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Justice League Dark #0 - Young Bastards Review

5

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How did John Constantine become the mystic he is today?

The Good

John Constantine is one of my favorite characters that I know almost nothing about, and this issue makes me feel like I'm on the same page with the rest of the DC readers... the ones that don't read HELLBLAZER that is. This issue is a fantastic jump-on point for any new reader who is interested in the Justice League Dark or more so in Constantine and Zatanna, since this story primarily revolves around these two characters.

Constantine, a magic user, heads to New York City looking to become well versed in all things magic, since Europe didn't have much to offer him. There he meets Nick Necro and his lady, Zatanna, at an occult club. He becomes an apprentice and learns a lot about magic, while his feelings grow for Zatanna. This issue had an overall great story that was incredibly interesting and gave a lot more depth to its JLD characters.

I've always liked Zatanna and seeing the relationship between her and Constantine develop was very intriguing and gave me a better appreciation for the two of them and where their characters are at now. I loved Nick Necro, who is a more obsessive and egotistical version of Constantine. I hope the character comes back. Well, I have a very good feeling about that, since this character's obsession is finding the Books of Magic which is what Constantine is currently trying to do in the main story line.

We are also introduced to the cult of the Cold Flame, a group of black magic cultists with a knack for repeating their own name. It's an element that really fits into the world that Jeff Lemire has done a great job at developing since he took over the book.

Penciller Lee Garbett does a fantastic job on this issue. His best work appears during the summarized time Constantine spends with Zatanna and Necro. The page layouts are unique and interesting, and they have a great sense of flow to them.

The Bad

There is one panel, towards the end of this issue, where Zatanna is speaking in reverse to make a member of The Cold Flame disappear and her face looks a bit messed up. Either her right eye is too large or out of place, or her face is way too large for her head. It really caught me off guard since Lee Garbett's pencils were fantastic throughout the issue.

The Verdict

This is one of the top issue 0s that DC has put out. JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK 0 is a fantastic jump on point for new readers and reintroduces the world to two characters most people know but may not be too familliar with: Constantine and Zatanna. It's a fantastic story from start to finish.

Lee Garbett does a great job with the art in this issue, especially on a couple pages where the page layouts were fantastic as we sped through the character's lives together. However, these was a panel, towards the end which Zatanna's face looked extremely awkward.

Jeff Lemire has done a fantastic job with this book so far, and this is a great point to start reading. I highly recommend this issue.

15 Comments
Posted by ApatheticAvenger

Loved every moment of this issue, JL Dark is swiftly becoming a favorite.

Posted by longbowhunter

Not familiar with Lee Garbet. His stuff reminded me a bit of Phil Hester, who I love. I did notice a continuity error in one of the panels. Zatanna has a magic gag on, when she knees the guy in the groin it's gone. Next panel she's ripping it off her mouth. Story wise I loved this issue. Since Lemire has taken over this title it has really become a favorite.

Posted by FacetiousBeard

I've been a big fan of HellBlazer for along time and, though I knew he was in JLD, I didn't really want to know anything about it because it wouldn't be the Constantine I know. What with the zero issues being a jumping on point and with his smug little mug on the cover I thought I'd give it a go. Through this issue I realised two things: 1.) I was right about it being him not being the Constantine I know 2.) I was wrong about not wanting to know.

Everything I learnt in this issue pointed towards a more naive version of Constantine but learning he's both the Leader of JLD and dating Zatanna I found myself thinking that I like this 'family friendly' Constantine, so I'm in. I'm off to find me twelve new comics.

Posted by mattysp83

Started reading this with issue 9. This has become one of my favorite series up there with Swamp thing and animal man. You can't go wrong with any of the DC dark line. As good as the art was in this issue, it has not been on par with the rest of the series. I can only speak for issues 9-12, but they are gorgeous. Read this series!

Posted by new_onslaught

@FacetiousBeard: Make sure to get issues 9-12. They're from the writer of #0. I started Justice League Dark form #9 because of Lemire and it's already one of my favorite titles.

Posted by TheSmallvillefan12

Haven't followed the series but I'm going to start with this issue.

Posted by inferiorego

@TheSmallvillefan12 said:

Haven't followed the series but I'm going to start with this issue.

@new_onslaught said:

@FacetiousBeard: Make sure to get issues 9-12. They're from the writer of #0. I started Justice League Dark form #9 because of Lemire and it's already one of my favorite titles.

Take that advice SmallVilleFan. Lemire's run has been great so far.

Staff
Posted by Billy Batson
John Constantine is one of my favorite characters that I know almost nothing about, and this issue makes me feel like I'm on the same page with the rest of the DC readers... the ones that don't read HELLBLAZER that is.

Why haven't you? D:
BB

Posted by theTimeStreamer

meh. average 4 stars at most. constantine is a real bastard. taking even the man's coat. bastard.

Posted by jpblair88

Overall a fantastic issue. this is definately one of my favorite books coming out. though personally for a huge John Constantine fan it was kind of disappointing to see him actually get an official origin issue in this continuity. i much prefer the idea of the guy as being the "Constant-One" who appears when the worlds balance of good and evil are out of whack and need rebalancing. he still carries that kind aura but the origin was just unimpressive for the character. that said i am looking forward to seeing these plot-lines develop.

Posted by hyenascar

Yeah Nick Necro was in Justice League Dark #12. I've read so many Hellblazer's, and yet this was fun to read a new beginning for Constantine. Not to mention seeing a new beginning for one of my favorite characters Zatanna, This is a must read if you have any interest at all in them.

Edited by TheThe

Dont get why Zatanna would date such a stinky and liar douchebag.

Posted by cloudzackvincent

@FacetiousBeard: he is not dating Zatanna at present

Posted by tim_mik

What a difference since Lemire came on board. I went from sort of liking the series to loving it.

Posted by Haaydrian

I can't agree with a lot of the Lemire love here. I don't think the difference is THAT big and I'm not digging the current story arc. That said, this issue was bomber.

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