Difference between revisions of "The Journey"
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− | [[Image:GargoylesComic2.JPG|thumb|360px|Gargoyles #2]] | + | [[Image:GargoylesComic2.JPG|thumb|360px|Gargoyles #2 by Greg Guler & Stephanie Lostimolo]] |
+ | :''For the TGC episode, see [[The Journey (TGC)]] | ||
+ | '''"The Journey"''' is the second issue of the ''[[Gargoyles (SLG)|Gargoyles]]'' comic by [[Slave Labor Graphics|SLG]], and Chapter Two of the ''Clan-Building'' story arc. It was released on December 13, 2006. The issue was reprinted in ''[[Gargoyles: Clan-Building, Volume One]]''. It was adapted into a Radio Play and performed at the [[Gathering of the Gargoyles]] in 2004. | ||
− | Writer/Creator: [[Weisman | + | *Writer/Creator: [[Greg Weisman]] |
+ | *Pencil Artist: [[David Hedgecock]] | ||
+ | *Color Artist: [[Will Terrell]] | ||
+ | *Art Director/Cover Pencil Artist: [[Greg Guler]] | ||
+ | *Cover Color Artist: [[Stephanie Lostimolo]] | ||
− | + | ==Solicitation== | |
+ | Stone by day, warriors by night, the [[Gargoyle]]s were betrayed by those they had sworn to protect. Now here in modern [[Manhattan]], the spell that held them frozen for a thousand years is broken, and the Gargoyles live again! In this issue, debate over the Gargoyle menace rages on [[New York City|New York]]'s airwaves, while the shadowy [[Quarrymen]] take matters into their own hands. Will an injured [[Goliath]] be able to get himself and [[Elisa Maza|Elisa]] to safety before he becomes the Quarrymen's first victim? Based on the popular Disney/Buena Vista animated television series of the 90s, ''GARGOYLES'' is back ten years later with original canon stories from series creator Greg Weisman. | ||
− | + | ==Summary== | |
+ | ===Main Plot=== | ||
+ | Goliath and Elisa are pursued by [[John Castaway]] and a group of Quarrymen intent on their destruction. Goliath is unable to glide on his injured wing, and so is forced to jump from building to building with Elisa in his arms. They end up at the ruined [[Clock Tower]] and take out most of the Quarrymen there, but Castaway is able to get the jump on them and subdues both Goliath and Elisa. He is about to kill Goliath, but [[Vinnie Grigori|Vinnie]] stops him in time, fighting Castaway until Goliath can recover and retaliate. Outnumbered, Castaway escapes but promises to return. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Subplots=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[Hudson]] watches a ''[[Nightwatch]]'' segment wherein [[Macbeth]] and [[Margot Yale]] argue over the gargoyle dilemma. | ||
− | + | [[Lexington]] and [[Fox]] agree to form a truce. | |
− | + | [[David Xanatos]] declines to answer a phone call from Mr. [[Duval]] of the [[Illuminati]]. | |
− | == | + | [[Broadway]] and [[Angela]] express their love with a kiss while [[Brooklyn]] watches dejectedly. |
− | Stone by day, | + | |
+ | Goliath and Elisa say they have no regrets about their chosen path together. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==The Story== | ||
+ | Shortly after sunset, [[Hudson]] sits down in his beloved recliner in the [[TV Room (Wyvern)|TV room]] and switches on ''[[Nightwatch]]''. [[Travis Marshall]] introduces the evening's guests: medieval scholar: [[Macbeth|Lennox Macduff]] and the advisor to the NYPD's [[Gargoyle Taskforce]], Assistant District Attorney [[Margot Yale]]. Lennox believes that [[Human|humanity]] should reach out to the [[Gargoyle|gargoyles]] and approach them with tolerance. Margot, on the other hand, believes that the gargoyles are monsters - the most dangerous creatures on Earth. As the debate begins, [[Goliath]] and [[Elisa Maza]] are shot out of the sky by the [[Quarrymen Helicopter]] and come to a rough crash on a rooftop. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Macduff suggests that the gargoyles aren't a danger to humans unless humans make themselves a danger to them. But Margot insists that they can only be sure of that after all the gargoyles have been apprehended - and that their children aren't safe. While they continue their exchange of ideas, [[Alexander Fox Xanatos]] is cared for in his [[Nursery (Wyvern)|nursery]] by [[Bronx]] and [[Lexington]]. The young gargoyle fawns over the human child who he attempts to teach his name as the infant keeps on saying "doggie". Fox is pleasantly surprised by how well Lex does with her son, but Lexington retorts with a snide remark. Fox proposes starting their relationship over now that they're all living under the same turrets, and Lex agrees to give it a shot for Alex's sake. [[David Xanatos]] watches from the doorway, please as [[Owen Burnett]] approaches him to inform him that [[Duval|Mr. Duval]] is on the phone. Xanatos says he'll return the call later, but Owen raises an eyebrow and asks if it's wise to keep the [[Illuminati]] waiting. Xanatos smirks and says "no" before entering the nursery to give his son a piggyback ride. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Across town, Elisa tears the bottom of her dress and uses the cloth to bandage the wound in Goliath's wing, but the big gargoyle isn't worried about this as the injuries will heal when he [[Stone Sleep|turns to stone]]. He's more worried about the [[Quarrymen|hooded strangers]] who seek to end his life with their helicopter and [[Quarryman Hammer|hammers]]. He's in no condition to do battle nor can he glide on his wing but he must return to the [[Eyrie Building|castle]]. Elisa insists she's going with him before tossing aside her one remaining shoe and climbing into his arms. Using his powerful legs, Goliath proceeds to leap to the next rooftop and then the next one. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Margot attempts to humanely suggest that in captivity the gargoyles could be studied, protected, and fed. Macduff retorts that may be all the comforts as long as they don't value their freedom. But Margot scoffs at the idea that the gargoyles have '''human''' thoughts and emotions before again insisting they are beasts and animals. As the debate continues, [[Broadway]] and [[Angela]] sit in the [[Library (Wyvern)|library]] as he recites a monologue from ''[[Romeo and Juliet]]'' before slamming his book, unable to concentrate on his reading lesson while Goliath is missing. But Angela won't hear it, Goliath isn't missing - he just hasn't come home yet. Broadway places a hand on Angela's shoulder, reminding her that she doesn't need to be brave around him. Angela tearfully laments that the [[New York City|city]] hates them - she was raised by humans and there is no reason they can't all live in harmony. Broadway promises her that some day they will as he turns her around in his arms. Angela asks if he really believes it, but Broadway insists that he knows it. The two young gargoyles lean closer and kiss for the very first time. Down below, [[Brooklyn]] watches before turning away sighing "parting is such sweet sorrow..." | ||
+ | |||
+ | Goliath and Elisa continue to make their way across the rooftops, narrowly missing one - but Goliath digs his talons into the side of the building and they climb up onto the rooftop directly across the street from the devastated [[23rd Precinct]]. Elisa waxes nostalgic about "the old stomping grounds", taking in the shattered clock of the [[Clock Tower]]. Suddenly a spotlight coming from the Quarrymen's helicopter shines down on them. Elisa climbs on Goliath's back and the two leap across the street through a shattered window into the precinct. Down on the streets below, the [[Quarryman Van]] comes to a sudden stop in front of the building. A hooded [[John Castaway]] and several Quarrymen emerge from the back of the vehicle, brandishing their hammers. Castaway orders them to move in teams of two, and not to let "the creature" escape. [[Vinnie Grigori]] expresses his hesitation but Castaway tells him to put the hood on - it's the only way. Reluctantly, Vinnie dons the hood before accompanying Castaway into the building. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Two Quarrymen move past [[Maria Chavez|Maria Chavez's]] when one cries out, as the second one investigates, he's taken out by Elisa. Two more make their way up a dark stairwell when the darkness is broken by Goliath's glowing eyes. The gargoyle growls and easily dispatches them. Up in the Clock Tower, [[Fleance]] reminds [[Banquo]] that if their quarry gets past them again they can kiss their paychecks goodbye. Standing where the clock once stood and illuminated in the moonlight, Elisa tells the two mercenaries to pucker up. Goliath leaps down from above and after a brief fight he defeats the two mercenaries before declaring that this battle is over. | ||
+ | |||
+ | But Goliath spoke too soon, Castaway sneaks up behind the gargoyle and shocks him into submission with an electrical jolt from his hammer before doing the same to Elisa. Castaway orders Vinnie to restrain Elisa while he finishes off "the creature". Vinnie reluctantly agrees, nearly addressing Castaway by name but is cut off, Castaway insisting that Quarrymen must be anonymous. Castaway rushes at Goliath relentlessly attacking and successfully subduing him. As Castaway is on the verge of executing the gargoyle Vinnie begins to plead for Goliath's life, suggesting that Goliath "learned his lesson". Castaway is incredulous, "this is war, Vinnie... I don't teach lessons and I don't take prisoners!" Vinnie removes his hood and asks what this means for Elisa, but Castaway has every intention of murdering her as "she chose to abandon humanity for these monsters!" Vinnie can no longer stand idly and gets to his feet insisting that this isn't right. Castaway threatens Vinnie that "in war nobody suffers more than the traitor!" and attacks Vinnie with his hammer. Knocking his former recruit to the ground, Castaway draws a gun and points it at Vinnie's head. But Goliath gets to his feet and tears the gun from the Quarryman leader's hand and crushes it. "I won't be defeated by the likes of you," Castaway snarls. But Goliath replies "brave words for a man who hides his face behind a hood." Castaway screams with rage as he grabs his hammer and rushes at Goliath who proceeds to leap over his head as Castaway darts over the edge and falls to the streets below... | ||
+ | |||
+ | ... until the Quarryman helicopter rises up, Castaway hanging from the roped ladder. The leader of the Quarryman shakes his fist and yells out '''"DREAM OF ME, GOLIATH! DREAM OF ME!!"''' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Shortly after, on a nearby rooftop, Vinnie regains consciousness - ecstatic to see that Goliath and Elisa are both alive and that he saved them. Goliath thanks Vinnie, they are truly grateful. Vinnie asks if that makes them even for any trauma associated with that unfortunate pie-throwing incident a few months ago before telling Goliath the gargoyles need to be more careful, he's got a new job in [[Japan]] so he won't be there next time to "save their cans." Goliath smiles at the human, they'll just have to find a way to manage without him. Satisfied, Vinnie says his good-byes before climbing down the emergency stairwell. Once he's out of earshot Elisa asks who that guy was, but Goliath was never quite sure. Elisa asks if they should tell him there are [[Ishimura Clan|gargoyles in Japan]]. Goliath believes Vinnie will find that out for himself. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Gazing out over the city towards the Eyrie Building Goliath ponders the recent few months. He's been frustrated, waiting for his [[Manhattan Clan|clan]] to arrive at a final destination but he's realized that life is about the discoveries made on the journey itself. Although it's been hard, he has no regrets about the path they've chosen. Elisa feels the exact same way. She climbs into Goliath's arms and the two of them continue their own journey back to the castle. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Back at [[WVRN]] studios, the debate comes to an explosive end as Lennox Macduff screams "Madam, they burned witches like you in the middle ages -" while Margot shouts back that he's living in a fantasy world. Travis cuts them off, the show is out of time. Travis turns to the camera and tells the audience to sleep well. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Hudson turns off the television. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Review== | ||
+ | |||
+ | By Todd Jensen | ||
+ | |||
+ | The much-delayed second issue of the ''Gargoyles'' comic was finally brought out in December, to conclude the adaptation of [[The Journey (TGC)|"The Journey"]] begun in #1. As with #1, the bulk of its content is almost identical to that of the television episode, but again, there are a few new elements incorporated into the story. | ||
+ | |||
+ | When we left off, Goliath and Elisa were being pursued by the Quarrymen, and Goliath had been shot in the wing. Now that Goliath is unable to glide (until the next day's [[Stone Sleep|stone sleep]] heals his injuries - if he's fortunate enough to survive until then), our heroes' struggle to escape is all the more dangerous - especially with Castaway himself joining the chase. | ||
+ | |||
+ | While the Quarrymen continue their hunt, the fallout over the revelation of the clan to the world is playing itself out on a less action-based level. [[Travis Marshall]] is hosting a debate on the gargoyle issue on ''Nightwatch'' between Macbeth (in his [[Lennox Macduff]] identity) and Margot Yale. It is a pleasure to report that Macbeth takes the pro-gargoyle side; he had been established increasingly through Season Two of the television series as a figure with noble qualities as well as flaws, and now he becomes an ally to them. Margot, not surprisingly, is as anti-gargoyle as ever; the best that can be said about her stance is that she advocates that the gargoyles be placed in captivity rather than exterminated. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In the course of the debate, we get glimpses of the rest of the clan (who had stayed behind in the [[Eyrie Building]]). Hudson is watching the debate on television, but the other members take a more active role, in serving as a contrast to Margot's claims about them (a particularly nice touch). When she claims that the gargoyles are a danger to the children in the city, we see [[Alexander Fox Xanatos|Alex]] happily playing with [[Bronx]] and [[Lexington]] in the nursery; when she scoffs at Macbeth's belief that "these creatures have [[human]] thoughts and emotions...", we see Angela, Broadway, and Brooklyn in the [[Library (Wyvern)|library]], displaying these features. | ||
+ | |||
+ | But these scenes introduce us to other developments. Lexington still bears a grudge against Fox, going back to [[The Thrill of the Hunt|"The Thrill of the Hunt"]], but agrees to put it aside at her request for Alex's sake. Broadway and Angela have clearly become a couple, and Brooklyn is saddened that Angela had chosen Broadway over himself for her future mate. And most intriguingly of all, [[David Xanatos|Xanatos]] learns from [[Owen Burnett|Owen]], while looking in on the nursery scene, that a certain Mr. [[Duval]], a member of the [[Illuminati]] Society (which we haven't heard anything from since [[Revelations|"Revelations"]]), wants to speak to him on the phone - and decides to return his call later and play with his son instead. It is doubtful that the timing of Mr. Duval's request for a conversation with the gargoyles' new patron so soon after their public exposure is a coincidence, and I look forward to seeing how this element will play out in future issues - especially since Xanatos admits that it is not advisable to "keep the Illuminati waiting". | ||
+ | |||
+ | Meanwhile, Goliath and Elisa wind up taking shelter in the ruins of the Clock Tower, there to face Castaway in a climactic showdown. What saves their lives in the end is Vinnie, who here, in one of the comic's most effective moments, goes from the inept klutz of [[Vendettas|"Vendettas"]] to a figure of heroic stature. He increasingly has his doubts about the rightness of Castaway's mission, and finally, when the Quarryman leader makes it clear that he intends to actually kill both Goliath and Elisa, stands up to him, saying "This isn't right" - an example of how a few simple words can, in the right context, attain considerable power and eloquence. Vinnie's act buys time enough for Goliath to recover and force Castaway to retreat - though, judging from the latter's defiant cry of "Dream of me, Goliath!", this is far from the last time that we shall hear from him again. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In the aftermath, Vinnie parts on now-friendly terms with Goliath and Elisa, heading off to [[Japan]]; Goliath and Elisa speculate that he may encounter the [[Ishimura Clan]] there (given Vinnie's track record, I would certainly not be the least bit surprised if he does!). Goliath muses afterwards upon the journey that lies before them, with Elisa standing by his side, loyal as ever. Between her and Vinnie (and Macbeth on ''Nightwatch''), it is clear enough that Castaway and Margot are not the final say on how humanity will respond to the gargoyles - that there is still hope. And that is what truly matters. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==Featured Characters and First Appearances== | ||
+ | {{characters | ||
+ | |h1=[[Gargoyle]]s | ||
+ | |c1= | ||
+ | *[[Hudson]] (No Lines) | ||
+ | *[[Goliath]] | ||
+ | *[[Bronx]] | ||
+ | *[[Lexington]] | ||
+ | *[[Broadway]] | ||
+ | *[[Angela]] | ||
+ | *[[Brooklyn]] | ||
+ | |h2=[[Human]]s | ||
+ | |c2= | ||
+ | *[[Travis Marshall]] | ||
+ | *[[Macbeth|Lennox Macduff]] | ||
+ | *[[Margot Yale]] | ||
+ | *[[Elisa Maza]] | ||
+ | *[[Alexander Fox Xanatos]] | ||
+ | *[[Fox]] | ||
+ | *[[David Xanatos]] | ||
+ | *[[Owen Burnett]] | ||
+ | *[[Duval]] (Mentioned Only) | ||
+ | *[[Princess Katharine]] (Indirect Reference) | ||
+ | *[[Guardian]] (Indirect Reference) | ||
+ | *[[Magus]] (Indirect Reference) | ||
+ | *[[John Castaway]] | ||
+ | *[[Vinnie Grigori]] | ||
+ | *[[Fleance]] | ||
+ | *[[Banquo]] | ||
+ | |h3=[[Oberon's Children]] | ||
+ | |c3= | ||
+ | |h4=[[New Olympians]] | ||
+ | |c4= | ||
+ | |h5=Others | ||
+ | |c5=}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{EpisodeFirsts | ||
+ | |h1=[[:Category:Places|Places]] | ||
+ | |c1= | ||
+ | |h2=[[:Category:Objects|Objects]] | ||
+ | |c2= | ||
+ | |h3=[[:Category:Magic|Magic]] | ||
+ | |c3= | ||
+ | |h4=[[:Category:Media|Media]] | ||
+ | |c4= | ||
+ | *''[[Gargoyles In Celtic Legend]]'' (Mentioned Only) | ||
+ | |h5=[[:Category:Universe|Miscellaneous]] | ||
+ | |c5=}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Quotes== | ||
+ | |||
+ | * "You're great with him, Lex." | ||
+ | :"That means ''so much'' coming from you Fox." - Fox and Lexington | ||
+ | |||
+ | * "I know, I know. Sometimes it's easier if I just stay behind." - Elisa | ||
+ | |||
+ | * "No names! Quarrymen must be anonymous!" - Castaway | ||
+ | |||
+ | * "Careful, Vinnie. In war, no one suffers more than the..." | ||
+ | :"It's just not right." | ||
+ | :"'''Traitor!'''" - Castaway and Vinnie | ||
+ | |||
+ | * "I won't be defeated by the likes of you!" | ||
+ | :"Brave words...for a man who hides his face behind a hood." - Castaway and Goliath | ||
+ | |||
+ | * "I guess that makes up for any...uh, emotional trauma associated with that unfortunate [[Mr. Carter|pie-throwing]] incident from [[Vendettas|a few months back]]." - Vinnie | ||
+ | |||
+ | * "Uh, Goliath...who was that guy?" | ||
+ | :"Honestly, I was never quite sure." - Elisa and Goliath | ||
+ | |||
+ | * "But life is about the discoveries made on the journey itself. And though the road has been hard-I have no regrets about the path we have chosen." | ||
+ | :"Funny. I feel the exact same way." - Goliath and Elisa | ||
+ | |||
+ | * "Madam, they burned witches like you in the middle ages--" - Macbeth | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Continuity== | ||
+ | Goliath's wing is still injured, having been hit by a bullet in the previous issue, [[Nightwatch (episode)|"Nightwatch"]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Margot Yale is introduced by Travis Marshall as "advisor to the NYPD Taskforce". She appears in this capacity in the following issue, [[Invitation Only|"Invitation Only"]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[David Xanatos]] refuses to accept a call from Duval, a prominent member of the Illuminati. It is revealed in "Invitation Only" that Duval intended to tell Xanatos to accept an invitation to the [[White House]] on [[Halloween]], a visit that he makes during [[Masque|"Masque"]] and [[Bash|"Bash"]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Vinnie receives a job in Japan during this issue. He later appears on his way there in [[Rock and Roll|"Rock & Roll"]], and in Japan in [[The Lost|"The Lost"]], the second issue of ''[[Gargoyles: Bad Guys]]''. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Tidbits== | ||
+ | As with [[Nightwatch (episode)|"Nightwatch"]], the previous issue, "The Journey" is based on the first episode of ''[[The Goliath Chronicles]]'', also called "The Journey". However, there are some noteworthy differences between this issue and the television episode. Among these are: | ||
+ | |||
+ | # Macbeth (in his Lennox Macduff alias) is introduced by Travis Marshall as the author of a book entitled ''[[Gargoyles In Celtic Legend]]''. | ||
+ | # Margot (as in the television episode, fleshed out from the comic relief yuppie that she was portrayed as in the first two seasons, to be given a surname and an occupation) is described as being "advisor to the NYPD Taskforce". | ||
+ | # [[John Castaway|Castaway]] shouts at Vinnie, when the latter is about to address him by name, "Quarrymen must be anonymous!" (A precaution that makes sense, given the organization's vigilantism.) | ||
+ | # Vinnie wonders aloud whether his having helped Goliath and Elisa may make up for whatever "emotional trauma" that Goliath might have undergone as a result of getting [[Mr. Carter|pied]] in "Vendettas". | ||
+ | # The most infamous element of the television episode, Goliath being able to glide off at the end in spite of his injured wing, is removed; instead, Goliath jumps to the next rooftop. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The script also brings more [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]] into ''[[Gargoyles (TV series)|Gargoyles]]'', when both Broadway and Brooklyn quote from ''[[Romeo and Juliet]]'' in the library scene. (Though this appeared in the television episode as well.) | ||
+ | |||
+ | Vinnie's departure for Japan and urging Goliath to be more careful - "[since] I'm not gonna be here next time to save your cans" - was originally an allegory (of a sort) for Greg Weisman's departure from the series (the televised version of "The Journey" being the last episode that he worked on). [http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?qid=482] It loses some of that element in the new context, however, where Greg is now returning to the series in the comic. (In light of how Vinnie is almost a surrogate for Mr. Weisman here, it is amusingly appropriate that Goliath admits to being uncertain over who he is.) | ||
+ | |||
+ | ''Cover/Interior inconsistency'': The cover shows Goliath's left wing seriously injured, whereas it is actually his right wing throughout the interior of the comic. | ||
==Links== | ==Links== | ||
− | [http://www.www.slgcomic.com/product-exec/product_id/367/nm/Gargoyles_2 | + | *[http://www.gargoyles-fans.org/comics/SLG-002.htm Commentary and Review] |
+ | *On Sale at [http://www.www.slgcomic.com/product-exec/product_id/367/nm/Gargoyles_2 SLG] and [http://www.amazon.com/Gargoyles-2-Greg-Weisman/dp/1593620543/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b/104-1941171-9867162?ie=UTF8&qid=1186441606&sr=1-3 Amazon] | ||
+ | |||
+ | {| align="center" border="1" | ||
+ | |- style="vertical-align: top;" | ||
+ | | '''[[Nightwatch (episode)|<< Previous Episode: "Clan-Building" Chapter One: "Nightwatch"]]''' | ||
+ | | '''[[Invitation Only|Next Episode: "Clan-Building" Chapter Three: "Invitation Only" >>]]''' | ||
+ | |} | ||
− | [[Category:Canon]] | + | [[Category:Canon episodes|Journey, The]] |
− | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Comic Book|Journey, The]] |
− | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Clan-Building|Journey, The]] |
+ | [[Category:Radio Plays|Journey, The]] |
Latest revision as of 18:04, 13 January 2025
- For the TGC episode, see The Journey (TGC)
"The Journey" is the second issue of the Gargoyles comic by SLG, and Chapter Two of the Clan-Building story arc. It was released on December 13, 2006. The issue was reprinted in Gargoyles: Clan-Building, Volume One. It was adapted into a Radio Play and performed at the Gathering of the Gargoyles in 2004.
- Writer/Creator: Greg Weisman
- Pencil Artist: David Hedgecock
- Color Artist: Will Terrell
- Art Director/Cover Pencil Artist: Greg Guler
- Cover Color Artist: Stephanie Lostimolo
Contents
Solicitation
Stone by day, warriors by night, the Gargoyles were betrayed by those they had sworn to protect. Now here in modern Manhattan, the spell that held them frozen for a thousand years is broken, and the Gargoyles live again! In this issue, debate over the Gargoyle menace rages on New York's airwaves, while the shadowy Quarrymen take matters into their own hands. Will an injured Goliath be able to get himself and Elisa to safety before he becomes the Quarrymen's first victim? Based on the popular Disney/Buena Vista animated television series of the 90s, GARGOYLES is back ten years later with original canon stories from series creator Greg Weisman.
Summary
Main Plot
Goliath and Elisa are pursued by John Castaway and a group of Quarrymen intent on their destruction. Goliath is unable to glide on his injured wing, and so is forced to jump from building to building with Elisa in his arms. They end up at the ruined Clock Tower and take out most of the Quarrymen there, but Castaway is able to get the jump on them and subdues both Goliath and Elisa. He is about to kill Goliath, but Vinnie stops him in time, fighting Castaway until Goliath can recover and retaliate. Outnumbered, Castaway escapes but promises to return.
Subplots
Hudson watches a Nightwatch segment wherein Macbeth and Margot Yale argue over the gargoyle dilemma.
Lexington and Fox agree to form a truce.
David Xanatos declines to answer a phone call from Mr. Duval of the Illuminati.
Broadway and Angela express their love with a kiss while Brooklyn watches dejectedly.
Goliath and Elisa say they have no regrets about their chosen path together.
The Story
Shortly after sunset, Hudson sits down in his beloved recliner in the TV room and switches on Nightwatch. Travis Marshall introduces the evening's guests: medieval scholar: Lennox Macduff and the advisor to the NYPD's Gargoyle Taskforce, Assistant District Attorney Margot Yale. Lennox believes that humanity should reach out to the gargoyles and approach them with tolerance. Margot, on the other hand, believes that the gargoyles are monsters - the most dangerous creatures on Earth. As the debate begins, Goliath and Elisa Maza are shot out of the sky by the Quarrymen Helicopter and come to a rough crash on a rooftop.
Macduff suggests that the gargoyles aren't a danger to humans unless humans make themselves a danger to them. But Margot insists that they can only be sure of that after all the gargoyles have been apprehended - and that their children aren't safe. While they continue their exchange of ideas, Alexander Fox Xanatos is cared for in his nursery by Bronx and Lexington. The young gargoyle fawns over the human child who he attempts to teach his name as the infant keeps on saying "doggie". Fox is pleasantly surprised by how well Lex does with her son, but Lexington retorts with a snide remark. Fox proposes starting their relationship over now that they're all living under the same turrets, and Lex agrees to give it a shot for Alex's sake. David Xanatos watches from the doorway, please as Owen Burnett approaches him to inform him that Mr. Duval is on the phone. Xanatos says he'll return the call later, but Owen raises an eyebrow and asks if it's wise to keep the Illuminati waiting. Xanatos smirks and says "no" before entering the nursery to give his son a piggyback ride.
Across town, Elisa tears the bottom of her dress and uses the cloth to bandage the wound in Goliath's wing, but the big gargoyle isn't worried about this as the injuries will heal when he turns to stone. He's more worried about the hooded strangers who seek to end his life with their helicopter and hammers. He's in no condition to do battle nor can he glide on his wing but he must return to the castle. Elisa insists she's going with him before tossing aside her one remaining shoe and climbing into his arms. Using his powerful legs, Goliath proceeds to leap to the next rooftop and then the next one.
Margot attempts to humanely suggest that in captivity the gargoyles could be studied, protected, and fed. Macduff retorts that may be all the comforts as long as they don't value their freedom. But Margot scoffs at the idea that the gargoyles have human thoughts and emotions before again insisting they are beasts and animals. As the debate continues, Broadway and Angela sit in the library as he recites a monologue from Romeo and Juliet before slamming his book, unable to concentrate on his reading lesson while Goliath is missing. But Angela won't hear it, Goliath isn't missing - he just hasn't come home yet. Broadway places a hand on Angela's shoulder, reminding her that she doesn't need to be brave around him. Angela tearfully laments that the city hates them - she was raised by humans and there is no reason they can't all live in harmony. Broadway promises her that some day they will as he turns her around in his arms. Angela asks if he really believes it, but Broadway insists that he knows it. The two young gargoyles lean closer and kiss for the very first time. Down below, Brooklyn watches before turning away sighing "parting is such sweet sorrow..."
Goliath and Elisa continue to make their way across the rooftops, narrowly missing one - but Goliath digs his talons into the side of the building and they climb up onto the rooftop directly across the street from the devastated 23rd Precinct. Elisa waxes nostalgic about "the old stomping grounds", taking in the shattered clock of the Clock Tower. Suddenly a spotlight coming from the Quarrymen's helicopter shines down on them. Elisa climbs on Goliath's back and the two leap across the street through a shattered window into the precinct. Down on the streets below, the Quarryman Van comes to a sudden stop in front of the building. A hooded John Castaway and several Quarrymen emerge from the back of the vehicle, brandishing their hammers. Castaway orders them to move in teams of two, and not to let "the creature" escape. Vinnie Grigori expresses his hesitation but Castaway tells him to put the hood on - it's the only way. Reluctantly, Vinnie dons the hood before accompanying Castaway into the building.
Two Quarrymen move past Maria Chavez's when one cries out, as the second one investigates, he's taken out by Elisa. Two more make their way up a dark stairwell when the darkness is broken by Goliath's glowing eyes. The gargoyle growls and easily dispatches them. Up in the Clock Tower, Fleance reminds Banquo that if their quarry gets past them again they can kiss their paychecks goodbye. Standing where the clock once stood and illuminated in the moonlight, Elisa tells the two mercenaries to pucker up. Goliath leaps down from above and after a brief fight he defeats the two mercenaries before declaring that this battle is over.
But Goliath spoke too soon, Castaway sneaks up behind the gargoyle and shocks him into submission with an electrical jolt from his hammer before doing the same to Elisa. Castaway orders Vinnie to restrain Elisa while he finishes off "the creature". Vinnie reluctantly agrees, nearly addressing Castaway by name but is cut off, Castaway insisting that Quarrymen must be anonymous. Castaway rushes at Goliath relentlessly attacking and successfully subduing him. As Castaway is on the verge of executing the gargoyle Vinnie begins to plead for Goliath's life, suggesting that Goliath "learned his lesson". Castaway is incredulous, "this is war, Vinnie... I don't teach lessons and I don't take prisoners!" Vinnie removes his hood and asks what this means for Elisa, but Castaway has every intention of murdering her as "she chose to abandon humanity for these monsters!" Vinnie can no longer stand idly and gets to his feet insisting that this isn't right. Castaway threatens Vinnie that "in war nobody suffers more than the traitor!" and attacks Vinnie with his hammer. Knocking his former recruit to the ground, Castaway draws a gun and points it at Vinnie's head. But Goliath gets to his feet and tears the gun from the Quarryman leader's hand and crushes it. "I won't be defeated by the likes of you," Castaway snarls. But Goliath replies "brave words for a man who hides his face behind a hood." Castaway screams with rage as he grabs his hammer and rushes at Goliath who proceeds to leap over his head as Castaway darts over the edge and falls to the streets below...
... until the Quarryman helicopter rises up, Castaway hanging from the roped ladder. The leader of the Quarryman shakes his fist and yells out "DREAM OF ME, GOLIATH! DREAM OF ME!!"
Shortly after, on a nearby rooftop, Vinnie regains consciousness - ecstatic to see that Goliath and Elisa are both alive and that he saved them. Goliath thanks Vinnie, they are truly grateful. Vinnie asks if that makes them even for any trauma associated with that unfortunate pie-throwing incident a few months ago before telling Goliath the gargoyles need to be more careful, he's got a new job in Japan so he won't be there next time to "save their cans." Goliath smiles at the human, they'll just have to find a way to manage without him. Satisfied, Vinnie says his good-byes before climbing down the emergency stairwell. Once he's out of earshot Elisa asks who that guy was, but Goliath was never quite sure. Elisa asks if they should tell him there are gargoyles in Japan. Goliath believes Vinnie will find that out for himself.
Gazing out over the city towards the Eyrie Building Goliath ponders the recent few months. He's been frustrated, waiting for his clan to arrive at a final destination but he's realized that life is about the discoveries made on the journey itself. Although it's been hard, he has no regrets about the path they've chosen. Elisa feels the exact same way. She climbs into Goliath's arms and the two of them continue their own journey back to the castle.
Back at WVRN studios, the debate comes to an explosive end as Lennox Macduff screams "Madam, they burned witches like you in the middle ages -" while Margot shouts back that he's living in a fantasy world. Travis cuts them off, the show is out of time. Travis turns to the camera and tells the audience to sleep well.
Hudson turns off the television.
Review
By Todd Jensen
The much-delayed second issue of the Gargoyles comic was finally brought out in December, to conclude the adaptation of "The Journey" begun in #1. As with #1, the bulk of its content is almost identical to that of the television episode, but again, there are a few new elements incorporated into the story.
When we left off, Goliath and Elisa were being pursued by the Quarrymen, and Goliath had been shot in the wing. Now that Goliath is unable to glide (until the next day's stone sleep heals his injuries - if he's fortunate enough to survive until then), our heroes' struggle to escape is all the more dangerous - especially with Castaway himself joining the chase.
While the Quarrymen continue their hunt, the fallout over the revelation of the clan to the world is playing itself out on a less action-based level. Travis Marshall is hosting a debate on the gargoyle issue on Nightwatch between Macbeth (in his Lennox Macduff identity) and Margot Yale. It is a pleasure to report that Macbeth takes the pro-gargoyle side; he had been established increasingly through Season Two of the television series as a figure with noble qualities as well as flaws, and now he becomes an ally to them. Margot, not surprisingly, is as anti-gargoyle as ever; the best that can be said about her stance is that she advocates that the gargoyles be placed in captivity rather than exterminated.
In the course of the debate, we get glimpses of the rest of the clan (who had stayed behind in the Eyrie Building). Hudson is watching the debate on television, but the other members take a more active role, in serving as a contrast to Margot's claims about them (a particularly nice touch). When she claims that the gargoyles are a danger to the children in the city, we see Alex happily playing with Bronx and Lexington in the nursery; when she scoffs at Macbeth's belief that "these creatures have human thoughts and emotions...", we see Angela, Broadway, and Brooklyn in the library, displaying these features.
But these scenes introduce us to other developments. Lexington still bears a grudge against Fox, going back to "The Thrill of the Hunt", but agrees to put it aside at her request for Alex's sake. Broadway and Angela have clearly become a couple, and Brooklyn is saddened that Angela had chosen Broadway over himself for her future mate. And most intriguingly of all, Xanatos learns from Owen, while looking in on the nursery scene, that a certain Mr. Duval, a member of the Illuminati Society (which we haven't heard anything from since "Revelations"), wants to speak to him on the phone - and decides to return his call later and play with his son instead. It is doubtful that the timing of Mr. Duval's request for a conversation with the gargoyles' new patron so soon after their public exposure is a coincidence, and I look forward to seeing how this element will play out in future issues - especially since Xanatos admits that it is not advisable to "keep the Illuminati waiting".
Meanwhile, Goliath and Elisa wind up taking shelter in the ruins of the Clock Tower, there to face Castaway in a climactic showdown. What saves their lives in the end is Vinnie, who here, in one of the comic's most effective moments, goes from the inept klutz of "Vendettas" to a figure of heroic stature. He increasingly has his doubts about the rightness of Castaway's mission, and finally, when the Quarryman leader makes it clear that he intends to actually kill both Goliath and Elisa, stands up to him, saying "This isn't right" - an example of how a few simple words can, in the right context, attain considerable power and eloquence. Vinnie's act buys time enough for Goliath to recover and force Castaway to retreat - though, judging from the latter's defiant cry of "Dream of me, Goliath!", this is far from the last time that we shall hear from him again.
In the aftermath, Vinnie parts on now-friendly terms with Goliath and Elisa, heading off to Japan; Goliath and Elisa speculate that he may encounter the Ishimura Clan there (given Vinnie's track record, I would certainly not be the least bit surprised if he does!). Goliath muses afterwards upon the journey that lies before them, with Elisa standing by his side, loyal as ever. Between her and Vinnie (and Macbeth on Nightwatch), it is clear enough that Castaway and Margot are not the final say on how humanity will respond to the gargoyles - that there is still hope. And that is what truly matters.
Featured Characters and First Appearances
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Quotes
- "You're great with him, Lex."
- "That means so much coming from you Fox." - Fox and Lexington
- "I know, I know. Sometimes it's easier if I just stay behind." - Elisa
- "No names! Quarrymen must be anonymous!" - Castaway
- "Careful, Vinnie. In war, no one suffers more than the..."
- "It's just not right."
- "Traitor!" - Castaway and Vinnie
- "I won't be defeated by the likes of you!"
- "Brave words...for a man who hides his face behind a hood." - Castaway and Goliath
- "I guess that makes up for any...uh, emotional trauma associated with that unfortunate pie-throwing incident from a few months back." - Vinnie
- "Uh, Goliath...who was that guy?"
- "Honestly, I was never quite sure." - Elisa and Goliath
- "But life is about the discoveries made on the journey itself. And though the road has been hard-I have no regrets about the path we have chosen."
- "Funny. I feel the exact same way." - Goliath and Elisa
- "Madam, they burned witches like you in the middle ages--" - Macbeth
Continuity
Goliath's wing is still injured, having been hit by a bullet in the previous issue, "Nightwatch".
Margot Yale is introduced by Travis Marshall as "advisor to the NYPD Taskforce". She appears in this capacity in the following issue, "Invitation Only".
David Xanatos refuses to accept a call from Duval, a prominent member of the Illuminati. It is revealed in "Invitation Only" that Duval intended to tell Xanatos to accept an invitation to the White House on Halloween, a visit that he makes during "Masque" and "Bash".
Vinnie receives a job in Japan during this issue. He later appears on his way there in "Rock & Roll", and in Japan in "The Lost", the second issue of Gargoyles: Bad Guys.
Tidbits
As with "Nightwatch", the previous issue, "The Journey" is based on the first episode of The Goliath Chronicles, also called "The Journey". However, there are some noteworthy differences between this issue and the television episode. Among these are:
- Macbeth (in his Lennox Macduff alias) is introduced by Travis Marshall as the author of a book entitled Gargoyles In Celtic Legend.
- Margot (as in the television episode, fleshed out from the comic relief yuppie that she was portrayed as in the first two seasons, to be given a surname and an occupation) is described as being "advisor to the NYPD Taskforce".
- Castaway shouts at Vinnie, when the latter is about to address him by name, "Quarrymen must be anonymous!" (A precaution that makes sense, given the organization's vigilantism.)
- Vinnie wonders aloud whether his having helped Goliath and Elisa may make up for whatever "emotional trauma" that Goliath might have undergone as a result of getting pied in "Vendettas".
- The most infamous element of the television episode, Goliath being able to glide off at the end in spite of his injured wing, is removed; instead, Goliath jumps to the next rooftop.
The script also brings more Shakespeare into Gargoyles, when both Broadway and Brooklyn quote from Romeo and Juliet in the library scene. (Though this appeared in the television episode as well.)
Vinnie's departure for Japan and urging Goliath to be more careful - "[since] I'm not gonna be here next time to save your cans" - was originally an allegory (of a sort) for Greg Weisman's departure from the series (the televised version of "The Journey" being the last episode that he worked on). [1] It loses some of that element in the new context, however, where Greg is now returning to the series in the comic. (In light of how Vinnie is almost a surrogate for Mr. Weisman here, it is amusingly appropriate that Goliath admits to being uncertain over who he is.)
Cover/Interior inconsistency: The cover shows Goliath's left wing seriously injured, whereas it is actually his right wing throughout the interior of the comic.
Links
- Commentary and Review
- On Sale at SLG and Amazon
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