Justice League Unlimited #17: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Justice League Unlimited #17, written by Mark Waid, with art by Clayton Henry, colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Ariana Maher, wastes no time and throws readers into a new arc following the chaos of DC K.O. Waid and company do an excellent job of recapping the current state of the Justice League while setting the stage for what comes next. While things have calmed down for the Justice League on one front, new fires need to be put out. The League quickly realizes that in their absence, the villains have all escaped. Their escape initially feels like more trouble for the League, but Waid subverts expectations, suggesting they may be looking to help rather than harm.

Artist Clayton Henry is an excellent choice for this issue, delivering clean, classic-feeling visuals. Waid’s work often emphasizes a sense of clarity and optimism, even in the bleakest stories, and Henry’s style perfectly complements that. His work ensures that the issue never feels overcrowded despite its massive cast. His attention to detail is also worth noting, and he delivers such enjoyable takes on classic characters. Paired with Waid’s deep appreciation for these characters, Henry’s art feels especially appropriate for this arc. Tamra Bonvillain once again proves herself an indispensable talent. Whether it’s quiet character moments or large-scale moments, her work is the cherry on top of every page. Ariana Maher’s lettering is another standout in this issue. With such a large cast, Maher’s lettering ensures each hero and villain comes through clearly.