Justice League: Dark Realm Special #1: One Bad Dog

Dan Mora makes his writing debut with Justice League: Dark Realm Special #1, combining two things he does exceptionally well: horror and DC superheroes. Joined by longtime collaborator colorist Tamra Bonvillain and letterer Dave Sharpe, the result is a wonderfully strange, visually spectacular special that introduces and gives Cadejos the spotlight while introducing a much darker corner of the DC Universe. The opening is fantastic, immediately establishing the kind of unsettling atmosphere Mora wants to explore by tapping into folklore from his home of Costa Rica. This feels like an old-school horror comic, with grotesque imagery, creepy character designs, and visuals that don’t pull any punches. The Cenobite-esque figures tied to Darkseid are especially terrifying, and Mora makes sure they leave an impression. There’s even a fun Mortal Kombat reference thrown into the mix that fits perfectly within the action.

Mora’s collaborations with Tamra Bonvillain have always been top notch, and this issue is another reminder of how well the two bring out the best in each other. Bonvillain’s colors are a standout, enhancing the horror while giving the more fantastical elements an incredible sense of scale. Her use of purples and reds are especially effective, and fit so well in this story. With Mora writing this time around, he gets to put exactly what he wants on the page, and Bonvillain makes it look like the coolest thing you’ve ever seen.

The dialogue is fairly heavy, but it works in the context of the story. Dave Sharpe’s lettering helps keep the pages moving, guiding readers through Mora’s script without letting the exposition overwhelm the visuals. There’s a very specific tone and style at work here, and the creative team commits to it completely. The transition to the Justice League Watchtower initially feels a little jarring after the story’s intense horror opening. This is, after all, a Justice League book, but the shift takes some getting used to. Thankfully, it all comes together when the League arrives to help Cadejos, equipped with magic-powered suits that are every bit as cool as they sound. The spectacle doesn’t diminish the horror so much as give it a different dimension, allowing Mora to bring the two sides of his storytelling together.