JUSTICE LEAGUE THE DARK REALM SPECIAL #1: To Hell and Back

The Justice League has opened their doors for those of all backgrounds and abilities to join their ranks. However, not everyone has agreed to join them and now there are supernatural beings crossing into Earth’s realm bringing Cadejos to the forefront of it all. Can the fire breathing wolf from Hell contain these creatures on his own or will he too find comfort in joining the League and thus find his redemption?

Creative Team: Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, and Dave Sharpe.

The Story:

I have long been vocal about how the supernatural side of DC Comics is some of my favorite stories and events. I went into this issue unfamiliar with Cadejos, the fire breathing wolf. Mora does a wonderful job catching us up briefly on who he is and giving the reader enough information to become familiar without spending an entire issue on his backstory. At the same time this is an issue full of humor as some of the newer members are fawning over seeing heroes like Batman and Wonder Woman in the Watchtower.

As Mora introduces the demonic side of this universe he doesn’t hold back bringing about a child sacrifice and raising the stakes. Throughout it all the message is clear however, and it’s that we don’t have to go through life alone. Having a team or people who have your back shines brightly in this issue while still adding something new to the mix. This issue also serves as a bridge to the bigger story surrounding Darkseid and adding mystery to the overall plot that is moved forward at the same time.

The Art:

Mora’s artistic talent shines brightly as the panels somehow manage to pack so much detail and action into them all. When we spend time with Cadejos in the thick of the mystery there are monsters introduced that look horrifying and ripped straight from a child’s nightmare. Tamra’s coloring ability makes this issue eye grabbing and the flames that surround Cadejos’s head burn vibrantly while never convoluting his look at all. As he leaps into action there is a meanness drawn about him and it’s beautiful to see unfold. Mora and Bonvillain work in perfect tandem even as it takes immense talent to be able to fit the amount of detail they do within these tightly spaced panels. I love the way in which Sharpe letters this issue as well because he aids in giving a deep and rocky voice to Cadejos that we would expect from a demonic wolf. This is one of the more impressive issues DC has put out from an artistic viewpoint this year and it deserves all of the praise.

Final Thoughts:

Justice League Dark Realm Special #1 serves to move the Darkseid story forward introducing new characters that may be unfamiliar to general audiences but, will have you dying to know more about them by the end. The message that you don’t have to be alone stands tall and I cannot wait to see these magical powered heroes play a larger role going forward.

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

What did you think of this issue? Be sure to let us know in the comments and check out more from Matt!