Justice League Dark #21: The Heart of the Rot

The new issue of Justice League Dark brought with it a few new artists, but the excitement stays the same! With Ram V on script, JLD kicks things up a notch to become one of the best action-horror titles available right now.

Let’s dig right into this story, because while it may not be overly complex, there are a few moving pieces. Abigail within the Dreaming of Decay is starting to become more and more the catalyst that pushes the team onward despite the rampant infection that Animal Man, Detective Chimp and Wonder Woman are trying so hard to contain. With Constantine and Zatanna trying to pull everything together, including their own rocky relationship, Justice League Dark #21 truly feels like a fully realized story that isn’t missing any opportunities to tell a great story.

Is it too much, though? Part of the outstanding appeal to Tynion IV’s run thus far has been the more linear style of storytelling, and this new arc really opens things up. While I still particularly enjoy that it doesn’t require months of back reading on certain events to follow along, it’s difficult to deny that this is a cumbersome read. But it’s still an absolute pleasure.

The artwork is different, yes, but it captures many of the same visual themes and nuances that helped kick the arc off last issue. There is a particular Wonder Woman spread where she fights her way down a fire escape ladder that proves this creative team can hold their own with the best. It’s a wonderful example of inventiveness in panel design and execution, and speaks to the quality of the entire issue. Sure some of the details aren’t quite as vivid, but it’s every bit as powerful. Plus who wouldn’t want Rob Leigh’s letters on their book? They aren’t overbearing, but they perfectly help to carry readers through this spectacle of an issue.

From enlisting the help of the lowly Helminth, a microscopic flatworm, to the Hall of Justice, this is an issue that maintains a fast pace while firmly establishing the stakes at hand.  The infected are horrific, giving the artists plenty of moments to gross readers out, and the character beats feel genuine. For fans of  Justice League Dark, this is an easy decision to purchase. It’s a strong continuation of an already great series, so don’t miss out!