Continued from JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #13, it’s the big finale to Jeff Lemire’s first epic story! Guest-starring Frankenstein and, from the new series SWORD OF SORCERY, Amethyst!
Thus far it has been somewhat of a rarity for a New 52 annual to serve a meaningful purpose, but Lemire and Janin have produced the book that every other future DC annual should aspire to be. I've racked my brain to try to find something that something to criticize about this book, but I cant pinpoint even the slightest problem. JLD Annual #1 is essentially perfect.I only wish that every story arcs conclusion could be rewarding as this one. Read Full Review
Somehow, Mikel Janin drew this and issue 13, and is still able to stay consistent. I'm pretty sure he'll need a pretty long break to catch up, but I'm fine with that. We need more Mikel Janin art right now!Justice League Dark Annual #1 is absolutely perfect. I mean it. This is one of the best books to hit the stands this year! Read Full Review
The best conclusion to the War for the Books of Magic story that I could ever ask for, this was a brilliant issue that had some amazing appearances, adding new members to the JLD. Lemire has done a phenomenal job throughout this story, and I'm really looking forward to the next story, ans seeing what he can do next. I would easily recommend this issue, as well as the entire series, as it's been a truly epic read. Read Full Review
Simply put, Lemire and Janin work together to create true comic book magic. Read Full Review
Without question, DC Comics has found its perfect team in Lemire and Janin. Here's hoping for a long run for what is actually shaping up to be the World's Greatest Super-Heroes after all. Read Full Review
Justice League Dark is easily one of the brightest jewels in the DC crown. Read Full Review
This book is one of the big reasons why I love the New 52. Sure there have been glaring issues nad continuity errors in some books, but there's no way DC Comics would have been able to put out this comics in the pre reboot DC universe. For that, I thank them. Read Full Review
Add pretty pictures to a great story filled with incredible characters and you've got me hooked. The only way to improve that package is to make the story thicker, which "Justice League Dark Annual" #1 does quite nicely. Even though this is the third installment of "The Books of Magic" story, the issue is completely approachable as though it were simply issue #1. What isn't addressed through the story itself is made clear in the various editor's boxes spread throughout the issue, helping round it out. The annual does not bring full closure to the Books of Magic plot, but it does offer a complete -- and completely entertaining -- adventure. We were just given "Justice League Dark" #13 last week and the annual this week, so it's going to be another four weeks before our next hit, but this story is strong enough to be read more than once in that span. Read Full Review
I came in completely cold to everything, and I enjoyed this. I would have enjoyed it more if the story had a better conclusion, but a comic is supposed to hook you for next month…So, congratulations, DC. I've gone back to my local comic books store and picked up #0 and #13. If this annual can get me to do that, it's got to have something going for it. Read Full Review
This is just a great, fun read! It's a bit pricey, but I think even if you haven't been reading this title, that this issue could make you a regular. Read Full Review
Justice League Dark has really found its footing in this storyline, and this issue has done a perfect job of capping off the team's latest adventure. If you haven't been following this title, this issue is impressive enough to track down the previous issues, get caught up, and then finish up with this one. Seriously, it's that good. If you're not able to find those past issues, pick up this book anyway and enjoy the ride. You won't be disappointed. Read Full Review
Overall, a its wonderful extra-sized chapter to a terrific story. While the annual may not stand on its own as a self-contained story, its still a great example of storytelling in comics, and provides a thrilling read that exceeds most other books that either company pulls out. Forget theJustice Leaguemovie, Warner Bros. should just adapt Lemires, because the last few issues have been such blockbuster issues, this one included. Call it magicor just good comics. Read Full Review
While this book represents some of Lemire's first missteps with his run on JL Dark, they're greatly outweighed by the gorgeous artwork, the spot on characterization, and the twisting, turning plot. Lemire has done his best to establish the DC Universe's magical universe as a place not defined by light or dark - despite the title's implications - but as the grey area that exists away from the world of conventional heroes and villains, and the culmination of his first arc has put a fine point on that concept, showing that it's not the tools you have, it's what you do with them. Jeff Lemire and Mikel Janin are using theirs to redefine their own corner of the DCU, and it's pure magic. Read Full Review
This, of course, all plays into the recently leaked rumor about a Guillermo del Toro directed movie featuring a lot of these characters. If that is true, which seems highly suspect, then don't be surprised to see the Dark books get ever more cozy, with Phantom Stranger and the Demon joining the team as well, all amping up for del Toro's movie. Regardless if that manages to be true or not, the book is becoming something special under Janin and Lemire, and is well worth checking out. Read Full Review
Lemire has to pull a few implausible strings to get the story he wants, and even then it doesn't have quite the excitement you'd want. Overall, decently executed, but you end up more worked up by the promise of the next story than the resolution of the one at hand. Read Full Review