Justice League Unlimited #18 – Mark Waid, Writer; Clayton Henry, Artist; Tamra Bonvillain, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: Last issue introduced us to a very intriguing new concept – a supervillain amnesty program by the Justice League, as the heroes realize that they’ll need everyone’s help to deal with Darkseid’s upcoming next move. It was simply teased last issue, but this one makes clear what’s going on. It applies to everyone except the worst psychopaths like Joker, but there are conditions. For one thing, every former villain is tethered to the Phantom Zone and can be shunted there if they betray the team or violate the no-kill rules. For another, each reformed villain has a “parole officer” among the heroes. And finally, it’s secret until they know it’s a success. Several of the younger heroes, particularly Air Wave and Judy Garrick, are skeptical about this – and I love the choice of Plastic Man to sell them on it. Not only is he a reformed villain himself, but he’s hilarious.
There are a lot of subplots in this issue, some setting up other books. Guy Gardner is taking his leave from the team, heading back to fulfill a larger purpose with the Green Lantern Corps – but first he gets to explain that purpose to Ted Kord, leading to the funniest moment of the issue and a great tribute to one of the best JL runs of all time. Meanwhile, Booster, J’onn, and Mary Marvel kick off their hunt to Superman – which leads to them finding Superboy instead over in Waid’s other title. Meanwhile, the villains have their own challenges, as one fails his first test and Giganta, Starro, and others face crucibles. But Luthor, who has his full memories back, has his own plan for this opportunity, and it’s a brilliant example of how Luthor is always thinking two steps ahead of everyone else. He doesn’t betray the League – but he does force their hand in a way only he would think to do.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
