DC Comics announced on Tuesday that a handful of comics in the “dark” line of “The New 52” would have a changing of creative teams. Stormwatch, Justice League Dark, and Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. will all be affected by this shift of comic book writers including Peter Milligan, Jeff Lemire, and Matt Kindt.
First up, let’s take a look at Stormwatch. Stormwatch, in my opinion, has been a sleeper hit that has yet to appeal to a mass audience under the guidance of the incomparable Paul Cornell. And while I’ve loved the series, I can admit that the comic has yet to take off or feel important, so it’s not a surprise to me that veteran Peter Milligan has replaced Cornell to bring a new direction to the series. Cornell announced a couple of months ago that he would be leaving the title, but until now we haven’t learned who his permanent replacement would be. Milligan promises to bring an added intensity to the title that will force the science fiction nature of this book to become even more prevalent and it will certainly breathe new life into the title.
The next book to be affected by this move is Justice League Dark. With the change of Peter Milligan to Stormwatch, it’s left an open spot on the dark Justice League’s title. Enter Jeff Lemire. If one man can raise the importance and dark, awesome nature of Justice League Dark, it’s Jeff Lemire. Lemire is currently taking writing duties on Animal Man, Sweet Tooth, and Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E., and he is proving his worth as a post-Seven Soldiers writer that is carrying the look and feel of the group of misfit heroes. I’ve often compared the feel of the “dark” line of DC Comics to Grant Morrison’s Seven Soldiers, especially the team up of the members of Justice League Dark, and with Lemire being one of the few writers that seems to be able to convey that mentally, it pleases me to no end that he will be the new writer of the series. In the official release from DC Comics, Lemire stated that he would be bringing two new members to the team including one female and one male, one whose power is magical, and one who is not. I know I keep harping on this, but I’d love to see the introduction of some Seven Soldiers veterans. Maybe introduce Klarion The Witch Boy as the magical male and Bulleteer as the non-magical female? Barring that and using logic instead of pipe dreams, I’d be almost certain that Frankenstein, Animal Man, Andrew Bennet (from I, Vampire), or Swamp Thing to fill the male role. No matter what, I’m insanely excited about this change up that will take place with Justice League Dark #9 in May. This change also comes after a crossover with I, Vampire, hence my thought that Andrew Bennet may be introduced to the team.
So, with Jeff Lemire replacing Peter Milligan on Justice League Dark, that would probably mean that Jeff Lemire would at some point vacate a title that he’s working on, but which one would that be? Well, with the immense praise that Animal Man has received, it’s pretty much impossible that he’d leave that title under its current state. And you must be smoking something incredible to think that Lemire would vacate Sweet Tooth until he’s done with the story that he cherishes. So, that leaves one title, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E., which as much as I love that book, I can understand this change up completely. Jeff Lemire has done an amazing job with this book, but compared to the praise that he’s received on these other titles, I’m glad that he’s moved to a book that has more exposure than Frankenstein. So, who would take Lemire’s place? There’s only one possible person: Matt Kindt. Now, you may be asking yourself, “Who the F is Matt Kindt?” and I’d tell you that you need to get your thoughts in order before you ask a question like that. Matt Kindt has steadily been making his name both with art and writing on titles like The Tooth from Oni Press, as well as Jeff Lemire’s Vertigo title Sweet Tooth. Yes, I assume that he’s a fan of teeth, also. But, if you’re really curious as to why he’s the obvious choice for Frankenstein, then look no further than the solicitation for Men of War #8. In this issue, Frankenstein makes a guest appearance on the title that will be written by none other than Jeff Lemire and… you guessed it, Matt Kindt. If you’re looking to jump on with Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #9 with Matt Kindt, make sure to pick up issue eight of Men of War. I expect this title to catapult Kindt into the upper echelon of comic book creators. Make sure to watch this book.
The dark line of DC Comics has been my absolute favorite part of the DC Relaunch as it captures several aspects of what I love about comics, while also feels like an extension of a lot of Vertigo titles, as well. And with this shifting of creators with some of DC’s most talented creators, I honestly feel like nothing but good could come from this change up. So, if you’re looking for a place to get started with these comics, and you really should check them out, make sure to either pre-order them now, or look on your tablet or in your comic book stores in May, because if you don’t, you’ll be missing out on some great comics.
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