Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Jesus Merino
Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Lettering: Dave Sharpe
Cover: Jesus Merino
Publisher: DC Comics
Spoilers
Mystical, magical mayhem in the DC Universe? Usually a delight. The first issue of The Witching Hour is no exception. I adore the “team” they’ve come up with for this story arc…at least what look to be the key players around Wonder Woman. But I will leave the discovery of that to you, so as not to spoil the fun (and magic).
While not the most complex plot, I was really drawn into the story from the beginning. It’s a fun take for a short series set close to Halloween. Admittedly, I haven’t read any of the other Justice League Dark books, but I have heard that they are quite good, so I will probably be checking them out as well. I feel like the threat is a great supernatural trap for all of hour heroes and the stakes are high.
Hecate, the witch goddess, often gets a bad rap, but she does make for a good villain. Her power in this book is chilling. Still, a more evened out view of witchcraft would be welcome sometimes, I think.
The major comic book event faux pas that I really was hoping would not happen rears its ugly head, and that made me grit my teeth. Points off for this boo-boo, but otherwise, I enjoyed the plot and the dialogue for the most part.
The art was gorgeous, as can be expected. Sometimes, some of the characters seemed unnaturally elongated, especially the female heroes, but really that just adds to the spookiness. I did actually feel that the colors, while brilliant, maybe could have been a little darker, to up the creepy atmosphere. But that’s more of a personal preference.
This witchy tale was quite wild, and I am anxious to read the next one. Perhaps I can catch up on the rest of Justice League Dark while I’m waiting.
Overall: 8/10
Tee LaFrance Todd writes, edits, reads, explores, and creates whenever she can find the time. When she’s not engaged in some form of storytelling, you can find Tee traversing the world with her husband and her dog, making things, reading tarot cards, and generally striving to live a life beyond anything she can imagine.
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