Convention - Wondercon 2024 : 30 Years of Triumph: Gargoyles Celebrates with Fans and Creators

By Mulder, Anaheim , Convention Center, North 200A,, 31 march 2024

In a grand gathering that summoned nostalgia and excitement, the WonderCon 2024 became the epicenter of celebration for the 30th anniversary of Gargoyles, the animated series that etched a formidable legacy in the hearts of fans and the annals of animated storytelling. On Sunday, March 31, 2024, from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM in Room North 200A, aficionados of the show were treated to an hour of reminiscing and revelations with the illustrious creative team, cast, and crew who breathed life into the stone by day, warriors by night defenders of Manhattan.

The panel boasted an array of talent instrumental in crafting the Gargoyles saga: Greg Weisman, the visionary creator; Thom Adcox, the voice behind the nimble Lexington; Frank Paur, the series' directing force; Elisa Gabrielli, the voice of the steadfast Obsidiana; Jamie Thomason, the casting maestro; Brad Rader and Patrick Archibald, the storyboard artists who visualized the action-packed narratives. They were joined by Jessica Tseang, a pop culture historian, to moderate this journey through time, examining how Gargoyles transcended its animation roots to inspire conventions and maintain its status as a pinnacle of the genre.

Spanning from October 24, 1994, to February 15, 1997, Gargoyles was not just another animated series. It was a narrative revolution that mixed mythology, Shakespearean depth, and complex themes, offering a darker, more introspective view of the superhero trope. Its tale of Goliath and his clan, betrayed in medieval Scotland and awakening in modern-day New York to become its nocturnal protectors, resonated with viewers for its moral complexity and emotional depth.

The show's influence extended beyond the screen into comics, video games, and a rich array of merchandise, laying the groundwork for a live-action reboot announced for Disney+ in 2023. This enduring appeal was underscored by the panel's revelations about the show's genesis, its storytelling ambitions, and the impact it had on its creators and audience alike.

Under the guidance of creators like Michael Reaves and Greg Weisman, and a voice cast featuring talents from the Star Trek franchise, Gargoyles dared to explore themes seldom touched by its contemporaries. Its narrative, enriched with Shakespearean and mythological elements, ventured into realms of morality, loyalty, and the complexities of heroism in a modern world, all while maintaining a gripping storyline that could turn from dark to delightfully whimsical.

The series' art direction, led by Frank Paur and brought to life by storyboard artists like Brad Rader and Patrick Archibald, crafted a visual feast that captured the Gothic essence of the narrative, balancing the dark with the dynamic. The meticulous crafting of episodes, from the Awakening saga to the expansive adventures of the Gargoyles World Tour, showcased an ambition to not only entertain but to also engage viewers in a thought-provoking journey.

As the panel concluded, the promise of new stories loomed on the horizon, with the live-action reboot and the continuation of the comic series under Dynamite Entertainment. Greg Weisman's revelation of an extensive timeline and myriad ideas for the franchise sparked anticipation for what's to come, suggesting that the legacy of Gargoyles will continue to evolve, reaching new audiences while honoring the fans who have kept the flame alive for three decades.

The event at WonderCon 2024 was more than a celebration; it was a testament to the lasting impact of Gargoyles on pop culture. As the panelists shared their experiences, insights, and the joy they found in bringing this world to life, it was clear that Gargoyles remains a beacon for storytelling excellence, its narrative as enduring as the stone guardians that captivated a generation. The adventure continues, and for fans old and new, the night is still young for the defenders of Manhattan.

You can discover our photos of this panel il our Flickr page

Synopsis : 
A thousand years ago, superstition and violence reigned everywhere. It was an age of darkness, it was a world of fear, it was the time of gargoyles. Stone statues by day, warriors by night, we were betrayed by the very humans we swore to protect. But a spell turned us to stone for a thousand years... Now, here in Manhattan, we are free of the spell and live again. We are the protectors who watch over the night, we are the Gargoyles.

Gargoyles
Written by Michael Reaves, Lydia Marano, Brynne Chandler Reaves, Cary Bates, Gary Sperling, Eric Luke
Directed by Dennis Woodyard, Frank Paur, Kazuo Terada (season 1 head director), Saburo Hashimoto, Bob Kline, Charles E. Bastien (season 3)
Voices of Keith David, Salli Richardson, Jeff Bennett, Bill Fagerbakke, Thom Adcox-Hernandez, Ed Asner, Frank Welker, Brigitte Bako, Marina Sirtis, Jonathan Frakes
Composer : Carl Johnson
Producers : Frank Paur, Greg Weisman, Dennis Woodyard, Vince Commisso (season 3)
Editor : Susan Edmunson
Production companies   Walt Disney Television Animation, Jade Animation (seasons 1–2), Tama Productions (seasons 1–2), Nelvana (season 3), Buena Vista Television
Network : Syndicated (1994–96), ABC (1996–97)
Release October 24, 1994 – February 15, 1997
Running time : 22 minutes

Photos and video : Erika Creveling / Muldervile