Gargoyle #4

Gargoyle issue #4 was published in 1985 as part of a four-issue limited series under Marvel Comics’ Epic Comics imprint. Created and written by J.M. DeMatteis with interior art by Mark Badger, the series served as a spin-off exploration of the character Isaac Christians, a protagonist who had previously appeared as a member of the Defenders. The narrative sought to ground the character in a dark, atmospheric setting, blending supernatural elements with introspective, character-driven storytelling typical of the mature-skewing themes championed by the Epic line during the mid-1980s.

The design and artistic direction of the series were notable for Mark Badger’s stylized, often expressionistic illustrations, which departed from the standard superhero aesthetic of the era to better suit the moody, melancholic tone of the script. While the series did not achieve long-term mainstream commercial success, it remains a point of interest for collectors of 1980s independent-style Marvel imprints. It is viewed by many as a sincere attempt to elevate a supporting character through a more literary and psychologically complex lens, reflecting the experimental spirit of the Epic Comics publishing initiative.