REVIEW: Justice League Unlimited #12

Justice League Unlimited #12 – “The Terrific Ten: Part I” serves as a DC KO tie-in and gives readers a glimpse of what’s happening outside the tournament featured in the DC KO comic book series. The storyline unfolding here feels apocalyptic, the end of the world, the universe, and all of time seems near, and all signs point to one inevitable conclusion: the return of Darkseid.

Dan Mora’s cover bursts with energy and nostalgia, putting Mr. Terrific front and center among a powerhouse lineup. The 1990s harpoon-handed Aquaman (whose story was famously penned by the late Peter David), Superman Blue, Batman Beyond Tim Drake, and an older, more feral Beast Boy surround him, framed by the looming Watchtower and a haunting Omega symbol. It’s a dynamic mix of eras and tension—setting the stage for a DC KO tie-in that promises both legacy and danger.

Nathan Szerdy delivers a stunning variant cover spotlight on Vixen and Starfire—two icons radiating confidence and power. The warm tones and golden lighting amplify their strength and beauty without sacrificing grit. It’s elegant, bold, and perfectly captures the duality of grace and might that defines both heroines.

Derrick Chew’s variant cover oozes menace and sophistication as The Joker, Cheetah, and Sinestro stand inside what appears to be Barbara Gordon’s Clock Tower. The composition feels like the calm before chaos, every smirk and shadow loaded with intent. Chew turns villainy into art—beautiful, sinister, and impossible to look away from.

There are also variants available by Jeff Spokes and Kevin Wada.

Mora continues to prove himself as one of the most gifted artists in comics today. His ability to showcase movement, emotion, and grandeur across each page and panel is breathtaking. Paired with Bonvillain’s colors, every scene feels like a summer blockbuster unfolding before your eyes.

Waid ensures that every character matters, nothing is wasted. You feel every emotion and moment of desperation, especially in key scenes featuring the time-displaced Aquaman, Power Girl, and Warrior Guy Gardner. It’s a straight-up blast from the past and genuinely satisfying to revisit these classic characters as they catch a glimpse of their potential futures. I love that this issue reads as a supplement—or extra goodie bag—to the ongoing DC KO series. As much as I enjoy the action and intensity of the tournament itself, I truly appreciate seeing what’s happening behind the scenes: the heroes left behind, the ongoing evacuation of Earth, and the quiet moments of preparation as Darkseid’s shadow grows nearer. Waid proves once again that he’s a master storyteller who truly understands every character featured in this issue. His writing and Mora’s art complement each other perfectly. You can feel that Waid, Mora, colorist Tamra Bonvillain, and letterer Ariana Maher are completely in sync as they deliver this behind-the-scenes look at a massive, company-wide event.

(10/10) Waid and Mora continue to deliver one of the most consistently excellent series on shelves today and Justice League Unlimited #12 is no exception. Several emotional moments hit hard, speaking to the weight of destiny and the finality of the battles we all face in life. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next issue.