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Review: Raven, Daughter of Darkness #9 of 12

By Philip Schweier
October 24, 2018 - 09:07

Secrets are revealed as the new Night Force comes together against a common enemy – and it’s not Baron Winters. Despite his deceitful, manipulative ways, he remains their best chance against the Shadow Riders. Think of them as akin to the Dementors in Harry Potter. But Raven learns their history, and a disturbing truth behind their purpose, which makes it difficult to separate friend from foe. And of course, Winters is no help.

 

Given the level of magical happenings, I’m surprised we haven’t seen high profile magical characters like Dr. Fate, the Demon or Phantom Stranger. At the same time, I understand such an appearance would over-shadow Raven, who is arguably on the same tier. I like the idea of her finding a place with Night Force. It seems a natural fit, given that Marv Wolfman created both. Raven’s history with the Teen Titans may enable Night Force to find a firm footing within the DC Universe; sort of a lower profile Justice League Dark.

 

Pop Mahn’s artwork is still a bit iffy to me. I consider it to be journeyman work, but perhaps it’s just a bad fit for the project at hand, or maybe in need of a different inker to bring out Mahn’s strengths.

 

Only three issues remain in the 12-issue limited run. If the series becomes an ongoing, there is a great deal of opportunity, if DC can cultivate it properly. Some of the characters have yet to impress me, but they’ve barely been introduced, so there’s still time for them to develop, if not here, perhaps elsewhere.

 

Rating: 6/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12