Review – ‘Gargoyles: Dark Ages’ #2 Flies High

Writer Greg Weisman uses a bit of latin in this issue for the spells. There is also a lore drop relating to Christianity for those willing to translate. Besides being intelligent with the dialogue in the main story Weisman is also clever with the prose tale. Of course Weisman’s text sees enhancement via letterer Jeff Eckleberry’s work. Arguably the fonts and placement are the strongest parts of Eckleberry’s work on this issue. If there is one weakness to this tale it is how there is a slight narrative detachment between the opening of this issue and the end of the last’s main story (Gargoyles: Dark Ages #1 [2023]).

Artist Drew Moss does better on the panel work for the fight scenes in this issue. Moss also does a great job with the texture of the art. This texture sees enhancement from the excellent selection of hues that colorist Martina Pignedoli uses. Going back to the work of Moss there is also covers G and M to look at. While both variants feature high quality on-model work the lack of trade dress on M makes it debatably lesser.

Covers A, H, R, and S feature an image by artist Clayton Crain. Cover H seemingly has its quality level hurt due to the lack of colors. Meaning that the colors help evoke the idea that one is possibly looking at an old tapestry or piece of art. It is uncertain to this reviewer whether the metal that cover R employs is a detriment. Though one would assume it is.

Artist Alan Quah is responsible for covers B, I, and Q. Of the three only cover I is debatable as to its quality level since it lacks the colors that help enhance and evoke the fantasy.

Variant covers C, K, and O feature an image of Goliath, Angel/Demona, and some mystery Gargoyles by artist Mirka Andolfo. When it comes to strong points the purples and pinks are the standout elements on covers C and O. Andolfo also does a nice job with the sense of depth. The overall design works well in black and white as cover K displays. Yet, the use of a dutch angle is arguably annoying.

Covers D, L, and P are the responsibility of artist Kenya Danino. The style very much has a free flowing anime influence to it. Unfortunately, not everyone will appreciate this image. This may be in part due to how it looks too different from the interiors. However, it is probably more likely to face disdain due to snap judgements that might have to do with the style itself.

Artist Erica Henderson handles the design of covers E and N. Henderson does well on the overall quality of both, but the lack of trade dress on cover N makes it seem bland.

Variant covers F and J featuring an image by the artist Parker. Like Henderson’s work on cover N Parker’s work on cover J comes across as bland. Though this is more to do with the lack of text elements than anything either artist is trying to do. On the plus side, Parker does an exceptional job with the starry sky background. There is also a good sense of depth due to the layers in the design.

Gargoyles: Dark Ages #2 is out now from Dynamite Entertainment.