Justice League Unlimited #1
Kevin Rossi
Recap
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!
Review
Justice League Unlimited carries a lot of weight for readers and fans of the DC Universe. Many readers’ first exposure to the Justice League was thanks to the “Justice League” and “Justice League Unlimited” animated shows. The two shows gave fans some of the most beloved characterizations of iconic characters. The Justice League is one of the most recognizable team names in and outside of comics, but it seems the associated series are either hit or miss. For many, a return to form would be a mix between the animated shows, Grant Morrison’s run, and Justice League International from Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis. Readers expect certain lineups, iconography, and even headquarters when they see that there is a new Justice League book on shelves. This is why Mark Waid is a perfect choice to helm Justice League Unlimited. Waid understands what the Justice League represents in the DC Universe and to fans alike.
Along with the dream team consisting of artist Dan Mora, colorist Tamra Bonvillain, and letterer Ariana Maher, Waid has delivered an excellent first issue for Justice League Unlimited #1. The DC Universe has been busy the last few years, and one of the last times readers saw the Justice League was when they were temporarily wiped out leading into Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths. Justice League Unlimited #1 feels natural coming from Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths to Lazarus Planet to Dawn of DC to Absolute Power and now to DC All In. The absence of the League needed to be felt before they could feel needed and essential, and boy do they feel needed in this issue. With the return of the Watchtower headquarters, readers are thrown into the thick of it with new member Air Wave who works as some sort of ride-along character to see how this new League operates. Coordinated by the mind of Red Tornado, a team is dispatched to South Africa while Batman and Blue Beetle are sent to Costa Rica.
There is a large emphasis on teamwork in this issue. Waid has a talent for writing for a large cast of characters, as does Mora when it comes to illustrating the comic. Between the Watchtower, South Africa, and Costa Rica, Waid and Mora ensure that each character gets their moment with even minor characters feeling purposeful and contributing to the story even if they don’t get their spotlight. This creative team has an incredible track record together, yet this issue feels like they are topping themselves. The visuals in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest lean toward vibrant colors and the fun elements of superhero comics. Bonvillain is such a phenomenal artist and has continuously elevated Mora’s work. Here it feels grander and more cinematic. Everyone is on the same page which makes this issue so successful. With this creative team and lineup of characters, the potential for greatness is unlimited.
Final Thoughts
With a word like Unlimited and the weight that comes with the legacy of the Justice League through comics and television, this issue had big shoes to fill. Waid and Mora seem to have the whole toy box out for this series but they have a plan for everyone. A lot is thrown at readers and many questions are left but they are driven by excitement for what's to come.
Justice League Unlimited #1: Back in Business
- Writing - 10/1010/10
- Storyline - 10/1010/10
- Art - 10/1010/10
- Color - 10/1010/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10
