In Justice League Unlimited #5 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, the Justice League uncovers the first clues to the enigmatic superterrorist group Inferno, realizing this global threat is spearheaded by a familiar, long-standing enemy. With time running out, their only hope might lie with an unlikely alliance – the Legion of Doom? Let’s dive in!
The comic kicks off in Sydney, Australia, where the Justice League is on security detail for the G20 summit. Flash, Impulse, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Star Sapphire, and Green Lantern Hal Jordan lead the charge, and Bart (Impulse) finds the whole thing incredibly boring! It’s great to see Impulse, a character writer Mark Waid famously created during his iconic Flash run in the ’90s included here.
We then shift to Mr. Terrific, who’s been struggling to identify the mysterious Inferno for the last few issues. I agree with him; this plotline has been stretched out. There’s also more development in the Atom Project subplot, but it feels more like a change of scenery than a significant step forward in the overall story. Back with the League, things are spiraling out of control in this bizarre dimension. Dan Mora’s terrifying monster designs overwhelm the heroes as they fight to protect the transported world leaders. As always, the action sequences in Justice League are a highlight, with the heroes constantly in motion, delivering punches in every issue, all brought to life by Mora’s fantastic artwork. Seeing Wonder Woman smash an alien into a pieces is worth the price of admission alone.
Finally, we start to get some answers about Inferno, and I honestly I didn’t see it coming, so kudos to Waid for keeping the secret so well-guarded. The comic concludes with a betrayal – though one we’ve known about for a while now – and a significant reveal that directly leads us into the “We Are Yesterday” event, which kicks off soon in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #38.
Credits: DC Comics
Mark Waid excels at throwing a diverse group of heroes into the mix, creating a fantastic “superhero soup” that I absolutely devour. A particular highlight in this issue is the clear team-up brewing between Flash, Impulse, Green Lantern, and Star Sapphire. It’s great when creators give fans what they want, and Waid delivers. However, it’s not just empty fan service; he ensures the characters retain their agency, even when the situation mainly demands they react.
Impulse stands out in this issue. While everyone else is understandably frantic and overreacting, he’s the one who surprisingly takes a moment to recognize the true threat. This is hilariously illustrated by Mora with these cartoonish thought bubbles that genuinely reminded me of watching an episode of Courage the Cowardly Dog.
The Atom Project subplot might not resonate with every reader, but I enjoy it. The dynamic of Atom, Batman, and Martian Manhunter working together is fantastic. Seeing two super-geniuses and an alien detective trying to solve a power issue is precisely the kind of storytelling that keeps me reading comics. Plus, Mora’s detailed panels showcasing Atom’s workspace, filled with futuristic tech and his striking design, are a visual treat.
Speaking of visuals, Dan Mora continues his impressive rise to all-star status. His creative set pieces, bizarre and memorable monster designs, and dynamic action sequences make the Justice League feel like the apex superhero team we know them to be. Everyone has a purpose in the chaos, whether on the offensive, playing defense, or protecting others. Finally, a quick shout-out to Thunderlord (pun intended)! I have no idea who this character is, but the sonic scream power is a cool addition, and he’s got a surprisingly funny, matter-of-fact way about him.
The reveal of who now possesses Martian Manhunter’s telepathic abilities is a head-scratcher, especially since this character already has mental powers. Then again, as they say, not all powers are created equal.
Credits: DC Comics
Tamra Bonvillain’s colors pop – they’re bold, vibrant, and eye-catching. They have this awesome, almost psychedelic quality that sticks with you. And that “TYRAAAAAA!” from Thundelord’s sonic scream is just perfect. It sounds so powerful, but also like the most annoying thing to hear as an attack. Kudos to the letterer for that! Plus, the “BLANGGG!” when the League smashes through the Phantom Zone prison gate? Fantastic. You can practically feel the fiery energy radiating off the panel, with Tamra Bonvillain’s red and orange colors bringing it all together.
Justice League Unlimited #5 reveals the first clues about the superterrorist group Inferno, shockingly linking this global threat to a familiar, long-standing adversary. This issue excels with dynamic action, intriguing character moments, and a surprising reveal brought to life by Dan Mora’s impressive artwork and Tamra Bonvillain’s vibrant colors, though some subplots feel less impactful.
‘Justice League Unlimited’ #5 Review: Unmasking the Inferno Threat
Justice League Unlimited #5 reveals the first clues about the superterrorist group Inferno, shockingly linking this global threat to a familiar, long-standing adversary. This issue excels with dynamic action, intriguing character moments, and a surprising reveal brought to life by Dan Mora’s impressive artwork and Tamra Bonvillain’s vibrant colors, though some subplots feel less impactful.
