The Injustice League Dark has risen, tearing the Justice League Dark asunder as it continues to gain power. Spoilers for Justice League Dark #15 follow.
Justice League Dark has continuously been one of the best series on the stands since it began. It’s taken a bit of a breather over the past couple issues though, taking things slower after the insanity of the “Lords of Order” storyline. Now, the series is beginning to ramp up its insanity levels once again. The first half of this issue is purposefully slow, creating excellent tension, and worldbuilding, to be exploited during the back-half of the issue.
James Tynion IV has continually done an excellent job of combining to disparate things about this series, DC universe history and horror. These are things that really don’t seem to be connected, yet it’s almost impossible to disassociate the two now. It simply makes sense that the magical side of the DCU would be more aware of the different continuities that have been present over DC’s lifetime. Thus, it makes sense why this series is the organic way to make sense of those things. Like, c’mon, Woodrue recounting all the different versions of himself, making it seem like he was insane, it’s perfect.
Then there’s the horror aspects that series has been great with. So much of the first half-up is tension and build-up to a couple key moments in the last few pages of the issue. The tension cuts deep and makes you feel uneasy throughout so, once these moments, especially Man-Bat’s moment, these scares hit hard. It’s uncomfortable, creepy, and unsettling, which are some of the best praises that one can give to horror. The series has always excelled with this, so it’s wonderful to see it continuing to do so with this issue.
Most of the horror in this issue, as has been the case with most of the series, comes from the art. Alvaro Martinez Bueno once again shows why he’s an incredible artist in this issue. The horror that he does in this issue provides some standout moments, but what he’s able to with everything else is great as well. His character work is wonderful and he pulls every bit of emotion that he needs to out a scene. Whether it be shock, fear, wonder, or confusion, he nails it. Combine that with the excellent pacing of the issue, as well as the spot-on shot choices, it makes for a visually fantastic issue.
CHECK OUT: Justice League Dark #14 Review: The Witching War is Upon Us
