Most of us probably vaguely remember Disney's "Gargoyles," a show that was part of Disney's afternoon cartoon lineup in 1994 and 1995. Others, like myself, are still fans of the show to date. But, what is so special about this show that there are still conventions featuring it in 2002?The premise of the show is an original one: Gargoyles used to more or less peacefully coexist with humans until they were turned into stone by a powerful archmage. The spell would only be broken if the castle containing them rose above the clouds.

In the present day, a billionaire named David Xanatos had the castle transported to Manhattan and placed on top of his mansion (so it stood above the clouds). The gargoyles awakened (though they turn into stone during the day) and take part in a variety of adventures.

So, why is this show so appealing? The most obvious reason is that it is so unlike any other cartoon that Disney has produced. Compared to Disney's other afternoon shows like "Duck Tales," "Aladdin: The Animated Series" and "Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers," Gargoyles is not based on any previously created Disney characters. It is also much darker both thematically and visually (since most of the plots have to take place at night) and is more violent than the others (but not graphically so).

Gargoyles has very interesting and creative plots in most episodes. Whether our heroes are combating Xanatos (who is not a clear-cut villain but manipulates others to further his own desires), the evil gargoyle Demona, the twisted Puck (based on the character from Midsummer Night's Dream) or time-and-space traveling to meet new characters from their past, each encounter is interesting and either furthers or complicates a plot thread. Each episode is intricately woven into one another to reveal the complicated past of the main gargoyle clan led by the valiant Goliath.

Another interesting aspect of the show is that it is quite multi-cultural. For example, the human friend of the clan, Elisa Mazza, is half African-American and half Native-American, and the police chief is a Hispanic woman. Different episodes in the "Avalon Saga" (the middle of the 52-episode second and final season) feature various locations of the world in which the gargoyles onboard the wandering skiff interact with people of different cultures. This addition is an original element to the show.

In 2002 and in recent years past, there has been a Gargoyles convention (called "The Gathering," named after a season two episode) in various locations throughout the US. Having an entire convention dedicated to a 65-episode kids show seems rather much, but it shows that I am not alone in my love for this excellent work of animated art.

It would be great if there were really were Gargoyles protecting America. As Goliath said in episode 13, "This island, Manhattan, this is our castle. From this day forward, we protect all who live here, human and gargoyle alike." But since they are just the two-dimensional creation of Greg Weisman, I will have to enjoy their splendor on my television screen.