In the wake of “Trinity War,” J.M. DeMatteis steers “Justice League Dark” into the recently announced “Forever Evil: Blight” crossover. In an unfortunate bit of meta-fiction, that blight manifests itself all too literally on the book itself.
Written by J.M. DeMatteis
Illustrated by Mikel JaninA “Forever Evil” tie-in! THE JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK IS DEAD. Not even the JL Dark can escape the evil that’s invaded the Earth—except for John Constantine! But why has he alone survived? And will he try to stop the villains—or join them? Long live the NEW Justice League Dark!
When the New 52 began, and even earlier with the end of “Brightest Day,” much was made of the re-inclusion of John Constantine into the DC universe proper. This, of course, meant he would have to be toned down from the “Hellblazer” incarnation, which would continue to live on “Punisher MAX” style. With the then-current “Hellblazer” scribe Peter Milligan in charge of “Justice League Dark,” things looked like they might just work out. Now, two years later and a number of creative baton passes, our worst fears have been realized.
You know that scene in Star Wars: A New Hope, where Vader gets the news that the last vestiges of the Republic government system have been eradicated, the final step in the Empire’s ever tightening grip? Well, that’s how this issue feels in regard to good story-telling. This is plot paint-by-numbers. Are you curious what’s going on in Constantine’s head after the big mysterious brawl at the end of “Trinity War?” Well, don’t worry, because he’ll tell you, over the course of dozen pages of internal dialogue. “Justice League Dark” #24 is wonderful exercise in overusing exposition.
On top of the issue’s ham-fisted attempts of getting the reader up to speed, the plot itself is a mess. DeMatteis attempts to string together a number of plot points; the “Trinity War” consequences, Constantine’s unrequited love for Zatanna (ugh), and the set-up for the Blight. He does so through a series of ill-concieved, poorly explained, dei ex machina. Much of this issue, quite frankly, just doesn’t make sense.
The cherry on the cake, however, is the inclusion of DeMatteis’ own Nightmare Nurse, from the pages of “Phantom Stranger.” Under-clothed, over-sexed, and just plain goofy, the character is a poster child for the New 52’s gratuitous excess.
The only saving grace of “Justice League Dark” #24 is the spectacular work from artist Mikel Janin. From day one Janin has been the driving creative force on this book, and has continued to grow and improve with each passing issue. His style has become less stiff, more fluid and dynamic, resulting in more expressive characters and engaging page layouts. There’s a gorgeous two-page spread early in the issue, where-in Constantine quite literally faces down his demons, that showcases everything Janin does so well. The perspective, the ethereal quality, and the terrific synergy with Jeromy Cox’s colors are truly a joy to behold.
At one time, the inclusion of the “Dark” line into the greater DC universe seemed like it could be a good thing, the next logical step even. After the fact, it seems only to have diluted the things that made the line so great. In fact, “diluted” is the perfect word to sum up “Justice League Dark” #24. Lacking in any substantial character or plot, the book fails to make a strong impression under its new creative team. As the flagship title of not only an 18-part crossover, but of the entire “Dark” corner of the New 52, that’s a problem that needs to be addressed.
Final Verdict: 4.0 – Pass. This is not the John Constantine you’re looking for.
