Comparisons between Justice League Unlimited #1 and the animated series of the same name are inevitable. They are also profoundly apt. Both center around a reformed legion of DC Comics‘ superheroes, expanded after what was seemingly Earth’s darkest hour. Both build upon an already excellent series to highlight the glory and variety of the DC Universe. And both continue to highlight the work of a great collaborative team. I am referring to Mark Waid and Dan Mora rather than the League itself, but that’s a fair comparison too.
Justice League Unlimited #1 features several subplots. The central one follows Air Wave, a relative greenhorn, who feels undeniably out of his depth after being recruited to the JL. It is through his eyes that we are introduced to the Watchtower and the various projects the team is undertaking after Absolute Power.
The action centerpiece of the issue centers around Superman and Wonder Woman leading a squad to save miners from an apparent terrorist attack. Meanwhile, Batman and Blue Beetle investigate reports of a mysterious monster kidnapping children. It also introduces a mysterious new threat called Inferno, as well as another mystery to be explored in later issues.
Justice League Unlimited a perfect introduction to DC Comics
Those readers who have been reading Batman/Superman: World’s Finest for the past few years will find Justice League Unlimited refreshingly familiar. This first issue does much the same thing that Mark Waid and Dan Mora did with that series. The only difference is the shift in focus, from Superman and Batman to characters like Star Sapphire and Black Lightning. There’s also some truly imaginative uses of the powers on hand, with Air Wave and Star Sapphire pooling their comparatively limited abilities in unlikely ways.
Waid manages an impressive balancing act with the script, introducing the more obscure heroes and giving them all a moment to shine. He also manages to establish several ongoing story elements, amidst the thrilling action sequences. Yet there are still quick moments featuring the DC Trinity doing what they do best.
The artwork of Justice League Unlimited #1 is no less impressive. Dan Mora is rightly regarded as one of the best artists in the business for his simultaneous clarity of vision and the depth of detail in his pencils. He is well backed by the colors of Tamra Bonvillain and the letters of Ariana Maher.
If you’re looking for a good entry into DC Comics, Justice League Unlimited #1 is as good as it gets. The artwork is amazing and the story spectacular. It teams your favorite heroes in unlikely ways to great effect. This is everything a first issue and superhero comic should be.
Grade: 10/10
Justice League Unlimited #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
