JEFF LEMIRE Makes Magic with JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK in May

JEFF LEMIRE Taking JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK CREDIT: View full size image

Peter Milligan is leaving behind Justice League Dark after writing eight issues, including a crossover with Joshua Hale Fialkov's I, Vampire. Taking over for Milligan as writer is a scribe who is no stranger to the darker side of the DC New 52, Jeff Lemire. Lemire is also the current writer of Animal Man, another title from the "dark" family of the New 52.

Announced Tuesday morning on the DC Comics blog The Source, Lemire takes over with May 2012's Justice League Dark #9. He told the blog of the gig, "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!)."

As for changes, Lemire promises more Constantine, as the mage becomes the "clear leader" of the team, and hints that the new team members will include both a male and a female, one magic-using, one not. He also says he wants to connect the book a little closer to its namesake.

"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."

Current artist Mikel Janin will be staying with the title. Stay tuned for more on Milligan's next move here at Newsarama.

Art shown is cover of Justice League Dark #8.