Difference between revisions of "Fortune Favors the Brave..."
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[[Image:Gargoyles_Demona_2_Paur.JPG|thumb|360px|Gargoyles: Demona #2 cover by Frank Paur]] | [[Image:Gargoyles_Demona_2_Paur.JPG|thumb|360px|Gargoyles: Demona #2 cover by Frank Paur]] | ||
| − | '''"Fortune Favors the Brave..."''' is the second issue of the ''[[Gargoyles (Dynamite)|Gargoyles - Demona]]'' comic by [[Dynamite Entertainment]]. It was released on July 30th, 2025. [https://www.previewsworld.com/Catalog/APR250022] | + | '''"Fortune Favors the Brave..."''' is the second issue of the ''[[Gargoyles (Dynamite)|Gargoyles]] - [[Gargoyles - Demona: Better Angels|Demona]]'' comic by [[Dynamite Entertainment]]. It was released on July 30th, 2025. [https://www.previewsworld.com/Catalog/APR250022] |
{{Castandcrew | {{Castandcrew | ||
|h1=Crew | |h1=Crew | ||
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__TOC__ | __TOC__ | ||
| − | + | {{clear}} | |
==Solicitation== | ==Solicitation== | ||
BEWARE THE WRATH OF THE NORTHWOMEN! | BEWARE THE WRATH OF THE NORTHWOMEN! | ||
| − | The year is 1107, and an immortal [[Demona]] and her adopted daughter [[Angelika]] have found their way to the frozen fjords of [[Norway]], where they sign on to help crew the flagship of [[Sigurd Magnusson]], last of the [[Viking]] kings. | + | The year is 1107, and an [[Immortality|immortal]] [[Demona]] and her adopted daughter [[Angelika]] have found their way to the frozen fjords of [[Norway]], where they sign on to help crew the flagship of [[Sigurd Magnusson]], last of the [[Viking]] kings. |
Carving a path of destruction across the sea and land, they raid and plunder in a relentless (and rewarding!) search for treasure. But the two exiles are not the only [[Gargoyle]]s in Sigurd's employ and when his fearsome longboats reach the glittering city of [[Constantinople]], all of the stone guardians on board will face a life-altering dilemma! | Carving a path of destruction across the sea and land, they raid and plunder in a relentless (and rewarding!) search for treasure. But the two exiles are not the only [[Gargoyle]]s in Sigurd's employ and when his fearsome longboats reach the glittering city of [[Constantinople]], all of the stone guardians on board will face a life-altering dilemma! | ||
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==The Story== | ==The Story== | ||
| − | + | Demona, eyes closed and smiling, stands upon the prow of a ship with the [[Mediterranean Sea]] below her and the [[Northern Lights]] above her. Angelika arrives and breaks the calmness. The young gargoyle asks if Demona is ready. Demona replies that she is ready, of course and wonders aloud if Angelika is ready. "I fear you do not take these measures seriously enough," Demona quips and Angelika smiles and replies that there is no need since Demona takes things seriously enough for them both. Angelika takes to the skies and Demona quickly follows. Demona tells the "foolish hatchling" that she is lucky to have someone to cover her flank. | |
The year is [[Timeline#995-1993|1109 AD]]. | The year is [[Timeline#995-1993|1109 AD]]. | ||
| − | High above a naval battle, Angelika, brandishing two swords, tells Demona that her flank will be fine and they need to "soften" the [[ | + | High above a naval battle, Angelika, brandishing two swords, tells Demona that her flank will be fine and they need to "soften" the [[Saracen]]s for their [[Viking]] crewmates. Demona is happy to oblige though, as she lands upon a ship and begins battling the [[human]]s aboard, she can't help but remark that they seem soft enough for her already. One of the Viking ships Scrapes up next to the Saracen ship and the Vikings, lead by the their King [[Sigurd Magnusson]] board and begin their own attack. Angelika battles a human and fails to see another prepared to strike her from behind. Demona calls out a warning and then [[Magni]], lands on the attacker. He has arrived to cover Angelika's flank and the female gargoyle wonders why everyone is so interested in her flank. "I'm not really supposed to answer that, am I?" says Magni. Meanwhile, King Sigurd armed with a sword and [[Odin's Shield]] is facing off against another man. The saracen stikes a blow and Odin's Shield goes flying. Before he can attack Sigurd directly, Demona slams into him. "Your King," Sigurd tells her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "offers his thanks, Demona." The gargoyle can only tell him that he is not her king. Sigurd is fine with that as long as she continues to fight and help him win. Another gargoyle, [[Modi]] arrives and states that they have won the night and the Saracens have surrendered. Magni tells his brother that that is excellent news and the two brothers cry out "Skal!" in unison. A third [[Norse Clan|Norwegian gargoyle]], a female named [[Skade]] arrives and reports to Sigurd that they have seized eight ships and a large amount of treasure. Demona picks up Odin's Shield and tries to return it to Sigurd, but he tells her that she should keep it as a reward for aiding him. She tells him that she has little use for a shield and that he might need it. He insists that she keep it as the "pagan iconography" does not suit him. He admits to a bit of hypocrisy with that claim since he happily continues to bear the [[Eye of Odin]] around his neck. He calls the jewel, which is set between two ravens, his lucky charm and is ready to celebrate their victory. Angelika, Demona, and Skade stand nearby and regard each other. Skade points out that Demona has hair in her eyes and reaches out to stoke Demona's red hair. Angelika is surprised to witness this interaction. |
| − | Six months before, in the winter of 1108, Demona and Angelika stand upon a hill in [[Galicia]] with the three Norwegian gargoyles. Skade points to Sigurd at the bottom of the hill and identifies him as the "last of the Viking Kings". Demona tells her that she doesn't like humans, | + | Six months before, in the winter of 1108, Demona and Angelika stand upon a hill in [[Galicia]] with the three Norwegian gargoyles. Skade points to Sigurd at the bottom of the hill and identifies him as the "last of the Viking Kings". Demona tells her that she doesn't like humans, Vikings, or kings and wonders why anyone would expect her to serve Sigurd. Magni tells her that she wouldn't be serving him, but merely joining in their expedition and Skade brings up something that Angelika disclosed – that Angelika and Demona spent the last five years working with [[El Cid]]. Demona counters that El Cid kept his promises and they still made certain that they never had to trust him. Skade suggests a similar arrangement with Sigurd and Demona scoffs at his age. Again, Skade explains that in his nineteen years he has been the Earl of [[Orkney Islands|Orkney]] (after he and [[Magnus Olafsson|his father]] overthrew [[Paul Thorfinnson|Paul]] and [[Erlend Thorfinnson]]), has been the King of Norway for half a decade, and is in command of five thousand men in sixty ships. Demona is pleased that the kin of [[Macbeth]] and [[Canmore]] were deposed and Skade assures her that they are gone and she won't have to worry about them ever again. Angelika asks Demona for her thoughts on joining the expedition and, still, Demona thinks it is a bad idea since there is nothing to stop the humans from destroying them in their [[stone sleep]]. Magni wonders what they did during their time with El Cid and Angelika explains that they hid in the hills before dawn each day. Demona, annoyed at the explanation, insists that there is nowhere to hide on a ship. Magni tells her that they don't have to hide. The five gargoyles move to one of Sigurd's ships and show Demona and Angelika a solid iron room that locks from the inside. They have dubbed it the [[Box]]. Angelika is concerned about what would happen to them should the ship sink during the day with them inside. Magni explains that they'll be fine underwater as stone and once they wake up, they can unlock the Box and swim to the surface. Modi points out that realistically, they would probably all drown in such an instance, but humans and gargoyles alike share that risk at sea. Demona at least agrees that their odds of survival would be better than any humans aboard. Again, Angelika asks her thoughts and Demona admits that the humans will be attacking other humans and they get to help sounds appealing. She smiles. |
| − | + | [[Image:Demona_Skade_Battling_Fortune_Favors_the_Brave.png|thumb|250px|left|Demona and Skade in 1110.]] | |
| + | Thus, Demona agrees to join Sigurd and in spring of 1109 the five gargoyles set forth upon his ship. They make battle in [[Lisbon]], sail through the gates of [[Gibraltar]] and enter the Mediterranean Sea, where before long they carry torches to smoke out their enemies at the island of [[Formentera]]. In the days that followed, the humans of Sigurd's crew assess their loot while the gargoyles sleep in the Box (with Angelika turned to stone while she was examining a [[Gold Locket]] she acquired). In the summer of 1110, Sigurd's forces arrive at [[Jerusalem]] and by October of 1110, the gargoyles find themselves engaged in a battle once more off the coast of [[Sidon]]. Skade and Demona are relishing in the unrestrained attacks on their human foes, while Magni and Angelika agree that they are both having great fun. The two young gargoyles work together to chop down a mast and then throw it at the humans who fall overboard. They look down on their handiwork and both take delight in watching the humans splash into the water. Their talons gently touch as they place them upon the gunwale. Demona watches Magni and Angelika's flirtations darkly but says nothing. Meanwhile, Sigurd himself engages with several other humans with his sword. He surprises one man with a hard punch to the face before a second uses a [[mace]] to hit him hard in the chest. The blow shatters the Eye of Odin in its casing and Sigurd is stunned. Fortunately, Demona leaps in and dispatches the mace wielder before he can deliver a fatal blow to the king. Sigurd is silent and dour. | ||
| + | |||
| + | By December of 1110, Sigurd and his human and gargoyle warriors have secured a victory in Sidon. The [[Siege of Sidon|siege]] has ended and the enemies have surrendered the fortress and city. Skade tells King Sigurd that she has found the jewel from his "lucky charm", noting that while the original setting was destroyed, one of their captives from [[Egypt]] is a talented smith and he can reset the stone. Sigurd, sitting upon a makeshift throne surrounded by the spoils of war, is thankful, but not overly concerned with Skade's plan. Demona watches these proceedings unhappily. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The year is 1111. January. The gargoyles take in the sights as they sail into the harbor at Constantinople. As Magni and Angelika grin at each other, Skade explains that the city is known as the "Queen of Cities" as well as Miklagard, Byzantium, Megalopolis, and Rumyyat Al-Kubra. Modi tells the others that Sigurd is to be greeted by the [[Byzantium|Byzantine]] Emperor himself! Once the boat has docked, Skade hands over the Eye of Odin now set in the design made by the Egyptian smith. She asks if Sigurd approves and he says it is fine in an unconfident manner. Later, at the [[Great Palace]], Sigurd and the five gargoyles find themselves in the presence of Emperor [[Alexios Komnenos]]. The two rulers greet each other warmly. Sigurd thanks The Emperor for his hospitality and gifts the man the Eye of Odin in gratitude and friendship. | ||
| + | |||
| + | March of 1111 finds the gargoyles still enjoying their nights in Constantinople. Upon a tower, Skade explains to Demona that Sigurd has sold his fleet to the Emperor and plans to return to Norway over land. Most of Sigurd's men, however, plan to stay in Constantinople in service of the Emperor. Demona asks Skade what her plans are and the Norse gargoyle admits that she misses her mountains and plans to join Sigurd in the trek home. Stroking Demona's red hair, Skade asks if Demona will join her or remain in the city. Demona tells her she will do neither explaining that it is clear to her that Sigurd "has lost his luck and his nerve . . . and I don't care to stay in any one place for too long." She and Angelika will set their own course. As the two gargoyles continue to stroke each other's hair Demona wishes Skade well and tells her that she has valued their... friendship. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Image:Angelika_Demona_Fortune_Favors_the_Brave.png|thumb|250px|Angelika and Demona in 1111.]] | ||
| + | Later, in a city tower, Magni announces to Angelika that he and Modi have been asked by the Emperor to join the [[Varangian Guard]]. They are to be the Emperor's personal bodyguards. Magni tells the female gargoyle that the offer will be extended to her as well if she chooses to stay. He sweetly adds that he wants her to stay with ''him'' and she understands. Unseen by the young gargoyles, Demona eavesdrops from the balcony and then departs in tears. She heads to the ship and begins packing her things including Odin's Shield that Sigurd gifted her. She mumbles to herself that she is better off on her own and never wanted Angelika to follow her anyway. Suddenly, Angelika arrives that tells Demona that she knows all of that but will still be joining her anyway. Demona is confused. She thought Angelika would be staying in Constantinople with Magni. The young gargoyle admits that she cares for Magni, but she has already lost [[Northumbria Clan|one clan]] and will not lose another. "You are my clan," Angelika adds grasping hands with Demona. The two gargoyles embrace and Demona cries happily. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The five gargoyles separate. Skade joins Sigurd as he heads home to Norway on horseback. Magni and Modi stand guard upon the towers of Constantinople. They watch silently as Demona and Angelika glide out over the water and on to new lands and adventures. | ||
| + | {{clear}} | ||
==Review== | ==Review== | ||
| + | After the ''Demona'' comics spin-off was announced, a few ''[[Gargoyles (TV series)|Gargoyles]]'' [[Fandom|fans]] commented that the notion reminded them of Don Rosa's ''The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck''. The first two issues have certainly revealed one feature in common with Rosa's delightful look into Scrooge McDuck's past: both draw on real history, bringing their fictional leads into contact with actual historical figures and events. The first issue of ''Demona'' involved the death of Malcolm Canmore in 1093; this issue draws on a less well-known, yet very colorful, event in the early twelfth century. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Demona and Angelika are persuaded to join King Sigurd Magnusson of Norway on an expedition all the way to the Middle East – an actual event, and described accurately here (apart, of course, from incorporating a few elements of the [[Gargoyles Universe|''Gargoyles'' Universe]]). Sigurd has gargoyles from Norway accompanying him – giving us the treat of seeing a new gargoyle clan (if with the melancholy knowledge that it will be extinct by modern times) – who approach Demona and Angelika. (This isn't the first time, we learn, that Demona has entered into a partnership – if in a way that preserved her independence – since Macbeth's "death"; we also discover that she had, a few years before, fought alongside El Cid, a surprising but enjoyable touch.) While Demona, understandably, hesitates at first, she finally agrees with the remark "Humans attacking humans, and we get to help?" It matches her characterization to have her feel so enthusiastic about waging war with humans, even if as an ally to other humans. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The battles (mostly sea-battles, befitting Vikings) are lively events, with a strong swashbuckling quality. We get to meet the three gargoyles fighting alongside Demona and Angelika: Magni, Modi, and Skade (all named after figures in Norse mythology – and Skade even gets a little "in-joke" about her namesake when she mentions missing the mountains she came from). Angelika and Magni are drawn to each other, while Skade seems attracted to Demona – who doesn't seem quite certain what to make of that. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Sigurd displays equal enthusiasm in the battles – with the unexpected touch that he's fueled in part by the Eye of Odin, which he wears. At least, until its mounting is shattered in the final fight – and while it's replaced (in a manner that makes a great in-joke reference to the Eye of Odin's different designs in different ''Gargoyles'' properties), Sigurd has clearly lost something in the process, permanently, bringing the expedition to an end and leading to Demona departing again. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The ending contains one of the most effective moments in the story: Demona is convinced that Angelika will leave her to stay with Magni (who has joined the Varangian Guard in Constantinople), and while she claims that she'd rather head off on her own, it's clear that she's saddened at their prospective parting – and relieved when Angelika comes with her instead, declaring Demona to be her clan. Even knowing what we do about Demona, there's still something touching about seeing her and Angelika gliding off together in the final panel. | ||
==Featured Characters and First Appearances== | ==Featured Characters and First Appearances== | ||
| Line 55: | Line 77: | ||
*[[Macbeth]] (Mentioned Only) | *[[Macbeth]] (Mentioned Only) | ||
*[[Canmore]] (Mentioned Only) | *[[Canmore]] (Mentioned Only) | ||
| + | *[[Egyptian Smith]] (Mentioned Only) | ||
*[[Alexios Komnenos]] '''(First Appearance)''' | *[[Alexios Komnenos]] '''(First Appearance)''' | ||
| + | *{{CIT|[[Irene Doukaina]]}} '''(First Appearance, No Lines)''' | ||
|h3=[[Oberon's Children]] | |h3=[[Oberon's Children]] | ||
|c3=|h4=[[New Olympians]] | |c3=|h4=[[New Olympians]] | ||
| Line 68: | Line 92: | ||
*[[Gibraltar]] | *[[Gibraltar]] | ||
*[[Formentera]] | *[[Formentera]] | ||
| − | *[[ | + | *[[Jerusalem]] |
| − | *[[Sidon | + | *[[Sidon]] |
*[[Constantinople]], [[Byzantium]] | *[[Constantinople]], [[Byzantium]] | ||
*[[Hagia Sophia]] | *[[Hagia Sophia]] | ||
| + | *[[Great Palace]] | ||
|h2=[[:Category:Objects|Objects]] | |h2=[[:Category:Objects|Objects]] | ||
|c2= | |c2= | ||
| Line 89: | Line 114: | ||
==Quotes== | ==Quotes== | ||
| + | * "Why is everyone so interested in my flank?" | ||
| + | : "I'm not really supposed to answer that, am I?" - Angelika and Magni | ||
| + | |||
| + | * "I don't like humans, Vikings, '''or''' Kings. And you expect me to ''serve'' him? - Demona | ||
| + | |||
| + | * "What if the ship ''sinks'' when we're inside?" | ||
| + | : "We're fine underwater during the day, then at nightfall, we awaken, unlock the Box, swim to the surface and then to shore!" | ||
| + | : "Truth is, we'd probably '''drown''' . . . but that's the same risk ''everyone'' shares at sea." - Angelika, Magni, and Modi. | ||
| + | |||
| + | * "NO QUARTER ASKED! NO QUARTER GIVEN!!" | ||
| + | : "Just the way I like it." - Skade and Demona | ||
| + | |||
| + | * "I like the way they splash. Do you ––" | ||
| + | : "Definitely." - Angelika and Magni | ||
| + | |||
| + | * "Better off on my own anyway. Never wanted that ''hatchling'' tagging along . . ." | ||
| + | : "Don't I know it . . . but I'm ''still'' going your way." - Demona and Angelika | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Continuity== | ||
| + | The events of this issue begin sixteen years after the events of [[Fools Rush In...|"Fools Rush In..."]], when Demona and Angelika departed [[Northumberland|Northumbria]]. | ||
==Tidbits== | ==Tidbits== | ||
| Line 99: | Line 144: | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | + | {{clear}} | |
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
| Line 105: | Line 150: | ||
|- style="vertical-align: top;" | |- style="vertical-align: top;" | ||
| '''[[Fools Rush In...|<< Previous Episode: "Better Angels" Chapter One: "Fools Rush In..."]]''' | | '''[[Fools Rush In...|<< Previous Episode: "Better Angels" Chapter One: "Fools Rush In..."]]''' | ||
| − | | '''[[ | + | | '''[[For Not Everything With Wings...|Next Episode: "Better Angels" Chapter Three: "For Not Everything With Wings...">>]]''' |
|} | |} | ||
Latest revision as of 19:58, 8 November 2025
"Fortune Favors the Brave..." is the second issue of the Gargoyles - Demona comic by Dynamite Entertainment. It was released on July 30th, 2025. [1]
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Contents
Solicitation
BEWARE THE WRATH OF THE NORTHWOMEN!
The year is 1107, and an immortal Demona and her adopted daughter Angelika have found their way to the frozen fjords of Norway, where they sign on to help crew the flagship of Sigurd Magnusson, last of the Viking kings.
Carving a path of destruction across the sea and land, they raid and plunder in a relentless (and rewarding!) search for treasure. But the two exiles are not the only Gargoyles in Sigurd's employ and when his fearsome longboats reach the glittering city of Constantinople, all of the stone guardians on board will face a life-altering dilemma!
Gargoyles creator GREG WEISMAN and original animated series artist FRANK PAUR set a course for adventure in the second chapter of their history-bestriding saga Gargoyles: Demona featuring fiercely fashioned covers from PAUR, MEGHAN HETRICK, JAE LEE & JUNE CHUNG, and MARK BAGLEY!
The Story
Demona, eyes closed and smiling, stands upon the prow of a ship with the Mediterranean Sea below her and the Northern Lights above her. Angelika arrives and breaks the calmness. The young gargoyle asks if Demona is ready. Demona replies that she is ready, of course and wonders aloud if Angelika is ready. "I fear you do not take these measures seriously enough," Demona quips and Angelika smiles and replies that there is no need since Demona takes things seriously enough for them both. Angelika takes to the skies and Demona quickly follows. Demona tells the "foolish hatchling" that she is lucky to have someone to cover her flank.
The year is 1109 AD.
High above a naval battle, Angelika, brandishing two swords, tells Demona that her flank will be fine and they need to "soften" the Saracens for their Viking crewmates. Demona is happy to oblige though, as she lands upon a ship and begins battling the humans aboard, she can't help but remark that they seem soft enough for her already. One of the Viking ships Scrapes up next to the Saracen ship and the Vikings, lead by the their King Sigurd Magnusson board and begin their own attack. Angelika battles a human and fails to see another prepared to strike her from behind. Demona calls out a warning and then Magni, lands on the attacker. He has arrived to cover Angelika's flank and the female gargoyle wonders why everyone is so interested in her flank. "I'm not really supposed to answer that, am I?" says Magni. Meanwhile, King Sigurd armed with a sword and Odin's Shield is facing off against another man. The saracen stikes a blow and Odin's Shield goes flying. Before he can attack Sigurd directly, Demona slams into him. "Your King," Sigurd tells her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "offers his thanks, Demona." The gargoyle can only tell him that he is not her king. Sigurd is fine with that as long as she continues to fight and help him win. Another gargoyle, Modi arrives and states that they have won the night and the Saracens have surrendered. Magni tells his brother that that is excellent news and the two brothers cry out "Skal!" in unison. A third Norwegian gargoyle, a female named Skade arrives and reports to Sigurd that they have seized eight ships and a large amount of treasure. Demona picks up Odin's Shield and tries to return it to Sigurd, but he tells her that she should keep it as a reward for aiding him. She tells him that she has little use for a shield and that he might need it. He insists that she keep it as the "pagan iconography" does not suit him. He admits to a bit of hypocrisy with that claim since he happily continues to bear the Eye of Odin around his neck. He calls the jewel, which is set between two ravens, his lucky charm and is ready to celebrate their victory. Angelika, Demona, and Skade stand nearby and regard each other. Skade points out that Demona has hair in her eyes and reaches out to stoke Demona's red hair. Angelika is surprised to witness this interaction.
Six months before, in the winter of 1108, Demona and Angelika stand upon a hill in Galicia with the three Norwegian gargoyles. Skade points to Sigurd at the bottom of the hill and identifies him as the "last of the Viking Kings". Demona tells her that she doesn't like humans, Vikings, or kings and wonders why anyone would expect her to serve Sigurd. Magni tells her that she wouldn't be serving him, but merely joining in their expedition and Skade brings up something that Angelika disclosed – that Angelika and Demona spent the last five years working with El Cid. Demona counters that El Cid kept his promises and they still made certain that they never had to trust him. Skade suggests a similar arrangement with Sigurd and Demona scoffs at his age. Again, Skade explains that in his nineteen years he has been the Earl of Orkney (after he and his father overthrew Paul and Erlend Thorfinnson), has been the King of Norway for half a decade, and is in command of five thousand men in sixty ships. Demona is pleased that the kin of Macbeth and Canmore were deposed and Skade assures her that they are gone and she won't have to worry about them ever again. Angelika asks Demona for her thoughts on joining the expedition and, still, Demona thinks it is a bad idea since there is nothing to stop the humans from destroying them in their stone sleep. Magni wonders what they did during their time with El Cid and Angelika explains that they hid in the hills before dawn each day. Demona, annoyed at the explanation, insists that there is nowhere to hide on a ship. Magni tells her that they don't have to hide. The five gargoyles move to one of Sigurd's ships and show Demona and Angelika a solid iron room that locks from the inside. They have dubbed it the Box. Angelika is concerned about what would happen to them should the ship sink during the day with them inside. Magni explains that they'll be fine underwater as stone and once they wake up, they can unlock the Box and swim to the surface. Modi points out that realistically, they would probably all drown in such an instance, but humans and gargoyles alike share that risk at sea. Demona at least agrees that their odds of survival would be better than any humans aboard. Again, Angelika asks her thoughts and Demona admits that the humans will be attacking other humans and they get to help sounds appealing. She smiles.
Thus, Demona agrees to join Sigurd and in spring of 1109 the five gargoyles set forth upon his ship. They make battle in Lisbon, sail through the gates of Gibraltar and enter the Mediterranean Sea, where before long they carry torches to smoke out their enemies at the island of Formentera. In the days that followed, the humans of Sigurd's crew assess their loot while the gargoyles sleep in the Box (with Angelika turned to stone while she was examining a Gold Locket she acquired). In the summer of 1110, Sigurd's forces arrive at Jerusalem and by October of 1110, the gargoyles find themselves engaged in a battle once more off the coast of Sidon. Skade and Demona are relishing in the unrestrained attacks on their human foes, while Magni and Angelika agree that they are both having great fun. The two young gargoyles work together to chop down a mast and then throw it at the humans who fall overboard. They look down on their handiwork and both take delight in watching the humans splash into the water. Their talons gently touch as they place them upon the gunwale. Demona watches Magni and Angelika's flirtations darkly but says nothing. Meanwhile, Sigurd himself engages with several other humans with his sword. He surprises one man with a hard punch to the face before a second uses a mace to hit him hard in the chest. The blow shatters the Eye of Odin in its casing and Sigurd is stunned. Fortunately, Demona leaps in and dispatches the mace wielder before he can deliver a fatal blow to the king. Sigurd is silent and dour.
By December of 1110, Sigurd and his human and gargoyle warriors have secured a victory in Sidon. The siege has ended and the enemies have surrendered the fortress and city. Skade tells King Sigurd that she has found the jewel from his "lucky charm", noting that while the original setting was destroyed, one of their captives from Egypt is a talented smith and he can reset the stone. Sigurd, sitting upon a makeshift throne surrounded by the spoils of war, is thankful, but not overly concerned with Skade's plan. Demona watches these proceedings unhappily.
The year is 1111. January. The gargoyles take in the sights as they sail into the harbor at Constantinople. As Magni and Angelika grin at each other, Skade explains that the city is known as the "Queen of Cities" as well as Miklagard, Byzantium, Megalopolis, and Rumyyat Al-Kubra. Modi tells the others that Sigurd is to be greeted by the Byzantine Emperor himself! Once the boat has docked, Skade hands over the Eye of Odin now set in the design made by the Egyptian smith. She asks if Sigurd approves and he says it is fine in an unconfident manner. Later, at the Great Palace, Sigurd and the five gargoyles find themselves in the presence of Emperor Alexios Komnenos. The two rulers greet each other warmly. Sigurd thanks The Emperor for his hospitality and gifts the man the Eye of Odin in gratitude and friendship.
March of 1111 finds the gargoyles still enjoying their nights in Constantinople. Upon a tower, Skade explains to Demona that Sigurd has sold his fleet to the Emperor and plans to return to Norway over land. Most of Sigurd's men, however, plan to stay in Constantinople in service of the Emperor. Demona asks Skade what her plans are and the Norse gargoyle admits that she misses her mountains and plans to join Sigurd in the trek home. Stroking Demona's red hair, Skade asks if Demona will join her or remain in the city. Demona tells her she will do neither explaining that it is clear to her that Sigurd "has lost his luck and his nerve . . . and I don't care to stay in any one place for too long." She and Angelika will set their own course. As the two gargoyles continue to stroke each other's hair Demona wishes Skade well and tells her that she has valued their... friendship.
Later, in a city tower, Magni announces to Angelika that he and Modi have been asked by the Emperor to join the Varangian Guard. They are to be the Emperor's personal bodyguards. Magni tells the female gargoyle that the offer will be extended to her as well if she chooses to stay. He sweetly adds that he wants her to stay with him and she understands. Unseen by the young gargoyles, Demona eavesdrops from the balcony and then departs in tears. She heads to the ship and begins packing her things including Odin's Shield that Sigurd gifted her. She mumbles to herself that she is better off on her own and never wanted Angelika to follow her anyway. Suddenly, Angelika arrives that tells Demona that she knows all of that but will still be joining her anyway. Demona is confused. She thought Angelika would be staying in Constantinople with Magni. The young gargoyle admits that she cares for Magni, but she has already lost one clan and will not lose another. "You are my clan," Angelika adds grasping hands with Demona. The two gargoyles embrace and Demona cries happily.
The five gargoyles separate. Skade joins Sigurd as he heads home to Norway on horseback. Magni and Modi stand guard upon the towers of Constantinople. They watch silently as Demona and Angelika glide out over the water and on to new lands and adventures.
Review
After the Demona comics spin-off was announced, a few Gargoyles fans commented that the notion reminded them of Don Rosa's The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck. The first two issues have certainly revealed one feature in common with Rosa's delightful look into Scrooge McDuck's past: both draw on real history, bringing their fictional leads into contact with actual historical figures and events. The first issue of Demona involved the death of Malcolm Canmore in 1093; this issue draws on a less well-known, yet very colorful, event in the early twelfth century.
Demona and Angelika are persuaded to join King Sigurd Magnusson of Norway on an expedition all the way to the Middle East – an actual event, and described accurately here (apart, of course, from incorporating a few elements of the Gargoyles Universe). Sigurd has gargoyles from Norway accompanying him – giving us the treat of seeing a new gargoyle clan (if with the melancholy knowledge that it will be extinct by modern times) – who approach Demona and Angelika. (This isn't the first time, we learn, that Demona has entered into a partnership – if in a way that preserved her independence – since Macbeth's "death"; we also discover that she had, a few years before, fought alongside El Cid, a surprising but enjoyable touch.) While Demona, understandably, hesitates at first, she finally agrees with the remark "Humans attacking humans, and we get to help?" It matches her characterization to have her feel so enthusiastic about waging war with humans, even if as an ally to other humans.
The battles (mostly sea-battles, befitting Vikings) are lively events, with a strong swashbuckling quality. We get to meet the three gargoyles fighting alongside Demona and Angelika: Magni, Modi, and Skade (all named after figures in Norse mythology – and Skade even gets a little "in-joke" about her namesake when she mentions missing the mountains she came from). Angelika and Magni are drawn to each other, while Skade seems attracted to Demona – who doesn't seem quite certain what to make of that.
Sigurd displays equal enthusiasm in the battles – with the unexpected touch that he's fueled in part by the Eye of Odin, which he wears. At least, until its mounting is shattered in the final fight – and while it's replaced (in a manner that makes a great in-joke reference to the Eye of Odin's different designs in different Gargoyles properties), Sigurd has clearly lost something in the process, permanently, bringing the expedition to an end and leading to Demona departing again.
The ending contains one of the most effective moments in the story: Demona is convinced that Angelika will leave her to stay with Magni (who has joined the Varangian Guard in Constantinople), and while she claims that she'd rather head off on her own, it's clear that she's saddened at their prospective parting – and relieved when Angelika comes with her instead, declaring Demona to be her clan. Even knowing what we do about Demona, there's still something touching about seeing her and Angelika gliding off together in the final panel.
Featured Characters and First Appearances
| Gargoyles | Humans |
|---|---|
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Quotes
- "Why is everyone so interested in my flank?"
- "I'm not really supposed to answer that, am I?" - Angelika and Magni
- "I don't like humans, Vikings, or Kings. And you expect me to serve him? - Demona
- "What if the ship sinks when we're inside?"
- "We're fine underwater during the day, then at nightfall, we awaken, unlock the Box, swim to the surface and then to shore!"
- "Truth is, we'd probably drown . . . but that's the same risk everyone shares at sea." - Angelika, Magni, and Modi.
- "NO QUARTER ASKED! NO QUARTER GIVEN!!"
- "Just the way I like it." - Skade and Demona
- "I like the way they splash. Do you ––"
- "Definitely." - Angelika and Magni
- "Better off on my own anyway. Never wanted that hatchling tagging along . . ."
- "Don't I know it . . . but I'm still going your way." - Demona and Angelika
Continuity
The events of this issue begin sixteen years after the events of "Fools Rush In...", when Demona and Angelika departed Northumbria.
Tidbits
Long time comic book artist, Mark Bagley, had a cover solicited for this issue but it never materialized and David Cousens drew a variant cover instead.
Cover Gallery
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See Also
| << Previous Episode: "Better Angels" Chapter One: "Fools Rush In..." | Next Episode: "Better Angels" Chapter Three: "For Not Everything With Wings...">> |
