Justice League Dark | |
---|---|
Group publication information | |
Publisher | DC Comics |
First appearance | Justice League Dark #1 (September 2011) |
Created by | Peter Milligan |
In-story information | |
Base(s) | House of Mystery (2011–2015) Hall of Justice |
Member(s) | See below |
Justice League Dark | |
Cover of Justice League Dark #1 (September 2011), art by Ryan Sook | |
Series publication information | |
Schedule | Monthly |
Format | Ongoing series |
Genre | Superhero |
Publication date | (Volume 1) September 2011 – March 2015 (Volume 2) July 2018 – December 2020 |
Number of issues | Volume 1: 40 (plus a #0 issue, a Futures End one-shot, and two Annuals) Volume 2: 29 (plus one Annual) |
Main character(s) | John Constantine Zatanna the Swamp Thing See below |
Creative team | |
Writer(s) | 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, or JLD, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team would make their debut appearance in Justice League Dark #1 (September 2011). The Justice League Dark team features some of the more supernatural characters in the DC Universe, handling mystical threats and situations deemed outside the scope of the traditional Justice League. Similarly to the Justice League title, the team features well-known characters such as John Constantine, Zatanna, Doctor Fate, and Wonder Woman while also bringing exposure to lesser-known supernatural characters.
Justice League Dark has been adapted twice, appearing in the animated movies Justice League Dark and Justice League Dark: Apokolips War.
Publication history
Justice League Dark was announced on May 31, 2011, as a First Wave title of The New 52.[1] The title and team was created by Peter 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 imprint Vertigo, back into the main DC Universe following Vertigo's editorial change to publish purely new, creator-owned content.[3][4]
The Search for Swamp Thing, a three part miniseries released between June and August 2011 which led up to The New 52 relaunch, and followed the events of the Brightest Day maxiseries, follows Constantine's search for the resurrected Alec Holland as the new Swamp Thing, involving the cooperation of Batman, Zatanna and Superman.[5] In addition, the Flashpoint: Secret Seven miniseries, written by Milligan as part of the "Flashpoint" crossover story line, included the Enchantress 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 2011 Flashpoint: 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 the Justice 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 with I...Vampire.[10] From issue #9, Sweet Tooth and Animal Man writer Jeff Lemire became the principal writer on the series.[11] In his first story arc, Justice League Dark took residence in their new base, at the House of Mystery, and have started to show their links with the wider DC Universe, dealing with Steve Trevor and A.R.G.U.S.[12][13]
In August 2013, it was announced that J. 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]
New Justice (2018-2021)
In March 2018, a new volume of Justice 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, the Man-Bat, and Detective Chimp, and is led by Wonder Woman.[17] Additional magical characters from the DC Universe appeared in the series, like John Constantine and Doctor Fate, although initially not as members of the League.[18][19]
Infinite Frontier (2021-2023)
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 mainline Justice 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]
Dawn of DC (2023-)
In the Knight Terrors story arc of 2023, the team members find themselves falling victim to the spells of Insomnia, becoming trapped by him within his Knightmare Realm. Remaining awake through the chaos, Zatanna and Robotman team up to defend the unconscious Wonder Woman and Detective Chimp against Insomnia's Sleepless Knights, and the Sleeping Queen.[26][27]
The third volume of the Justice 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', compromising of Zatara and the escape artist Thaddeus Brown.[28]
Fictional overview
Members
Volume 1
Early in the run, Peter Milligan stated that he was, "ruling no-one out" for future appearances, amid speculation that both the Ragman and the Spectre may feature in future comics.[29] However, writer Jeff Lemire did not include either during the series, having added Black Orchid and Frankenstein, among others, to the team.[12][30]
All members joined in issue #1 unless otherwise noted.[9]
- Madame Xanadu – A mystic and fortune teller. Originally featured in Doorway to Nightmare. She was also featured in One Year Later and Flashpoint. She has previously dealt with John Constantine in the plot of Neil Gaiman's Books 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 the Crime Syndicate.
- John Constantine – A working class Liverpudlian magician. Originally from Swamp Thing and protagonist of long-running Vertigo title Hellblazer. 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 in Hawkman #4 (November 1964), many other appearances, in 2010 had a solo series, was part of the Secret Seven during Flashpoint. 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 – The ghost of an assassinated acrobat who can possess the bodies of the living. Originally featured in Strange Adventures #205 and in Blackest Night and Brightest 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, by Steve 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 in Hellblazer in 2010, also written by Peter Milligan, although it is unclear if this will affect events in this title. He was also a member of the Secret Seven during the Flashpoint storyline. He is tasked with bringing the team together at the behest of Madame Xanadu.[9] Left the team in issue #8. after losing control of the M-Vest.[10]
- Mindwarp – An original character created by Peter Milligan for Flashpoint.[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 the Fourth Wall as evidenced by his reading Peter Milligan's Secret Seven miniseries and the Flashpoint title Deadman and the Flying Graysons. Introduced in issue #3[31] and left in issue #5.[35] He is killed in Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #15 by Felix Faust and Nick Necro during testing of Project Thaumaton.[36]
- Andrew Bennett – A centuries-old vampire from the title I... 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 under Col. 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 for Felix 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 in Justice 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 the Sword of Sorcery series. She is summoned to Earth in an effort to reconnect Tim Hunter with magic in Justice 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 against Blight 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.
- The Phantom Stranger – One of the Trinity of Sin, joined to help fight Blight during "Forever Evil".
- 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 of Flashpoint when then the DC, Vertigo, and Wildstorm 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 in Justice League (vol. 4)
A different line-up was announced for DC Rebirth and Infinite Frontier:[17]
Justice League Dark (2018 - 2022) series | |||
---|---|---|---|
Character | Real name | Joined in | Notes |
Wonder Woman | Diana of Themyscira | Justice League Dark (2018) #1 | Founded a new iteration of the Justice League Dark in issue #1 of Justice League Dark (2018). Designated team leader until her supposed death during the Dark Nights: Death Metal event. |
Zatanna | Zatanna Zatara | Justice League Dark (2018) #2 | Founding member of the first iteration of the team. Joins in issue #2. Promoted to team leader after the events of Justice League (2018) #60 |
Detective Chimp | Bobo T. Chimpanzee | Justice League Dark (2018) #1 | Recruited by Wonder Woman to join the team at the Oblivion 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, the Shadowpact.[42] |
Man-Bat | Kirk Langstrom | Justice League Dark (2018) #1 | Recruited by Wonder Woman to join the team prior to the events of issue #1. |
Swamp Thing | Alec Holland | Justice League Dark (2018) #2 | 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 the Floronic 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] |
Doctor Fate | Kent Nelson | Justice League Dark (2018) #13 | 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 League Dark: Lords of Order story line. Nelson later leaves the team in issue #24.[46] |
Khalid Nassour | Justice League Dark (2018) #13 | 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] | |
Constantine | John Constantine | Justice League Dark (2018) #2 | Original founding member and team leader. On-and-off member of the team as a consultant, acting when the need arises.[49] |
Animal Man | Buddy Baker | Justice League Dark (2018) #20 | 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 in Strange 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. |
Justice League Dark back-up feature | |||
Ragman | Rory Regan | Justice League #61 (2018) | Joins the team in issue #61 of Justice League. |
Eternal Knight | Elnara Roshtu | Justice League #69 (2018) | Recruited by Doctor Fate to help the team in issue #69 of Justice League to help stop Merlin. 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. |
Dawn of DC | |||
Deadman | Boston Brand | Justice Society of America #2 (2023) | Rejoined the League sometime prior to their team up with the JSA to battle Per Degaton. |
Madame Xanadu | Nimue Induwu | Justice Society of America #4 (2023) | Recruited by Deadman and Detective Chimp to fight Per Degaton. |
Villains
Characters | |||
---|---|---|---|
Character | Real name | Notes | Notable storylines |
Nick Necro | Nicholas Edgar Nolan | Evil sorcerer who is obssessed with obtaining the Books of Magic at all costs. Former love interest of John Consantine and Zatanna. | Justice League Dark: The Books of Magic and The Death of Magic |
Faust | Felix Faust | Evil sorcerer whose plans involve increasing his own magical power. | Justice League Dark: The Books of Magic and The 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. | Justice League Dark: A Costly Trick of Magic |
Eclipso | Kaala | Previous Spirit of Vengeance and predecessor of the Spectre. Considered one of the most powerful entities in existence. | The Flash: Eclipsed |
Merlin | Myrdin Wyld | One of history's renowned wizards in the Arthurian legends. Turned evil due to the machinations of the spirit of Yuga Khan, Darkseid's father. | Justice League Dark: The Great Wickedness |
Mister E | Unknown | Blind, mentally unstable magical vigilante and serial killer who targets what he considers evil. | Justice League Dark: The Great Wickedness |
Sapphire Knight | Ahri'ahn | Atlantean demigod 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. | Justice League Dark: The Great Wickedness |
Teams | |||
Team name | Brief description | Notable storylines | |
Injustice League Dark | 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. | Justice League Dark: The Witching War | |
Lords of Order | 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: The Last Age of Magic |
Collected issues
New 52 (2011-2016)
Title | Page count | Material collected | Publication date | ISBN | Ref | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Justice League Dark Vol. 1: | ??? | Justice League Dark (Vol. 1) #1 | Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Missing ISBN. | |||
Justice League Dark Vol. 3: The Death of Magic (The New 52 | 192 | Justice League Dark (Vol. 1) #14-21 | February 4, 2014 | 978-1401252359 | ||
Justice League Dark Vol. 4: The Rebirth of Evil (The New 52) | 208 | Justice League Dark #22-29. | August 26, 2014 | 978-1401247256 | ||
Justice League: Trinity War HC | 360 HC 320 TPB | (collects Justice League (Vol. 2) #22–23, Justice League of America (Vol. 3) #6–7, Justice League Dark #22–23, Constantine #5, Trinity of Sin: Pandora #1–3, Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger (Vol. 4) #11 | March 12, 2014 November 26, 2014 | ISBN 978-1-4012-4519-1 | ||
Forever Evil: Blight | 400 | Justice League Dark (vol. 1) #24–29, Constantine #9–12, Trinity of Sin: Pandora #6–9, Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger (vol. 1) #14–17 | September 24, 2014 | [50] | ||
Justice League Dark Vol. 6: Lost in Forever | 192 | JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #35-40, JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK ANNUAL #2 | September 1, 2015 | 978-1401254810 | ||
Justice League Dark: The New 52 Omnibus | 1624 | Collecting Justice League Dark #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; and Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger #11, #14 17; artwork gallery, and an introduction by Peter Milligan | November 9, 2021 | 978-1779513137 | ||
DC Rebirth (2016-2017)
Title | Material collected | Published date | ISBN | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wonder Woman and Justice League Dark: The Witching Hour | Wonder Woman (vol. 5) #56-57; Wonder Woman and Justice League Dark: The Witching Hour #1; Justice League Dark #4 and Justice League Dark and Wonder Woman: The Witching Hour #1 | 2019 | 978-1401290733 |
New Justice (2018-2021)
Title | Material collected | Published date | ISBN | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Justice League Dark 1: The Last Age of Magic | Justice League Dark (vol. 2) #1-3 and #5-6. | March 12, 2019 | Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Missing ISBN. | |
Justice League Dark 2: Lords of Order | Justice League Dark (vol. 2) #8-12 and ANNUAL #1. | October 22, 2019 | Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Missing ISBN. | |
Justice League Dark Vol. 3: The Witching War | Justice League Dark (vol. 2) #14-19. | May 12, 2020 | Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Missing ISBN. | |
Justice League Dark Vol. 4: A Costly Trick of Magic | Justice League Dark (vol. 2) #20-28 | January 26, 2021 | Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Missing ISBN. | |
Future State: Justice League | 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 | June 22, 2021 | 978-1779510655 | |
Justice League: Endless Winter | 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 | November 2021 | 978-1779511539 |
Other versions
Futures End
From a possible future; the roster consists of Zatanna, Etrigan the Demon, Cassandra Craft, the Black Orchid, the Nightmare Nurse, Madame Xanadu, Frankenstein, John Constantine, Amethyst, Blue Devil, Deadman, and Andrew Bennett.
DC Comics Bombshells
Several former Suicide Squad members formed a new team. This roster consists of Zatanna, John Constantine, Raven, the Enchantress, Killer Croc, and the Ravager.
Flashpoint timeline
Prior to Justice League Dark from The New 52, there was a similar version of the team called the Secret Seven in the Flashpoint timeline. The team consists of Shade, the Changing Man; Abra Kadabra, Amethyst, the Enchantress, Mindwarp, Raven, Zatanna, the Black Orchid, Klarion the Witch Boy, Miss X, Simon Magus, Stiletto, and Trigon.
Sorcerer Kings
A story line in Superman/Batman shows a possible future version of the Justice League that consists of some supernatural members. The team includes a future Batman, the Scream Queen, Traci 13, Klarion the Witch Boy and Teekel; Stanley and His Monster; Aquaman, and Etrigan the Demon.
Earth 13
Introduced in The Multiversity, a Justice League team from Earth 13 known as the League of Shadows (no relation to the League of Assassins offshoot) is similar to Justice League Dark. The team consists of Etrigan the Demon, Annataz, Deadman, the Enchantress, Fate, the Hellblazer, the Ragman, the Swamp-Man, and the Witchboy.
Countdown to Adventure
On Earth-33, the League of Shamans is a similar team to Justice League Dark. The team consists of Bat-Mage, Super-Mage, Green Lantern, the Black Bird, Terra, Lady Flash, the Shade, and Kara Zor-El.
Future State
From a possible future; the team consists of John Constantine, Zatanna, Madame Xanadu, Doctor Fate (Khalid Nassour), and Detective Chimp, the latter becoming the new host to Etrigan the Demon. They all work together to fight Merlin.
In other media
Television
- Members of the team were scheduled to appear in an episode of Constantine,[51] but that series was cancelled before those episodes were produced.[52]
- Before the cancellation of the 2019 Swamp Thing series, there were plans to introduce Justice League Dark and create a spin-off series based on that team.[53]
- In January 2020, Warner Media and Bad Robot were working to create a Justice League Dark universe in film and television.[54] In April 2020, a television series centered on the Justice League Dark characters was moving forward for HBO Max, with J. J. Abrams and Ben Stephenson serving as executive producers.[55] It was no longer moving forward by February 2023.[56]
Film
Animated
An animated Justice League Dark film was first announced in June 2016, as the next film in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series. During the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con International, both John Constantine and the Swamp Thing were confirmed to appear.[57][58] Batman, Zatanna, Deadman, Etrigan the Demon, and the Black Orchid would also appear as members of the team.[59] Initially given a release window of Fall 2016, a sneak peek, with interviews by some of the creators, was provided as a bonus feature for the DVD and Blu-ray release of Batman: The Killing Joke. The film was digitally released on January 24, 2017, then on DVD and Blu-ray on February 7, 2017.[60] In the film, Batman and Constantine recruit Zatanna, Boston Brand / Deadman, Jason Blood / Etrigan the Demon, and Alec Holland / the Swamp Thing to fight against a supernatural threat later revealed to be conducted by Doctor Destiny.
At the 2019 San Diego Comic Con, a sequel titled Justice League Dark: Apokolips War was announced and has been released in 2020.[61] In the film, the remaining heroes and villains of Earth following Darkseid's successful conquest of Earth team up to finally end Darkseid's war.
Live action
Rumors in November 2012 suggested that Guillermo del Toro was working on a Justice League Dark film titled Heaven Sent. It would feature Deadman, the Spectre, the Swamp Thing, John Constantine, the Phantom Stranger, Zatanna, Zatara, Sargon the Sorcerer, and Etrigan the Demon.[62] Del Toro later confirmed in January 2013 that he was working on such a film, with the working 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.[63]
In March 2013, del Toro gave an update on the film at WonderCon 2013, while talking about his film Pacific 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 the Demon, 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.[64] Del Toro also revealed that the Floronic Man would be in the film.[65] 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 from Warner Bros. Pictures.[66] Del Toro revealed in July 2013 that he hoped that the DC Extended Universe, which started with Man of Steel, would become as cohesive as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he added that if there was any correlation to that universe and this film, he would honor it.[67]
In October 2013, del Toro stated he felt his film would be able to coexist with the television series Constantine and reiterated that the film was still active and in the writing process.[68] In July 2014, del Toro once again stated he was working on the film, and stated it would be independent from the universe established with Man of Steel, saying, "DC and Warners have been very clear that they are trying to keep [this film and Sandman] 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).[69][70] In November 2014, del Toro confirmed that the script was complete and handed it in to Warner Bros. to be reviewed.[71] In December 2014, he hinted that the film would be part of the DC Extended Universe.[72]
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."[73] 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 to New Line Cinema. The Hollywood Reporter stated that del Toro was no longer attached to the project.[74] In July 2016, Swamp Thing test footage was released directed by Joseph Kahn.[75] In August 2016, it was announced that Doug Liman would direct the film with del Toro and Scott Rudin producing and Michael Gilio writing, with the film being titled Dark Universe.[76][77] By May 2017, Liman left the film to focus on directing Chaos Walking.[78] At the San Diego Comic-Con in July 2017, the film's title was announced to be Justice League Dark.[79] In January 2020, Deadline reported that Warner Media and Bad Robot are working to create a Justice League Dark universe in film and TV. The initiative has stalled by 2023.
Video games
- Justice League Dark appears in Raiden's ending for Injustice 2, consisting of Raiden, the Swamp Thing, Zatanna, John Constantine, Etrigan the Demon, and Deadman.
- Justice League Dark appears in a self-titled DLC pack for Lego DC Super-Villains, consisting of John Constantine, Zatanna, Etrigan the Demon, Deadman, the Swamp Thing, and the Spectre. Additionally, the Enchantress and Frankenstein are stated to be members as well.
See also
References
- ↑ "DC's Full September 2011 Solicitations [DCnU]". Newsarama. May 31, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
- ↑ Langshaw, Mark (June 7, 2011). "DC unveils supernatural titles". Digital Spy. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
- ↑ "Karen Berger Confirms DC Characters To Leave Vertigo". Bleedingcool.com. 2010-07-23. Retrieved 2013-10-09.
- ↑ "HELLBLAZER Canceled at Vertigo, Industry Reacts Strongly". Newsarama.com. 2012-11-08. Retrieved 2013-10-09.
- ↑ The Search for Swamp Thing, vol. 1, no. 1–3 (June- August 2011). DC Comics.
- ↑ Peter Milligan (w), George Perez, 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.
- 1 2 Rogers, Vaneta (June 9, 2011). "Justice League Dark interview with Peter Milligan". Newsarama. Retrieved June 14, 2011.
- ↑ Johnston, Rich (June 13, 2011). "The 12 DC Relauch Books We're Most Excited About". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
- 1 2 3 Peter Milligan (w), Mikel Janin (a). "In the Dark Part 1: Imaginary Women" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 1 (November 2012). DC Comics.
- 1 2 Peter Milligan (w), Daniel Sampere (a). "The Leaving Part 3 of Rise of the Vampires" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 8 (June 2012). DC Comics.
- ↑ Esposito, Joey (January 31, 2013). "More New 52 Change-Ups". IGN. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Jeff Lemire (w), Mikel Janin (a). "The Black Room" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 9 (July 2012). DC Comics.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Jeff Lemire (w), Graham Nolan, Victor Drujiniu (a). "Enter The House of Mystery..." Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 14 (January 2013). DC Comics.
- ↑ Sunu, Steve (August 9, 2013). "Exclusive: DeMatteis Joins "Justice League Dark" in November". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
- ↑ Rogers, Vaneta (February 6, 2015). "DC Reveals Major Changes, New Direction For Comic Book Line". Newsarama. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ↑ "DC Comics Full March 2015 Solicitations". Newsarama. December 15, 2014. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- 1 2 3 Polo, Susana (March 24, 2018). "Darkseid is joining the Justice League". Polygon. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
- 1 2 Cohen, Jason (March 26, 2018). "Justice League Dark Artist Reveals Character Designs For New DC Series". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
- ↑ JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK VOL. 1: THE LAST AGE OF MAGIC
- 1 2 James Tynion IV (w), Raúl Fernández, Alvaro Martinez (a). "The Last Age of Magic" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 1 (July, 2018). DC Comics.
- ↑ And Lanning, Ron Marz (w), Amancay Nahuelpan, Marco Santucci (a). "Endless Winter" Justice League Dark, no. 29 (February, 2021). DC Comics.
- ↑ Justice League (vol. 4) #59 (2021). DC Comics.
- ↑ Justice League (vol. 4) #71 (2022). DC Comics.
- ↑ Justice League (vol. 4) #72 (2022). DC Comics.
- ↑ Justice League (vol. 4) #74 (2022). DC Comics.
- ↑ Radtz, B. (2023-07-19). "Knight Terrors: Wonder Woman #1: What Can Spook The Goddess of Truth?". Comic Watch. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "One of DC's Strongest Heroes Has a Deep Dislike for the Doom Patrol". CBR. 2023-07-14. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ↑ Justice Society of America (vol. 2) #2 (2023). DC Comics.
- ↑ Esposito, Joey (September 29, 2011). "The New 52 Interviews: Justice League Dark". IGN. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 Jeff 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.
- 1 2 Peter Milligan (w), Mikel Janin (a). "In the Dark Part 3: Shibboleths and Alcohol" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 3 (January 2012). DC Comics.
- ↑ Hughes, Joseph (April 4, 2013). "Zatanna To Join The Justice League In Issue #22 With A New Look". Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
- 1 2 Ray Fawkes, Jeff Lemire (w), Mikel Janin (a). "The Death of Magic Part 4 The Last Stand" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 18 (May 2013). DC Comics.
- ↑ Schedeen, Jesse (April 30, 2013). "Geoff Johns and Jeff Lemire Prepare for Trinity War". IGN. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
- ↑ 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.
- 1 2 3 Jeff 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.
- ↑ Day of Vengeance #4 (September 2005)
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ "FOREVER EVIL: BLIGHT". DC. 2021-03-16. Retrieved 2021-09-04.
- ↑ Schaefer, Sandy (16 October 2014). "David S. Goyer Talks 'Constantine', Justice League Dark & DC TV Show Crossovers". Screen Rant. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
- ↑ Ausiello, Michael (May 8, 2015). "Constantine Cancelled at NBC". TVLine. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
- ↑ "REPORT: Swamp Thing Planned Three-Season Arc Leading To Justice League Dark". ComicBookResources. June 11, 2019.
- ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 21, 2020). "Justice League Dark: Bad Robot Developing Film & TV Projects Based On Warner Bros. DC Comics". Deadline.
- ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (April 16, 2020). "J. J. Abrams Sets 3 HBO Max Shows: Justice League Dark, 'The Shining' Spinoff, 'Duster'". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ↑ 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. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
In April 2020, Duster was one of three Bad Robot projects announced for the yet-to-launch HBO Max, along with The Shining offshoot Overlook and a Justice League Dark project. The latter two have since been scrapped...
- ↑ Mueller, Matthew (June 7, 2016). "Justice League Dark Revealed To Be Next DC Animated Movie". Comicbook.com. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
- ↑ Damore, Meagan (July 23, 2016). "SDCC: "JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK" ANIMATED FILM CONFIRMED; "TEEN TITANS" & MORE ANNOUNCED". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved July 23, 2016.
- ↑ Perry, Spencer (July 26, 2016). "Justice League Dark Featurette Reveals Matt Ryan Returns as Constantine!". Superhero Hype.
- ↑ Perry, Spencer (November 16, 2016). "Justice League Dark Release Date and Cover Art". comingsoon.net. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
- ↑ "Justice League Dark: Apokolips War Movie Announced".
- ↑ Chavez, Kellvin (November 1, 2012). "Exclusive: Señor Fenix Knows The Futures Of Locke & Key, Powers, Revival, J. J. Abrams and Guillermo del Toro". Latino Review. Archived from the original on March 23, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
- ↑ Collura, John (January 7, 2013). "Guillermo del Toro Talks Dark Universe, His DC Comics Supernatural Heroes Movie". IGN. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
- ↑ Vejvoda, Jim (March 30, 2013). "WonderCon: Del Toro Talks Justice League Dark Movie". IGN. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
- ↑ Goldberg, Matt (April 1, 2013). "Guillermo del Toro Talks Justice League Dark, Reveals another Character on the Team, the Status of the Screenplay, and More". Collider. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
- ↑ Cook, Tommy (May 13, 2013). "Guillermo Del Toro Gives Updates on Justice League Dark and His HBO Series Monster; Premieres New Trailer For Pacific Rim". Collider. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
- ↑ "Pacific Rim" Director Guillermo del Toro Updates Us On His Developing Projects. MTV. July 3, 2013. Retrieved July 7, 2013.
- ↑ Collura, Scott (October 15, 2013). "Guillermo del Toro Says Justice League Dark and the John Constantine TV Show Can Coexist". IGN. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
- ↑ Douglas, Edward (July 26, 2014). "Comic-Con Exclusive: Guillermo del Toro's Dark Universe Will be Separate from Other DC Projects… for Now". Superhero Hype. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
- ↑ "Guillermo Del Toro Reveals Details About Pacific Rim 2 – Comic Con 2014". Archived from the original on 2018-10-02. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
- ↑ Hughes, Mark (November 25, 2014). "Exclusive – 'Justice League: Dark' Script In Studio Hands Today". Forbes. Retrieved November 25, 2014.
- ↑ Nemiroff, Perri (December 1, 2014). "Guillermo del Toro Talks THE STRAIN Season 2, What He's Directing Himself, FRANKENSTEIN, DARK UNIVERSE, and More". Collider. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
- ↑ Couto, Anthony (April 1, 2015). "GUILLERMO DEL TORO OFFERS UPDATE ON JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK". IGN. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
- ↑ Kit, Borys (June 29, 2015). "Warner Bros. Moves 'Sandman' to New Line as Part of DC Comics Shuffle". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 30, 2015.
- ↑ "Swamp Thing Test Footage for Justice League Dark". Collider. 27 July 2016.
- ↑ Kroll, Justin (August 24, 2016). "Doug Liman to Direct 'Dark Universe' for DC, Warner Bros. (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety.
- ↑ Rougeau, Mike (October 28, 2016). "DIRECTOR DOUG LIMAN TALKS JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK MOVIE". IGN.
- ↑ Kroll, Justin (May 23, 2017). "Doug Liman Parts Ways With Justice League Dark Movie (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
- ↑ Truitt, Brian (July 22, 2017). "Comic-Con: Ben Affleck confirms he's staying on as Batman in DC films". USA Today. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
External links
- DC page: JLD2011, JLD2018
- Justice League Dark at Comic Vine
- DC Comics The New 52 – Justice League Dark, DC Comics.com