Gargoyles:
Here in Manhattan
I led the cover and interior graphic design for Gargoyles: Here in Manhattan, a deluxe hardcover from Dynamite Comics continuing Greg Weisman’s cult ’90s Disney series. The goal was to honor the original while showcasing the new story art in a refined, contemporary package for today’s graphic novel market. My role encompassed the complete design scope - cover, interior layouts, and overall visual cohesion.
Title Page
Credits
Interview
My Approach
I drew inspiration from New York’s architecture, incorporating a building silhouette on the spine, layering cityscapes behind the artwork, and evoking the show’s brooding nightscapes with gritty stone textures. The color palette, adapted from the existing brand identity, ensured consistency while complementing the mood. I extended these design choices throughout the deluxe edition, enhancing the interview with Greg Weisman and creating thematic chapter openers accented with decorative flourishes that reinforced the Gargoyles’ atmospheric world.
Reflections
Designing Here in Manhattan meant balancing two audiences: longtime fans of the animated series and new readers discovering Gargoyles through comics. The challenge was to create a design language immersive enough to echo the show’s world without being slavish to its original look.
One of the most rewarding moments came when Greg Weisman, the series’ creator, praised my work - affirming that the design honored both his vision and the Gargoyles legacy. The finished hardcover stands as both a nostalgic artifact and a modern addition to the series’ canon.
Praise from Greg Weisman
"Working with Cathy as lead print designer on Disney Gargoyles: Here in Manhattan was a truly enjoyable experience. Her creative vision brought the Gargoyles world vividly to life.
Cathy was a pleasure to collaborate with - thoughtful and receptive to feedback. She made the pages not just engaging but genuinely fun, and her dedication really shone through in the final product."
Cathy was a pleasure to collaborate with - thoughtful and receptive to feedback. She made the pages not just engaging but genuinely fun, and her dedication really shone through in the final product."
Clients
Disney
Dynamite Comics
Dynamite Comics
Project Type
Print Design
Book Design
Book Cover Design
Comic Book Design
Book Design
Book Cover Design
Comic Book Design
Tools Used
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
Canva (3D-Rendered Work Samples)
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
Canva (3D-Rendered Work Samples)