With: "Larry Brent alias X-Ray 3 is back on the hunt..." I began my review a few months ago for the first new (double) episode "The Return" and "Zombies on the Orient Express" after many years, which were released on the label "Russel & Brandon Company" and featured new voice actors.
Meanwhile, more LARRY BRENT episodes are flooding the audio drama market. The label "Romantruhe", which also distributes the "Geister-Schocker" audio dramas, has jumped on this apparently very successful train. Compared to the audio dramas from the "Russel & Brandon Company" label, the "Romantruhe" audio dramas can boast the original voice actors from the 80s. First plus point for "Romantruhe".
Second plus point, as in the past, there is also a slight erotic touch in the new "Romantruhe" LARRY BRENT episodes that does not distract too much from the main element, the story. The "Russel & Brandon Company" audio dramas, however, tend to be almost sexist.
But now to the story of "Gargoyle", which translates to "water spout", often found as architectural elements in the form of demonic figures on old church buildings, and this audio drama spans over 3 CDs. In Rouen, an old medium-sized city in France, strange flying creatures roam one night, even visiting children's rooms and abducting several kids. When Larry Brent learns of this, he sets off for France, where his friend Iwan Kunaritschew, alias X-Ray 7, is already waiting for him. There, they not only have to deal with other hunters of these strange creatures, but the local police are not always a help to the two PSA agents.
By the way, Rouen really exists; the "child-friendly city" (an award from UNICEF in 2003) is located in Normandy (I've been there before!), but since Larry Brent ends up in Lyon, which is known to be near the Alps, this story doesn't quite fit, but it's just a story ;-) .
Overall, the story is quite good, but it has become too long with over 3 hours of playtime. Between the exciting moments, there is too much downtime, which negatively affects the thrill.
Another downside, the booklet is very poorly designed; it could be better! Nevertheless, this new Larry Brent episode is just slightly ahead of the new episodes from the "Russel & Brandon Company" series.
