Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Shadowpact

Shadowpact is a team of supernatural heroes and magical misfits in the DC Comics universe, initially formed as an ad hoc alliance to oppose the Spectre's divinely fueled crusade against all magic during the 2005 crossover event Day of Vengeance. The team originated from a creative proposal by writer Bill Willingham, originally envisioned as a Vertigo series called The Dark Tower featuring a mobile headquarters for occult investigators, but repurposed for the main DC Universe following an editorial directive in 2005. In Day of Vengeance, the core members—Blue Devil, Detective Chimp, Enchantress, Nightmaster, Nightshade, and Ragman—united under the leadership of Nightmaster to battle the Spectre, who had been manipulated by Eclipso into eradicating magical forces across the world. Their efforts culminated in the sacrifice of Doctor Fate (Nabu) to restore balance, allowing the team to disband temporarily after preventing total magical annihilation. Following the success of their debut, Shadowpact received its own ongoing series in May 2006, written by Willingham and illustrated by various artists, running for 25 issues until cancellation in 2008 due to modest sales. The series portrayed the group as a ragtag fellowship of "magical underdogs" operating from the Oblivion Bar in Gotham City, tackling occult threats like the witch coven Pentacle, the demonic Dr. Gotham, and the solar-powered villain Sun King. Over time, the roster expanded to include Black Alice, Zauriel, Warlock's Daughter, Midnight Rider, and Acheron, blending humor, horror, and high-stakes action in stories that explored the fringes of the DC Universe's supernatural elements. Shadowpact's legacy endures as a niche but beloved corner of DC's magic-themed narratives, influencing later events like Infinite Crisis and highlighting overlooked characters in the broader superhero landscape. The team's emphasis on camaraderie among flawed, often reluctant heroes set it apart from more polished Justice League-style groups, cementing its role in defending the mystical balance against cosmic and infernal perils.

Fictional history

Formation during

In the lead-up to the event, the , the embodiment of God's vengeance in the , became dangerously unhinged after being manipulated by , who had possessed with aid from Alexander Luthor's scheme. This prompted the to declare a brutal war on all magic users and sources of , resulting in widespread devastation across the magical realms, including the shattering of the Rock of Eternity, the foundational cornerstone of Earth's magic. The assault unleashed chaotic forces, such as the freed , who began corrupting humanity and threatening global stability. Amid this crisis, Enchantress, Ragman, and gathered impulsively at the Oblivion Bar—a mystical sanctuary in —to organize a desperate counteroffensive against the . Recognizing the need for additional combatants, they quickly recruited Blue Devil, Nightshade, and Nightmaster, forming an ad hoc alliance of occult misfits willing to tackle the impossible. This nascent group, later known as Shadowpact, served as the Oblivion Bar's initial headquarters during their mobilization. The team's first major efforts focused on mitigating the fallout from the Spectre's rampage. They played a crucial role in reassembling the fragmented Rock of Eternity by channeling mystical energies alongside other heroes, while also luring and trapping the Seven Deadly Sins within the protective wards of the Oblivion Bar to prevent further corruption. Supporting figures including the Phantom Stranger (appearing in a diminished form), Zatanna, Captain Marvel Jr., and Black Alice provided vital assistance; Black Alice's ability to steal powers proved instrumental in temporarily weakening the Spectre during confrontations in locations like Budapest and an uncharted Indonesian island. The climax unfolded at the Rock of Eternity, where Nabu, the lord of order and Dr. Fate's helm-bearer, sacrificed himself to bind the Spectre to a new, more stable host: Gotham City detective Crispus Allen, thereby halting the divine purge. With the threat neutralized, the battle marked the conclusion of the Ninth Age of Magic, ushering in a new era of diminished mystical potency on . In recognition of their improbable victory against overwhelming odds, the wizard formally named the alliance Shadowpact, evoking a legacy of shadowy pacts forged in defense of lost causes throughout history.

Events of the Shadowpact series

Following their assembly during the crisis, the Shadowpact formalized their operations by establishing headquarters at the Oblivion Bar in , a extradimensional tavern owned by Nightmaster (Jim Rook) that serves as a neutral sanctuary for supernatural entities, protected by powerful enchantments to prevent conflicts among patrons. The bar's magical barriers and portals allowed the team to monitor global mystical threats while maintaining a low profile among human society. The team's inaugural mission in the series pitted them against the , a of supervillains serving as dark counterparts to the Shadowpact, led by the sorceress . The erected an impenetrable blood over the town of Riverrock, , isolating it to perform a summoning the , an ancient entity of destructive , while systematically slaughtering inhabitants to fuel the spell. Entering the barrier via the Phantom Stranger's intervention, the Shadowpact confronted the 's members—Strega, Sister Shadow, , and other counterparts—in a grueling battle that spanned an accelerated year within the dome, emerging victorious only with the Stranger's aid in banishing the and shattering the . Subsequently, the Shadowpact faced a coordinated assault orchestrated by the enigmatic Doctor Gotham, who unleashed a horde of mystical villains including the lunar-powered assassin Blue Moon, the spectral Wild Huntsman with his hellhound pack, and the vampiric swarm known as the Congregation. The attacks overwhelmed the team, transforming Ragman and Enchantress into hellhounds, blinding Nightshade and Detective Chimp with lunar curses, and forcing Nightmaster into a desperate defense of the Oblivion Bar. Despite severe injuries, the Shadowpact repelled the Congregation, retreating for recovery under Madame Xanadu's mystical guidance, who restored their sight and forms through prophetic rituals at her Greenwich Village parlor. During this convalescence, Enchantress secured the Herne-Ramsgate Cauldron from the witch Adalgisa (Nightwitch) as repayment of an ancient debt, granting the team access to a vast repository of occult artifacts, spells, and historical knowledge on supernatural foes. In the aftermath of these battles, codified the team's operational principles as the "Three Universal Laws of Superheroics": first, the lives and safety of innocent bystanders must always be protected if possible; second, the lives and safety of the and their teammates come next; and third, supervillains should be captured alive whenever feasible to allow for potential redemption or . These guidelines, drawn from the team's near-fatal experiences, emphasized ethical restraint amid chaotic magic-user conflicts and became a cornerstone of their dynamic. As their reputation grew, the Shadowpact received formal deputization from Checkmate's Black Queen, , to infiltrate and dismantle the terrorist cult Kobra, whose leader sought to harness forbidden serpentine magic for global domination. This alliance bridged the supernatural team with human intelligence networks, including the agency's , expanding Shadowpact's scope beyond isolated mystical incidents to coordinated operations against hybrid threats blending technology and the arcane. Amid these duties, the team undertook side missions, such as assisting in containing escaped metahumans amid the chaos in Blüdhaven prior to its cataclysmic destruction by the , where their magical expertise helped corral volatile entities without escalating the crisis. During this effort, they encountered and began mentoring Warlock's Daughter (Darla Aquista), a young sorceress resurrected with potent abilities, integrating her into training sessions at the Oblivion Bar to harness her powers responsibly while forging tentative alliances.

The Burning Age and team dissolution

In the concluding arc of the Shadowpact series, titled "The Burning Age" and spanning issues #20–25, the team confronted the Sun King, a formidable mystical intent on ending magic across realities. Trapped initially in the Nightshade Dimension, members like Nightmaster discovered enhanced abilities amid battles against cult-like forces in the kingdom of Myrra, setting the stage for a larger temporal crisis. Facing an insurmountable threat, the present-day Shadowpact summoned iterations of the team from the distant past () and far future (2108), forging a multitemporal alliance to combat the Sun King's apocalyptic designs. These historical and future counterparts, each bearing the Shadowpact mantle, united in cross-era skirmishes, leveraging shared mystical resources such as the Herne-Ramsgate Cauldron—a repository of knowledge previously acquired by the Enchantress—to consolidate strategies and insights against the encroaching doom. The climax unfolded in a grand confrontation where the three Shadowpact teams pooled their powers to challenge the Sun King, averting the prophesied eradication of and preventing a timeline-spanning . This epic battle, detailed in the collected volume Shadowpact Vol. 4: The Burning Age, highlighted the team's recurring theme of defending lost causes through improbable unity across time. In the aftermath, internal strains—exacerbated by the Enchantress's ongoing struggle with her dual nature and instability—coupled with the exhaustion of their shared mission, led to the team's dissolution. Members pursued individual paths, closing the chapter on Shadowpact's primary continuity while leaving subtle implications for possible future gatherings amid the 's supernatural threats.

Membership

Core and founding members

The core and founding members of Shadowpact consisted of six heroes who banded together during the events of to combat the Spectre's rampage against all magic users in the , forming an uneasy alliance that later solidified into a formal team based at the Oblivion Bar. These individuals, each with unique supernatural backgrounds, brought a mix of acumen, demonic might, sorcery, swordplay, shadow manipulation, and soul-based redemption to the group, enabling them to tackle mystical threats that conventional heroes could not. Detective Chimp (Bobo T. ) served as the team's de facto leader, providing strategic oversight and investigative prowess during Shadowpact's formation and subsequent missions. Originally a in the , Bobo gained human-level intelligence, speech, and enhanced senses after drinking from a magical , allowing him to solve crimes alongside human detectives before transitioning to supernatural cases. His role emphasized intellect over brute force, often coordinating the team's diverse abilities to outmaneuver foes like the , a rival magical . Blue Devil (Daniel Patrick Cassidy) contributed superhuman strength, agility, flight via jet boots, and combat expertise with a mystical trident, acting as the team's frontline brawler in battles against demonic entities. A former stuntman, Cassidy was tricked by the demon Nebiros into bonding permanently with a devilish exo-suit designed for a film, cursing him with infernal physiology while granting enhanced durability and hellfire projection. In Shadowpact, his reluctant heroism and humor balanced the group's tension, particularly during the initial alliance against the Spectre-Eclipso duo. Enchantress (June Moone) supplied raw magical power, including spellcasting, soul manipulation, , illusions, and , though her contributions were complicated by the entity's tendency to seize control and pursue malevolent agendas. An artist possessed by the ancient sorceress Enchantress after uttering a forbidden word in a mystical ruin, Moone struggled with the dual nature of her existence, using amulets and team support to maintain balance. Her volatile sorcery proved essential in Shadowpact's early confrontations, providing offensive might but requiring oversight from members like to prevent internal conflicts. Nightmaster (Jim Rook) offered expert swordsmanship with the enchanted Sword of Night, minor magical resistance, and knowledge of otherworldly realms, often serving as the team's anchor to interdimensional lore as the proprietor of the Oblivion Bar. A former rock musician transported to the sword-and-sorcery world of Myrra via an portal, Rook claimed the to battle evil there before returning to . His grounded, adventurous dynamic helped unify the founding members, facilitating their base of operations and tactical retreats during . Nightshade (Eve Eden) manipulated shadows to create portals, solid constructs, and shadow beings for reconnaissance and transport, filling a support role that enhanced the team's mobility across mystical barriers. Daughter of a U.S. senator, Eden acquired her powers during a border-crossing incident involving a dimensional rift, enabling her to phase through darkness and summon "nightshades" as allies. In the group's formation, her abilities allowed rapid evasion of the Spectre's wrath, establishing her as a key logistical asset in Shadowpact's dynamics. Ragman (Rory ) wielded a Suit of Souls composed of ragged garments infused with the essences of the unjustly killed, granting variable , , and the power to redeem or punish wrongdoers, positioning him as the moral compass and absorber of dark energies. A Jewish whose ancestors amassed cursed rags from war victims, donned the suit after a massacre, becoming its reluctant host to atone for the damned. His redemptive capabilities complemented the team's offensive focus, notably by containing corrupted magic during their inaugural alliance.

Temporary and associate members

Black Alice, whose real name is Lori Zechlin, served as a temporary member of the Shadowpact during the chaotic events of , possessing the ability to temporarily steal and mimic the magical powers of other beings. She provided crucial support in battles against the unleashed and his forces, leveraging stolen abilities from various mystics to turn the tide in key confrontations. She later rejoined as a temporary member during the storyline in Shadowpact #4-6. Her involvement was marked by her ethically ambiguous nature and tendency toward self-serving actions, which made full integration into the team untenable. Warlock's Daughter, also known as Ladonna or Darla Aquista, joined the Shadowpact as an associate following the destruction of Blüdhaven during the Infinite Crisis. A survivor endowed with teleportation and illusion-based magic, she assisted in post-crisis recovery missions, using her abilities to evacuate civilians and create diversions against supernatural threats emerging from the ruins. Her role emphasized rehabilitation and training under the team's guidance, though she remained on the periphery due to her inexperience and lingering ties to her criminal origins. She was recruited alongside others in Shadowpact #10. The Phantom Stranger acted as an enigmatic advisor to the Shadowpact without ever becoming a full member, offering cryptic guidance and subtle reality-warping interventions during critical arcs. His aid was particularly vital against the —a of magical villains—and the Sun King, where he provided visions of and facilitated escapes from otherworldly traps, all while maintaining his aloof, wandering persona. This advisory capacity underscored his role as a mentor rather than a combatant. He narrated the series and appeared in multiple issues, including #18. Madame Xanadu functioned as an occasional ally to the Shadowpact, primarily through her prophetic seer abilities centered at the Oblivion Bar. She healed team members after intense battles and delivered tarot-based insights that forewarned of dangers in arcs involving the bar's mystical patrons, such as demonic incursions or cursed artifacts. Her contributions were sporadic, focused on divination and restorative magic, aligning with her broader role in the DC Universe's magical underbelly. She notably aided the team in Shadowpact #8 after they were blinded by the Congregation. Zatanna and Captain Marvel provided brief but decisive combat support to the nascent Shadowpact during Day of Vengeance. Zatanna, with her backward-spoken spells, led efforts to reconstruct the shattered Rock of Eternity, channeling her vast magical knowledge to stabilize reality-warping rifts caused by the Spectre's rampage. Captain Marvel, empowered by the wizard Shazam, contributed superhuman strength and speed in direct assaults on Eclipso's forces, helping to contain the spread of dark magic before departing to rejoin the Marvel Family. Their involvement highlighted the team's reliance on external magical heavyweights for the initial crisis. , a and former member, joined Shadowpact as a temporary member in issue #15, serving as a replacement for Blue Devil during his demonic trials. His celestial powers, including flight, superhuman strength, and flaming sword, provided divine support against infernal threats like Dr. Gotham. (), a modern-day patron of the Oblivion Bar, was recruited as a temporary member in Shadowpact #10. Wielding magical Ghost Guns that petrify enemies at night, he contributed ranged combat expertise in missions against the and other occult foes. Other one-off associates included , a patron of the Oblivion Bar whose illusion-casting and fear-induction powers aided in specific missions, such as defending the bar from invading entities during the Pentacle Plot. His ghostly nature limited him to advisory and defensive roles, appearing only when anomalies threatened the team's sanctuary. He was recruited alongside and Warlock's Daughter in #10.

Historical iterations

The Shadowpact of 1908 was an early iteration of the team, formed in the early to combat nascent magical threats amid the rise of industrial-era . This group consisted of , a mysterious master of knowledge; Civet I, possessing catlike reflexes and skills in subterfuge; , the empress of the wee folk wielding faerie magic; Mister Meteor, a magically enhanced massive pugilist; and Mrs. Prescott, a pre-World War II specializing in investigations. They battled precursors to the Sun King, employing era-appropriate mystical arts such as herbalism, , and elemental summoning to counter emerging entities threatening the mortal world. In a dystopian set in 2108, where magic had been eradicated by technological oppressors, the Shadowpact reformed as a force dedicated to restoring mystical energies in a sci-fi infused of cybernetic and anti-magic enforcers. Key members included Apalala, a dragon-like Buddhist harnessing enlightened flames; , an evolved spirit representing the lingering essence of Boston Brand (Deadman) with enhanced ethereal possession abilities; Sardonyxx, a time-displaced drawing on ancient tomes; Brazen Man, an unearthed alchemical powerhouse with metallic resilience; Magus Eximus, the pinnacle of 22nd-century sorcery blending quantum spells and ; and Miss , a manifestation of teen angst channeling disruptions. This iteration fought against mechanized regimes suppressing all elements, using hybrid techno-mysticism to sabotage anti-magic fields and revive latent magical nodes. These historical teams were revealed to the modern Shadowpact through visions induced by the Herne-Ramsgate Cauldron, an ancient artifact borrowed by Enchantress to peer across timelines during the "The Burning Age" event. The cauldron's prophecies highlighted the recurring nature of the Shadowpact as champions of doomed causes, summoning the 1908 and 2108 iterations to join forces against the Sun King in a multitemporal alliance that temporarily bridged eras. Thematically, each iteration underscores the Shadowpact's of battling inevitable failure: the 1908 team embodied the clash between burgeoning and hidden traditions, while the 2108 group fused with futuristic desperation to reclaim lost wonders from oppressive . Their joint role in "The Burning Age" exemplified this eternal struggle, as the teams' combined efforts briefly altered the prophesied defeat by the before dispersing back to their timelines.

Publication history

Creation and initial appearances

Shadowpact was created by writer , with primary artwork provided by Justiniano and inking by Walden Wong, as a team of heroes assembled to counter threats in the . The concept originated from Willingham's earlier Vertigo imprint proposal titled "," which aimed to unite lesser-known magical characters from DC's Vertigo line, but was repurposed by executive editor for a crossover event leading into the storyline. Specifically, it was conceived as a ragtag group of misfit defenders responding to the Spectre's rampage against magic users, emphasizing overlooked characters such as , Nightmaster, Ragman, Nightshade, Blue Devil, and Enchantress to form an informal alliance of "lost causes." The team made its debut in the six-issue miniseries (June–October 2005), where they first banded together to combat the Spectre's wrath after possessed former supervillain , expanding on magical lore and characters introduced in prior events like JSA and . This miniseries served as a key tie-in to the broader buildup, portraying Shadowpact as a scrappy counterpart to more established hero teams, a dynamic that prefigured the later formation of in 2011. Their adventures continued immediately in the one-shot Day of Vengeance: Infinite Crisis Special #1 (on sale September 2005), written by Willingham with art by Justiniano and Walden Wong, which resolved lingering threads from the miniseries and solidified the team's role in the post-Crisis magical landscape. Matthew Sturges later joined as co-writer on the ongoing series, taking over as lead writer starting with issue #17 in 2007. Initial reception to Shadowpact's debut praised Willingham's blend of humor—particularly through Detective Chimp's sardonic narration and the ensemble's quirky interactions—with high-stakes action amid the Infinite Crisis events, highlighting the team's ensemble dynamics as a refreshing take on DC's supernatural corner. Reviewers noted the miniseries' effective use of obscure characters to deliver both "comic book silliness" and world-ending tension, earning it acclaim for revitalizing forgotten magical elements in the DC Universe.

The 2006–2008 ongoing series

The Shadowpact ongoing series launched in May 2006 with its first issue on sale, written by and illustrated by Tom Derenick, who also provided covers for the debut arc. The title, published monthly by DC Comics, featured the supernatural team operating from the Oblivion Bar and focused on magical threats in the . The initial storyline, "The Pentacle Plot," occupied issues #1–5, introducing a villainous mirroring the heroes' powers and establishing the team's dynamic blend of horror elements, witty banter, and ensemble interplay. Subsequent arcs included "Cursed" in issues #6–10, exploring demonic confrontations and character backstories, particularly for Blue Devil; issues #7–11 centered on defending the Oblivion Bar from infernal incursions during the "Demon Triptych" segment; and #14–19 involved a crossover alliance with in "Darkness and Light," where the team aided espionage efforts against cult threats. In September 2007, with issue #17, writing transitioned to Matthew Sturges, who helmed the remaining arcs, including #17–19's "Cursed" extension featuring and the concluding "The Burning Age" in #20–25, which examined multiversal magical upheavals and team evolution. Artistic contributions shifted across the run, with Derenick handling early interiors, joined by guest artists like Kieron Dwyer on #20 and Phil Winslade on later issues such as #25; covers occasionally featured Jesus Saiz, notably in crossover contexts. The series concluded after 25 issues in July 2008, totaling a two-year run amid DC's emphasis on large-scale crossover events. Critics praised its unique fusion of , humor, and character-driven team interactions, drawing comparisons to Willingham's Fables for its ensemble charm, though later arcs faced notes on inconsistent pacing and filler-like threats.

Post-series appearances and legacy

Following the conclusion of the Shadowpact's ongoing series in 2008, the team's activities fragmented amid major DC Universe events. The team also appeared in the six-issue miniseries Reign in Hell (August–October 2008), confronting infernal conflicts in Hell's hierarchy. The 2011 Flashpoint miniseries led to the New 52 reboot, effectively dissolving the Shadowpact as a cohesive unit while individual members continued in solo capacities or integrated into broader supernatural narratives. Blue Devil and Ragman, for instance, made appearances in Justice League Dark (2011–2015), where they contributed to occult threats with lingering thematic connections to the Shadowpact's magical focus, though the team itself was not reformed. In the Rebirth era, Shadowpact members saw sporadic utilization across titles emphasizing mysticism. , a core founding member, referenced past team dynamics in various crossovers, while the group inspired variant lineups in alternate scenarios. Notably, in DCeased: Dead Planet #2 (2020), led a reconfigured Shadowpact comprising Blue Devil, Ragman, , , Red Hood, and Ravager; this iteration operated as a survivor squad combating a on a ruined , rescuing civilians and confronting Anti-Life-infected threats in Ivy's sanctuary. The Shadowpact's legacy endures through its influence on subsequent DC magical ensembles, particularly in highlighting obscure supernatural heroes and team structures. It shared themes and membership overlaps with earlier occult alliances like the , as seen in foundational events like Day of Judgment (1999). This revival of interest in lesser-known mystics has fueled ongoing fan advocacy for a full team return, especially amid the initiative (2021 onward), though no complete Shadowpact reformation has occurred by 2025.

In other media

Animated and film adaptations

The Shadowpact team has not appeared as a cohesive unit in any animated or live-action film adaptations, though several of its core members have featured individually in DC's animated projects and unproduced live-action endeavors. In the 2017 animated film , the Enchantress serves as the primary antagonist, possessing individuals and unleashing supernatural chaos that draws in occult heroes like and to combat her influence. Voiced by , the character embodies her comic roots as a powerful but unstable sorceress, highlighting magical threats central to the Shadowpact's narrative in the source material. Individual Shadowpact members also appear in various DC animated series, often in supporting or cameo roles that underscore their supernatural expertise without forming the full team. Blue Devil, portrayed as a stuntman-turned-demonic hero, makes brief cameos in Justice League Unlimited (2004–2006), including in episodes like "Dark Heart," where he joins the expanded League against nanotechnology threats. Similarly, Zatanna features prominently in the Justice League Unlimited episode "The Balance" (2005), aiding Wonder Woman in a mystical quest to Tartarus involving Felix Faust's schemes, which ties into broader DC magic lore shared with Enchantress storylines. In Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008–2011), Blue Devil receives solo spotlight moments, such as assisting Batman and Zatanna against Klarion the Witch Boy's summoned villains during a Halloween-themed adventure, emphasizing his devilish combat style. In the 2020 animated sequel Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, magical alliances form against Darkseid's forces, indirectly echoing Shadowpact dynamics through characters like Zatanna and Swamp Thing, though the team itself is not referenced. Detective Chimp does not appear, but the film's ensemble of occult fighters reinforces the supernatural team-up themes associated with Shadowpact members. Live-action adaptations remain limited, with unproduced projects showing potential interest in the team. An early script draft for the canceled live-action Justice League Dark film (developed in the 2010s under directors like Guillermo del Toro and Doug Liman) included a cameo by Shadowpact members—such as Detective Chimp, Doctor Fate, Black Orchid, Pandora, and the Phantom Stranger—at the Oblivion Bar, a magical hub, though it was ultimately cut and the project shelved. Additionally, Blue Devil appeared in the short-lived 2019 DC Universe series Swamp Thing (canceled after one season), played by Ian Ziering as a washed-up actor grappling with his demonic curse amid horror elements, providing a rare live-action outing for a key Shadowpact founder.

Video games and other formats

Shadowpact members have appeared individually in various DC-licensed video games, though the team itself has not been featured as a cohesive unit. In DC Universe Online (2011), items like the "Grasp of the Shadowpact" costume for hand slots can be obtained from open-world treasure chests in Gotham City and Metropolis, referencing the team's occult theme. Individual characters such as Blue Devil and Enchantress are playable, with supernatural abilities that align with their Shadowpact portrayals, but no dedicated team missions or alliances exist. Beyond video games, Shadowpact has been represented in board games and collectible miniatures. The team features prominently in the : A Zombicide Game (2024), a by CMON where players control uninfected superheroes against zombie hordes infected by the . The Kickstarter-exclusive Shadowpact expansion introduces six supernatural heroes—including , , Deadman, and —with unique magic-based abilities to combat threats like the demon Trigon, emphasizing the team's occult expertise in a setting. In the collectible miniatures game HeroClix, Shadowpact characters have been released across multiple sets, allowing players to assemble team builds using the "Mystical" keyword. Notable inclusions are Blue Devil from the Collateral Damage set (2008), Ragman as a rare figure with ally traits, and Zatanna from Masters of Time (2014), alongside a limited-edition team Ability, Trait, or Action (ATA) card for Shadowpact that enhances group tactics in mystical-themed events. These elements support themed gameplay at locations like the Oblivion Bar, the team's comic base. Shadowpact has limited presence in prose novels and audio formats. No dedicated DC Comics prose adaptations exist, though team members appear in broader anthologies and stories. In audio media, incidental references occur in DC-related podcasts and fan discussions, but no official audio dramas feature the team; Detective Chimp's narration style from the comics has inspired unofficial audio retellings on platforms like . Trading card appearances are sparse, with integration providing the primary collectible format, including booster packs for mystical figures since 2006.

Collected editions

Trade paperbacks

The Shadowpact series was collected into four trade paperbacks published by DC Comics between 2007 and 2009, compiling the 25-issue run written primarily by and Matthew Sturges. Shadowpact Vol. 1: The Pentacle Plot (ISBN 978-1401212308, March 2007, 168 pages) collects Shadowpact #1–3 and #5–8. This volume depicts the team's early adventures as they defend the Oblivion Bar from supernatural threats and confront an evil counterpart organization called the , while adjusting to a mysterious one-year gap in their memories following the events. Shadowpact Vol. 2: Cursed (ISBN 978-1401216337, January 2008, 144 pages) collects Shadowpact #4 and #9–13. Focusing on character-driven stories, it includes a solo tale of Blue Devil's daily struggles, a clash with , the addition of new members to the roster, and the team's defense against a vengeance spirit targeting the Oblivion Bar. Shadowpact Vol. 3: Darkness and Light (ISBN 978-1401218041, June 2008, 144 pages) collects Shadowpact #14–19. This installment explores team dynamics with the addition of angel , a visit from and the precursors, Blue Devil's path to redemption, and battles against gothic horrors like the King of Hell and infectious evil. Shadowpact Vol. 4: The Burning Age (ISBN 978-1401221591, January 2009, 144 pages) collects Shadowpact #20–25. Serving as the series finale, it unites three incarnations of the team—past, present, and future—to combat a massive incursion from the Burning Age, a realm of endless war that threatens to consume .

Digital and hardcover collections

Digital releases of Shadowpact began appearing on platforms like and from 2011 onward, providing access to individual issues as well as the trade paperback collections for convenient reading on various devices. As of November 2025, the series remains available digitally on .

References

  1. [1]
    SHADOWPACT #1 - DC Comics
    A new series featuring the mismatched magical heroes from DAY OF VENGEANCE as the ragtag band reunites to stand against another menace to our universe!
  2. [2]
    The Series That Wasn't Shadowpact - by Bill Willingham
    Mar 17, 2022 · It began with the Day of Vengeance six-issue mini series, which was published in 2005. Then it became Shadowpact in its own continuing series, ...
  3. [3]
    DAY OF VENGEANCE #1 | DC
    ### Summary of Day of Vengeance #1 Plot
  4. [4]
    DAY OF VENGEANCE #2 - DC Comics
    The uneasy alliance known as the Shadowpact has formed to protect the world from another unholy partnership: the Spectre and the new Eclipso, who wage a ...
  5. [5]
    DAY OF VENGEANCE #4 | DC
    ### Summary of Day of Vengeance #4 Plot
  6. [6]
    DAY OF VENGEANCE #6 | DC
    ### Summary of Day of Vengeance #6 Resolution
  7. [7]
    Oblivion Bar (Location) - Comic Vine
    Jul 22, 2020 · Oblivion Bar was owned by the leader of Shadowpact, Nightmaster. The bar is located in another dimension and can only be reached by someone with magical ...
  8. [8]
    Shadowpact #5 | DC Comics Issue - DC Universe Infinite
    ... Shadowpact! Nights at the Oblivion Bar will be lonely unless the team figures out what's happening and how to stop it! Rating: 12+Pages: 22 pages Released ...Missing: headquarters | Show results with:headquarters
  9. [9]
    Shadowpact #3 | DC Comics Issue - DC Universe Infinite
    The showdown between the Shadowpact and the Pentacle! Rating: 12+ Pages: 22 pages Released: Jul 19, 2006 Written By: Bill Willingham Pencils: Cory Walker
  10. [10]
    Review: Shadowpact: Cursed trade paperback (DC Comics)
    Jun 19, 2008 · Shadowpact: Cursed begins with the Shadowpact united in a fight against the Demon Etrigan, but most of the story follows just Blue Devil, Nightshade, and a ...Missing: Universal Laws
  11. [11]
    Checkmate Vol. 2: Pawn Breaks (DC Comics): 9781401214456 ...
    This volume see the Black Queen's insertion of her "Pawn" within the terrorist organization Kobra. The Queen enlists the aid of mystic heroes, Shadowpact to ...
  12. [12]
    Shadowpact (Team) - Comic Vine
    Jul 16, 2023 · Group of magic-aligned characters most notable for fighting the Spectre during the events of Day of Vengeance.<|control11|><|separator|>
  13. [13]
    SHADOWPACT #24 - DC Comics
    If one Shadowpact can't stop the mystical menace of the Sun King, will three be enough? Heroes of the past and future unite with the mages of our time to ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  14. [14]
    SHADOWPACT #20 - DC Comics
    Nightmaster learns some new tricks while trapped in the Nightshade Dimension - and the full extent of his powers has yet to be revealed!
  15. [15]
    SHADOWPACT #21 | DC
    How did the Unbound manage to take over Nightmaster's beloved kingdom of Myrra? Can they survive against a population that's been converted to a cult of ...
  16. [16]
    SHADOWPACT #23 - DC Comics
    so they use their magic to call upon the Shadowpact of a distant past and one from the far future to help their ...
  17. [17]
    Shadowpact #23 — Major Spoilers — Comic Book Reviews, News ...
    Mar 21, 2008 · ... Sun King themselves, so he enlists the aid of Shadowpact teams from 1908 and 2108. Yes, Shadowpact fans, the comic series may be ending, but ...
  18. [18]
    SHADOWPACT #25 - DC Comics
    The clarion call to arms sounds for the last time as our heroes roar into battle against a foe that can take down the combined might of three Shadowpact teams!Missing: Sun King
  19. [19]
    SHADOWPACT VOL. 4: THE BURNING AGE - DC Comics
    SHADOWPACT #20-25 are collected in this new volume, in which the heroes encounter three past and future incarnations of themselves in their efforts to stop ...
  20. [20]
    SHADOWPACT #18 - DC Comics
    Detective Chimp and the Enchantress go to the scene of a murder with magical overtones, the Warlock's Daughter continues her training, and the rest of the team ...Missing: interaction | Show results with:interaction
  21. [21]
    THE DETECTIVE CHIMP CASEBOOK - DC Comics
    Oct 24, 2023 · The greatest detective in the DC Universe finally gets his own collection. No, not Batman-Bobo T. Chimpanzee, a.k.a. Detective Chimp!
  22. [22]
    Blue Devil | DC Comics Series - DC Universe Infinite
    Explore the Blue Devil comics series on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE, the ultimate destination to read DC Comics online | Dan Cassidy was just an ordinary stunt man ...
  23. [23]
    Blue Devil (Character) - Comic Vine
    Jul 10, 2024 · A stuntman and special effects genius Daniel Cassidy, who after an encounter with the demon Nebiros, found himself stuck in the very exo-suit he created for a ...
  24. [24]
    Enchantress | Official DC Character
    Enchantress. The Suicide Squad's most tragic member, June Moon has been both blessed and cursed to play host to a supernatural entity.
  25. [25]
    NIGHTMASTER: MONSTERS OF ROCK #1 - DC Comics
    The Shadowpact has been kidnapped by an evil wizard, and it's up to former rock-god Jim Rook, the Nightmaster, to save them.
  26. [26]
    RAGMAN #1 - DC Comics
    After a failed mission to raid a tomb in the Israeli Desert, war veteran Rory Harper is plagued by the death of his partners.Missing: character | Show results with:character
  27. [27]
    Black Alice - DC Comics - Secret Six - Gail Simone - Writeups.org
    When the unguided Spectre unleashed devastation on the mystic community, the newly-formed Shadowpact recruited Black Alice to help subduing him. The recruitment ...
  28. [28]
    SHADOWPACT #17 - DC Comics
    6–7 day delivery Free 30-day returnsPlus, a new villain hits the team at its weakest point! And it's training day for the Warlock's daughter; and her tutor is the team member she hates the most!Missing: interaction | Show results with:interaction
  29. [29]
    Shadowpact (DC, 2006 series) #10 - GCD :: Issue
    Information about the comic Shadowpact #10, which has a publication date of April 2007 and was published by DC.Missing: temporary associate Black Alice Madame Xanadu Captain Marvel Jr
  30. [30]
    Nimue Inwudu (New Earth) - DC Database - Fandom
    Madame Xanadu, born Nimue Inwudu, is an immortal sorceress and soothsayer, aiding the magic community from her magic shop.Missing: recovery | Show results with:recovery
  31. [31]
    SHADOWPACT #5 - DC Comics
    6–7 day delivery Free 30-day returnsNights at the Oblivion Bar will be lonely unless the team figures out what's happening and how to stop it! JOIN DC UNIVERSE INFINITE · FIND A COMIC SHOP NEAR ...Missing: headquarters | Show results with:headquarters
  32. [32]
    Shadowpact (DC, 2006 series) #5 - GCD :: Issue
    Shadowpact [Detective Chimp; Enchantress [June Moone]; Blue Devil [Daniel Cassidy]; Ragman [Rory Regan]; Nightshade [Eve Eden]; Nightmaster [Jim Rook]]; ...
  33. [33]
    Day of Vengeance #4 Reviews - League of Comic Geeks
    Jul 20, 2005 · Read reviews and discussion of Day of Vengeance #4 from Bill Willingham, published by DC Comics. ... Captain Marvel Jr ...
  34. [34]
    Willingham On His "Robin" Run And Beginning Anew With ... - CBR
    Dec 20, 2005 · The second book from Willingham will be an ongoing series called "Shadowpact," which also has its origins in "Day of Vengeance." In the DOV ...
  35. [35]
    DAY OF VENGEANCE: INFINITE CRISIS SPECIAL #1 - DC Comics
    6–7 day delivery Free 30-day returnsThe adventures of the Shadowpact continue in this 48-page Special by the DAY OF VENGEANCE creative team: writer Bill Willingham, artists Justiniano & Walden ...
  36. [36]
    Shadowpact #18: Matthew Sturges: Books - Amazon.com
    Written by Matthew Sturges. Illustrated by Tom Derenick. Detective Chimp and the Enchantress go to the scene of a murder with magical overtones, ...
  37. [37]
    Day of Vengeance #6 - Inside Pulse
    Sep 25, 2005 · Justiniano continues to produce the best work of his career in this mini (a fact not hinted at by the fairly weak cover that it is wrapped in).<|control11|><|separator|>
  38. [38]
    Day of Vengeance by Bill Willingham - Goodreads
    Rating 3.6 (1,614) I liked the stories and the fight scenes were intense. This collection mostly contained action scenes and it does end on a cliffhanger. The artwork was ...
  39. [39]
    Comic Book Review: Shadowpact #1
    May 18, 2006 · We then shift back to the red dome in Wyoming and see all the members of Shadowpact assembling. Phantom Stranger mergers with the dome and ...Missing: Pentacle | Show results with:Pentacle
  40. [40]
    None
    Nothing is retrieved...<|control11|><|separator|>
  41. [41]
    SHADOWPACT VOL. 1: THE PENTACLE PLOT - DC Comics
    the mismatched magical heroes from DC's hit DAY OF VENGEANCE— as they face ...Missing: character | Show results with:character<|separator|>
  42. [42]
    SHADOWPACT #10 - DC Comics
    Part 2 of the Demon Triptych! The Shadowpact's latest foe shows his true face, and Blue Devil is forced to realize his true fate!Missing: arc | Show results with:arc
  43. [43]
    SHADOWPACT #11 - DC Comics
    Concluding the Demon Triptych storyline! Shadowpact has a new lineup, and its first mission is to go straight to the Underworld, where Etrigan and his ...Missing: arc | Show results with:arc
  44. [44]
    CHECKMATE and SHADOWPACT COVER (RAGMAN, BLUE DEVIL ...
    14-day returnsMay 30, 2023 · Artwork Details ; Artist: JESUS SAIZ (All) ; Media Type: Pen and Ink ; Art Type: Cover ; For Sale Status: 1900 eu ; Views: 325.
  45. [45]
    Review: Shadowpact: The Pentacle Plot trade paperback (DC Comics)
    Oct 15, 2007 · "The Pentacle Plot" storyline from which this Shadowpact trade takes its name actually only covers the first two or three issues of the book; ...Missing: 2006-2008 | Show results with:2006-2008
  46. [46]
    Earth's Justice League Replacement Arrive in DCeased - Screen Rant
    Aug 5, 2020 · The magic-based team called Shadowpact made their DCeased debut in Dead Planet #2 as the Justice League replacement for the abandoned Earth.
  47. [47]
    How DC's Day of Judgement Shaped Justice League Dark's Future
    Jul 7, 2021 · The main appearance of the Shadowpact has been in the Smallville Season 11 comics, while the Sentinels of Magic were in the DC Universe Online ...Missing: connection | Show results with:connection
  48. [48]
    After His Appearance in Wonder Woman, DC Needs More Detective ...
    Mar 31, 2025 · Detective Chimp debuted in 1952's Adventures of Ace the Wonder Dog #4, an inauspicious debut if there were any.
  49. [49]
    Zatanna - Wikipedia
    Zatanna appears in Justice League Unlimited, voiced by Jennifer Hale in "This Little Piggy" and by Juliet Landau in "The Balance". As of this series ...
  50. [50]
    Justice League Dark: Apokolips War - Wikipedia
    Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is a 2020 American adult animated superhero film produced by Warner Bros. Animation and distributed by Warner Home Video.Missing: Shadowpact | Show results with:Shadowpact
  51. [51]
    Justice League Dark Movie Script Includes Shadowpact Team
    Apr 5, 2018 · The latest rumors about DC's live-action Justice League Dark movie suggest that Jon Spaihts' script includes a cameo from the Shadowpact ...
  52. [52]
    Swamp Thing: Ian Ziering Joins the DC Universe Series as Blue Devil
    Dec 12, 2018 · Per the show's description of the character, stuntman turned movie star Daniel Cassidy became semi-famous after playing the demonic Blue Devil.
  53. [53]
    Justice League Dark Draft Includes the Shadowpact - CBR
    Apr 4, 2018 · The team's roster has included John Constantine, Madame Xanadu, Swamp Thing, Deadman, Zatanna and many more. While the team has never been ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  54. [54]
    Grasp of the Shadowpact | DC Universe Online Wiki - Fandom
    Grasp of the Shadowpact are an uncommon drop in the hands costume class. Obtained from Open World Gotham City Treasure Chest in Metropolis.
  55. [55]
    DCeased - A Zombicide Game by CMON - Gamefound
    14-day returnsDCeased is a cooperative game where 1-6 players control uninfected Super Heroes against Zombie Heroes and hordes, based on Zombicide mechanics.
  56. [56]
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMu5dqKK258
  57. [57]
    HEROCLIX COLLATERAL DAMAGE Blue Devil 043 044 045 REV ...
    In stock $5.26 deliveryHEROCLIX COLLATERAL DAMAGE Blue Devil 043 044 045 REV SET (Shadowpact) ; Quantity. 7 available ; Item number. 285258666781 ; Brand. WizKids ; Rarity. REV SET ; Est.
  58. [58]
    HEROCLIX COLLATERAL DAMAGE Ragman 004R 006V LOT X 2 ...
    HEROCLIX COLLATERAL DAMAGE Ragman 004R 006V LOT X 2 (Shadowpact, Batman Ally) ; Brand. WizKids ; Est. delivery. $5.26 delivery in 2–4 days. Fri, Jul 18 - Mon, Jul ...
  59. [59]
    Heroclix Convention Exclusive Promos - GameHollow
    $$3.00. Convention Exclusive Promos ATA card - Shadowpact LE. ATA card - Shadowpact LE. Limited Edition. Reviews. Currently viewing: Heroclix Convention ...
  60. [60]
    SHADOWPACT: A superb supernatural story from DC Comics
    Jan 27, 2019 · Enchantress is a version of Shazam and version of Enchantress Marvel and Happy Birthday to June Moone aka Enchantress of the Shadowpact ...
  61. [61]
    SHADOWPACT VOL. 2: CURSED - DC Comics
    Thrill to a day in the life of Blue Devil, an encounter with Etrigan the Demon, the formation of a new team roster and more in this action-packed, magic-filled ...
  62. [62]
    SHADOWPACT VOL. 3: DARKNESS AND LIGHT - DC Comics
    3: DARKNESS AND LIGHT. Collecting SHADOWPACT #14-19! In this volume, Zauriel joins ... Page Count: 144. Starring. Superman. Wonder Woman.
  63. [63]
    Shadowpact | DC Comics Series - DC Universe Infinite
    Explore the Shadowpact comics series on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE, the ultimate destination to read DC Comics online | Shadowpact, the team of supernatural heroes...