Gargoyle (comics)

Last updated
Gargoyle
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance
Created by
In-story information
Alter egoYuri Topolov
Isaac Christians
Species
Team affiliations
Abilities(Topolov)
  • High intelligence

(Christians)

Gargoyle is a name shared by two fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first Gargoyle, Yuri Topolov, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, is a supervillain and the first enemy of the Hulk, who first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962). The second Gargoyle, Isaac Christians, created by J. M. DeMatteis and Don Perlin, is a human/demon hybrid superhero and a member of the Defenders, who first appeared in The Defenders #94 (April 1981).

Contents

Publication history

The first Gargoyle, Yuri Topolov, appears in The Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962), and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. [1]

The appearance of Gargoyle in Rampaging Hulk #1 is merely part of one of Bereet's fictional techno-art films.[ citation needed ] The first Gargoyle received an entry in The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Deluxe Edition #17, where his real name was revealed.

The second Gargoyle, Isaac Christians, is a human/demon hybrid and a member of the Defenders. He was created by writer J. M. DeMatteis and artist Don Perlin. Perlin's design was inspired by a sequence in Prince Valiant in which the titular hero disguises himself as a gargoyle. [2] During his long run on The Defenders, Gargoyle also was the co-star of Marvel Team-Up #119, written by his co-creator DeMatteis, who later described the issue as "one of my favorite favorite stories". [3]

In 1985 Marvel published a four-issue Gargoyle limited series, written by DeMatteis and drawn by Mark Badger. DeMatteis said of the series, "It was a psychological fantasy. You take the interior life and make it concrete... give it substance... and play with it". [4] Explaining why he decided to do a limited series starring Gargoyle, he said,

I'd always wanted to do that character the right way. We'd had him in Defenders for years and Don Perlin and I were... We came to like him so much, as a person... this was a classic case of the character coming alive for us. We came to like Isaac Christians, this little old man inside the Gargoyle's body, so much that it began to mellow out the way we portrayed the outer shell, the gargoyle aspect. And, before you know it, he's this cute little funny animal. Which he was never intended to be. [3]

In a 2013 interview DeMatteis said that Gargoyle "is a character I still have tremendous fondness for". [2]

Fictional character biography

Gargoyle (Yuri Topolov)

Yuri Topolov is a Soviet scientist and the Hulk's first foe. An atomic accident caused from working with radiation that mutated him into a grotesque large-headed dwarf. The Gargoyle was informed about the Hulk by an imprisoned spy using a miniature transmitter. By firing a gun with will-weakening pellets, he succeeded in capturing both him and Rick Jones. Bruce Banner cured him of his mutation via gamma rays. He gratefully used his rocket to send them back into the United States. Topolov managed to destroy several Soviet generals and 'die like a man' in an explosion he set off. [5] However, he passed this deformity onto his son, the Gremlin. [6]

Topolov later turned up alive, because of his own deliberate fake death. He was frozen by the USSR in a cryogenic sleep near the Cold War's end, along with some other agents. They were accidentally awakened in this modern day and fought the Order. [7]

Powers, abilities, and equipment

As the first Gargoyle, Yuri Topolov was a superhuman genius. Either human or mutate, he knows numerous sciences and is well-versed in mechanical theory. [8] He utilizes a pellet gun with will-sapping effects.

Gargoyle II (Isaac Christians)

Isaac Christians was an elderly man who sold his soul to an alliance of minor demons styling themselves as "The Six-Fingered Hand" in exchange for prosperity for the dying hometown that his ancestors had founded (the fictional town of Christiansboro, Virginia). Christians made a pact with the demon Avarrish to inhabit the body of a legendary gargoyle and act as an agent of the Six-Fingered Hand. The demons of the Six-Fingered Hand transferred Christians' life force into the Gargoyle body and sent him on a mission to capture Patsy Walker, at that time operating as Defenders member Hellcat. Christians battled the Defenders, but rebelled against the Six-Fingered Hand. He was trapped in the gargoyle's body, but joined the Defenders. [9] The Defenders then helped him defeat the Six-Fingered Hand. [10]

As a member of the Defenders, Gargoyle helped the Squadron Supreme defeat the Overmind and Null the Living Darkness. [11] The Gargoyle briefly fell under the control of an Afghan wizard, and he was forced to battle the Defenders. [12]

Christians later returned to Christiansboro, and was later released from the Gargoyle body and the original demon spirit re-inhabited it. Christians, to prevent the chaos being wreaked by the gargoyle, re-assumed the body with the help of a druid and killed his original human body to prevent the demon from returning. [13]

Moondragon, under the influence of the Dragon of the Moon, later separated Christians' life force from the gargoyle body. The body was to be used as a vessel for the Dragon of the Moon, and it became larger and more grotesque. The gargoyle body was carbonized and transformed into a statue of ash, when the Defenders defeated Moondragon and the Dragon of the Moon. [14]

Christians' life force came to reside in a crystal talisman. He reconciled with the spirit of Moondragon, and journeyed with Pamela Douglas to Titan, where he witnessed the rebirth of Moondragon. The former Defender known as Cloud created a new body for Christians, with the ability to switch between his gargoyle and human forms at will. [15]

Alongside the Presence, Starlight, Jack of Hearts, and others, he returned to Earth from the Stranger's laboratory world. [16]

When the final confrontation between Gabriel, Devil Hunter, and Hellstrom left Gabriel irretrievably insane, only capable of babbling incoherently, Hellstrom left him in the care of the Gargoyle. [17]

Following the "Civil War" storyline, Christians was one of the registered superhumans seen in Avengers: The Initiative #1. He was shown flying in an attack against HYDRA; [18] this helped save the President from an assassination attempt. He is shown in battle against KIA. [19] Gargoyle was also seen aiding Hellcat. [20] He ignored Nighthawk's offer to join the Last Defenders [21] and remained at Camp Hammond to serve as an instructor training the Initiative cadets [22] before retiring. [23] He returns to assist in defeating a deranged copy of Thor called 'Ragnarok'. [24]

Alyosha Kravinoff later captured Gargoyle and placed him in his zoo for animal-themed superhumans which also consisted of Bushmaster, Tiger Shark, Kangaroo, Aragorn, Vulture, Mongoose, Man-Bull, Dragon Man, Swarm, Mandrill, Grizzly, Frog-Man, and Rhino. [25]

Isaac Christians later opened up a restaurant called Isaac's Oysters in Greenwich with Eugene Patilio as his busboy. Both of them were approached by Iron Man for help in rescuing James Rhodes from Korvac. [26]

Powers and abilities

The second Gargoyle is the result due to a magical transfer of Isaac Christians' spirit into an ancient gargoyle body. In this form, Gargoyle possesses supernatural strength and durability, as well as a thick leathery hide. He has the ability to manipulate "biomystical" energy for numerous effects, such as shapeshifting, concussive blasts, and fear inducement. He could siphon life-forces from other people, causing temporary debilitating weakness onto them. Surrounding himself in a mystical field granted Gargoyle immunity to certain spells. Gargoyle is able to fly via levitation (his wings were incapable of producing sufficient lift, but useful for navigation). Christians can regrow lost or damaged limbs, even although they would differ wildly in appearance from the original. Overexpenditure of these energies in such a short time might weaken or even kill him. Not only that, he could also be commanded to act against his will by an evil wizard who spoke a particular obscure spell. Christians was a student in the occult with minor mystic capabilities. Prior to his transformation, he had considerable knowledge of magic, including rudimentary spellcasting and summoning demons. [27]

In other media

Television

Video games

The Yuri Topolov incarnation of Gargoyle appears in Lego Marvel's Avengers . [29]

Collected editions

TitleMaterial collectedPublished dateISBN
Defenders Epic Collection: The End of All SongsGargoyle #1-4 and Defenders #138-152January 2020 978-1302920708

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moondragon</span> Comics character

Moondragon is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Bill Everett, Mike Friedrich, and George Tuska, the character first appeared in Iron Man #54. She has achieved her extraordinary talents strictly through extreme degrees of personal regimen, unlike most Marvel characters who have gained their paranormal abilities through birth or accident. She is one of the most powerful telepaths on earth. Her abilities also include telekinesis and the power to transform into a dragon. Heather Douglas is known under the codename Moondragon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Defenders (comics)</span> Comic book superhero team

The Defenders are a set of superhero groups with rotating membership appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are usually presented as a "non-team" of individualistic "outsiders" who, in their prior adventures, are known for following their own agendas. The team often battle mystic and supernatural threats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patsy Walker</span> Fictional superhero

Patricia "Patsy" Walker is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stuart Little and Ruth Atkinson, Patsy Walker first appeared in Miss America Magazine #2, published by Marvel precursor Timely Comics, and became Hellcat in The Avengers #144. She premiered as the star of a teen romantic-comedy series, and was later integrated into Marvel superhero franchises such as the Avengers and the Defenders as the Hellcat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abomination (character)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

The Abomination is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Gil Kane, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #90. He is one of the main enemies of the superhero Hulk, and possesses powers similar to his after also being exposed to gamma rays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doc Samson</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Doc Samson is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is usually depicted as a superhero and psychiatrist in the Marvel Universe, known as a supporting character in stories featuring the Hulk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andromeda (Marvel Comics)</span> Character from Marvel Comics

Andromeda Attumasen is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by the Marvel Comics. The character is depicted as an Atlantean of Marvel's shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe. She is the illegitimate daughter of Attuma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grey Gargoyle</span> Fictional comic book character

Grey Gargoyle is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frog-Man</span> Comics character

Frog-Man is a comedic superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer J. M. DeMatteis and artist Kerry Gammill, the character's costume is actually borrowed from a previously existing villain named Leap-Frog created in 1965 by writer Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan. Frog-Man was first introduced in the comic book series Marvel Team-Up in issue #121, published in June, 1982. The characters Eugene Patilio and Leap-Frog are both unrelated to the original Marvel villain called Frog-Man.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Constrictor (character)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Constrictor is the name of two fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version seen is Frank Payne. The second version is his unnamed son.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Valkyrie (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics superhero

Valkyrie is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Englehart and Sal Buscema, the character first appeared in Defenders #4. She is based on the Norse mythological figure Brynhildr. Valkyrie became a mainstay of the superhero team known as the Defenders and a close ally and one-time love interest of the god Thor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Firebird (Marvel Comics)</span> Comics character

Firebird is a superhero character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Bill Mantlo and artist Sal Buscema, the character first appeared in Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #265. The character has been a member of the Rangers and the Avengers West Coast at various points in her history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Starfox (comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Eros is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer and artist Jim Starlin, the character first appeared in The Invincible Iron Man #55. Eros is depicted as a member of the Eternals, a human offshoot race. Born on Titan, he is the son of A'lars / Mentor. He faces opposition from his mad brother, the supervillain Thanos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U-Foes</span> Supervillain team

The U-Foes is a supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, usually as enemies of the Hulk. The group consists of four members: Vector, the group's leader, who can repel matter telekinetically; Vapor, who can transform into any form of gaseous matter; X-Ray, who can generate and project radiation and fly; and Ironclad, who has a metallic body and can control his density.

Gorilla-Man is an alias used by three different fictional superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, beginning in 1954 with the character of Kenneth Hale, and continuing with Arthur Nagan, who also first appeared in 1954, and Franz Radzik, who first appeared in 1962.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas Twister</span> Comics character

Texas Twister is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Roy Thomas and penciller George Pérez and first appeared in Fantastic Four #177. He was a S.H.I.E.L.D. Super-Agent and is a member of the Rangers, the American Southwest superhero team.

Glorian is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, created by Gerry Conway and John Buscema. The character first appeared in Fantastic Four #135, in June 1973.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gremlin (comics)</span> Fictional character appearing in Marvel Comics

The Gremlin is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #163.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Devil-Slayer</span> Comics character

Devil-Slayer is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character exists in Marvel's main shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe.

<i>The Defenders</i> (comic book) Comic book series

The Defenders is the name of several comic book titles featuring the team the Defenders and published by Marvel Comics, beginning with the original The Defenders comic book series which debuted in 1972.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gargoyle (monster)</span> A fantasy creature inspired by the architectural Gargoyle element

The gargoyle is a fantasy and horror monster inspired by the appearance of bestial grotesque statues in architecture - particularly those sculpted to decorate the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris during its 19th-century reconstruction, rather than actual medieval statuary. Its name is based on the gargoyle architectural element, whose name is often incorrectly conflated with that of monstrous grotesques as a whole.

References

  1. ↑ DeFalco, Tom; Sanderson, Peter; Brevoort, Tom; Teitelbaum, Michael; Wallace, Daniel; Darling, Andrew; Forbeck, Matt; Cowsill, Alan; Bray, Adam (2019). The Marvel Encyclopedia. DK Publishing. p. 145. ISBN   978-1-4654-7890-0.
  2. 1 2 DeAngelo, Daniel (July 2013). "The Not-Ready-For-Super-Team Players: A History of the Defenders". Back Issue! (#65). TwoMorrows Publishing: 12.
  3. 1 2 Salicrup, Jim; Higgins, Mike (October 1986). "J. Marc DeMatteis (part 2)". Comics Interview. No. #39. Fictioneer Books. pp. 7–19.
  4. ↑ Salicrup, Jim; Higgins, Mike (September 1986). "J. Marc DeMatteis (part 1)". Comics Interview . No. #38. Fictioneer Books. pp. 20–35.
  5. ↑ The Incredible Hulk #1
  6. ↑ The Incredible Hulk Vol 2 #163 (May 1973)
  7. ↑ The Order Vol 2 #1-2 (September–October 2007)
  8. ↑ Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z Vol 1 #5 (November 2008)
  9. ↑ The Defenders #94. Marvel Comics (New York).
  10. ↑ The Defenders #99-100. Marvel Comics (New York).
  11. ↑ The Defenders #112-114. Marvel Comics (New York).
  12. ↑ The Defenders #136-137. Marvel Comics (New York).
  13. ↑ Gargoyle #1-4. Marvel Comics (New York).
  14. ↑ The Defenders #152. Marvel Comics (New York).
  15. ↑ Solo Avengers #16, 18, 20. Marvel Comics (New York).
  16. ↑ Quasar #19-20. Marvel Comics (New York).
  17. ↑ Hellstorm #21. Marvel Comics (New York).
  18. ↑ Avengers: The Initiative #2 (July 2007). Marvel Comics (New York).
  19. ↑ Avengers: The Initiative #8-11
  20. ↑ Marvel Comics Presents vol. 2 #3-4
  21. ↑ The Last Defenders #1
  22. ↑ Avengers: The Initiative #12.
  23. ↑ Avengers: The Initiative #21 (2007). Marvel Comics (New York).
  24. ↑ Avengers: The Initiative #22 (2007). Marvel Comics (New York).
  25. ↑ The Punisher War Journal vol. 2 #13–15. Marvel Comics (New York).
  26. ↑ Iron Man vol. 6 #5. Marvel Comics (New York).
  27. ↑ The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Vol 2 #5 (April 1986)
  28. ↑ "Gargoyle Voice - The Incredible Hulk (1996) (TV Show)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 23, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  29. ↑ "Lego Marvel's Avengers Characters Unlock Guide - How to Unlock All Characters". 13 May 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.