Justice League Dark #7 By Milligan / Sampere
Given how much I enjoyed its opening six issues, its fair to say that I groaned when I learned that I, Vampire would be crossing over with Justice League Dark, a series that I had only the faintest interest in. As a newcomer to D.C continuity, the prospect of a title starring a team of relatively unknown characters in a universe that I am barely familiar with was far from an exciting one. But I went back, I picked up the opening six issues and I was pleasantly surprised. It had its faults, but Peter Milligan managed to introduce the team effectively, even if some of his plotting was a little sketchy.
This seventh issue begins the Rise of the Vampires crossover that sees the Justice League Dark team learning of Andrew Bennet's shocking death in the last issue of I, Vampire, and the ramifications that have seen an ages old evil being resurrected. It sounds elaborate, but the bulk of this issue sees the team taking on a seemingly endless stream of vampires, while trying to figure out how they can reverse a turn of events that has seen Gotham City taken over by the undead. This is classic super hero stuff, albeit under a more supernatural guise, and Milligan writes it well. His dialogue is a little heavy handed at times, but as has always been on the case on this series, his character work is excellent. Already, the majority of the team feel well fleshed out, and all seem to fit into what is becoming an interesting, if so far underdeveloped team dynamic. The crossover with I, Vampire is so far, a little unexplored, but coming issues promise to change that. Batgirl's appearance was a welcome surprise too, and a good way of highlighting D.C's shared universe.
Daniel Sampere is something of an unknown quantity, and his work is certainly unique. Hugely varying, often from panel to panel, his artwork carries an ethereal flavour that suits this book to a tee, although it is slightly inconsistent at times. I did miss the moody style that Andrea Sorrentino usually brings to the world of I, Vampire, but Sampere is an adequate replacement.
This issue was an enjoyable, if unspectacular way to kick off a crossover that promises to exceed my, admittedly meagre expectations. Not a great deal happens, but Milligan performs some good set up work, building to what should be a fun storyline.
B
