Writer Jeff Lemire to Take Over Justice League Dark

DC Comics announces Jeff Lemire as new Justice League Dark writer

Jeff Lemire takes over writing Justice League Dark with issue #9

We knew that DC Comics was set to make a few announcements today.  While many people expect these announcements to include word of new titles, to be part of DC’s “Second Wave” of books, the first bit of news has to do with an existing title; Justice League Dark.  Jeff Lemire (Animal Man, Sweet Tooth) will be taking over the writing chores of Justice League Dark beginning with issue #9 of the title, replacing Peter Milligan, who’s been writing the book since it launched back in September.  And, not wasting any time, Lemire has already started discussing his plans once he takes over.

The existing Justice League Dark team

Talking about his upcoming Justice League Dark stint over on DC’s Source Blog, here’s part of what Jeff Lemire had to say about what he has in store for the title…

“This is my dream gig at DC Comics, no doubt about it. The characters in Justice League Dark are my absolute favorite in the DC Comics stable, and I can’t believe I’m actually getting a chance to write John Constantine, Zatanna and Deadman (as well as a few new team members!).

I obviously have my own ideas for the title as well, and can’t wait to share them with readers. One of the things I’m anxious to explore is just why the name “Justice League” is in the title of this book? I want to explore and create new connections between this team of mystical misfits and Geoff and Jim’s big guns in The Justice League. On that note, Geoff and I have had many discussions on how to link our two books and make the Justice League franchises connect in new and unexpected ways. More on that in the near future…

So, what else can you expect from the “New” Justice League Dark? Well, you’ll see an old haunt becoming the team’s new HQ. Constantine, the master manipulator that he is, will emerge as the clear leader of the team, and there will be 2 new members as well! (Hint one’s a man and one’s a woman. One uses magic, one doesn’t.) Not enough….hmmm…how about a classic Justice League villain re-imagined as The Justice League Dark’s new arc-enemy? And that’s just the start. I have a huge storyline planned with implications across the Dark line of books.”

Jeff Lemire

For all sorts of reasons, I’m really happy to see Lemire take over writing Justice League Dark.  Anyone familiar with his work on his other books such as Animal Man and Sweet Tooth know that the guy is talented.  And, yes, he also happens to have a proven track record of being able to write stuff that actually sells incredibly well.  If any of you doubt that, kindly look into what kind of numbers Animal Man – any issue from any year – was putting up.  Then compare that with what it’s done under the direction of Jeff Lemire.  Exactly.

And the fact that DC is willing to invest in having one of their top writers work on the book is reassuring.  Had you asked me back when DC’s New 52 first kicked off which of the books I thought would be one of the first to be canceled, I probably would have included Justice League Dark somewhere on that list.  Aside from John Constantine – and it isn’t even Vertigo John Constantine – the team really doesn’t feature any A-list (or, arguably, even any B-list) characters.  I give outgoing writer Peter Milligan all the credit in the world for being able to make this book so solid.  He absolutely gave Lemire a lot to work with and really did a great job at fusing these characters together in a very powerful and effective way.

It would certainly sound as if Jeff Lemire has every intention of hitting the ground running with Justice League Dark.  As DC releases more news on Justice League Dark, or on any of its other titles, I’ll be sure to keep you updated.  Until then, be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below.