Mark Waid and Dan Mora, the powerhouse creative team behind Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, are back with a vengeance, bringing DC’s premier superteam to the forefront in Justice League Unlimited Vol. 1: Into the Inferno. And what a glorious return it is! The series, which draws heavily from the beloved animated show of the same name, is a high-octane, action-packed blast from start to finish. Waid and Mora don’t just resurrect the Justice League; they reinvent it with a fresh, cinematic feel that’s been sorely missed on the comics scene.
Fresh off the massive “Absolute Power” event, the Justice League is bigger and more powerful than ever. With a roster that’s absolutely bursting at the seams with heroes, the team is ready for any crisis the universe throws at them. The series wisely leans into this “unlimited” concept by structuring its missions like the animated show, with Mr. Terrific and Red Tornado assigning smaller, focused teams to handle different threats. This allows Waid to showcase DC’s vast catalog of characters, giving both A-listers and deep-cut heroes their time to shine. It’s a thrill to see characters like Airwave, Dr. Occult, and the Challengers of the Unknown playing key roles alongside legends like Superman and Wonder Woman. The inclusion of Golden Age heroes and obscure support staff makes the world feel incredibly rich and lived-in.
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The action kicks off with a bang in the first issue, as the League faces off against a swarm of giant WWII superweapons, the War Wheels, in South Africa. The team, consisting of Superman, Wonder Woman, Black Lightning, Firestorm, Kid Flash, and newcomer Star Sapphire, has to protect innocent civilians from this unexpected threat. This chaotic but focused opening mission gives us a tour of the newly rebuilt Watchtower and introduces the series’ main antagonist: a new and terrifying supervillain team, Inferno. This enigmatic group quickly establishes itself as a formidable threat, a ruthless terrorist organization with the power to ignite the Amazon rainforest and declare war on the Justice League.
Waid’s writing is a masterclass in juggling a sprawling cast. He expertly weaves together multiple plot threads, from the main conflict with Inferno to subplots involving the “Atom Project” and Martian Manhunter’s lost telepathy, while ensuring every hero gets a meaningful moment. The character pairings are a highlight, whether it’s a natural fit like Wonder Woman and Mary Marvel or an unexpected but delightful duo like Martian Manhunter and Dr. Occult. These team-ups feel organic and are a massive part of the fun. The comedic scenes, particularly The Question’s deadpan interactions with Blue Beetle and Green Arrow, provide perfect moments of levity amidst the chaos.
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But the true star of the show is Dan Mora’s stunning artwork. His dynamic, fluid, and epic-scale art makes the Justice League feel like the ultimate force for good. His clean lines and sleek character designs bring every hero to life, making them look their absolute best. Mora’s monster designs, from the bizarre alien creatures in Sydney to the hatchling parademons in Costa Rica, are both terrifying and memorable. It’s clear that he’s having a blast cramming as many DC characters as he can into a single panel. He and colorist Tamra Bonvillain bring a cinematic touch to everything they do. Bonvillain’s vibrant and eye-catching palette gives the action a dazzling, almost psychedelic quality. The lettering by Ariana Maher is also top-notch, perfectly punctuating the action with onomatopoeia that practically makes you hear the explosions, lightning strikes, and the power of a sonic scream. You can get lost in these pages, discovering new details with every look.
As the story progresses, the threats escalate, pushing the League to its limits. In the second issue, we see Batman and Blue Beetle on the trail of a series of kidnappings that lead them to a horde of hatchling parademons. This is where we get to see some of the more interesting character dynamics. While Batman is in rough shape, he’s still the master tactician, immediately taking command and directing the League to the most critical areas. We also get the fantastic pairing of Wonder Woman and Mary Marvel attempting to launch a parademon nest into space, a visually stunning sequence that highlights their complementary powers. Meanwhile, Martian Manhunter and Dr. Occult work together, with Occult’s magic helping to compensate for Manhunter’s diminished powers. This issue, in particular, showcases Waid’s ability to create exciting new team-ups while keeping the narrative fast-paced and action-packed.
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The third and fourth issues focus on the main Inferno plotline, as the super-terrorist group sets the Amazon rainforest ablaze with magical fire. This world-hopping emergency forces Mr. Terrific to deploy the League’s magical experts: Zatanna, Dr. Occult, Xanthe Zhou, and the Metal Men. This is a great example of Waid sidelining heavy-hitters like Superman (with a plot-convenient magic spell) to let other characters shine. The inclusion of Tefe Holland, Swamp Thing’s daughter, is a brilliant and fun surprise, showing Waid’s deep knowledge of DC lore. The emotional weight of the series is also highlighted during a poignant exchange between Batman and a powerless Martian Manhunter, with Batman’s perspective on J’onn’s telepathy loss resonating deeply. The visual of a rainforest-shaped Swamp Thing spanning countries is a testament to Mora’s artistic brilliance and the epic scale of this series.
The final issue in this volume, Justice League Unlimited #5, finally begins to answer some of the lingering questions about Inferno. The League is on security detail in Sydney, Australia, when they are pulled into a bizarre alien dimension. This issue is a showcase for the dynamic action sequences that have become a hallmark of the series, with Flash, Impulse, Green Lantern Hal Jordan, and Star Sapphire fighting terrifying monster designs. It’s in this chaos that we finally get some answers. The plotline that Mr. Terrific has been struggling with for the last few issues is resolved, revealing that Inferno is spearheaded by a familiar, long-standing enemy, The Legion of Doom. The reveal is a genuine surprise, kudos to Waid for keeping the secret so well-guarded. The comic concludes with a betrayal and a significant reveal that directly leads into the “We Are Yesterday” event in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #38, tying the series to the larger DC universe in a meaningful way.
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Justice League Unlimited Vol. 1: Into the Inferno as a whole feels like a vibrant, cinematic experience. It’s a love letter to the DC Universe, packed with characters, action, and genuine heart. While some subplots are a bit slower, they serve as excellent groundwork for future storylines. Waid and Mora have successfully brought the Justice League back into the spotlight, proving that their partnership is one of the most exciting in comics today.
‘Justice League Unlimited Vol. 1: Into the Inferno’ Review: More Heroes, More Fun
Justice League Unlimited Vol. 1: Into the Inferno as a whole feels like a vibrant, cinematic experience. It’s a love letter to the DC Universe, packed with characters, action, and genuine heart. While some subplots are a bit slower, they serve as excellent groundwork for future storylines. Waid and Mora have successfully brought the Justice League back into the spotlight, proving that their partnership is one of the most exciting in comics today.
