Gargoyles writer and long-time creator Greg Weisman is back with another series from Dynamite, but instead of medieval creatures in a modern setting, this series looks at the heyday of the gargoyles in Scotland around the year 970. It’s an interesting premise that hasn’t been seen before in the Gargoyles universe.
Credit: Dynamite
The main thrust of the story is a meeting between two humans and the Wyvern Clan. The humans are offering protection to the gargoyles during the day while they are vulnerable in their stone sleep. In exchange, the gargoyles will help them retake the throne of Scotland. The clan has many familiar faces, including Goliath, Hudson, and Demona, though, as Hudson points out, they have no names. For the sake of ease, I’ll just use their modern names to identify them.
The clan dynamics are different than in the present; Hudson is in his prime and the clan leader, while Lexington, Brooklyn, and Broadway are all much younger, basically children. There’s a cute scene where the group is hiding behind a boulder, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation. Goliath, Demona, and others seem part of a middle generation. While not in power, they are old enough to weigh in on important matters and participate in battles. Based on some of the events later in the issue, some intergenerational disagreements may arise and be a point of conflict in the series.
Credit: Dynamite
The story is interesting enough, if a bit predictable. Weisman tries to approximate old Scottish speaking patterns in the dialog that takes some getting used to. It can be a bit distracting and clunky at times. There are some personal moments between Hudson and his mate that reveal a side of him we haven’t often seen before.
The artwork by Drew Moss is the highlight of the issue. He has a familiar style that fans of the original cartoon and other Gargoyles series will immediately recognize and appreciate. The backgrounds are particularly good. Moss is able to play with the stars, moon, and clouds to create an almost ethereal atmosphere that fits the superstitious setting. There even appears to be a lunar eclipse taking place during the negotiations – perhaps portents of hidden things to come.
The colors by Martina Pignedoli really help to accentuate the evening sky, adding some dark red shades that can often appear during eclipses. The gargoyles are all rendered beautifully, and it’s great to see the multitude of designs that they created for the book, rather than the few well-known gargoyles we’re all accustomed to seeing.
Credit: Dynamite
Greg Weisman’s return to the world of Gargoyles in Dynamite’s latest series offers a fresh and intriguing premise that explores the medieval origins of these iconic creatures. Weisman delves into the dynamics of the Wyvern Clan during their heyday, introducing a fledgling alliance between humans and gargoyles. While the story follows a somewhat predictable trajectory, Weisman manages to inject personal moments and hints of intergenerational conflicts that promise future developments. Drew Moss’s artwork shines, capturing the essence of the original cartoon and delivering a visually stunning experience.
With its ethereal atmosphere and diverse gargoyle designs, this series promises to captivate old and new fans, immersing them in a world where superstition and the sword ruled.
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