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Justice League Unlimited #1 Review: A New Age of Heroes

Mark Waid and Dan Mora reunite to take the entire DC Universe for a spin in this exciting new series.

Justice League Unlimited #1 review cover
Image: DC Comics
By: Javier ReyesNov 27, 2024, 9:02 AM

Justice League Unlimited #1

Review
Rating
10
Excellent
Justice League Unlimited #1 cover

Writer: Mark Waid

Artist: Dan Mora

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: November 27, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Justice League Unlimited #1 delivers an exciting start to a series that promises to explore the full scope of DC's superhero roster. With Mark Waid's masterful character work and Dan Mora's stunning art, this comic has unlimited potential.

DC's All In initiative promised bold changes, and while the Absolute Universe has been dominating headlines, it’s time to shift focus back to the prime universe. Enter Justice League Unlimited by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, the dream team behind Batman/Superman: World's Finest. With their proven chemistry, the stakes are high for this expansive take on the DC Universe's most iconic team. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into my full review and find out.

Overview of Justice League Unlimited

After Darkseid's devastating attack left the Watchtower crippled, the Justice League is back at full strength. The team has expanded to include heroes from every corner of the DC Universe, preparing for an era of unprecedented threats. In this debut issue, a shadowy new threat emerges, boasting an unsettling knowledge of the League’s inner workings. This sets the stage for an intricate chess match on a galactic scale.

Justice League Unlimited #1 preview page 1 - The Justice League arrives at a war-torn village.Image: DC Comics

Review

I’ve always believed that Mark Waid is arguably one of the best superhero comics writers of all time. From street-level heroics (Daredevil) to Elseworld epics (Kingdom Come), Waid’s deft understanding of what makes superheroes tick is unmatched. With Justice League Unlimited, he takes full advantage of the League's expanded roster, spotlighting familiar faces and lesser-known heroes alike. 

This first issue focuses on establishing the Justice League as a finely tuned machine, using the Watchtower to orchestrate missions across the globe. Speaking as someone who is not familiar with DC’s lesser-known roster of heroes, putting the spotlight on characters beyond the usual Trinity of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman adds a refreshing dynamic. Waid’s ability to balance this sprawling cast while giving each character meaningful moments is impressive. For readers familiar with the Justice League Unlimited animated series, this comic carries much of the same thrilling energy of seeing so many different superheroes do what they do best in the most bombastic ways possible. There’s even a nod to the animated series in the opening credits pages that I’m sure fans will love to see. 

Justice League Unlimited #1 preview page 2 - The Justice League faces off against a giant robot.Image: DC Comics

The scale of Justice League Unlimited is breathtaking. With virtually every DC hero on the table, the series offers endless possibilities for unique team-ups and jaw-dropping moments. The sheer joy of seeing characters from different corners of the DC Universe working together elevates this comic beyond typical team books.

With that said, the prospect of Dan Mora illustrating nearly the entire DC universe is incredibly exciting. Mora’s clean, dynamic style ensures that every character looks iconic, no matter how large the ensemble grows. His layouts feel cinematic, balancing action-packed splash pages with quieter, emotionally charged panels. Tamra Bonvillain’s vibrant colors enhance the visuals, giving each scene a distinct energy. From the big battles to intimate team discussions, the art team delivers an experience that feels larger than life.

This first issue also does a fantastic job of establishing a credible threat to face this new all-powerful version of the Justice League. After all, what could possibly stop the force of every superhero on the planet working together? It will be interesting to see how the conflict plays out, especially with the twists to the story teased at the end. This blend of high-concept storytelling and character-driven drama harkens back to the grand adventures of the JLA era while embracing a modern sensibility. Unlike some team books that narrow their focus, Justice League Unlimited fully embraces the breadth of the DC Universe, setting it apart from other big team titles.

Justice League Unlimited #1 preview page 3 - The Flash takes Air Wave on a tour through The WatchtowerImage: DC Comics

Final Thoughts

Justice League Unlimited #1 is a triumphant start to DC’s newest flagship series. Mark Waid’s masterful storytelling and Dan Mora’s jaw-dropping artwork combine to create a superhero epic that captures the essence of the Justice League while pushing it into bold new territory.

Whether you’re a longtime DC fan or a newcomer looking for an accessible entry point, this series delivers action, drama, and heart on a massive scale. With its expansive roster and intriguing premise, Justice League Unlimited promises to be a cornerstone of DC’s lineup. It's a series that reminds us why we fell in love with superhero comics in the first place, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

Why You Should Read Justice League Unlimited

  • Mark Waid's masterful character work shines with DC's full roster at his disposal
  • Dan Mora's stunning artwork brings the entire DC universe to life
  • Exciting premise that promises to explore every corner of the DC universe
  • Perfect jumping-on point for new readers while rewarding longtime fans

TAGGED: Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, DC Comics, Superhero, Action
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