REVIEW: Justice League Unlimited #4

Justice League Unlimited #4 continues its action packed adventure and with every issue that is released, I find myself even more impressed by Mark Waid’s ability to manage and write so many characters in one book.

But before we get into the issue itself, let’s take a look at the covers. The main cover is by Dan Mora and goes a long way to justify the stakes of this series once again. Whilst I am unsure on how Batman is lifting Martian Manhunter in midair, it does make for an exciting cover with some excellent details!

The Black History Month variant by Ryan Benjamin & Rain Beredo showcases Mr Terrific in his element. The detail on the suit and muscles are stellar and I am loving this character coming into the limelight with an upcoming appearance in James Gunn’s Superman film. Whilst the likeness doesn’t seem to be of Edi Gathegi, it does feature an instantly recognisable character who has a lot to offer.

The variant by Salvador Larrocca & Pasquale Ferrara features a flurry of action as younger heroes flock past a painting of the original Trinity. I love this, not only does it put the younger leaguers in the limelight, it does so whilst respecting their elders. This cover features two different art styles, one of the heroes and one for the painting which is so cleverly done!

There are also variants available by Christian Ward, Lucio Parrillo, Fico Ossio & Ulises Arreola and Gavin Guidry:

The issue opens up with Mr Terrific attempting to reign in a new recruit, their Hail Mary as they call her. The team seem to constantly be on the backfoot and are running out of ideas, options and time as the rainforest continues to burn. This is a big task even for the Justice League and the action and evacuation sequences really show what they’re up against. There is also some very clever usage of the panels which I also love to see. But what I love the most is that it’s an underdog who really makes the biggest dent against their enemies, but for how long.

The introduction of this new character really allows us into the green, a space I personally am unfamiliar with, but the narration here by Mark Waid really helps the reader to understand this entity if you will and how it can be used or manipulated. This issue also sees the hunt for Jonn Jonnzz come to an end as we get more explanation on what’s going on as the worlds best detective gets a lead. It also touches back upon the fact that the Inferno have a man on the inside, which I had somehow forgotten about.

The interior artwork by Dan Mora and Tamra Bonvillain is phenomenal as always. The level of detail for absolutely everything is second to none, seeing the detail on The Green, the magic used and the different situations that the League find themselves in here just leaves me in awe and I constantly found myself staring into space on each page.

(8/10) Yet again, Justice League Unlimited #4 is another excellent issue. Writer, Mark Waid continues to expertly write a huge roster of characters whilst allowing every single member to shine and honestly, I cannot wait to pick up the next issue.