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Justice League Dark (2018) (Collected Editions)
Justice League Dark, Tome 4 : Sort tragique
Journey to the other place—with John Constantine!
When Wonder Woman, Zatanna, and Swamp Thing are taken down by the hands (and endless teeth!) of the Upside-Down Man, the remaining members of the Justice League Dark—Detective Chimp, Doctor Fate, and Man-Batm—will do anything to save them, even make a deal with a man they swore never to trust: John Constantine!
But the magician's aid comes with a price, and as the group storms the Other Place, the domain of the Upside-Down Man, Constantine's power might be more than they bargained for. But in the face of such an enemy, everything has a cost. And as their losses continue to mount, what—and whom—is the team willing to sacrifice to defeat their greatest foe?
From rising stars Ram V (Catwoman) and James Tynion IV (Batman) with art from Amancay Nahuelpan (Gotham City Monsters), and Álvaro Martínez Bueno (Detective Comics), this fateful volume collects Justice League Dark #20-28.
When Wonder Woman, Zatanna, and Swamp Thing are taken down by the hands (and endless teeth!) of the Upside-Down Man, the remaining members of the Justice League Dark—Detective Chimp, Doctor Fate, and Man-Batm—will do anything to save them, even make a deal with a man they swore never to trust: John Constantine!
But the magician's aid comes with a price, and as the group storms the Other Place, the domain of the Upside-Down Man, Constantine's power might be more than they bargained for. But in the face of such an enemy, everything has a cost. And as their losses continue to mount, what—and whom—is the team willing to sacrifice to defeat their greatest foe?
From rising stars Ram V (Catwoman) and James Tynion IV (Batman) with art from Amancay Nahuelpan (Gotham City Monsters), and Álvaro Martínez Bueno (Detective Comics), this fateful volume collects Justice League Dark #20-28.
216 pages, Hardcover
First published January 26, 2021
About the author
James Tynion IV
1,691 books2,227 followersPrior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 10, 2021
This was fantastic. It got even better once Ram V. took over. There's two stories in this collection. In the first, the Parliaments of Life are out of whack and warring due to The Floronic Man. There's some really great visuals as people are infected by The Grey and growing mushrooms out of their heads. I really like how Ram V. treated Zatanna's spells. Who would have ever thought Bohemian Rhapsody would be uttered by Zatanna?
The second half of the book is the culmination of the Justice League Dark's war with The Upside Down Man and it doesn't disappoint. Amancay Nahuelpan and Kyle Hotz capably fill in for Alvara Martinez without missing a beat. Couple with June Chung's colors, this book has never looked better. It's a real shame this is an end to this series. Still, I am looking forward now to what Ram V. does with Swamp Thing.
The second half of the book is the culmination of the Justice League Dark's war with The Upside Down Man and it doesn't disappoint. Amancay Nahuelpan and Kyle Hotz capably fill in for Alvara Martinez without missing a beat. Couple with June Chung's colors, this book has never looked better. It's a real shame this is an end to this series. Still, I am looking forward now to what Ram V. does with Swamp Thing.
September 22, 2024
The Justice League Dark series just shows how strong DC is with stories of magic. These stories of the Parliament of Life and of the Upside-Down Man show what you can do with magic beyond spinning portals. Also, Ram V is such a great writer. He really knows how to weave a story.
September 2, 2025
A pretty darn magical wrap on Tynion's time on the series whilst also introducing Ram V into the creative fold. It follows the team as they take their final stand against the Upside Down Man. Every hero gets a moment to pull off an aesthetically cool panel and pose, but it is really Zatanna's time to shine. Her family story kicked this all into motion, and it is only right for her to close it out. An overall solid experience from volume one to volume four, this is an easy recommend for anyone interested in what DC has to offer when it comes to the world of magic.
actual rating 3.5 stars
actual rating 3.5 stars
September 14, 2025
This was really good!
January 22, 2021
First up, the Justice League Dark deal with the aftermath of the Witching War as the Elemental Parliaments are in turmoil thanks to the rise of the Floronic Man. Then, it's the final stand against The Otherkind as the Justice League Dark head to the Other Place for a battle that will decide the fate of magic forever.
Justice League Dark's been a joy to read since it started, and these issues are no different. The Parliaments Of Life story is another testament to how much I want a Swamp Thing series from these creators because they handle it all wonderfully, even roping in Animal Man, and Anton and Abby Arcane along for the ride as well. This also signals the end of James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martinez' runs on the book, as they hand over the baton to Ram V and Amancay Nahuelpan with some co-written/pencilled issues. There's also an issue with art by the inimitable Kyle Hotz which stands out as well.
Ram V then takes the series home with the final battle with the Otherkind, and he doesn't miss a beat as the story comes to a massive head. He draws on all of the plot points and explanations about the villains that Tynion IV had laid out before him, and crafts a conclusion that is a perfect endcap for the journeys that these characters have been on - especially Zatanna and Constantine.
Amancay Nahuelpan steps into some big shoes when Alvaro Martinez leaves, but does a grand old job. There's a solidity to his pencils that I really enjoy, and he manages to make the twisted form of the Upside Down Man something to truly fear - it wouldn't look out of place in Immortal Hulk right now, for example.
This iteration of Justice League Dark is over for now, but it ends exactly the same way that it has been going for the last 20 issues - in fantastic fashion, with great story, artwork, and characters. Top marks.
Justice League Dark's been a joy to read since it started, and these issues are no different. The Parliaments Of Life story is another testament to how much I want a Swamp Thing series from these creators because they handle it all wonderfully, even roping in Animal Man, and Anton and Abby Arcane along for the ride as well. This also signals the end of James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martinez' runs on the book, as they hand over the baton to Ram V and Amancay Nahuelpan with some co-written/pencilled issues. There's also an issue with art by the inimitable Kyle Hotz which stands out as well.
Ram V then takes the series home with the final battle with the Otherkind, and he doesn't miss a beat as the story comes to a massive head. He draws on all of the plot points and explanations about the villains that Tynion IV had laid out before him, and crafts a conclusion that is a perfect endcap for the journeys that these characters have been on - especially Zatanna and Constantine.
Amancay Nahuelpan steps into some big shoes when Alvaro Martinez leaves, but does a grand old job. There's a solidity to his pencils that I really enjoy, and he manages to make the twisted form of the Upside Down Man something to truly fear - it wouldn't look out of place in Immortal Hulk right now, for example.
This iteration of Justice League Dark is over for now, but it ends exactly the same way that it has been going for the last 20 issues - in fantastic fashion, with great story, artwork, and characters. Top marks.
May 27, 2021
Under the writership of Ram V and James Tynion IV, Justice League Dark has greatly improved to the point that I’m not pulling my hair out of anger and that I actually look forward to, rather than dread, reading the next several issues. Assuming more issues are forthcoming.
In any case, Volume 4, “A Costly Trick of Magic” was pleasantly surprising in its, well, not-badness. At times, it was actually very well-done and was a reminder of the potential that this series has, if given decent writers and artists.
Speaking of artists, immense shout-outs must be given to the various artists in this series: Kyle Hotz, Amancay Nahuelpan, Alvaro Martinez Bueno, and Raul Fernandez. All terrific artists, each with their own distinctive styles. Seriously, this comic book series is gorgeous to look at, even if its pictures of people with exploding heads or slimy grey creatures from the Rot.
In this volume, Animal Man joins the group. Something is happening to start a war between the various Parliaments of Life. John Constantine, with the the help of Abby Arcane, resurrects Swamp Thing to aid in the fight. The evil forces from the Other Place, led by the Upside Down Man, are trying to upset the balance of our world, but they are receiving help from a familiar supervillain from our world. Zatanna hopes to rescue her father, who has been trapped for eternity in the Other Place, but, as Constantine is always pointing out, magic always comes with a price. It may, however, prove to be a life-saving point…
In any case, Volume 4, “A Costly Trick of Magic” was pleasantly surprising in its, well, not-badness. At times, it was actually very well-done and was a reminder of the potential that this series has, if given decent writers and artists.
Speaking of artists, immense shout-outs must be given to the various artists in this series: Kyle Hotz, Amancay Nahuelpan, Alvaro Martinez Bueno, and Raul Fernandez. All terrific artists, each with their own distinctive styles. Seriously, this comic book series is gorgeous to look at, even if its pictures of people with exploding heads or slimy grey creatures from the Rot.
In this volume, Animal Man joins the group. Something is happening to start a war between the various Parliaments of Life. John Constantine, with the the help of Abby Arcane, resurrects Swamp Thing to aid in the fight. The evil forces from the Other Place, led by the Upside Down Man, are trying to upset the balance of our world, but they are receiving help from a familiar supervillain from our world. Zatanna hopes to rescue her father, who has been trapped for eternity in the Other Place, but, as Constantine is always pointing out, magic always comes with a price. It may, however, prove to be a life-saving point…
March 14, 2025
E com esse volume 4, chega ao fim a Liga da Justiça Dark do Tynion, mas com a participação e roteiros do Ram V. Eu não sei como estava os bastidores da DC na época, mas estranho na última edição o Ram V assumir. Eu não achei que as histórias caíram de qualidade, pois ele apenas deu continuidade a trama geral, mas ainda assim foi estranho.
Como de costume dessa série, o contexto épico está presente e mais do que nunca as ações dos personagens têm consequências grandiosas. Tudo que foi construído até então, reverbera nessa última edição, sendo a magia da Hécate, o parlamento das flores que substituiu o verde, as ações da criatura invertida e todo o dano que a magia sofreu.
Essa série se encerra de maneira bem encaixadinha, com uma construção escalonada, capitulo a capítulo, para chegar nessa junção de peças que leva a conclusão da série, que surpreendentemente, fazia parte e estava nos planos de um personagem.
A Liga da Justiça Dark foi uma série muito bem escrita e mostrou aos leitores todo o potencial que o universo mágico da DC possui. Queria que a DC valorizasse mais esses personagens, principalmente a Zatanna.
Como de costume dessa série, o contexto épico está presente e mais do que nunca as ações dos personagens têm consequências grandiosas. Tudo que foi construído até então, reverbera nessa última edição, sendo a magia da Hécate, o parlamento das flores que substituiu o verde, as ações da criatura invertida e todo o dano que a magia sofreu.
Essa série se encerra de maneira bem encaixadinha, com uma construção escalonada, capitulo a capítulo, para chegar nessa junção de peças que leva a conclusão da série, que surpreendentemente, fazia parte e estava nos planos de um personagem.
A Liga da Justiça Dark foi uma série muito bem escrita e mostrou aos leitores todo o potencial que o universo mágico da DC possui. Queria que a DC valorizasse mais esses personagens, principalmente a Zatanna.
August 4, 2021
Another great volume. A good finale with a hint of whats to come. Definitely a stand out series from Tynion. The more I read of his work the more I enjoy it.
April 24, 2021
Finally the big battle goes down.
After wrapping up the last arc pretty quickly we get into the final arc against the upside down man. And holy shit does it bring ALL the crew back to face off against this one. Plenty of tricks from good old Hellblazer, Swamp thing being a goddamn beast, and Wonder Woman and Zantana being fucking bosses.
This was a stellar way to end it all. I especially enjoyed Ram taking over, as James did great, but Ram grabbed on like it was nothing. I felt it wrapped up a bit too quick and the start was a tad slow, but everything inbetween was great. I hope to see more from Ram on Justice League Dark.
A 4 out of 5.
After wrapping up the last arc pretty quickly we get into the final arc against the upside down man. And holy shit does it bring ALL the crew back to face off against this one. Plenty of tricks from good old Hellblazer, Swamp thing being a goddamn beast, and Wonder Woman and Zantana being fucking bosses.
This was a stellar way to end it all. I especially enjoyed Ram taking over, as James did great, but Ram grabbed on like it was nothing. I felt it wrapped up a bit too quick and the start was a tad slow, but everything inbetween was great. I hope to see more from Ram on Justice League Dark.
A 4 out of 5.
January 31, 2021
While Tynion leaves before he can conclude his overarching story with JLD, Ram V steps up to the plate and delivers one hell of a finale for this iteration of the team! My main criticism of the previous volume was how there was a lot of time dedicated to worldbuilding that ultimately didn't stick around and contributed nothing to the overall plot. This volume trims all the fat and the monologues without sacrificing the characters or themes Tynion established during his time with the series.
This volume contains 2 stories with one dealing with the Parliments of Life and the other being the team's inevitable confrontation with The Upsidedown Man. Having recently read ALL of the New52's Swamp Thing run I really appreciate how Tynion and Ram V mesh Alan Moore's and Scott Snyder's interpretations of the Parliments of Life. Moore introduced the Green, the Clear, the Grey, and so many others groups as living elementals whereas Snyder reinterpreted the Green, etc as sentient ecosystems all vying for control. Snyder's take was incredibly compelling, but groups like the Clear, the White, or the Melt didn’t fit into that mold since they were just elements and forms of matter. This story addresses that, tying them all together and establishing a fascinating symbiosis with them through Khalid as the new Doctor Fate. It's honestly the most compelling JLD has been since Witching Hour.
The final confrontation with The Upsidedown Man feels oddly sudden with little build up to it, but delivers in almost every way imaginable. Each member of the team gets a moment to shine and remind readers what they bring to the team (something I REALLY appreciate after reading the original JLD), the art and action is phenomenal, and the way Ram V uses Tynion's previous themes of belief in relation to magic and reality is incredibly satisfying. Every loose thread is tied up in a nice little bow and establishes Tynion and V's run as the definitive JLD series. Highly recommended for readers who've stuck with this series from the beginning. A great reward for sticking to the end.
This volume contains 2 stories with one dealing with the Parliments of Life and the other being the team's inevitable confrontation with The Upsidedown Man. Having recently read ALL of the New52's Swamp Thing run I really appreciate how Tynion and Ram V mesh Alan Moore's and Scott Snyder's interpretations of the Parliments of Life. Moore introduced the Green, the Clear, the Grey, and so many others groups as living elementals whereas Snyder reinterpreted the Green, etc as sentient ecosystems all vying for control. Snyder's take was incredibly compelling, but groups like the Clear, the White, or the Melt didn’t fit into that mold since they were just elements and forms of matter. This story addresses that, tying them all together and establishing a fascinating symbiosis with them through Khalid as the new Doctor Fate. It's honestly the most compelling JLD has been since Witching Hour.
The final confrontation with The Upsidedown Man feels oddly sudden with little build up to it, but delivers in almost every way imaginable. Each member of the team gets a moment to shine and remind readers what they bring to the team (something I REALLY appreciate after reading the original JLD), the art and action is phenomenal, and the way Ram V uses Tynion's previous themes of belief in relation to magic and reality is incredibly satisfying. Every loose thread is tied up in a nice little bow and establishes Tynion and V's run as the definitive JLD series. Highly recommended for readers who've stuck with this series from the beginning. A great reward for sticking to the end.
October 19, 2022
My memory of The Witching War was limited, so A Costly Trick of Magic dropping the reader right into the madness of restoring the Parliament was a cruel trick in itself. This is one of those comics where the heroes gather, identify separate quests, individually go on those quests, and then eventually come together to achieve the goal. It's formulaic and often confounding.
Fortunately, I like Justice League Dark in its current iteration, so was more than happy to go along for the journey while the heroes gathered their whatevers to save the day. The back half of A Costly Trick of Magic was much better as the team ventures to the Upside Down to battle the big bad. The volume basically becomes a series of escalating battles as our heroes are forced to pull out every single stop. It's really quite engrossing!
The art is solid, if constantly shifting, throughout the volume, and Ram V's storytelling chops are on full display. I might have been confused by much of the narrative, but the characters and action shone through. Another great Justice League Dark volume!
Fortunately, I like Justice League Dark in its current iteration, so was more than happy to go along for the journey while the heroes gathered their whatevers to save the day. The back half of A Costly Trick of Magic was much better as the team ventures to the Upside Down to battle the big bad. The volume basically becomes a series of escalating battles as our heroes are forced to pull out every single stop. It's really quite engrossing!
The art is solid, if constantly shifting, throughout the volume, and Ram V's storytelling chops are on full display. I might have been confused by much of the narrative, but the characters and action shone through. Another great Justice League Dark volume!
June 11, 2023
Justice League Dark Vol. 4 A Costly Trick of Magic collects issues 20-28 of the DC Comics series written by Ram V and James Tynion IV with art by Amancay, Nahuelpan, Kyle Hotz, Álvaro Martínez Bueno, and Raúl Fernández.
The Justice League Dark must put their faith in the untrustable John Constantine in the final battle with the Upside-Down Man.
A pretty solid ending to the overall story that Tynion and Ram V were telling for over two years. Some of the story went over my head as most magic-based books do as writers can change anything at anytime due to unpredictability of magic (This is true for all superheroes stories really, but extra prevalent with magic users).
The Justice League Dark must put their faith in the untrustable John Constantine in the final battle with the Upside-Down Man.
A pretty solid ending to the overall story that Tynion and Ram V were telling for over two years. Some of the story went over my head as most magic-based books do as writers can change anything at anytime due to unpredictability of magic (This is true for all superheroes stories really, but extra prevalent with magic users).
February 24, 2021
This series was a jewel in the DC crown. The story and art leagues above all other titles. Loved everything about it. Would rather read more JL dark than any more JL period.
January 2, 2022
Bello bello bello! Non mi stancherò mai di dire che questa serie è ingiustamente poco conosciuta. Amo già di mio la formazione Dark della Justice League, ma questa run di Tynion e Ram è stata davvero brillante, horror e originale. Spero riprendano questo team per un’altra serie in futuro.
April 5, 2022
This is one of the most satisfying comic arcs that I have ever read, REALLY enjoyed it. I am a little bereft because I don't seem to have more to read, but I think I'm going to branch out from here with some of the characters. Really, really cannot say how much I enjoyed this.
July 28, 2021
I feel like a broken record in saying that the ending was a little rushed, but...yeah. There were too many characters battling for equal attention and no one really got the emotional pay off. Constantine was there and Zatanna had emotional ties with both him and her father, but if you haven't read other comics then you won't understand her reactions. Wonder Woman was just sort of a maggufin holder. There was nothing really to her appearance. The weight of finally taking on the Upside Down Man was therefore wasted...oh, and those cool side villains like The Soup (see Witching Hour)? They were just sort of budding off of Upside Down Man, so if you wanted to explore their personalities and powers...forget it. They appear briefly, in grey, in the background.
That said, this arc has been about the high concepts of Magic. It's imagination, possibility, wonder. Upside Down Man is kind of a God of the worst case scenario and the way they weaken and defeat him is really rather clever. They have to approach him as if he is the strongest thing in the universe and is thus invincible so long as he thinks he is. An interesting psychological element to what is otherwise a Dragon Ball Z fight (I swear Constantine uses the Kameha-meha wave at one point). Zatanna plays...a role but I really feel like she should have been the focus. Start with Diana and slowly shift to Zatanna ending with her being the leader of the Justice League Dark. Yet, they didn't do that. They just left everything vague.
It's a good story, a fitting finale to the Upside Down Man arc, it's just...not all it could have been.
That said, this arc has been about the high concepts of Magic. It's imagination, possibility, wonder. Upside Down Man is kind of a God of the worst case scenario and the way they weaken and defeat him is really rather clever. They have to approach him as if he is the strongest thing in the universe and is thus invincible so long as he thinks he is. An interesting psychological element to what is otherwise a Dragon Ball Z fight (I swear Constantine uses the Kameha-meha wave at one point). Zatanna plays...a role but I really feel like she should have been the focus. Start with Diana and slowly shift to Zatanna ending with her being the leader of the Justice League Dark. Yet, they didn't do that. They just left everything vague.
It's a good story, a fitting finale to the Upside Down Man arc, it's just...not all it could have been.
March 15, 2021
A solid end for the series, the first arc with Animal Man felt disjointed and like standalone from the main plot but after that things got better until the explosive final. The change of artist felt weird at the start mostly because Bobo looked like a beast but then the art got better.
I like how it ended and how right from #1 through #28 you can just feel the stakes getting high and ready for the final showdown.
Overall it was great, can’t wait to see what they have in store for the new run.
I like how it ended and how right from #1 through #28 you can just feel the stakes getting high and ready for the final showdown.
Overall it was great, can’t wait to see what they have in store for the new run.
September 5, 2021
Este é o volume que fecha a fase "Renascimento" da Liga da Justiça Dark. A fase começou muito bem com os roteiros de James Tynion IV e os desenhos de Alvaro Martinez. Mas percebi que neste volume, com nove edições originais, a coisa deu uma caída. Não me entendam mal, o roteiro de Ram V e os desenhos de Amancay Nahuelpan são muito bons, mas os volumes anteriores, na minha opinião, eram melhores. De toda forma, a nova equipe criativa fecha as pontas abertas nessa fase, dando um desfecho para o Homem Invertido e a Outrespécie. Um porém é a overdose de sacrifícios desses heróis e seu retorno banal, que presenciamos no último arco. Agora é esperar para ver se a fase do título em Infinite Frontier será publicada no Brasil já que lá fora a Liga da Justiça Dark é um feature de backup na revista da Liga da Justiça principal.
November 24, 2025
Absolutely top tier work- a haunting story that allows the whole team to shine, a conclusion to an amazingly written book. I was nervous that the eventual confrontation between the Upside down man and the JLA Dark crew would fall flat after the build up and the fact that magic fights are harder to SHOW on the page- I was fully happy with the conclusion, it felt consequential and left me wanting more.
I think Ram V and Tynion are a dream pair and especially with the weirder/darker DC teams. I mean, I was interested in Bobo the chimp and Man-Bat, that’s impressive.
If you are tempted to read this, please read the whole series. It’s just shy of 30 issues and is an underrated run that really clicks.
I think Ram V and Tynion are a dream pair and especially with the weirder/darker DC teams. I mean, I was interested in Bobo the chimp and Man-Bat, that’s impressive.
If you are tempted to read this, please read the whole series. It’s just shy of 30 issues and is an underrated run that really clicks.
March 16, 2021
3.5 Stars.
With this Volume, we wrap up all of the the storylines set forth in previous Volumes. It's almost like they are either going to cancel the comic, or give it a fresh start. Either way, it's still full of the weird stuff that makes this comic middle-of-the-road for me, yet still entertaining enough to keep reading.
Highlights:
Parliaments of Life - Animal Man makes an appearance and is part of the storyline to reunite all of the Parliaments of Life, to see if they will help with a crazy, potentially human race killing, virus. As they debate on whether or not to help, Constantine is able to pull off the resurrection of Swamp Thing, who then helps provide the balance needed to restore a sense of peace and normality between all functions of life.
Swamp Thing's Sacrifice - Soon after Swamp Thing is reborn, the JLD takes the fight to "The Other Place" to take down the Upside Down Man. Seeing that all the Parliaments are working together inside ST's body, ManBat is able to make a serum that will allow Swamp Thing to sacrifice himself, connecting "The Other Place" to the Green and the other Parliaments.
Defeating the Upside-Down Man - Once reconnected with the majority of life, Zatanna takes it upon herself to enter a contest of wills against Upside-Down Man. Only with the help of Wonder Woman, using the last of her connection to Hecate, is this Dark Multiverse entity finally defeated. Constantine is saved, but Zatara finally passes on into the Afterlife.
The Volume ends with a tease of some kind of raven-man... but I'm not sure of anything about that. I guess I'll see what comes of this title.
Recommend, but not without the previous Volumes. You'd be completely lost.
With this Volume, we wrap up all of the the storylines set forth in previous Volumes. It's almost like they are either going to cancel the comic, or give it a fresh start. Either way, it's still full of the weird stuff that makes this comic middle-of-the-road for me, yet still entertaining enough to keep reading.
Highlights:
Parliaments of Life - Animal Man makes an appearance and is part of the storyline to reunite all of the Parliaments of Life, to see if they will help with a crazy, potentially human race killing, virus. As they debate on whether or not to help, Constantine is able to pull off the resurrection of Swamp Thing, who then helps provide the balance needed to restore a sense of peace and normality between all functions of life.
Swamp Thing's Sacrifice - Soon after Swamp Thing is reborn, the JLD takes the fight to "The Other Place" to take down the Upside Down Man. Seeing that all the Parliaments are working together inside ST's body, ManBat is able to make a serum that will allow Swamp Thing to sacrifice himself, connecting "The Other Place" to the Green and the other Parliaments.
Defeating the Upside-Down Man - Once reconnected with the majority of life, Zatanna takes it upon herself to enter a contest of wills against Upside-Down Man. Only with the help of Wonder Woman, using the last of her connection to Hecate, is this Dark Multiverse entity finally defeated. Constantine is saved, but Zatara finally passes on into the Afterlife.
The Volume ends with a tease of some kind of raven-man... but I'm not sure of anything about that. I guess I'll see what comes of this title.
Recommend, but not without the previous Volumes. You'd be completely lost.
February 13, 2021
Thankfully this run ends at its best for me, after the series started strong but then gradually got worse with typical “energy blast showdown saves all existence” type plot resolutions.
The first half here is my favorite: a delightfully inventive, playfully grotesque crisis of The Parliaments (apparently an old Swamp Thing conception where the natural world is broken into discrete domains of plant, animal, rot, disease,etc) where a new balance between them must be negotiated. The Cordyceps mushroom zombies aren’t particularly novel, but the Kyle Hotz’s imagery of mycological rot and other intricately textured organic nastiness from the Parliaments is astounding and brilliantly colored. The conflict itself and how it’s resolved is also weird and creative, and exactly what I initially loved about this series. I especially loved an early Animal Man cameo where he takes over a flatworm in his own guts to commune with the agglomerated figurehead of the bacterial domain.
The back half wraps up the series’s overarching conflict with its big bad, and while it leans more into the meaningless energy blast territory there’s still some characterful interactions with meaningful consequences required for the eventual win, reinforcing the series’s repeated mantra of “magic always has a cost.”
“That is all we ever are. Dust, given shape and finite time to accomplish something with it.”
The first half here is my favorite: a delightfully inventive, playfully grotesque crisis of The Parliaments (apparently an old Swamp Thing conception where the natural world is broken into discrete domains of plant, animal, rot, disease,etc) where a new balance between them must be negotiated. The Cordyceps mushroom zombies aren’t particularly novel, but the Kyle Hotz’s imagery of mycological rot and other intricately textured organic nastiness from the Parliaments is astounding and brilliantly colored. The conflict itself and how it’s resolved is also weird and creative, and exactly what I initially loved about this series. I especially loved an early Animal Man cameo where he takes over a flatworm in his own guts to commune with the agglomerated figurehead of the bacterial domain.
The back half wraps up the series’s overarching conflict with its big bad, and while it leans more into the meaningless energy blast territory there’s still some characterful interactions with meaningful consequences required for the eventual win, reinforcing the series’s repeated mantra of “magic always has a cost.”
“That is all we ever are. Dust, given shape and finite time to accomplish something with it.”
March 3, 2021
Unfortunately, I read this before I read the previous volume Witching Hour. This volume serves to wrap up the entire series and is a solid finale. A few details and concepts were included which I'm not sure if I should have already known them, being in the "supernatural/magic" side of the DCU. They are explained enough to understand the story but it suggests there's a weight to what's happening and I don't think you grasp that unless you are a long-time reader of these characters. I like the line the series walks on, supernatural, but not too much horror. Strange, quirky ideas without being overly bloody.
Probably my favorite characters in the book are John Constantine and Zatanna. Both are complex with a complex relationship between them. Flawed humans, doing the best they can to do what is right, but are hindered by their pasts.
The story ends, but of course leaves itself open for more.
Probably my favorite characters in the book are John Constantine and Zatanna. Both are complex with a complex relationship between them. Flawed humans, doing the best they can to do what is right, but are hindered by their pasts.
The story ends, but of course leaves itself open for more.
May 17, 2021
**I've read WAAAY more than I've been able to review, so.... time for some knee-jerk reactions!**
- Weird, but in a really cool way.
- Supernatural comics are not usually my style, but I've enjoyed how the different characters on the team work off one another.
- It was a little confusing how they ended up saving the day; honestly, most magic comics confuse me. In the end, it just works out because... "magic." But, like I said, this isn't really my genre, so I don't judge too harshly. It was interesting, it kept my interest, and it had just enough creepiness to make it feel like a "dark" comic tale.
- Weird, but in a really cool way.
- Supernatural comics are not usually my style, but I've enjoyed how the different characters on the team work off one another.
- It was a little confusing how they ended up saving the day; honestly, most magic comics confuse me. In the end, it just works out because... "magic." But, like I said, this isn't really my genre, so I don't judge too harshly. It was interesting, it kept my interest, and it had just enough creepiness to make it feel like a "dark" comic tale.
February 19, 2023
this was great. art and story were both amazing. the main story of the series since the beginning is wrapped up.
here are some random thoughts in no order whatsoever. spoilers below. vague but there
my boy swamp thing is back...and gone again. Abby is back with her badass rot form from the new 52 briefly (new 52 swamp thing started out amazing and fell flat on it's face but that's a whole other conversation). upside down man has an amazing design as always. man bat just wants to do science and help his friends.
here are some random thoughts in no order whatsoever. spoilers below. vague but there
my boy swamp thing is back...and gone again. Abby is back with her badass rot form from the new 52 briefly (new 52 swamp thing started out amazing and fell flat on it's face but that's a whole other conversation). upside down man has an amazing design as always. man bat just wants to do science and help his friends.
May 6, 2022
"You can see the very fabric of all creation. The molecules and atoms that make us. You can feel their Brownian vibrations, held in place by the tiniest of forces. You come to realize that all of existence is just dust held in place by the will not to fall apart."
"It is still a miracle that an agglomeration of particles can care about another."
Art was good and the story was pretty good too. The pace was better as well, and the ending has me curious.
"It is still a miracle that an agglomeration of particles can care about another."
Art was good and the story was pretty good too. The pace was better as well, and the ending has me curious.
January 17, 2021
3.5/5 Stars
January 22, 2025
I can admit I expected a lot out of the new Justice League Dark series and have been slightly hard on the other volumes in this run of books, but I must say that they finally got the balance and rhythm ironed out by volume 4. This collection was by far the best out of the series (in my opinion). I felt that the writers had a way better grasp on the characters and they were also given the room needed to develop most of them. After finishing this volume, I also had the sense that the writers (after getting through the Witching Hour and Witching War tie-ins and storylines) finally had time to get to the development they should’ve in volume 1, but they couldn’t in the first because they were too busy setting up all the dynamic storylines happening at once throughout all the other DC comics. That’s just my theory though.
The main reason this volume seemed to click for me, was because the characters on the team interacted way more and they actually had time to reveal parts of themselves to each other. This is essential in a team driven comic, otherwise what’s the point? I’d just pick up a Wonder Woman, Constantine, or Zatanna comic if that were the case. I think the banter between everyone was fun and did not feel forced now that they’ve been together and formed connections with one another. I was most struck by the relationship between Zatanna and Constantine. These two started out hating each other’s guts and ended really solid and actually relying on each other. Their arch is one of the strongest, well developed, and rewarding throughout the entire series. I also thought it was smart that they made Zatanna the core. As a reader, I was also drawn to her story with her father. At points my heart really went out to her. I’ll also stand corrected when i said I’m not sure the writers knew what they were doing teaming up Zatanna and Wonder Woman, but as the series went on, they become essential parts of the team in their own right and really created a sisterhood with each other. They make a great female Batman/Superman model if that’s something DC is trying to do (except they’re both driven by competition than love like the ladies).
We also got a lot of fun side characters again. I was absolutely geeked at the appearance of Madame Xanadu. I haven’t seen her in a comic in a hot minute and it was a nice nod to the original series. It was also nice having the Upside Down Man back (although that name still leaves something to be desired). He is super creepy and acts as a great foe to the team. I thought Detective Chimp’s role became clearer as well in this volume. He is the glue that holds the team together, which is really cute, since he is also one of the most cynical at times. He is a contradiction within himself, but I love that.
As in previous volumes, I have to give a shoutout to the illustrators of this series. They continue to find new and innovative ways to capture the essence of the magical realm through comic strip. They stretch, dissolve, digitize, and manipulate the panels to fit whatever magic is being used in the team and I think it’s just so nifty. I also loved the two page 6 piece panel that had the entire team in the second to last issue in this collection. It gave me chills!
Overall this was a really fun read and I wish the writers had more time to spend on the characters at the beginning of this series like they do in this volume. It’s clear they have the talent and the aid of the illustrators. I think the comic book industry lack some of their mojo when getting carried away by huge multiverse series and they miss an opportunity to connect the characters to the readers. Thank goodness Dark Justice League finally gets there by the end because I think these characters are fun, relatable, and worthy of their own stories and team.
The main reason this volume seemed to click for me, was because the characters on the team interacted way more and they actually had time to reveal parts of themselves to each other. This is essential in a team driven comic, otherwise what’s the point? I’d just pick up a Wonder Woman, Constantine, or Zatanna comic if that were the case. I think the banter between everyone was fun and did not feel forced now that they’ve been together and formed connections with one another. I was most struck by the relationship between Zatanna and Constantine. These two started out hating each other’s guts and ended really solid and actually relying on each other. Their arch is one of the strongest, well developed, and rewarding throughout the entire series. I also thought it was smart that they made Zatanna the core. As a reader, I was also drawn to her story with her father. At points my heart really went out to her. I’ll also stand corrected when i said I’m not sure the writers knew what they were doing teaming up Zatanna and Wonder Woman, but as the series went on, they become essential parts of the team in their own right and really created a sisterhood with each other. They make a great female Batman/Superman model if that’s something DC is trying to do (except they’re both driven by competition than love like the ladies).
We also got a lot of fun side characters again. I was absolutely geeked at the appearance of Madame Xanadu. I haven’t seen her in a comic in a hot minute and it was a nice nod to the original series. It was also nice having the Upside Down Man back (although that name still leaves something to be desired). He is super creepy and acts as a great foe to the team. I thought Detective Chimp’s role became clearer as well in this volume. He is the glue that holds the team together, which is really cute, since he is also one of the most cynical at times. He is a contradiction within himself, but I love that.
As in previous volumes, I have to give a shoutout to the illustrators of this series. They continue to find new and innovative ways to capture the essence of the magical realm through comic strip. They stretch, dissolve, digitize, and manipulate the panels to fit whatever magic is being used in the team and I think it’s just so nifty. I also loved the two page 6 piece panel that had the entire team in the second to last issue in this collection. It gave me chills!
Overall this was a really fun read and I wish the writers had more time to spend on the characters at the beginning of this series like they do in this volume. It’s clear they have the talent and the aid of the illustrators. I think the comic book industry lack some of their mojo when getting carried away by huge multiverse series and they miss an opportunity to connect the characters to the readers. Thank goodness Dark Justice League finally gets there by the end because I think these characters are fun, relatable, and worthy of their own stories and team.
April 19, 2021
Solid. Writer Ram V takes over writing duties from James Tynion and this series still remains awesome. Ram V almost fits in perfectly writing this book. The artwork is also well done. The characters continue to be written well. I especially enjoyed the focus on Swamp thing and Zatanna. They are two of my favorite mainstays for the DC universe. In this volume Wonder Woman must lead the magical members of the Justice League into battle against the Upside Down Man. Zatanna is hoping to get her father back to reality alive. The stakes are really high here and our heroes do not when without a cost. Ram V really drives hope that in the DC universe magic does have a price. Even good intentions can lead to tragic costs. Zatanna personally understands this more than anyone because the very magic that brings her joy also costs her to lose her dad. This series has been top notch beginning to end. It's not perfect with the pacing at points but I feel that Justice League dark might be the superior justice league book compared to Scott Snyder's series and JL Odyssey. I'd also recommend readers check out Ram V on The Swamp Thing Volume 1: Becoming when it is release. Those looking for series similar to this I'd read: Swamp Thing by Scott Snyder: The Deluxe Edition, Swamp Thing, Volume 4: Seeder-Swamp Thing, Volume 7: Season's End, Shadowpact, Volume 1: The Pentacle Plot-Shadowpact, Volume 4: The Burning Age, Demon Knights, Volume 1: Seven Against the Dark and Justice League Dark, Volume 1: In the Dark. Hope those suggestions will keep you satisfied with the DCU magic goodness.
January 1, 2022
Two stories in one. And while they are both fantastic plot beats in the wider JLD narrative, I’m a little underwhelmed at the flip of a switch ending. Ok so the ending arc itself is pretty good, but in all the stories in this series, the team survives disaster after disaster, not really building to the last arc. There was no clues the team finds, no final piece of the puzzle that makes them decide to initiate conclusion. It was literally just, as soon as Tynion was pulled off this series, the ending began.
The moment to moment of this volume is fantastic. There’s a few different artists and I think the bent perspective, almost edgy styles did well for the series. There was some brilliant combinations of art and writing, with Khalid’s speech and Zatanna’s Bohemian spell coming to mind. But the conclusion this has all come to: Magic is belief, feels a little underdeveloped. It’s after all, an idea that’s old, at least as old as Sandman, but probably much older.
I’m pretty sure the idea of belief being the ultimate weapon was fully formed from the start and it’s a logical way to defeat an eldritch villain, but it wasn’t breadcrumbed enough. Throughout the series, the explanation of what magic is, what the rules are, where magic comes from is explained, however these explanations often felt like they were stated as exposition dumps, and not really questions that the characters have. It often felt like “existential attack is occurring on this pillar of magic, which is important because x reason and exposition. Go solve it.” Where it probably should have been from the start “Magic is dying and we can’t hurt this enemy. We need to better understand this enemy. We must learn more about this aspect of magic, but oh no now it’s under assault.” The Upside Down Man should have been clearly trying to spread his beliefs from the start. That said, once belief was realized to be the right weapon, I’m glad that wasn’t it. It wasn’t just believing in yourself, it was also seeding doubt in your enemy. The entire finale was satisfying for the mental warfare, even if the final trick is kinda lame.
The moment to moment of this volume is fantastic. There’s a few different artists and I think the bent perspective, almost edgy styles did well for the series. There was some brilliant combinations of art and writing, with Khalid’s speech and Zatanna’s Bohemian spell coming to mind. But the conclusion this has all come to: Magic is belief, feels a little underdeveloped. It’s after all, an idea that’s old, at least as old as Sandman, but probably much older.
I’m pretty sure the idea of belief being the ultimate weapon was fully formed from the start and it’s a logical way to defeat an eldritch villain, but it wasn’t breadcrumbed enough. Throughout the series, the explanation of what magic is, what the rules are, where magic comes from is explained, however these explanations often felt like they were stated as exposition dumps, and not really questions that the characters have. It often felt like “existential attack is occurring on this pillar of magic, which is important because x reason and exposition. Go solve it.” Where it probably should have been from the start “Magic is dying and we can’t hurt this enemy. We need to better understand this enemy. We must learn more about this aspect of magic, but oh no now it’s under assault.” The Upside Down Man should have been clearly trying to spread his beliefs from the start. That said, once belief was realized to be the right weapon, I’m glad that wasn’t it. It wasn’t just believing in yourself, it was also seeding doubt in your enemy. The entire finale was satisfying for the mental warfare, even if the final trick is kinda lame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2021
Nowhere near so strong as the previous instalments. I suppose it, as with many stories, had the problem of too much build up to an event that could never match that build up. So the end felt unimpressive and the events herein that lead to it were very forced and kind of hamfisted.
There were also the inclusions of characters not previously seen in Justice League Dark that didn't truly feel connected because they were just dumped in there without any kind of explanation; Animal Man and Abigail Arcane. Problem is, they weren't disconnected and had a good place in this story, but needed a better introduction and more non-action interactions with the main cast to show the relationships between them.
I also have to say that I do not like the art of Kyle Hotz. I get it's a very stylised art form that is going to appeal to some. But not myself.
*spoilers*
I really hate how death is so flippant here too. Swampthing died in a previous issue and was brought back here. Brought back just for the one task at the end and then he died again. And then, the big 'stinger', Man-Bat believes he will bring Swampthing back. Again! What is the point of death at all? And Kent? He left and suddenly jumps in from nowhere so that he could die. Khalid did not need Kent to be dead to be Doctor Fate. The only death/s that had a purpose were of Constantine, who was brought back by the sacrifice of Zatara.
There were also the inclusions of characters not previously seen in Justice League Dark that didn't truly feel connected because they were just dumped in there without any kind of explanation; Animal Man and Abigail Arcane. Problem is, they weren't disconnected and had a good place in this story, but needed a better introduction and more non-action interactions with the main cast to show the relationships between them.
I also have to say that I do not like the art of Kyle Hotz. I get it's a very stylised art form that is going to appeal to some. But not myself.
*spoilers*
I really hate how death is so flippant here too. Swampthing died in a previous issue and was brought back here. Brought back just for the one task at the end and then he died again. And then, the big 'stinger', Man-Bat believes he will bring Swampthing back. Again! What is the point of death at all? And Kent? He left and suddenly jumps in from nowhere so that he could die. Khalid did not need Kent to be dead to be Doctor Fate. The only death/s that had a purpose were of Constantine, who was brought back by the sacrifice of Zatara.
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