Gargoyles #1 (Dynamite Comics)
Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the FIRST issue of Gargoyles from Dynamite Comics!
Stone by day, warriors by night, the Gargoyles are BACK! When the animated series debuted on TV screens back in October of 1994, the series spawned a cult like following that goes on to this day. So now series creator Greg Weisman is back with a NEW ongoing series! Let’s jump into it!
Credit: Dynamite Comics // Gargoyles #1 by Greg Weisman (Writer), Gerardo Gambone (Artist), Robby Bevard (Colorist), Jeff Eckleberry (Letterer) & Meghan Hetrick (Cover)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The Story
Greg Weisman is back at it again with another ongoing series set in the Gargoyles universe. It’s a perfect jumping on point if you’ve missed the last couple of series, and is easily accessible for fans of the series no matter how versed you are in the mythos. The story has such a classic feel to it that it made me feel like I was watching the series on my tv back at my parents house again.
The story picks up on December 26, 1997 and does a really good job at easing readers into the story with a fascinating story while also catching them up on what’s been going on. It’s a really gripping story that feels so quintessential and classic Gargoyles that longtime fans of the series are sure to love it. I also really love the job Weisman did by intermixing the action with catching fans up with the interview Goliath.
The story really is a ton of fun to read, and captures the feeling of Gargoyles in such an incredible way. It captures you in and brings you along for a spectacular journey before teasing you with the first antagonist at the end of the story. All I’ll say is it’s NOT Demon, although I thought I caught a glimpse of her in her human form in one of the panels. Who this new villain is remains to be seen, but it’s sure to be a tall task for the Manhattan Clan to try and defeat.
The Artwork
Gerardo Gambone & Robby Bevard are in charge of the artwork for the issue and they already deserve a standing ovation for their work. They do a great job keeping the look of the characters you know and love from the animated series, while also keeping the look from the comic series that fans have become used to. It’s this amazing blend of the two that is so incredible to see and is sure to be beloved by fans. The work they put into each panel is done with such care and love that it really feels like a love letter to the series and it’s fans. If you’re not completely sold on the story, read it for the artwork. I promise you that you will love it for both!
Overall Grade: 10/10
Greg Weisman comes out the gate incredibly strong with a first issue of a new ongoing series that is sure to delight fans. It’s easily the strongest first issue I’ve read for a new ongoing series in a long, long time. The story is incredible, and the artwork is truly second to none. This is a series that fans both new and old will enjoy!
