The second half of 2019 has seen the DC Multiverse face the renewed threat of a resurgent Dark Multiverse, a nightmarishly sinister incarnation of the various alternate realities in the Multiverse that twists familiar, iconic stories into bloody, tragic new iterations. DC Comics has published a line of specials revisiting key moments and storylines in DCU history, and the latest focuses on the seminal Teen Titans story arc The Judas Contract. However, apart from a couple strong character moments, this particular issue feels rushed and emphasizes the story's divergent twist over giving the iconic team and original tale its just due.

As the omnipotent being, Tempus Fuginaut, observes the Dark Multiverse distorting classic moments in DCU history on alternate Earths, he finds a world following the celebrated Marv Wolfman and George Perez era of Teen Titans. As the team welcomes the hero Terra -- who, like in the original story, is secretly a double agent for the ensemble's greatest enemy, Deathstroke -- Dick Grayson inadvertently alters the course of his own history in this parallel reality. This results in tragedy for himself and the team, and the creation of the greatest threat this world has ever known.

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Co-writers Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom certainly know the characters they're spotlighting in this issue. Higgins, in particular, had an acclaimed run writing Dick Grayson on Nightwing during the New 52 era. Given how momentous the original story was for Dick, he and fellow Titan Wally West get much of the attention here. However, the real protagonist is Terra herself, the linchpin within The Judas Contract that elevated the stakes and altered the status quo for the team forever. As such, these three characters really thrive at center stage of the issue, while the classic '80s setting is lovingly created at the story's outset.

However, once Terra's villainous turn kicks into high gear, the remainder of the story is rushed to pave the way for her ascent. While several characters make valiant efforts against the rise of the teenage antagonist, a lot more are lost in the shuffle, with even Terra commenting over the course of the issue that it's been hard for her to keep track of the casualties she has left in her wake. For readers curious about the issue due to its classic inspiration, that means fan-favorite characters get lost in the shuffle and expected moments are overlooked entirely as the divergence continues.

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Artist Tom Raney, joined by Hi-Fi on colors, makes the various characters and '80s setting immediately recognizable. The requisite action is certainly there, including a standout sequence early on involving Deathstroke, but like the scripting, some of the proceedings feel rushed as the story's true stakes are established and built upon. Raney and Hi-Fi's work excels before the issue takes its expected dark turn, capturing the vibrancy of the period and the colorful characters within it, only to become muddled as the Dark Multiverse's influence is felt almost intrusively.

The Tales from the Dark Multiverse specials have been an interesting blend of Elseworlds and nostalgia. They're more successful when they lean heavily into the original source material and less effective when they attempt to go their own way. Unfortunately, this issue falls more into the latter camp, starting strong enough and with a handful of great character moments before stumbling as the subject matter grows darker. Using the earliest moments of The Judas Contract as a springboard, this issue exposes some of the more contrived problems with the line of Dark Multiverse issues and little of their strengths.

Tales from the Dark Multiverse: The Judas Contract #1 is on sale now.

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