JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK VOL. 1: THE LAST AGE OF MAGIC written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Alvaro Martinez Bueno is a story that even readers new to this group can still enjoy. I've heard about the "Justice League Dark" world, but only read graphic novels about individual characters in the group. In this installment, the group consists of Wonder Woman acting as team leader and general den mother, Zatanna, Man-Bat, Swamp Thing, Detective Chimp aka Bobo T. Chimpanzee, and finally, Constantine. This volume has epic battles as well as intriguing character studies.

This story opens with the magician Zatanna and her magic turning on her. Not only does the loss of control over her magic have big-scale and small-scale implications and consequences, but it is also one of the last connections to her late father. Wonder Woman swoops in to rally the troops, pick up the pieces, and take on all evildoers. I like that this book reveals something from Wonder Woman's past and shows a different side to this classic character. The rest of the crew are more hesitant to figure out what's going on and conflicted for various reasons. Zatanna is torn between guarding magical secrets and stopping the world from being destroyed by dark magic run rampant. Swamp Thing is caught in a kind of existential crisis -- but is also kind of cuddly and sweet. Man-Bat is goofy and earnest in his desire to help and make up for his criminal past. Constantine gives off a sexy "Spike" (from BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER) vibe while alternating between bad boy cool and casually self-sacrificing. Bobo is like the character in the Edgar Allan Poe classic poem "The Raven". Bobo is haunted by the death of his superhero friend, and his reaction to that loss is a major part of the second half of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK VOL. 1: THE LAST AGE OF MAGIC. The last section of this book is a series of creepy vignettes narrated by Man-Bat. All the stories are sort of in the TALES FROM THE CRYPT-style but feel a bit unfinished. The very end leaves a chilling and very ominous image for the reader.

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK VOL. 1: THE LAST AGE OF MAGIC has a diverse group of heroes, a fascinating story, and creatures out of a Clive Barker hellscape. JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK VOL. 1: THE LAST AGE OF MAGIC is so fascinating because the heroes are not only a diverse group, but most are reluctant heroes, and the bad guys are a nebulous enemy with the path to victory unclear. The ending leaves the reader and the good guys with more questions than answers or satisfaction, but it also leaves you eager to see what happens next. I look forward to seeing what's up next for this group and how they'll battle the forces of the Otherkind.