Writer: Greg Weisman
Art: George Kambadais
Publisher: Dynamite Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 22, 2023
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THE DISPATCH
Gargoyles #4 opens with a new adventure. While continuing with plot points from the previous issue, such as the tension between rival mob families, it puts a hold on the baby drama we saw last issue, and instead focuses on the Gargoyles and the public’s perception of them. What may seem surprising or confusing for readers who have seen the show is that writer Greg Weisman claims he is treating season 3 of the show as non-canon, and yet it seems as though they are re-introducing characters and plot points from season 3 into the comic anyway. It was cool to see this issue open with narration from Goliath. It may also serve as a callback to season 3 of the show, aptly titled “The Goliath Chronicles“, where Goliath would provide the opening narration for each episode. You can practically hear Keith David’s voice speak from the page.
Another point of interest is the exchange between Goliath and Hudson, in regards to the other male gargoyles of their clan. It could serve as foreshadowing for things to come. We don’t know exactly who the characters in gargoyle masks are, but they probably have some connection to the mob, as they are trying to find a way to get rid of the gargoyles. The title of this story, “Tale as Old as Time”, besides being a reference to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, could possibly also be a reference to when Elisa dressed as Belle in the Halloween episode, “Eye of the Beholder”. Still, it is strange that Elisa is seen in the opening pages of this issue, and then is no longer present for the rest of it.
ART
The art style in Gargoyles #4 continues to impress. In particular, the panel showing Goliath awakening from his stone slumber is fantastic. This issue also shows a mysterious figure watching the news while enshrouded in shadow. This could be any number of characters from the show, most likely someone who hasn’t been seen in this comic series yet, and probably an antagonist.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Gargoyles #4 is exciting, and leaves readers guessing as to the identity of Goliath’s attackers, as well as the young couple captured in the park. Hopefully more will be explained next issue, and the attackers could be directly connected to the shadowy figure seen at the beginning of this issue. What do you think will happen next?