Review: ‘Gargoyles: Dark Ages’ #5 Raises A Dragon

Writer Greg Weisman creates a mostly strong script. The characterization is possibly the strongest part. While the second strongest part is probably a tie-between the visual and prose action scenes. Weisman deftly handles both types of action scene in a way that should appease any naysayers. A debatable part is the inclusion of several subplots that in this penultimate issue feel rather unnecessary to this series.

Artist Drew Moss uses a suitable amount of cross-hatching for texture in the interiors. Moss also does a fine job with minimalism on the interiors and covers G and I. The pages all feature great layouts that help direct the reader’s eyes. Not to mention that Moss is very consist with the character designs. Finally there is a fantastic understanding of both depth and expressions.

Color artist Martina Pignedoli selects a variety of hues while limiting the range. The best parts of Pignedoli’s work in this issue are the differing skin pigmentations and the enhancements to the suggestion of light sources.

Letterer Jeff Eckleberry does impressive work with sizing and bolding the text to suggest differing intonations. Eckleberry also assists Moss’s visual pacing by correctly positioning the word balloons and their respective anchors.

Artist Clayton Crain provides the image for covers A, M, and N. It has good texture and arguably has quality that is overall high, but the logo hides the Dragon’s eyes on cover A.

Covers F and H feature awful interpretations of Hudson’s past self Mentor by artist Jeff Parker. The faces are inconsistent and off-model.

Artist Alan Quah is responsible for covers B and L. Both versions of this image have a good amount of texture, and a nice balance of colors.

Variant cover E is by artist Erica Henderson. It features decent interpretations of the child versions of Lexington, Brooklyn, and Broadway. The design evokes the innocence they have at this time. While the use of shading balances nicely with the suggestion of moonlight peaking through leaves. Unfortunately, the design does feel a bit too busy due to how compact everything is.

Covers C and J are by artist Mirka Andolfo and color artist Carlo Lauro. While the art and colors are great in quality, but the design is just referencing a moment in the show (Gargoyles [1994-1997]). 

Artist Kenya Danino does a great job with the design of the dragon and Mentor facing off on covers D and K. The downsides to this image are that the colors combine together, and with the design, to make things feel overly busy and homogenous. 

Gargoyles Dark Ages #5 is out now from Dynamite Entertainment.