Justice League Unlimited #17 hits the ground running with a scene that feels completely wrong. We open the issue in Bialya, a place usually synonymous with international incidents and superhero intervention. A hostage situation is spiraling out of control with some high-tech weapon extortionists. You’re waiting for the heroes to fly in. Instead, we get Lex Luthor, Giganta, and Starro. It’s a jarring, effective way for writer Mark Waid and Clayton Henry to signal that the Next Level era is done playing by the old rules.
With Superman off the board following the fallout of DC K.O., and the clock’s ticking on the next big crisis, Batman and Wonder Woman are backed into a corner here. They’ve got no choice left but to take the leash off and truly go “Unlimited,” but at what cost?
The Omega Rift and the Return of the Lost
Waid rewinds the clock 72 hours to explain the chaos. We’re at the Watchtower with Red Tornado and Blue Beetle II. The world is magically fixing itself, scrubbing away the scars of Darkseid’s invasion. It’s a quiet moment that doesn’t last. Airwave calls in a new “crisis” involving the Omega Rift from the DC All-In Special. This is where artist Clayton Henry and colorist Tamra Bonvillain really earn their paychecks.
The rift spits out a massive roster of missing combatants. We’re talking Lobo, Swamp Thing, Captain Atom, Etrigan, Batwoman, and more. The double-page splash is great. Bonvillain uses these incredibly bright crimson backgrounds that make the combatants’ vibrant costumes pop. It’s one of those “poster on the wall” moments that remind you why this book is called Unlimited.
Alpha Energy and Dark Visions of What’s Next
It’s a bit of a messy homecoming, however, with the heroes looking haunted by the whole K.O. experience. Captain Atom explains they’ve been infused with something called “Alpha energy.” It’s basically giving them psychic spoilers for the future of the DC Universe. Waid uses this to plant some serious seeds. We see a terrifying glimpse of what looks to be an evil Shazam, a panel of Hawkman’s wings burning away, among others. It’s an effective piece of world-building that makes the current “peace” feel incredibly fragile. Plus, with so many heroes present, seeing a Sideways cameo was a nice touch for those of us still rooting for the New Age of Heroes return.
Wonder Woman eventually gets everyone together to lay out the hard truth. Superman isn’t dead, but he isn’t coming back anytime soon. She and Batman make it clear that the recent war with Darkseid was just the opening act, and the League is desperately short on backup. They need to bolster their numbers fast because whatever crisis is hitting them next is going to be a hell of a lot worse.
Redemption in Keystone City
The issue then shifts to Keystone City for a bit of a reality check. Girder and Tar Pit are out in the streets, and the League sends the junior squad to handle it. Kid Flash, Stargirl, and Airwave step up. It’s an interesting tactical choice by Waid to see how the younger generation handles the “new normal.” The twist here is great. The villains weren’t actually the ones starting trouble. They were trying to help.
Girder and Tar Pit make a surprisingly logical argument. They were locked in a cage while the world almost ended, and they’re tired of being sidelined when the stakes are literally life or death for everyone. You actually end up siding with the villains here. Waid writes them with a level of frustration that feels earned. It leads to the issue’s big moral cliffhanger and one I’m sure is going to cause a lot of headaches for League down the road.
Clayton Henry’s art keeps the energy high, especially during the Keystone brawl. His lines are clean, and he manages a massive cast without making the panels feel cluttered. Ariana Maher’s lettering is easy on the eyes. However, I do think she could’ve had a little more fun with the word balloons for someone like Tar Pit, but it doesn’t hurt the flow.
Final Verdict?
Overall, Justice League Unlimited #17 is a massive pivot. I wasn’t sold on the idea of a “Villains in the Justice League” when I saw the early solicitations, but it makes sense in the context of a world post DC K.O. You can’t fight a war with one hand tied behind your back. It’s a desperate move, and that desperation makes for a great read. Just don’t expect Batman and Lex Luthor to be best buddies anytime soon.
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‘Justice League Unlimited’ #17 | Can We Trust a Villain in the Watchtower?
Justice League Unlimited #17 is a massive pivot. I wasn’t sold on the idea of a “Villains in the Justice League” when I saw the early solicitations, but it makes sense in the context of a world post DC K.O. You can’t fight a war with one hand tied behind your back. It’s a desperate move, and that desperation makes for a great read. Just don’t expect Batman to start trusting Lex Luthor anytime soon.
