By Bill Willingham, Matthew Sturges & various (DC Comics)
ISBN13: 978-1-84576-892-8
The third Shadowpact collection (reprinting issues #14-19 of the monthly comic-book series) advances the long-running Doctor Gotham plotline as the all-powerful sorcerer sets a trap and finally confronts the Supernatural Superteam in all-out combat. Written by Willingham, with art from Tom Derenick and Wayne Faucher, ‘The Redemption Contract’ is a truly epic, highly plausible and authentic confrontation. If wizards fought superheroes this is the way they would do it!
There’s even time to further examine the plight of Blue Devil, indentured to Hell but with Vatican exorcists and the slickest lawyer in America trying to get him out of his Infernal Contract. The deeply sardonic vein of humour is counterbalanced by blockbuster thrills and chills as Chicago is almost eradicated and the team’s roster is dramatically changed.
The sheer spectacle of this tale is followed by an impressive outing from writer Matthew Sturges who splits the team when a dimensional jaunt strands Nightmaster, Nightshade and Ragman in a dire otherworld populated by zombies and madmen (a tale to be concluded in the next volume) whilst remaining earthbound members Detective Chimp, Enchantress and Blue Devil’s replacement (ex-Justice Leaguer and actual Angel) Zauriel are left to face a slaughter-crazed magical construct who has complete control over women.
‘Darkness and Light’ is an atmospheric three-part tale magnificently illustrated by Doug Braithwaite, Derenick & Faucher and Phil Winslade, and the consistently high quality writing and art has made this series one of the very best new superhero sagas on the market.
Although the comic has gone now, hopefully these books (see also Infinite Crisis: Day of Vengeance – ISBN 1-84576-230-4, Shadowpact: the Pentacle Plot – ISBN: 1-84576-533-8 and Shadowpact: Cursed – ISBN13: 978-1-84576-738-9) will continue to find an appreciative audience and lead to a revival of this much-missed comic.
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