Writer Greg Weisman is one of the creators of the cartoon series Gargoyles (1994-1997). Artist Drew Moss is going to provide the interior art to Weisman’s scripts for Gargoyles: The Dark Ages (2023-Present). Gargoyles: The Dark Ages is a prequel series that will show events prior to the show’s opening scene. It will also include prose stories and other supplemental material. Like Gargoyles (2022-Present) Dynamite will be publishing this new prequel series starting in July.
Gargoyles: Dark Ages #1 (2023) Cover E by artist Erica Henderson
Benjamin Hall: Drew, are you a fan of the franchise or a newcomer due to your work on this limited series?
Drew Moss: Right after High School I was working at a comic shop with my best friend. I had just finished class at a local University and stopped at his house before work. He goes you have to watch this show that was about to come on. I thought to myself what could he be so excited about so I sat down in his TV room and Gargoyles came on and I loved it. I caught it as much as I could because no streaming services then, only VHS and programming VCR to record. When I was approached by Nate Cosby with this project I was ecstatic and started watching the show again on Disney+. It sparked that joy again.
Hall: Greg, why a limited series now when the main series is still starting up?
Greg Weisman: You should probably ask Dynamite, but I’d guess the answer is that the strength of the main series’ numbers spoke volumes. Gargoyles fans — old and new — are out there and eager for more stories. So, let’s give them more! Keep in mind, my brain has been living with these characters for nearly thirty years. I have more stories to tell than I can probably get to in my lifetime. All I’ve needed is the opportunity, and I’m thrilled to be getting these opportunities now.
Hall: Greg and Drew, how much research does a series like Gargoyles: Dark Ages require?
Weisman: I’ve done a ton of research over the years — especially on this period of Scottish history (circa 971 CE). Of course, academic research is ongoing, and I’ve tried to double-check everything. Gargoyles is a genre title. But we want to weave the fantasy elements, including the Gargoyles themselves, in with the facts until they feel seamless. But that means getting the history right is even more important.
Moss: Greg has really put in all the work. His scripts are full of research and reference. I look up what I need, but Greg has done a bulk of the work. It is actually a pleasure working on this project so far.
Hall: Drew, does your art style need adjusting at times for a series like this that is continuing from a television show?
Moss: Not much adjustment. I try to keep on model for the most part, but also being myself. The designs are solid so I just try and keep consistent with my work and hope everyone will like what I draw.
Hall: Greg, why include prose stories for the back-ups? In other words, is this more for older fans or just to expand the lore?
Weisman: I’d hope that both old fans and new will enjoy these stories. They’re set even before 971, so they provide worthwhile Scottish political context for the main story. Plus, I think they’re exciting stories in their own right. So they do expand the lore. But since they take place before the Human-Gargoyle alliance of 971, they’re more human-centric. So making it bonus material makes more sense than to feature them as the main story.
Hall: Drew and Greg, is there a favorite returning character?
Weisman: Don’t ask me to chose from among my children.
Moss: I really like drawing Hudson, and although not returning characters I have been enjoying Hyppolyta and Lefty.
Hall: Greg, will readers be able to still follow the main series without immediately reading Gargoyles: Dark Ages?
Weisman: Yes. The two arcs compliment each other, and I do think one gains more from reading both. But you don’t need to read one to understand the other. If you’re only interested in the present-day story … well, I think you’ll be missing out. But you can keep on going without the medieval stuff. And if you’re only interested in The Dark Ages, you don’t have to read the main title, but I’d think you’d want to know how things are turning out for these 971 characters in 1997.
Hall: Thanks to both Greg Weisman and Drew Moss for their time and answers!
Writer Greg Weisman is one of the creators of the cartoon series Gargoyles (1994-1997). Artist Drew Moss is going toCOMICONRead More