The Manhattan Clan returns in Dynamite Entertainment's Gargoyles. Written by the show's creator Greg Weisman and illustrated by George Kambadais, the series continues the heroic adventures and brings back the beloved characters to the comic book medium. The first issue knocked it out of the park, and fans are hoping that the success of the comic could inspire Disney to revive the animated series -- something a legion of followers has clamored for since the show wrapped up in 1997.
Naturally, with the arrival of Dynamite's Gargoyles, there are questions about the series and how it relates to the rest of the iconic universe. Luckily, Weisman and Dynamite are here to provide all the answers. The Gargoyles creator and publisher took time to answer fan questions and set the record straight on several topics. So let's dive right in and find out more about everyone's favorite nocturnal creatures.
"I'd like to ask if the comics format has led (in this and the SLG run) to any creative decisions or approaches that would not have been entertained in an animated/televised continuation."
-Kyegu Brown
Greg Weisman: I did a three-issue run on the SLG title that bounced back and forth in time so frequently that I definitely don't think I could have done it on television. I'm able, on the Dynamite stuff -- particularly starting with Issue #4 -- to serialize even more than I would have back in the day on the show, which was generally fairly episodic, though sequential and with long-term arcs. Beyond that, the main difference is that it takes approximately three issues to tell the equivalent of a single episode of the television series. Think of each issue as the equivalent of one act of a three-act episode.
"Which character were you most excited about fleshing out in the comic that you couldn't have in the original show?"
-Massive-Verse Central
Weisman: I don't think there were any characters that "I couldn't have" in the original show, but I expect to delve into all characters -- including OGs like Lexington and newbies like Katana, Gnash, Dino Dracon, and Staghart -- with more depth as the series progresses.
"How did Nashville's name come to be?"
-Ultimate Fangirl
Weisman: That's a story I hope to get to eventually, so for now, no spoilers. Oh, and he currently prefers to be called Gnash.
"Is it canon to the cartoon? Or involve previous comic book events?"
-Shae Duncan Hamlin
Weisman: Yes, the new Dynamite Gargoyles series is canon to the cartoon, as was the SLG series. But if I'm doing my job right, you don't need to have seen or read anything previously to enjoy the new stuff. You'll obviously get more out of it if you look at the entire tapestry that makes up the Gargoyles Universe.
"Is the last series still in continuity? And any chance of a collection of it?"
-Liam Johnson
Weisman: The SLG era is in continuity. The Marvel comics are not. But both series have really fun stories.
Dynamite: Yes, we are planning on doing collection(s) of the previous Marvel and SLG-era comics. More details coming soon!
"With the 2nd revival of Gargoyles in comic book format, will this be a good time to revive the old spin-offs?"
-Alex Phillips
Weisman: We all think so. Keep your fingers crossed.
"Is it possible there will be a follow-up on the consequences of the 'City of Stone' arc?"
-The Illustrious Q
Weisman: There were many consequences to "City of Stone" that have already been addressed and others that may also be addressed as time and opportunity allow.
"Are there any characters from the cartoon that we can expect to pop up again in the comics? And if the comics sell well, could we get a revival/continuation of the Gargoyles cartoon?"
-Hector J
Weisman: Every character from the two seasons of Gargoyles is fair game and could show up at any point. As for your second question, that's not really up to us. But it would be nice.
"What are your thoughts about doing Gargoyles comic specials, like Christmas, New Year's, and Valentine's Day?"
- Rochelle Norlund
Weisman: I'm certainly game. But I'm also likely to just incorporate major holidays into the series as we reach them on the calendar. Right now, the current stories are set in May 1997. I'm not currently planning a Memorial Day issue, but you never know.
"Why is Dynamite Comics publishing the Gargoyles comics instead of Marvel or BOOM! Studios?"
-Ryan Leger
Dynamite: We pitched Disney on licensing several of their properties, including Gargoyles and the soon-to-launch Darkwing Duck. They liked our pitch, and so here we are. It's been great working with them!
"Will fans see something like what IDW did with TMNT -- Something familiar yet refreshing, new, and not tied completely from previous materials?"
-Raz
Weisman: I'm not familiar with IDW's TMNT. But the plan for Gargoyles isn't a reboot if that's what you mean. We're just telling more stories. Still, one doesn't have to have seen or read previous iterations to appreciate these new tales.
"Will these new comics continue later in 2023? My local comic store told me only three new issues and then Marvel reprints."
-Mark Baggio
Dynamite: Gargoyles is definitely going beyond three issues! Unless some scheduling things pop up, you should be able to expect a new issue each month. Ask your local store to subscribe to the series so you don't miss out.
Dynamite Entertainment's Gargoyles #1 is available now.