Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
We are defenders of the night! We are Gargoyles!, January 29, 2008
Every fan of the television show Gargoyles will be excited to learn that the creator, Greg Weisman, has picked up the story where it left off!
The first two chapters in this collection are a retelling of the Season Three premiere, "The Journey," the final canonical episode of the show. It is a good starting point for the comic, both for fans (to refresh their memory of where the story left off) and newcomers (as an introduction to the mythology). The other four chapters in this book are the riveting beginning of a brand new Gargoyles story, "Clan-Building," which brings back many familiar characters and introduces some new ones.
This collection stands well on its own, but watching the show beforehand is recommended if you want the full effect. This is essential reading not only for fans of the show but also for anyone who generally enjoys comics and children's fiction. Along with its spinoff, Gargoyles: Bad Guys, I wholeheartedly feel that it is one of the best all-ages comics currently in print.
If you would like to revisit or introduce yourself to the show, pick up Gargoyles: The Complete First Season and Gargoyles: Season 2 Volume 1 on DVD.
|
|
|
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Gargoyles Live Again , March 28, 2008
Betrayed by the Network Executives they were sworn to protect Disney's Gargoyles were cast into a stone sleep, trapped for ten years in Toon Disney re-runs. But now, in the new millennium the spell is broken... and they live again! A must own for all Gargoyles fans. Gargoyles fans need to get this book, get their friends into the series, and get them to buy their own copies of the book and DVD. That's how the fans of Firefly were able to make Serenity feasible.
This is a great book and a must have for all Gargoyles fans. The one thing that prevents me from giving it a perfect score is the uneven art. The first 3 chapters were done by the same visual arts team while the last 3 are down by 3 separate teams each with their own stylistic twist on the characters. The art is by no means bad, each artistic team brings something unique to the individual chapters (issues) but as these chapters are nit into a linear story, one chapter flowing into the next, all written by series creator Greg Weisman the style change disrupts that continuity. My hope would be as the series continues a particular style will be found for issues dealing with the main story of the arc while stand alone episodes such as those in the original series (Long Way to Morning, The Mirror, Deadly Force) Might be handled by guest creator teams.
However this is not a deal breaker. Many comics, even ones with only one artist develop their styles over time through experimentation and growth. So again a must own for all Gargoyles fans.
|
|
|
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Needs Work, March 27, 2008
As far as the tangible product itself goes, the book is durable and well constructed. The text is easy to read, colors vibrant, and printed on high quality paper. Each chapter is drawn by a different comic book artist, ranging from very detailed artwork (Goliath having actual muscle tone, visible tendons, veins bulging, etc.) to very "I shouldn't have chintz'd out on studying correct anatomy" bad.
Now for the content of the product:
For those of you looking for a continuation of the animated series you watched as a kid, you're in luck. The comic book series takes place after the final canon episode titled "Harvest Moon" (I THINK), and is a bit more "mature", in that a few swear words were thrown around (Angela saying "bastard" for instance) and when characters are wounded in combat, there is a good amount of blood rather than some mediocre, G-rated cross-hatching sketched onto the point of impact (a big plus for me!). The Illuminati's looming presence is beginning to become more pronounced as well. Another plus!
As for the story and characters, I almost stopped reading halfway into the book. I realize Gargoyles was originally created for a younger audience, and therefore shouldn't expect a higher tier plot or more realistic character interaction (like Kentaro Miura's "Berserk," for example), but much of the conflict in the story, particularly the love triangle between Goliath, Jason Canmore, and Elisa feels contrived (though not as bad as it was in the animated series). I won't elaborate on other circumstances to prevent myself from inadvertently spoiling plot details, but I'm sure you'll agree with me upon reading. At times, I found myself saying, "Oh, come ON!" because their reactions and pure ANGSTING was so absurd (I wish Weisman would write out Thailog, I really do.)
I'm not too happy with Angela and Broadway's sudden (and unnecessary) romance either. I get the feeling Weisman just tossed that in there to make the Clan more romantically symmetrical (and use this as a bridge for another possible spin-off), especially when Broadway's character changed from more of a lovable oaf, to a more literate and refined version of his character (this all seems REALLY forced to me). It all feels so...awkward. I don't mean to sound so critical, but did Weisman jack these ideas from a 16-year old fan girl? This is getting into borderline "fanfiction" territory! Every other character seems to have a significant other now! With as much air time Elisa and Goliath's plight receives, they're really the only romantic couple Gargoyles needs, if any. Bad, bad writing.
Despite all of the negative aspects I found with this publication, I will probably continue purchasing the volumes and remain optimistic for improvement. I loved watching Gargoyles as a kid!
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
by Greg Weisman
by Greg Weisman
by Greg Weisman
by Greg Weisman
