[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: James Tynion IV
Penciller: Alvaro Martínez Bueno
Inker: Raul Fernandez
Colors: Brad Anderson
Letters: Rob Leigh
Summary
They say never to split the party, but here we are… Kirk Langstrom A.K.A Man-Bat is locked away in the Justice League Dark headquarters for fear of insanity, Wonder Woman and Zatanna are out looking for any powerful magic users that may stand a chance against the Otherkinds, and Detective Chimp is housing most of the remaining magical community in the oblivion bar with the help of Swamp Thing. Is bringing all of magic together a smart decision, or is the Justice League Dark just doing the Otherkind’s work for them?
Positives
Justice League Dark #8 continues to set new bar for horror and urban fantasy comics. Alvaro Martínez Bueno, Raul Fernandez, and Brad Anderson are able to give each scene a sense of grandeur that isn’t portrayed in other comics. Man-Bat is working in the Justice League Dark headquarters, but there is still a very serious atmosphere coming out of each panel. Tynion is doing very transformative work with Man-Bat’s character. The idea of the mad-scientist using the scientific method to master something as intangible as magic is brilliant and hilarious. I love reading his experiences as journal entries.
As extremely powerful magical characters get taken down with ease, it is horrifying to think of the magical threats present in this series. Even Felix Faust is no match. Each scene has an extremely important role in this issue, and there is a lot to be appreciated. The Swamp Thing gremlins are the most adorable thing in a DC book since Jarro. As we move forward with the Lords of Order, I can’t wait for what’s in store.
Negatives
This issue felt very decompressed compared to the previous seven issues. I hope things get to a more action-packed level.
Verdict
Justice League Dark continues to be a terrific, horrific, and underrated series that more need to appreciate.
