Writer: Dan Didio
Artist: Philip Tan
Publisher: DC Comics
In a week where the only villain book anyone seems to be talking about is Ra’s Al Ghul, it would be easy to miss a book that is so much better. Justice League Dark 23.2 Eclipso is one of those villains books that just hits the right notes on so many levels.
The tale of the Black Diamond has been going around the New 52 since it started, with it appearing in books such as Team 7, Sword and Sorcery and Catwoman. Each time it has appeared chaos has followed and to those who have come in contact with it, they have never been the same. However the true horror of the Black Diamond is the evil that is imprisoned inside, namely Eclipso. Claiming to have been around since creation, he boasts that he is the shadow of God and has been looking for the right person to set him free.
This is the main plot point of the tale and brings in Gordon Jacobs, who seems to be the New 52 version of Eclipso’s long-standing host in the comics Bruce Gordon. Throughout the course of the New 52 Eclipso has possessed many, but as the preview for this issue states, he now finds the one who was destined to possess the Black Diamond. The whole issue we are given glimpses into his previous appearances and with cameo images from Amethyst, Grifter and Catwoman, we learn just how devious and persuasive Eclipso is.
Many may not be in the know about this character, but after reading this issue they will have a good understanding and respect for him. Dan Didio has made the character seem so genuine in his lies and adds a smooth almost used car salesman like quality to him. Able to make his sound like he really wishes to help Jacobs and makes him do things to allow for his possession, and once that takes place the chaos ensues.
Dan Didio and artist Philip Tan have brought this week my pick for the best Villains title. A fresh look at a character that is one of the more interesting villains in the line-up, rather than re-hashing old stories like most of the villains titles have. That is why this works and why those that are not origins stories, but those that allows the continuation of the current universe are the ones to pick up.
4.5 out of 5 nerds
Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
Nerd Comments