This issue features several plot lines most of which are reliant on clichés. However, there is one that writer Greg Weisman employs that is a cliché and a plot as well. The plot in question involves proving one’s sentience, and thus that one deserves rights. One can see this plot in shows such as X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997) and Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994). Thus, while Weisman writes a relatively decent script it is overly familiar in too many ways for the media literate.
The interior visuals are by illustrator George Kambadais and colorists Arancia Studio. Kambadais also provides the image for variant covers G, J, and ZA. Both the variant covers and the interiors have good line work. However, Kambadias still has problems with keeping characters on model. As for the interior color palette it is wide-ranging and fits Kambadais’s fluid style well. When it comes to the covers G and ZA are arguably better than J due to the fact that they have trade dress.
Gargoyles #5 (2023) Cover B art by Amanda Conner
Letterer Jeff Eckleberry does a great job with positioning the text. Eckleberry also continues to use decent fonts for this series.
Covers A, I, Q, and R all feature a visual by artist David Nakayama. Due to the differing proportions the design is arguably unique. There is also a nice amount of detail. Also the color palette has a wide assortment of hues that work well together. The only problem is that Elisa Maza’s line of sight seems a tiny bit off, but again this is an arguable thing.
Artist Amanda Conner provides the visuals for covers B, H, M, S, and ZD. The visual for covers B, S, and ZD display Conner’s improvement as an artist from the sensibilities of the other visual. One can see this with how Conner does the proportions and lines for each image. Not to mention that the colors appear much better on these three covers than what is on the other two variants. However, both visuals are overly busy in design.
Covers D, O, and ZB are by artist Lesley “Leirix” Li. The single image Li creates is simple and effective with the exception of how realistic the bulldog looks.
Artist Brent Schoonover and colorist Alberto Silva are responsible for cover K. It has a decent amount of depth. Also Schoonover does a good job positioning the different versions of Bronx. While Alberto Silva does a good job with the colors the best are probably on the moon and skyline parts. Lastly, Schoonover’s line work appears confident.
Gargoyles #5 (2023) cover G art by George Kambadais
Covers C, N, Z feature an image by artist Lucio Parillo. It is a little too realistic in every way, but the expression, and this makes it debatably disturbing.
Variant covers E, P, and Y feature artwork by artist Jae Lee. Colorist June Chung provides the hues for E and P, but not Y due to it being a line art cover. Chung does a great job creating a gothic atmosphere on covers E and P. While Lee does a great job with positioning the characters. Though Lee does seem to have the statue at too low of an angle, and thus, it looks to be unstable at the least.
Cover F, L, and X are by art team Tony Fleecs and Trish Forstner. Despite all three variants having the same cartoon image the lack of color on cover X lessens its potential appeal.
Covers U and W are by James Lauricella. They feature an image of a very ugly looking version of Goliath in a generic bodybuilder pose.
Artist Ken Haeser handles covers T, V, and ZC. Haeser arguably overdoes the thickness of the inks. Also the trade dress obscures the moon on two of the covers. However, the design is fair in execution. Overall this is very competent work.
Gargoyles #5 is out now from Dynamite Entertainment.
This issue features several plot lines most of which are reliant on clichés. However, there is one that writer GregCOMICONRead More