World Famous Comics: Gargoyles: Clan Building Volume 1 (Gargoyles)
Gargoyles: Clan Building Volume 1 (Gargoyles)
By: Greg Weisman Publisher: SLG Publishing Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: SLG Publishing Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 168 Publication Date: January 23, 2008 Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Product Description: The hit comic book series gets collected in trade paperback form just in time for the holidays. Gathering together the stories from issues #1-6, Gargoyles: Clan Building Volume One promises to be one of the best selling trade paperback SLG puts out this year. The series is still seen on the various Disney channels and the fan base remains as passionate about this book as it was during its initial run in syndication. Written by Greg Weisman, who created and produced the animated series and who is now producing the SPIDER-MAN The Animated Series for Sony, the stories presented in the comic book series represent the first additoins to the Gargoyles canon since the series ended almost 10 years ago. Presented in full color, this is going to be a must buy for all Gargoyles fans.
Gargoyles - the story continues While rewatching episodes of the TV series with a friend (and thus checking online for news on any more episodes coming out on DVD), I found out that Greg was writing a comic series, and there were already several issues out. Needless to say, I was overjoyed.
I find trade backs more manageable long-term over individual comics, and easier to display on a bookshelf. This book is made well, containing issues 1-6, and includes the cover art from each issue... which is wonderful, since Greg Guler (the animated series' character designer) produced them. The writing is superb, picking up at "The Journey" (pretty much retelling it) and continuing as Greg envisioned. The artwork of each issue was really good... I had problems with issue 4, but only because that artist's style was notable different from the others, so the change between issues 3 to 4, and 4 to 5 was a bit jarring. Even so, each artist is of good talent.
I've already started recommending this series to others, and I'm looking forward to more. I believe the next set of 6 issues will be put into a second trade back. Can't wait.
Gargoyles are still awesome I was really excited to find out that the creator of Gargoyles was continuing his story in comic form. I used to watch the show when I was 13 and loved it. This comic is just as cool, Weisman makes the transition from T.V. show to comic form really well. He packs in story without skinting on dialogue. This is a way better continuation of a television show than what Joss Whedon has attempted with Buffy. Maybe that is because animation lends itself to comics better.
I really enjoyed it. I would advise watching the show before reading it (you can buy the DVDs on amazon, they are awesome)but the comic does contain some brief flash backs to bring someone who hasn't seen the show up to date.
Gargoyles Live Again 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.
Needs Work 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!
Pretty good The stories are good! I'm relieved that the quality of the characters and stories didn't change. Hurrah! Watch the TV series if you haven't, before buying this. (Certain story elements won't make any sense otherwise.)
The reason I don't give this a full 5 stars is because the art quality dropped around half way through. The stories remained good, but as this is a visual medium, the art quality needed to stay consistent. It didn't.
I will purchase the next one, whenever it comes out. :)
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