DC Comics is known for superheroes, we all know this to be true. However, I have always loved the way DC Comics handles magic in the DC Universe. From Deadman to Zatanna, even Wonder Woman; all of the magical beings in the DCU are uber-powerful. Even Superman is not immune to the effects of magic.
In ‘Justice League Dark’, writer Peter Milligan is starting something new, a magical Justice League. This League will be the forefront of protection when it comes to all things wizards, witches and warlocks (Look out Harry Potter!).
In this issue, the Enchantress has cast some sort of spell that is messing with space and time. When Superman, Wonder Woman and Cyborg (enough of Cyborg already, he is hardly Justice League level hero) show up to stop her they fail in a way so great it is hard to believe Superman even has powers (the visual of rotted teeth cutting him to shreds will be a happy image in my head for a long time).
This magical team of heroes will be better suited to deal with these kinds of threats. As Zatanna proves to Batman, especially when he wants to come along and she hits him with the old “Dnib Sih Teef” spell to bind his feet with cables from the floor of the Batcave.
I’m excited to see where this team goes, June Moone (better known as The Enchantress’ alter ego), Madame Xanadu, Shade the Changing Man, Zatanna, Deadman and John Constantine are all very powerful magical creatures. I’m not sure there are too many forces that can stand up to them in this realm or any other.
I’m probably not as familiar as I should be with all of these characters, especially since I tapped out after the first of the Flashpoint Secret Seven mini-series that included many of these characters. On the other side, I loved the World of Flashpoint mini-series (except for the ending) and Madame Xanadu played a huge part in that story.
Needless to say I’m intrigued by this story and why there are many copies of June Moone walking around, being splattered by cars and causing an all around bit of chaos. Shade’s imaginary woman was a nice twist and Zantanna’s new look is fresh and hot. I just hope there is not too much regular Justice League intrusion in this book (Batman can stop by now and then because he is a creature of the dark), because I think it will take away from the true power of this team.
To sum up the first issue of ‘Justice League Dark’… lots of mystery, magic and mayhem. Who wouldn’t want to see what happens next?
Justice League Dark #1
Written by: Peter Milligan
Art by: Mikel Janin
Colors by: Ulises Arreola
Cover by: Ryan Sook (Next to The Flash #!1 this was one of my favorite covers of the month!)
