Volume 1: Peter Milligan (#1–8),Jeff Lemire (#9–23, #0,Annual #1), Ray Fawkes (#15–21),J. M. DeMatteis (#24–40,Annual #2,Futures End #1)Dan DiDio (#23.1–23.2),Ann Nocenti (#23.1) Volume 2: James Tynion IV
Artist(s)
Volume 1: Mikel Janín
Penciller(s)
Volume 2: Alvaro Martinez
Inker(s)
Volume 2: Raul Fernandez
Colorist(s)
Volume 2: Brad Anderson
Creator(s)
Peter Milligan Mikel Janín
Justice League Dark, orJLD, is asuperhero team appearing inAmerican comic books published byDC Comics. The team made their debut inJustice League Dark #1 (September 2011). The team features some of the more supernatural characters in theDC Universe, handling mystical threats and situations deemed outside the scope of the traditionalJustice League. Similarly to theJustice League title, the team features well-known characters such asJohn Constantine,Zatanna,Doctor Fate, andWonder Woman while also bringing exposure to lesser-known supernatural characters. Two animated films were produced based on the team:Justice League Dark (2017) andJustice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020).
Justice League Dark was announced on May 31, 2011, as a First Wave title ofThe New 52.[1] The title and team was created byPeter Milligan, with art by Mikel Janín. The title launched on September 28, 2011.[2] The title brought several of DC Comics'occult and offbeat characters, something which had been a trait of sister imprintVertigo, back into the mainDC Universe following Vertigo's editorial change to publish purely new, creator-owned content.[3][4]
The Search for Swamp Thing, a three partminiseries released between June and August 2011 which led up toThe New 52 relaunch, and followed the events of theBrightest Daymaxiseries, follows Constantine's search for the resurrected Alec Holland as the newSwamp Thing, involving the cooperation ofBatman,Zatanna andSuperman.[5] In addition, theFlashpoint: Secret Seven miniseries, written by Milligan as part of the "Flashpoint" crossover story line, included theEnchantress and Shade, the Changing Man and introduced the character Mindwarp in the lead-up to the start of the series.[6]
Peter Milligan stated in an interview that he got the job for the book from his work on the 2011Flashpoint: Secret Seven miniseries, and that he hoped to write something "emotionally dark" set in the DC Universe, comparing his characters to detectives, who struggle to cope with the things they see and have to do.[7] The initial anticipation for this title has been good, with critics celebrating the fact that DC are willing to bring back some of the darker elements which had moved over to Vertigo in the 1990s.[8]
The opening story line involves the Enchantress' defeat of theJustice League, leading to the necessity of a more supernatural team to assist in these events, and detailing how they have come together.[9] There is also a minor crossover story withI...Vampire.[10] From issue #9,Sweet Tooth andAnimal Man writerJeff Lemire became the principal writer on the series.[11] In his first story arc, Justice League Dark took residence in their new base, at theHouse of Mystery, and have started to show their links with the wider DC Universe, dealing withSteve Trevor andA.R.G.U.S.[12][13]
In August 2013, it was announced thatJ. M. DeMatteis would take over as series writer from Lemire in November 2013, after a solo issue by Ray Fawkes in October.[14] The series ended publication in March 2015.[15][16]
In March 2018, a new volume ofJustice League Dark was announced. Spinning out of the "Justice League: No Justice" story line, the title debuted in July 2018, written by James Tynion IV and drawn by Alvaro Martinez, Raul Fernandez and Brad Anderson.[17][18] The team features Zatanna, the Swamp Thing, theMan-Bat, andDetective Chimp, and is led byWonder Woman.[17] Additional magical characters from the DC Universe appeared in the series, likeJohn Constantine andDoctor Fate, although initially not as members of the League.[18][19]
The second volume ran regularly for 29 issues from July 2018 to February 2021.[20][21] The team would continue to appear as a back-up feature in the mainlineJustice League series from issue #59 in May 2021 to issue #71 in March 2022 with guest appearances throughout issues #72 to 74.[22][23][24][25]
In theKnight Terrorsstory arc of 2023, the team members find themselves falling victim to the spells ofInsomnia, becoming trapped by him within his Knightmare Realm. Remaining awake through the chaos,Zatanna andRobotman team up to defend the unconsciousWonder Woman andDetective Chimp against Insomnia's Sleepless Knights, and the Sleeping Queen.[26][27]
The third volume of theJustice Society of America included supporting appearances from the Justice League Dark, with Deadman and Madame Xanadu returning to the team. The series also introduces a predecessor to the Justice League Dark known as the 'Justice Society Dark', consisting ofZatara and the escape artistThaddeus Brown.[28]
Early in the run, Peter Milligan stated that he was, "ruling no-one out" for future appearances, amid speculation that both theRagman and theSpectre may feature in future comics.[29] However, writer Jeff Lemire did not include either during the series, having addedBlack Orchid andFrankenstein, among others, to the team.[12][30]
All members joined in issue #1 unless otherwise noted.[9]
Madame Xanadu – A mystic andfortune teller. Originally featured inDoorway to Nightmare. She was also featured inOne Year Later andFlashpoint. She has previously dealt with John Constantine in the plot ofNeil Gaiman'sBooks of Magic miniseries, where their relationship is fraught, as he has deceived her in the past. She brought the team together. She was captured as part of Project Thaumaton for theCrime Syndicate.
John Constantine – A working classLiverpudlian magician. Originally fromSwamp Thing and protagonist of long-running Vertigo titleHellblazer. John became the leader of the group in key issue #9.[12] Ousted as team leader in issue #30, and replaced by Zatanna.
Zatanna – A stage magician. First appeared inHawkman #4 (November 1964), many other appearances, in 2010 had a solo series, was part of the Secret Seven duringFlashpoint. She has previously been romantically involved with John Constantine.[31] After assisting the Justice League during the "Throne of Atlantis" story line, she sides with the JL again in issue #22 for "Trinity War".[32] She left Justice League Dark after issue #18.[33][34] She was captured as part of Project Thaumaton for the Crime Syndicate. She became the leader of the team in issue #30.
Deadman – Theghost of an assassinated acrobat who can possess the bodies of the living. Originally featured inStrange Adventures #205 and inBlackest Night andBrightest Day. Constantine found him soon after he was lost after the Crime Syndicate appeared, bound to the Sea King.
Shade, the Changing Man – A hero with the power to warp reality. Originally featured in his own title, bySteve Ditko, and was later 'rebooted' in Peter Milligan's run on the series in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was featured in a crossover event inHellblazer in 2010, also written by Peter Milligan. He was also a member of theSecret Seven during theFlashpoint storyline. He is tasked with bringing the team together at the behest of Madame Xanadu.[9] Shade leaves the team in issue #8 after losing control of the M-Vest.[10]
Mindwarp – An original character created by Peter Milligan forFlashpoint.[7] In the event, he was a member of the Secret Seven. Jay Young is a man who possesses the powers of telepathy and astral projection. He may be aware of theFourth Wall as evidenced by his reading Milligan'sSecret Seven miniseries and theFlashpoint titleDeadman and the Flying Graysons. Introduced in issue #3[31] and left in issue #5.[35] He is killed inTrinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #15 by Felix Faust andNick Necro during testing of Project Thaumaton.[36]
Andrew Bennett – A centuries-oldvampire from the titleI... Vampire. Becomes a member of Justice League Dark as a favor to Constantine and is forcibly induced permanently by him.[37] Left the team in issue #14,[13] rejoined in issue #35.[38]
Black Orchid – A new shapeshifting version of Black Orchid. Revealed to be Alba Garcia, an A.R.G.U.S. agent who worked underCol. Steve Trevor.[13] Joined in issue #9.[12] She was captured as part of Project Thaumaton for the Crime Syndicate. Left the team in issue #30.
Doctor Mist – The A.R.G.U.S. supernatural expert and consultant, he is tasked alongside Black Orchid to keep watch on Constantine. He is later revealed to be a spy working forFelix Faust.[39] He tries to redeem himself by opening a portal to another dimension to save Tim Hunter and Zatanna. Joined in issue #9[12] and left the team after it was revealed he was working for Faust in issue #11.[39]
Frankenstein – An erudite creature created by Viktor Frankenstein, Frankenstein first assists the team inJustice League Dark Annual #1.[30] He chooses to stay with the team in issue #14, out of a sense of responsibility towards Zatanna and Tim Hunter.[13] He was captured as part of Project Thaumaton for the Crime Syndicate. Left the team in issue #30.
Princess Amaya of House Amethyst – A fantasy princess from the world of Nilaa, and the main character of theSword of Sorcery series. She is summoned to Earth in an effort to reconnect Tim Hunter with magic inJustice League Dark Annual #1.[30] Last seen with the team in issue #14.[13] Afterwards, she returned to Nilaa.[40]
Timothy Hunter – First introduced in issue #11,[39] Timothy is a boy destined to wield and open the Books of Magic. He gave up his magic to save his father, but it was brought back when he shook Amethyst's hand.[30] Timothy decides to stays in the alternate dimension as a wizard-king with his father at the end of issue #18.[33]
Swamp Thing – First joined the team in the "Horror City" story line, issues #19–21,[41] and continues to aid them in their fight againstBlight and subsequent threats for the remainder of the run.
Nightmare Nurse – Joined to help fight Blight during "Forever Evil". A mysterious woman capable of healing even the most grievous mystical or supernatural wounds. Tried to clone the Swamp Thing to help Justice League Dark but the clone died, leaving the real Swamp Thing in its place. Her name may be Asa.
Pandora – One of the Trinity of Sin, joined to help fight Blight during "Forever Evil". She unleashed the Seven Sins on Earth and has been fighting them for thousands of years. Her Box was a gateway that let the Crime Syndicate come from Earth-3. She is the mysterious figure who appeared at the end ofFlashpoint when then the DC, Vertigo, andWildStorm universes merged into one. She later appeared throughout the DC Universe, seemingly observing all the characters. Left the team in issue #29.
Zauriel – An angel who is a guardian of Heaven. He joined to help fight Blight during "Forever Evil".
Volume 2/back-up feature inJustice League (vol. 4)
Founded a new iteration of the Justice League Dark in issue #1 ofJustice League Dark (2018). Designated team leader until her supposed death during theDark Nights: Death Metal event.
Recruited by Wonder Woman to join the team at theOblivion Bar in issue #1.[20] While he was not a member of the original Justice League Dark team, Bobo was a founding member of its spiritual predecessor, theShadowpact.[42]
The Swamp Thing joined the team after joining Zatanna in locating the team and battling the Otherkind in issue #2.[43] The Swamp Thing's body was seemly destroyed at the hands of theFloronic Man in issue #15.[44] The Swamp Thing rejoined the team after having his body restored thanks to a plan hatched by Constantine in issue #23. This resulted in the Swamp Thing possessing the memories and knowledge of the prior Swamp Things.[45]
Joins the team in issue #13 in an advisory capacity, but does not operate within the team as Doctor Fate due to the events of the Justice LeagueDark: Lords of Order story line. Nelson later leaves the team in issue #24.[46]
Joins the team in issue #13 in as an adviser and initially does not operate under the Doctor Fate moniker.[47] Eventually acts as a full-time member and Doctor Fate in issue #18.[48]
Buddy Baker has the ability to temporarily use the abilities of animals (such as a bird's flight or the proportionate strength of an ant). Buddy is also the guardian of the Red, which is the life force of all living animals. First appeared inStrange Adventures #180 (September 1965). Buddy joins the team in a battle against plant-human zombies in Los Angeles in Issue #20. Buddy helps the team defeat Anton Arcane of the Rot and restore the balance of the life forces through a gathering of the Parliament of Life in issue #23. Buddy also seemingly leaves the team after this issue.
Recruited by Doctor Fate to help the team in issue #69 ofJustice League to help stopMerlin. New character created from the series. Debuted in issue #59.
Randhir Singh
Justice League Dark 2021 Annual #1 (2021)
Joins the team to help keep magic safe.
Dark Crisis event
Swamp Thing
Levi Kamei
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #4 (2022)
Joins the team to fight against the Great Darkness.
Evil sorcerer whose plans involve increasing his own magical power.
Justice League Dark: The Books of Magic andThe Death of Magic
Upside-Down Man
None
Leader of the Otherkind that preys on magical creatures and dark counterpart of Hecate. Considered one of the most powerful magical beings in existence.
Atlanteandemigod and Lord of Order who is considered one of Atlantis's most benevolent rulers and mages. Considered an enemy of Doctor Fate and the Justice League Dark due to insanity or mind control. While Merlin employed him under mind control, he called him the Sapphire Knight.
A villainous group that antagonizes the Justice League Dark, acting as their evil counterpart similarly to the Legion of Doom and Injustice League group for the Justice League.
A group of magical beings that represent order in the universe. While traditionally portrayed as a force of good or neutral, a group of Lords of Order were pitted against the team.
Justice League Dark: Lords of Order
Otherkind
A race of magical beings from the Other Place, a dimension in which claims to be the source of all dark magic. The dimension is considered a piece of the Great Darkness alongside others (i.e.,Darkworld). The Otherkind prey on magical beings, absorbing their magic for nourishment. They are led by the Upside-Down Man.
Justice League Dark (vol. 1) #0–40;Justice League Dark Annual #1–2;Justice League Dark: Futures End #1;Constantine #5, #9–12;I, Vampire #7–8;Justice League #22–23;Justice League of America #6–7;The New 52: Free Comic Book Day Special Edition #1;Trinity of Sin: Pandora #1–3, #6–9;Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger #11, #14–17;
Wonder Woman and Justice League Dark: The Witching Hour
160
Wonder Woman (vol. 5) #56–57;Wonder Woman/Justice League Dark: The Witching Hour #1;Justice League Dark (vol. 2) #4;Justice League Dark/Wonder Woman: The Witching Hour #1
Future State: Justice League #1–2;Future State: Justice League Dark #1–2;Future State:Aquaman #1–2;Future State:Green Lantern #1–2;Future State: The Flash #1–2
Justice League:Endless Winter #1–2;The Flash #767;Superman: Endless Winter Special #1;Aquaman #66;Justice League #58;Teen Titans: Endless Winter Special #1;Justice League Dark #29;Black Adam: Endless Winter Special #1
An alternate universe incarnation of Justice League Dark appears inThe New 52: Futures End, consisting of Zatanna,Etrigan, Cassandra Craft, Black Orchid, the Nightmare Nurse, Madame Xanadu, Frankenstein, John Constantine, Amethyst,Blue Devil, Deadman, and Andrew Bennett.
The Secret Seven, a team inspired by Justice League Dark, appears inFlashpoint, consisting of Shade the Changing Man,Abra Kadabra, Amethyst, the Enchantress, Mindwarp,Raven, Zatanna, Black Orchid,Klarion the Witch Boy, Miss X, Simon Magus, Stiletto, andTrigon.
An alternate universe incarnation of Justice League Dark appears inDC Comics Bombshells, consisting of Zatanna, John Constantine, Raven, the Enchantress,Killer Croc, andRavager.
The League of Shadows, a group from Earth-13 inspired by Justice League Dark, appears inThe Multiversity, consisting of Etrigan, Annataz, Deadman, the Enchantress, Fate, the Hellblazer, the Ragman, the Swamp-Man, and the Witchboy.
The League of Shamans, a group from Earth-33, appears inCountdown to Adventure, consisting of Bat-Mage, Super-Mage, Green Lantern, the Black Bird,Terra, Lady Flash, the Shade, andKara Zor-El.
An alternate timeline incarnation of Justice League Dark appears inFuture State, consisting of John Constantine, Zatanna, Madame Xanadu, Doctor Fate (Khalid Nassour), and Detective Chimp, the last becoming Etrigan's host after Merlin separated him from Jason Blood.[65]
Justice League Dark was scheduled to appear in an episode ofConstantine prior to its cancellation.[66][67]
Justice League Dark was planned to appear inSwamp Thing and star in a spin-off series prior to the former's cancellation.[68]
In January 2020, Warner Media andBad Robot were working to create a Justice League Dark universe in film and television.[69] In April 2020, a television series centered on the Justice League Dark characters was moving forward forHBO Max, withJ. J. Abrams andBen Stephenson serving as executive producers.[70] It was no longer moving forward by February 2023.[71]
Rumors in November 2012 suggested thatGuillermo del Toro was working on a Justice League Dark film titledHeaven Sent. It would feature Deadman, the Spectre, the Swamp Thing, John Constantine, thePhantom Stranger, Zatanna,Zatara,Sargon the Sorcerer, and Etrigan.[77] Del Toro later confirmed in January 2013 that he was working on such a film, with theworking title,Dark Universe, and was hiring a screenwriter. Del Toro revealed the Swamp Thing, Constantine, the Spectre, Deadman, Zatanna and Zatara were characters in the story.[78]
In March 2013, del Toro gave an update on the film atWonderCon 2013, while talking about his filmPacific Rim. He revealed that the story bible was complete and he hoped to start the screenplay soon. Production would begin after his next project,Crimson Peak. The film's story would center around John Constantine recruiting the Swamp Thing, Etrigan, Deadman, the Spectre, and Zatanna. The film would not be an origin story, with each character already established and elements of their backstory coming into play throughout the film.[79] Del Toro also revealed that theFloronic Man would be in the film.[80] In May 2013, del Toro revealed that his script featured Constantine, the Swamp Thing,Madame Xanadu, Deadman and Zatanna as the team, with others "in the mix". He also revealed that he was still waiting for the go-ahead fromWarner Bros. Pictures.[81] Del Toro revealed in July 2013 that he hoped that theDC Extended Universe, which started withMan of Steel, would become as cohesive as theMarvel Cinematic Universe, and he added that if there was any correlation to that universe and this film, he would honor it.[82]
In October 2013, del Toro stated he felt his film would be able to coexist with the television seriesConstantine and reiterated that the film was still active and in the writing process.[83] In July 2014, del Toro once again stated he was working on the film, and stated it would be independent from the universe established withMan of Steel, saying, "DC and Warners have been very clear that they are trying to keep [this film andSandman] separate so when the time comes they can unite them, once they know they’re quantifiable." Del Toro also added that his Constantine would not adhere to the continuity established in the television series, but he would consider incorporating elements from it, and even think about casting the same actor (Matt Ryan).[84][85] In November 2014, del Toro confirmed that the script was complete and handed it in to Warner Bros. to be reviewed.[86] In December 2014, he hinted that the film would be part of the DC Extended Universe.[87]
In April 2015, del Toro said the script revision has been handed in and if there was availability in his schedule, he would direct it; if not, "somebody else will do it... [The film] needs to fall into the plan of the shared universe."[88] In June 2015, the film was confirmed to still be in development at Warner Bros., with some of their other Vertigo Comics film adaptions moving toNew Line Cinema.The Hollywood Reporter stated that del Toro was no longer attached to the project.[89] In July 2016,Swamp Thing test footage was released directed byJoseph Kahn.[90] In August 2016, it was announced thatDoug Liman would direct the film with del Toro andScott Rudin producing andMichael Gilio writing, with the film being titledDark Universe.[91][92] By May 2017, Liman left the film to focus on directingChaos Walking.[93] At San Diego Comic-Con in July 2017, the film's title was announced to beJustice League Dark.[94] In January 2020, Deadline reported that WarnerMedia andBad Robot are working to create a Justice League Dark universe in film and TV. The initiative has stalled by 2023.
Justice League Dark appears in a self-titled DLC pack forLego DC Super-Villains, consisting of John Constantine, Zatanna, Etrigan, Deadman, the Swamp Thing, and theSpectre. Additionally, theEnchantress andFrankenstein are stated to be members as well.
^ The Search for Swamp Thing, vol. 1, no. 1–3 (June- August 2011). DC Comics.
^Peter Milligan (w), George Pérez, Fernando Blanco (p), Scott Koblish (i), Tom Smith (col), Rob Leigh (let). "Part One: Hunter's Moone" Flashpoint: Secret Seven, vol. 1, no. 1 (August 2011). DC Comics.
^abcdeJeff Lemire (w), Mikel Janin (a). "The Black Room" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 9 (July 2012). DC Comics.
^abcdeJeff Lemire (w), Graham Nolan, Victor Drujiniu (a). "Enter The House of Mystery..." Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 14 (January 2013). DC Comics.
^abcdJeff Lemire (w), Mikel Janin (a). "The War for the Books of Magic Conclusion" Justice League Dark Annual, vol. 1, no. 1 (December 2012). DC Comics.
^abPeter Milligan (w), Mikel Janin (a). "In the Dark Part 3: Shibboleths and Alcohol" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 3 (January 2012). DC Comics.
^Peter Milligan (w), Mikel Janin (a). "In the Dark Part Finale: There Was A Crooked Man" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 5 (March 2013). DC Comics.
^DeMatteis, J. M. (w), Blanco, Fernando, Miguel Sepulveda (a), Anderson, Brad (col), Lanham, Travis (let). "Forever Evil: Blight: Seize the Fire!" Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger, vol. 4, no. 15 (February 2014). DC Comics.
^Jeff Lemire (w), Mikel Janin (a). "The Black Room Part Two" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 10 (August 2012). DC Comics.
^J.M. DeMatteis (w), Tom Derenick (a). "The Amber of the Moment, Part One: Long before Yesterday" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 35 (December 2014). DC Comics.
^abcJeff Lemire (w), Mikel Janin (a). "The Black Room Part Three" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 11 (September 2012). DC Comics.
^Christy Marx (w), Travis Moore, Karl Story (a). "Hostile Takeover" Sword of Sorcery, vol. 1, no. 4 (January 2013). DC Comics.
^Jeff Lemire, Ray Fawkes (w), Mikel Janin, Vincente Cifuentes (a). "Horror City" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 19–21 (June 2013). DC Comics.
^James Tynion IV (w), Raúl Fernández, Alvaro Martinez (a). "The Last Age of Magic" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 2 (August, 2018). DC Comics.
^James Tynion IV (w), Raúl Fernández, Alvaro Martinez (a). "The Witching War" Justice League Dark, vol. 3, no. 15 (October, 2019). DC Comics.
^James Tynion IV, Ram V (w), Kyle Hotz (a). "The Parliament of Life" Justice League Dark, no. 23 (June, 2020). DC Comics.
^Ram V (w), Amancay Nahuelpan (a). "As Above, So Below" Justice League Dark, no. 24 (July, 2020). DC Comics.
^James Tynion IV (w), Raúl Fernández, Alvaro Martinez (a). "The Lords of Order" Justice League Dark, vol. 2, no. 13 (July, 2019). DC Comics.
^James Tynion IV (w), Raúl Fernández, Alvaro Martinez, Javi Fernandez (a). "The Witching War" Justice League Dark, vol. 3, no. 18 (May, 2020). DC Comics.
^James Tynion IV (w), Raúl Fernández, Alvaro Martinez (a). "The Last Age of Magic" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 3 (July, 2018). DC Comics.
^Porter, Rick (February 16, 2023)."'Duster' Series from J.J. Abrams a Go at HBO Max".The Hollywood Reporter.Archived from the original on February 16, 2023. RetrievedFebruary 16, 2023.In April 2020,Duster was one of three Bad Robot projects announced for the yet-to-launch HBO Max, along withThe Shining offshootOverlook and a Justice League Dark project. The latter two have since been scrapped...
