Shadowpact #25 - DC

I've really enjoyed this book. Plus I love these characters. I think it's pretty cool that Danny got his powers back . . oh wait . . I don't think I was supposed to spoil that. Oh well, you'll have to read it if you don't know how he did it. Anyways, this is the final issue of the series and it's the showdown with the Sun King and Dr. Gotham. Needless to say . . they beat them both. But actually, I thought it was kind of anti-climatic. I mean, there was all this build-up . . all these Shadowpacts from various times across Earth's history . . and even a few little teasers as to how some of them are connected and where some of the characters may be going from here. All the spell-casters get together and one of them has an idea that if they want to beat them, they'll need to draw in their energy from all the different times in which they're attacking. They do . . they siphon off his power . . and boom!! It's over! Granted, that was drawn out and took up most of the book, but really . . that's about how it happened. Next thing we know, they're all back in the Oblivion bar and they're hoisting ale to celebrate their victory. The Phantom Stranger even stops for a second to give them all a word of encouragement. But it's not really the end. There's a Reign in Hell mini-series coming up in a couple of months, and I guess the Shadowpact is going to play a pretty significant role in it. Like I said, it always seems like Phil Winslade comes on at the end of the series. This is the second or third time that he's done it . . that I can think of. Which is kind of sad because now I have this negative connotation about him, but I really enjoy his work. Oh well . .that won't be the first, or last, time that's happened. Like I said, I've enjoyed the book and I'll be sad to see it go. Hopefully we'll see them all around the DC Universe . . soon!

Shadowpact #24 - DC

I can't believe there's only 1 issue left of this book. That stinks! I really that that Matthew Sturges was starting to hit his stride with these stories. Bill Willingham, obviously, brings a completely different feel to the book, but I thought Matthew was handling the various characters quite well. However, I knew the writing was on the wall when Phil Winslade came on board as the artist. For some reason, especially with these sword & sorcery titles, Phil is like the relief pitcher. He comes in for the last few innings, er . . I mean issues . . so that the title can go out on an up note. I'm hoping with this Reign in Hell story-line coming up this summer, that we'll see whomever's left standing after this Sun King thing, at least in some capacity, in that story-line. I know this books only been around for 24 issues, but I've really come to like these characters. I didn't really like it when Danny lost his powers, but . . in this issue, you'll see that he's going to do some improvising. "You heard what the man said, Laura. If we're going to beat this Sun King character, we need the entire Shadowpact. Hell, we need three of them, apparently." Which is what the Phantom Stranger does this issue. He's brought together the Shadowpact from 100 years past, and the one from 100 years in the future. I guess this Sun King threatens the world across time as well as space. And with all the minions of hell, apparently, at his beck and call . . this is going to be a heck of a fight for our team. We'll just have to wait for next issue to see who's left standing . . and where they're going to go from here. It'll be a sad issue . . . for me anyways.

Shadowpact #23 - DC

I'm afraid that this may just be the last story-arc for our intrepid magical heroes. That's really a shame too. We've already lost Jim to his quests in Myrra. Now the rest of the team may be dissipating also. Danny, Blue Devil, however does comes back this issue. He's done 13 labors for the church in trying to regain his soul. But now the church has decided that it can't officially involve itself with legalities in hell. "It would be inappropriate." So he has to leave to matter to his lawyer. But they discover a loop-hole. His soul can only be given back by the person who got him into this mess in the first place . . his brother. So while in court, Danny, who is a fourth-level rhyming demon, orders his first-level brother to relinquish him from his contract. If not, he would have to surrender all his titles and holding to Danny. But, "Be careful what you wish for!", now that he has his soul back, he has to return everything else . . . the trident, the skin of the demon . . everything. Danny is completely mortal now. All of this happens just as Dr Gotham is trying to further the power of his lord . . the Sun King. He's been going around the globe capturing souls . . with threshing boxes . . to feed him. He's now powerful enough to make his presence known. But the Phantom Stranger can't let something of this magnitude happen so he's brought together the Shadowpacts of past, present and future. "I give you . . . Shadowpact United!" This should be an interesting development. Matthew Sturges has taken over the full scripting chores. So while the stories are good, they aren't quite as outlandish as Bill Willingham's. But that's ok. And it appears that Phil Winslade will be the artist for the final arc. It's really to bad. This is a unique book in the DC Universe right now. It'll be a shame to see it go. Anyone out there with me? Let your voices be heard.

Shadowpact #22 - DC

They've brought Phil Winslade in to do the art on the last couple of issues. That's a good . . and bad thing. It's good because he's a fantastic artist. I mean, look at that cover. It's incredible. The bad thing is, it seems like on these sword and sorcery books, he always seems to come in at the end. So, if that holds true, this book is probably done for. And that would be sad. But don't get to upset because right now, that's purely speculation. I've seen the previews up to issue #25, and they haven't mentioned anything about it being the final story-arc or anything. I'm just speculating, and commenting, based on previous performance. I could be wrong. I actually hope that I am. Anyways our team finally comes together, in Myrra, to fight the un-bound. The Enchantress and Laura caused a breach from our side which enabled them to get across. The problem is, the un-bound were trying to get through from the Myrra side, so they're ready to invade our Earth. Long story short, they beat the un-bound. Basically they introduce a virus, of sorts, in to their programming. But the bad news is, Nightmaster decides to stay behind to help Myrra rebuild. He feels that he owes them that. Plus, he really digs the adventure. But now Shadowpact if left leaderless and they still have to go up against Dr Gotham and the Fire King. I really hope I am wrong, because I like this book. There's no real sword & sorcery books out there right now. And I like the feel of this one. But . . we'll see. I hope they can withstand the market.

Shadowpact #21 - DC

This issue tells us the story . . the explanation really . . about what has happened in the Nighshade Dimension, that has caused Eve's powers to malfunction. It actually has to do with Arcady, the city, or world, where Jim, the Nightmaster, was the local hero. It seems after he left them, they were approached by some outsiders needing refuge. They called themselves the Unbound. Well . . . not at first, but when their brand of lunacy, or brainwashing, washed over enough of the city, they could drop their facade of peaceful coexistence. Eventually they turned enough of the population over to their side, that they became the force to be reckoned with. Now, they are building some kind of energy beacon in the center of town, and are feeding it with the bodies of their followers. The problem is, the dimension that they're trying to breach is ours. They just haven't quite been able to do it yet. But, they may be getting some unexpected help . . from the rest of the Shadowpact team. Enchantress has finally figured out that the rest of the team is trapped in the Nightshade dimension, and with Laura's help they're going to try to breach the barrier between the worlds. They're doing so on a mesa in Arizona, because that's where the barrier is the thinnest. However, from the last page of the book, it looks like this was all the help the Unbound needed to finally breach the barrier. So now, on top of almost killing themselves, and trying to rescue their teammates, they're also going to have to defend the Earth from an invasion from a different dimension. But I guess it's all in a days work for this group. Matthew Sturges is now on the scripts, and Tom Derenick does the pencils. I feel like the book, right now, is finally living up to it's potential. It'll be interesting to see where they go from here.

Shadowpact #20 - DC

Our team is actually split up on a couple of fronts here. Nightshade, Ragman and Jim Rook are stuck in the Nightshade dimension. They were on their way someplace else, when traveling through the dimension, Nightshade's powers went on the fritz and she couldn't teleport them back out. They soon saw a city in the distance and decided that's where they should travel too. As it turns out, it's Arcady, the capital city of Myrra. "This is where I became Nightmaster." So, while we thought being stuck here was a reflection on Nightshade, or her powers. It actually seems to have something to do with Jim. As they're approaching the city, she mentions that it feels like the power that's holding them in in coming from it. So apparently they're only beginning their adventure. But, during this issue, we do learn some interesting things about Nightshade and Jim's powers. Meanwhile, in hell, Blue Devil is fighting for his life against Homo Magi. He's been assigned to perform acts of Penance to make up for his becoming a Demon for personal gain. My question is though, why do all these Homo Magi guys all seem to look like Jim Rook? Is there something going on here that we don't know? Anyways, as he's fighting them the Wild Hunt shows up. You know. Those big demon dogs that worked for the Wild Huntsman. Well Danny thinks it's over when the dogs turn on their masters, the Homo Magi. With the tides turned, Blue Devil quickly defeats them. Then he finds out that the lead dog is actually Rex the Wonder Dog. Remember when he put on the collar to go undercover all those issues ago? Well, he's been working the Hunt from the inside and is now their leader. Turns out he was the actual only dog in the bunch. So now, I guess, Blue Devil will be on to his next task. We don't see the rest of the team. I assume they're back at the Oblivion Bar, trying to find they're partners. But I'm sure we'll find out some more about them next issue. Matthew Sturges has taken over the scripting chores, and it appears that Kieron Dwyer will be the new penciller. I really like this series, and I hope that it lasts. But we'll probably have to wait until our team all finally comes back together to see what kind of long-term affects all of this will have on them. Like I said, I hope they decide to stick around. We'll see!

Shadowpact #19 - DC

I've liked this book from the beginning, but lately, it actually seems to be getting better. Matt Sturges has been helping Bill Willingham with the scripts the last couple of issues, but, with this issue, it appears that he's taking on the full reigns of the author. And, I have to say, I really enjoyed his first solo outing. With the plethora of characters available to them, from the Oblivion bar, I'm glad to see that they're finally utilizing some of their resources. Zauriel and the Midnight Rider partake in the adventure this issue also. They've been in the last couple. Our team, or part of it, finally decide to try to find Laura. Of course Dr. Gotham's doppelganger initiated it with a mystic note supposedly from her, and an obvious trap. But, they take the chance anyways. It appears that they are overpowered, magically, except that the drama between Gotham and his protege help turn the tide. In the end, they free Laura with little or no damage to themselves. Of course Gotham gets away. We also get a glimpse of our trio trapped in the Nightshade dimension. They were trying to travel through it when Nightshade's powers gave out on her. But now they've found some sort of city, so maybe next issue they'll find some answers as to why they're stuck, and how to get out. We also had a new artist this issue, doing the cover and interiors. Phil Winslade handles all the artistic chores this issue. And, visually, it's a very nice piece of work. My only complaint was that we didn't get to see Blue Devil this issue. But, by looking at the next cover, it appears that will soon be remedied. It's nice to see a "magical" book doing this well.

Shadowpact #18 - DC

Well it appears that Matthew Sturges is the regular writer on this series now. And Tom Derenick with be the penciller. Both are welcome additions. This Dr. Gotham, brought the Fire-King to our universe a couple of issue ago. Actually he only brought a very small essence of him. So, in order for him to grow in to a real threat he has to feed it. It's dinner of choice is young females. But not any, they have to have some kind of magical powers. That's the only way he can feed and grow. So, lacking a suitable candidate, he feed him his assistant. Being in need of a new assistant now, he grew one from himself. He basically pulled him apart from his body, creating a younger version of himself. He figured this would be the perfect assistant. So Devon, as he calls himself, goes trolling for women to feed the King. He seems really hellbent on getting Laura Fell, the Warlock's daughter. Eventually he does get her, but by that time he's got a dozen or so women waiting at the Dr's quarters to satiate the King. He's saving Laura for himself because I think he's planning on making a move on the Dr.. Oedipus Rex, and all that. Meanwhile Nightshade, Ragman and Jim Rook are trapped in the shadow realm. They were trying to pass through it on their way someplace, but for some reason they can't get out. And the locals, yes there's people, or beings, living there, don't seem to overly concerned for their cause. And the Enchantress and Detective Chimp are looking in to a series of womens deaths in Gotham. They're all young, into magic, and apparently died by suicide. But they've all died in ways that a person wouldn't normally be able to kill themselves. So it looks like Dr Gotham is leaving a trail. That or maybe Devon is, to try to bring him down. Either way, currently our team is pretty split up, and they all seem to be in situations that put them in the deep end of the pool. And if they don't start paddling soon . . . they're all gonna drown. I liked this series right from the beginning. But, I actually think it's gotten better since that first story-arc. Good job, guys.

Shadowpact #17 - DC

I'm not sure why I like this book so much. But I do. It's got a great cast of characters. And I was really diggin' Bill Willingham's writing. But, as of this issue, I guess, Matt Sturges takes over the creative helm. I thought he did a pretty good job with this issue. Also, on this issue, Doug Braithwaite does the art. He did the cover too, so it's pretty much the same. There was a really nice look and feel to the book. Right now our team is dealing with all kinds of magic fall-out. It seems like it's never ending. They just go from one assault to another. No rest for the weary. They've even gone to the extent of having the Enchantress start training the Warlock's Daughter, so they can get some extra help. They get another emergency in DC, so Nightmaster, Ragman and Nightshade head there. They're traveling through the nightshade dimension, but when they go to leave they can't get out. So who knows what kind of nightmares they're going to run in to there. Blue Devil is still down in hell trying to accomplish the first of his 13 tasks. They've been assigned to him by heaven. He's hoping to gain penance for all the bad decisions he's made. So the long and short of it is, they've just got through this zombie thing, and it looks like they're already having get ready for attacks from 3 or 4 sides. They are truly the hardest working people in the magic-biz.

Shadowpact #16 - DC

It takes a whole issue here, but they tell us what happened after Dr. Gotham blew the Volcano in downtown Chicago. I mean, yes there were some fatalities, but . . nowhere near what there could have been. Anyways, long story short, when the dust cloud started coming towards them, Nightshade started scooping up as many people as she could and took them to her Nightshade dimension. She even scoops up whole buildings. Right around that time, some members of the Justice League showed up to lend a hand. Zatanna produced air bubbles around the survivors, and Superman, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman tried to pull out as many people as possible. About this same time, the Enchantress, realizing that his powers weren't a part of him, but rather from a pocket dimension inside his cloak, dove in to see what damage she could do. Once there she finds thousands upon thousands of magical items, and knowing that she only has a limited time there, starts smashing as much stuff as possible. Eventually Dr. Gotham shakes her loose and then teleports away. Meanwhile, in Hell, Blue Devil's lawyer is arguing his case with . . . the devils . . I guess. He's got a pretty compelling argument, but then one of Hell's lawyers steps up to say that Danny's contract is actually an extension of his brother's, Jack. At the same time Danny is talking to some high ranking priests, trying to figure out what and how many act of contrition he has to perform to save his soul. He has to complete 13 tasks. The first? ". . . an army of warrior-magicians is marching on this world, determined to overthrow it. They're called the Homo Magi. We'd like you to stop them." It just goes from bad to worse for this group. And the next issue blurb says, "Dr. Gotham is far from being done with our hard luck heroes." Sucks to be them! But anyways, it was a fantastic issue, by Bill Willingham and Tom Derenick.

Shadowpact #15 - DC

I really get the feeling that Bill Willingham really loves this team. He really seems to be having a great time writing their stories. And he barely misses a beat with Zauriel filling in for Blue Devil. But we do get a glimpse of Danny this issue. He's down in Hell, in his Kingdom. He's retrieved his mother and father. But now he has to look for his brother and sister. Which until this exact moment, he actually forgot he had. I think there's a mystery there. Also he has to figure out what to do with his parents. Where to put them, and how to keep them safe. But, the majority of this issue has to deal with Dr. Gotham. He's in Chicago, of all places, holding a school bus full of children hostage until Shadowpact comes to face him. We do learn a useful piece of information this issue though. Enchantress figures out that the power he wields does not come from within him. Rather it comes from some outside force, and he's just controlling it. But that's all she finds out so far. They do come to challenge him, but rather than fight, he creates a volcano out of the ground underneath the city. So now their attention has to be spent on saving the civilians. But when the volcano implodes and sends out a shock-wave in all directions, it pretty much puts a kibosh on any rescue attempts. So this is how the issue ends. With Chicago laying in smoking ruin. Who knows who survived, Dr Gotham, Shadowpact or otherwise. So what does are team do from here? I've really come to have a lot of respect for Tom Derenick's pencils. He was never really high on my radar. But then I started noticing him on some Detective comics. He came over to this title. And he also co-created the Boys. So right now, I really can't say enough about the guy. I think he's fantastic. With Bill and Tom on this book, I think it's going to be around for quite a while.

Shadowpact #14 - DC

I've liked this book since the beginning. I'm a huge fan of Bill Willingham's stories. And I think he does a great job with these characters. But, to tell you the truth, I really didn't think that the title would be going this strong. Tom Derenick has taken over on pencils, at least for the last few issues, and is really breathing some fresh life in to it. Not to say that the previous are wasn't up to mustard, but Tom's stuff lends itself to much more action. His frame flow, angles and facial expressions, all tend to promote the urgency and pace of a much more action packed book. And lately I've been commenting on the coloring in some of the books. This is another one that visually, you can really notice the vibrancy of the pages. I'm not sure what they're doing differently, but I think it's paying off. This issue Zauriel has been charged with killing Blue Devil. The heavenly hosts are upset that his fame and stature may be upsetting the balance between heaven and hell. And to tell you the truth, Danny never really thought about it until Zauriel presents him with it. So the first thing he does is hold a press conference renouncing is fame and stature. He publicly admits to his mistakes and crimes, and that he made a deal with the Devil . . . . for the wrong reasons. As he's doing this, a lawyer overhears and, afterwards, approaches him, telling him that he wants his case because he thinks he can win it. Then Danny goes to the Oblivion bar to tell the team that he's resigning. Jim Rook won't accept it though. He'll accept that he's going to take a temporary leave. But he'll never be off the team. He always has a home here. And he also insists that Zauriel takes his place, to fill the void, in the interim. We also get a little glimpse of Dr. Gotham this issue. He's talking to the Sun Lord whom he has brought over from a different dimension. He's only the size of a candle flame right now, but that'll probably change soon. Like I said, this is a great cast of characters. There's so much diversity here. And Bill has done a great job of giving them their own unique personalities. I would definitely recommend it.

Shadowpact #13 - DC

This issue is actually some well deserved down time for our team of mystic misfits. But that doesn't mean that life is any easier for them. As chronicled this issue by the Phantom Stranger, there are forces assembling that are going to try to take them down. And they don't all come from obvious places. First of all we have KarnEvil, who is escaping from the NightShade dimension. This kid is truly twisted. He's got no powers. But, he's a sociopath without remorse or conscious. "He has no psychological filters, no restraints . . . nothing that tells him not to do all of the bloody things that come so often to his mind." And now he's back in our world. Meanwhile Doctor Gotham has found a way to bring the smallest of essences into our world. Unfortunately it's the essence of the Sun King. He's only the size of a candle-flame now. But Doctor Gotham plans on feeding him, to become much more. Also it looks as if Zauriel is going to be brought to bear against them. It seems that the heavenly host are unhappy with Blue Devils decisions, and his recent ascension, or should I say descent, in hell. They don't like the popularity or influence that he could have over the world. So they want Zauriel to smite him. Also there's a couple of other things going on over in the NightShade dimension. And it appears that some old man in Illinois, " . . . knows a few terrible words that can make him a destroyer." So even though our team is off this issue. It doesn't seem as if they're going to get to much rest in the future. Cool!

Shadowpact #12 - DC

With this issue, we finally learn the fate of Nightmaster, Jim Rook. The Enchantress has been up for 10 days, trying to keep a protection spell around Jim. She thought that is she slowed down time around him, then the effects of the sword wouldn't be as instantaneous, and maybe they would figure out a way to keep him alive. Well as it turns out, the Sword of Night can't harm it's wielder. But Jim didn't know that. The instant he died, and his spirit tried to pass on, he came in contact with his father. It turns out that the sword has a soul. Currently it is the soul of his father. That soul guides it's wielder into becoming the hero that he's supposed to be. The problem is, Jim wasn't listening. So his father fills him in on the whole back story, then Jim slips back in to his body. With this new knowledge in his head, and at the amazement of Blue Devil, who is the only one in the room to witness his resurrection, Jim sits up and pulls the sword out of his chest. So everybody from the team gathers in the bar and has a welcome back to life party for him. We catch up on where everyone's been, and we get to see the Etrigan coat rack again. Bill Willingham and Tom Derenick have been doing a great job with this book. It'll be interesting to see what they do with this character in the future. But this opens up a whole realm of possibilities for him.

Shadowpact #11 - DC

Like I've said numerous times, Bill Willingham is a fantastic scribe. I love the stories that he tells. And I love what he's doing with all these characters. This issue he's even introduced us to some new ones, Acheron, the Midnight Rider and the Warlock's daughter. The last of whom we've already met, but this is her first skirmish on the side of the angels. Also Tom Derenick is doing the artwork, and it is sensational. Fantastic pencils, with some stunning colors. Our team has gone down to hell to engage Etrigan, and get Blue Devils staff back. Well . . . it was originally Lucifers, but Blue Devils been hanging on to it for a while now. When they get there, all of hell is in the midst of a war, with Etrigan stirring up the pot. Danny comes in with a plan, "We aren't here to save the day, stop a war, or pick one side over another. If Hell wants to destroy itself in civil war, that's just fine with me. All we want is my trident. As soon as we've got it back, Nightshade transports us out of here." Well of course they do get it back, with the newbies help. But, on the trip back, Etrigan follows them through the porthole in to the Oblivion bar. But the Midnight Rider turns him in to a stone statue. Next issue we get to find out what the fate of Nightmaster, Jim Rook, is going to be. Remember he's got his sword of night sticking through him, and he's only hanging on to life with the Enchantress' help. I was a little worried about this book when it first started. But I really like where they've taken it so far. Excellent job, by the whole creative team.

Shadowpact #10 - DC

This book really draws me in. I'm sure it has to do mostly with the writing of Bill Willingham. But, I also think it's the characters of this book. This book probably has some of the most unique and thought provoking characters of any team book out there. This one centers around, mostly, Blue Devil. He's fighting with his apparent Rhyming Demon demotion, but also with holding this team together. Jim Rook is very close to death, and the Enchantress is really the only person holding that at bay. And the only chance they have of reversing their fortunes, is to chase Etrigan in to the bowels of his kingdom. The place where he's most powerful. Not to mention, he has BD's, previously Lucifer's, hellfire staff also. So he's going to need some help. And he gets that from Laura, recently released from the magic prison, and seemingly drawing more and more power directly from Johnny Warlock. Also from some new characters, in the form of the Midnight Rider, and Acheron. So with Nightshade, they all plan on taking the fight to Etrigan's doorstep. Is this the Shadowpact of Substitute Heroes? Sorry, had to go there. Anyways, Tom Derrenick filled in on pencils this issue. And he did a fantastic job, as he's done with all of his work of late. The whole creative side of this book, was fantastic. Oh, and by the way, now that BD's been demoted, he has his own servant class demon, Vortigar. I like all the twists and turns that Bill put's in to his stories. I can't wait to see where we go from here.

Shadowpact #9 - DC

Shadowpact decides they're going to make 2 announcements this issue. Well, not so much to us, as the city that they live in. First they want to say, "Hey! We're alive!". Despite conflicting stories, or what you've been told otherwise. Secondly, they want to announce that they are in the business of policing dark magic. Especially with so many weird things going on around the world right now. And to that point they want to state that they have developed operational doctrines that they will be following. And that they have developed 3 basic rules that they call, "The 3 Universal Laws of Superheroics". To whit, they are, "1:the lives and safety of innocent bystanders will always be protected. 2:the lives and safety of you and members of your team will be protected to the extent that it doesn't conflict with the first law. And 3: the lives and safety of all opponents will be protected to the extent that it doesn't conflict with the first two laws." With a nod to Isaac Asimov. Meanwhile, in Budapest, Jason Blood is on an archeological dig and is confronted by another demon, Vortigar. Basically he's been sent, supposedly, by "his lowliness" to demote him from rhyming demon. And he's supposed to find someone to fill his spot. That's where Shadowpact comes in, because I think they want to make it Blue Devil. So when Nightshade tries to take them away from the press conference, they are diverted to Budapest, almost right on top of what's going on. They're drawn in to battle, and the Demon pretty much wipes them out. Nightshade is out, D.C. is out, Ragman's tortured souls won't respond to his requests, and Jimmy's been impaled by his own sword. So they're heading back home to regroup. I really like Bill Willingham's stories, and Tom Derenick does a fantastic job with pencils on this issue.

Shadowpact #8 - DC

Ok, I'll just put this out there to start with. The problem I have with fill in artists, is just that they don't seem to put their best foot forward. I like Shawn McManus. And I've seen him at his best. This wasn't even close. Don't get me wrong. It was ok. I still like his style and the emotion he puts into his characters. But, compared to other work I've seen from him, you can tell this was just a fill in. Anyways, enough of my petty complaints. I like this book. I think Bill Willingham is a fantastic scribe. And, I really like these characters. This one was, for the most part, about Ragman. Kinda' gave us a synopsis of what he's all about. We also got a history of the "rag" outfit. Where it came from and how long it's been around. It's also an eye opener, as far as how Rory feels about what he's doing. The main thing he got out of it, is that the longer the souls are trapped, the more they feel like Rory did them a favor. Look at it this way, if they had just kept up with their sinful ways, they either would have ended up in jail, or dead. Which means they would just have been judged by society, or god. No chance for redemption. This way, they have a chance to reflect on their sins, and in choosing to help Rory, have a chance at redemption. Basically, they can work off their crimes, and have a chance at a brighter afterlife. So, in a way, Rory is doing them a favor by letting them reflect on what they did, before they move on. And no the souls aren't trapped with him forever. Basically it's up to them. The sooner they work it off, and pay the world back, the sooner their slate is erased and they can move on to the next plane. Very metaphysical. So, the "Congregation" attacks them, and blinds them all. But, through this understanding that Rory's achieved, they end up defeating them, and have started to heal. Now, they just need to work on their teamwork.

Shadowpact #7 - DC

I'm glad that Bill Willingham is still on this book. He's the only one that I can think of that could keep this wild band of characters, and this story straight. Last issue the Wild Huntsman came after our troupe, with his dogs. What they didn't know is that his dogs, are actually his victims transformed. Talk about recycling. Anyways there's a new sorcerer in town by the name of Doctor Gotham. He really doesn't have anything against Shadowpact, other than the fact that given what he does, and what they do, eventually they could prove to be a thorn in his side. So he's decided to put the effort in now to make sure that they don't. Anyways last issue the Huntsman turned Ragman and the Enchantress into 2 of his hounds. Luckily Detective Chimp figured this out before they were magically disposed of. So they've taken them back to the Oblivion bar to try to figure out what to do about them. Turns out, all they have to do is take their collars off. So they decide to put the collar on Rex and send him undercover. They try to go back to their apartments but as soon as they do, somebody else comes after them. James and DC are back at the bar trying to come up with a defined rules of engagement, battlefield doctrines and overriding principles for the group to follow. And the Enchantress has gone to collect on a debt by taking the Cauldron from Adalgisa, for their group to use. "It's the Herne-Ramsgate Cauldron. Think of it as the magic equivalent of the ultimate computer database." And she's returned just in time for James and DC to announce that they've settled on their basic governing principles, "The Three Universal Laws of Superheroics". With a nod to Isaac Asimov. This book actually does get better with every issue. Thank you!

Shadowpact #6 - DC

Ok, we've got ourselves another team book. Add it to JLA, Titans, Outsiders, etc.. But this one is a little different in that it's the "Magical" team for DC. And, everything about them is magical. Even their headquarters that resides in a bar in a magical pocket dimension, the Oblivion bar. And, we've got some pretty cool characters inhabiting this group. With this issue it looks like we have one more, Flippy. He took over the bar, while the group was stuck in Riverrock. Now, he's doesn't want to let it go. They haven't negotiated it yet, but, I think that he's only going to continue to let Shadowpact use the bar as their base of operations, if they let him become somekind of member of the group. The Phantom Stranger is also kind of an honorary member. He doesn't really belong to any group, but he has taken a shine to this one, so he shows up pretty regularly to offer, if nothing else, guidance. And, they already have a nemesis in Doctor Gotham. He's some ancient sorcerer who's come back and inhabited a body in Gotham, hence the name. He's made it his sole purpose to either wipe out Shadowpact, or throw everything he can at them to keep them to busy to be a bother in his other affairs. This issue also is the starting point where they've decided that if their going to be a team, they have to act like a team. Which means, rules, roles and game-plans. Everything to make them more effective and efficient in a fight. Which, besides introducing Flippy, seems to be what this next story arc is going to be all about. Now the artist this issue, Cory Walker, I'm not to thrilled about. I mean, he's not terrible, I'm just not thrilled with his style. But, if he's going to be the new artist, I'll give him a few issues before I get overly analytical. But, Bill Willingham's writing, more that makes up for any issues in other areas. As long as he stays on this book, it'll be well written, thought provoking, and stay with a clear and defined picture of it's future. I really started this series, for him alone. But the book is really growing on me. With all the capes flying around out there, it's good to see a "magic" book out there again.