Just as Mark Waid and Travis Moore expose the truth behind the Inferno cult in Justice League Unlimited “We Are Yesterday” event, the real trouble begins. The original Legion of Doom—Luthor, Joker, Scarecrow, Grodd, and the whole fearsome crew—has arrived, aiming to devastate the future with no mercy. With such a monumental battle brewing, are the heroes prepared for the sheer villainy heading their way? Let’s find out!
We begin with a flashback two months prior in Gorilla City, where Grodd is imprisoned and complaining about being misunderstood. A mysterious psychic power, the “Force of Mind”—later revealed as Martian Manhunter’s lost abilities—appears and bonds with him. As Grodd absorbs it, the colors subtly nod to recent Absolute Martian Manhunter comics —a nice potential Easter egg? Newly empowered, Grodd breaks free but realizes he still can’t beat the Justice League alone. Since the current Legion of Doom is ineffective, he decides his best bet is to recruit the more formidable Legion from the past.
Grodd’s scheme begins by targeting Airwave, trapping the young hero in a simulation where he believes he’s fighting villains on the Watchtower. In reality, Grodd is mentally manipulating him in an alley, with artist Travis Moore’s striking visuals depicting the League in a dark light to aid the deception. Once Airwave is controlled, Grodd seeks out areas bathed in Tachyon Energy—time distortions left by Darkseid’s death—to access the past. This culminates in the present-day confrontation at Legion HQ, where the Justice League arrives to face Grodd but is ambushed by the past Legion armed with time guns. The heroes are blasted across the timeline, promising zany time-travel chaos ahead.
Credit: DC Comics
Justice League Unlimited #6 brings several plot points to a head, with writer Mark Waid skillfully recapping the events leading up to the present, all framed through Gorilla Grodd’s sinister perspective.
The issue heavily features Grodd’s scheming. He proves to be a cunning antagonist, using newly acquired powers and sharp rhetoric to manipulate the young hero Airwave. Grodd preys on the unsuspecting hero’s vulnerabilities at every turn, layering lie upon lie with calculated cruelty – a true display of villainy from the evil simian.
We begin to understand the origins of the cliffhanger from Justice League Unlimited #1, revealing how early Airwave was targeted and drawn into Grodd’s machinations. There’s a real sympathy for Airwave here; his troubled life isn’t depicted as his fault, but rather a consequence of the difficult path of heroism. It underscores how even those with good intentions can be exploited by malicious forces, serving as a poignant reminder of the dangers of naivety.
On the art front, Travis Moore takes the baton from Clayton Henry and delivers dynamic visuals. His style is clean and evokes a classic, pulpy comic book feel. Heroes appear suitably grand, while the villains (including the aptly named Sinestro) look perfectly sinister.
Credit: DC Comics
Colorist Tamra Bonvillain enhances the visuals with bold colors, creating a vibrant superhero world where elements like Airwave’s green costume stand out vividly. Thanks to her work, the diverse cast of heroes and villains looks fantastic. Letterer Dave Sharpe complements this perfectly, using a strong, bold font for Grodd that conveys the sheer gravity of his words as he schemes and deceives.
Justice League Unlimited #6 continues the “We Are Yesterday” event, with Grodd’s assault on the Justice League, scattering them across time. The issue features dynamic, classic-style artwork and skillful writing from Grodd’s villainous perspective.
‘Justice League Unlimited’ #6: Sees Grodd Unleash the Past
Justice League Unlimited #6 continues the “We Are Yesterday” event, with Grodd’s assault on the Justice League, scattering them across time. The issue features dynamic, classic-style artwork and skillful writing from Grodd’s villainous perspective.
