REVIEW: ‘Justice League Unlimited’ Issue #1

Justice League Unlimited #1 is published by DC Comics. Written by Mark Waid, art by Dan Mora, colors by Tamra Bonvillain and letters by Ariana Maher. This issue is part of DC’s All-In relaunch. The Justice League is back and stronger than ever, and the threats have risen to meet them.

The flagship book of the new era has begun. Waid is well aware of the new team’s size and captures it immediately. As Air-Wave enters the new Watchtower, a whistlestop tour begins, explaining the book’s parameters. Small teams are sent everywhere, containing both heavy hitters and lesser-known characters. The story focuses on an Alpha Wave, a main team that is put to the test in the issue’s biggest mission. It isn’t long before a squad plunges into a chaotic emergency, unleashing a frantic action sequence. While the new series has a lighthearted tone, the comic slips into darkness, too.

The disaster leaves bodies behind that even the Justice League can’t save. With a team this strong and innumerable, it can be difficult to set up challenges and enemies that can test them. But Waid manages to give the story weight and a feeling of desperation. The severity of the situation is high. Alongside that main plotline, the other teams split the stories and provide threads for the next issue. The final page is a massive surprise, using a character that Waid has laced within the series.

Justice League Unlimited #1 has a bigger potential cast than any other comic in history. All of the DC heroes have been given a membership card, so anyone can be brought into the team. This first issue involves a variety of experience in the squad that goes to South Africa, including icons such as Superman and Wonder Woman. There are classic heroes, Superman and Wonder Woman. They are the leaders, barking orders and serving as beacons to rally around.

Then there are stalwarts such as Black Lightning and Firestorm, but they are not regularly seen in the Justice League lineups. Alongside them are newer heroes, Star Sapphire and Kid Flash. They bring energy, emotions, and real depth to the book. Star Sapphire’s empathy and horror in the face of devastation accentuate the drama, and she becomes key to the end of the issue.

But it isn’t just the main team that features in this issue. There is a bustling community of heroes that serve as the infrastructure for the new Justice League. Red Tornado is the voice that sends heroes on their missions and provides information. The Question is the head of security, and Batman and Blue Beetle are sent on their own mission. Then there is Air Wave. A key figure in Waid’s storytelling since Absolute Power, this young hero will clearly be influential amid the other cacophony of voices as the series progresses.

The writer and art partnership that was established in World’s Finest continues into Justice League Unlimited #1. Mora does an excellent job of accentuating the scale of the team early on. There are superheroes everywhere on the Watchtower, immediately running off into action. The hustle and bustle is instantly exciting and inviting. The heroes all look fantastic in classic and updated costumes. Mora’s art feels both modern and classic at the same time.

The book travels to South Africa, where devastation awaits the League. It looks like the world’s end, a hellscape containing destroyed vehicles and construction equipment. It’s an extreme start, demonstrating the kind of events that the Justice League will need to attend. The best of each hero’s power is brought out, especially Star Sapphire’s. Mora captures the frantic pace of the series through the intense explosions and superspeed of the heroes.

The colors are exhilarating and dazzling. The powers and costumes are vibrant, as Bonvillain finds bright shades in every moment. Even in action scenes that are dark and distressing, the Justice League brings hope and exhilaration. The lettering is very clear and bold, standing out amid the chaos.

Justice League Unlimited #1 is a celebration of heroes. This issue sets them free after so long of heroes being hunted and restrained. The Justice League has returned, bigger and better than ever. Each issue could change the lineup completely, yet the soul of the team remains. It’s a busy issue that is visually fantastic, fully immersing the reader in the new era. There is a feeling that anything can happen in each issue, yet the reveal implements fear and unease at the end.

Justice League Unlimited #1 is available where comics are sold.