Another month, another great issue of Mark Waid and Dan Mora’s Justice League Unlimited. This series has consistently proven itself to be a love letter to the entire DC Universe, and issue #10 is no different. It’s a thrill ride that pulls together all the disparate pieces of the DCU in a way that feels both epic and organic.
Justice League Unlimited #10 hits the ground running, opening with the Time Trapper on the run from Darkseid’s corrupted Legion of Superheroes in a thrilling, chaotic chase through the time stream. The action is immediate, perfectly setting a high-stakes tone that’s quickly undercut by a jarring shift: Time Trapper’s frantic escape leading him right into the JLU Watchtower’s breakroom, where a few heroes are just casually playing cards!
This issue balances cosmic-level threats with grounded, character-driven moments, which include a tense conversation between Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman that explores the fallout from Superman’s decision to open the League’s doors to all heroes. The writing also nails the heroes’ internal conflict as they debate whether to help the time-traveling villain. I mean, the guy did kill Superman.
Meanwhile, a team-up in Markovia, featuring Captain Atom, Power Girl, Geo-Force, and Cadejos (finally speaking after nine issues!), adds another layer to the mystery, connecting a crumbling country to the fiery pits of Apokolips and teasing the soon-to-be-incoming DC K.O. event. The issue ends on a cliffhanger, promising more spectacle on the horizon.
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One of the best parts of this series is Mark Waid’s willingness to use the entire DC toy box. In this issue, we get a cameo from Dr. Niles Caulder of the Doom Patrol. It’s not just a glorified cameo, either; he’s there to perform surgery on the Time Trapper with the help of Martian Manhunter and Metamorpho. Seeing such a diverse array of characters in a single story is something I’ve long wanted. The DC Universe is so much more than just Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, and Waid clearly understands that.
While Justice League Unlimited #10 is another high-octane thrill ride, it does have a minor issue. The plot feels like it’s starting to tread water a bit. Time Trapper left the Watchtower last issue, got attacked by Darkseid’s Legion, and now he’s back at the Watchtower, near death. It feels a little like padding. However, the intrigue of where this is all leading, the upcoming DC K.O. event, is enough to make you stick around. The seeds are being planted, and the hope is that our investment will pay off in a big way.
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As for the art, what can I say about Dan Mora that hasn’t already been said? The man is a master. His work is consistently phenomenal, from the epic, time-bending visuals to the more intimate, character-driven moments. He even manages to make the tiny Parademons look both cute and utterly menacing. The variety and detail in his art are unparalleled.
Overall, Justice League Unlimited #10 is another great issue in an already fantastic series. It’s a non-stop, action-packed adventure that celebrates the sheer scope of the DCU. Despite a slight feeling of narrative padding, the story continues to build anticipation for the epic conflict to come.
‘Justice League Unlimited’ #10 Review: All Roads Lead to Apokolips
Justice League Unlimited #10 is another great issue in an already fantastic series. It’s a non-stop, action-packed adventure that celebrates the sheer scope of the DCU. Despite a slight feeling of narrative padding, the story continues to build anticipation for the epic conflict to come.
