I love DC's Golden Age characters, and I'm a fan of huge super-hero epic stories. If ever there was a target market for this series and this story arc, it's me. Nevertheless, I find myself scratching my head, wondering what's going on in this story at times. Goyer and Johns offer up an exciting issue, yes, but it's a confusing one as well. Too many characters, too many plotlines and too little in the way of exposition have characterization the "Princes of Darkness" story arc thus far, and it doesn't look like that's going to change anytime soon.
Eclipso, unintentionally unleashed by Alex Montoya in an attempt at vengeance, wreaks havoc in Justice Society headquarters. Meanwhile, in New York, Mordru and Obsidian give the JSAers who were on hand for Kobra's trial a run for their money. And in the Shadowlands, the Star-Spangled Kid, Captain Marvel and Sentinel find themselves trapped. Speaking of which Dr. Fate, stuck in a different kind of trap, realizes what Mordru has done, and he surprised to find that he's not alone.
There are a lot of characters running about this issue, and one has to give credit to Kirk and Champagne for keeping the action flowing smoothly and clearly, at the very least. Though it may not be clear why everyone is doing what they're doing, the kinetic results of those actions grab the reader's attention. Perhaps the most impressive action sequence is the bloody Power Girl/Mordru battle. Unfortunately, some unusual and unexplained darkness in the colors for that scene detracts from the energy and power behind it.
Mordru's quest for domination and power. Obsidian's quest for revenge his father. Alex's quest for revenge on Eclipso. Kobra's quest for chaos and killing. Dr. Fate's quest for answers. Dove's resurrection. All of these stories and more are to be found in "Princes of Darkness," and it's just too much at once. It's as though the writers opted to wrap up all of the title's loose threads in one fell swoop. They weave them together, and the resulting tapestry doesn't follow any recognizable pattern. It's too bad, because all of the plotlines are interesting, but they all get in one another's way so that not one of them is really told clearly.
On the other hand, the action is exciting, and some of the characters really get to shine. Power Girl's determination, anger and righteousness shines through, and the Star-Spangled Kid and Captain Marvel share an interesting and long overdue moment. Alex Montoya's purpose finally becomes clear, and his ill-advised actions speak to a pain and sadness that makes me want to see more of the character.
