Venus Rising
"Venus In Stone" is the sixth issue of the non-canonical Gargoyles comic book published by Marvel Comics. It was released in July, 1995.
- Plot: Martin Pasko & Mort Todd
- Script: Mort Todd
- Breakdowns: Amanda Conner
- Finishes: Alberto Saichann
- Letters: John Costanza
- Colors: Freddy Mendez
- Editor: Hildy Mesnik
Contents
Summary
Main Plot
Dr. Phobos awakens Venus a few weeks prematurely, under the belief that she will obey all his orders, and protect her master from Xanatos and the gargoyles at all cost. However, once she's awakened, she develops chemistry with Goliath instantly, and she ends up serving him instead. During the ongoing battle, which continues from the previous issue, she is turned to stone by the Medusa Device, and is killed protecting Goliath from Demona.
Subplots
Dr. Phobos is also turned to stone and killed by the Medusa Device.
Fearful for his own life in the last few seconds before Demona uses the Medusa Device on him, Dr. Phobos triggers the island's self-destruct mechanism, causing all personnel to evacuate, and wreaking havoc among the gargoyles, who are still in battle with Demona. During the commotion, Xanatos manages to escape.
The chemistry between Goliath and Venus causes Elisa to feel jealous. Venus, by contrast, admires her bravery, and feels no bitterness towards Elisa.
For a brief time, Xanatos also tries to use the Medusa Device on the gargoyles.
Demona manages to escape with the Medusa Device temporarily, but her escape is foiled by Hudson, who manages to get the device away from her at the last moment.
Venus takes great pride in her clan, and takes great offense from any who attack it or sully its name - including Dr. Phobos and Xanatos.
Goliath pledges to protect Venus, on the grounds that although she is one of Xanatos's creations, she is made of both his and Elisa's DNA, so she deserves to be given a chance.
Tidbits
Like Thailog, who engineered Delilah in the canon material, Dr. Phobos also programs Venus to obey his every command. The reason for Venus' loyalty to Goliath instead of Dr. Phobos is not made clear.
Elisa's reaction to Delilah is the first instance of jealousy exhibited by her in the series, well before it's shown in the canon material. In the end, she admits that she regrets having the feelings Venus has awakened in her. This is consistent with the canon material, in which she doesn't wish to acknowledge her feelings for Goliath until much later; however, it is inconsistent with the canon material, in that she doesn't appear to be aware of her feelings for Goliath until "The Mirror".
Xanatos's attempts to destroy the gargoyles is inconsistent with his behavior in the canon material, in which he has stated on numerous occasions that he wants them alive.
Demona's statement that she plans to use the Medusa Device to turn all human beings to stone is a desire she later realized in the canonical "City of Stone" episodes.
Venus is somewhat similar to Delilah, a gargoyle who was created by merging human and gargoyle DNA in the canon episode "The Reckoning". However, Delilah was created by merging Elisa and Demona's DNA, rather than Goliath and Elisa's.
The "Letters" page inaccurately states that Bronx is still a puppy.
Links
- "Venus Rising" at the Avalon Archives
| << Preceded by: "Venus In Stone" | Followed by: "The Pack Attacks" >> |
