Justice League of America and Gargoyle

 

There has been lots of discussion about what to do with the next Avengers movie now that Jonathan Majors' Kang is out of the picture.  They could recast and call it a variant, but Marvel seems to want to move on.  Many have said to use Doctor Doom, but he should be with the Fantastic Four.  I'd love to see Nightmare finally make a live action appearance, he certainly has enough power to become a franchise wide threat.  Plus, Ironheart, which was to debut Mephisto, has been shelved indefinitely, so there's an opening for a mystical adversary.

The Teen Titans and Gargoyle

 

Isaac Christians as the Gargoyle is an old soul inhabiting a powerful form, while the original Teen Titans were youths learning to step into the shoes of their more experienced partners.  I could definitely see a mentor/student relationship between them. It would be interesting to read about, anyway.

Gargoyle and Swamp Thing in: "Midnight Snack!"

 

Swamp Thing and Gargoyle first met back in STF #1223... definitely a pair that seems to go well together, so I thought that I would revisit the alliance.

This cover required a bit of background extension and de-cluttering prior to adding in an image of Isaac Christians. Here's a peek behind the scenes:

Superman and Gargoyle

 

The Discovery/Warner Bros. merger is finally underway and reports are coming out that revitalizing their comic book properties in print and in film it a top priority for the new brass.  Superman was singled out as a character with far too much potential to be squandered the way he has, and that sentiment holds for most of the rest of DC's roster.  It will be interesting what changes we will see in the next few years and if the DCEU can find its own version of Kevin Feige to give it a cohesive vision.

Defenders and the Legion of Super-Heroes

 

I'm surprised that I haven't paired up these two teams until now, I had to go back and check just to be sure.  There's enough variety in the memberships of DC's premiere Super Team and Marvel's official Non-Team that any number of line ups could make for an exciting tale with lots of contrasting personalities and power sets.  I'm still hoping to eventually see big budget live action treatments for either team.

The Defenders and Superman in: "Crime in a Bottle!"

 

I was hoping that the DC Fandome event would shed some more light on the future of Superman in the movies.  There was some speculation that an announcement of The Man of Steel's involvement in Black Adam or even a solo sequel would be made, but alas no mention of such things.  DC Fandome continues this coming weekend, though It looks to be focusing more on the TV, print and gaming aspects of DC Comics.  Henry Cavill keeps teasing that he id not done with the role, but I'd like to know some more specifics as to what that will mean.

Superman met an earlier version of The Defenders in STF #2849...

Doctor Fate and Gargoyle

Doctor Fate is another big role to be filled for the upcoming Black Adam movie.  An actor with a distinctive voice is a must, since most of his performance will come from behind a helmet.  With that in mind, we need an actor that will be OK with his face being obscured for the majority of the film - Doctor Fate's power comes through his connection with the Helmet of Nabu, and he is not known for taking it off in the middle of battle the way too many big screen heroes seem to do.

The Defenders Vs. The JLA (100 Page Giant!)

I thought for this Anniversary Issue that I would present one big story.  I always liked the old JLA/JSA crossovers where the two teams would meet, then break off into smaller teams for separate adventures, and finally all gather together again for the big conclusion.  I can see a comic featuring these two powerhouse groups going down the same way.

The JLA first met The Defenders in STF #1600...

Hellboy, Gargoyle and Constantine

For me, John  Constantine has become the best part of DC's Legends of Tomorrow.  The rest of the cast can get a bit too goofy for me, so I like the more serious occult sub plots that he gets into.  I liked his solo series as well, for as long as it lasted.  Now if they could only find a way to bring back The Spectre, who was teased in that show!

Gargoyle and Martian Manhunter

It is being reported that Idris Elba will not be playing Deadshot in the new Suicide Squad movie from James Gunn after all, but rather an all new character.  While I am interested to see who that will be, I think that DC is missing out on a perfect opportunity to cast him as the Martian Manhunter at some point.  Hes got the physicality, acting ability, gravitas and voice to really bring J'Onn J'Onzz to life.

Gargoyle and The Spectre

Now that Doctor Strange is set for a sequel, I am hoping to see some more Marvel characters make their debut in supporting roles.  Brother Voodoo was teased in the first film and would be a blast to see.  I'd also love to see Gargoyle, maybe he could be trapped in Nightmare's realm or something.  It could be a building block to a comics-accurate defenders movie down the line.

Firestorm and The Defenders

Now that Marvel has access to virtually their entire library of characters for movie treatment, there's no reason we cant get a proper Defenders team up on the big screen. They already have Hulk, Dr. Strange and Valkyrie established to anchor the non-team.  Heck, they could even use the group as a lead up to their next big crossover film - live action Avengers/Defenders War, anyone?

The Defenders and The New Teen Titans (with Vision & Scarlet Witch)

It's too bad that Marvel has decided to give the Defenders name to the Heroes for Hire crew, because it seems to me that makes it much less likely that wee will ever see a live action version of the classic Non-Team.  I loved the core group of Dr. Strange, The Hulk, Namor and The Silver Surfer - and enjoyed the group even more when lesser know heroes like Hellcat, Valkyrie, Nighthawk and The Gargoyle joined the ranks.  Hopefully some of the Defenders will find a home on the big screen one of these days.

These two teams first met n STF #384...

The Gargoyle and Green Arrow

I was a fan of The New Defenders, (as the final couple of years of Marvel's first Defenders series was called).  The stories were fun, but what I really liked was the line up - Angel, Ice-Man, Beast, Moondragon, Valkyrie and Gargoyle.  after the series ended, all of the other characters found homes in other team titles except for Isaac Christians, The Gargoyle.  He's made only a handful of small appearances since, and it's too bad because I think he is a great character with a unique perspective.  I'd love to see him featured more prominently somewhere.

The Defenders Vs. Darkseid

I still think it is a bit odd that Netflix is using The Defenders as the title of the series which combines Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist, when Heroes for Hire seems to be a much more appropriate title. Not only that, it lessens the chance that we will see an actual live action Defenders show or film featuring the classic cast featured in the cover above.  I loved that non-team growing up and have been waiting to see it featured in a cartoon or movie.  It's funny, the closest we have gotten is when Justice League Unlimited presented a pseudo-Defenders team made up of Aquaman, Solomon Grundy, Dr. Fate and Amazo on "Wake the Dead", a great episode.

Swamp Thing and Gargoyle

The Gargoyle is one of those Marvel characters that I always hoped would gain more popularity and wider recognition.  I love the design of his look and like that he is not your typical 20-something aged hero - his advanced age gives him a unique perspective.  I haven't seen him getting much use lately and hope he can find a new home in comics again.

Man-Bat and Gargoyle

When I think of my favorite super-heroes, its interesting how many of them do not fit the standard mold of the square-jawed leading man.  In addition to the two above, some of my personal favorites include Metamorpho, The Thing, The Beast, Swamp-Thing, and Beta-Ray Bill.  While those guys are all certainly heroic, none of them are going to win a beauty contest any time soon.  I think it is probably just that juxtaposition that interested me in those guys in the first place, their monstrous appearances gave them an added depth - and plus they just looked really cool!

Gargoyles and Gargoyle

I avoided Disney's animated Gargoyles series when it first came out, thinking it was meant for very young viewers.  After hearing plenty of positive reviews, I gave the series a shot in reruns and I am glad that I did.  I liked all of the characters and the continuity between episodes made for and engaging saga.

The Demon and The Gargoyle

I always thought that these two characters were visually quite similar.  Their personalities are quite different however, and a tale featuring them both could be very interesting.  Etrigan is once again appearing monthly in the pages of Demon Knights, but I have lost track of The Gargoyle in recent years. I hope Marvel finds a place for him because I have a soft spot for the character.

Batman and The Gargoyle

This is an idea I wanted to do for a while but could never find the right images. Finally I got very lucky, with a Batman image where even the rain was falling in the right direction. It took a bit of fine tuning, but it was worth it, even if the joke is a bit hokey.

As I mentioned in my Defenders entry, I always had a fondness for The Gargoyle. I loved the fact that in his civilian identity, he was in his elder years, rather than the usual late 20’s, early 30’s. It worked perfectly for a magic based character and gave him a unique perspective. I am not sure of his current status these day, but I hope to see him featured somewhere soon. He’s too cool a character to leave in linbo.