GARGOYLES: DARK AGES #4, by Dynamite Comics on 11/1/23, begins a new arc after the battle of Wyvern Hill where Prince Malcolm and his men start construction on a new castle as a symbol of cooperation between humans and gargoyles.
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: $4.99
- Release date: November 1, 2023
Is GARGOYLES: DARK AGES #4 Good?
Greg Weisman’s prequel series imagines what happens when a new alliance is formed between humans and gargoyles in GARGOYLES: DARK AGES #4. The comic is light on action or strong wow moments, but Weisman plants the seeds of mistrust and suspicion that the alliance will be short-lived.
When last we left the Gargoyles, Prince Malcolm’s rival and usurper to the throne was defeated in battle. The defeated army retreated back to the safety of their castle with Demona as a hostage. A small strike team infiltrated the enemy stronghold, saved Demona, and burned the castle down, leaving no one alive except for an infant. A few years later, the child has grown into a lively girl, Alesand, under the watchful eye of Captain Robert. Prince Malcolm makes good on his promise to build a new castle for humans and gargoyles to coexist in peace, and all is right with the world… or is it?
To be clear, almost the entire issue is nothing but world-building to establish the new status quo of everyone involved a few years after the Battle of Wyvern Hill. Unsavory looks and suspicious whispers are peppered throughout the issue, but nothing bad happens, and arguably, not much of anything happens at all.
What’s great about GARGOYLES: DARK AGES #4? Give credit to Weisman for crafting an extensive list of characters set in a fully realized world a few years after the end of the last arc. As long as the following issue can capitalize on the new status quo, readers should be able to jump right into the action without the need to fill in any blanks.
What’s not so great about GARGOYLES: DARK AGES #4? The positive of this issue is also its negative. Besides a few suspicious facial expressions from a handful of characters who look like they’re about to do something evil, everyone is standing around, talking, and making a few introductions. Younger readers may be bored.
How’s the art? Drew Moss nails the aesthetic and style of the Disney cartoon. The popular characters look as they should, and the new characters are distinctive enough to stand on their own – a problem with the first arc.
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What’s GARGOYLES: DARK AGES #4 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our GARGOYLES: DARK AGES #3 review to find out how far Goliath went to save Demona.
We pick up a few years later from the end of the last arc. Captain Robert is raising the infant girl Goliath rescued from the burning castle as his own. The humans and gargoyles collaborate to build a new castle on Wyvern Hill’s peak. And a new generation of gargoyles will soon hatch from their eggs.
One evening, a troupe of performers passes by with an offer to perform for the people in exchange for food and shelter. We conclude the issue with dangerous glances, a promise of flashy dances, and doomed romances.
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Final Thoughts
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GARGOYLES: DARK AGES #4 begins a new arc a few years after the Battle of Wyvern Hill, where the humans and gargoyles live together in peace. Weisman’s detailed world-building is thorough and detailed, and the art is super. However, young readers who need excitement to stay engaged won’t find much.
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