It’s been a few years since the Justice League has been in action in DC Comics. Sure we’ve gotten plenty of team-ups, and overarching events — it’s not like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman have been avoiding each other or anything. But there’s still a thrill to seeing them together again in DC Comics‘ Justice League Unlimited #1.
Written by Mark Waid with art by Dan Mora, the new status quo is that the membership of the Justice League is, well… Everyone. A city-sized Watchtower houses pretty much every hero in the DC Universe, whichi is a tall order to distill down into any sort of manageable story.
Luckily, Mark Waid — and you may know this — knows what he’s doing when it comes to both superhero comics, and the Justice League in particular. And this issue uses a tried and true conceit of the window character in Air Wave, a younger version of the hero who gets the tour of the tower, and ultimately proves himself worthy of being on the same team as the Trinity, thanks to his help during a conflict.
Also luckily, there’s Dan Mora on art who — and you may know this — can draw anything. That includes massive battles, multiple locations through the Watchtower, and even dangerous jungles full of what seems to be Parademon eggs. There’s a lot going on in this book, and a ton of characters, but Mora always keeps the action clear and the character acting precise.
What will be most interesting to see here is how it gets balanced long-term. This is a bang-up first issue that even finds time for a relatively unnecessary preview of Hush 2 from Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, and a great table-setter for the new status quo of the DC Universe. There are also plenty of different conflicts set up here including a new villain organization called Inferno, the aforementioned Parademon eggs, and a twist that even Waid didn’t see coming.
But what about the cast itself? We’re hooked on Air Wave in issue #1, but will we continue to follow him going forward? And as the extensive cast goes through their own trials in solo titles, how will that morph what this series becomes?
Luckily, they’ve got Waid and Mora on this title long term. And you may know this: they know what they’re doing. There are a lot of questions about where the DCU will go, going forward. But based on this first issue? They’re in very, very good hands.
Justice League Unlimited #1 Rating:
Justice League Unlimited #1 Official Synopsis:
THE WATCHTOWER RISES! The Justice League is back and bigger than ever! In the wake of Absolute Power and the DC All In Special, Darkseid’s death has triggered a massive power vacuum in the DCU, and Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman must unite like never before and expand the Justice League to encompass every hero championing the forces of good in the face of incredible evil! As our heroes work to uncover the mystery of the dark lord’s successor, Ray Palmer’s Atom Project triggers a race between hero and villain to control the fate of metahuman abilities on planet Earth, which threatens to destroy everything the League has built. Worlds will live, worlds will die, and a surprise is waiting in store on the last page… Do not miss the dawn of the new era of justice — it all begins here!
Comic Book Club Live Info:
Discover more from Comic Book Club
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.