With years spent reading single issues here and there, juggling storylines of dozens of titles, I decided it was time to find a better way to read comics. So, it was off to the back issue bins armed with the longest want list you’ve ever seen! Putting together series after series and reading them in their complete goodness, I was reborn as the Retro-Reader!
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Number of Issues: 11
First Issue: February 1995 ($2.50)
Last Issue: December 1995 ($1.50)
Writer: Martin Pasko, Mort Todd
Artist: Amanda Conner, Grant Miehm
This series ties in with Disney’s animated series from the mid 1990s. It follows a clan of gargoyles who were placed under a spell that sealed them in their unmoving, stony forms. Many years later, circumstances set in motion by billionaire, David Xanatos, broke the spell – reawakening the gargoyles in modern day New York City.
Now, the clan, led by Goliath, and aided by NYPD officer Elisa Maza, intend to use their unique abilities to stave off the evil elements commonly found in a large city. In the course of this series, they do battle with Demona (a rogue, female gargoyle), street thugs, Lavonne (a genetically created vampire), Venus (a cloned being combining elements from Goliath & Maza), the Pack (a strike force of animal-inspired warriors), and corrupt businessman, David Xanatos, himself!
The Bad: This series shares the same continuity as the cartoon series and it references past events that happened in the cartoon. Not a bad thing, if you’re a fan of the cartoon – but if you’re new to the concept/story, it seems like you’re missing out on a lot of info and walking in on the middle of the story.
The Good: Great artwork by Amanda Conner. A cool cover by Joe Madureira for issue #1.
The Verdict: While I remember enjoying an episode of the cartoon here or there, I can’t say I was ever an avid follower. I’m sure this series handled the characterization just fine and the artwork was certainly a treat to look at. Unfortunately, I don’t feel that the series was able to convey the overall point of the concept. It doesn’t do much to relate the Gargoyles’ motivation – just that they want to protect the city. But, it seems like they’re more concerned with finding parties and food than they are with actively searching out villainy.
I think I would have enjoyed this much more if there was an underlying plot or purpose going on. Although, I assume it must have been difficult (or not even allowed) to establish a separate identity from the ongoing TV series. So, if you’re viewing this as a supplement to the animated series, I think you’ll dig it. If you’re planning on reading this without any working knowledge of the original source of inspiration, then I’d recommend skipping this one.
On Ebay: Gargoyles | Amanda Conner