scenario tailor-made for betrayal and disaster. If you’re hungry to learn the mythology of the Gargoyles’ origins, this series may be just the ticket for you.
Greg Weisman’s script centers on a meeting between Prince Malcolm and the Gargoyles near the Wyvern Clan’s territory. When Prince Malcolm arrives to ask for help to reclaim his father’s throne from a usurper, the Gargoyles may or may not be making a huge mistake.
GARGOYLES: DARK AGES #1 delves much deeper into the history of Gargoyles than any other medium has before, but Weisman crafts the story with dialog and character interactions to make this issue a solid jumping-on point for new readers. You get how the Gargoyles live, what they think of Humans, and how their leader negotiates a call for help, especially when not every Gargoyles agrees with their leader’s orders. This issue expertly sets up the world and the characters to tell you (almost) everything you need to know.
The down point of the issue is the lack of distinctiveness between humans, friends and foes alike. The humans look too similar, and even the differences in armor design between the two armies don’t stand out, so it’s easy to get lost when trying to figure out the good guys and bad guys. To be clear the art is generally good, arguably better than the main Gargoyles series, but the humans look too alike to follow.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with the Wyvern Clan of Gargoyles keeping watching over their perch on the rocky shores of their homeland. A pair of humans arrive to request a meeting with the Gargoyles’ leader. Prince Malcolm offers an alliance as continued protectors of Gargoyles during the day, but he needs help reclaiming his father’s throne after a usurper had the king killed.
The Gargoyles are fiercely protective of their home, their young, and their unborn eggs, but they recognize that a malicious king means trouble for them as well as the humans, so they agree to help.
We conclude the issue with revised battle plans, careful timing, and the impatience of youth.
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Final Thoughts
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GARGOYLES: DARK AGES #1 travels back in time to learn how the Gargoyles’ involvement with a human war led to tragedy. Weisman’s talent for world- and character-building is on full display, and the art is generally good, but the humans look too similar to tell them apart.
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