With the largest lineup in DCU history, the current Justice League is in a class of its own.
Pending the mission, their lineup varies with the elite of the elite. This will be needed even more with the impending return of Darkseid.
One of the breakout characters of this run has been Cadejos. The fire-breathing force has been on a tear lately but a new mission strikes all too close to home.
JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE DARK REALM SPECIAL #1 by Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain & Dave Sharpe (DC Comics) unveils this fan-favorite’s origin in an all new adventure.
Let’s see take a closer look.
JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE DARK REALM SPECIAL #1 by Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain & Dave Sharpe (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
This issue marks Mora’s writing debut. The opening sequence shows Andreas with his daughter, who get swept up in a nightmare scenario. It is a strong openign that pulls at the heartstrings fast. Once events snap to present, the struggle for control between Andreas and his spirit is on full display. It taps into familiar themes while pushing the mission forward. This also gives Mora a chance to bring in other heroes like Rana Dorada and Boruka to speak about the fiery fighter at the JL Watchtower.
Readers get some awkward moments veiled behind their breakdown of their friend. It helps steer the team to Costa Rica where Cadejos is on the hunt. Pacing speeds up as the discovery forces the hero into a dangerous situation. The writing leans heavily into a horror aspect at this point. It is a very strong change to see the story go this dark but it offers a great challenge to the hero. As others join in, the writing switches gears into a faster gear to usher through the combat. It wraps on a steady but bittersweet finish, leaving the audience wanting much more. A solid debut in the writing department.
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As for the art, Mora and Bonvillain do what they do best: Loud action and exceptional visions. The majority of the book is near full page images to sell the magnitude of the story. Andreas time with his daughter switches into a full-on nightmare scenario. The transformation in Cadejos is a powerful moment. Mora does mix in quieter points into play such as the lunch on the Watchtower. Seeing Rana Dorada, Boruka and Billy Batson form a bond helps to rally around their choices later in the book.
Cadejos’ mission in Costa Rica pays a nice “Mortal Kombat” homage in the early stages. It gives way to a terrifying discovery. The full page sacrifice scene is chilling in presentation. Readers watch as fear starts mounting as the combat takes place. The JLU save is a full page look. Panels fly rapidly at readers as the action gets to a fever pitch. It resolves on a steady note to transition to close. The final page leaves a haunting reminder of the pain Cadejos feels and fuels his rage. Impressive work as always.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
Cadejos steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight in an instant thriller. Mora’s writing is a solid debut with a fair share of drama and action. Along with Bonvillain, the art is electric at every turn. A stunning look at a fierce warrior driven by vengeance and honor.
Let me know your thoughts on JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE DARK REALM SPECIAL #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
