Gargoyles: Dark Ages #2 written by Greg Weisman, with art by Drew Moss and colors by Martina Pignedoli, picks up right where issue #1 left off: the Gargoyles of Wyvern clan have just joined a heated battle between their human allies and the usurping army of King Cullen. No matter which side is victorious, each will suffer grave casualties.
SPOILERS AHEAD for Gargoyles: Dark Ages #2!
Credit: Dynamite
The battle is going well for the Gargoyles and their allies, even when it’s revealed that there is an enemy sorcerer on the battlefield manipulating water and causing problems for several of the Gargoyles. Luckily there’s a friendly spell caster in the ranks of the Gargoyle army that quickly dispatches the worrisome wizard. The battle takes a turn when someone close to Hudson is stabbed in the back. In response, Hudson promptly avenges the assault, swiftly dispatching the assailant. With an intense determination burning in his eyes, he rallies his troops to surge forward, a palpable thirst for victory and retribution driving their advance.
When King Cullen receives a battle update and realizes the day is all but lost, he decides to take matters into his own hands before ordering a full retreat. Seizing an opportune moment, he stealthily approaches Demona, incapacitating her with a well-placed blow, using her as leverage to secure a safe withdrawal for both himself and his forces. Hudson has calmed down, but it is Goliath’s turn to be enraged by the brazenness of King Cullen and he has to be restrained. It takes some convincing, but Malcolm and Kenneth reluctantly concede to allow Cullen’s retreat, prioritizing Demona’s safety above all else. Hudson claims to have a plan to to end the conflict by the following night, but we’ll have to wait until the next issue to find out what that is.
Credit: Dynamite
There is an impactful death that will most likely reverberate through the rest of the series, but other than that this issue is primarily an extended battle scene between the Wyvern clan and humans. The panels come alive with large numbers of Gargoyles flying through the air and slicing through the ranks of terrified soldiers. The sorcerers add a nice change of pace from the melee combat, but ultimately don’t have much impact on the battle. It was surprising to see Hudson go from vengeful bloodlust to calm, cool and collected just a few pages later when he sees his daughter held hostage at sword-point. It’s hard to believe that after losing someone so close to him, he would have the ability to shut that all off and bargain calmly with the enemy.
The artwork was great throughout, and maintains the high standards set in the previous issue. Once again, however, distinguishing the various human armies or even discerning the principal human figures proves challenging—especially given the nearly identical crowns worn by Kenenth and Cullen. The motion lines throughout the issue give a real sense of the movement and speed of the Gargoyles as they fly, dive and charge into battle. A standout panel showcases Goliath’s descent to confront Cullen, the earth fracturing and shattering beneath his forceful landing—a captivating visual moment. The comic’s “Teen” rating feels somewhat limiting, considering the absence of visible blood or injuries; everything is implied rather than depicted. This choice detracts slightly from the impact of the death portrayed in this issue, as a touch more realism could have heightened its gravity.
That being said, the character expressions surrounding the death are all fantastic; you can feel the devastation in Hudson and Demona’s eyes and the weight of their loss as the reality sets in. There is a poignant moment in a full page spread as Hudson cradles the dying Gargoyle. This moment of mourning swiftly transforms into a surge of determination, marked by glowing eyes and retaliation as they plunge back into the fray.
Even though the entire issue takes place at night, the colors are atmospheric and do a great job of creating a dynamic backdrop. There is plenty of moonlight and starlight to highlight the battlefield creating intriguing contrasts and shadows. The infusion of red undertones into the backgrounds evokes sensations of both bloodshed and the flickering glow of firelight, especially during the death sequence.
Gargoyles: Dark Ages #2 continues to shed light on the history of the Wyvern clan. The artwork draws us into the heart of an intense battle between the Gargoyles and human forces. While the differentiation of human armies and characters could benefit from greater distinction, the art’s portrayal of motion and impact remains effective. The “Teen” rating’s limitations, particularly regarding visible injuries and bloodshed, slightly diminish the impact of pivotal moments. Yet, the character expressions shine through, conveying raw emotions that resonate. The skilled use of colors, even within the nocturnal setting, adds depth and dynamism to each page. The infusion of moonlight, starlight, and vivid red undertones imbues the battlefield with an enigmatic atmosphere and immersing readers into the narrative. Gargoyles: Dark Ages #2 remains a decent installment, leaving us eager to unravel the mysteries that lie ahead in the series.
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