The following contains major spoilers for Gargoyles #1, available now from Dynamite Entertainment.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Gargoyles series is how many bonds Goliath and his Wyvern clan made when they woke up in modern-day New York. They came a long way from Scotland, barely surviving the centuries-old curse that turned them into stone in the day. But thankfully, they had a bevy of allies to compensate for the fiends they met.
This allowed the series to really hone in on the war in the present, making the '90s cartoon more action-packed than anything else. Admittedly, it kept the creatures busy, thinking they couldn't take a break or else the world would break. However, with the original creator Greg Weisman continuing the journey outside the planned new season, Gargoyles #1 (by Greg Weisman, George Kambadais, and Jeff Eckleberry) improves on a major trait the show underplayed.
Disney's Animated Gargoyles Lacked Sentiment and Romance
Admittedly, endearment was few and far between, with the show's romantic elements often being glossed over. It was apparent with Goliath and the human, Elisa, who only came into their own when he became human temporarily, and she was turned into a Gargoyle. However, after recovering and acknowledging feelings, they stuck to their duties -- he as a warrior and she as a Big Apple cop, trying to protect the city from criminals like Macbeth.
There was also some romantic tension between Brooklyn and Goliath's daughter, Angela, but that was brushed aside. Even Demona's relationships with Goliath and his evil clone, Thailog, were minimized. The most fans got was a marriage with Xanatos and Fox, but again, while they had nuance to their bond, they were villains. The series simply made it seem like true love and soulmates were distractions heroes couldn't afford. It was a tired, clichéd trope that stifled the emotions of the tribe.
Dynamite's Gargoyle's Embraces More Emotional Connections
Dynamite Entertainment's relaunch, however, has fixed this by injecting warm, fuzzy, and cheesy romance in spades. The first issue has Goliath and Elisa on their Manhattan castle rooftop, kissing and embracing each other. They finally accepted what they are to each other, which is where the cartoon ended. Now, this book is picking up right there, painting a more vulnerable couple. Another duo that embraces their passion is Angela and Broadway. They had a cute crush on each other in the cartoon, and as they land, talks of cuddling arise. They're quite open as well, which does fit their characters. They endured so much loss, after all, it's nice they could catch this break, especially as Broadway always felt like the outcast and someone Angela wouldn't like.
Last but not least, Brooklyn and his mate, Katana, touch down as they all discuss a Batman-Esque crime-fighting plan. But they, too, get caught up in affectionate moments, which grosses out their kid, Gnash. Ultimately, it shows that these heroes finally have time to display their love in front of each other, coming off as more human. It reduces the stone-cold, rock-tough exterior they usually exude, creating a better dynamic and a synergy that speaks more to family. It's clear war's ahead as new gangs are rising up, but for now, loyalists and nostalgics are just glad to see the clan basking in these heartfelt moments, which they didn't make time for before.