Gargoyles - TV-Y7-FV
TV Rating: TV-Y7-FV
Network: Toon Disney Cast: Keith David, Jeff Bennett, Salli Richardson-Whitfield
Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: 
DVD
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this complex, character-heavy cartoon is about Gothic stone gargoyles that spring to life at night. It's fairly dark in nature: Hand-to-hand combat happens frequently, and the gargoyles are quite fierce looking and might scare some kids. That said, most episodes are centered around themes of civic duty, honor, and friendship.
Families can talk about the gargoyles' efforts to maintain their close-knit clan. The relationships found within the gargoyle group are based on honor, honesty, and dedication; families can compare and contrast themes found in their own families and friendships. Why is it important to be honest to the people you care about? Have you ever been disappointed or hurt by a friend? How did you feel? What's the best way to react in that kind of situation?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Andrea Graham
Compared to Disney's many cartoons spun off from feature-length films, GARGOYLES stands out as a strong original series. Set in Manhattan, the show follows a group of gargoyles known as the Manhattan Clan as they patrol the skies of New York City, defending it from crime and corruption.
Every night, the main characters -- Goliath (voiced by Keith David), Hudson (Ed Asner), Brooklyn (Jeff Bennett), and Bronx (Frank Welker) -- change from gothic statues into real live gargoyles. Partnered with NYPD cops Eliza Maza (Salli Richardson) and Matt Bluestone (Thomas F. Wilson), the Manhattan Clan helps protect NYC from the evil plans of billionaire David Xanatos (Jonathan Frakes) and enemy gargoyle clans.
Gargoyles originally ran from 1994 to 1996; it still airs in reruns and is available on DVD. Its decidedly dark nature is comparable to the classic Batman: The Animated Series -- both shows will appeal to tweens and up but may prove too scary for the younger set. That said, most of the show's violence is of the hand-to-hand combat variety seen in most superhero programs. Characters punch, kick, and throw each other off of buildings, but they don't use very many weapons.
Gargoyles is very well-written, with likable characters. The storylines are interesting and involve many mythical and historical references, including Anglo and Scots mythology and even some Shakespeare references (never a bad thing). Violence plays a part in every episode, but it's not graphic or over the top. Kids who are old enough to watch Gargoyles will very likely enjoy it.
Other super duper superhero shows include Superman: The Animated Series, The Batman, and Spiderman and His Amazing Friends.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual Content |
 |
 |
||
ViolenceBattles happen in every show, but they're mostly hand-to-hand, rather than with weapons. The gargoyles themselves might scare some kids. |
 |
|
||
Language |
|
|
||
Message |
|
|
||
Social BehaviorFriends stick together through thick and thin. |
 |
 |
||
Commercialism |
 |
|
||
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
||
