Justice League Dark #5

8.5

Critic Rating

27 Reviews
8.7

User Rating

45 Reviews
Event\Storyline Witching Hou
Writer James Tynion IV
Artist Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran
Cover Price $3.99

Wonder Woman's magic act...banned! The DCU's magical community collectively freaks out and forbids Wonder Woman and the JL Dark team from meddling in magic anymore after the disastrous events of the "Witching Hour" storyline. The team seeks refuge in the only place they can think of: Detective Chimp's inherited, magical realm of Myrra-but not everyone is happy to bow to the new Nightmaster! So how can things get worse for the sorcery super-team? One word: dragons!

Reviews (27) User Reviews (45) Rate / Write A Review

CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top

  • 10

    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles

    Nov 21, 2018

    Justice League Dark #5 is another stellar issue for one of DCs best team books going today. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison

    Nov 21, 2018

    A wonderful jumping on-point for new readers, this series is magically fantastic! Read Full Review

  • 10

    ComicBook.com - Adam Barnhardt

    Nov 21, 2018

    James Tynion IV and company are heading into their second story arc on Justice League Dark, and the title is as strong as ever. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Infinite Earths - J.D. Jr.

    Nov 22, 2018

    A darkly gorgeous trip through the magical realms of the DC Universe. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Comic Book Bin - Deejay Dayton

    Nov 25, 2018

    Issue 5 marks five great issues in a row for this book. And it looks like the next one will be just as good. Read Full Review

  • 9.6

    Comic Watch - Amit Malaviya

    Nov 23, 2018

    Simply put, between the plotting, character work, and art Justice League Dark is the best book coming out of DC's Justice League line. Read Full Review

  • 9.6

    You Don't Read Comics - Christopher Holden

    Jan 16, 2019

    While the storylines in Justice League Dark #5 are relatively tangential for the majority the protagonists, it allows for significant character development and explores some fallout of The Witching Hour without dwelling on it too heavily. Overall, Justice League Dark #5 feels like a much-needed breather between reality altering events, providing an adventure with real stakes that are more personal to the protagonists and, in turn, the reader. Read Full Review

  • 9.5

    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield

    Nov 21, 2018

    This series has a lot of dangling plot threads, and most of them are holding a ton of promise. This is easily the class of the DCU's team books at the moment. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Impulse Gamer - Andrew Bistak

    Nov 27, 2018

    Justice League Dark #5 was another strong issue from this creative team and is definitely a story that should be read by those fans who enjoy the darker side of the DCU. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Epicstream - Brian McCormick

    Nov 28, 2018

    It pushes the limit of the genre without going off the edge into overpowered ridiculousness that we often see in team comics. Read Full Review

  • 8.9

    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally

    Nov 21, 2018

    This issue is both fun and tragic in equal measure with Bobo desperately trying to come to grips with power and responsibilities that he didn't want and doesn't believe he can handle. Read Full Review

  • 8.7

    Black Nerd Problems - Mikkel Snyder

    Nov 21, 2018

    Yet, the start of The Shadow Pact is less eldritch horror, and more personal demons. Whereas the last couple of issues have been exceeding high fantasy with world-ending spells at the ready, the journey into Myrra feels more subdued, although no less dark. This arc looks like it will be a chilling examination of Detective Chimp as the rest of the Justice League Dark continues to try and preserve the magic of the DC universe. Although Tynion and Sampere seem to be imparting magic every issue, I think everything will be fine. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Geeked Out Nation - Jideobi Odunze

    Nov 21, 2018

    Justice League Dark #5 proves to us that the potential in storytelling and plot for this book is practically endless. I was captivated by the balance put into the character moments, the action, and every scene that took advantage of the wonders we needed to take from the world of magic. There is nothing else like this book out there right now and that is something to appreciate if you are looking for a full embrace. Read Full Review

  • 8.2

    The Brazen Bull - Charlie Chipman

    Nov 21, 2018

    With the "Witching Hour" arc fading away in the rear-view mirror, Justice League Dark begins moves into a new arc that shows promise. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Weird Science - Reggie Hemingway

    Nov 21, 2018

    A look at Detective Chimp's past reveals that he's been a bad monkey. What? That's offensive? What do you mean, "a chimpanzee isn't a monkey?!" They swing through trees and eat bananas, don't they? Well whatever he is, Bobo has done a bad thing, and now it comes home to roost. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    AIPT - Forrest Hollingsworth

    Nov 21, 2018

    Justice League Dark redirects course slightly coming out of 'Witching Hour' with a darkly funny and poignant piece that puts characters first. It's infinitely more interesting than most of what's come before and genuinely excites for what's to come despite a few missteps. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Dark Knight News - Steve J Ray

    Nov 21, 2018

    I'm really looking forward to the rest of this arc, especially if the quality of writing, art and surprises continues. Look out for screeching dragons, (thanks Rob Leigh… GREAT SCREECH) - not a spoiler, thanks to the cover - and more special guests than you can shake a magic wand at! This book is at the top of my monthly pull-list, and I don't see that changing. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Pop Culture Uncovered - Eric Mitchell

    Nov 21, 2018

    This ongoing Justice League Dark series is a breath of fresh air in superhero comics and I will continue to read it. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    DC Comics News - Ari Bard

    Nov 22, 2018

    Tynion to a step inward from expanding the magical mythology of the DCU in order to focus on character, and it really paid off. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    The Batman Universe - Tony Hammack

    Nov 23, 2018

    I am incredibly impressed with each issue. This book is my favorite out of the entire DC line. And this is weird, because I hate magic. I hate magic in movies and books. Yet, I am drawn to this title. A good writer is able to bring in those who are not interested in the story. And, the art enhances an already enchanting story. This book is so good. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Sequential Planet - Chris Terry

    Nov 27, 2018

    Beware that you need to read Wonder Woman and Justice League Dark: The Witching Hour #1 in order to be caught up to the beginning of this issue. Otherwise, I recommend. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge

    Apr 22, 2020

    Sampere and Albarran definitely deliver in the art department, especially once they get past the heavy block design of the first few pages of somberness, and it has a really great sense of flair and fun as we get to Myrra and all the creativity gets to be unleashed. It's definitely what I was looking for in this title and seeing it come to life makes me hopeful that there's a good bit more of it ahead still. Read Full Review

  • 7.5

    Multiversity Comics - Michael Govan

    Nov 26, 2018

    Things are improving in the magic corner of the DC Universe. Read Full Review

  • 7.0

    Comics: The Gathering - Hussein Wasiti

    Nov 21, 2018

    This was a fun issue with a killer opener. This new art team should be welcomed with open arms as they are simply fantastic. This is a two-part story so I'm looking forward to seeing how Tynion paces this story overall. Read Full Review

  • 7.0

    Big Comic Page - Indiana “Indy” Marlow

    Jan 16, 2019

    While it could perhaps be viewed as a bit of a filler/reintroduction to the main plot, this is still a cool issue and well worth picking up as we begin the journey towards the impending big boss battle that were clearly heading for in the coming months. Read Full Review

  • 6.5

    Word Of The Nerd - Brent Jackson

    Nov 21, 2018

    The middle part of Justice League Dark #5 is a little rough, it is not bad but it was a little trudge to get through at times. The beginning in ending definitely pick the issue up. The art while not jaw-dropping, it is good art and fits the series well. I continue to love the team of this New Justice League Dark team. Wonder Woman makes a good leader; with Zatanna packing a magical punch, Swamp Thing adds a nice elemental theme and Detective Chimp and Man-Bat are two standout characters. Read Full Review

  • 6.0

    Batman-News - Daniel Cheeseman

    Nov 21, 2018

    I couldn't bring myself to care about half the issue because I don't know much about Myrra and the main hero just spent the whole time alienating me. Though the weakest instalment of the series so far, Justice League Dark #5 is a solid, handsome read. Read Full Review

USER REVIEWS Back to Top

  • 10

    Samuel Almeida

    Nov 21, 2018

    What an ultra good issue! It has a lil bit of drama but then it gets really fun. I like when Tynion write in a kind of 'poetic' way. The art was 10/10 and the special appereances are so good! I freaking love JLD <3

  • 9.5

    Psycamorean

    Nov 23, 2018

    Luckily, this series recovered after the potential misstep at the end of the Witching Hour.

  • 9.0

    Miracleman92

    Dec 06, 2020

    Another great issue! Tynion is knockin' it out of the park with this incarnation of JLD. Its cool to see Tynion acknowledge Shadowpact (which was kind of a proto-JLD) and I'm excited to see what happens next.

  • 8.5

    Spacey Medicine

    Jun 03, 2019

    Yes, I liked this for the most part.

    + Like Comment
  • 8.0

    Nihilist

    Nov 21, 2018

    Justice League Dark is on its way to become a modern classic. Judging what I've seen so far, I can confidently say it's one of the best runs out there, and could definitely recommend it to any comic reader, doesn't matter if they care about the magic aspect or not. There's way more to it that sheer magic - character interactions, and character choice to begin with, is absolutely brilliant. Each hero posesses unique personality and traits making them one of a kind, valuable parts of the cast. Justice League of America may have been a spectacular fiasco, but Justice League Dark, as long as it keeps its current momentum, is going to be a must read, remembered for years to come.

  • 8.0

    ohhaimark

    Nov 22, 2018

    THE GOOD: -I did like the added depth to Bobo's character. Probably my favorite part of this issue. -Really great writing. I especially liked the narration for "The Chimpanzee Drinks" scenes. -I quite enjoyed the Myrra scenes as well. They weren't as good as some of the magical scenes in the series, but still were pretty cool. -I do like the reveal that Bobo made some kind of deal with the Blue Devil in his past that has negatively affected Myrra. THE BAD: -Daniel Sampere's art was good, but it couldn't hold a candle to Alvaro Martinez's. I actually kind of wished Greg Capullo illustrated this issue. That dragon scene was straight out of Reborn. That might be too much to ask for however.

  • 8.0

    egonnn244

    Nov 22, 2018

    "There's like five apocalypses going on each week" Magic took a big hit during the Witching Hour, but there's no time to mourn because the Otherkind and the super-creepy Upside-Down Man are still out there. So the JL Dark splits in two in the search for a way to defeat them. Constantine and Swampy confront Dr. Fate and the rest lead by Wonder Woman goes to a magical land of Myrra (Bobo is not pleased). We have action, battles and huge spectacle of magic, but then the Stranger and the Devil show up leaving us with an interesting cliffhanger. Aside from writing and an interesting story, I have to give Tynion credit for one more thing. Talking chimpanzee that is a detective is a ridiculous concept when you say it out loud. But he s more

  • 8.0

    Señor Smokey

    Nov 30, 2020

    Sad chimp

  • 7.5

    waltgator93

    Nov 20, 2018

    Great last half of the story and amazing artwork! Could have done without so much dialogue and narration in the beginning. This issue has some for most characters in this, everyone except Kirk. Feels like we have not had much from Chimp since this comic started, feels nice to finally get one! The cliffhanger does a really nice job as I now look forward to the next issue.

  • 7.5

    I Review Comics

    Apr 23, 2019

    With my review of "The Witching Over" storyline finally ending, the series gets back to normal, whatever is normal for Justice League Dark. The comic shines the spotlight on Detective Chimp as he mourns the death of his friend and mentor, Nightmaster. After Nightmaster dies Detective Chimp is left with the bar, The Sword of Night and given responsibility to protect the Realm of Myrra. He drowns his pain in liquor before being interrupted by Wonder Woman and Zatanna. They bring a new mission and requires his assistance. The sword is needed to travel to the realm of Myrra. A realm that the Chimp wants nothing to do with.  As this plot is going there is a B-Plot in which Swamp Thing and John Constantine have a brief fight with Dr. Fate more

  • 10

    FlipGeek

    Nov 21, 2018

  • 10

    Rocker97

    Nov 21, 2018

  • 10

    Bruno Mael

    Mar 13, 2019

  • 10

    VicSav

    Jun 26, 2019

  • 10

    gustave154

    Aug 07, 2019

  • 10

    Humble Hero

    Dec 10, 2019

  • 10

    canister

    Jun 28, 2022

  • 9.5

    Nicetrylaoche

    Nov 25, 2018

  • 9.5

    cincyfan

    Apr 12, 2021

  • 9.0

    WhistleBlower

    Nov 21, 2018

  • 9.0

    Jason The Dude

    Nov 24, 2018

  • 9.0

    Grifter

    Nov 24, 2018

  • 9.0

    hebele

    Nov 25, 2018

  • 9.0

    CesarCastanha

    Nov 25, 2018

  • 9.0

  • 9.0

    mrbrans

    Nov 29, 2018

  • 9.0

    Abjck

    Mar 09, 2019

  • 8.5

    TheFallenKing13

    Nov 21, 2018

  • 8.5

    Jorge Mendes

    Nov 22, 2018

  • 8.5

    ActionCity

    Nov 26, 2018

  • 8.5

    Yippeekiyay

    Nov 27, 2018

  • 8.5

    Soul Assassin

    Feb 28, 2019

  • 8.5

    Dorival

    Aug 02, 2019

  • 8.5

    BlueAndEvil

    Jul 24, 2020

  • 8.5

    ed1138

    Apr 12, 2022

  • 8.5

    Stefan Emi

    Sep 04, 2022

  • 8.0

    Tizze

    Nov 23, 2018

  • 8.0

    pizzamain

    Nov 25, 2018

  • 8.0

    EDiakota

    Nov 27, 2018

  • 8.0

    StanielK

    Dec 03, 2018

  • 8.0

    Sergione

    Feb 27, 2020

  • 8.0

    Lucas

    Jan 08, 2021

  • 7.5

    JBL Reviews

    Nov 21, 2018

  • 7.5

    Watchtower022

    Nov 22, 2018

  • 6.0

    Andrew

    Aug 10, 2019

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