DC's Terrors Through Time #1 [Part One] - DC Comics

 DC'S TERROR THROUGH TIME No. 1, December 2022

Considering just how enjoyable this anthology’s opening tales are it is somewhat surprising that neither one is directly referred to in the Burbank-based publisher’s solicitation for Issue One of “DC’s Terrors Through Time”. Indeed, Paul Levitz’s “The Longest Night” sets a suitably dark, engrossingly grim tone for this hefty-sized “terrifying tour across the ages from some of comic’s top talent” by focusing upon the joyless solitude of the Phantom Stranger and his endless vigil guarding the innocent against the sinister desires of the undead; “Why does this night open the gate between life and death, and why give me the responsibility to watch over it..?”

In addition, this ten-pager is well-drawn by Raul Fernandez, who despite the drama's dialogue-driven wordiness, still manages to add plenty of “Blam” to its pulse-pounding proceedings as Carmine Infantino’s co-creation flitters through time during Halloween in an effort to thwart everything from early pilgrims, displaced Native Americans and Chinese demons from feasting upon the souls of the living. Coupled with a suitably sombre palette by colourist Santi Arcas, the illustrator’s panels depicting an attack upon a pair of adolescent brothers by the land’s ferocious-faced indigenous people is highly creditable, with the spooky “righteous spirits” being given an opportunity to air their grievances despite the brevity of the yarn.

Significantly lighter in its tenor, though ultimately just as engaging, is “Trick Or Treat” by Sholly Fisch. Admittedly, there will be some within this publication’s audience who will find this tale’s start somewhat slow, due to its focus upon the Super Sons and their series of unsuccessful visits to a plethora of super-hero’s homes so as to acquire sugar-filled candy bars. However, once Superboy and Robin arrive at the Grand Hall of Justice and inadvertently stumble into their parents’ battle against the formidably magical Demons Three, things definitely start to hot up plot-wise.

Indeed, along with Luciano Vecchio’s prodigious pencils and Wendy Broome’s marvellous purple-hued assault upon the senses, this part of the two boys’ adventure is arguably one of the highlights of the entire comic, as both protagonists employ wits over sheer strength to ultimately defeat the impish-looking Abnegazar, Rath and Ghast. Furthermore, the Argentinian illustrator’s sketches showing the Super Son’s bravely battling their demonic foes are packed full of dynamic action to the point where it is a real pity the fight scene wasn’t extended by at least another page or two.

The regular cover art to "DC'S TERRORS THROUGH TIME" #1 by John McCrea & Mike Spicer