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One lone survivor’s journey in her solo comic book outing by Greg Weisman and Frank Paur will soon reach its finale. And what I’ve found in Gargoyles Demona feels very Shakespearean. Her desire for revenge versus being a mother to a youngling plays like a tragedy worthy of a stage, and perhaps like an operetta too! As part of her days are revealed for all to read, she’s losing herself. What we learn about her dealings with humanity during the early to late Middle Ages is a story longtime fans have been waiting for.
Although this creator has barely scratched the surface regarding the Age of Renaissance and later eras, I can’t wait to see what can transpire then! Demona’s survival in the later centuries wasn’t explored in the animated series, and there’s still an enormous gap before the tale picks up again in 1910 when she killed Jackson Canmore, a Hunter whose goal is to continue Gillecomgain’s desire for revenge. It all began because she scratched his face while scavenging for food back in the early Middle Ages.
Although readers don’t need to know this info, what’s recounted in the early age shows how this lone survivor found others of her species and ultimately took charge! Although her story began in medias res, what’s offered here is for those fans in the know than a newcomer to the Gargoyles universe.
Her resolve is to never trust mortals, no matter where she finds them. But with the Archmage pulling the strings, she must either accept him as a mentor or escape his influence. That’s the core setup, and what follows is grim. Her quest for the Grimorum and other artifacts suggests she hopes to rewrite history itself. Knowing the TV series inside and out, it’s easy to feel that implication.
In the following issues, Demona travels with Vikings, aiding in raids (issue #2). It’s at this point that she meets another clan and adopts Angelika after nearly this group gets whittled down. Their bond feels maternal, and the name is certainly a nod when you remember Angela’s role in the animated series.
As the story continues, the elder and child try to live quietly, hidden from the world. However, trouble is always nearby even in the third tale. Enchanted gargoyles without souls emerge, foreshadowing the path Demona is destined to walk. This chapter connects strongly to City of Stone, though in this part of the story, there’s still a glimmer of hope.
By 1195, in chapter four, the pair arrive in Constantinople in search of the Eye of Odin, hoping it might grant the young gargoyle immortality so they can remain together. Although the lifespan of these winged wonders is never clearly defined, the fear of isolation is palpable in the elder warrior’s choices. When the keeper of the Norse artefact is murdered, the narrative shifts into a crime story led by Angelika. Even as Demona feels relief, the rising tension between them shows cracks forming.
With only one issue left, the lingering question is whether mother and adopted daughter can survive what’s coming. Something devastating must separate them and set the stage for Demona’s true loneliness—until her encounter with Xanatos! Even though she has no knowledge of her biological child, the parallels are striking. Reading this comic alongside the animated series highlights how different these relationships truly are.
Whether a second series will follow is uncertain. Paur’s artwork is good, but isn’t exceptional. Although his backgrounds deliver a lush, lived-in world, there are moments where the character renderings appear unusually flat. That may simply be his style. It echoes how the animated series occasionally looked when different studios rotated through production. Despite this minor artistic criticism, this series is still worth picking up. I suspect the trade paperback release will be in late Winter or in April.
And when Demona still has other eras to survive through, I hope Weisman has more ideas planned! Demona #5 is due for release December 17, 2025.
Prologue: Interview with Demona Creator
