JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #5

[ JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK CHEAP ] 

There once was a young lady called the Enchantress. Who had a strange need for a dark dress. John Constantine did not know what to do - and neither did Madame Xanadu - which is why they stabbed the b*tch hard in the chest. Or alternatively, why don't you read this comic book Written by Peter Milligan; Drawn by Mikel Janin; and Published by DC Comics in February 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

In this final part of 'In the Dark', we find our motley crew of mangy mages trying their best to put June Moone back into the Enchantress again - where she belongs.

However, this is not a simple thing for them to do really. For a start, Deadman doesn't like this plan concocted by Madame Xanadu - and tells the team to p*ss off. Moreover, Shade and Zatanna's minds are subsequently overpowered by the Enchantresses influence - and makes them both act rather strangely in the process.

Thankfully, though, John Constantine and Mindwarp both devise two separate ploys to set things right with the world once more.

Well? Kind of. Because after this adventure is concluded, all the members of this darkly hued team part way's, and leave Madam Xanadu with a dilemma on her hands - without Justice League Dark the world is doomed.

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

I loved it when after Zatanna kissed Shade on the mouth to snap him out of his mind-flux, and then said to him 'You want to know what real is? It's that. That taste on your lips. That memory of my tongue pushing in between your teeth. That's as real as it gets mister'.

Graphic, poetic, pornographic, and funny at the same time - perfect.

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

Personally speaking, I thought that this issue was class through and through. I especially liked the way that all of the story strands were tied up very nicely in exposition. Whilst at the same time the tone that this book did bring along with it a very rebellious and malevolent flavor.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

Err? Not sure really. I liked the majority of this tale overall. Though, I suppose the way that Deadman zoomed out of one scene and then popped up in another at the appropriate time, well, that did feel a little too pat for my liking. Still, not much to grumble about.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: This comic book has something that quite a lot of the new 52 doesn't have - pathos and personality. For example: (1) I really did enjoy the notion that these 'heroes' do not really want to be together, and would much rather prefer it on their own. (2) The tongue and check dialogue really does work for me - particularly the word 'b*ll*cks'. And (3) I was very pleased with the introductory sequence - especially as it showed heroes from the other 'Dark' books. 

ART: I am happy to say that Mikel Janin has been a regular visitor to my site for a couple of months now, and he does come across as very nice a hard working chap. However, in this issue, I cannot fault his artwork at all. His pacing was nice - his layouts were bold and dynamic - and his characters really do show some vigour.

So if you can think of anything constructive to say to Mikel, please drop a message in the comment section bellow, because I am sure that he would appreciate it.

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

DEADMAN: Now I have always thought of Boston Brand as 'Evil Dead's' Bruce Campbell myself - especially as they both share a cheesy and exuberant gravitas.

JUNE MOONE: She's blonde. She's cute. And she always looks like she should be shoved in into a witch - Hannah Spearritt of 'Primeval' fame is a match for me.

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

Some teams thrive on diversity - this team thrives on adversity - so f*ck off.

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

As this team parts ways at the end of a mystical battle, what about the film 'From Dusk Till Dawn' as a retroactive comparison?

Granted, not an actual match - but it did give me the excuse to include this clip.

FINAL thoughts...

I really do like this book. I like the art - I like the stories - and I like the characters as well. But as Peter Milligan is pissing off to god knows where (Stormwatch?), and being replaced with Animal Man scribe, Jeff Lemire, I just hope that Jeff can bring the same flavour that Peter has to this title as well.

MARKS out of 10? 9