Justice League Dark #1
DC Comics
Written by: James Tynion IV
Art by: Alvaro Martínez Bueno and Raúl Fernández
Colors by: Brad Anderson
Letters by: Rob Leigh
Comic book fans have been conditioned for the slow burn. In this era, most debuts lack a decent punch and publishers just expect your loyalty will result in showing them the green. I’m excited to report Justice League Dark bucks current convention and is a well-crafted introduction.
Tynion’s script has an excellent balance of characterization, pacing and set up. The story begins with Wonder Woman discovering there is something awry with magic in the DCU. Recruiting a reluctant Zatanna to investigate, readers are treated to mystical cameos galore and take note Swamp Thing enthusiasts, continuity.
There have been some concerns expressed over the roster leading up to the release but as Detective Chimp, Man-Bat and Swamp Thing join the fray, they all fit into the narrative rather naturally.
The artwork was a fine compliment to the story. Alvaro Martínez Bueno and Raúl Fernández show they can handle super-heroics with ease and the monstrous figures exhibit good depth.
If you enjoyed the previous series or other magic-centric titles in the past, put this on your pulls presto. Packed to the gills with supernatural action, elements of horror and strong dialogue this book not only delivers bang for your buck, it truly feels like the start of something special.