JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK ANNUAL #1

[ CALAMITY OF COUPONS ] 

Say hello to the creature called Frankenstein. He's a right charmer who just loves to wine and dine. Once we went out for lunch. That quickly turned into a punch. When the waiter served him too much fine-wine. Yeah. Same thing happened to me when I went out with the Ghoulish creative team of Writer: Jeff Lemire; Artist: Mikel Janin; and Publisher: DC Comics, in November 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

Without a shadow of a doubt, this final part of 'War for the Books of Magic'; is an adventure that asks so many questions, I feel like I want to evaporate in thin air! Such as:

• Does Frankenstein help out the 'Justice League Dark' in this story? Or does he just say 'Hrnn' a lot?
• Will John Constantine find an undamaged cigarette to smoke?
• How much does home insurance cost for the House of Mystery?
• What in God's name is Nick Necro playing at?
• Can Felix Faust get his hands on Timothy Hunter?
• What does Mordu and Merlin have to do with the Book's of Magic being hidden in Nanda Parbat?
• Why does Timothy light up when he comes into contact with Amethyst?
• Is 'I Vampire's' bark worse than his bite?
• Who fights nastier? The good-magicians or the bad-magicians?
• Will Zatanna still be breathing at the end of this issue?
• Who's the 'chosen one' that nabs these all-powerful magical ledgers?
• Was that the last question?
• Or was this the last question?
• Wait a minute! Maybe this should be the last quest... BANG!

To be continued in the ongoing series...

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

Honest to Rama. I really did enjoy reading the majority of the dialogue scattered throughout this issue. But at a push, the best bit for me, was the conversation between John Constantine and Black Orchid on the opening page, whilst they clambered out from their wrecked abode.

BLACK ORCHID: Constantine. Are you all right?

JOHN: Not sure. Think I broke something.

BLACK ORCHID: What?

JOHN: My bloody cigarettes. Little buggers are smashed to hell.

Ha! I can relate. 

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

When Nick Necro came to that section of his story relating to Merlin and Mordru, the hairs at the back of my neck stood to attention nigh on straight away.

Yeah. I kid you not. Because you know what this implies, don't you? Merlin is associated with the 'Demon Knights' -- the 'Demon Knights' are the decedents of Stormwatch -- and Stormwatch currently have their hands full with Merlin's brother from another mother, Etrigan the Demon.

Wow! The possibilities are just endless!

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

In hindsight, I only have two slight gripes with this book. Firstly, although I understood that this was a much larger 'annual' issue, it still cost quite a bit more in comparison to the other titles out this month. And secondly, doesn't Deadman revert back to his human form when he enters Nanda Parbat? What gives, DC? Is this a plot gaff by Jeff Lemire or what?

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY:  Now to be absolutely with you, I'm not sure if what I am about to mention is the worst thing I've read, the best thing I've read, or one of the most creative things I've read. Still, whatever the case may be, I did find the whole concept behind 'Nicks recap' very engaging on a visceral level; because it amalgamated so many different plot-threads into one, I'm not sure if it's too creative, or too mumbled.

Wait a minute? Is their such as thing as something 'being too creative'? I hope not.

ART: Bless you Mikel Janin. You deserve a medal for pencilling and inking this entire issue all by yourself. I especially got a kick out of your splash pages! Wow! Each and every one of them dynamically illustrated to the max.

How did you do it, huh Mikel? Some sort of coffee-based infusion mixed with a special formula? Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. 

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

FRANKENSTEIN: I'm going to go 'old school' in this instalment of casting call, and cast 'Frankie' as the man who originally played him on the silver screen, Boris Karloff.

I, VAMPIRE: Hey! While I'm at it, wouldn't it be great to see both Boris and Bela Lugosi sharing the same space together? Alright, I know that these two great actors' weren't that friendly in real life. Still, all's fair in love and comic books!

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

Who Is The 'Chosen One'? Neo from the 'Matrix'? Or Some Git In This Comic Book?

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

To me, this tale was so much fun to read, that I didn't care what the hell was going on, just as long as I was along for the ride.

Ride? Hmmm? Your not thinking what I'm thinking, are you?

Cannonball Run. An all-star cast adventure at its best.

FINAL thoughts...

Dear People Who Do Things at DC Comics,

At the moment I can't be bothered to explain why I am conversing with you in this section of my b*llsh*t (me thinks its best I'll leave that for my next post). Nonetheless, the reason for this 'convergence'; is because I want to get something off of my chest before I can go on reading 'Justice League Dark'.

I love this book.

Yeah. No f*cking about. I think this series is a great series, possibly one of the most well thought out titles to come out of DC for quite some time now. The art is brilliant. The characterisation is getting better. And the mythology is coming along quite nicely too.

However, I am concerned about one thing, DC, and only one thing -- you.

Over the last year or so, you've started to get the reputation for changing things for the sake of changing them. Moreover, you're judgement has been hindered slightly, and conform to trend's more than you should.

Food for thought -- every major Hollywood production from 'The Magnificent Seven' to 'The Godfather', have always needed some time to gestate within the public consciousness before becoming the classics they've become. Understand? I hope so. For all our sakes.

Love Light and Peace, The Reviewer.

MARKS out of 10? 8