If you’ve been following the Justice League Unlimited comic, you know it’s been a wild ride. Issue #9, the “epilogue” to the “We Are Yesterday” crossover, is no exception. But don’t let “epilogue” fool you, this isn’t just a quiet wrap-up but a full-throttle launchpad for what feels like a brand-new, universe-shaking event.
Mark Waid continues to be a master multitasker, somehow juggling a ridiculously massive cast of characters and multiple storylines without anything feeling messy or losing its punch. The stakes here are insane, with the potential collapse of all existence. There are also hints of a new “Crisis” event brewing, a “time crisis” perhaps, and it’s making the DC Universe feel incredibly vibrant and vast. The upcoming “Quantum Quorum” initiative, with its promise of more time-displacement shenanigans, is something to keep an eye on.
One of the real standouts in this issue is Mr. Terrific. We usually see him as the calm, collected genius, but here, his raw emotion and frustration over trying to save Air Wave are a powerful, almost uncharacteristic display. While I’ll admit I scratched my head a bit at first, wondering why he was so attached to Air Wave, his dedication and the emotional payoff when he finally brings the young hero back are genuinely well-executed.
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And speaking of characters, wow, this issue is a packed house. Grodd’s machinations have brought heroes and villains from across time crashing onto the Watchtower. It’s a cameo-palooza in the best way possible, with everyone from Marylyn Moonlight to Huntress (Helena Wayne), Amazing Man, and Ultra the Multi-Alien all sharing panels. It’s just a joy to see such a fun and diverse ensemble. Composite Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern also get their moments to shine.
Now, let’s talk about the art, because Dan Mora absolutely kills it. From the very first page, everything looks crisp, cool, and stunning. He effortlessly handles the chaotic action and packed panels without ever making them feel busy. The way he illustrates characters coming in and out of time, with this cool black-and-white, reverse-color effect, is just fantastic. And characters like World Forger and Time Trapper look incredible under his pen.
But Mora isn’t alone in making this book a visual feast. Tamra Bonvillain’s colors are simply dazzling and essential to the storytelling. Her vibrant palette not only elevates the comic to cinematic levels but also perfectly shifts tone and urgency, especially when depicting omega energy tearing through time. And Dave Sharpe’s lettering expertly guides you through all the action, emphasizing those crucial emotional beats.
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Grodd, as the central mastermind here, is wonderfully cunning, and I appreciated seeing his intellect on display as he tries to wriggle out of a very sticky situation. Though if I have one minor gripe, it’s that they’d give him some armor or something; he looks a bit like a regular gorilla next to all these colorful heroes and villains. It’s also great to see the Challengers’ continued involvement in this new era. Their subplot clearly bodes well for future issues and adds another layer of intrigue.
Overall, Justice League Unlimited #9 is a strong issue that not only ties up loose ends from the previous crossover but also sets the stage for something potentially massive. It’s got fantastic art, compelling character moments, and a sense of escalating conflict that will leave you hungry for more. Get ready, because it feels like a “Time Crisis” might be brewing.
‘Justice League Unlimited’ #9 Review: A Universe on the Brink (and It Looks Amazing)
Justice League Unlimited #9 is a strong issue that not only ties up loose ends from the previous crossover but also sets the stage for something potentially massive. It’s got fantastic art, compelling character moments, and a sense of escalating conflict that will leave you hungry for more. Get ready, because it feels like a “Time Crisis” might be brewing.
