Review: Justice League Dark #25
[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Ram V
Artist: Amancay Nahuelpan
Colorist: June Chung
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Reviewed by: Sean Blumenshine
Summary
It’s their greatest crisis-and the Justice League Dark is a team divided! Wonder Woman, Zatanna, and Swamp Thing are outmatched and defeated at the hands (and endless teeth!) of the Upside-Down Man. But Detective Chimp, Doctor Fate, and Man-Bat will do anything to save their teammates, even turn to the man they swore never to trust: John Constantine!
Positives
The cover by Yanick Paquette and Nathan Fairbairn is great. The detail looks good and it’s appropriately creepy. I love the tone and atmosphere of the cover.
I also like the interior art. The characters look great; they’re expressive and well detailed. There’s a nice variety in the backgrounds and locations that are gorgeous. It’s a stunning book with a dark and creepy tone.
I like how much the story utilizes Zatanna’s baggage. The consequences of magic is always interesting and a consistent element in the DC Universe. Her relationship with her father drives the story. Additionally, Ithe Upside-Down Man is an unnerving villain. I love the tone of this book.
At least for Swamp Thing, the story feels like its leading towards a conclusion. There’s a scene in which Swamp Thing has to say goodbye to Abigail. I’m curious if this is a scene for the sake of drama that a lot of writers use. Or if it is building to something else. There’s a bittersweet tone to Swamp Thing’s initial scenes that I liked.
The story allows the more powerful heroes to show off a little bit. Upside-Down Man is very powerful so we get to see Zatanna and Swamp Thing really unleash their powers. That’s a lot of fun and allows the art team to craft some wonderful panels of action.
Negatives
There are no negatives worth mentioning.
Verdict
This is a great issue. It’s full of wonderful action. The team has a lot of fun with Upside-Down Man and the team; the various powers are used excellently. I love the art; it’s moody and sets the tone well with terrific colors. And the action lets the art shine. It’s a wonderful read.
