JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #18 (DC COMICS)
Superman is missing. Darkseid is defeated. For the JLU, both events have forced a new examination of how to move forward.
With such a power vacuum in place, Batman and Wonder Woman have pushed forth a new program. It will either be the answer needed in Superman’s void or give Darkseid an easy victory when he decides to return.
Select villains have been given League membership under a new Amnesty program.
JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #18 by Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, Tamra Bonvillain & Ariana Maher sees the initial moments of this program come to fruition.
Let’s get a deeper dive into this polarizing move.
JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #18 by Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, Tamra Bonvillain & Ariana Maher (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Waid throws the league into the deep end with this new gamble. The opening pages see Batman, Wonder Woman and Shazam address fellow league members. The dialogue breaks down the new proposal. Watching the current mission in Bialya gives a notion of how this process might work. This returns to the watchtower with mixed feelings. Readers watch as certain other members voice their concerns. It is very telling on how this whole plan is going to trend.
The chapter breaks up into a few other directions. It is a nice footnote to connect events to the current Action Comics and Green Lantern Corps series. Readers will never get tired of Ted Kord’s reaction to Guy Gardner’s new role. Once events get back to Bialya, the heroes stationed there face their toughest challenge. The conversation between said villain and Lex Luthor is very strong. This plays well into Lex’s ego. It doesn’t take long for things to go sideways. Just when readers think they have the questions, the writing switches everything with its’ answer. This leads into the shocking final pages. There’s a world of possibilities to go from here.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Henry and Bonvillain begin with full page images of the senior leadership addressing the League. Smaller panels crowd the side to showcase what is happening involving the movement. The mood is more uncertain as other members process what they just heard. This presents a few shaky run-ins pushing events forward. The brief visit to Bialya gives Luthor a spotlight to spin his wheels. It proves a great pivot point to set up a few other tales.
Guy’s speech to Kord is incredible. The art team nails the humor in these panels. It helps to move towards the Action Comics prelude. Both nail the key points of their side-quests. This allows Bialya to be closed out with solid drama. Readers watch as the main antagonist moves in silence to deliver the major blow. Panels show the weapons devastating effects. This builds up the fight to a nice plateau. The finish comes via a great bait and switch. A certain smirk screams volumes as it declares victory for the league, but not without strings attached. The final full page teases more fallout to come. For now, to the villains go the spoils.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
Uncertain times call for drastic change. Waid’s spotlights the risky gamble to ensure a winnable future. Henry and Bonvillain say hello to the amnesty program with impressive art. One thing to expect with this series is always the unexpected.
Let me know your thoughts on Justice League Unlimited #18 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
